WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that Mark Henry Farlinger of Cresco, Jean Elizabeth Etnyre of Pella, and Yair Soewondo Abramoff of Iowa City have received appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., for the 2015-2016 school year.
Farlinger is the son of Amy and Clint Farlinger. He will graduate in May from Crestwood High School. He participated in track, basketball, baseball, and lettered in football and wrestling. Farlinger also was a member of the Student Council Leadership Team, served as secretary, treasurer, and vice president of 4-H, and was co-captain of the marching band drumline. He participated in band and choir and received a varsity letter for both. Farlinger worked as a lifeguard for the City of Cresco, participated in the Cresco Community Theater, and was an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as assistant minister for Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he also participated in the church choir, and served as treasurer of the youth group.
Etnyre is the daughter of Jennifer and Andrew Etnyre. She will graduate from Pella Community High School in March. Etnyre participated in debate, speech, volleyball, cross country, basketball, tennis, and received a varsity letter for swimming, and soccer. She was on the honor roll and a member of the National Honor Society. Etnyre also worked as a lifeguard and was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church group.
Abramoff is the son of Dewi and Michael Abramoff. He will graduate in May from Iowa City West High School. His senior year, Abramoff served as president of the Young Republican Club, French club, Jewish youth group, and served as captain of the tennis team and ultimate Frisbee team. He also participated in trap shooting, math club, Student Senate, National Honor Society, and played violin in the Preucil String Orchestra. Abramoff served as the Iowa Music Ambassador to China in 2013. He also worked as a lifeguard, a shift manager at Coldstone Creamery, and volunteer camp counselor at Wildlife Camps.
“Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor,” Grassley said. “Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity. I wish Mark, Jean, and Yair well and thank them for their commitment to serve our nation.”
Farlinger, Etnyre, and Abramoff were among the 37 Iowans Grassley nominated this year for appointments to the U.S. service academies. Upon receiving an appointment, the student then decides whether to attend the academy. Information about seeking nominations can be found on Grassley’s website.
For more than 200 years, these academies have educated and trained individuals to lead and command the U.S. armed forces.
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