|
September 5, 2025
Dear John,
Guest Column: “Attending West Point was the Greatest Adventure of My Life”
By Landon, Rep. Dusty Johnson’s Military and Veteran Services Representative
I was in fifth grade when the 9/11 terrorist attacks happened. From then on, I knew I wanted to serve my country, and I joined as soon as I could. In fact, the month I turned 17 is when I joined the Army National Guard with my parents’ permission.
I became an infantryman in the Iowa National Guard, and in 2011, saw combat in Afghanistan. As the end of my deployment drew near, I began to think about what would come next. I had already spent a year at South Dakota State University, and I wondered if I would go back there. But I felt it would be hard for me to go back to a “normal” school environment after my experiences in Afghanistan. I wanted more purpose and direction in my life.
Landon in uniform
I decided I wanted to serve my country full-time and was willing to accept the challenge and burden of leadership as an officer. I wanted to be around other driven, military-focused people like me, like those at a United States Service Academy. I decided to apply to the United States Military Academy, commonly known as West Point.
After I applied, my commander nominated me, which is an option given to only about 100 enlisted service members for each academy. I also pursued additional nominations from my Congresswoman and Senators. Before I could complete the application process for these nominations, I was accepted by West Point for the Class of 2016.
Attending West Point was the greatest adventure of my life. I was pushed to my limits and grew in many ways. I met other determined and driven people like me and gained confidence as I accomplished things I didn’t know I could do.
After West Point, the challenges only increased. I became an Infantry Officer and successfully completed Ranger School. I led and trained a platoon of 46 soldiers and deployed with them to Afghanistan. Later, I became a Company Executive Officer, and finally a Ranger Instructor at the school I went to at the start of my officer career. Now, I am the Military and Veteran Services Representative for Congressman Dusty Johnson.
My experiences at the Academy and in the Army shaped who I am today. It is a path that is not for the weak or fainthearted, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Congressman Dusty Johnson’s office is accepting Service Academy nominations for the Class of 2030 at the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Military Academy at West Point. For anyone who thinks they’re up to the challenge, I encourage you to apply to attend a Service Academy.
Information and nomination applications can be found at https://dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations or you can call our office at 605-275-2868.
Landon and Johnson at the U.S. Capitol
|
