New Mexico’s U.S. senators, Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, have nominated six students from Sandoval County to the United States Service Academies.
“Our nation’s service academies offer a rigorous education and hands-on training that develop future leaders for the armed forces while equipping graduates with skills that last beyond their time in uniform,” Heinrich said in a news release. “These students represent the very best of New Mexico, showing incredible dedication and a strong commitment to service. I applaud their decision to step forward and serve our country.”
A congressional nomination does not guarantee acceptance — it’s a condition of acceptance, placing the candidate in the running, but the academy chooses whom to admit.
The following Sandoval County students received nominations:
U.S. Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, Colo.)
- Aaron Lopez (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Heinrich
- Aubrey Ytuarte (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Heinrich and Luján
- Andrew Kevan (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Luján
U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis, Md.)
- Andrew Kevan (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Heinrich
- Aubrey Ytuarte (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Luján
- Aidan Haddox (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Luján
U.S. Military Academy (West Point, N.Y.)
- Isabella Jarvis (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Heinrich
- Quanah Morning-Star (Cochiti Pueblo) — Nominated by Heinrich and Luján
- Aaron Lopez (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Luján
- Nicholas Sirignano (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Luján
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, N.Y.)
- Quanah Morning-Star (Cochiti Pueblo) — Nominated by Heinrich
- Isabella Jarvis (Rio Rancho) — Nominated by Heinrich
- Briggs Szanto (Corrales) — Nominated by Luján
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is the only service academy that does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.
The United States Service Academies offer four-year college educations to qualified students. Graduates receive commissions in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marine, or Coast Guard, and are obligated to serve for at least five years after graduation.
“New Mexico has a proud tradition of service across every branch of our military, and I’m honored to nominate some of our state’s best and brightest to our United States Service Academies,” said Senator Luján. “These young leaders have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, character, and a deep sense of duty. Each student has demonstrated a commitment to serving our state and country, and I know they will continue to make New Mexico proud.”