Medford — U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) has announced the nomination of eight Oregon students for acceptance to one of the prestigious United States service academies based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character. Walden made the announcement in Medford yesterday with three of the nominees. Members of Walden’s Service Academy Nomination Board—active and retired military officers who interview potential candidates to the service academies and make recommendations to Walden—were also present.
“Being nominated to one of our nation’s service academies represents years of hard work and discipline,” Walden said. “Competing with the best and brightest of America’s youth for an appointment to an academy is a great honor and a tremendous opportunity. I am confident that these talented students would represent their families and nation well in that effort, and I commend them for their desire to serve our country in uniform. It takes a special commitment to pursue the rigors of an academy education, and these young Americans are continuing a long line of patriotic Oregonians in their endeavor.”
The service academies include the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; the Military Academy at West Point, NY; the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. Final selection for admission to the service academies will be performed by officials at each respective academy this spring. The nominees are as follows:
Deschutes County
McKenzie Bell, daughter of Kyle & Kelsey Bell of Bend, attending College of Idaho (2013 graduate of Bend High School)—nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.
Jackson County
John (Ryne) Robitz, son of John (Tim) & Mary Robitz of Ashland, attending Ashland High School—nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and Merchant Marine Academy.
Josephine County
Connor McGlothlin, son of Antonio & Shannon McGlothlin of Grants Pass, attending Grants Pass High School—nominated to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy
Klamath County
Nathanial (Nate) Beckstrand, son of John & Dawn Beckstrand of Klamath Falls, attending Hosanna Christian Academy—nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Jonathan (Jonny) Heitzman, son of Stefan & Jaime Heitzman of Crescent, attending Gilchrist High School— nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Hood River County
Stanley (Stan) Ocheskey, son of Brent & Emily Ocheskey of Hood River, attending Hood River Valley High School—nominated to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy.
Morrow County
Joseph (Joe) Schmidt, son of Richard & Pamela Schmidt of Heppner, attending Heppner High School—nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Harney County
Jeff Davies, son of Stacy & Elaine Davies of Hines, attending Burns High School—nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.
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