A South Florida graduate of the prestigious United States Air Force Academy can be especially proud of his accomplishment.
The newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenant John Miller, of North Miami Beach, is the first nominee from Florida's 24th Congressional District to graduate from the academy in more than a decade.
Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson sent a letter congratulating the now 2nd Lt. Miller of the United States Air Force, calling his accomplishment the "culmination of the hard work and perseverance that is required to graduate from such a prestigious academy."
Lt. Miller's family and close friends were on hand at the United States Air Force Academy, located just north of Colorado Springs. He was commissioned during the official graduation ceremony Thursday morning.
Lt. Miller is off next to training and will be assigned to work alongside the Army controlling air strikes.
The U.S. Air Force Academy is among the most selective colleges in the nation. In order to be considered, candidates must first secure a nomination, generally from one of their members of Congress. Aside from academic achievement and demonstrated leadership, potential students must also undergo rigorous fitness tests, a character assessment and a medical evaluation.
Cadets don't pay tuition, but commit to serve a number of years in the military upon graduation.
According to the Colorado Springs official website, recent incoming classes have consisted of about 1,400 cadets. Of that, just under 1,000 usually make it all the way to graduation.
Once completed, graduates of the program earn a Bachelor of Science degree and most are commissioned as second lieutenants.
