Blog

One of the most enjoyable aspects of representing southern Ohio is working with high school students who are interested in serving their nation. Through the military academy nomination process, exceptional high school students have the opportunity to attend a military academy, earn a four-year college degree, and serve their nation.

At a time of soaring tuitions, our academies offer an exceptional education at zero financial cost. Students make a selfless commitment to serve the nation in uniform following graduation. Graduates are not only exposed to top-ranked classroom curriculum, but are instilled with character development and leadership skills.

Are you interested? Or do you know an exceptional student thinking about serving their country? I encourage students and parents to attend this year’s Academy Day, where we bring together representatives from each service academy, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. Students and parents will be able to discuss the application process, academy life, and career opportunities within the various branches of the military.

Personally, service has been an important part of my life. I started my military career later than most. I joined the Army Reserve in 1998 at the age of 39. Seven years later, I truly learned the value of service when called to active duty in Iraq for one year.

We must look to the next generation to grow into the ranks of leadership and continue our nation’s proud tradition of service.

The Second District of Ohio has a rich history of military service, and I am humbled every time I encounter a service member at home. I am honored to be part of the process with ambitious students as they examine the steps towards military service at an academy.

This year, Academy Day will be held on April 26, 2014, at Anderson High School. Although the program is designed for students nearing the end of their junior year of high school, I encourage younger high school students to attend as well if they are interested in learning more about the academy process and how they can better prepare themselves to apply.

Unlike most universities, to apply to an academy, a student must be nominated by a member of Congress or the President. Nominees are chosen based on a number of factors, including evidence of character, leadership, academic excellence, physical aptitude, and extracurricular activities.

I look forward to meeting the young men and women, and their parents, interested in serving. More information can be found here or by calling my office at (513) 474-7777.

It’s always a privilege to meet and get to know the exceptional candidates from across the Second District looking to study at a service academy, and I’m honored to be a part of this process to help students apply to some of the nation’s finest educational institutions.

Congressman Brad Wenstrup represents Ohio’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.