Sisters graduate headed for Annapolis

Corey Lounsbury has earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

He left for the Naval Academy on Thursday, June 27.

His appointment came from Congressman Greg Walden.

Lynn, Corey's father, said, "I always thought you had to be politically connected to get a nomination and that was not the case at all."

Corey's parents, Lynn and Trudy, are very proud of their son's accomplishment.

"Corey's always worked hard and set high standards for himself, including being a good student with very high grades," Trudy said.

Lynn added, "It's a real great honor and I think his appointment speaks a lot for the quality of education that he received at Sisters High School."

For the past two years Corey has been serving as a missionary in Santiago, Chile for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

While he was there he had no access to e-mail, and was allowed to phone home only twice a year, on Christmas and on Mother's Day.

The family's only mode of communication on a regular basis was through the mail. It usually took a minimum of six weeks to send a letter and receive a reply.

That posed a bit of a problem with meeting correspondence deadlines with the Academy.

To receive an appointment to Annapolis, candidates must pass a DODMERB (Department of Defense Medical Examination Review Board) physical and a physical agility test.

The aspiring midshipman must be scholastically qualified and must receive a nomination.

Some of these requirements created obstacles for Lounsbury because of his living in Chile.

There weren't any facilities sanctioned by DODMERB in Chile. Lounsbury had to go to the embassy and was finally given a physical there that was approved by DODMERB.

Lounsbury also needed a police background check from where he'd lived the past five years. The police department in Chile verified that Corey didn't have a record but they refused to sign the form required.

That meant more delays and paperwork until the Academy decided to accept his background check from the United States as enough.

Lounsbury also couldn't meet with Congressman Walden for a personal interview, another requirement. He overcame that obstacle too, and was granted an interview via phone.

"I feel very honored," Lounsbury said. "My guess in what set me apart from other candidates was that I got a Naval ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) Scholarship and went to the University of Utah right out of high school, and also that I've lived abroad for two years."

Lounsbury will be at the Academy for four years and then will be obligated to serve at least five years' active duty as a naval officer.