11.06.14

Hoeven Nominates Six Students for Military Academy Appointments

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven announced today that he has nominated six North Dakota students for appointment to our nation’s military academies. Hoeven nominated: Cody Eisenbeisz of West Fargo and Malinda Tjelta of Sheyenne to the United States Naval Academy; Reed Johnson of Dickinson and Kelvin Caga of Fargo to the United States Military Academy at West Point; Julius Smith of Minot to the United States Air Force Academy; and Wagner Mogga of Fargo to the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

“North Dakotans have a long and proud tradition of serving in our nation’s armed forces,” Hoeven said. “It is a privilege and an honor to help continue that tradition by nominating some of our state’s most talented young men and women for appointments to our nation’s prestigious military academies. Due to their academic successes, involvement in their communities and their strong desire to serve our country, I am confident that these students will represent and serve our state and nation well.”

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 2016-2017 should submit an application by September 2015. Additional information on service academy nominations is available through Senator Hoeven’s website at www.hoeven.senate.gov.

Hoeven nominated the following North Dakota students for academy appointments:

United States Naval Academy

Cody Eisenbeisz, West Fargo, N.D.

Cody is a senior at West Fargo High School where is he ranked number 11 of 335 students in the class of 2015. Cody is an Eagle Scout, attended North Dakota Boys State, played in the Fargo Moorhead Area Youth Symphony, is a member of the Junior Bank Board, served as president of the State National Honor Society and has been involved in cross country, swimming and track and field with the West Fargo Packers. He has also participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, North Dakota High School Activities Association’s Student Congress and West Fargo High School’s Student Council and School Orchestra. In his spare time, Cody enjoys camping, music, working out, reading, vacationing and is an avid sports fan. Cody has a twin sister and is the son of Ed and Shelley Eisenbeisz.

Malinda Tjelta, Sheyenne, N.D.

Malinda will graduate this spring from New Rockford-Sheyenne Public School with the class of 2015. Malinda has been very active in her school and community with involvement in basketball, track, student council, state music contests, FFA and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She has been a camp counselor with various church camps throughout her high school years. Malinda enjoys 4-H shooting sports, especially archery, trap shooting, rodeo involvement and dog sled racing. Malinda received two humanitarian awards in 2013 and served as a page at the North Dakota Republican Convention. One of Malinda’s greatest accomplishments was training, participating in and finishing the 158-mile Jr. Iditarod in 2013. She has spoken to various groups throughout North Dakota and Minnesota about this experience and was chosen to be the keynote speaker for a 4-H Awards Banquet. Malinda is the daughter of Peter and Jodi Tjelta.

United States Military Academy (West Point)

Reed Johnson, Dickinson, N.D.

Reed Johnson is a senior at Dickinson High School and is ranked number 23 of 199 students in the class of 2015. Reed has been involved in speech, band, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society, Acalympics, Technology Students Association, Boy Scouts of America, was elected governor of the 2014 session of North Dakota Boys State and attended 2014 Boys Nation as a delegate and the Secretary of Defense Boys Nation. Reed is an avid hunter, enjoys reading about Military History and writing. Reed is the son of Shane Johnson and Jennifer Johnson.

Kelvin Caga, Fargo, N.D.

Kelvin Caga is a senior at Fargo Shanley High School and will graduate in the spring of 2015. Kelvin has been actively involved in JRROTC for four years. Kelvin is a scholar, leader and athlete who has kept very busy with a variety of activities throughout his high school career. He played football, basketball and ran track for the Deacons, was a member of the 2012 State Champion football team and was named to the all-conference team that year. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Key Club and the Shanley Service Club. Kelvin has volunteered numerous hours with various events throughout the community. In his spare time he enjoys swimming, fishing and jet skiing. Kelvin is the son of Evelyne Niyonzima.

United States Air Force Academy

Julius Smith, Minot, N.D.

Julius Smith is currently enlisted in the Air Force and serving at the Minot Air Force Base as an E-4. Julius is currently a B-52 Crew Chief and has aspirations to further his education with hopes of obtaining a commission at the United States Air Force. Julius has attended classes at Minot State University and has been involved in many other community and school activities including youth leadership events, volunteering at the North Dakota State Fair, math competitions, football and track. Julius was involved with leadership seminars while deployed to Guam and has received numerous recognitions at the Minot Air Force Base. Some of Julius’ hobbies are camping, hiking, roller skating, ice fishing and snowboarding. Julius is the son of Lavon Smith and Dian Torvai.

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Wagner Mogga, Fargo, N.D.

Wagner Mogga is an avid soccer player and has been involved with many soccer camps and other community activities working with children. He has volunteered numerous hours with underprivileged children. Wagner hopes to receive a military commission from the Merchant Marine Academy and become an engineer or Contracting Office in the Armed Forces. Wagner is the son of Oliver Mogga.