Hammond appointed to military academy

VW independent news

Van Wert High School senior Andy Hammond has been given a conditional appointment to the United States Air Force Academy as a member of the Class of 2020. Hammond, the son of Joel and Julie Hammond, must still be medically qualified before the appointment is final.

Hammond is a talented student and athlete who was a four-year member of the football team, played baseball for one year, and was a member of the wrestling team for four years. He was also selected as an All-Western Buckeye League wrestler and a district alternate.

His school extracurricular activities also include membership in the Beta Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Service Club. Hammond was also a Renaissance Gold Card holder, and Academic Award winner, and was on the Cougar’s Roar newspaper staff, serving as sports editor his junior year.

Only approximately 1,200 of the 9,700 applicants to the Air Force Academy are appointed each year.

“Your previous accomplishments indicate you have the potential to meet the demands and challenges of the academy, and you should be extremely proud of your appointment, as only the best of the best are so rewarded,” said Carolyn A.M. Benyshek, director of admissions for the Air Force Academy in a letter indicating Hammond’s acceptance.

U.S. Representative Bob Latta nominated Hammond for the Air Force Academy.