WASHINGTON DC — Congressman Mike Carey (R-OH) nominated several local students to local military academies.

Nominated were Blake Sollars of Fayette County to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Blake is the son of Michael and Sherry Sollars and attends Miami Trace High School in Washington Court House, OH.

Also nominated was Colby Forcum of Ross County to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. Colby is the son of Jeremy and Kim Forcum and attends Zane Trace High School in Chillicothe, OH.

Colby Forcum of Ross County

Daniel Reese of Pickaway County was nominated to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Daniel is the son of Dan and Tara Reese and attends Teays Valley High School in Ashville, OH.

“One of the greatest honors I have as a congressman is to nominate ambitious young men and women across Ohio’s 15th Congressional District to the United States Service Academies,” said Rep. Carey. “It is encouraging to see a younger generation with a drive to serve their country and, having spent time with these students and having learned of their accomplishments, I feel rest assured that the future of our military is in great hands.”

In pursuit of a nomination to a U.S. military academy, students submit their application and are interviewed by Congressman Carey’s Military Academy Review Board. The Board evaluates the students on academic performance, leadership ability, and community involvement.

The 2022 Military Academy Review Board consisted of 10 members:

  • Major General (ret.) Lance Meyer
  • Major General (ret.) Paul Sullivan
  • CAPT (ret.) Mike Crites
  • Lt. Colonel (ret.) Patty Hamilton
  • MAJ Tracy Richardson
  • Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Renee Frey
  • Chief Master Sergeant (ret.) Kelly Gibbs
  • Command Sergeant Major (ret.) Bill Gilliam
  • Master Sergeant (ret.) Bob Brown
  • Mrs. Nancy Smith

To receive a service academy nomination from Congressman Carey, candidates must be an unmarried resident of Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, a United States citizen, and between the ages of 17 and 23. Qualified persons interested in pursuing a nomination to one of the United States Service Academies should visitwww.carey.house.gov for more information or contact Congressman Carey’s office at (614) 927-6902.