Congressman Cliff Bentz has taken a significant step in supporting youth leadership by nominating 16 Oregon students for appointments to renowned U. S. Service Academies, including Steven Miller from La Pine, nominated for the Air Force Academy. The selection process, managed by Bentz’s Service Academy Nomination Board, involves retired and active-duty military officers who assess candidates based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and character. Bentz highlighted the honor of participating in this process and praised the students for their leadership potential and commitment to excellence.

Each nominee exemplifies the hard work and dedication required to pursue a future in military service. The nominations cover various counties, with students from Deschutes, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Malheur, Wasco, and Umatilla counties recognized for their achievements. This initiative aims to encourage young Oregonians to aspire to roles in the military and public service. For more information about the nomination process, interested students can visit Congressman Bentz's official website. This recognition not only highlights the nominees' aspirations but also reinforces the importance of service and leadership in the community.