Western South Dakota News

Washington, D.C. –On June 26, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced six South Dakotans have accepted Service Academy appointments. They will begin military training at their respective schools at the end of June. The Congressman nominated each student in December 2022; they received appointment offers between December 2022 and May 2023.

“The students who are appointed to our Service Academies are South Dakota’s best and brightest,” saidJohnson. “These students are exceptional and their willingness to dedicate their lives to defending America’s freedom is honorable. I know they will all represent South Dakota well at their respective institutions.” 

Class of 2027 South Dakotans:

Kasey Broers – United States Naval Academy

Kasey Broers of Pierre, S.D. comes from a family lineage of servicemembers. Kasey was ranked at the top of his class academically at T.F. Riggs High School, where he played baseball, soccer, and ran track. Kasey attended the South Dakota Highway Patrol Youth Trooper Academy, Boys State, and served as National Honor Society Treasurer and as a Legislative Page at the State Capitol. Kasey has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

Kasey believes “the values characterized by our Constitution define what America is June 26 , and they make this country great. The freedoms this country provides and the values it stands for are the freedoms I want to protect as an officer in the world’s greatest military.” At the Naval Academy, he plans to study Mechanical Engineering and then fly jets in the Navy.

Anders Enga – United States Air Force Academy

After two years of dedication, determination and receiving nominations from Rep. Johnson, Anders Enga of Mitchell, S.D., has accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Anders recently completed his freshman year at South Dakota State University as an Electrical Engineering major with a minor in Aerospace Studies, all while in the SDSU Air Force ROTC program. At Mitchell Christian High School, Anders played basketball, participated on the robotics and Quiz Bowl teams, served on student council, and was a member of the National Honors Society and his community band.

Anders enjoys “the challenge of working together with a team to solve complex issues” and looks forward to serving his country in the military. After the next four years at the academy, Anders hopes to commission in the United States Space Force.

Ethan Fergel – United States Military Academy

Ethan Fergel of Aberdeen, S.D., has accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy. An Eagle Scout, elected to the Supreme Court at Boys State, on the golf and varsity track teams, Ethan also completed several AP classes throughout his tenure at Aberdeen Central High School. Outside of school, he worked at a local gas station, served as a hockey referee, and was a volunteer math tutor. Ethan is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America.

Ethan said his “why” for military service is because “the United States has blessed me with many opportunities, and I think I owe it to my country.” Ethan noted the academics and immense training at an academy will provide opportunities to improve his leadership skills. He’s looking forward to basic training and selecting an Engineering degree at West Point.

Dexter James – United States Air Force Academy

Dexter James of Sioux Falls, S.D., by way of London, England, has accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Dexter was varsity rugby captain, president of the debate team, a volunteer tutor, a Mock United Nations chair, and on the varsity volleyball and track and field teams in school. Furthermore, Dexter has excelled in AP and Chinese language courses, and received a perfect score on his ACTs.

Dexter reflected, “I am a true believer in the American mission, and my love for American values has guided me to the realization that they need defending. I view it as integral to my honor as a citizen to proactively shoulder that responsibility.” He will be seeking an Astronautical Engineering degree and a career in satellite operations in the United States Space Force.

Lake Kistner - United States Naval Academy

Lake Kistner of North Sioux City, S.D., was ranked at the top of his class academically and a three-sport varsity athlete at Dakota Valley High School. Lake served on Student Council, participated in Quiz Bowl, Science Olympics, choir, and was involved with his church youth group. During a tour of the Naval Academy when Lake was in sixth grade, he told his dad he would one day graduate from there. He is now one step closer. Lake has accepted an appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

This is a dream come true for Lake. He wants “to serve this country and be involved in something bigger” than himself. Lake believes “the rigorous structure of the military will help keep him goal driven and working towards bettering himself.”

Jason Lenning – United States Naval Academy

Jason Lenning of Harrisburg, S.D., attended Sioux Falls Christian High School and was a member of the Lincoln High School MCJRTOC program, where he earned countless accolades. Jason volunteered in his community, worked in Sioux Falls, and participated in a number of school service clubs and sports, including state championships and the South Dakota Junior Olympics. Jason served as governor at Boys State and represented South Dakota at Boys Nation. Jason aspires to become a Marine upon commissioning from the United States Naval Academy.

The MCJROTC program has taught Jason that “as a leader, it’s not about him, but he is responsible for the mission, his subordinates, and their welfare.” He believes “the Marine Corps has set him on a path of success and is dedicated to becoming the best leader possible.”

Original source can be found here.