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Graves Nominates North Missouri Students to Service Academies

January 21, 2015
Press Release

KANSAS CITY, MO – U.S. Congressman Sam Graves announced he has nominated several north Missouri students to the United States Service Academies.

"I am both honored and proud to nominate these students," said Graves. "They have proven they can excel both in and out of the classroom. They are all well-rounded individuals that will continue to make the Sixth District extremely proud."

The following students from across north Missouri received nominations:

  • Cristen Bublitz – Navy; graduate of Staley HS, Kansas City, now a freshman at Luther College in Decorah, IA
  • Ryan Collier – Army; Missouri Academy, Maryville
  • Kyle Fuson – Air Force; Bishop LeBlond, St. Joseph
  • Joseph Kretsinger – Navy; Liberty HS, Liberty
  • Wiley Martin – Merchant Marine; Polo HS, Polo
  • Rachel Oatney – Air Force; Oak Park HS, Kansas City
  • Nicholas Palmer – Army; Benton HS, St. Joseph
  • Matthew Robbins – Air Force; Park Hill South HS, Kansas City
  • Jared Trenhaile – Navy; North Shelby HS, Shelbyville
  • Christopher Yong – Air Force; Blue Springs South HS, Blue Springs

*Since being nominated, both Robbins and Yong have accepted appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

"The Sixth District continues to produce some of the most outstanding candidates in the nation," said Graves. "They have made a commitment to be the best and to serve our nation's armed services. I am very proud of all of them."

Each year members of Congress are responsible for selecting very highly qualified students to attend one of our nation's five prestigious military academies. Graves said many very qualified students applied for a nomination through his office this year.

Graves, who notified each student by phone that he was nominating them, said it was a very difficult to make his final selections since all the students that applied were so exceptional. All of the applicants had impressive academic credentials and extensive involvement in school and community activities.

The nomination system is a very competitive process. The various military academies hold very selective admissions standards. To help in the nomination process, Graves created an Academy Nominations Review Board. The board, made up of service academy graduates and citizens of the 6th District, interviewed and reviewed all applicants and made final recommendations to Graves.

Students interested in being appointed to a service academy can find out more information by contacting Graves' district office in Kansas City or by visiting his website: www.graves.house.gov.

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