Milbank Student Aubrey Fraasch Set to Train at U.S. Naval Academy, Continuing Family Legacy of Service | Local News

{KXLG – Milbank, SD} Among the accomplished South Dakotans accepting appointments to prestigious United States service academies, Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank stands out as she prepares to embark on her military training at the United States Naval Academy this summer. Fraasch was among the students nominated by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) in December 2024.

“One of the best parts of my job is nominating South Dakota’s best and brightest to attend one of our nation’s esteemed military academies and serve our country,” said Representative Johnson. “These eight students are choosing a different kind of college experience. Their willingness to dedicate their lives to defending America’s freedom is honorable. I know they will all represent South Dakota well at their respective institutions.”

For Aubrey Fraasch, attending the U.S. Naval Academy is a continuation of a strong family tradition. Hailing from a military family with four generations of service, she expressed her desire to “follow in their footsteps to protect all who call this country home.” At the Academy, Fraasch plans to study engineering with the ultimate goal of becoming a military pilot.

Fraasch’s high school career in Milbank was marked by extensive involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities. She participated in gymnastics, color guard, band, choir, swimming, and dance. Her academic and leadership qualities were also recognized through her involvement in the National Honor Society and Girls State. Notably, Aubrey Fraasch is also a USNA Foundation Scholar.

In addition to Fraasch, seven other South Dakotans have accepted appointments to service academies:

1. Rowdy Baldwin – United States Military Academy (Pierre, S.D.) Ranked first in his class at T.F. Riggs High School, Baldwin was active in sports like tennis and trap shooting, and dedicated time to community involvement with Feeding South Dakota and youth tutoring. He aims to become a mechanical or combat engineer in the Army.
2. Lexi Brandt – United States Air Force Academy (Custer, S.D.) Valedictorian and senior class president at Hill City High School, Brandt has pursued her dream of attending the Air Force Academy since seventh grade. She is a student pilot, has over 300 volunteer hours with the Civil Air Patrol, and was the nation’s youngest National Park Ranger at Jewel Cave National Monument.
3. Dylan Frank – United States Naval Academy (Custer, S.D.) A Custer High School graduate, Frank was involved in soccer, Taekwondo, and as a swim instructor. Following in his father’s footsteps in military service, he aspires to be a fixed-wing Navy aviator.
4. Wutak “Kevin” Jung – United States Military Academy (Sioux Falls, S.D.) A graduate of O’Gorman High School, Jung previously attended Pepperdine University and completed compulsory service in the Republic of Korea Army. He looks forward to developing as a leader at West Point.
5. Gabriel Reeve—United States Naval Academy (Piedmont, S.D.) From St. Thomas More High School, Reeve was captain of the varsity football and wrestling teams and involved in various community activities. Inspired by his father’s military service, he seeks to serve alongside those who embody the values of service and self-sacrifice.
6. Brody Weinmeister – United States Air Force Academy (Aberdeen, S.D.) A student at Roncalli High School, Weinmeister was captain of the varsity football team and involved in the student council and journalism. He values the Air Force Academy’s emphasis on high personal standards and integrity, and looks forward to giving back to his country.
7. Paige Willnerd – United States Merchant Marine Academy (Summerset, S.D.) One of only two South Dakotans in nine years to accept an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Willnerd has volunteered with Disabled American Veterans (DAV). A distance runner, she aims to be challenged mentally and physically to become her best self in service to the country.