Midshipman Jackson Tinkis, a graduate of Airline High School and native of Bossier City, marked a significant milestone on June 23, 2025, as he graduated from the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York.
Tinkis, who earned a degree in Marine Engineering and Shipyard Management, was nominated to the Academy by U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy. The Academy, one of the five U.S. federal service academies, prepares graduates for service as licensed Merchant Marine officers and commissioned officers in the armed forces.
A standout both academically and athletically, Tinkis served as a four-year starting kicker for the USMMA Mariners football team. He set multiple team records, including career, season, and single-game point-after-touchdown (PAT) totals, along with the most career kicking points in the program’s history…