Congressman Ellzey to host Service Academy forums
Sep. 2—Congressman Jake Ellzey will be hosting three Service Academy Forums in his district in the next two weeks. These forums will be an opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about the United States Air Force Academy, United States Navy Academy, the United States Military Academy (West Point), United States Merchant Marine Academy and the United States Coast Guard Academy, which does not require a congressional nomination.
"I am looking forward to sharing my experience as a USNA graduate," Ellzey said. "It will be an informative evening, and I hope any high school students who want more information on attending an academy can attend one of these events."
The first forum will be held rom 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 at the Redlands Hotel in Palestine, with registration beginning at 4 p.m.
The second is set for 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11 at Waxahachie High School in the WHS Lecture Hall, with registration beginning at 6 p.m.
And the third, Service Academy Information Open House, will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Ellzey's Corsicana District Office.
A congressional nomination is required for students wishing to enter a United States Military Academy. Successful applicants should have a broad academic background, the ability to pass a physical aptitude test, and strong leadership potential. An applicant must also be a U.S. citizen, a high school graduate between the ages of 17 and 23, unmarried, have no dependents, and be of high moral character. Acceptance of a service academy appointment requires at least a nine-year service obligation, including four years at an academy and five years of active-duty service.
The deadline to apply for a nomination from Ellzey's office is Oct. 13.
"The nomination process is very competitive, so I urge students to apply for a nomination from my office and our U.S. Senators' offices," Ellzey said.
Both Members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senators can nominate qualified applicants to the four service academies.
