EULESS – U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX-24) recently held a send-off ceremony at the Ruth Millican Center in Euless to honor the 2009 appointees of the nation’s five esteemed military service academies.

Each appointee was a resident of District 24, the congressional district Marchant represents.  Families and friends accompanied the appointees at the ceremony.  High school juniors interested in learning more about the service academies were also in attendance.

The crowd of approximately one hundred heard remarks from the congressman and also had a chance to speak with representatives from several of the service academies including the United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Military Academy. 

Marchant spoke to the students about the prestige of an academy appointment and offered optimistic remarks about their upcoming journey. 

“For the young adults about to begin their journey at a service academy, you stand ready to represent the best of America.  I am confident your upcoming education will build not only your intellect but your character.  In a rapidly changing world, the ingenuity and industry you possess will be counted on as you lead troops, run businesses, practice medicine, and educate future generations.  You are the leaders of tomorrow.  With great pride, I wish you all the very best of luck.”  

Acceptance to a service academy is based on a rigorous application and interview process that includes a desire to serve one’s country, leadership skills, high academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service, and athletic aptitude. 

Each year the five service academies, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Naval and the Military Academy at West Point, give appointments to the most deserving nominees from each congressional district.  All prospective appointees, except those attending the Coast Guard Academy, must receive a nomination from his or her U.S. representative, U.S. senator or the office of the Vice President.

All academies maintain rigorous standards and low acceptance rates and it is considered an honor to be offered an appointment.  On average, the monetary value of each education is approximately $250, 000.

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