Heinrich announces 2024 nominees to the U.S. service academies; six hometown kids

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich from New Mexico announced his nominees to the United States service academies Dec.19 which included six from the Sandoval County area. Being nominated is a huge honor, and only the most meritorious candidates receive a nomination.

“Our nation’s service academies provide exceptional education, training, and experience that prepare students for leadership roles in our armed forces as well as the skills needed to succeed after their military service,” said Heinrich. “I’m pleased to announce and congratulate this year’s nominees — these students embody the best of New Mexico, and they have shown incredible initiative. I commend them on their commitment to serve our country.”

Besides the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a nomination is required to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point, New York), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

The hometown kids nominated include Mario Leyba Jr. (Bernalillo), Merchant Marine Academy, Arianna Valenzuela (Rio Rancho), Air Force Academy; Antonio Ali (Rio Rancho), West Point; Charles Vause (Rio Rancho), West Point; Adam Walton (Rio Rancho), West Point; and Sarah Romero (Rio Rancho).

The United States service academies offer four-year college educations to qualified students. Graduates receive commissions in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marine or Coast Guard and are obligated to serve for at least five years after graduation.