WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jason Shaffer, Troy Christian High School student, has been nominated to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy; he is one of 31 Ohio students nominated to attend U.S. service academies.

Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) recently made the announcement that he has nominated over 30 Ohio students to attend U.S. service academies.

“I am honored to nominate these exceptional Ohioans to lead the armed forces of the future,” said Vance in a press release. “Their families and friends should be very proud of them for all they have achieved — I certainly am. I wish each nominee all the best in the journeys that lie ahead.”

This is the first year Vance has had the opportunity to nominate Ohio students to compete for coveted slots at U.S. service academies, which include the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Each nominee completed an extensive interview and selection process with an advisory committee chosen by Vance. The nominees all excel academically and through their involvement in school sports, clubs, community service, and other extracurricular activities. While a nomination does not guarantee admission to an academy, it is a required component of each academy’s admissions process.