U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has recognized the efforts of his Service Academy Nominations Board after it completed its annual meeting to recommend Texas candidates for nomination to the nation’s military service academies.
“Texas has long produced remarkable military leaders who embody service, courage, and commitment to our nation’s values. I am thankful for the tireless work of my Service Academy Nominations Board to ensure that only the most extraordinary young Texans, who will honor their state and country, are nominated to our military academies,” Sen. Cruz said following the meeting.
The 2025 board consists of a group of current and former military personnel, as well as civilian leaders from across Texas. Members include Judge / LTC (Ret.) Ernest Aliseda from McAllen, TAMU Corps Commander John Andruss from College Station, CDR Nick Breedlove from Fort Worth, Dr. James A. Broaddus from Austin, MG (Ret.) Kendall Cox from Harker Heights, Mr. Stephen Dement from Tyler, CDR (Ret.) Ben Fay from Brock, LTC (Ret.) Lisa Jaster from New Braunfels, Lt Gen (Ret.) Frank Kisner from Midland, Col (Ret.) Travis Koch from Houston, Evangelist Tim Lee from Rowlett, Master Chief (Ret.) Matthew J. May from Katy, SGT (Ret.) Cody McGregor from Houston, Capt Erin Naranjo from Round Rock, Mrs. Mary Owen from Lubbock, Capt Laurianne Rodriguez and Lt Col (Ret.) Cleve Rodriguez both from New Braunfels, Capt Judith Schanno from Boerne, Justice / LTC (Ret.) Jaime E. Tijerina from McAllen, MSgt (Ret.) Allison Wilson from Schertz, Col (Ret.) Brian “Rowdy” Yates from Abilene and CDR (Ret.) Coburn “Cobi” Yearian from Euless.
Senator Cruz created the board in 2013 to provide advice on nominations for military service academies. The panel is made up of alumni of service academies as well as active duty and retired members of the armed forces and other defense officials throughout Texas. Each year it reviews hundreds of applications for academy appointments.
The admissions decisions by the respective service academies are expected early next year.
Ted Cruz was re-elected in 2024 after defeating Colin Allred with 53.1% of the vote compared to Allred's 44.6%. In previous elections he won against Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% of votes and Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5%.
