REP. MIKE THOMPSON OFFICE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SERVICE ACADEMY NOMINATIONS

June 11, 2015

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5) announced today that his office is accepting applications from those ages 17-23 who are interested in attending the four service academies requiring nominations: United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, United States Military Academy at West Point, and the United States Naval Academy. The fifth service academy, the Coast Guard Academy, does not require a nomination.

"One of the highest honors I have as a Representative in Congress is getting to annually nominate exceptional candidates from our community to the service academies," said Thompson. "Just last month, three exceptional young men were accepted into the academies, and I'm pleased to announce that the nomination process for 2016 class is underway. If offered appointments, these young men and women will receive both a world class education and the skills they will need to become tomorrow's military leaders."

Eligible candidates must be at least 17 years old, but younger than 23, in the year of their admission to the academy, a United States citizen, unmarried, and a resident of California's 5^th Congressional District.

The Benefits of Attending a Service Academy include:

Cadets will receive a four year education and degree from some of the most prestigious colleges in the country. All service academies have high academic standards.
In exchange for a five year commitment to the military candidates selected receive a world-class education valued at $400,000. Schooling, room, board and books are all paid for. In addition medical and dental coverage will be provided.
The service academies' key focus is on preparing the leaders of tomorrow through leadership, mental, emotional and physical development.
Cadets will have job security upon graduation as they will go into service as a commissioned officer in the United States military.
An O-1 commissioned officer earns a base pay of $3,692.10 per month plus 30 days of leave a year.
A new Second Lieutenant earns $ 2,934.30 per month. In addition, they receive a $253 Basic Allowance for Subsistence. Airborne status pays and extra $150 per month and Combat Zone pay extra $225 month. Additionally, they receive a housing allowance to live off post, which varies by location.

Interested applicants should contact Thompson's Santa Rosa District Office at CA05ServiceAcademy@mail.house.gov or 707-542-7182 for an application packet and further information.

Class of 2015 accepted nominees from the 5^th District included:

U.S. Naval Academy

Connor Hudak, Napa CA – Recognized as a National Merit Scholar Qualifier for Vintage High School. AP Scholar with Distinction, Principal's honor roll, 2011-2014. Coaches' award for Wrestling 2013. California Boys State Delegate 2014. Graduate of the Naval Academy summer seminar 2014. National Honor society 2013-2015. He is actively involved in his church group, in addition at school he tutors, plays water polo, track & field wrestles, and volunteers for environmental cleanup.

Rashad Brown, Vallejo, CA – Brown is a graduate of the Naval Academy Prep School. NAPS (Naval Academy Preps School) Varsity cross country 2014-2015. At NAPS he was the recipient of the ROWAN award. While in high school, he was on the honor roll 2010-2014. All league wrestling, Scholar Athlete 2014. Varsity football, 2012-2014, captain 2013-2014. Varsity Wrestling 2010-2014, captain all leave MVBP 2013-2014. JV football 2010-212, captain 2011-2012. Varsity football, 2012-2014, captain 2013-2014.

United States Military Academy at West Point

Jamie Gates, Cotati, CA – Currently enlisted as a ranger in U.S. Army. EMS qualified 2011, Army airborne qualified, 2014, army expert infantry badge, 2014. Teen Eagle political action group 2008-2009. Boys scouts 2008. Awana youth leader 2008-2010. Varsity football team captain 2009 & 2010. Team MVP 2009, 2010, all league 2009-2010, Varsity letters 2008, 2009, 2010.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5^th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.

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