Military Academy: United States Military Academy (USMA)

Major: Physics

Hometown: Fayetteville and Austin, Texas

High School: Lake Travis High School 

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?

I believe that I was placed on this earth to help other people. I knew that no matter what I did, if it didn’t involve making the lives of others better, I would not be happy. I chose service because it was a combination of a tight knit group doing good things for people who need it the most.

There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USMA?

I chose West Point because I knew it would be the hardest out of the big three. I knew that if I wanted to serve, I wanted to come from the best academy out there.

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

Military Police

Where will your first duty station be?

Fort Stewart

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

Justin Zetterwall, he was my plebe when I was a yuk.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

This one is tough because I have loved every second of it but, looking back, I would say it was Army Navy yuk year. 

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?

You are capable of using your specific skill set to make a difference in the lives of other people. Use it, help out your classmates where they fall short, and they will do the same for you!

Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight? 

I was on the Army Rocketry and Engineering Sciences team for three years. I also co-founded Army Community Engagement, a program that allows cadets to be matched up with volunteer programs local to West Point.

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

Beef ravioli 

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?

MAJ Elizabeth Likins-Smith, my TAC officer plebe through cow year. She is the embodiment of the kind of officer I hope to be. She puts others before herself, is strong willed, tough, and a person who will help guide you to be the best leader possible. MAJ Likins-Smith truly shaped the way I see Army officers, and I was lucky enough to have her as a mentor. 

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

Thank you for all of your support, it takes a village and I am truly blessed to have one like mine.

Military Academy: United States Military Academy (USMA)

Major: International History with Thesis

Hometown: Fort Smith

High School: Northside High School

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?

It comes from a deep appreciation for the opportunities this country has given my family and me, and a desire to give back by serving our nation and its people.
There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USMA?
I've always thought the Army was the coolest among the branches, and USMA is the most prestigious—it is THE United States Military Academy, after all.

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

Field Artillery—King of Battle!

Where will your first duty station be?

Fort Drum, New York. Home of the 10th Mountain Division—Climb to Glory!

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

SSGT (R) Gary Podgurski. He was a mentor from the Civil Air Patrol squadron in Fort Smith who helped me prepare for the Academy.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

My most memorable moment was traveling to Poland with the history department during my cow year. I really enjoyed visiting such an amazing country and learning its history firsthand with my friends and mentors from the Academy.

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?

Stay fit, study hard, have fun, and take advantage of every opportunity the Academy offers. It goes by faster than you think.

Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?

I served as the Class President in 2024 and the Class Ring and Crest Committee Chairman from 2022–2024. As Chairman, I had the honor of designing the Class of 2026 Crest—For Country We Commit.

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

The one you actually have time to eat (refer to the Army Ranger Handbook Patrol Base Priorities of Work)

Who is a past or present military leader who inspires you?

General George S. Patton. He was one of the greatest U.S. Army commanders and an upstanding American.

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

I would like to thank my father, Chris; my mother, Luciana; my brother, Christopher; and everyone who has encouraged me throughout the past four years. To my fellow graduates: It's finally over.

Military Academy: United States Military Academy (USMA)

Major: Organizational Psychology

Hometown: Bentonville

High School: Bentonville High School

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?

I don’t come from a military family and in high school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to do something with my life that would leave a positive impact on others— the Army seemed like an incredible chance to do be able to do that.

There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USMA?

If you spend any time around USMA, you see statues of people—not aircraft or ships—but leaders of our military’s past. I was told the Army is a people-focused organization, and that has proven to be true.

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

Air Defense Artillery

Where will your first duty station be?

Vicenza, Italy

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

Nia Perry, one of my handball teammates.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

I don’t know if I could narrow it down to a favorite moment, but being on the handball team has been immensely rewarding and fun—we just won college nationals last month.

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? 
Do your best and be yourself! Failure is a chance to learn, and stress is an opportunity to grow. What matters the most is who you are—you know what’s right, so do the right thing. Have fun, try new things, and look out for the people around you.

Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?

I joined the handball team as a yuk—the only true women’s competitive club team at West Point. I feel so lucky to have been a part of such an incredible group of young women, and I wish I had tried out my plebe year!

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

Chili Mac—but only if you have time to heat it up.

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?

1LT Laura Walker, USMA Class of 2003, who was the first female West Point graduate killed in action in combat. She was also the captain of the handball team, as I was this past year. Everything I have read and heard from those who knew her speaks to how selfless she was. She was an authentic leader who cared deeply about her soldiers and turned down the opportunity to join the Olympic handball team to serve as a platoon leader. If I can be even a fraction of the leader she was, I will be more than satisfied.

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

Arkansas will always be home—I’m so thankful to be from NWA and for my friends and family. Nothing I have done in my life would have been possible without my roots!

