Smith Announces Nominees to U.S. Service Academies

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today announced his nomination of 14 students to the U.S. Service Academies for the class entering the fall of 2015.

Members of Congress have the privilege of nominating young people for admission to the U.S. Service Academies, which includes the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The Service Academies offer a unique opportunity for motivated students to serve their country while undergoing a rigorous academic and physical regimen. In exchange for tuition, students agree to serve in the U.S. military after graduation.

“The students I am nominating for the U.S. Service Academies this year represent the best of the Third District,” said Congressman Smith. “Each has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and a strong commitment to their communities. I am grateful for their willingness to serve our nation at the academies and as future officers in the U.S. military.”

Seth Adams of Henderson, son of Larin and Pamela Adams, is a senior at Grace International School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Zachary Evans of Hastings, son of Mark Evans, is a senior at Hastings Senior High School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Brandt Florell of Kearney, son of Clint and Melissa Florell, is a senior at Amherst Public School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Adam Keating of Kearney, son of Matt and Jill Keating, is in his first year at the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Christopher Lantz of South Sioux City, son of Jeff and Carrie Lantz, is a senior at South Sioux City Senior High School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Jesus Maese of Grand Island, son of Russell and Luz Keene, is in his first year at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Matthew Mickey of Scottsbluff, son of Kristen and Tammy Mickey, is a senior at Scottsbluff High School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Connor Russell of Curtis, son of Christopher and Starlin Russell, is in his first year at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Logan Spencer of O’Neill, son of Wendell and Sharon Spencer, is a senior at Saint Mary’s High School in O’Neill. He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

James Swanson of Grand Island, son of John and Rachel Swanson, is a senior at Grand Island Senior High School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

David Trierweiler of North Platte, son of Michael and Deanna Trierweiler, is a senior at Saint Patrick High School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Jacob Whisenhunt of Maxwell, son of Doug Whisenhunt, is a senior at Maxwell Public Schools. He has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Calvin Wineland, Jr. of Cambridge, son of Calvin and Desiree Wineland, is a senior at Cambridge High School. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York.

Logan Woodward of Gering, son of Kevin and Kolene Woodward, is a freshman at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

Applicants met personally with Smith’s Academy Advisory Committee and were evaluated on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, career motivation, personal traits, letters of recommendation, essays, and personal interviews. Each Academy will make a determination regarding appointments by April.