Our Future Military Leaders
A Salute to Third District Military Service Academy Graduates
Earning admission to a military service academy is a unique and incredibly high honor. I’m proud to have young men and women from the Third District and across the nation who are willing to wear the uniform and swear an oath to defend the United States. Just four years ago, young Americans walked through the doors of our military service academies with a mission to serve their country and an eagerness to learn. Now, these same young patriots will leave the hallowed grounds of some of our most prestigious institutions as the next generation of leaders.
During their time at these academies, they have faced challenges, rigorous training, and tested their skills to prepare themselves to defend America at all costs. They’ve met and exceeded high standards and are ready to face their next mission.
They serve not for themselves, but for their country. Each one of these leaders decided to commit to something bigger than themselves. These young people had every opportunity in the world. Yet, they decided to follow the path of duty and service. They are willing to shoulder the patriot’s burden for all of us.
As the Chairman of the West Point Board of Visitors, a veteran, and Congressman who has the distinct privilege to nominate students to service academies each year, it’s my honor to give each of these leaders a chance to share a little about themselves and their journey. From their academic majors and commissioning news to their favorite Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) and advice to others, their words will bring insight, pride, and inspiration.
Class of 2023 – Military Service Academy Graduates:
- Ty Moran of Fort Smith (USMA)
- Madison Marsh of Fort Smith (USAFA)
- Elizabeth Lamey of Bella Vista (USAFA)
- Seth Swain of Farmington (USAFA)
Scroll down to read more from our 2023 graduates.
Ty Moran
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Military Academy: United States Military Academy (USMA)
Major: Law and Legal Studies
Hometown: Fort Smith
High School: Subiaco Academy
What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?
Logan Kremer inspired me to follow a path of service to the nation. I saw him when I was a freshman in high school, and I wanted to be like him. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 2019. He spent many hours after school working out and pushing himself to get better every day, and I wanted to be exactly like him.
There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USMA?
The reason why I chose USMA is because of my soccer coach, Jeff O’Neal. Mr. O’Neal graduated from West Point, and I knew as soon as I met him that I wanted to be like him. COL (R) O’Neal deployed with the 10th Mountain Division as a Field Artillery officer, and he also graduated from Ranger school while he was a Captain.
What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?
I chose to branch Infantry. I really enjoy the mentality of the Infantry branch. They do not try and hide the fact that it’s a tough branch, and it’s incredibly rewarding work. I do not want to be paid to sit at a desk while I am young enough to work with my hands.
Where will your first duty station be?
Fort Hood, Texas
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Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?
SGM (R) Russell Vanzant
What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?
My most memorable moment from my time at USMA was when I went to Israel on a religious retreat, and I was able to speak Arabic to some of the locals. A lot of people never end up using what they learned in school for real-world situations, but in that moment, I realized that I was not just wasting time at West Point.
Looking back at your journey, what is one piece of advice you would give to others readying to walk into their first day at the Academy?
If you want to succeed in the military and at West Point, you need to want it more than most kids want to breathe.
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In your opinion, what is the best MRE?
Will Power. RLTW!
You will join a long line of dedicated service members who have come before you in taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution and our nation. Who is a past or present military leader who inspires you?
COL (R) Fr. Matt Pawlikowski is the military leader that inspires me the most. He was awarded the Bronze Star, is a senior parachutist, and ranger qualified. He also served as the head Chaplain at West Point. Fr. Matt sets and maintains the standards even after his retirement. He is strict. Every instruction he gives or statement he says is done with confidence, precision, and most importantly discipline. He respects everyone and demands that they respect him. I will definitely model my own leadership style off of Fr. Matt’s, and I hope I can share his passion for the profession of arms.
Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?
No one can tell you what you can or cannot be. You decide for yourself.
Madison Marsh
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Military Academy: United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
Major: Physics – astrophysics focus
Hometown: Fort Smith
High School: Southside High School
What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?
I originally came to USAFA to become a fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. Now, I stay because I am drawn to the people in the Air Force – leaders who are dedicated to serving in and out of the uniform.
There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USAFA?
All of the flying programs (jump, gliders, and powered flight), top academic programs like physics and engineering, and having the most pilot slots upon graduating… not to mention waking up to beautiful mountains every morning and being an hour away from ski resorts!
What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?
Air Force
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Where will your first duty station be?
Harvard
Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?
Maura Spence-Carroll, my close friend who is an Army SPC! She is a former Miss Colorado (the first active-duty service member to compete at Miss America). I hope to follow in her footsteps and become the first officer to compete at Miss America!
What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?
Getting my class ring. I have birthstones for 3 important people in my life: my baby sister Heidi, my late flight instructor JD, and my late mom Whitney. When I look at my class ring, I think of the times I wanted to quit, but decided to stay because of these three people and more.
Looking back at your journey, what is one piece of advice you would give to others readying to walk into their first day at the Academy?
