Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today announced that Watertown native Jonathan Steinmetz has been appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Earlier this year, Johnson announced that Steinmetz had been appointed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He will now decide which Academy to attend.

“Academy appointments go to the best and brightest students in the country, and I am proud to nominate Jonathan,” Johnson said. “He has proven himself as a leader at his high school, and the skills he has developed will allow him to do very well in Colorado Springs. I congratulate him on this honor and wish him the best of luck.”

Steinmetz is a senior at Great Plains Lutheran High School and lives in Watertown. He is involved in many extra-curricular activities, including football, student council and hockey. He is also a member of the National Honor Society.

“Three of the more important qualities that will assist an appointment to a military academy are a strong leadership mentality, a character beyond reproach, and a citizenship that goes above and beyond that of others,” Steinmetz said in his application to Johnson. “I would make an exceptional candidate at a military academy because I have these very same qualities that set me apart from others and will develop me into a great officer.”

In order to be appointed to a service academy, young men and women must be of good character and must meet strict requirements in academics, physical aptitude, medical fitness, character, and leadership potential. Applicants must also meet the minimum medical requirements of the respective academies which are reviewed by the Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board. Candidates must receive a nomination from a member of Congress or from the Vice President of the United States.

Johnson also announced that the following students received appointments to Service Academies today: 

Angelica Cachro                     Hot Springs High School        United States Air Force Academy

Riley Coates                            Stevens High School               United States Air Force Academy

Jack Carda                              Kimball High School              U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

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