WASHINGTON D.C. — Last week, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) announced Service Academy appointments of South Dakota students and residents. The appointees will begin their military training at their respective schools this summer. Each of the students were nominated in December 2021 and they recently accepted their appointments.
Among those appointed is Clark graduate Gunnar Kvistad, who will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Throughout high school, Kvistad ran cross country and track, played baseball and golf, wrestled, played in the band, sang in the choir, and participated with his local Family Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter.
Kvistad seeks opportunities to challenge himself at the highest level possible, including in his schoolwork and extracurriculars.
“The Air Force Academy is undoubtedly one of the top educational institutions in the world and can help me propel my future in the right direction,” Kvistad wrote.
He hopes to study engineering and aviation and is looking forward to exploring different career paths. His older sister in the National Guard is his source of inspiration to join the military.
“One of the best parts of my job is nominating South Dakota’s best and brightest, in hopes they’ll go on to serve our country at one of our nation’s esteemed military academies,” said Johnson.
