OMAHA, NE – Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced his 14 nominations to the United States military service academies:  U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) at Colorado Springs, CO; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. Congressional members nominate individuals and the final determination for appointment is made by the academies themselves.

“There are unique challenges when attending a military academy and academics, leadership and physical fitness qualities are key factors in the selection of candidates,” said Rep. Bacon. “The academies provide education and training to prepare young Americans to become leaders of great character in the Armed Forces. I served nearly thirty years in the Air Force, a time I will always treasure because I served with great Americans defending our precious freedoms.”

Congressman Bacon thanks those who applied.

“Being nominated and accepted for one these academies is one of the most competitive processes any high school graduate can go through, and I am proud of all who sought the nomination,” he said. “This shows they are willing to defend with their lives the greatest nation in the world and our freedoms.”

The full list of Congressman Bacon’s nominees:

• Madalyn Allen is the daughter of Frank and Ann Allen of Papillion, NE.  She attends Papillion-LaVista South High School.  Madalyn was nominated to the United States Military Academy.
• Samuel Alvarez is the son of Adrian and Sherri Alvarez of Omaha, NE.  He attends Millard West High School.  Samuel was nominated to the United States Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.
• John Avilla is the son of James and Michelle Avilla of Omaha, NE.  He attends Mount Michael High School.  John was nominated to the United States Military Academy.
• Liam Bova is the son of Mark and Amy Bova of Papillion, NE.  He attends Mount Michael High School.  Liam was nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
• Andrew Dunham is the son of Chris and Tracy Dunham of Omaha, NE.  He attends Creighton Prep High School.  Andrew was nominated to the United States Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.
• Kobe Everson is the son David and Stacy Everson of Omaha, NE.  He attends Gretna High School.  Kobe was nominated to the United States Military, Naval, and Air Force Academies.
• Peter Gehrls is the son of Matthew and Lisa Gehrls of Omaha, NE.  He attends the US Air Force Preparatory College and graduated from Creighton Prep High School.  Peter was nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
• Mitchell Koch is the son of Glenn and Jolene Koch of Omaha, NE.  He attends Millard West High School.  Mitchell was nominated to the United States Military Academy.
• Gregory Matya is the son of John and Lisa Matya of Omaha, NE.  He attends Gretna High School.  Gregory was nominated to the United States Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.
• Andrew Merritt is the son of David and Janice Merritt of Omaha, NE.  He attends Millard North High School.  Andrew was nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
• Camryn Mortrude is the daughter of Audra Bodzek of Omaha, NE.  She attends Millard South High School.  Camryn was nominated to the United States Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.
• Callie Nuttall is the daughter of Jeremy and Julie Nuttall of Papillion, NE.  She attends Papillion-LaVista South High School.  Callie was nominated to the United States Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.
• John Quigley is the son of William and Sherry Quigley of Omaha, NE.  He attends Millard West High School.  John was nominated to the United States Military Academy.
• Meredith Wichman is the daughter of Chris and Tammy Wichman of Omaha, NE.  She attends Duchesne Academy High School.  Meredith was nominated to the United States Naval and Air Force Academies.

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