01.27.16

Sullivan Honored to Announce 2016 Military Service Academy Nominations

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) had the honor and privilege of nominating 33 outstanding young Alaskans to four of our country’s U.S. Military Service Academies.

“This year’s selection of candidates exhibited the characteristics that will help them to succeed as leaders in our nation’s military: academic excellence, demonstrated leadership, and a commitment to serving their community and nation,” said Senator Sullivan.  “This was my first opportunity since becoming senator to nominate candidates for our nation’s outstanding Military Service Academies, and I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the field of exceptional future Alaskan leaders who want to serve their country.” 

These nominations allow them to continue to compete for an appointment to the academies. Appointments are made individually by the academies.

Senator Sullivan’s class of 2020 Military Service Academy nominees are as follows:

U.S. Air Force Academy:

  • Athaliah Abriel – Anchorage
  • Gabriel Atchley – Anchorage
  • Marcus Amico – Eagle River
  • Tara DeGeorge – Anchorage
  • Wilton Farmwald – Anchorage
  • Brandon Fast – Eagle River
  • Zachary Kornblatt – JBER
  • Mary Elizabeth Lewis – Soldotna
  • Dillon Scarboro – North Pole
  • Patrick Timmons – Sitka

U.S. Military Academy:

  • Sylvan Blankenship – Ketchikan
  • Adam Cusack – Anchorage
  • Cole George – Anchorage
  • Wyatt Hoyes – Fairbanks
  • Olivia Jeans – North Pole
  • Robert Kilbourn – Fairbanks
  • Cole Phelps – Anchorage
  • Holden Quinn – Palmer
  • Eric Tucker – Anchorage

U.S. Naval Academy:

  • Nathaniel Adams – Anchorage
  • Asia Brooks – Anchorage
  • Alexandra Butler – Wasilla
  • Justin Calimlim – Anchorage
  • Henry Foxglove Downey – Anchorage
  • Hannah Getter – Chugiak
  • Ryan Kavalok – Palmer
  • Jack Martensen – Anchorage
  • John Norton – Kodiak
  • Maxwell Suzuki – Juneau

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:

  • Spencer Evans – Anchorage
  • Brody Lambert – JBER
  • Brandon Thomas – Anchorage

In his first year in office, Senator Sullivan established a Service Academy Selection Board, comprised of nine members from across Alaska who reviewed the applications and interviewed each of the applicants, and recommended the most qualified and deserving individuals for nomination. Board members include service academy alumni, combat veterans, members of the Alaska Air National Guard, as well as those intimately familiar with the academy nomination process.

“I am honored by the board’s participation and dedication. They volunteered countless hours reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and discussing the qualifications of potential nominees,” said Senator Sullivan. “I am thankful for the breadth of expertise they brought to this process to nominate young Alaskans to become the next leaders of the world’s most esteemed military.” 

Senator Sullivan’s 2016 Service Academy Selection Board: 

  • Eric Feige – Chickaloon
  • Grace Greene – Girdwood
  • Win Gruening – Juneau
  • Dan F. Kennedy – Wasilla
  • Kathlene Rowell  – Palmer
  • Thomas P. Senter, M.D. – Anchorage/Nikiski
  • Butch Stein – Fairbanks
  • Bill Thomas – Haines
  • Keenan Zerkel – Anchorage

NOTE: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination for their application. 

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