Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON (Dec. 14, 2021) – Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced his nominees to the United States Service Academies. A nomination is required to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. Being nominated is a significant honor. The application process is rigorous, and only the most qualified and meritorious candidates receive a nomination.
“Our service academies provide exceptional education and training that prepare students for leadership roles in our armed forces as well as the skills needed to succeed after their military service,” said Heinrich. “I’m pleased to announce and congratulate this year’s nominees–these students have shown incredible initiative and I commend them on their commitment to serve our country.”
The United States Service Academies offer four-year college educations to qualified students. Graduates of the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy receive commissions in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marine, or Coast Guard, and are obligated to serve for at least five years after graduation.
The following students received nominations through Senator Heinrich’s office:
United States Military Academy at West Point, New York
- Maurize Aragon of Los Lunas
- Wyatt Chapman of Aztec
- Lauren Cruz of Rio Rancho
- Margaret Matthews of Albuquerque
- Zachary Neel of Albuquerque
- Maksymilian Olszowka of Albuquerque
- Nathan Ortiz of Las Cruces
- Guillermo Paul of Farmington
- Aubrey Rice of Rio Rancho
- Gwen Sanchez of the Pueblo of Zuni
United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
- Austin Atma of Las Cruces
- Mark Cabeen of Clovis
- Camden Cox of Rio Communities
- Thomas Fotter of Albuquerque
- Diego Garcia of Albuquerque
- Annika Irvine of Albuquerque
- Khristin Lovato of Serafina
- Thomas Oldham of White Rock
- Nathan Biddinger of Albuquerque
- Kelly Wetteland of Los Alamos
United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Trevor Anderson of Albuquerque
- Caden Box of Albuquerque
- Alex Chang of Las Cruces
- Mari McClain-Yu of Albuquerque
- Lee McDonald of Clovis
- Sarah Perez of Albuquerque
- Carley Simer of Artesia
- Mario Sumali of Albuquerque
- Natasha Sun of Albuquerque
- Luke Vaughn of Albuquerque
United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York
- Roger Aguiar of Albuquerque
- Avery Atma of Las Cruces
- Maurize Aragon of Los Lunas
- Dawson Gunn of Rio Rancho
- Annika Irvine of Albuquerque
- Guillermo Paul of Farmington
- Mario Sumali of Albuquerque
- Natasha Sun of Albuquerque
- Kelly Wetteland of Los Alamos
- Benjamin Williams of Rio Rancho