WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) reminded young people in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District who are interested in a nomination to attend a U.S. Military Academy, including West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, or the Merchant Marine Academy, to write a letter of interest to Congressman Skelton’s Sedalia office – 908 Thompson Boulevard, Sedalia, Missouri 65301.  Congressman Skelton is now accepting applications for students interested in entering a U.S. Military Academy in June 2010.  The deadline for submitting applications is October 31, 2009. 

          To be eligible, applicants must be a U.S. citizen; a legal resident of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District; at least 17 years old, but not older than 22 when they enter into the academy; and, unmarried and having no legal obligation for support of a child or dependent.

          “I want to encourage young people to take a look at the opportunities available at the U.S. Service Academies.  These institutions provide students with a foundation that will last them well into the future.

          “I have an Academy Selection Committee that assists in recommending young people for nomination to a U.S. Military Academy.  The Committee chooses nominees based on character, scholarship, leadership, aptitude, physical and medical fitness, personal goals, and motivation.  The academies make the ultimate appointment decisions,” Skelton said.  

          Applicants applying for admission to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy do not require a nomination from a Member of Congress.

          More information on applying for academy nominations is available by visiting Congressman Skelton’s website.

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Kyle Wilkens at 660826-2675 or Rebecca Loving at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.