Greg Walden nominates Oregon students for acceptance to U.S. service academies

Greg Walden nominates Southern Oregon students for acceptance to U.S. service academies

Medford -- U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Hood River) announced today that he has nominated 15 Oregon students for acceptance to one of the prestigious United States service academies. Walden’s Service Academy Nomination Board -- active and retired military officers who interview potential candidates for the service academies -- recommended each student based on their academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character.

“I am honored and privileged to nominate these remarkable young Oregonians to our nation’s service academies,” Walden said. “Their years of hard work and dedication have led to these much deserved nominations. These students have shown a desire to grow intellectually, lead by example, and serve their country by pursuing a higher education at one of our country’s select service academies. I am confident that each will be successful in this admirable endeavor, and that America’s future is in good hands.

“I’d like to thank my Service Academy Nomination Board for recommending these young leaders. Their service to our country and experience wearing our nation’s uniform speaks to the character of the students they interviewed and referred for nomination. These nominations would not be possible without their guidance and understanding of what it takes to excel and succeed at the U.S. service academies,” said Walden. Serving on Walden’s Service Academy Nomination Board are: retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Frank Toney, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Harriet Harris, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Howard, retired U.S. Marine Corps. Lt. Col. Richard Halsted, and Oregon Army National Guard Lt. Col. Travis Lee.

The service academies include the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the Military Academy at West Point, New York; the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; and the 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 Walden’s website at https://walden.house.gov/academynominations.

The nominees are as follows:

Deschutes County

Kade Sundvall, son of Timothy & Laura Sundvall of Sisters, attending Stafford High School in Fredericksburg, Virginia -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Jackson County

Jesse Carroll, son of Robert & Jennifer Carroll of Ashland, attending Ashland High School -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy.

Daniel Edmund, son of David & Kim Edmund of Central Point, attending North Medford High School -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy.

Griffin Hokanson, son of Matthew & Jill Hokanson of Central Point, attending Crater School of Business, Innovation, and Science -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy

Patrick Royal, son of Joel & Debra Royal of Central Point, attending South Medford High School -- nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Jax Bell, son of Paul & Stephanie Bell of Eagle Point, attending Eagle Point High School -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Grady Wells, son of Sara Prendergast of Jacksonville & Bill Cruze of Medford, attending Logos Charter School -- nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Jefferson County

Savannah Holliday, daughter of Alfredo Holliday & Rose Ball of Warm Springs, attending Madras High School -- nominated to the  U.S. Military Academy.

Josephine County

Gage Flaming, son of Tyler Flaming of Grants Pass & Laura Buksar of Wilsonville, attending Grants Pass High School -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Klamath County

Daniel Cooper, son of John & Laurie Cooper of Klamath Falls, graduate of Hosanna Christian School and attending Oregon Institute of Technology -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Jesse Kandra, son of Loren & Denise Kandra of Merrill, attending Lost River Jr./Sr. High School -- nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Matthew Yuchniuk, son of Scott & Debbie Yuchniuk of Klamath Falls, attending Mazama High School -- nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Umatilla County

Hayden Scott, son of Paul & Kara Scott of Athena, attending Weston-McEwen High school -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy.

Union County

Wyatt Perry, son of Andy & Michelle Perry of La Grande, attending La Grande High School -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Wasco County

William Decker, son of Stan & Tanya Decker of The Dalles, attending Horizon Christian School -- nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

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