Jul. 4—Decatur Heritage Christian Academy 2025 graduate David Hudry is following in his family’s footsteps with his appointment to a U.S. service academy.
Hudry was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy class of 2029 last week.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong nominated students from Alabama’s 5th Congressional District to attend the service academies.
“It is one of my greatest honors as a member of Congress to nominate students across the Tennessee Valley to attend our nation’s prestigious service academies,” Strong said.
Each year approximately 1,200 candidates are chosen to attend the academy’s Plebe (freshman) Summer, where students will begin a challenging six weeks of basic midshipman training, according to the United States Naval Academy.
The U.S. Naval Academy is a four-year service academy that “prepares midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically to be professional officers in the naval service,” according to a statement released by the Academy.
Midshipmen will graduate with a bachelor’s of science degree in a major of their choice and serve a minimum of five years in either the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps.
Hudry plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Hudry is honored to continue his family’s tradition.
“I was extremely honored. It was absolutely amazing, not only to be able to have this great opportunity, but also to kind of continue our family tradition. My father (Wayne Hudry) went to the service academy, my sister (Juliana Hudry) just graduated from the service academy, and so to be able to continue that is a massive honor,” Hudry said.
In addition to continuing the tradition, Hudry looks forward to serving his country.
“A lot of my family has served, and I’ve always just wanted to defend and support our country, so it all just kind of comes together,” Hudry said.
The U.S. Naval Academy will train and teach students leadership, professional and critical thinking skills that are required of Navy corps officers.
Hudry looks forward to learning leadership skills at the academy.
“What I really hope to learn is how to become an effective leader, and how to defend our country well,” Hudry said.
Strong will host an Academy Day on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huntsville High School gymnasium.
Strong’s 2025 Academy Day will include representatives from each of the service academies, representatives from additional military service organizations, and information about applying for nominations.
The event will be open to any interested students from Alabama’s 5th Congressional District.
Strong is grateful for the academies’ class of 2029.
“I extend my gratitude to the cadets, midshipmen, and families in the class of 2029 for their commitment and service to our nation,” Strong said.
— raven.sanders@decaturdaily.com or 245-340-2438.