11.02.12

Hoeven Nominates 10 Students for Military Academy Appointments

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven announced today that he has nominated 10 students for appointment to our nation’s military academies. Hoeven awarded nominations to: Christine Baltezore of West Fargo and Kyson Smith of Minot for the U.S. Air Force Academy; Richard Brooks of Pembina for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Zachary Becker of Grand Forks, Dillon Bommersbach of Grand Forks and Tyler Young of Grand Forks for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; and Brian Anderson of Harvey, Taylor Chavez of Minot, Shane DuBord of Fargo and Joshua Zetocha of Fargo for the U.S. Naval Academy.

“Our nation’s military academies train and educate the future leaders of our nation,” said Hoeven. “It is an honor to nominate some of our state’s best and brightest students for appointments to the U.S Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies. These students excel academically, in their athletic endeavors and still find time to serve their communities. They will represent North Dakota well at our nation’s service academies.”

As part of the application process, service academies require students to be nominated by a member of Congress or the Vice President. Final appointments are determined by each academy. Students appointed to the academies receive a scholarship as well as a military appointment. Following graduation, students must serve in the military for at least five years. Individuals interested in applying for a military academy nomination for academic year 2014-2015 should submit an application by September 2013. Additional information on service academy nominations is available through Senator Hoeven’s website at www.hoeven.senate.gov.

United States Air Force Academy

  • Christine Baltezore, West Fargo

Christine is the daughter of James and Joan Baltezore. She is a senior at West Fargo High School, where she is captain of the cross country team and active in basketball and track and field. Christine is active in her community volunteering to help coach youth basketball and organize a benefit for a teammate suffering from cancer. She is a member of the National Honor Society and plays in the school band.

  • Kyson Smith, Minot

Kyson is the son of Kelby and Cyndy Smith. He is a senior at Minot High School, where he participates in baseball, basketball and swimming. He is a member of the school band and jazz band. He is also a member of the National Honor Society as well as the junior Olympic curling team, which placed at nationals.

United States Merchant Marine Academy

  • Richard Brooks, Pembina

Richard is the son of Jeff Brooks and a senior at North Border High School. He is active in track and field and cross country. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and the student council. Richard is active in North Dakota Boys State, and volunteers at the library and with Relay for Life.

United States Military Academy at West Point

  • Zachary Becker, Grand Forks

Zachary is the son of Army Sgt. Maj. David and Yvonne Becker and a freshman at the University of North Dakota. He is active in the Army ROTC at UND and the UND Frisbee team. During high school, Zachary participated in the Junior ROTC, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad and played in the wind ensemble, jazz band and marching band. He also participates in a number of community volunteer efforts.

  • Dillon Bommersbach, Grand Forks

Dillon is the son of Lori Bommersbach and a senior at Grand Forks Red River High School. He is a member of the Junior ROTC and part of the Color Guard/Drill/PT teams. Dillon plays football and is also a member of the wrestling, golf and swim teams.

  • Tyler Young, Grand Forks

Tyler is the son of Frank and Emily Young, both active duty in the U.S. Air Force. He is a senior at Grand Forks Central High School, where he plays football, wrestles and runs cross country. He is a member of the National Honor Society and active in the Air Force Junior ROTC, DECA, Future Business Leaders of America and North Dakota Boys State.

United States Naval Academy

  • Brian Anderson, Harvey

Brian is the son of Paul and Vanessa Anderson and a freshman at North Dakota State University, where he is majoring in Industrial Engineering. In high school, Brian was a member of the football team, active in drama and captain of the speech team. He was named all-state speaker for two years. He also participated in band and choir and was a member of the National Honor Society. Brian has received numerous Future Farmers of America (FFA) awards and is a former FFA chapter president and currently is the state Northeast Region Vice President for FFA.

  • Taylor Chavez, Minot

Taylor, the son of Jerry and Laura Chavez, is a senior at Minot High School. He is active in tennis and track and field, a member of the National Honor Society, the orchestra and Character Counts. Taylor has completed mission trips to Romania and California.

  • Shane DuBord, Fargo

Shane, a senior at Shanley High School, is the son of Mark and Colleen DuBord. He is captain of the soccer team, and a 2011 all conference soccer player. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Teens for Life and a Student Ambassador. Shane is also president of the Key Club and has received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and the Bryan J. Smith Foundation Scholarship. Shane volunteers with various community activities.

  • Joshua Zetocha, Fargo

Joshua, the son of Dale and Carol Zetocha, is a senior at Shanley High School. He participates in soccer, track and field, swimming and drama. He is a member of the Spanish Club and Students Today Leaders Forever.