MAY 13, 2024:
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced nine South Dakotans have accepted Service Academy appointments to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York, and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. They will begin military training at their respective schools in June.
Johnson nominated each of these students in December 2023 and they received appointment offers between December 2023 and May 2024.
“One of the best parts of my job is nominating South Dakota’s best and brightest who strive to begin their service to our country at one of our nation’s esteemed service academies,” said Johnson. “These students are exceptional, and their willingness to dedicate their lives to defending America’s freedom is honorable. I know they will all represent South Dakota well at their respective institutions.”
Two more South Dakotans have accepted preparatory options from the service academies: Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank accepted a United States Naval Academy Foundation Scholarship, and Caleb Pitsenberger of Flandreau accepted an offer to attend the United States Air Force Academy preparatory school.
Class of 2028 South Dakota Service Academy Appointees:
Nicholas Gray – United States Military Academy
Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre will be attending the United States Military Academy. Nick played competitive ice hockey and served as a coach and counselor for youth hockey clinics and camps. He also worked on the family farm, at a busy restaurant, and served as a page in the South Dakota Legislature. While attending O’Gorman High School in Sioux Falls, Nick volunteered with various local non-profit organizations, emphasizing the importance of giving back to his community.
The grandson of two Vietnam War veterans, Nick reflected on his travels with his grandfather to Omaha Beach in Normandy, France, where he grasped the magnitude of how serving as an officer will be a great opportunity to give back to his country. When he arrives at West Point, Nick said he will lean into his leadership skills. He believes in “sacrificing for the good of the American people,” and understands he has not chosen the easy path in life.
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Trey Murray – United States Air Force Academy
Trey Murray of Gregory will be attending the United States Air Force Academy with hopes to be part of something bigger than himself. Coming from a military family – his grandparents served in WWII and the Vietnam War, and two older brothers are currently in the Army and Air National Guard – Trey says he has “a greater sense of patriotism and pride.” He has served his community by volunteering at church, on the Community Economic Development board, and at a local food bank. At Gregory High School, for all four years he played varsity football, golf, baseball, band, jazz band, marching band, and choir. He also wrestled, ran track and field, worked several jobs, and was at the top of his class.
Trey believes a military career will help him continue to lead and grow with a team for a greater purpose. He has recognized how “easy it would be to follow the crowd, complain about things instead of improving the situation.” But he realizes he wants “to be a man of action, a leader who can make a difference for the better.”
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Aleydis Bruening – United States Naval Academy
Aleydis Bruening of Vermillion will be attending the United States Naval Academy. Aleydis hopes to study Nuclear Engineering and become a Navy Nuclear Officer. In high school, she spent two years each with the Army and Air Force Junior ROTC programs and served as a peer tutor. She was a Girl Scout for 15 years, played soccer and field hockey, and was captain of the varsity air rifle team. Aleydis was also in band and choir. She eventually wants to study medical physics and discover new technologies for nuclear energy and medical radiation.
Aleydis’s father is an active-duty Airman, currently stationed in Virginia. “Growing up surrounded by the United States military and government has left me with a want to continue serving our great nation throughout my life,” Aleydis wrote. As a military child, she recognizes her father missed many important events and holidays, but she elaborated about how proud she is when he stands at attention as the National Anthem plays, or when he honors those who have also served.
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Jackson Coberley – United States Air Force Academy
Jackson Coberley of Rapid City will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. When his father was transferred to Ellsworth Air Force Base, Jackson elected to remain in Okinawa, Japan, to complete his senior year of high school with friends. Both individually and with his Marine Corps Junior ROTC unit, Jackson has received many accolades, but he aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps into the Air Force. During high school, Jackson ran cross country and track and field, was a National Honor Society Vice President, and worked as a lifeguard. He has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol for six years and has already earned his private pilot’s license.
When he visited the Air Force Academy, he “felt an overwhelming sense of purpose and belonging.” Jackson knows this will be his pathway to achieving his dreams and doing what he loves. He went on to say, “the academy is not just an institution, but a community of like-minded individuals who share a common purpose and a deep sense of service.”
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Ryan Fiechtner – United States Naval Academy
Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen will be attending the United States Naval Academy, where he plans to study Nuclear Engineering and eventually lead a team that designs, maintains, and safely operates a nuclear reactor aboard an aircraft carrier or submarine. Ryan played the mellophone, French horn, and trumpet at Central High School, and hopes to join the Bugle and Drum Corps at USNA. A Rensselaer Medal recipient for outstanding math and science grades, Nick was also a member of his high school debate team and worked several jobs.
