Pandaleon nominated

Dutchess County resident Alec Pandaleon has been nominated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a Standby Member of the Selective Service Draft Board (SSDB). Pandaleon is no stranger to service for his country. He spent 15 years in the Marine Corps and not too long ago set his sights on becoming a member of the Dutchess County SSDB. About four months ago he researched how to go about doing just that and filled out the necessary forms and submitted his name with his fingers crossed. Recently he was informed that his nomination was accepted and the governor himself has forwarded Pandaleon’s name to the President for approval. Pandaleon isn’t sure how long it will take to get the final OK, but he’s feeling pretty positive that it’s going to happen. The role of a board member is a serious responsibility as he or she determines the suitability of those called to serve; they’re also the ones who grant a waiver to individuals who can’t or won’t serve for various reasons. When asked what some of those reasons might be, Pandaleon cited physical or philosophical limitations: perhaps a young man is blind, or perhaps there is a religious objection. Pandaleon also noted that to date, women are still not required to register into the Selective Service system. Pandaleon said typically the board is made up of five to seven members who meet once a year for a day of training. However, that all changes if and when there is an actual need to start calling up those who have previously signed up via the Selective Service. How often the board would meet then would most likely be determined by the amount of men being called into active duty — which means there’s always the unknown to contend with. Additionally, Pandaleon just finished his first year as a Blue-Gold Officer for the Admissions Department of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. This position is an extension of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Admissions Department; Pandaleon represents the United States Naval Academy to roughly seven high schools in the Hudson Valley area. He said he recently spent four days in residence at the Academy in Annapolis for training. Pandaleon stated that about 18,000 people started the application process last year to attend the academy and around 885 were finally admitted. Pandaleon says he works with guidance counselors, coaches and others in the high schools to help identify suitable candidates. It’s a role he said he finds very rewarding. Pandaleon added that he was raised by his parents to give back to his country and to serve his time in the military. He’s done that and continues to discover new ways in which to give back to his country. For Pandaleon, clearly, that’s what it means to be an American.