U.S. Congressman Ken Buck is now accepting Military academy applications
By Elizabeth Wood West
U.S. Congressman Ken Buck is now accepting applications to four of the five U.S. service academies – U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. (The fifth service academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.)
Congressman Buck may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to his district. Additionally, academy candidates may seek a nomination from both of their U.S. Senators and/or apply directly to the Vice President of the United States.
Applicants for an academy nomination must meet the following eligibility requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission to an academy: They must be at least 17 years old, but not have passed their 23rd birthday; must be a U.S. citizen and reside within the boundaries of the 4th Congressional District of Colorado; must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents; and must be able to meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the academy being applied to.
Students who receive the high honor of an academy appointment must be willing to fulfill their obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.
The deadline for submitting a nomination packet to Congressman Buck’s district office is October 15. The nomination packet includes: A current photo; high school transcript; American College Testing Program (ACT) results and/or College Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) results; resume of extracurricular activities; an essay stating why you want to attend a service academy (500 words or fewer); and a minimum of three letters of recommendation (from teachers, counselors, employers, coaches, clergy, or scout leaders).
Applicants who submit a completed nomination file will be scheduled for an interview in late October or early November.
For further information, visit Congressman Buck’s website at www.buck.house.gov/ or contact the Castle Rock district office, located at 900 Castleton Road, Suite 112, or call 720-639-9165.
