Hauppauge, NY—On Thursday, October 23, Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) hosted his seventh annual service academy fair for Long Island students interested in attending one of the nation’s five military service academies.  Representatives from the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy were on-hand to provide students with information on their respective institutions, which require nominations from Senators or Members of Congress.

“Our nation’s service academies are preparing future leaders to confront new global challenges,” said Rep. Israel.  “The service academies are providing a top notch education for students who are courageous and willing to stand-up for their country. I appreciate being able to bring together Long Island students with representatives from each academy, and I once again look forward to the privilege to be able to nominate Long Island students to attend.” 

Members of Congress can nominate candidates for appointment to four U.S. Service Academies. These schools are the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require congressional nomination for appointment.  The service academies prepare college-aged students for careers in the military.  Upon graduation, graduates are commissioned as officers in the active or reserve components of the military, for a minimum of five years.

Each year, Congressman Israel nominates a select group of high school students from the Second Congressional District for admission into the service academies.  Nominations are made on an impartial, competitive basis.  An interested student should contact Congressman Israel’s Long Island Office by the end of his/her junior year to apply.