North Texas News

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Rules Committee, announced the Class of 2028 students from the 26th Congressional District who have accepted appointments to attend the United States Service Academies.

“I am honored to announce the extraordinary students of the 26th District of Texas who have accepted to serve our country and attend our nation’s service academies," said Chairman Burgess. "I was honored to meet these students who will be the next generation of men and women who will defend the values of Americans. I am grateful to them for accepting the call to serve the United States and wish them all the best as they begin their professional careers in the most powerful military in the world.”

US Military Academy (Army) - Hometown

James Christopher Beckett - Highland Village

Oziel Carillo - Rhome

Zebulon James Minear - Lewisville

Sakshat Ashish Puri - Flower Mound

Natalie Elena Spangher - Flower Mound

US Naval Academy - Hometown

Gavin James Kurkowski - Double Oak

Dathyn Paxton - Corinth

Wayne Robert Pritts - Argyle

Jackson Runyan - Frisco

Yebom Yang - Prosper

US Merchant Marine Academy - Hometown

Matthew Bellar - Corinth

US Air Force Academy - Hometown

Lillian Celeste Buchanan - Flower Mound

Kaden Christian Freeman - Frisco

Eli Rush Herrin - Frisco

Benjamin Charles Rosa - Frisco

US Coast Guard Academy Hometown

Adam Alami – Lewisville

Hannah Edwards – Highland Village

Joseph Mason – Lewisville

The incoming Class of 2028 service academy appointees were honored at a reception hosted by the City of The Colony. Mayor Richard Boyer welcomed the appointees, their families, and members of Congressman Burgess’ Service Academy Board. The colors were presented by the American Legion Holley-Riddle Post 21 Honor Guard.

At the reception, each appointee in attendance was presented with a Special Certificate of Congressional Recognition and a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol at the request of Congressman Burgess in honor of their appointments. These appointees reside in the 26th Congressional District and received a nomination from their Member of Congress, the Vice President, or one of the Academy Superintendents.

Students in each Congressional District may be appointed to attend several service academies: U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, CT does not require a congressional nomination.

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