"So, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
It's a question all kids get asked at one time or another. Whether it's a doctor, a lawyer, a fireman, or an astronaut, nothing stands in the way of a childhood dream. But while most of us may find new interests or follow different paths as we grow older, the Blanchard brothers are pursuing a goal they've shared since they were young - serving their country.
“I went to the Marine Corps Museum when I was 3-years-old, and I said to my dad right after that, ‘I’m going to be an officer in the Marines, specifically the Marines and the Navy, and ever since, that’s what I wanted to do,” said Liam Blanchard, a senior at Maine-Endwell.
While Liam says his brother Teague didn't always share his naval dream, it didn't take long for the two to find a common interest in the armed forces.
15 years after that trip to the Marine Corps Museum, the Blanchards received phone calls they'll never forget.
"Hi, this is Congressman Marc Molinaro," said the voice on the other end of the phone.
The representative of NY-19 called to officially recommended Liam and Teague Blanchard for a position in the U.S. Naval Academy. This prestigious nomination is only given to 10 individuals across a the massive district. Members of Congress may nominate candidates to four of the five U.S. service academies over the course of their tenure. A Congressional nomination is required and is one of the final steps before receiving an appointment, which the Blanchards will now wait on.
"My mom started screaming, ‘oh my gosh, you both got it!’ It was pretty awesome, especially talking to a Congressman and having him say ‘it’s my honor to give you the nomination.’ It felt really special to hear that. I’ve wanted to serve my country since I was very young, and I think the naval academy will prepare me for the various leadership roles I might find myself in, and outside of the armed forces. I think that’s a very special thing. A privilege,” said Teague Blanchard, a senior at Maine-Endwell.
This nomimation comes following a complex multi-year application process, including dozens of letters and academic achievements. These twins w
now hope to enter Annapolis together, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
“It’s pretty awesome, especially because I know how badly he wanted it, and how badly I wanted it. I’m so glad to see that both of us saw our hard work pay off in the end,” said Teague Blanchard.
“It’s going to be fantastic to be able to come together, even though it wasn’t always a joint goal, to have this joint achievement,” said Liam Blanchard.
Bryce Sinclair was the last Maine-Endwell grad to earn this prestigious honor in 2021.
Naval students attend the Academy for four years, later serving at least five years in the Navy or Marine Corps.
We are so proud of the Blanchards for all of their accomplishments, and we wish them luck as they move forward in their academic and personal careers.