Wednesday, Jul. 01, 2009

Military academy applications being accepted by Shimkus

U.S. Rep. John Shimkus is accepting applications from individuals interested in attending one of the U.S. military academies.

Those interested must apply now for summer 2010 admission.

"As a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the recipient of a Congressional appointment myself, I am very proud to now assist others wishing to advance their careers and lives by serving their country," Shimkus said. "I encourage young men and women with any level of interest to contact us now."

Shimkus said the process is lengthy and applications must be filed with both his office and the individual academies.

To be eligible for appointment, individuals must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 17 and not more than 23 years of age on July 1, 2010; unmarried; not pregnant; have no dependents; and a legal resident of the 19th Congressional District of Illinois.

Average acceptable ACT scores are 24 in both math and English.

Applications are accepted for the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.

For more information or to receive an application packet, write to Congressman John Shimkus, 240 Regency Centre, Collinsville, Ill., 62234, Attention: Dora Rohan. Questions can be directed to Rohan at 344-3065.

Completed applications must be received prior to Nov. 1.

Shimkus nominates to the academies; however, academy officials actually make the final selections regarding attendance. Those accepted into an academy are notified in late spring.