ALBANY – Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) announced today the opening of his office’s annual service academy nomination process for students interested in applying to one of four service academies: the Air Force, Army, Merchant Marines, and the Navy. The nomination process opened today and completed application forms are due by Friday, October 28. Tonko has offered this service to constituents in New York’s 20^th Congressional District each year he has served as a Member of Congress.

Tonko’s service academy nomination portal can be found on his website at http://bit.ly/TonkoSAN. There, potential cadets can view a checklist of required items and actions in the nomination process, frequently asked questions, and the nomination form required to be completed and submitted by the above deadline.

“These academies offer young New Yorkers the opportunity to receive an excellent education while serving their country,” said Tonko. “In the past seven years, I have been happy to see so many cadets receive nominations into academies that help to develop them morally, mentally and physically. New York has a proud tradition of military service and the highest ideals of duty and honor, and I look forward to seeing these future leaders carry on that tradition.”

To be considered for admission to one of these academies, an individual must have a nomination through a Member of the United States Senate or the United States House of Representatives, or through a military service connection. Members of the House of Representatives, like Tonko, can only nominate those who live inside the Congressional district they represent. Applicants can seek a nomination from both of their U.S. Senators and their Member of Congress.

More information can be found online at http://bit.ly/TonkoSAN, but general requirements include an applicant be between 17-23 years old, a citizen of the United States, and at least a senior in high school.

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