Q: How can Iowa high school students and their parents find out more about a U.S. Military Academy?
A: Military academies offer a wonderful option for outstanding students who are making a decision about their future and higher education needs. Each year my Senate office sponsors an informational event to help families and high school guidance counselors get better acquainted with the application process and opportunities available at the West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York. This year the information session will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Collins Plaza Hotel, in Cedar Rapids. The national admissions officer from West Point will present the program followed by a question and answer session. I encourage young Iowans to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about one of the country’s most prestigious institutions of higher education. History shows West Point graduates are among the ranks of those most sought after for top civilian and military leadership positions. The Iowa liaison officer for West Point Academy also will attend. For more information, contact Lt. Col. Rich Gaard: 563/382-3643.
Q: How do candidates get selected to attend a military academy?
A: As a U.S. Senator, I have the privilege and responsibility to nominate up to ten young Iowans to compete for admission to four of the nation’s military academies. Iowans may seek admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York, the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. A congressional appointment is not necessary for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After years of screening potential nominees, it never ceases to impress me how competitive the application process is every year. The pool of outstanding student achievers excels in athletics, academics, extracurricular activities, civic involvement and leadership positions during their high school career. As America confronts unprecedented challenges to our national security in the 21st century, it’s reassuring to see such qualified candidates apply to the nation’s military institutions of higher education and officer training. Students interested in making an application can do so through my Washington office. Students should start the application process during their junior year in high school. For application materials or more information, visit my website at http://grassley.senate.gov or contact Betty Burger in my Washington office at 202/224-3744. My e-mail address is chuck_grassley@grassley.senate.gov.