Military Academy: United States Military Academy (USMA)

Major: Management

Hometown: Centerton

High School: International School Bangkok

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?

I was inspired by my father, also a West Point grad, to follow a path of service to our nation. I am also inspired by the values embedded in our Constitution and the opportunities it gives the American people.

There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USMA?

I was drawn to USMA’s history as one of the world’s preeminent leadership institutions and to the legacy of impactful leaders who have been part of the Long Gray Line. I knew I wanted to serve in the U.S. Army and be part of an organization centered on people.

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

I will be commissioning as a logistics officer upon graduation.

Where will your first duty station be?

I will be attending Logistics Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) at Fort Lee, Virginia. Upon completion of Logistics BOLC, I will be stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea, for my first assignment—13 miles from the DMZ.

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

My first salute will be rendered by CDT Ryan Jordan, a rising junior at West Point. I served as one of his cadre members during Cadet Basic Training.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

My favorite memory from my time at the Academy was completing the March Back, a 14-mile ruck march that marks the end of Cadet Basic Training. I was especially fortunate to share that moment with my father, who completed the march alongside me.

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?

One piece of advice I would give to others is to think about the kind of leader you want to become for the soldiers you will one day have the privilege to lead.

Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?

I competed in intramurals every year.

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

The best MRE is the chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables in sauce

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 military leader who inspires me is MAJ Richard Winters, a World War II veteran famously known from the book and HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. I admire his character, humility, and the trust he earned from the soldiers he led.

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

I would like to thank my family for their unwavering support along these past 47 months, especially my parents Joe and Jona Sta Romana. I would also like to thank Congressman Womack, Senator Boozman, and Senator Cotton, whose nominations provided me with the opportunity to attend West Point. It has been a privilege to pursue a challenge of my own choosing alongside my fellow Third District graduates and the rest of the graduating class.

Military Academy: United States Military Academy (USMA)

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hometown: Fayetteville

High School: Fayetteville High School

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?

The chance to be a part of something greater than myself inspired me to follow a path of service.

There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USMA?

I was drawn to USMA by the strong connection I saw between every cadet. Cadets in all four years care about the growth and development of those around them in a way unlike any other school. The common pursuit of becoming commissioned officers in the Army makes this possible.

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

Field Artillery

Where will your first duty station be?

Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

My first salute will be my plebe from my sophomore year. He is the first person I formally led at the Academy.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

My favorite memory during my time at the Academy was storming the field in Philadelphia after the Army-Navy game.

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?

Never lose sight of what work you can put in today for tomorrow’s goal.

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

The best MRE is Chili-Mac, 100%

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?

I am inspired by all the Active-Duty instructors at West Point. They chose to come back and inspire the next group of junior officers, using their experience and teaching to guide us.

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

Never miss a chance to fail, learn, and keep going. The only way to truly fail is to give up.

Military Academy: United States Naval Academy (USNA)

Major: Political Science

Hometown: Springdale

High School: Springdale High School

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation

My Dad and Stepdad both served in the Army, and it offered them the means to put their gifts to good use towards something greater than themselves. Additionally, their service allowed them to travel the world and expand their perspective beyond what they might have otherwise seen. I hope to master my craft, lead Sailors honorably, and put whatever abilities I have to good use for a higher purpose.

There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USNA?

When I visited the Naval Academy, I was drawn to its robust culture of learning, and was amazed by the variety of training that Midshipmen are exposed to. USNA crafts leaders that will do everything from lead Marines to command Submarines, and I could see that this environment would allow me to discover how I could best contribute in the Military. I was also attracted to the life of adventure that a career at sea entails, and couldn’t help but notice that Annapolis is a fantastic city that would provide a nice change of setting.

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

I will be joining Naval Aviation as a Student Naval Flight Officer.

Where will your first duty station be?

I will be attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA before beginning flight training later next year.

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

My first salute will be a freshman from my company who is a fellow member of the Glee Club.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

During the Fall semester of my Senior year, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Tallinn, Estonia to learn Russian. It was a great opportunity to thrive in a new and unfamiliar place. Additionally, it was the most passionate I’ve ever been about learning, and I’m very proud of the language progress I made. I lived with a Russian speaking host family, with whom I often had fascinating dinner conversations. I learned much about their upbringing in the Soviet Union, and gained valuable perspective about their lives and view of history. They showed me the finest hospitality I could imagine. I also learned a great deal about our Military alliances and the strategic importance of the Baltic region. I made numerous new friends, tried unique foods, attended mass in Russian, and ran my first marathon.

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 take yourself too seriously.

Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?

I have been a member of the USNA Glee Club all four years at the Academy. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Japan for a Concert tour, singing at President Carter’s Memorial Service in the Capitol Rotunda, singing at the opening of the Medal of Honor Museum, and performing alongside symphony orchestras in Dallas, Indianapolis, Richmond, and Minneapolis. I’ve made incredible friends, and enjoyed every minute along the way.

