U.S. Representative Trent Kelly announced on Apr. 15 the appointment of Jonah Uithoven of Belden, Mississippi, to the United States Air Force Academy.
The announcement highlights the process by which members of Congress nominate candidates each year to attend service academies that train future leaders for the U.S. Armed Forces while providing them with a strong education.
Uithoven is a freshman at Marion Military Institute and has been recognized as Outstanding Recruit of the Cycle, promoted directly to Staff Sergeant, served in squad leadership, and was chosen for the Honor Council. At North Pontotoc High School, he held several leadership roles including Student Council President and BETA President, and participated in multiple sports such as wrestling, archery, and football where he was team captain. He has also been involved in service activities like Mississippi Boys State and volunteering for Night to Shine and Special Olympics.
His academic achievements include being named a Special Honors Graduate and receiving awards such as the Superintendent’s Award, Distinguished Academic Endorsement, Scholar-Athlete honors, and ACT Silver Medal. “I was inspired to pursue a Service Academy Appointment by my dream to fly and fight for the greatest country in the world,” Uithoven said. “I am most excited to be joining a great group of people, a great culture, and a heritage that will be behind me for the rest of my life.”
Kelly is currently serving in Congress representing Mississippi’s 1st district after replacing Alan Nunnelee in 2015 according to Wikipedia. He has represented this district since then according to his official biography. Kelly was born in Union, Mississippi in 1966 and lives in Saltillo according to Ballotpedia. He graduated from the University of Mississippi with a BA in 1989 before earning his JD there in 2010 as reported by Mississippi History Now.
More information about applying for service academy nominations through Congressman Kelly’s office can be found at trentkelly.house.gov.
