Congressman David Wu (OR01) - Press Releases - Congressman Wu Announces Military Academy Nominations

Portland, OR-- Each year Congressman David Wu nominates high school students from the First Congressional District to four military service academies: the United States Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy. It is a required first step before an academy applicant can be considered by the respective Academy's admissions team.

This year, Congressman Wu nominated 28 students for the Class of 2008. Congressman Wu wishes them all the best in their continuing education and ambition to serve in the armed services.

Tristen Hannah, son of Egypt Maze and Christopher Hannah, has been awarded a nomination to the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy and the Military Academy. Mr. Hannah is a student at Aloha High School and a member of the National Honors Society. He earned a varsity letter in cross-country track. As well as maintaining a grade point average above 3.8 he has volunteered to do middle school tutoring and held part-time employment. He aspires to be a pilot in the United States armed services.

Donovan James Matteson, son of Pamela Griffith and David Jolley, was awarded a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy. Mr. Matteson, a senior a Hillsboro High School, has been continuously on the Honor Role and has received the Harvey Z. Gabel Award for excellence in Social Studies. He played on the football team (wide receiver and defensive back), on the baseball team as a catcher as well as playing basketball and being a member of the USA Water Ski Club. He aspires to become an officer in the US Air Force and an aviator.

Ha-Yaun Chung, daughter of Hweh Kuk and Sung-Hee Chung, is a student Aloha High School, serving as Vice President for the National Honor Society. She has been dedicated to piano and Tae Kwon Do since she was four and now works as an instructor for both activities. She has also received the Presidential Student Service Award for having over one hundred community service in a one-year period and is Vice President of the Aloha High Key Club. Ha-Yaun received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

James Yu, son of Harry and Miriam Yu, is a student at Southridge High School, Senior Editor for the school newspaper, and has participated in track and field, rock climbing and soccer. Outside of school, James helps out with the family-owned business and volunteers for the Beaverton Library and the Oregon Partnership Peer Youthline. James received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Susannah Moore, daughter of Roy and Martha Callum, is a student at Jesuit High School. In preparation for a military career, she is presently enrolled in the U.S. Army Reserves, the Naval Sea Cadets and the Coast Guard. She has also spent many hours volunteering for organizations that benefit at-risk youth such as the Boys & Girls Club and the Police to Kids Program. Susannah received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Christen Stoeckler, the daughter of Robin and Henning Stoeckler, is a student at Sunset High School. Christen has been a member of the Sea Scouts of America since 1998, where she has earned their Quartermaster Award, their equivalent of the Eagle Scout Award. Her hobbies include sailing and motor boating, and she has a great interest in sea traditions and history. Christen received a nomination to the Merchant Marines.

Steven Brainerd, son of Steven and Mary Brainerd, is a student at Valley Catholic High School. Steven participates in cross-country, track, and is Vice President of the Ski/Snowboard Club. He has participated in Boy Scouts for ten years, most recently earning a Bronze Palm as an Eagle Scout. Steven received a nomination to the United States Military Academy.

Johnny Johnson is the son of John and Marina Johnson and attends Aloha High School, where his current grade average is 3.8. Johnny enjoys many extracurricular activities, including football and basketball, and is a member of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, and is co-president of Warriors for Christ. Johnny has a fascination with flying, and aspires to become a military officer to serve and protect his country in a leadership position. Johnny received a nomination to the United States Air Force.

Deborah Gaddis is the daughter of David and Kum Sun Gaddis and attends Westview High school. Deborah excels in school, has been on the Honor Roll for seven years, is a member of the National Honors Society, and has taken numerous college level courses. Here extracurricular activities include Symphonic, Jazz and Marching Bands, Concert Choir, and community service activities through the National Honors Society and several church organizations. Deborah looks forward to the challenges the military has to offer, and strives for a high level of achievement in both military and civilian life. Deborah received a nomination to the United States Air Force.

Jason Wallace, son of Scott and Cathy Wallace, is a student at Southridge High School and enjoys participating in the marching band, playing basketball, and participating in Bible Study Fellowship. He is currently President of the Southridge Rocketry Club and Leader of a Team America Rocketry Challenge Team. Jason aspires to become an astronaut and receive a major in aerospace engineering. Jason received nominations to attend the United States Naval and Air Force Academies.

Jon-Michael Chombeau, son of Shari and Michael Chombeau, is a student at Westview High School and enjoys practicing and teaching gymnastics, playing the piano and participating in the National Honor Society. In 2003, he was recognized as the top gymnast at the Oregon Gymnastics Academy. Jon-Michael aspires to work for NASA and receive a degree in science or engineering. Jon-Michael received nominations to attend the United States Naval and Air Force Academies.

