Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Carey (R-OH) announced nominations from Ohio’s 15th Congressional District to the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, and West Point.
“One of the greatest honors I have as a congressman is to nominate extraordinary young men and women from Ohio’s 15th Congressional District to serve their country as cadets at the United States Service Academies,” said Congressman Carey. “I’m incredibly proud of this group of nominees and after spending time with them I know they will be great additions to the U.S. military.”
Congressman Carey nominated a total of nine students from various communities across Ohio’s 15th congressional district.
- James Tarantine was nominated to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy. Tarantine attends Hilliard Davidson High School and is the son of James and Amber Tarantine.
- Charles Gill was nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. Gill attends Hilliard Bradley High School and is the son of Charles and Sherri Gill.
- Keegan Blevins was nominated to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy. Blevins attends Dublin Coffman High School and is the son of Marcus and Julie Blevins.
- Gabriel Bennett was nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. Bennett attends Canal Winchester High School and is the son of John and Avonne Bennett.
- Hunter Hinkle was nominated to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy. Hinkle attends Canal Winchester High School and is the son of Derek Hinkle and Chandra Cox.
- Gabe Lynd was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy. Lynd attends Upper Arlington High School and is the son of Tara Kim.
- Liam Benson was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy. Benson attends Grove City Christian School and is the son Glen Benson and Amy King.
- Jason Shaffer was nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. Shaffer graduated from Troy Christian High School and currently attends the Air Force Academy Prep School. He is the son of Matthew and Denise Shaffer.
- Aden Riggins was nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy. Riggins, a native of Fayette County, attends Faith Academy in the Philippines and is the son of Scot and Jill Riggins.
Each of the students submitted and was interviewed by Congressman Carey’s Military Academy Review Board. The board evaluated the students based on their academic performance, leadership ability, and community involvement.