Vancouver, WA - U.S. Representative Brian Baird (WA-03) invites students, parents and high school representatives to learn more about the military academy nomination process.  Rep. Baird will host two “Academy Nights” events next week in Olympia and Vancouver.  

During the events, representatives from each of the military academies will discuss opportunities available to students, as well as the application process.  Vancouver native and West Point Cadet Christie DeVany will attend both nights to discuss student life at the academies.  DeVany was recommended to her current placement by Rep. Baird and the Third District Service Academy Selection Committee.
  
To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, an applicant must have a nomination from an authorized nominating source, such as a member of Congress.  Members of the House of Representatives may nominate only those applicants who reside in their congressional districts, therefore Rep. Baird can nominate any applicant who resides in Southwest Washington. 

The Third District Service Academy Review Committee uses the following criteria for evaluating potential nominees: legal residence in Washington's Third Congressional District and evidence of character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude, medical fitness, goals and motivation.  These are based on the criteria for acceptance used by the service academies.  Rep. Baird created the Third District Service Academy Selection Committee, a non-partisan group composed of former military personnel and other leading citizens from across Southwest Washington, to evaluate applications and forward final recommendations on to him.      
Applicants should apply to the service academy of their choice as early as the spring of their junior year in high school and as late as November 10th of their senior year. Applicants should request a nomination from the appropriate nomination source within this time frame.  The United States maintains four military academies throughout the country each with a corresponding prep school: the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York. 

Schedule of Events:

What:  Rep. Baird hosts two “Academy Nights” events for local high school students 

  Olympia
When: Wednesday, October 27
  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where: AG West Black Hills High School Commons
  7741 Littlerock Rd SW
  Olympia, WA 98512

  Vancouver
When: Thursday, October 28
  7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where: Hudson’s Bay High School Gymnasium
  1206 E Reserve St
  Vancouver, WA 98661

More detailed information regarding the application process is available on Rep. Baird’s website (http://www.house.gov/baird/academy.htm).  Please direct questions regarding the nomination process and events to Rep. Baird’s Vancouver office: (360) 695-6292.

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