Veronica Cunningham of Scotch Plains, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, plans to major in Astronautical Engineering with a minor in Arabic at the United States Air Force Academy.
The application process to the Academy was rigorous but Veronica’s passion for serving her country was a driving force.
“I began my application on March 1, 2016 in the middle of my junior year,” explained Veronica, who shared that the Air Force Academy was her first choice for furthering her education. She completed a pre-candidate questionnaire which, she said, “allowed the Academy to deem me competitive to continue my application for the Class of 2021.”
The formal application, which came out in July of 2016, necessitated the completion of physical examinations, essays, letters of recommendation, and at least one interview with an Admissions Liaison Officer (ALO) who is either a retired or active duty Air Force Officer.
“My ALO required three interviews with him where he tested my character, leadership, desire to serve, and most of all my willingness to become a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force,” she said.
“During the period between April and December of 2016 – in addition to keeping up my grades, playing sports, and ensuring that I improve myself in all facets of life to prove I can challenge myself enough for the Academy – I had to apply to my two Senators, my Congresswoman, and the Vice President for nominations,” added Veronica. “Every applicant to a Service Academy must have a nomination in order to receive an appointment.”
Veronica also interviewed with Congressional and Senatorial staffers to compete against several other applicants for one of the sought-after nominations.
“I received my nomination from Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman on December 8, 2016 and I am honored to have done so,” she said. “I am extremely fortunate to have received one of the 1,200 appointments to the Air Force Academy Class of 2021. A year and nine days after submitting my pre-candidate questionnaire, I received an appointment.”
For Veronica, who will report to the United States Air Force Academy on June 29, serving in the military also means carrying on a rich legacy in her family.
“I have always been surrounded by the military. Most of my parents’ friends are either active duty or retired soldiers. My family also has a long military history as well, dating back to the Civil War. So, I have always been accustomed to many military traditions.”
Veronica recalls knowing around the third grade that she wanted to be a member of the Armed Forces. When she heard about the Air Force Academy, however, she said she “almost immediately fell in love with it.”
“The chance to fly and study some of the greatest planes in history appealed to me. I love the structure and discipline that comes with the military lifestyle. The constant challenges, both physical and mental, are designed to allow me to push myself past what I believed to be my limits and I look forward to embracing every challenge thrust my way,” she said.
(above) Veronica Cunningham of Scotch Plains is pictured holding the United States Air Force flag.
Photo by: Mount Saint Mary Academy