Ryan has known since middle school that he wanted to pursue a career in the nuclear field. “As I was researching what was involved and the requirements [of the Naval Academy], I thought the opportunity to pursue my dream career and serve my country at the same time was the best thing I could do for myself and for America.” Upon graduation from a service academy, there is mandatory military service; rather than calling it a “requirement,” Ryan believes it as an honor to take his talents and knowledge to serve his country the best way he can.
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Nicholas Hanson – United States Naval Academy
Nicholas Hanson of Dakota Dunes will be attending the United States Naval Academy, where he plans to study engineering and commission as a Marine Corps Officer. Nick comes from a Navy and Marine Corps family: his father, two grandfathers, and a great-grandfather have all served. He enjoys military history, physical fitness, and leadership. Through difficult seasons in his life, Nick chose to use those negative experiences for something good by becoming more involved in sports, activities, and student leadership. He has experienced the benefits of seeking opportunities to be a positive influence for others.
While serving as President and Vice President of Student Council at Dakota Valley High School, the student council received several state and national student council awards for its dedication to the school and community. Nick established and led his high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) chapter and a Bible study on campus, was the first trumpet chair in band, played football, ran track, participated on the trap team, and has trained in Jiu Jitsu.
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Dale Kinyon II – United States Military Academy
Dale Kinyon II of Rapid City will be attending the United States Military Academy, where he will study Mechanical Engineering. At Stevens High School, Dale ran track and field, played soccer, and served as Secretary of the Economics Club. Dale was elected Lieutenant Governor at Boys State, restarted the Stevens Cycling Club, played club soccer, and has been actively involved with his church. He believes that “America, as the world’s leading military power, has an obligation to protect and ensure democracy around the world,” and he wants to be part of that mission. Upon commissioning, he wants to go into Army Aviation.
Dale’s grandfather is a Naval Academy graduate and after visiting the school, he felt an undeniable connection and knew he belonged at a service academy. He is looking forward to “fulfilling [his] potential and developing in the best educational environment possible” and utilizing his “talents to protect and defend [his] country and her allies.”
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Maya Lee – United States Air Force Academy
Maya Lee of Dell Rapids will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. Last year, Maya was selected for a Falcon Scholarship by the Air Force Academy to attend a military preparatory school. “This prep year has been very demanding but also very rewarding and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Looking forward, I’m very excited for USAFA.” She knows this next chapter will be difficult, but she has also learned “nothing worth working for comes easily.”
Maya wrote, “In order to dedicate oneself fully to the armed forces, one has to be devoted to the cause of serving others.”
In high school, she was in several extracurricular activities, including FCCLA and captain of her high school QuizBowl, and held several jobs. Maya was an avid competitive boxer and team captain, ran on the cross country team, played softball, and trained in Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. She has led a boxing club at the prep school where they have been focused on techniques, drills, and leadership. She is looking forward to getting back in the ring.
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Jhett Waltman – United States Military Academy
Jhett Waltman of Rapid City will be attending the United States Military Academy and hopes to pursue an Aeronautical Engineering degree. Following the footsteps of his father currently in the South Dakota National Guard and his grandfathers, who served in WWII, Jhett says by first grade he was determined “to dedicate a life of selfless service to the United States.” In the fifth grade, he set his eyes on the service academies. Jhett goes to the gym six days a week and has made conscious choices to prepare academically for the ventures ahead.
At Stevens High School, Jhett played trombone and bass guitar in band, participated in the Student2Student Program, served on the Rapid City Youth City Council, participated in math competitions, and held leadership positions for several student clubs in addition to working a few jobs. He ran track and field and cross country, played basketball and football, and also wrestled. Jhett believes “the success of a great country like the United States depends on the men and women brave enough to defend it. I eagerly await the opportunity.”
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DECEMBER 20, 2023:
South Dakota U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has released his nominees for appointments to the nation’s service academies.
Rounds nominated Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen as his top nominee to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre as his top nominee to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Maya Lee of Dell Rapids as his top nominee to the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. In addition, Rounds nominated Nicholas Hanson, who received a fully qualified offer of appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.
“It’s an honor to nominate our nation’s future military leaders to U.S. service academies,” said Rounds. “The U.S. service academies are among the most elite educational institutions in the world. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will courageously serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of Ryan, Nicholas G., Maya and Nicholas H. for their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation.”
Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre – Principal Nominee, U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
Nicholas is the son of Bob and Cara Gray of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. A senior at O’Gorman High School, Nicholas plays hockey for the Sioux Falls Flyers, coaches younger skaters and teaches at hockey camps and clinics. Nicholas is involved in his church youth group and volunteers with Feeding South Dakota. Nicholas holds a 3.82 GPA.
