By U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe
(R-Maine)
No single issue unites Americans and Mainers more than when we stand by the men and women of our military. We can never thank them enough for their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedom and placing our security above their own time and again. Their answering the call to serve in the armed services is a shining example for us all, especially the young people of our country.
As the academic school year draws to a close, high school juniors are increasingly thinking and planning for life after high school. One option for students is to enroll in a United States Military Academy.
It is my profound honor each year to nominate several of Maine’s extraordinary students to attend one of our nation’s four military service academies. These academies provide unparalleled academic and physical challenges and open doors for incredibly rewarding career opportunities in our United States military. For students wishing to pursue an education at these institutions, a congressional nomination is required to enter the U.S Military Academy at West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy located at Kings Point, NY.
As students consider their post-secondary education and career options, the financial and professional advantages of these selective institutions cannot be overstated. For the cadets and midshipmen who attend these institutions and graduate as commissioned officers in the United States military, the possibilities to lead and make a positive difference are abundant.
Students attending these institutions receive tuition, room and board, medical care and a monthly stipend. Upon graduation, students accept officer commissions for a minimum of five years of active duty.
Each year, our office accepts nomination applications through November 1. To be eligible to apply for congressional nomination, students must be at least 17 years of age by July 1 of the admitting year; be a legal U.S. citizen and resident of Maine; and must be unmarried and have no legal obligation to support any dependents. Interested candidates can download an application from my website, http://Snowe.Senate.gov.
My military advisory board, composed of graduates of the military service academies, evaluates the overall qualifications of each applicant, taking into consideration academic, leadership, and physical aptitude. After evaluating each application and conducting interviews with each applicant, our military advisory board makes recommendations for academy nominations.
President John Quincy Adams once said, “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Those words could not ring more true for the Mainers and Americans across this great country who defend us all at home and abroad. Our service academies offer an unparalleled opportunity and experience for Maine students – exhibiting the highest levels of courage and distinction that summons within us a sense of pride that is as enormous as it is inexpressible.
