Congressman Bentz Nominates Sixteen Oregon Students for Consideration to U.S. Service Academies
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) today announced that he nominated sixteen Oregon students for consideration for admission to the elite United States service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine). Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board– retired and active-duty military officers who interview potential candidates for service academies attendance– recommended each student based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character.
"I am honored to nominate these outstanding young Oregonians to America’s service academies," Congressman Bentz said. "Years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to character development have earned these future leaders these much-deserved nominations. By pursuing a higher education at one of our country’s select service academies, these students have shown a desire to lead by example, grow intellectually, and serve the United States in uniform.
I also thank my Service Academy Nomination Board for its work in selecting and recommending these young leaders. The Board members' experience serving our country in uniform is invaluable to the nomination process and is reflected in the caliber of the students they recommended for nominations this year, said Congressman Bentz. Without their guidance and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the U.S. service academies, these nominations would not be possible."
Congressman Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board included Retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Dave Dotterrer, Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Adam Gaudinski, Retired U.S. Navy Captain Chris Peyton, Oregon Army National Guard Major Stephanie Rokes, and U.S. Army Veteran Captain Anne Havniear.
The service academies include the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York; the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; and the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York. Final selection for admission to the service academies will be determined by officials at each respective academy this spring.
Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit Bentz’s website at https://bentz.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations.
The 2025 Academy Nominee’s Oregon are as follows:
Deschutes County
- Kelsea Bomke, daughter of Kurt and Jen Bomke of Bend, attending Oregon State University - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
- Lucy Fisher, daughter of Ryan and Tamara Fisher of La Pine, attending La Pine High School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.
- Cooper Garus, son of Toby and April Garus of Bend, attending Trinity Lutheran High School - nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
- Taylor Goodrich, daughter of Alex and Tiffany Goodrich of Bend, attending Oregon Family School - nominated to the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Military Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy.
- Jackson Hartley, son of Patrick and Jill Hartley of Bend, attending United States Air Force Academy Prep School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
- Steven Miller, son of Steven and Melanie Miller of La Pine, attending United States Air Force Academy Prep School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
Grant County
- Vincent Raschio, son of Robert and Sena Raschio of John Day, attending Grant Union High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
Jackson County
- Aviyah Jones, daughter of Adam and April Jones of Jacksonville, attending Rogue Community College- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
- Gabriel Medina-Banuelos, son of Roberto Cervantes and Yolanda Medina of Medford, attending Chesterton Academy of the Rogue Valley– nominated to the United States Military Academy.
- Keegan Thonstad, son of Dennis and Cassandra Thonstad of Medford, attending South Medford High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.
- Benjamin Warner, son of Sean and Audra Warner of Central Point, attending Crater High School- nominated to the United States Military Academy.
Klamath County
- Miranda Vincent, daughter of Wayne and Suk Ching Vincent of Klamath Falls, attending Henley High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
Umatilla County
- Jefferson Steele, son of Jesse and Kelly Steele of Pendleton, attending Teach Northwest Charter School- nominated to the United States Naval Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Union County
- Kaden Jones, son of Trevor and Alynn Jones of La Grande, attending La Grande High School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
Wallowa County
- Lauren McBurney, daughter of Lawrence McBurney and Chantay Jett of Joseph, attending Joseph Charter School- nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
Wasco County
- Sterling Coburn, son of Mark and Staci Coburn of The Dalles, attending The Dalles High School- nominated to the United States Military Academy.
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