Press Release

Senator Gillibrand Announces 2013 Academy Nominations from Upstate New York

Feb 15, 2013

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today her nominations of Upstate New Yorkers to the nation’s leading service institutions – the United States Air Force, Military, Naval and Merchant Marine Academies. 

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies. 

“Our Service Academies are distinguished by a devotion to honor, courage and commitment,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I am honored to nominate these young, talented New Yorkers who exemplify these core values. It is my hope that the accomplished nominees have the chance to live their dreams and serve in our country’s armed forces with distinction.”  

 

Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed by their hometown and Academies:

 

Western New York

Bridget Kennedy (Grand Island, Erie County) United States Naval Academy

Allison Voll (East Amherst, Erie County) United States Military Academy at West Point

Eric Zielen-Ersing (Buffalo, Erie County) United States Air Force Academy

Rochester-Finger Lakes Region

Daniel Hogestyn  (Rochester, Monroe County) United States Military Academy at West Point

Emily Tucker (Rochester, Monroe County) United States Naval Academy

Central New York

Zachary Blanks (Clinton, Oneida County) United States Air Force Academy

Margaret Bushmann (Deansboro, Oneida County) United States Naval Academy

Homer Davis (Syracuse, Onondoga County) United States Air Force Academy

Taylor Maroni (North Syracuse, Onondaga County) United States Military Academy at West Point

Capital Region

Robert Lansing (Menands, Albany County) United States Air Force Academy

Gerald McDonough (Delmar, Albany County) United States Military Academy at West Point

North Country Region

Matthew Whitcomb (Massena, St. Lawrence County) United States Military Academy at West Point

Hudson Valley

Drew Thorpe (Cornwall, Orange County) United States Merchant Marine Academy

Ashley Torres (Newburgh, Orange County) United States Air Force Academy

Nahm Doug Kim (Putnam Valley, Putnam County) United States Military Academy at West Point

Jose Arroyo (Yonkers, Westchester) United States Naval Academy

Helen Robertson (Pelham, Westchester County) United States Naval Academy

Mary Robertson (Rye, Westchester County) United States Naval Academy

Paige Rutkoske (Beacon, Dutchess County) United States Military Academy at West Point