Ernst Nominates Iowa Students for Consideration to U.S. Service Academies
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) announced she has nominated 42 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to United States service academies.
“It is truly an honor to nominate so many outstanding young leaders throughout our state who excel in the classroom and also in their communities,” said Senator Ernst. "During my time in the military, I often talked with my young soldiers about the four pillars I strive for, and encouraged them to strive for as well: assuming risk; leadership; service to your community and country; and, an attitude of gratefulness.
"These are important qualities for our students as they take the next step in their admissions process. Attending a service academy is incredibly hard work, but is an exceptional opportunity for our students to lead and serve our great country."
Every year Senator Ernst, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard, has the honor and responsibility of nominating Iowa students to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The admissions process at the service academies is incredibly competitive and the Iowa Senator encourages students to apply for more than one academy.
To learn more about service academy nominations, click here.
Below is a complete list of the students nominated by Senator Ernst for the Class of 2020.
United States Air Force Academy
Sydney Alsager, Jewell
Justin Ashley, Waukee
Emma Baller, Sioux City
Finn Berry, Cedar Rapids
Alan Chatfield, Muscatine
Brandon Gore, Bettendorf
Kaitlin Greene, Coralville
Alexander Gudenkauf, Coralville
Daniel Holt, Cedar Rapids
Olivia Ketron, Dixon
Jared Lagomarcino, West Des Moines
Nathan Leon, West Des Moines
Riley Lowe, Swisher
Katelynn Miller, Clear Lake
Sam Pisney, Cedar Rapids
Patrick Ramirez, State Center
Patrick Schwartzhoff, Davenport
Corbyn Shumaker, Ankeny
Andrew Shumway, Des Moines
Thomas Treptau, Lansing
United States Naval Academy
Caroline Ascherl, Granville
Finn Berry, Cedar Rapids
Evan Boss, Central City
John Buck, Dallas Center
Garrett Dunn, State Center
Peter Eckard, Milford
Abraham Fisher, Clinton
Derek Garman, Hancock
Cole Hackbarth, Spirit Lake
Glenn Hackbarth, Spirit Lake
Alexander Hepperle, West Union
Harrison Jones, Council Bluffs
Katelyn Miller, Clear Lake
Jason Nye, Urbandale
Ross Otte, Clive
Cole Patton, Des Moines
Meeghan Rodamaker, Mason City
Andrew Shumway, Des Moines
Daniel Sommerlot, Pocahontas
Hunter Wargo, West Branch
United States Military Academy at West Point
Emma Baller, Sioux City
John Buck, Dallas Center
Garrett Dunn, State Center
Christian Flege, Waverly
Zachary Gilbert, Cedar Rapids
Alexander Gudenkauf, Coralville
Harrison Jones, Council Bluffs
David Pinter, Iowa City
Patrick Ramirez, State Center
Hannah Schwartz, Ames
United States Merchant Marine Academy
Robert Beardsley, Bettendorf
Meeghan Rodamaker, Mason City
Hannah Schwartz, Ames
Senator Ernst received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University where she joined the university’s ROTC program. After graduating, Ernst was commissioned as an officer in U.S. Army Reserves, and after a few years in the Reserves, transferred to the Iowa National Guard. In 2003, she served as a company commander in Kuwait and Iraq, leading 150 Iowa Army National Guardsmen during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Senator Ernst retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard after 23 years of military service.
