Nominating Kansans to U.S. Service Academies

.Dear Friend,

One of my greatest honors as a Member of Congress is nominating talented young men and women from our district to the U.S. service academies. Young people who receive an appointment can expect a world-class education accompanied by a full-ride scholarship, and then the opportunity to serve the nation. But first, they must undergo a rigorous application process.

A key part of that process happened on Friday when my advisory boards and I interviewed 17 young men and women seeking Congressional appointments as part of their service academy applications. Each student sat before the advisory boards corresponding with the service academy or academies they are interested in. The boards consist of active duty and retired military, service academy graduates, and community leaders who are well-positioned to evaluate these high-caliber students. I’m grateful for their willingness to serve on these important boards and help shape the future graduating classes of the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

In addition to the students’ time with the boards, I also interviewed each applicant one-on-one. I was impressed and encouraged by their accomplishments, commitment to service, and patriotism, and I know that whatever they go on to do, they will make the 4th District proud.

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

Rep. Estes with Service Academy applicants

.1. It was an honor to participate in Fagron Sterile Service's ribbon cutting for their new quality control testing laboratory. Fagron has grown significantly since my last visit, helping to further Wichita as a hub for medical innovation. Recently named one of the best places to work in Wichita, Fagron’s new lab brings dozens more high-quality R&D, chemistry, and microbiology jobs to Wichita, helping to grow our already robust skilled workforce.

2. It was great to be back on the campus of Pratt Community College to see their new Electrical Powerline Technology building. I met with President Dr. Michael Calvert and congratulated him on Pratt’s recent recognition as the #3 community college in the nation based on cost and quality. I’m grateful to have such incredible and accessible educational opportunities here in south central Kansas.

3. I’m always impressed and grateful to meet with Kansans who are taking care of other Kansans, and last week’s visit to Enhabit Home Health and Hospice was no different. I learned how they work with individuals to provide personalized care and heard about the benefits of in-home patient care. We also discussed the various barriers and challenges, particularly from insurance, to providing this care. This is something I keep in mind when I’m working in our nation’s capital, especially since the Ways and Means Committee, on which I serve, has jurisdiction over some health care programs.

.Did you know that one Kansan has served on the U.S. Supreme Court? Justice David Brewer was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Benjamin Harrison in 1889 and served for 20 years. Prior to his time on the nation’s highest court, he served as a Kansas Supreme Court Justice and an Eighth Circuit Court Judge. While originally from Smyrna, Asia Minor, Brewer moved to the Kansas Territory in 1858 after studying law and just a few years before Kansas’ statehood. He practiced law in Leavenworth before beginning his judicial career.