Congressman Stephen F. Lynch recently announced that he has nominated Christopher O’Brien of Howard Street in Braintree for an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, the United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs.  Chris, the son of Lawrence and Lois Beck, is a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and a member of the university’s wrestling team.

 

As part of his annual Congressional responsibilities, Congressman Lynch nominates exemplary candidates to the armed services academies.  "Since September 11, 2001, the quality of applicants has steadily improved every year, and this year the decision was especially tough.  These candidates are the best of the best, and I am proud of their desire to serve our country.”

 

"Chris was highly recommended by his teachers and coaches at Braintree High School and at UMass-Dartmouth.  He is a remarkable young man, and we are fortunate that young people like Chris are willing to serve our nation,” said Congressman Lynch.

 

Congressman Lynch and his Congressional Liaison for Military Affairs, Bob Fowkes, examined each candidate’s record of academic, athletic, and service achievements, as well as his letters of recommendation.  After an extensive review process and a personal interview, Christopher O’Brien was selected as someone whose scholastic record and community service elevated him to the top of a list of well-qualified candidates.

 

Congressman Lynch said, "There were many impressive candidates this year from the Ninth Congressional District for the service academies.  Chris stood out as a young man of keen intelligence and strong character.  He is a wonderful reflection of his parents, Lawrence and Lois Beck, as well as his grandparents, Lawrence and Jane O’Brien and Carl and Grace Beck.  The Beck and O’Brien families, the town of Braintree, and the entire state should be proud of Chris in this achievement.”

 

Students interested in attending one of the United States Service Academies should contact Mr. Robert Fowkes in Congressman Lynch’s Boston office at 617-428-2000.

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