Recognizing 'best and brightest' appointed to service academies

It's inspiring to listen to John "J.P." Schuchardt and Jonathan "J.T." Meinke talk about their future plans.

The two Cape Girardeau County students were nominated by U.S. Rep. Jason Smith to attend the Navy and Army service academies. Just a few minutes talking with each one, you come to understand why.

Both are refreshingly respectful, already adding "sir" to most answers. They each have impressive academic credentials and extra-curricular involvement. And each one has family members who spent time in the military and inspired them to pursue this career.

Jonathan “J.T.” Meinke, a student at Jackson High School, accepted his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was recognized in a ceremony at the school on April 6. Meinke is pictured with U.S. Rep. Jason Smith.Submitted

But you hear something else in their voices. It's more than a job. It's an opportunity to serve others and make a difference.

Schuchardt in a senior at Notre Dame Regional High School. He's a sharp student, earning a 4.36 GPA and in the top 5 percent of his senior class. He's a member of the National Honor Society and captain of the track team.

His father served in the Air Force, his uncle in the Marines and his grandfather, one of his great inspirations, the Navy.

John “J.P.” Schuchardt, a student at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau, was recognized for his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy during a ceremony at Rep. Jason Smith’s office in Cape Girardeau on April 5.Submitted

"My grandpa actually served in the Navy during World War II," Schuchardt said. "He volunteered. And I always loved hearing his stories about his service in the Navy. I know he was certainly proud of it. And so I wanted to pursue a career in the Navy for a while."

Schuchardt also had college aspirations. When he realized he could start down the path of military service while earning a degree, his decision became a little clearer.

"So during the summer of my junior year I decided to attend the Naval Academy summer seminar, which is like a weeklong program out there, and I really loved everything about it. I felt it offered all the opportunities that I was thinking about pursuing. Whether it's surface warfare, special warfare, medical corps. They just had everything that I was really considering," he said, noting his likely major will either be chemistry or aerospace engineering.

Jonathan “J.T.” Meinke, a student at Jackson High School, accepted his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was recognized in a ceremony at the school on April 6. Meinke is pictured with U.S. Rep. Jason Smith.Submitted

Schuchardt is planning a 20-year career in the Navy, and he's excited about the level of education he can receive through the academy.

"Naval Academy is certainly at the top of education. It's certainly a world-class education," he said.

He has a healthy confidence but is equally humble, knowing when to ask for help and saying how important it is to give respect to others -- lessons he's sure to take with him to the academy.

Pictured with U.S. Rep. Jason Smith are Jonathan "J.T." Meinke, a student at Jackson High School, left, and John "J.P." Schuchardt, a student at Notre Dame Regional High School. Meinke has been appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Schuchardt has been appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy.Photo illustration created with submitted photos.

"[It's] certainly a huge honor, opportunity and even responsibility," he said about the appointment. "And I'm so honored to be able to follow in the footsteps of so many great men and women to represent Missouri and even my school and my family and everyone."

Meinke grew up thinking military service could be in his future, yet he wanted to attend a top university and had thoughts of attending Stanford or Yale.

As he researched other top institutions, West Point stood out.

Military service is more than a career path for the Jackson student. His parents served in the Army and Navy, and there is a patriotic component that resonates.

Meinke was only a year old on Sept. 11, 2001, but hearing stories from his father about the events played a role in his decision.

"My dad had told me about where he was on 9/11, and that kind of stuff. And so that really hit home. And so I thought this could be something where I can make a difference, not just for myself but for everyone in the United States."

He's not only thinking about the next few years but even life after his military career. Meinke plans to major in defense and strategic studies, something be believes will help him now and if he eventually joins the FBI or CIA after a 20-year military career.

That's a few years away. For now, there are other things to think about.

"The thing I'm probably looking forward to most at West Point is the camaraderie. After visiting there, everyone is the highest caliber of student in the United States. Everyone was a straight-A student, and everyone is at the peak of their physical performance. And so you get to make friends who are just like you. They have been doing the same stuff. They know what it's like."

In addition to Schuchardt and Meinke, Rep. Smith also nominated Wyatt Murphy from Poplar Bluff and Christopher Steward from Campbell to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"Only the most outstanding and dedicated young men and women are admitted to these institutions," Smith said in a news release. "These young adults selected from our area have worked hard and earned a coveted spot at our nation's service academies. They stand out among the best and brightest, and I'm proud they're going to represent our state."

Congratulations to both Schuchardt and Meinke on their nominations. And thank you for the service you will provide our nation.

Lucas Presson is the assistant publisher of the Southeast Missourian.