(L-R) Colonel Tom Hofer (USMC) and Josh Elliott (Oakwood High School Class of 06). Josh was nominated for an appointment to the Naval Academy by Congressman Mike Turner. Photo was taken on Induction Day (June 28, 2006) at the United States Naval Academy. Colonel Hofer personally administered the induction oath to Josh. Colonel Hofer served on Congressman Turner’s academy appointment selection committee last year.

During the Academy Day program, representatives from each of the five academies are also present. The representatives make a presentation about the programs their academies offer and answer questions.

During the program my staff is on hand to discuss the qualifications, procedures and special instructions for applying for a Third District Congressional nomination. It is a very competitive process.

In order to be considered for a military academy appointment, a student must be recommended by an authorized nominating source. This could include the Vice President, a Member of the U.S. Senate, or a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Receiving a nomination from an authorized source is only the first step in the process of receiving an offer of an appointment from a U.S. military service academy.

In addition to the nomination, students must qualify academically. Students are also subject to character, leadership, physical fitness, medical fitness, and motivation evaluations. Only after passing each of these evaluations are students offered an appointment.

Recently, one of the students nominated, Josh Elliot, a 2006 graduate of Oakwood High School, was accepted to the United States Naval Academy. By attending the U.S. Naval Academy, Josh follows in the footsteps of former President Jimmy Carter and Dallas Cowboy’s quarterback Roger Staubach.

Colonel Tom Hofer of the United States Marine Corps, who has served on my academy appointment selection committee, personally administered the induction oath to Josh on Induction Day, June 28, 2006. The selection committee, on which Col. Hofer served, is an independent group of members from the community that are in charge of reviewing all nomination requests and then advising me of their recommendations.

In addition to the U.S. Naval Academy, one of the four other institutes is The United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. Since 1802, West Point has been training cadets to become commissioned officers in the Army. President George W. Bush recently addressed the first graduating class of cadets to enter the academy after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The President’s words echoed the unique challenges and honor that come with attending one of the academies, saying, “This Academy has shaped your minds and bodies for the challenges that lie ahead…And I want to thank you for your patriotism, your devotion to duty, your courageous decision to serve. America is grateful and proud of the men and women of West Point.”

Many outstanding students who receive Congressional nominations to one of the five service academies go on to become our nation’s future leaders and heroes. The members of my selection committee and I firmly believe that both Josh and all those we nominate will serve at their respective military institute with dignity and honor.

I encourage students who are considering applying to one of the military academies to watch for notices next spring. At that time we will announce specific information about the next Military Academy Day, and the chance to embark on an opportunity like the one Josh Elliot of Oakwood High School just began at the U.S. Naval Academy.