“It’s an honor to be nominated to a service academy,” said Gray. “I am extremely thankful for the people who have supported me over the years and will continue to support me – including my family, friends, teachers, and coaches. West Point will help me achieve new heights as a leader and I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve my country.”
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Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen – Principal Nominee, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)
Ryan Fiechtner is the son of Brad and Pam Fiechtner of Aberdeen, South Dakota. A senior at Aberdeen Central High School, Ryan is a member of the marching band and symphonic band. Ryan volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that builds and delivers beds to children in need. Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society and holds a 3.87 GPA.
“I am deeply grateful to receive Senator Mike Rounds’ principal nomination to the United States Naval Academy,” said Fiechtner. “It has been my dream to serve since my freshman year of high school. I’d like to thank my teachers, friends and family for their overwhelming support along the way. This opportunity has strengthened my resolve and commitment to the United States armed forces where I seek to become a representative for myself, my family and my country.”
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Maya Lee of Dell Rapids – Principal Nominee, U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)
Maya Lee is the daughter of Christy and Gregory Lee of Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Maya is a 2023 graduate of Dell Rapids High School and is currently attending the Georgia Military College under the Falcon Foundation Scholarship. While in high school, Maya was active in boxing, jiu jitsu, cross country and National Honor Society, graduating with a 3.95 GPA.
“I’m extremely grateful to receive Senator Rounds’ principal nomination for USAFA,” said Lee. “It’s exciting to have a chance to serve alongside the brave men and women in the United States Air Force. I want to thank Senator Rounds and his team for helping me on this journey and my parents, teachers, friends, and boxing coach, as they continue to inspire me every day.”
In addition to principal nominees, Rounds may send up to nine competitive candidates per academy for consideration by that academy. Rounds has selected the students listed below to receive a competitive nomination. Each service academy admission board gives full and fair consideration to these nominees and will determine final appointments.
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Nicholas Hanson of Dakota Dunes – Competitive Nominee with Fully Qualified Offer of Appointment, U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)
Nicholas is the son of Joe and Jesica Hanson of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota. A senior at Dakota Valley High School, Nicholas is active in student government and currently serves as Student Body President. He is on the football and track teams, and plays the trumpet in the marching, jazz and concert bands. Nicholas is a National Honor Society member and holds a 4.0 GPA.
“I am very thankful to have been selected to receive a nomination from Senator Rounds and his nominating committee,” said Hanson. “It has been my dream to attend the United States Naval Academy. I look forward to representing South Dakota while serving our country as an officer. I am blessed to be able to have this opportunity and appreciate the support from my family and friends.”
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U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis)
- Ryan Fiechtner of Aberdeen, SD – Principal
- Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank, SD – Competitive
- Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre, SD – Competitive
- Nicholas Hanson of Dakota Dunes, SD – Competitive (Fully Qualified Offer of Appointment)
- Dale Kinyon II of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
- Talan Lunders of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
- Nicholas Maas of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive
- Grant Masek of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive
- Jagur Parks of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
- Keegan Thomas of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive
U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
- Nicholas Gray of Fort Pierre, SD – Principal
- Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank, SD – Competitive
- Dale Kinyon II of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
- Savanah Hendricks of Vivian, SD – Competitive
- Jagur Parks of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs)
- Maya Lee of Dell Rapids, SD – Principal
- Trey Dunse of Webster, SD – Competitive
- Shae Fiala of Baltic, SD – Competitive
- William Fogarty of Hartford, SD – Competitive
- Tristan Fosberg of Ellsworth Air Force Base, SD – Competitive
- Samuel Garrett of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
- Talan Lunders of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
- Nicholas Maas of Sioux Falls, SD – Competitive
- Trey Murray of Gregory, SD – Competitive
- Caleb Pitsenberger of Flandreau, SD – Competitive
U.S. Merchant Marines Academy (Kings Point)
- Talan Lunders of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
- Jagur Parks of Rapid City, SD – Competitive
Students interested in attending a service academy go through a rigorous application process. Because the academies are highly competitive, students must meet eligibility requirements in leadership, physical fitness, character and academics. The young people joining the military directly from the academies are among the highest caliber our country has to offer, which is a result of the challenging training and education they received at service academies. Students applying for service academies are required to receive a Congressional nomination as part of the application process. Those appointed receive a scholarship and military appointment and are required to serve in the military for at least five years upon graduation.
Individuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination beginning in academic year 2025-2026 (Class of 2029) should apply by October 1, 2024. Questions about the academy nomination application process can be directed to Rounds’ Sioux Falls office by calling (605) 336-0486 or by emailing Academy_Nominations@rounds.senate.gov. An informational packet and the application packet can be found on Senator Rounds’ website at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/constituents/academy-nominations.
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