Sen. Cruz’s Service Academy Nominations Board Holds Annual Meeting
Board members review Texas applications for U.S. Service Academies
AUSTIN, Texas – The Service Academy Nominations Board, established by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in 2013, today held its annual meeting to review applications and recommend the most qualified Texas candidates for nomination to our nation’s distinguished service academies.
Responsible for assessing hundreds of service academy applications, the Board is comprised of service academy alumni, members of the National Guard and Reserves, active duty and retired military, and former members of the U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Defense. The board is currently chaired by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian Birdwell, a native Texan and decorated military veteran representing Texas Senate District 22.
“Texas is honored to be the home of so many young men and women driven by a higher calling to service above self,” Sen. Cruz said. “Their commitment to our nation and freedom is inspiring. I’m grateful to Chairman Birdwell and all of the board members for their considerable wisdom and expertise in reviewing this year’s applicants, and I look forward to nominating the most qualified Texans through a fair and objective process.”
“The State of Texas has a rich heritage of service in America’s Armed Forces. It is an honor for myself and the rest of the Board to be a part of the selection process that will carry forward that tradition.” Chairman Birdwell said.
After Sen. Cruz nominates 60 applicants, the service academies will make their selections early next year.
Sen. Cruz’s 2018 Service Academy Nominations Board members include:
Sen. Brian Birdwell, Chairman
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army
Granbury, Texas
Judge Ernest Aliseda
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve
McAllen, Texas
Barry Beck
Captain, U.S. Marine Corps
Midland, Texas
Nick Breedlove
Commander, U.S. Navy Reserve
Fort Worth, Texas
David Bristol
Major (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
Prosper, Texas
Nathan Cook
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Reserve
Magnolia, Texas
Ken Cox
Major General (Ret.), U.S. Army
Harker Heights, Texas
Adriana Cruz
San Marcos, Texas
Steve Dement
Tyler, Texas
Alicia Dunn
Temple, Texas
Larry Gill, II
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army
Round Rock, Texas
Keith Graf
Texas Military Preparedness Commission
Austin, Texas
Frank Kisner
Lieutenant General (Ret.), U.S. Air Force
Austin, Texas
Rex Lemert
Captain, U.S. Army
Amarillo, Texas
The Honorable Dennis L. Lewis
Texas Military Preparedness Commission
Texarkana, Texas
Cody McGregor
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Houston, Texas
Dr. David McIntyre
Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army
College Station, Texas
Mark McLaughlin
Captain (Ret.), U.S. Navy
Flatonia, Texas
Grant Moody
Major, US Marine Corps Reserve
San Antonio, Texas
Judith Schanno
Captain, U.S. Air Force
Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas
The Honorable Keith Self
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army
McKinney, Texas
Robert “Jerry” Strader, Sr.
Brigadier General (Ret.), U.S. Army
Abilene, Texas
Judge Jaime Tijerina
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve
Mission, Texas
The Honorable Kay Yeager
Wichita Falls, Texas
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