01.28.20

Sullivan Honored to Announce 2020 Military Service Academy Nominations

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) had the honor and privilege of nominating 32 outstanding young Alaskans to four of our country’s U.S. Military Service Academies.

“Nominating candidates for our nation’s outstanding Military Service Academies is truly an honor and is one of my favorite things to do as a U.S. Senator.” said Senator Dan Sullivan. “All of the candidates clearly exhibited academic excellence, and demonstrated leadership and a commitment to serving their community and our country. I am so impressed with this field of exceptional future leaders who want to serve their country. Learning about these exceptional young Alaskans always leaves me optimistic for our future.”

These nominations allow the applicants to compete for appointments to the academies. Appointments are offered individually by the academies. NOTE: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination for its application. 

Senator Sullivan’s Class of 2024 U.S. Military Service Academy nominees are as follows:

U.S. Air Force Academy:

  • Elijah Bennett, Eagle River
  • Ethan Bleakney, Palmer
  • Kevin Collins, Anchorage
  • Emily Heaton, Juneau
  • Kendall Moore, Eielson AFB
  • Alexander O’Neill, Anchorage
  • Clayton Peeler, Eagle River
  • Rylee Price, Eagle River
  • Jakob Stone, Anchorage
  • Devin Wilcox, JBER*

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:

  • Ethan Christiansen, Anchorage*
  • Micah Grigg, Juneau
  • Paige Ripley, Wasilla*
  • Laura Sherrill, Ketchikan
  • Devin Wilcox, JBER*

U.S. Military Academy:

  • Christopher Anderson, Anchorage
  • Semaj Antley, Anchorage
  • Carson Ash, Fort Wainwright
  • Alexander Bayle, Wasilla
  • Ethan Christiansen, Anchorage*
  • Morgan Humphrey, Fort Wainwright
  • Abram Lazo, Juneau
  • Warren Metzger, Anchorage
  • Christopher Orta, Anchorage
  • Benjamin Staples, JBER

U.S. Naval Academy:

  • Evan Adams, Anchorage
  • Theodore Chau, Anchorage
  • Brooks Christian, Eagle River
  • Austin Desjarlais, Eagle River
  • Elijah Emory, Eagle River
  • Jessy George, Juneau
  • Alden Jerome, Fairbanks
  • Aine Nakada, Anchorage
  • Eric Prindle, Seward
  • Paige Ripley, Wasilla*

*Received more than one nomination from Senator Sullivan

Senator Sullivan’s Academy Review Board, comprised of ten members from across Alaska and many of whom are service academy graduates, reviewed the applications, interviewed each of the applicants, and recommended individuals for nomination.

“I am honored once again 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 Service Academy Selection Board: 

  • Anita Baker - Anchorage
  • Eric Feige – Chickaloon
  • Grace Greene – Girdwood
  • Win Gruening – Juneau
  • Dan Kennedy – Wasilla
  • Tom Senter – Anchorage/Nikiski
  • Mark Smith – Haines
  • Bill Thomas – Haines
  • Amy Woodward – Eagle River
  • Keenan Zerkel – Anchorage
  • Kathlene Rowell  – Staff director for nominations

Members of the Alaska congressional delegation work closely with one another to maximize the opportunities for Alaska’ men and women to receive nominations to the academies.

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