Thank you for your interest in being nominated to a United States Service Academy. Service to your country and fellow citizens is one of the highest callings in the career field.

A nomination to a service academy is only the first step in the appointment process. With the individual academies making the final decision in accepting a nominee, it is important that you open a file with the academy as well. The information you send to the academy will be used in consideration of your appointment.

The following items must be completed and received in the Coeur d'Alene office by November 30.  I encourage you to complete the online Application for Nomination early.

• Application for Nomination (Must be completed online)
• Cover letter with a list of activities, hobbies, honors, athletic awards, and community service. (Can be submitted online)
• One-page essay, “Why I want to attend a Service Academy?” (Can be submitted online)
• Principal/Counselor letter with proper form (In sealed envelope)
• 3 letters of reference with proper form (Not from a family member)
• School transcript of grades w/ class ranking (Certified copy, in a sealed envelope from your school)
• ACT or SAT scores - certified copy from school or agency (upgraded test scores may be submitted after the deadline)
• A signed “release of information” form
• Proof of Idaho Residency (only if you reside out of the state of Idaho)
• Recent photo of yourself

Above items should be mailed together in one large envelope to:

U.S. Senator James E. Risch
610 W. Hubbard St. Ste 213
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Fulton at (208) 667-6130 or Vicki_Fulton@Risch.senate.gov.

Nominations will be announced in mid-December. Although the process is lengthy and very competitive, the opportunities you will have if selected are tremendous. I wish you the best of luck as you seek this nomination.

Very Truly Yours,

James E. Risch
United States Senator

The United States Coast Guard Academy does not require congressional nominations. If you are interested in attending the USCG Academy, you should contact the Academy directly at: USCGA, Admissions Office, New London, Connecticut 06320 (www.cga.edu); or by calling 1-(800)-883-8724.