Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) today announced that Benjamin Shoichi Miota of Coloma has been accepted to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado.  Upton, who recommended Mr. Miota for selection to the prestigious service academy, personally congratulated him on his appointment.  Benjamin is currently a senior at Grace Christian School in Watervliet.

“It brings me great pleasure to announce Ben’s appointment to U.S. Air Force Academy,” said Upton.  “Ben has been a standout student at Grace Christian School and represents the very best Michigan has to offer.  This appointment comes through much hard work and dedication, setting Ben on the path of some of our nation’s greatest military leaders.  Our entire community is so proud of him and his many accomplishments.  I encourage local students who aspire to follow in Ben’s footsteps to contact my office to open a whole new world of opportunity and the chance to serve our country.”

Each year, Upton nominates students from Michigan’s Sixth District who have excelled in their respective schools and have gone through a rigorous selection process.  The selection process included an interview with Upton’s Academy Advisory Board, which is comprised of community leaders.  Upon approval by the board, Benjamin’s name was then passed on to Upton, who then officially nominated the Grace Christian School senior to the United States Air Force Academy.  The individual academies make the final decisions on military appointments.

Students interested in attending a service academy are encouraged to contact Upton’s St. Joseph/Benton Harbor District Office for further information: (269) 982-1986.