Service Academy Nomination Applications are Open!

Straight Talk with Sam

One of the greatest honors I have serving as your Congressman is the opportunity to nominate the best and brightest young students from North Missouri to attend four of our nation's five service academies-the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. While still highly competitive, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy has a different application process.

Numerous students across North Missouri apply every year. It's not an easy process, but it's certainly a rewarding one. If you (or someone you know) are interested in applying for a service academy nomination, I encourage you to contact my Kansas City District Office at 816-792-3976 after opening an application with your desired service academy.

To be eligible to attend, you must:

• Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy).
• Be a U.S. Citizen, and a permanent resident of Missouri.
• Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents.
• Meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy.
• Be of good moral character.
• Have a valid Social Security Number.

The application deadline for the nomination process is 5:00 pm, October 10, 2025. Once the nomination application period has closed, applicants will be evaluated and interviewed by my Academy Nomination Review Board, which is comprised of service academy graduates, veterans, and citizens of North Missouri. They will make the final recommendations to me on which candidates are the most deserving of attending our nation's service academies.

It's an extremely difficult and challenging process, but it ensures that our very best and brightest are chosen to attend our service academies. It's an absolute honor and a privilege to help these young students achieve their dreams. I know every one of them-including many who go through the process but ultimately come up short of receiving a nomination-will go on to make us proud.

Sincerely,

Sam Graves