Buchanan Announces 2026 Service Academy Appointments

On Monday, Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-Longboat Key) announced that 16 of the students he nominated have been appointed to a U.S. Service Academy.

“I would like to congratulate these exceptional young men and women on earning appointments to our nation’s prestigious U.S. Service Academies,” said Buchanan. “This achievement reflects their hard work, leadership, character and commitment to serving our country. It is a tremendous honor for these students, their families, their mentors and our entire community. I wish them continued success as they begin this important journey in service to our nation.”

Each year, members of the U.S. House and Senate nominate high school seniors in their districts and states for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies. Applicants who meet strict qualifications are interviewed and recommended by a non-partisan Service Academy Board appointed by the congressman. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination to be accepted.

The following students nominated by Buchanan received an academy appointment for the fall:

Manatee County

• Jack Crosbie, Lakewood Ranch High School, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy

• Erik Geiger Thompson, Culver Academy, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy

• Makayla Berlin, Farragut Academy, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy

• Etienne Gaillard, Acellus Academy, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy

• Dax Morgan, IMG Academy, appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy

• Aidan Peters, Georgia Military College, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy

Hillsborough County

• Caine Cokkinias, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy

• Reid Freda, Lakeland Christian High School, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy

• Tyler Stargardt, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy

• Hunter Wilk, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Military Academy

• Caitlin Nguyen, Riverview High School, appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy

• Micah Pubillones, home schooled, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy

• John Wheaton, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marines Academy

• Rory Jones, Newsome High School, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy

• Lazariyah Rashae Aranda, Naval Academy Prep School, appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy

• Levi Ward, Georgia Military College, appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy

The U.S. Service Academies are four-year post-secondary institutions that combine educational excellence with military officer training. Students accepted to the academies receive a free four-year education in return for a commitment to serve five years in the active-duty military after graduation.