by Congressman Mike Turner
In all of American history, there is perhaps no finer honor than to serve as part of the United States military. Our men and women in uniform have the responsibility of protecting our freedoms and keeping our nation safe. The United States military service academies offer outstanding young Americans the opportunity to gain a world class education while serving their country at the same time. As a Member of Congress, I have the distinct honor of nominating a select number of students from Ohio’s Third Congressional District for admission to each of the military service academies. On Saturday, April 18th, my office will conduct a special Service Academy Day for local high school juniors, underclassmen, and their families. The program will take place at Springboro High School, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Our nation’s military academies have a rich history spanning over two hundred years. Of the five academies, the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, is the oldest. Since 1802, West Point has been training cadets to become commissioned officers in the Army. West Point is located about 50 miles north of New York City and is widely considered to be one of the very finest institutions of higher learning in the world.
The other academies include: The United States Naval Academy, founded in 1845 in Annapolis, MD; The United States Merchant Marine Academy, dedicated in 1943, in Kings Point, NY; the youngest of the academies is the United States Air Force Academy, founded in 1958, and located in Colorado Springs, CO. Although admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is made by direct application to the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT., it will be part of our “Academy Day.”
These prestigious institutions provide students with an unmatched academic and leadership experience. As our nation works its way through our current economic downturn, the service academies offer an outstanding opportunity for young people to obtain a world class education and to gain career experience. I encourage students to consider attending a military academy as a way to not only proudly serve our nation, but also to lay the groundwork for future personal success in both the public and private sectors.
During the Academy Day program, students interested in being nominated to US military service academies will have an opportunity to speak with representatives from each of the five academies. Each will make a presentation about the programs their academies offer and answer questions from both parents and students. There will also be a short film about each of the academies, showing students and their families what each campus looks like and giving a feel for life at the academy.
During the program, my staff will be on hand to discuss the qualifications, procedures and special instructions for applying for a Third District Congressional nomination.
In order to be considered for a military academy appointment, a student must be recommended by an authorized nominating source. This could include the Vice President, a Member of the US Senate, or a Member of the US House of Representatives. Receiving a nomination from an authorized source is still only the first step in the process of receiving an offer of an appointment to a US military service academy.
In addition to the nomination, students must qualify academically. Students are also subject to character, leadership, physical fitness, medical fitness, and motivation evaluations. Only after passing each of these evaluations are students offered an appointment to the service academy.
In 2008, a record number of candidates applied to my office for a nomination and seven of those students were offered appointments to the various service academies. The United States Military Academy has offered an appointment to Jared Rinehart of Franklin and Nicholas Kern of Centerville. Philip Coale of Centerville and Andrew Jackson of Dayton were offered appointments to the United States Naval Academy. Kyle McCabe of Dayton, Krishna Rengan of Kettering, Emerson Babington of Hillsboro, Alyssa Manwaring of Lebanon and Allen Revels, Jr. of Springboro were offered full appointments and will be reporting in June to the United States Air Force Academy. I congratulate them for their accomplishments so far and wish them the best as they join our United States military service academies.
I encourage all students who are considering applying to one of the military academies to join the representatives from the five military service academies and my staff at the Service Academy Day. The information is as follows:
Military Service Academy Day
Saturday April 18th, 2009
Springboro High School
8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Individuals considering attending a military service academy are making a decision of proud service and commitment to their country. These students will also gain access to a world class education that will prepare them for success in any career field. I look forward to helping several local students take an important step toward their future during Service Academy Day.