Every year, members of Congress have the distinct honor of nominating exceptional graduating high school seniors to one of the five United States Service Academies.

Service Academy nominations are something I take very seriously. These young men and women who receive acceptance to a U.S. Service Academy will not only serve as officers in our military branches, but will also be the future leaders of our communities and nation.

Notable Alumni of the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy are endless, but have included distinguished generals, presidents, astronauts, etc.  Collectively, the Academies are referred to as “The Five Pointed Star.”

Service Academy students are a special breed of youth. Full of dedication, determination, willingness to sacrifice for their country, sense of duty and excellent academic skills are just some of the characteristics that describe these students.

Students accepted to the Military, Naval, Air Force and Coast Guard Academies are on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States from the day they enter the Academy. They are eligible for all privileges and benefits guaranteed to members of the Armed Services.

Each Cadet or Midshipman receives free room and board, textbooks, uniforms and supplies while paying no tuition or fees. All students at the Academies, with the exception of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, receive a monthly paycheck as long as they remain in good standing.

Each candidate for admittance for the Academies, except the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, must receive a congressional nomination from either a U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator. Candidates may also receive nominations from the President or Vice-President of the United States. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy applicants compete in a nationwide merit-based program that has no state or district quotas.

While we have already received some outstanding applications from exceptional candidates throughout the Eighth District, I want to make sure that all students with an interest in attending one of the U.S. Service Academies have an opportunity to apply for a congressional nomination from my office.

In addition to this year’s applicants, it is never too early for younger students to begin planning for their collegiate careers.

I have established a Service Academy Nomination Selection Committee to review our applications and evaluate each applicant based on the “whole person” evaluation required by each Service Academy. This evaluation includes moral character, scholarship (high school and college records if available, class rank, SAT/ACT scores), leadership (organized athletics, student body and class government, extracurricular activities), physical aptitude, medical fitness, and overall personal goals/motivation.

To apply for a congressional nomination from my office, please call my Concord District Office at 704-786-1612 or visit the website at  for instructions on how to complete our Service Academy Nomination packet.

Each applicant must be a U.S. citizen; at least 17 years of age by July 1 of the year of admission; unmarried; and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

The deadline for submitting a completed application to my office is Dec. 1, 2009. Other offices including U.S. Senators, President and Vice-President offices may have other deadlines and procedures.
In addition to a congressional nomination, candidates must also complete all application processes required by the individual Service Academy.

Our selection committee will make a decision, and the nominees will be announced in January after all interviews have been completed and each applicant reviewed.

I encourage all students to consider this outstanding opportunity our Service Academies provide, and urge those interested to pursue these opportunities.