Each year, I have the opportunity to nominate several local high school students to attend the nation’s military service academies. These young men and women are some of our best and brightest, not only because of their athletic skills and academic records but because of their character and desire to serve their country.
These candidates come from all over our part of Texas, and they make me even more hopeful about America’s future. A nomination is not an automatic ticket to any of the service academies, but those who are accepted have a chance to attend one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
The service academies are looking for students who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, in their communities, and often times, in athletics. To be accepted, each young man or woman is required to meet stringent academic, physical, and character standards. Every candidate is different, but they all have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, service, and leadership.
Students at any of the services academies receive more than just an education. They are trained to be the future leaders of the world’s greatest military. It is a life changing experience, but it is one that requires discipline and determination. Accepting admittance to any of these institutions usually requires five years of active duty service as a commissioned officer after graduation.
My office will host an academy forum at the Texas Air and Space Museum in the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport on Saturday, April 11, 2015, from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. The forum is open to all young men, women, and their parents who are residents of the 13th Congressional District of Texas and are interested in attending one of the military service academies or just want to learn more about them. You can also call my office for more information at (806) 371-8844.
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