Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
02.03.22
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) today announced the names of 27 young Alaskans he nominated to the U.S. Military Service Academies. Sen. Sullivan made his selections with the help of an Academy Review Board comprised of nine members from across Alaska, many of whom are service academy graduates. The board reviewed applications, interviewed each of the applicants, and made recommendations to the senator.
“I am honored to get to nominate yet another inspiring group of young Alaskans to our nation’s prestigious service academies. Every one of these nominees exhibited academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to serving their community and nation,” said Sen. Sullivan. “For two years, these students have endured incredible hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic, but they still found ways to give back to others and excel in academics and athletics. Their unique leadership qualities and perseverance will serve them well as military officers and in many aspects of their lives. I am really proud of them.
“We hope to see more applications next year. I encourage all young Alaskans to look into the incredible opportunities available at these world-class institutions.
“I also want to commend members of my review board for their exceptional work and support. They have volunteered countless hours of their own time to strengthen and add their expertise and experience to this process.”
Members of the Alaska congressional delegation work closely with one another to maximize the opportunities for Alaska men and women to receive nominations to the academies. The nominations allow the applicants to compete for appointments to the academies. Appointments are offered individually by the academies.
Sen. Sullivan’s Class of 2026 U.S. Military Service Academy nominees are as follows:
U.S. Air Force Academy:
Wendell Beckett Eames, Fairbanks
Kyler Forth, Anchorage
Aidan Gold, Fort Wainwright
Taran Harris-Barnes, Anchorage
Patrick Marshall, Anchorage
Rachel Ninan, Eagle River
Jack Pleus, JBER
Koda Poulin, Kenai
Sarah Price, Eagle River
Aviana Sorich, Anchorage
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy:
Conrad Johnson, Eagle River
Daphne Sundberg, Homer
Edward Sundberg, Homer
Katarina Taylor, Valdez
U.S. Military Academy:
Natalia Avalos, Anchorage
Elizabeth Baka, Eagle River
Kyler Forth, Anchorage
Aidan Gold, Fort Wainwright
Taran Harris-Barnes, Anchorage
Megan Jensen, Fairbanks
Bradley Mackin, Anchorage
Ryan Porter, Eagle River
Koda Poulin, Kenai
Sarah Price, Anchorage
Connor Prindle, Seward
Aviana Sorich, Anchorage
Katarina Taylor, Valdez
U.S. Naval Academy:
Zachary Card, Anchorage
Ashia Rose Cardines, North Pole
Beau Daily, Anchorage
Elizabeth Donner, Anchorage
Kael Gerlach, Glennallen
Razie Guillory, Sitka
Ryan Porter, Eagle River
George Prielipp, Anchorage
Daphne Sundberg, Homer
Edward Sundberg, Homer
NOTE: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination for their application.
Senator Sullivan’s Service Academy Selection Board:
- Ms. Anita Baker – Anchorage
- Mr. Kim Butler – Wasilla
- Mr. Eric Feige – Chickaloon
- Mr. Win Gruening – Juneau
- Mr. Dan Kennedy – Wasilla
- Dr. Mark Smith – Haines*
- Mr. Bill Thomas – Haines*
- Ms. Amy Woodward – Eagle River
- Mr. Keenan Zerkel – Anchorage*
- Ms. Kathlene Rowell – Staff director for nominations
*These members were unable to participate in interviews for the Class of 2026, but are still active on the board.
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