On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, my staff will conduct a special Military Service Academy Day for local high school juniors, underclassmen, and their families. The program will take place at Springboro High School from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
by Congressman Michael Turner
Our nation’s men and women in uniform have the responsibility of protecting our freedoms and keeping our nation safe. With a history and tradition spanning over two hundred years, 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 young people from Ohio’s Third Congressional District aged 17 to 23 for admission to each of the military service academies. To date, nine students who received a nomination from Ohio’s Third Congressional District have been offered appointments to one of the five service academies in the Class of 2014.
On Saturday, April 17th, 2010, my staff will conduct a special Military Service Academy Day for local high school juniors, underclassmen, and their families. The program will take place at Springboro High School from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
During the formal program, which begins at 9:00 a.m., representatives of each academy will discuss the requirements, benefits, and culture of each institution. A short film presentation will offer students and their families a glimpse of life on campus at each academy, and my staff will be on hand to discuss the qualifications, procedures and special instructions for applying for a Third Congressional District nomination. This will be the first opportunity for local students to obtain the nomination application for the Class of 2015. Following the formal presentations, students interested in a nomination to an academy will have an opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives from each of the five academies, and my staff.
Each academy is a prestigious and distinct institution providing students with an unmatched academic and leadership experience. Located in West Point, NY, the United States Military Academy at West Point is the oldest of the service institutions. Since 1802, West Point has trained cadets to become commissioned officers in the United States Army. West Point is located about 50 miles north of New York City and is widely considered to be one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the world.
Other services academies include: The United States Naval Academy located in Annapolis, Maryland; the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Although admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut is made by direct application, Coast Guard representatives will attend our “Academy Day.”
To be considered for a military academy appointment, a student must be recommended by an authorized nominating source. This could include the President, the Vice President, a Member of the U.S. Senate, or a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Receiving a nomination is still only the first step in the process of receiving an appointment. Students must qualify academically and are subject to character, leadership, physical fitness, medical fitness, and motivational evaluations. Students are qualified for a full appointment to one of the service academies only after passing each of these evaluations.
Many outstanding individuals accepted to one of the five service academies have gone on to become our nation’s leaders and heroes. This year’s appointees will follow in the steps of U.S. Presidents Ulysses Grant, Dwight Eisenhower and Jimmy Carter; Generals Douglas MacArthur, George Patton, David Petraeus, and Norman Schwarzkopf; athletes including former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach and former San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson; and astronauts such as Alan Shepard and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, just to name a few.
I encourage all high school students who are considering applying to one of the military academies to join my staff at the Military Service Academy Day. The information is as follows:
Military Service Academy Day
Saturday, April 17th, 2010
Springboro High School
1605 S. Main St.
Springboro, Ohio 45066
8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
If you or someone you know are interested in additional information or unable to attend the event, please feel free to contact my Dayton District Office at 937-225-2843.