WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a combat veteran and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today (Wednesday) that she has nominated 41 Iowa students to be considered for appointments to United States Service Academies. The nominations she says, are a critical part of the admission process, and that it is her honor assist them in their goal to serve the Country. Ernst said These exemplary young Iowans have exhibited leadership skills, dedication to academics, and commitment to their communities, and I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish.”

Each year, Senator Ernst has the honor and responsibility of nominating Iowa students to the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  Among the list of the students nominated by Senator Ernst for the Class of 2022 is:

United States Air Force Academy

Christine Hess, Shelby

Joseph Kenkel, Panama

and Cody Meyers, Pacific Junction

United States Naval Academy

Ian Kennedy, Stuart

August Taylor, Villisca

United States Military Academy at West Point

Carli Hansen, Adel

Claire Jones, Council Bluffs

Senator Ernst received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University where she joined the university’s ROTC program. After graduating, Ernst was commissioned as an officer in U.S. Army Reserves, and after a few years in the Reserves, transferred to the Iowa National Guard. In 2003, she served as a company commander in Kuwait and Iraq, leading 150 Iowa Army National Guardsmen during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Senator Ernst retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard after 23 years of military service.