Congressman Dan Lungren (R-Gold River) hosted a ceremony and reception at the California Aerospace Museum for local High School seniors who were selected to join the U.S. Military Service Academies' Class of 2012.

In attendance were the nominating committee members, academy appointees, family members and Congressman Lungren's district staff.

The appointees from Congressman Lungren's district are the following:

• U.S. Military Academy - Curtis Cranston, Sean Wester
• U.S. Naval Academy - Brook Stevens, Cameron Thornberry
• U.S. Air Force Academy - Katharine Ernst, John Nickerson.

In his remarks, Lungren offered both words of encouragement and of expectation, "you have new challenges out there, but once you finish with those challenges you are going to be as prepared as anyone in this country to provide leadership. Frankly, that's what we expect of you."

He continued, "in a world in which we really need principles, a world in which we truly need values, we thank God for the academies and the men and women they produce."

Maj. Bill Kale, USAF, a visiting Legislative Fellow in Congressman Lungren's Washington D.C. office, served as emcee for the event.

Maj. Kale opened the event with a brief welcome to the attendees, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence to reflect on the ongoing sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.

After brief remarks from Major General Jim Hopp, the members of the Nomination Committee were acknowledged. This included a diverse and distinguished group of active and retired military personnel, a parent of two USN Midshipmen, and a former Congressional staff member.  Many of those participating served on previous nominating committees, demonstrating the continued and vibrant support for the military academies in California's 3rd Congressional District.