WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today announced Joseph Shearer from Heflin has accepted his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy. Senator Tuberville nominated Joseph as part of a group of students chosen to represent Alabama in the class of 2026 at one of the four service academies: the United States Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy.
Senator Tuberville released the following statement regarding this group of appointees:
“These exceptional young Alabamians’ desire to serve ensures America’s military remains the strongest fighting force in the world.” said Senator Tuberville. “Receiving an appointment to one of these military institutions is a great honor that requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I am proud of their determination to reach this point and know they will continue to make our state and country proud.”
Joseph is the son of April Marie Shearer and Joseph Hollis Jr., and attends Ranburne High School.
“I want our country to be the most defended as it can be, and strong leadership is vital to achieving such an objective,” said Joseph. “In order to get things done, someone needs to take initiative and lead the way to mission success. I want my family, as well as everyone else’s, to go to bed at night not having to worry about our country being under attack by any enemy.”
Senator Tuberville had eleven nominees accept their appointments to a service academy. This is Senator Tuberville’s first group of U.S. service academy appointments since assuming office. U.S. service academies provide students wishing to serve our country’s military with the opportunity to serve while obtaining higher education. Service academy appointees go through an extensive process to receive a nomination. Applicants complete the required ACT and SAT exams, and provide letters of recommendation, a school transcript, along with the required application form. Upon graduation, students must commit to five years of active duty. More information on applying for a service academy nomination can be found here.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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