Chambana Sun

Representative Rodney Davis is accepting applications for his congressional nomination to a United States service academy for the Class of 2027.

“Each year, I have the honor of nominating well-qualified, accomplished young men and women to our Nation’s service academies,” Davis wrote on Twitter. “I encourage any student interested to visit my website, call my office, or attend our event to get the process started.”

The Congressional Research Service reported each academy takes in 4,400 students a year.

There are five U.S. service academies: the U.S. Military Academy; the U.S. Naval Academy; the U.S. Air Force Academy; the U.S. Coast Guard Academy; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

Many veterans of the various branches have gone become accomplished in leadership, such as Mike Murtagh, a U.S. Navy veteran.

“I’m so happy to officially launch the re-establishment of the reorganized Division for Advancement and Alumni Relations at Western,” Guiyou Huang, Western Illinois University president, said in a release. “I’m thrilled that Mr. Murtagh has agreed to lead the division through this next important phase, which includes the kickoff of WIU’s next capital campaign. Mike’s many years of experience and his in-depth knowledge of fundraising and donor support will serve WIU well.”

Davis's office will also be hosting a Service Academy Day informational event for interested students, parents, and school officials with the office of Representative Darin LaHood in Springfield on June 18.

Service academies offer fully funded four-year scholarships to young U.S. citizens with a desire to serve their country, who qualify by age and academics, who demonstrate desirable leadership qualities, and who have the wherewithal to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. A four-year education at one of the service academies has an estimated value of approximately $300,000.

One of Davis's priorities as a political leader is supporting the U.S. military.

The White House explained the application process. Individuals who are unmarried U.S. citizens between the ages of 17 and 23 of good moral character with no dependents are qualified to apply.

The minimum SAT scores for the academies are 500 verbal and 500 math; The minimum ACT scores for the academies are 21 English, 19 Social Studies, 24 Mathematics, and 24 Natural Science.