Johnson Announces Service Academy Appointments

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced nine South Dakotans will be attending the United States service academies. They will begin their military training at their respective schools in June. Johnson nominated each of these students in December 2025, and they recently accepted their appointment offers. This is a highly competitive process; approximately ten percent of applicants receive appointment offers across the five service academies.

"One of the best parts of my job is nominating South Dakota's best and brightest who strive to begin their service to our country at one of our nation's esteemed service academies," said Johnson. "These students are exceptional, and their willingness to dedicate their lives to defending America's freedom is honorable. I know they will all represent South Dakota well at their respective institutions."

Representative Johnson's Class of 2030 Service Academy Appointees:

Miles Bender - United States Air Force Academy

Miles Bender of Sioux Falls, S.D. will be attending the United States Air Force Academy and intends to study operations research or civil engineering. He is eager to serve his country and live by a code.

Miles participated with the Civil Air Patrol's youth cadet program for three years and held leadership roles at O'Gorman High School in campus ministry, rotary club, and student council, including student council president. He was a member of O'Gorman's Hope Squad, which helps fellow students with mental health issues, and as a regular volunteer at a local meal ministry. Additionally, Miles participated in football, tennis, and powerlifting. Each of these have instilled "a sense of discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence - qualities that align and are upheld by the service academy." His mentors say, "Miles excels at those traits that aren't always measurable." He's looking forward to the daily sports, beautiful nature of Colorado Springs, CO, and the drive of like-minded people.

Kanin Booth - United States Air Force Academy

Kanin Booth of Summerset, S.D. will be attending the United States Air Force Academy. Attending an academy was a childhood goal for Kanin. As a JROTC Cadet, Command Sergeant Major Kanin served as the Drill Team Captain and Color Guard Trainer. Kanin volunteered more than 320 community service hours, worked several jobs, and was very active in community programs such as the Future Business Leaders of America, he co-founded the Rapid City Student School Board, participated in the Rapid City Police cadet program, attended Boys State, and served as a delegate to the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C.

Kanin wants to major in Military and Strategic Studies and pursue a career in Air Force Special Warfare upon graduation. More specifically, he wants to be a Combat Rescue Officer. "I strive to challenge myself both mentally and physically," Kanin explained. "I believe that one can't learn to develop as a person unless they place themselves in situations that challenge them to adapt and overcome."

Max Cook - United States Air Force Academy

Max Cook of Gregory, S.D. will be attending the United Staes Air Force Academy. Inspired by the military service of both of his parents, Max has desired to serve his country for a long time. "Above all, the opportunity to serve my country at the highest level, and to become the best leader that I can be is what draws me to this noble institution," Max says.

While at Gregory High School, Max participated in track and field, qualifying for the state meet. At a world engineering competition in Minneapolis, MN, Max and his team designed and built their own wind turbine. Max has spent this past year at the United States Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO, where he was selected as flight commander. Leading 22 of his peers has been a jump start to his military career and strengthened his leadership skills.

Esten Foss -United States Military Academy

Esten Foss of Aberdeen, S.D. will be attending the United States Military Academy, where during a summer leadership program he attended as a high school junior, Esten witnessed how respect and duty were engrained in not only every cadet, but military faculty and civilian employees too. At Central High School, Esten is graduating second in his class. He participated in Boys State, was recognized for distinguished math and science skills, and has volunteered more than 100 service hours in his community.

Esten ran track and field, was captain of his cross-country team, and was also captain of his wrestling team. "What impresses me most about Esten is the level of passion he has for working with his teammates," his cross-country coach explained. Esten adds, "It is my duty to ensure that I hold myself to be an example of what I want the team to be through perseverance, consistency, and above all, a good attitude."

Lincoln Mansfield -United States Naval Academy

Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley, S.D. is a Naval Academy Foundation Scholar at the Georgia Military Academy and will be attending the United States Naval Academy this summer. Attending a preparatory school gave Lincoln a chance to further hone his skills and get ready for the academy.

At Viborg-Hurley High School, Lincoln was on the Superior Honor roll six times and High Honor Roll one semester, and achieved All State Academic All Star for football, baseball, and track. He served as the junior class president and participated in Boys State. Lincoln is heavily involved with his community as a volunteer firefighter, T-ball coach, and softball umpire. Lincoln believes, "being an officer in the Navy will allow me to help, serve, lead, and guide people."

Tyler Mueller - United States Air Force Academy

Tyler Mueller of Rapid City, S.D. will be attending the United States Air Force Academy to study aeronautical engineering. Tyler graduated ninth of his 367 classmates from Stevens High School. He participated in Rapid Acceleration, South Dakota's only FIRST® Robotics Competition team, where his team developed an award-winning open-source dashboard, autonomous navigation, and localization system on a competitive robot. Tyler also participated in a South Dakota School of Mines internship where he simulated the extraction of toxins from soil and researched substitute materials for vascular grafts. Additionally, Tyler conducted STEM outreach for Title I schools where he noted, "presenting these findings confirmed that research is not just about gaining knowledge but about using it to serve others."

Applying this same work ethic to military service, Tyler said, "I am certain that service and leadership are demonstrated through the consistent actions of those who endeavor valiantly in a worthy cause." He's most looking forward to the camaraderie at USAFA.

Grant Roth - United States Military Academy

Grant Roth of Sioux Falls, S.D. will be attending his first-choice school, the United States Military Academy, where he will major in mechanical engineering. A top performer at O'Gorman High School, Grant excelled in academics, football, powerlifting, and track. Outside of school, Grant participated in Boys State, served on the Sioux Falls Mayor's Youth Council, was a Senate Page for the South Dakota state legislature, and participated on a mission trip to Guatemala. Furthermore, Grant has distinguished himself through his achievement as an Eagle Scout and as a mentor.

Always seeking to grow and push himself, Grant expressed his motivation to apply to the service academies is rooted in discipline and training himself physically, mentally, and morally. He's looking forward to continuing his personal character development and the rigorous education that lies ahead at such a prestigious school.

Trinidy Sorensen - United State Naval Academy

Trinidy Sorensen of Sioux Falls, S.D. will be attending the United States Naval Academy and majoring in chemistry. At Lincoln High School, Trinidy demonstrated both academic and athletic excellence. She was a top performer in her AP classes and served as the president and secretary for the National Honor Society. Trinidy participated in track, basketball, marksmanship, and served as the wrestling team captain. Trinidy was also the executive officer for her MCJROTC unit and intends to try out for the USNA silent drill team. Outside of school, Trinidy served others in her community through Faith Temple food giveaway, VFW pancake feeds, and several mission trips.

Trinidy was inspired to serve others by her parents' example. She writes, "They instilled in me a sense of respect and a duty to help others." After the Naval Academy, she hopes to serve in either Explosive Ordinance Disposal or Surface Warfare in the Navy.

Anders Van Olson - United States Military Academy

Anders Van Olson of Yankton, S.D. will be attending the United States Military Academy to study cybersecurity. Anders is most excited to participate in West Point's leadership development program; he desires to serve his country and be the best version of himself that he can be. At Yankton High School, Anders was on the Honor Roll of Excellence all four years. He was on the hockey team, trap team, and a leader in orchestra, where he achieved first chair first violin, and was selected to All-State Orchestra three years in a row.

Anders is inspired to serve by his grandfather, who served on destroyer escorts in World War II, and by the battlefield history of the upper plains at places like the Little Bighorn. Reflecting on these examples, Anders says he "started to understand the process of training officers and the role of the academies in America's defense."