Grassley Nominates 33 Iowa Students to the U.S. Service Academies

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley has nominated 33 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to the U.S. service academies.

“These young Iowans who want to enter the academies and serve our country are a remarkable reflection on our state,” Grassley said. “Their accomplishments, leadership and desire to serve are exceptional, and signal continued excellence in the U.S. armed forces.”

Each year, Grassley has the opportunity as a U.S. senator to nominate either current or future Iowa high school graduates for a select few service academy placements. The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy all select at least one qualified student from Grassley’s nominations. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to states’ representation in Congress.

Grassley encourages Iowa students to consider applying to more than one service academy due to the highly competitive nature of admissions. Iowa representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives make nominations in addition to both of Iowa’s U.S. senators. Students may receive more than one nomination.

Students interested in academy appointments should begin the application process in the spring of their junior year of high school. Early application is encouraged. The academies select students based on the number of vacancies available for the next school year.

“The academies offer some of the best options for higher education as well as an outstanding way to serve our country. It’s a tremendous opportunity for young Iowans,” Grassley said.

Traditionally, the high quality of Iowa nominees results in several Iowa students being offered admission to attend each of the service academies. The students then choose whether to attend the academy. More information about service academy nominations can be found here.  

Grassley will make announcements as academy appointments are offered to Iowans.

The lists below include the names and hometowns of Grassley’s nominees for the 2019 – 2020 school year.

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

James Baker – Bettendorf

Elias Brehm – Dubuque

Aiden DeWitt – Dubuque

Jack Gehl – Asbury

Grace Ries – Asbury

Grace Greer – Iowa City

Will Jefferson – Le Claire

William Jones – Council Bluffs

Carson Parker – Story City

Hunter Sherry – Boone

U.S. Naval Academy

Britain Saluri – Des Moines

Charles Haefner – Cedar Rapids

Dara Hulstein – Cedar Falls

Kyle Otte – Clive

William Rankin – Hull

Timothy Robertson – Dubuque

James Sbertoli – DeWitt

Peter Shippy – Sioux Center

Micah Treptau – Lansing

Marika Yang – Cedar Falls

U.S. Merchant Marine

Will Jefferson – Le Claire

Britain Saluri – Des Moines

U.S. Air Force Academy

Nathan Brush – Clive

Josiah Cole – Altoona

Alex Hooker – Webster City

Adam Laubenthal – Davenport

Connor Pellett – Atlantic

William Rankin – Hill

Kassidy Rashid – Burlington

Josiah Stearns – Windsor Heights

Olivia Wong – Ames

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