Tester Congratulates Billings’ Tobias Ottenbacher on Acceptance to U.S. Air Force Academy

Senator nominated Ottenbacher and 23 other Montanans for Army, Navy, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies

U.S. Senator Jon Tester congratulates Billings’ Tobias Ottenbacher on his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Ottenbacher attends Rocky Mountain College and is a member of the Army ROTC. He attended Shepherd High School where he was the president of National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America (BPA). He participated in football, track and field, golf, and was the president of the bowling league. He was a state champion in banking and finance at the BPA in 2019 and graduated Valedictorian in 2021.

“As Montana’s senior Senator, it’s a great honor to help our state’s best and brightest carry on the Montana legacy of serving in our armed forces,” said Tester. “Tobias is a top-notch student and leader, and I look forward to seeing him serve our country and make our state proud at the U.S. Air Force Academy.”

Tester nominated Ottenbacher—along with 23 other Montanans—in December 2023 based on their academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and dedication to serving and leading in the United States military. A nomination from a member of Congress is a student’s first step in applying to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Montana students who are interested in applying to a military academy in the future can request a nomination from Tester HERE.