Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today her nominations of New Yorkers to the nation’s leading service institutions – United States Air Force, Military, Naval and Merchant Marine Academies.
A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.
“Our Service Academies are distinguished by a devotion to honor, courage and commitment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am honored to nominate these young, talented New Yorkers who exemplify these core values. It is my hope that the accomplished nominees have the chance to live their dreams and serve in our country’s armed forces with distinction.”
Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed by their hometown and Academies:
New York City
Brian Laboy (Baychester, Bronx) United States Naval Academy
Peter McGurty (Marine Park, Brooklyn) United States Merchant Marine Academy
Shannon Walsh (Gerritsen Beach, Brooklyn) United States Naval Academy
Pete Aragones (Long Island City, Queens) United States Merchant Marine Academy
Bradley Diaz (Jamaica, Queens) United States Air Force Academy
Grace Dickman (Maspeth, Queens) United States Air Force Academy
Chan Hee Kang (Bayside, Queens) United States Military Academy at West Point
Shawn Park (Woodside, Queens) United States Merchant Marine Academy
Raymond Perniciaro (Middle Village, Queens) United States Air Force Academy
Sasha Ortiz-Colon (Mariners Harbor, Staten Island) United States Merchant Marine Academy