Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today her nominations of Long Island residents to the nation’s leading service institutions – the United States Air Force, Military, Naval, and Merchant Marine Academies.
A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.
Senator Gillibrand said, “Our military academies are distinguished by a devotion to honor, courage and commitment. I am honored to nominate these young, talented New Yorkers who exemplify these core values. It is my hope that the accomplished nominees have the chance to live their dreams and serve in our country’s armed forces with distinction.”
Senator Gillibrand’s nominees are listed by their hometown and academies:
Long Island
David J. Nelson (Valley Stream, Nassau County). United States Military Academy at West Point.
Andrew R. Hayes (Manhasset, Nassau County). United States Naval Academy.
Glenn P. McKenna (Garden City, Nassau County). United States Naval Academy.
Hyun Mo Yoo (Jericho, Nassau County). United States Air Force Academy.
Thomas P. Johnson (Garden City, Nassau County). United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Nicholas C. Pino (Rockville Centre, Nassau County). United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Erin M. Rice (Baldwin, Nassau County). United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Brittany Dippel (Holtsville, Suffolk County). United States Air Force Academy.
Kyle T. Grell (Islip Terrace, Suffolk County). United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Ryan M. Ratkowski (Huntington Station, Suffolk County). United States Merchant Marine Academy.