Bentz nominates Corbett and others
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) has nominated 15 students from the Second Congressional District to be accepted in United States’ service academies. One of them is from Umatilla County. Chas Corbett, a senior at Pendleton High School, received the congressman’s nod for both the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Military Academy.
He is the son of Elizabeth and Pendleton City Manager Robb Corbett. He said he has known he wanted to serve in the military for a long time, but didn’t realize admission to an academy was a possibility until last year.
“I was a junior and a recruiter asked me to apply,” he said. It was at that point that Corbett said he learned he had the grades and the image sought for those who will someday be military leaders.
Corbett was interviewed by Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board, which is comprised of retired and active-duty military officers who interview potential candidates. The board’s decision is based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character.
The young man didn’t want to put the cart before the horse. He waited to see if the board would nominate him before applying. He’s sending those applications in today (Tuesday). While the interview process was rigorous, more rigor awaits him upon acceptance.
“We have to get there in late June, two months before classes start,” he said. “It’s basically boot camp.”
Other nominees from Bentz’s district are:
Deschutes County:
- Kyle Garrity, son of John and Carrie Garrity of Bend, attending Bend Senior High School – nominated to the Unites States Naval Academy.
- Victoria Griffith, daughter of Aaron and Julie Griffith of Bend, attending Summit High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
- Kaylee Nystrom, daughter of Jason and Candace Nystrom of Bend, attending Summit High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy.
- Nadia Zawinsky, daughter of Alexander and Valerie Zawinsky of Bend, attending Mountain View High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.
Hood River County:
- Charles Wilson, son of Vincent and Sarah Wilson of Parkdale, attending Hood River Valley High School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.
- Parker Gutches, daughter of Chad Gutches and Sarah Mitchell of Jacksonville, attending St. Mary’s High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy, United States Air Force Academy and the United States Naval Academy.
- Tyler Havniear, son of Ronald and Anne Havniear of Gold Hill, attending Crater School of Business Innovation and Science – nominated to the United States Military Academy.
- Chloe Rambo, daughter of Tom and Sid Rambo of Central Point, attending University of Oregon – nominated to the United States Military Academy.
- Benning Rojas-Kerbow, son of Willivan Rojas and Devon Kerbow-Rojas of Eagle Point, attending Colegio Nueva Granada – nominated to the United States Naval Academy.
Josephine County:
- Phurin Veeraumpaipong, son of Surachai and Sunita of Grants Pass, attending Grants Pass High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
Malheur County:
- Jace Martin, son of Ryan and Jennifer Martin of Nyssa, attending Adrian High School – nominated to the United States Air Force Academy.
Union County:
- Ava Palmer, daughter of Thomas and Tara Palmer of La Grande, attending La Grande High School – nominated to the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Wasco County:
Chase Sam, son of Kameron Sam and Lori Blattel-Sam of The Dalles, attending The Dalles High School – nominated to the United States Military Academy.
Contributed photo
