Benishek Accepting Applications For Service Academies
WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Dan Benishek (MI-01) today announced that his office is currently accepting applications from those interested in a nomination to the U.S. Military, Naval, Air Force, and Merchant Marine Academies.
“Northern Michigan is home to many qualified and determined young men and women who would be excellent candidates to serve in our nation’s service academies. Making nominations to the academies is a privilege that my office takes very seriously and we are honored to be part of this process,” said Benishek.
To qualify for nomination, applicants must:
1. Be a citizen of the United States
2. A legal resident of Michigan’s First District
3. Have earned an above average academic record
4. Be 17-years-old, but not yet past one’s 23rd birthday (on July 1st of the year one enters a military academy)
5. Be medically qualified
6. Score near or above the published averages on a candidate fitness assessment
Applicants will be required to fill out an application form, submit academic transcripts, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a short essay explaining why they want to attend a service academy. The application deadline was originally scheduled for the end of September, but was recently extended to October 15, 2011.
Benishek stated that although he will make the nominations, applicants will be interviewed by an independent advisory board comprised of First District residents. Accepted nominees will be notified in the early half of 2012.
“Our goal is to make this nomination process as fair and objective is possible. Choosing between the many capable applicants will be no easy task for our advisory board,” noted the surgeon from Iron Mountain.
Benishek added that interested individuals may download an application packet at his website (www.benishek.house.gov).