WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said today that Garrett L. Dunn, Zachary J. Gilbert, Alexander Joseph Gudenkauf and Patrick Vicente Ramirez, have received appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for the 2016-2017 school year.

“Students work very hard to earn this kind of opportunity.  Admission to the service academies is highly competitive and a great honor.  I’m proud that the U.S. Military Academy has selected four young Iowans,” Grassley said.   “I wish Garrett, Zachary, Alexander and Patrick well and thank them for their commitment to serve our nation.”

Dunn is the son of Annette Bachman-Dunn and Mark Dunn of State Center.  He will graduate in May from West Marshall High School.  Dunn participated in football, wrestling, baseball and golf.  He is also a member of the National Honor Society and the student council, where he served as vice president during his junior year and currently serves as president.  Dunn is a volunteer for the Marshall County Emergency Management and the Meals on Wheels delivery team in addition to being a food and nutrition services worker for Central Iowa Healthcare.  Dunn also enjoys sport shooting and motorcycle riding.  

Gilbert is the son of Carol and Jeff Gilbert of Cedar Rapids.  He will graduate from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids in May.  Gilbert participated in the student senate, show choir, football and baseball. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  Gilbert serves as an elementary school tutor and as a private in the Iowa Army National Guard.  Gilbert also enjoys weightlifting, sport shooting, fishing and playing the guitar.  

Gudenkauf is the son of Maria and Thomas Gudenkauf of Coralville.  He will graduate in May from West High School in Iowa City.  Gudenkauf participated in the student senate, show choir, math club, German club, football, baseball, track and swimming.  He is also a member of the St. Thomas Moore Youth Group.  Gudenkauf also enjoys photography and hunting.  

Ramirez is the son of Lisa and Esteban Ramirez, of State Center and currently stationed in Germany.  He will graduate in June from Vilseck High School in Germany.  Ramirez served in the student council as vice president, president and student body president.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Model U.S. Senate Student Board of Directors, the International Student Leadership Institute and the Student to Student Program.  He plays violin in the orchestra and has participated in football, cross country, track and field and basketball.  Ramirez has also volunteered with the Knights of Columbus. 

Dunn, Gilbert, Gudenkauf and Ramirez were among the 41 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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