Don’t give up. There were numerous times throughout my first year when I tried to leave USAFA. Thank you to my Dad who made me stick it out because it has now become a place I love and call home. I am quite heartbroken to leave it behind, so stick it out for the good years (I promise they are coming). Life only gets better at USAFA.
Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?
Pageants: began competing my freshman year at USAFA and have loved it ever since. On May 25-27th, I will be competing for Miss Colorado!
Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?
Pageants: began competing my freshman year at USAFA and have loved it ever since. On May 25-27th, I will be competing for Miss Colorado!
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The Whitney Marsh Foundation: After my mom passed away, my family began a non-profit in her memory. We hold annual 5k/10k races in Fort Smith to raise local and national funding for pancreatic cancer. (raised about a quarter million dollars since our start and held a record breaking race for attendance in Fort Smith history)
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In your opinion, what is the best MRE?
Chili Mac
You will join a long line of dedicated service members who have come before you in taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution and our nation. Who is a past or present military leader who inspires you?
JD Williams – he was a retired Colonel, F-16 pilot, and my flying instructor. He passed away about two years ago and I wish he was here to finally see my dreams come true and graduate from USAFA. JD was truly a second dad to me and the epitome of a true leader.
Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?
“If you want a hard life, do easy things. If you want an easy life, do hard things.” Whether you find yourself at a service academy or not, fully challenge yourself. Life is short, so make it memorable. Create a life that is fulfilling and follows your dreams, not someone else’s.
Elizabeth Lamey
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Military Academy: United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Bella Vista
High School: Bentonville High School
What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?
I come from a long line of military service and wanted to carry on that tradition within my family. I also felt a higher calling to serve the nation that has given me a great life and multiple opportunities.
There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USAFA?
The culture of the Air Force and the Air Force academy was what drew me when I visited in 2015 as well as the opportunities USAFA offered during your cadet career and as an officer. Army and Navy play for second.
What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?
I will be a Combat Systems officer in the Air Force
Where will your first duty station be?
Eglin AFB, Florida
Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?
My first salute will be my father Steven Lamey.
What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?
My most memorable moment at USAFA was receiving my class ring with my best friend.
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Looking back at your journey, what is one piece of advice you would give to others readying to walk into their first day at the Academy?
Be prepared to fail, you are going to fail during your time at the academy they are designed for that, but get back up and keep fighting.
In your opinion, what is the best MRE?
Creamy Spinach Alfredo
You will join a long line of dedicated service members who have come before you in taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution and our nation. Who is a past or present military leader who inspires you?
A past military leader who inspires me is my grandfather Lt. Col (Retired) Samuel Lamey.
Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?
I wanted to thank my family especially my mom and dad who have supported throughout my entire life but especially the academy. I want to say thank you to Representative Womack for nominating me to this academy and giving me the chance to achieve my dreams.
Seth Swain
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Military Academy: United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)
Major: Management
Hometown: Farmington
High School: Farmington High School
What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?
I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my Uncle who served in the Army. I grasped the importance of serving our country from him and upholding the values that many Americans have fought and died for.
There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USAFA?
It has always been a dream to fly and USAFA presented the best opportunity for me to live out that dream. What made me to stay were the people to my left and right that also committed to serve our nation.
What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?
I will be commissioning as a United States Air Force Officer.
Where will your first duty station be?
Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
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Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?
SMSgt Wall will be my first salute the Group One SEL. He has been a great mentor from the enlisted side of the spectrum and I am very thankful for his leadership.
What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?
Ring Dance was my most memorable moment at USAFA. It is at the end of your 2-degree year prior to graduation. It is the only time at the academy when two classes have rings at the same time. A lot of hard work went into getting that ring and when you wear it, you not only represent yourself, but also all of the Long Blue Line.
Looking back at your journey, what is one piece of advice you would give to others readying to walk into their first day at the Academy?
Learn how to be comfortable being uncomfortable. Being able to think on your feet in strenuous environments is vital to your success. No place prepares you better than USAFA. That is the key to success here.
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In your opinion, what is the best MRE?
Cheese Tortellini in Tomato Sauce (Chili with beans is a close second).
You will join a long line of dedicated service members who have come before you in taking an oath to support and defend the Constitution and our nation. Who is a past or present military leader who inspires you?
My exemplar Col. Leo “Thor”sness, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Vietnam. His courage and willingness to put his life on the line for his country is very inspiring and what I aspire to be in the future.
Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?
Thank you to all the family and friends that have supported me on this journey to not only getting into USAFA but also supporting me in my time here. I would not have made it through the rigors of this intuition without all the help. Thank you to Congressman Womack on nominating me. To all the Third District graduates, congratulations on making it that far. Woo Pig Sooie as always!
Our armed forces are the strongest, bravest, and best in the world – these Arkansans will soon join their ranks. On behalf of a grateful state and nation, congratulations to these guardians of freedom, defenders of liberty, and keepers of peace! God bless you all – I know you will lead with distinction.
You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office.
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