Since childhood, senior Johnathan Leyba has been aspiring to join the Navy in order to follow in his father’s footsteps. After much perseverance and anticipation, Leyba received news in earlier this year that he will be joining the United States Naval Academy’s class of 2016.
“It started when I was young and my dad used to tell me stories about him being stationed in Yokosuka and Atsugi, Japan, and traveling around the world,” Leyba said.
Dad Robert Leyba, served as a sonar technician. He told Leyba tales of how he tracked underwater contacts and aircrafts close to the water. Leyba was most motivated when his father spoke of living in Japan and his adventures in a foreign land, meeting all sorts of welcoming and friendly people. Not only did the Navy offer a captivating story of adventure, but provided a steady income. Therefore, Leyba considers himself to be very patriotic.
“The Navy just sounded like a life I wanted to be a part of,” Leyba said.
Leyba knows what to expect and sees membership as a great honor. His father was in the Navy and served during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Two of his great uncles served in the US Army during the Korean War, and in the Merchant Marines during World War II. Both of his grandfathers, John Vance and John Nagle, served in the US Navy. Vance served three tours of duty in Vietnam and served in the combat construction battalion called the Seabees, and Nagle served in the Navy Air Corps during World War II.
“Quite a few people in our family have joined the military,” Nagle said. “It is very admirable to join the military in order to serve your country.”
According to Leyba, the process of being accepted into the Naval Academy is long and tedious.
“The hardest part of the application and acceptance process was the waiting once everything had been submitted,” Leyba said. “Initially you have to apply for the application from the United States Naval Academy. Once it has been received, filled out, and sent back, the process of trying to receive a nomination from one of our Texas Senators, my Congressman (district TX-14) Dr. Ron Paul, or the Vice President of the United States, begins. Each of these offices has their own application process and deadlines.”
Vance states he wrote to Congressman John Paul that he thought Johnathan was an astounding young man, deserving of a spot in the academy.
“Johnathan has great potential to become someone important,” Vance said. “I am very proud of John, and proud of his father for raising him.”
After an interview at Congressman Paul’s office in Lake Jackson, Leyba was notified on Nov. 18, 2011 that Congressman Paul had nominated him to the United States Naval Academy.
“I was overwhelmed with joy and quite worried at the same time,” Leyba said. “I was one of ten individuals who would be presented to the U.S Naval Academy for review.”
After the nomination Leyba was interviewed by his area Blue Gold Officer (BGO) Chris Eckert. Leyba was required to submit several assessments from current and previous “fabulous” teachers and counselors, as well as completing a fitness assessment conducted by athletic coordinator Don Clayton. Leyba also submited three essays.
On Feb. 21 Leyba was invited to a dinner with other prospective candidates and the Dean of Admissions for the Naval Academy Stephen Latta. According to Leyba the dinner was very informative, with alumni and active duty personnel present to answer questions and tell of their travels. At the end of the evening Latta took the microphone and informed them he had one more thing to address.
“He asked if ‘Johnathan Leyba could come to the front of the room,’” Leyba said. “I was so nervous my legs began to shake and felt as if I was in a tunnel. Dean Latta extended his hand to me and offered me a letter of Appointment to the United States Naval Academy. It was a true miracle. I thought there was no way, but it happened.”
Leyba is thankful for those who helped him make this possible, including teachers, coaches, administrators, family, and friends.
“My plans are to study some type of engineering and to become a naval aviator,” Leyba said. “And one day, God willing, maybe become an astronaut.”
