Making the decision to serve

As a U.S. Senator, I have the privilege and responsibility of nominating Nebraska students to our nation's service academies: the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Nebraskans have a long and proud history of military service. Since our state's founding, our sons and daughters have served our country with valor. This legacy, passed from one generation to the next, is foundational to America's strength.

As the war in Afghanistan winds down, new challenges face the nation's military leadership. The nation counts on its military academies to provide these leaders.

Young Nebraskans with exceptional academic records, demonstrated leadership skills, and strong work ethics are in demand by all career sectors. For students with an urge to serve their country in the military, enrollment at one of the service academies provides them with a top tier education and the leadership skills for leading military forces.

Choosing to attend a service academy is a big decision in a young person's life. Students who attend these programs commit themselves to five years of military service as an officer after graduation. It is important students, especially those who are juniors in high school, have all the information available to them if they decide to seek nominations to the service academies.

Academy Day is an event my office holds every year to help students, parents, and counselors learn more about the service academies. It is an opportunity to talk directly with representatives from the academies, some of whom have themselves graduated and served. Representatives from the four Armed Services academies, plus the Coast Guard Academy, Army ROTC, and Navy ROTC will be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

This year the first Academy Open House will be held Saturday, May 4, at Central Community College's Grand Island Campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Representatives from my office and the offices of Senator Deb Fischer and Congressman Adrian Smith will also be in attendance. Details about other upcoming Academy Days in the Scottsbluff area and Lincoln/Omaha area will be coming from my office soon.

I encourage students with a desire to become military officers by attending one of these prestigious academies to attend Academy Day and visit my website, www.Johanns.Senate.gov, to learn more about the nomination and application process. Those interested in continuing the process should fill out the Military Academy Nomination Form found on my website. The deadline for submitting a nomination packet is October 15, 2013. Students who submit an application, will be guided through the process by my Director of Military Affairs, retired Major General Roger Lempke, who will also help organize the selection board, which will assist with the selection process.

Every year, I hear from students who write to tell me why they aspire to attend one of our military academies. These are some of Nebraska's most accomplished young people. Reading the stories and personal experience they share makes me proud of our state and reminds me how blessed we are as a nation to have young men and women eager to serve. I know that with these new leaders receiving the best training and education at our military academies, America's future is indeed in good hands.