Memorial Day send-off for young Texans bound for military academies

Recent graduates, parents share day to remember

SAN ANTONIO – A symbolic Memorial Day send-off for 115 young Texans from across the state had an air of excitement and anticipation.

“I never thought in a million years that I would receive an appointment,” said Matthew Anderson, accepted into the West Point class of 2021.

The recent graduate from Tyler said he’s always dreamed of a career in the Army.

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His mother, Amy Anderson, said she was just as ecstatic as her son, “Just over the top to know he’s achieving his dream.”

David Anderson, his father, said it was a dream his son had “since he was a little boy.”

Judith Horton, from the small Central Texas town of Goldwaithe, said she was only the second in her high school to be accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“For me, personally, it is finally the opportunity to do what I was meant to do, and that is to serve my country,” Horton said.

She said she hopes to specialize in military intelligence with her knowledge of Spanish and Arabic.
Her mother, Cristi Horton, said, “Any person that chooses to do this, it does require a lot of work.”

Caleb Richardson of Rowlett, east of Dallas, would agree.

“After going through all the process and everything I needed to do to get in, it was really exciting to know, I was going,” Richardson, also in the U.S. Air Force Academy class of 2021, said. Richardson said he wants to specialize in cyber-security.

READ MORE: Ex-Harlandale ISD students killed in combat remembered

The event was hosted by U.S. Senator John Cornyn, and featured (Ret.) Admiral William McRaven, the University of Texas system chancellor, as the keynote speaker.

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About the Author:

Jessie Degollado has been with KSAT since 1984. She is a general assignments reporter who covers a wide variety of stories. Raised in Laredo and as an anchor/reporter at KRGV in the Rio Grande Valley, Jessie is especially familiar with border and immigration issues. In 2007, Jessie also was inducted into the San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame.