Congressman Brian Jack hosted and honored students he appointed to the United States military service academies during a Service Academy Night at the Columbus Clingstones minor league baseball game at Synovus Park on May 27. The game was rained out, but each appointee walked onto the field to be individually recognized on the jumbotron.
Jack said, “Tonight, I was honored to partner with the Columbus Clingstones and host a Service Academy Night at the ballpark for six of the outstanding students I nominated to our country’s military service academies. Sadly, the game was eventually rained out, but the fans were uplifted as each appointee walked on the field with their families to be individually recognized on the jumbotron for their patriotism. As we reflect this week on the costly sacrifices made to defend our freedom, we are inspired by these young men and women preparing to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.”
Six appointees attended with their families from communities across Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District. Colson Hoffman of Carrollton, Mahika Kumar of Peachtree City, and Addison Payne of Peachtree City will attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Steven Marcet of Tyrone and Travonte Cheeks-Vines of West Point will attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Matthew Archibald of Columbus will attend the United States Military Academy in West Point.
Congressional nominations to service academies have a long tradition rooted at West Point. In 1843, Congress increased each cadet class size at West Point to match House membership—then 223—and President John Tyler delegated nomination authority that ultimately involved Members of Congress each year.
The system has expanded over time but continues as Members nominate young people annually for appointment. Jack represents Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes part of Muscogee County and all of Harris County.
In 2024, Brian Jack defeated Maura Keller in his general election race by winning approximately two-thirds of votes cast, according to Ballotpedia.
