Grassley Nominates 34 Iowa Students for Military Academies

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has proudly announced his nominations of 34 exceptional Iowa students to some of the nation's most prestigious military academies for the academic year 2025-2026. This annual tradition showcases the talents, leadership qualities, and commitment to service of young men and women in Iowa, reflecting their potential to excel in the military field.

Grassley stated, “I’m honored to nominate these 34 extraordinary Iowans to our nation’s prestigious military academies. These young men and women represent Iowa’s best and brightest. Their accomplishments, leadership, and desire to serve are commendable. I look forward to seeing all they accomplish going forward.”

List of Nominated Students

Grassley typically nominates students for the following military academies:

• United States Air Force Academy
• United States Military Academy at West Point
• United States Naval Academy
• United States Merchant Marine Academy

Below is the list of nominees for this year:

United States Air Force Academy

• Trenton Abel, Toddville
• Emmett Bartels, Runnells
• Sean Bendinger, West Des Moines
• Alexis Bogardus, Granger
• Brayden Bohnsack, La Porte City
• Grant Dunn, Johnston
• Benjamin Green, West Des Moines
• Eliana Hansen, Cedar Rapids
• Shae Magley, Cedar Falls
• Amelia Porisch, St. Ansgar
• Ky Wilkens, Dallas Center

United States Military Academy at West Point

• Eric Ding, Davenport
• MacKenzie Fah, Bettendorf
• Theodore Hartwig, Marion
• MacKenzie McClelland, Grinnell
• Aiden Price, Davenport
• Abigail Sander, Polk City
• Naomi Templeman, Dallas Center
• Jonah Zimmer, Sperry

United States Naval Academy

• Madison Andrews, Maysville
• Ava Blankenship, Ankeny
• Ella Goodrich, Adel
• Ellie Hance, Palo
• Evan Kohlsdorf, Des Moines
• Riley Kramer, Riverdale
• Solene MacLean, Polk City
• Brigid McGowan, Sioux City
• Quentin Moore, Des Moines
• Owen Powell, Blue Grass
• Connor Rash, Ames
• Tyler Tingley, Council Bluffs
• Ryan Traynor, Urbandale
• Conrad Yates, West Des Moines

United States Merchant Marine Academy

• Sean Bendinger, West Des Moines
• Ella Goodrich, Adel
• Gage Holub, Mt. Vernon
• Conrad Yates, West Des Moines

These nominees were selected based on their achievements and potential for success in the military, underscoring the continued commitment to cultivating leadership and dedicated service in Iowa youth.

Conclusion

Senator Grassley’s nominations showcase not only the individual accomplishments of these students but also highlight the values of dedication, leadership, and public service that characterize the youth of Iowa. As these students move forward in their applications to their respective academies, the entire community looks forward to witnessing the bright futures that await them. It’s a proud moment for Iowa as these scholars step towards potential careers serving their country in the armed forces.

For more on military academy nominations, visit Grassley’s official site.