Rep. Cliff Bentz nominates 16 Oregon students, one from La Pine, for appointment to U.S. Service Academies

WASHINGTON (KTVZ) -- Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore., has nominated 16 Oregon students for consideration for appointment to one of the five prestigious United States Service Academies.

Congressman Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board—retired and active-duty military officers who interview potential candidates for selection by the service academies— recommended each student based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character.

"It is an honor to be a part of a process that supports young leaders from Oregon’s Second Congressional District. These students reflect leadership, academic excellence, positive character development, and patriotism.,” said Congressman Bentz. “Years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to character have earned these future leaders their nominations. By pursuing higher education at one of our country’s select service academies, these students have shown a desire to lead by example, grow intellectually, and serve the United States in uniform.”

Serving on Bentz’ Service Academy Nomination Board are:  Oregon Army National Guard Colonel Travis Lee, Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Jason Nalepa (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Rich Halsted, U.S. Navy Commander John Howard (Ret.), and Oregon Army National Guard Captain Stephanie Rokes.

Students who are interested in learning more about service academy nominations can visit Bentz's website.

The 2024 nominees from Oregon are as follows:

Deschutes County

Steven Miller, son of Steven and Melanie Miller of La Pine, attending La Pine High School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Jackson County

Zackary Cook, son of Kelly Cook of Medford, attending Cascade Christian High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy, United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy.

Ivar Hokanson, son of Matt and Jill Hokanson of Central Point, attending Crater High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy. 

Mia Marinucci, daughter of James and Heather Marinucci of Eagle Point, attending University of Arizona – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Paige Schiffer, daughter of Darren and Robyn Schiffer of Medford, attending South Medford High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Wren Rambo, son of Tom and Sidney Rambo of Central Point, attending United States Military Academy Prep School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.

Josephine County

Avarly Barnett, daughter of Christopher and Stefani Barnett of Grants Pass, attending New Hope High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Addison Cox, daughter of Donald Cox and Crystal Schumacher of Grants Pass, attending Logos Public Charter School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy and United States Air Force Academy.

Owen Hull, son of Brett and Kim Hull of Grants Pass, attending Grants Pass High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Phurin Veeraumpaipong, son of Christopher and Sunita Ogle of Grants Pass, attending Southern Oregon University – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and United States Naval Academy.

Klamath County

Joseph Jennings, son of Jason and Lesli Jennings of Klamath Falls, attending Mazama High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Jason Kern, son of Bren and Dorthy Kern of Klamath Falls, attending Henley High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. 

Konnor Lilly, son of Michael and Katherine of Klamath Falls, attending the United States Air Force Academy Prep School - nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.

Malheur County

Kase Schaffeld, son of Steve and Jeri Schaffeld of Vale, attending Vale High School - nominated to the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy.

Wasco County

Cody Agidius, son of Steve and Dawn Agidius, attending The Dalles High School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and United States Military Academy.

Umatilla County

Cash Paullus, son of Joshua and Heidi Paullus, attending Pendleton High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.