Fort Report: You're Invited - Military Day

Andrew Edwards was in 8th grade when he first contacted my office in Lincoln. Even though Andrew was too young to apply for a nomination to a military academy, he was already working on his application. For the next few years, he kept in contact to make sure his academic record and extracurricular activities were on the right track. When Andrew was in his senior year at Lincoln Southeast High School, he applied for nomination to the United States Naval Academy.

I am proud to say that Andrew will graduate from Annapolis in May. He is just one example of the many outstanding young Nebraskans who choose to serve our country in a military academy or through opportunities within the various branches of service.

As your United States Representative, I have the responsibility to help young people become our next generation of military leaders. In collaboration with the offices of U.S. Senators Mike Johanns and Deb Fischer, my office is hosting the "2014 Academy and Military Information Day" on Saturday, March 22, at Lincoln North Star High School from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. North Star High School is located at 5801 North 33rd Street in Lincoln.

The program will feature service academy and military representatives, beginning at 10:30 am. The Army, Air Force, Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. While the event highlights the academy nomination process, there is an opportunity to learn about all the excellent military options, including the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), National Guard, and Reserve.

Our nation's five service academies include the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. These institutions train students to excel in academics and military affairs. They seek well-rounded individuals with the highest levels of academic achievement as well as a demonstrated record of commitment to athletics, student activities, and civic organizations.

I invite you to join us on March 22 and to forward this invitation to someone who may be interested. You may contact my Lincoln office at (402) 438-1598 for more information or questions about the nomination process.

As the Superintendent of the Naval Academy once told me: “Congressman, we are interested in the physical, the intellectual, and the moral.” I replied: “That sounds good to me.”