Senator Tim Johnson | Working for South Dakota
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Today in the Senate

May 19:

The Senate will convene at 2:00 p.m. and proceed to a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.

There will be no roll call votes during Monday's session. The next vote is expected to occur Tuesday morning.

 

CONSTITUENT SERVICES: SERVICE ACADEMY: PROFILES

 

Gregory Zerr, United States Naval Academy, Class of 2008

Parents: Tom and Elizabeth Zerr, Mobridge, SD

Activities at Mobridge High School: Football, Track, Cross Country, Student Government, Quiz Bowl, Boy Scouts

Why I chose to Attend an Academy: "All of my life I have sought out challenges. I enjoy pushing myself hard to excel. The military offered an excellent opportunity for me to challenge myself and more importantly, to serve my country. A service academy provided me the best possible atmosphere to learn to be a combat leader."

What I like most about Academy Life: "The atmosphere at a military academy is unlike any other school in the extreme scene of camaraderie. I enjoy being a part of this unique band of brothers."

Current Hobbies: Varsity Track and Field, Member - Semper Fi Society

 

Joshua Zike, United States Coast Guard Academy, Class of 2005

Parents: Gregory Zike and Roxie Lehman

Activities at Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD: FBLA, Hockey, Soccer, Rugby

Why I chose to attend an Academy: "I went to a university in Nebraska for one year and felt in my heart that it was not for me, so I applied to the Coast Guard Academy and got in."

Current hobbies: President - USCGA Men's Rugby Club, Starting fly-half - Rugby, Starting right wing - Ice Hockey, Former Assistant Captain - Hockey team, Film Club, Former Treasurer - Film Club, Executive Board Member - Cadet Management Association, CGA Yacht Club member, Former Executive Officer - Echo company Corps of Cadets

 

Matthew Kohles, United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2008

Parents: Steve and Marilyn Kohls, Aberdeen, SD

Activities at Roncalli High School: Boy Scouts, Flying - I have a private pilot license, Football, Basketball, Track and Field

Why I chose to attend an Academy: "To serve my country the best way I know how, to get a great education, and to fly in the Air Force as a career."

What I like most about Academy Life: "The bond with fellow classmates after completing basic training, and receiving a great education while serving my country."

Current hobbies: Flying Club - Working towards instrument rating, Intramurals, Bible study

 

Elizabeth Brende, United States Air Force Academy, Class of 2007

Parents: Ray and Susan Brende, Yankton, SD

Activities at Yankton High School: Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Drama, Science Olympiad

My biggest challenge here: "The Air Force Academy is a work hard - play hard mentality, and it's hard to succeed if you lose sight of what you want. We take an average of 20 credit hours per semester so at times I struggle to get my work done and allow time to play."

Current hobbies: Intramurals, Art, Computers

 

Andy L. Cahoy, United States Military Academy, West Point, Class of 2009

Parents: Gary and Sandy Cahoy

Activities at Aberdeen Central High School:
Cross Country, Track, Hockey, Boys State, Show Choir, Vocal Jazz Choir, Orchestra, Drama, Boy Scouts, National Honor Society, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

Why I chose to attend an academy: I decided to attend USMA because I wanted to serve in the US Army, get a world class education, challenge myself, and experience the world. I don't regret my decision to attend USMA at all.

Current Hobbies: I am primarily involved with the Triathlon Team, and I absolutely love it. We practice running, biking and swimming on a daily basis. We like to train hard and have fun!

Other: Don't be scared away from attending an academy. I was worried before I came here that I wouldn't be well prepared. I was wrong! Growing up with a South Dakota public education prepared me just as well (if not better) than some of my classmates who were educated in some of the nation's most elite private schools. Just come motivated and ready to do your best, and you will excel past even your own expectations. I'm proud to call South Dakota my home state. After I finish my career in the Army, I want to return to South Dakota - it is such a great place to live.



Maxwell Mayer, United States Naval Academy, Class of 2008

Parents: Rich Mayer and Jayne Rubendall

Activities at Canistota High School: Football, Basketball, Golf, Track, Pep Club, Vocal, Student Council, FBLA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Why I chose to attend an Academy: "I wanted to challenge myself and I wanted to be the best. Everyday I am challenged mentally, emotionally, and physically."

Current hobbies: Mids for Kids, Intramural softball, Flag football, 2nd Company Honor Representative, 2nd Company Guide On

Other: "It takes a lot of hard work to succeed at the Academy. Interested students should prepare themselves for one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of their lives."

 


Information on Eligibility | How to Apply for a Nomination | The Academies: U.S Military Academy at West Point | U.S. Naval Academy | U.S. Air Force Academy | U.S. Coast Guard Academy | U.S. Merchant Marine Academy |
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