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And soon, 18-year-old John Walleser of Harpers Ferry will follow that tradition when he begins classes at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in New York.
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John Walleser of Kee High School in Lansing Ia. poses with the schoopls banner. Walleses was accepted to West Pointilitary Academy. Dick Riniker photo |
“I have always wanted to serve my country and also believe in gaining a quality education,” Walleser said. “I believe I can do more for my country than just enlisting.”
The Lansing Kee High School senior applied to become a West Point cadet last fall and was nominated by U.S. Rep. Tom Latham, R-Iowa, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.
He also had the support of his northeastern Iowa community, its American Legion and its Auxiliary, mother Nancy Walleser said.
His application to the academy, which is about 50 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River, was approved in late January.
“I was excited when they told me I was accepted,” Walleser said. “This is a school I have wanted to go to for quite a few years now.”
But Walleser was cautioned when applying to West Point that a decision might not come until May. He was considering Marquette University and its ROTC program as a backup plan when the good news arrived.
“It’s the one you hope for, but you have everything else in place,” Nancy Walleser said.
The military academy’s “incredible honor code” appealed to Walleser and bumped it to the top of his list. He plans on majoring in civil engineering and, after graduation, will be commissioned in the Army.
“Students — or cadets — chosen to go there are chosen to be of top character and integrity,” he said. “They believe in honor and duty and country.”
Kee High teacher Jim Kelly said Walleser is the type of student West Point looks for: Polite, respectful and hardworking.
“He is very concerned about the work he is doing, if it’s right or not,” said Kelly, who has Walleser in a college-
level physics class. “He doesn’t try to short cut or take it easy.”
Autumn Grooms can be reached at (608) 791-8424 or agrooms@lacrossetribune.com.
