Rep. Ronny Jackson Announces 2026 Service Academy Acceptances from TX-13

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Ronny Jackson (TX-13) announced that nine students from Texas' 13th Congressional District were accepted to U.S. Service Academies. As a member of Congress, Jackson can nominate students from TX-13 for appointments to the United States Air Force, Naval, Military (West Point), and Merchant Academies. “Congratulations to these nine exceptional students on their acceptance to our nation’s service academies,” said Rep. Jackson. “Their decision to serve reflects a deep sense of duty, sacrifice, and love of country. They have brought great pride to their families, communities, and our nation. I thank them for their commitment and look forward to watching them grow into the next generation of leaders in the United States Armed Forces.” Noah Hogan, from Denton High School, received an official appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He is the son of Patrick and Natalia Hogan. James Bland III, from West Plains High School, received an official appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He is the son of James and Lacy Bland. Matthew Bickel, from U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, received an official appointment to the United States Naval Academy. He is the son of Elliott and Melissa Bickel. Lorelei Mitchell, from Memorial High School, received an official appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. She is the daughter of Michael and Jessica Mitchell. Meredith Earp, from Victory Christian Academy, received an official appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. She is the daughter of Brandon and Trisha Earp. Christian Hammond, from Meridian High School, received an official appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. He is the son of Christopher Hammond and Cara Rindy. Emily Sims, from Tascosa High School, was accepted into the Air Force Academy Preparatory School. She is the daughter of Kevin Sims and Maribel Guerrero Carrasco. Barrett Stroud, from Amarillo High School, received an official appointment to the United States Military Academy. He is the son of Robert and Kristin Stroud. Chad Gay, from U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, received an official appointment to the United States Military Academy. He is the son of Christopher Gay and Arwyna Randall-Gay. ###