Press ReleaseCeremonial2026-05-04

Rep. Clyde Congratulates JCHS Twins on U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointments

DefenseVeterans

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This press release from Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA) was published on 2026-05-04 and titled "Rep. Clyde Congratulates JCHS Twins on U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointments". It focuses on defense and touches on veterans affairs.

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Rep. Clyde Congratulates JCHS Twins on U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointments

GAINESVILLE, GA — Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored Jackson County High School seniors Colton and Mattox Couch during a signing ceremony celebrating their appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Rep. Clyde proudly nominated the Couch twins for the prestigious appointments. On Friday, Jackson County High School hosted family, classmates, friends, and school leaders to recognize Colton and Mattox Couch’s achievements and commitment to military service. After delivering remarks highlighting their accomplishments, Congressman Clyde presented Colton and Mattox with Congressional Certificates of Congratulations and Pledges of Commitment for signature. “Colton and Mattox are two incredibly driven, patriotic, and gifted young men,” said Clyde . “I’m confident the Couch twins’ leadership skills, work ethic, and intellect will make them top-notch midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Just like with their studies, sports, and extracurricular activities, I’m confident they’ll make lasting memories as they embark on this journey together. I wish them both the best of luck at Kings Point and in their future service!” Background Each year, Congressman Clyde nominates eligible candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

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Rep. Clyde Congratulates JCHS Twins on U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Appointments GAINESVILLE, GA — Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) honored Jackson County High School seniors Colton and Mattox Couch during a signing ceremony celebrating their appointments to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). Rep. Clyde proudly nominated the Couch twins for the prestigious appointments. On Friday, Jackson County High School hosted family, classmates, friends, and school leaders to recognize Colton and Mattox Couch’s achievements and commitment to military service. After delivering remarks highlighting their accomplishments, Congressman Clyde presented Colton and Mattox with Congressional Certificates of Congratulations and Pledges of Commitment for signature. “Colton and Mattox are two incredibly driven, patriotic, and gifted young men,” said Clyde . “I’m confident the Couch twins’ leadership skills, work ethic, and intellect will make them top-notch midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Just like with their studies, sports, and extracurricular activities, I’m confident they’ll make lasting memories as they embark on this journey together. I wish them both the best of luck at Kings Point and in their future service!” Background Each year, Congressman Clyde nominates eligible candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.