Sen. Cruz’s Service Academy Nominations Board Holds Annual Meeting
‘I look forward to nominating the most qualified Texans to continue our great legacy of service to this nation’
AUSTIN, Texas – The Service Academy Nominations Board, established by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in 2013, today held its annual meeting virtually to review applications and recommend the most qualified Texas candidates for nomination to our nation's distinguished service academies.
Upon completion of the meeting, Sen. Cruz said:
“Few states have given more in the service of our nation than the Lone Star State. Generations of Texans have made the courageous commitment to defend our nation, our Constitution, and preserve our way of life. I'm honored to call Chairman Birdwell a friend, and am grateful for his leadership, as well as all those who serve on the board. We have many incredible young men and women to consider for nominations, and I look forward to nominating the most qualified Texans to continue our great legacy of service to this nation.”
BACKGROUND
The Board is comprised of service academy alumni, members of the National Guard and Reserves, active duty and retired military as well as civilians retired from the U.S. Department of Defense, and proud leaders and supporters of our military from across Texas. The Board is responsible for assessing hundreds of service academy applications each year. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Brian Birdwell, a native Texan and decorated military veteran representing Texas Senate District 22, serves as chairman. After Sen. Cruz nominates 40 applicants, the service academies will make their selections early next year.
Sen. Cruz's 2020 Service Academy Nominations Board members include:
- Sen. Brian Birdwell, Chairman, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army, Granbury, Texas
- Judge Ernest Aliseda, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.), U.S. Army Reserve, McAllen, Texas
- Nick Breedlove, Commander, U.S. Navy Reserve, Fort Worth, Texas
- David Bristol, Major (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, Prosper, Texas
- Tanner Cedrone, Commander, Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, Lewisville, Texas
- Mali Cornitius, Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, League City, Texas
- Ken Cox, Major General (Ret.), U.S. Army, Harker Heights, Texas
- Adriana Cruz, Austin, Texas
- Steve Dement, Tyler, Texas
- Victor Flores, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, McAllen, 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
- Grant Moody, Major, US Marine Corps Reserve, San Antonio, Texas
- Erin Naranjo, Captain, US Air Force, Round Rock, Texas
- Gus Rodriguez, El Paso, Texas
- Judith Schanno, Captain, U.S. Air Force, Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas
- Dr. Annie Sobel, Major General, U.S. Army & Texas Army National Guard, Lubbock, Texas
- Rep. James White, Captain, U.S. Army, Woodville, Texas
- The Honorable Kay Yeager, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Judge Jaime Tijerina, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Reserve, Mission, Texas
###
