Five Students from Jefferson and Shelby Counties Among Senator Tuberville’s Appointments
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) today announced five Alabamians from Jefferson and Shelby counties have accepted their appointment to a U.S. service academy. Senator Tuberville nominated these students to represent Alabama in the class of 2026 at one of the four service academies: the United States Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and Naval Academy.
Senator Tuberville released the following statement regarding the group of appointees:
“These exceptional young Alabamians’ desire to serve ensures America’s military remains the strongest fighting force in the world.” said Senator Tuberville. “Receiving an appointment to one of these military institutions is a great honor that requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I am proud of their determination to reach this point and know they will continue to make our state and country proud.”
More information about the appointees can be found below.
JACOB FAIRBAIRN
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Parent: Sherri Fairbairn
- School: Marion Military Institute
“My duty is to serve my country and the community that I am involved in,” said Jacob. “I want to serve this country as an officer because I love America and I could not imagine a better place to be in the world.”
JAMES LATONA
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Hometown: Alabaster
- Parents: Norman and Shannon Latona
- School: Thompson High School
“I believe that service, initially as a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy and ultimately as an officer in the United States Navy, will afford me the greatest opportunity to maximize my potential as a leader and a citizen,” said James. “A responsibility and opportunity such as this will foundationally direct my life’s work toward the highest and best use possible.”
ROBERT “WILL” STALLWORTH
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Hometown: Hoover
- Parents: Rob and Heather Stallworth
- School: Hoover High School
“From a young age I knew I wanted to serve in the military and protect those I care about,” said Will. “Knowing that I was called to military service, I want to serve to the best of my ability.”
KAILI WILLIAMS
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Hometown: Columbiana
- Parents: Rick and Leigh Williams
- School: Shelby County High School
“My interest in the Navy stems from a family tradition,” said Kaili. “Upon independent research about the US Naval Academy, the candle of interest has grown to a furnace of ambition with each passing day.”
WESLEY YEATMAN
- U.S. Military Academy
- Hometown: Birmingham, AL
- Parents: James and Donna Yeatman
- School: Oak Mountain High School
“I thrive in leadership roles and do my best when others rely on me,” said Wesley. “I know that the best place for me to use my leadership skills is as an officer in the military and the Academies offer me a direct path to get there.”
Senator Tuberville had eleven nominees accept their appointments to a service academy. This is Senator Tuberville’s first group of U.S. service academy appointments since assuming office. U.S. service academies provide students wishing to serve our country’s military with the opportunity to serve while obtaining higher education. Service academy appointees go through an extensive process to receive a nomination. Applicants complete the required ACT and SAT exams, and provide letters of recommendation, a school transcript, along with the required application form. Upon graduation, students must commit to five years of active duty. More information on applying for a service academy nomination can be found here.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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