(L-R): Jim Otwell, Jerry Irving, Jordan Then, Darin Shulz, Congressman Higgins, Patrick Cunningham, Heidi Reisman, Steve Banko, Fran McLaughlin, Geraldine Ford, Mayor Geoff Szymanski (not pictured: Frank Clark and Tom Higgins). (Submitted photo)

Local Veterans Make Recommendations on Student Nominations

JAMESTOWN, NY -- Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) named twelve local residents to serve as members of his Service Academy Advisory Committee. Appointees met to interview students applying to a military academy and make recommendations to Congressman Higgins.

“It is an honor to have decorated, local military heroes willing to donate their time and expertise to review and recommend the next generation of American military leaders,” said Congressman Higgins. “Western New York has an outstanding pool of bright and talented young people who will represent this community well.”

Members of this year’s committee include:

• Tom Higgins: Former Erie County Sheriff; former Marine; and a Korean War Veteran
• Jerry Irving: A Commander in the US Navy with 25 years of experience; a “Blue and Gold” officer for the Naval Academy; and for 22 years has directed the Naval Systems Business Unit at Moog
• Lt. Col. Heidi Reisman: A graduate of the US Air Force Academy; devoting 6 years to active duty, 10 years in guard and 6 years in reserves
• Lt. Col. Jim Otwell (Retired): Serviced the US Army and Army Reserve for 26 years; an Iraqi War Veteran; current city of Buffalo Firefighter
• Fran McLaughlin: Air Force Veteran; newly elected Eden Town Councilman
• Captain Jordan Then: Marine Officer since 2004 and an Iraqi War Veteran.
• Darin Shulz: Served in the US Navy for 6 years; deployed overseas to South America, Mediterranean, and West Africa; received numerous achievement medals while active; now an Executive Director of SUNY Fredonia FSA.
• Hon. Geoff Szymanski: Served in the Navy as a machinist; the newly elected Lackawanna City Mayor
• Geraldine Ford: Served as in the US Army; City of Buffalo Financial Compliance Officer with a Masters Degree in Business Administration and currently working towards completing a Doctorate in Business Administration
• Frank Clark: A member of the Marine Corp; Korean War Veteran; and former Erie County District Attorney
• Steve Banko: Served in the Army's 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam; recipient of 4 Purple Hearts, 4 Bronze Stars, a Silver Star; and a 35-year career in public service including 12 as the field office director for HUD in Buffalo
• Col. Patrick Cunningham: Served in the Army for 30 years; Vietnam Veteran; received the “Legion of Merit” and 4 other awards for service; Director of Naval Park for 17 years.

Service academy appointments are made by the President of the United States based on congressional and/or military recommendations. Each service academy ultimately decides which nominees will be accepted into each program.