Congressman Issa Announces Service Academy Appointments

May 20, 2025 Press Release Escondido - Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) has announced six outstanding students from California’s 48 th Congressional District received appointments to the U.S. Service Academies. Issa said, “On behalf of our community, I congratulate these remarkable young students on their distinguished appointments.  I trust they will go on to serve this country with courage and commitment. We are all eager to see the illustrious leaders they will become.” Each year, members of the U.S. House and Senate nominate high school seniors from their community for admission to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval academies. Nominees were reviewed by a skilled panel of local community members. Congressman Issa hosted a congratulatory breakfast with the students and their family as well as military community members. Image Feature Photo (from Left to Right): Sawyer Dann, Maximus Cruz, Timothy Ryu, Kelsey Ko.     Not pictured: Jeff Bunch, Elyor Muhammadiyev. Air Force Academy Kelsey Ko Kelsey resides in Temecula and will graduate from the ICL Academy. She is the Team Captain of her tennis team and earned the MVP award for her outstanding play. Kelsey is also a member of the National Honor Society. Sawyer Dann Sawyer resides in Poway and will graduate from Classical Academy High School. He participates in varsity Track and Field, Soccer and Football. Sawyer is a member of the National Honor Society and he is an Eagle Scout. U.S. Military Academy/West Point Jett Bunch Jett resides in Murrieta and will graduate from Vista Murrieta High School. He plays varsity Rugby and Football, where he is Team Captain for each. He is his distinguished Class President. Timothy Ry Timony resides in Poway and graduated from Poway High School. He attended the US Naval Sea Cadets program. He participated in Track and Field and Color Guard. Elyor Muhammadiyev Elyor is from Murrieta and a 2023 graduate of Murrieta High School. He participated in the Naval Sea Cadet program. Merchant Marine Academy Maximus Cruz Maximus is from Julian and attends Julian Union High School. Maximus serves as Student Council Treasurer and he plays varsity Football and Baseball. ### Issues : Education Veterans and the Military