Tester announces military academy nominations

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Senator Jon Tester today sent letters of congratulations to 25 high school students across Montana after he nominated them to apply for enrollment at the nation’s prestigious military academies. 

Tester chose his 25 nominees based on their academic achievement, leadership, community service and participation in extracurricular activities.

A nomination, usually from a member of Congress, is the first step in applying to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, or the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

“Montanans are rightfully proud of our young men and women who dedicate their futures to public service in our military,” Tester said.  “These are smart, hardworking folks who will serve Montana and the United States honorably.  On behalf of all Montanans, I congratulate these young leaders and look forward to their future successes.”

Montanans interested in applying for a military academy nomination in the future are encouraged to do so online at Tester’s website, http://tester.senate.gov/Services/nominations.cfm.

To qualify, students must be:

• Between 17 and 23 years of age (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy).
• A U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of Montana.
• Unmarried, not pregnant, and free of legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colo.)

• Taylor McLeod Amundson, Frenchtown
• Michael Charles Boettcher, Kalispell
• Kevin Phillip Jogoda, Helena
• Scott Maurice Kelleher, Shelby
• Kevin Leo O’Brien, Billings
• Gavin Owens, McAllister
• Joshua Callen Rivey, Missoula
• Kasey A. Smith, Billings
• William Wangen, Helena

U.S. Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.)

• Bentley Wayne Alsup, Missoula
• Jason Ryan Dark, Missoula
• Patrick Henry Freund, Bozeman

U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.)

• Dillon Michael Burke, Missoula
• Samantha Kay Clement, Great Falls
• Andrew Lyle Coco, Whitefish
• Joseph Albert Doyle, Hardin
• Ryan Michael Iverson, Belgrade
• Jacob Drew Kendall, Victor
• Catherine May, Great Falls
• Ethan Andrew McKown, Roundup
• William Douglas Miller, Chinook
• Nichalo Richard Rivera, Hamilton

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.)

• Dustin Beck, East Glacier
• Thomas Lloyd Bonogofsky, Belfry
• Donald Paul Burse, Missoula