MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — GMC Prep cadet William B. Caldwell V is following in the footsteps of the two men that held that name before him in attending the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Caldwell formally accepted the appointment in a ceremony held in the legislative chambers of the Old Capitol Building Wednesday morning. The ceremony was attended by friends, family and U.S. Congressman Jody Hice, who provided the nomination required to be accepted to West Point.

“It is my honor and pleasure to welcome you to the very special, momentous occasion in the life of Will Caldwell, his family, and the prep school as we witness Will accept his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point,” said Col. Pam Grant, principal of GMC Prep. “I have watched Will pursue his dream of attending West Point by studying countless hours to achieve and maintain a high GPA and also to get the test scores he needed to get this appointment.”

She said that Caldwell’s experience at GMC Prep is the epitome of what a cadet can achieve thanks to the resources at the school.

Hice expressed his pride in Caldwell’s accomplishments.

“We are proud of you and this appointment to West Point,” he said. “Will, as you well know and everyone in this room knows, this is a huge deal. You are about to receive one of the greatest educations that can be obtained anywhere in the United States. … It’s going to be the most challenging time of your life and also the most rewarding time of your life. It continues a great heritage with your dad and your granddad. No pressure.”

That last line drew a laugh from those in attendance before the congressman sat down with Caldwell so the senior could put his signature to paper.

Hice read allowed the pledge that Caldwell signed, part of which read, “I, William B. Caldwell V accept an offer and appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. with personal strength and outstanding character…”

Before the close of the ceremony a few of Caldwell’s friends and family members said a few words about how proud they are of him. The first was his mother, Stephanie, who said there are three men who have been a part of her life that she admires most: her husband, her father and the late William B. Caldwell III. 

“I would like to add another one to that list,” she paused looking at her son, “mostly because of your character and who you’ve become. I’ve seen you overcome so much. You have become now that fourth man that I admire most, so thank you for your example.”

Caldwell also got to hear from Callie McMullen (GMC Prep Class of 2016) who accepted an appointment to West Point last year. McMullen’s mother was present at the ceremony and passed along words from her daughter: “Will, congratulations on your well-deserved appointment to West Point. I’m extremely proud of you, and I’m glad to know that another GMC cadet has made the commitment to serve their country. I will say that your future endeavors here may be difficult, but the challenges you will face are part of a process that contributes to your personal growth and character development. I’m always here if you have questions. Again congratulations, Callie.”

Caldwell told The Union-Recorder just prior to the Wednesday’s ceremony that he wants to major in foreign relations at West Point and command infantry units in the army. In his time at GMC Prep he has been a member of the track and wrestling teams and served as captain on the 2015 championship-winning Raider team.

“I wanted to go to West Point because growing up in the family that I did I saw my grandpa and my dad had succeeded so well in their military careers,” he said. “I knew I wanted to be in the military, but seeing them and how well they commanded troops I wanted to be just like them. I figured West Point’s the best way to prepare me for that. I definitely want to become an officer that’s got a lot of responsibility.”