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

It’s hard not to love the 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?

Ever since I took an initial interest in the Service Academies early in High School, I have been inspired by 1LT Isaac Antony, West Point Class of 2022. He always made me believe that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. He was an invaluable role model to follow then, and has remained an incredible mentor. He’s also demonstrated to me that a deep sense of faith and a sense of duty towards the people you lead are the two most essential aspects of officership. I know that following his example is a recipe for success.

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

Go Hogs, and Beat Army!

Military Academy: United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

Major: Operations Research with Russian Minor

Hometown: Harrison

High School: Harrison High School

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?

Our country has given me so many opportunities, and the ability to serve is, in my opinion, the best way to make sure future generations are able to receive similar opportunities.

There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USAFA?

I wanted to fly planes!

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

Air Force

Where will your first duty station be?

Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma.

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

My grandpa, USMC Retired Sgt Joe Bell.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

I won NCBA Boxing Nationals twice! Before the Academy I had never thrown a punch, so going from learning to box in the class to a two-time national champion has been so rewarding.

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?

Try new things! The Academy has so many opportunities, so take a chance on yourself and try something new. Also, encourage your friends who decide to try something new, because that really helps them to keep going.

Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?

The boxing team and RUF campus ministry group!

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

Chicken chunks! They’ve got the best snacks.

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 boxing coach, Lt Col (retired) Mark Clifford. He came my junior year and has built up the women’s boxing program to win back-to-back national team titles, including the first women’s team title in USAFA history. The care he shows for every athlete on the team is a level of care that I hope to show for all of my airmen in the future.

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

God Bless America, go Air Force, beat Army, sink Navy, and Woo pig!!

Military Academy: United States Air Force Academy (USAFA)

Major: Military and Strategic Studies

Hometown: Siloam Springs

High School: Siloam Springs High School

What inspired you to follow a path of service to our nation?

I have been blessed with incredible parents and an amazing upbringing thanks to the hard work of my parents and grandparents and the opportunities that the greatest nation on earth afforded them. Additionally, I was blessed to have gotten to know a number of veterans through volunteer opportunities with Levi Douthit VFW Post 1674 and the VA hospital in Fayetteville where my mother works in palliative care. This exposure to men and women, who not only served in uniform, but have also continued to serve their communities after hanging up the uniform has and continues to have a profound effect on my perspective and desire to pursue a life of service.

There are several service academy options; what drew you to choose USAFA?

First and foremost, it was the service opportunities available within the Air Force, namely within Air Force Combat Search and Rescue and the broader AF Special Warfare Enterprise. Additionally, I was recruited to play football at the Air Force Academy, and I was able to achieve a lifelong dream of playing Division I football.

What branch/service selection will you be joining upon graduation/commissioning?

I will be assigned to the AF Special Warfare 19Z Casual Program, where I will train for the Combat Rescue Officer Pipeline.

Where will your first duty station be?

I will be assigned to USAFA as a casual LT within the 19Z Casual Program.

Do you have a planned “first salute?” Who will it be?

My first salute will be Army Sgt. Peter Moore, an Infantrymen stationed at Ft. Carson and a childhood friend.

What is your favorite/most memorable moment from your time at the Academy?

I have two memories that stand out most profoundly. Firstly, was my first start on the offensive line for the Falcons which came my junior year against the Baylor Bears in front of a sold-out stadium in Waco, Texas. Secondly, was the acceptance day parade during my sophomore/junior summer, where I had the honor of pinning on the shoulder boards of 24 of the Basic Cadets I trained during BCT.

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 take it too seriously. Find the positive in every situation. Learn to use a planner. Above all else just keep putting one boot in front of the other.

Are you on a sports team, club, or part of any other extracurricular activity that you would like to highlight?

I played four years on the Falcon football team as an offensive guard. Following the conclusion of my senior football season, I also joined the Special Warfare Club and Falcon CrossFit Team where I got to travel to Annapolis and compete against “those guys back East” one last time.

In your opinion, what is the best MRE?

Incredibly hot take but Menu 5 Chicken Chunks.

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?

The USAFA Class of 2026 chose MSgt John Chapman Combat Control Technician and Medal of Honor Recipient. As a class we were all blessed to get to know Sgt Chapman's story and meet his family. Sgt Chapman's story and the story of the battle of Takhur Gar is told in Dan Schilling's “Alone at Dawn,” and I implore all Americans to give it a read.

Lastly, any words of inspiration for your fellow Third District graduates, Arkansans, or family?

Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot chase every dream you’ve ever had. The only thing in life that truly limits you is your capacity to dream, your capacity to work, and your willingness to persevere.