Eric Laurel, son of Alfredo and Rose Laurel, is a student at Jesuit High School. Eric enjoys running track, playing chess and participating in community service activities. In 2003, he won the President's Student Service Award for Outstanding Community Service. He also had perfect attendance from grades one to eight, and only missed three days of high school. Eric received a nomination to attend the United States Air Force Academy.

Joseph William Twigg, son of Richard and Sandra Twigg, has been awarded a nomination to the United States Naval Academy. Mr. Twigg is a senior at Hillsboro High School. He attended aviation ground school in the spring of 2003 for his goal of becoming a pilot and has participated in varsity football, wrestling and track and field. An avid athlete he also enjoys swimming, baseball, snowboarding, karate as well as hunting and shooting. He is president of his 4-H dairy club and has been a leader of a diversity club at his high school. He aspires to be a Navy pilot.

Daniel Paul Baller, son of Cindy and Henry Baller, maintains a 4.0 GPA at Glencoe High School while participating in a variety of varsity sports, including football, wrestling, and tennis. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers at the Portland Rescue Mission and the Oregon Food Bank in his spare time. Daniel received a nomination to attend the United States Military Academy.

David Alan Sohler, son of Ruth and Alan Sohler, is a student at Hillsboro High School and is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including cross country, baseball, varsity swimming, jazz band, symphonic band, and marching band. David is currently pursuing his pilot's license and aspires to fly for the U.S. Air Force. David received a nomination to attend the United States Air Force Academy.

Justin Aberth, son of Sonia and Brian Aberth, attends Jesuit High School and maintains a sterling academic record while participating in a number of extracurricular activities. He is a certified American Red Cross lifeguard, was selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., and is a member of his school's varsity chess team. Justin received nominations to attend the United States Military and Air Force Academies.

Caitlin Strauhal, daughter of Michael and Mary Jane Strauhal, is ranked first in a class of 514 at Century High School in Hillsboro. While maintaining an exceptional academic performance, she is also involved in marching and pep band. She's received All-stars recognition for varsity cheerleading and has also been recognized in Who's Who Among American High School Students. Caitlin received a nomination to attend the United States Military Academy.

Laura Elizabeth Schneider of Portland has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy. A senior at Life Christian School, Laura is the daughter of Robert and Mary Jean Schneider. In addition to being involved in numerous activities at school, she has received recognition for her athletic contributions, leadership skills and outstanding character.

Robert James Kaster has been nominated to the United States Naval Academy. The son of Don and Suzanne Kaster, Robert will graduate from Glencoe High School. He has been involved in many school activities including swimming, water polo and soccer and has been recognized for outstanding achievement in his academic pursuits.

Lindsey Nicole Hughes, daughter of Michael and Danette Hughes, has been awarded a nomination to the United States Air Force Academy. Lindsey, a senior at Tigard High School, has continuously excelled in sports and has used that experience volunteering for "Do Sports Not Drugs" camp. She has also been an active participant in the Tigard High School student government. Nicole aspires to be a pilot and to continue her family's military tradition.

Bryan Eisenmeyer, son of Cindy and Stuart Eisenmeyer, has been awarded a nomination to the United States Naval Academy. Bryan is a student at Tigard High School and a member of the National Honors Society. As an active member of his lacrosse team, Bryan helped his team win the State Championship in 2003.

Chris John Meermeier, son of Paul and Nancy Meermeier, has been awarded a nomination to the United States Military Academy. Chris is a senior at Tigard High School. He has participated in varsity football and power lifting. He is also active in many service clubs, particularly aimed at preventing teenage drug and tobacco abuse. He has proudly served on the Student Council.

Jesse Allen Buss, son of Scott and Lori Buss, has been awarded a nomination to the United States Military Academy. Jesse, a senior at Tualatin High School, is a member of the National Honors Society and recognized by the Who's Who Among American High School Students. He has participated clearing greenways and maintaining parks for his community, mentored a Spanish-speaking student, and placed 2nd in the State Accounting Competition with the Future Business Leaders of America.

Isaac Dickson, son of Sam and Debbie Dickson, has been awarded a nomination to the United States Naval Academy. Issac, a senior at Dayton High School, is an avid athlete who enjoys wrestling and track and field. He is an Eagle Scout, a member of the National Honors Society, and Who's Who Among America's High School Students. He is currently working toward his private pilots license, and he aspires to be a pilot in the Navy.

Aaron Michael Bailey, son of Nona and Gary Bailey, has been awarded a nomination to the United States Naval Academy. Mr. Bailey, a senior at St. Helens High School, has lettered in Varsity Track and Cross-Country. He has participated in Lion Student Enterprises throughout his high school career as well as finding time to volunteer for the Columbia Humane Society as well as being a member of the Student Council during his senior year. He enjoys trouble-shooting his way around a computer and aspires to be a Naval officer.