BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) — Brazos Valley has produced five people in the past three years who have been accepted into a U.S. military academy.

Congressman Pete Sessions (R-District 17) surprised Harris Powers with his appointment to the prestigious U.S. Air Force Academy Thursday in a ceremony in front of all of his classmates, family and friends. Members of the United States Congress can award up to nine students a year for this honor, and Powers received one of the honors this year.

In his speech, Sessions says Powers will represent America in very cold, dangerous and lonely places, but says Powers is the perfect candidate for the academy.

“Individuals who are considered for nomination to the academy must first introduce themselves to their community and their school,” Sessions said. “He has what it takes to lead men and women into battle.”

Powers’ character made him stand out among the other contestants. depending on the Sessions.

“The number one quality is character,” Sessions said. “Character means he showed himself in the way he describes himself, what he believes and how much he believes in himself and his country with respect to be a nation under God.”

Powers comes from a family with deep and wealthy military ties and says he is honored to continue the tradition of serving his country.

“If you had told me a year ago that I would be up there accepting this from the sessions of members of Congress, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Powers said. “It means the world to me. That’s why I worked very hard. I’ve worked my whole life for this honestly, and I never thought I’d be here right now.

Copyright 2022 KBTX. All rights reserved.