Photo By Carlos Cuebas | Carlos A. Cuebas Jr. (left) and Barbara Rivera (right) pose with Brig. Gen. Fernando...... read more read more
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San Juan, Puerto Rico - Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández, commander of the U.S. Army Reserve, Puerto Rico, 1st Mission Support Command, participated in a United States Service Academies Roundtable, hosted by the Congressman Pedro R. Pierlusi, at the congressional office in San Juan, Oct. 18.
Many high school students, parents and college counselors from around the island were present at this event, with the intent of gathering as much information about becoming officers in the U.S. armed forces.
“The fact that you are here contemplating this course of action says a lot about you. Please know that each one of you have already earned my admiration and respect”, said Pierluisi while addressing the students during his opening remarks.
Representatives from the West Point, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, the Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy were present at the event to explain the requisites to apply to their institutions. In addition, the personnel from the University of Puerto Rico’s Reserve Officer Training Corps were present, explaining their program as well.
“I am glad to see you here. Your presence shows that you are committed. If after receiving the information about the Service Academies you decide that you still want to become an officer, but would like to attend a college in Puerto Rico, then the ROTC might be your option”, said Lt. Col Gustavo C. Pérez, professor of Military Science at the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras.
Pérez also stated that the US Army ROTC program commissions more Puerto Rican officers than any of the US Service Academies combined.
Brig Gen. Fernando Fernández was the senior officer in the event.
“It is great to see so many young people who want to serve our nation as officers in the armed forces. It is also great to see parents, teachers and friends here tonight. It takes a particular type of individual to join the armed forces, especially as an officer. It also takes a very special family to support that individual”, said Fernández who talked and shared with many students and parents during the event.
Jonathan Hernandez, 17, from the C.I.E.M. private School in Carolina (Centro de Instrucción y Educación Moderna by its name in Spanish) was one of the students who asked many questions to Fernández.
“I came here because I am highly interested in pursuing a military career and a degree in political sciences. The college counselor referred me to come to this event as an alternative to reach my goals”, said Hernandez.
Applicants to all Service Academies, except the Coast Guard Academy, are required to obtain a nomination to the school. For students in Puerto Rico the nomination is made by the Resident Commissioner.
| Date Taken: | 10.18.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2011 15:04 |
| Story ID: | 79044 |
| Location: | SAN JUAN, PR |
| Web Views: | 159 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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