Representative Linder's office now accepting applications from nominations to service academies

Washington, D.C. (September 20, 2006) - The office of Representative John Linder (R-GA) is accepting applications from all eligible high school seniors currently residing in the Seventh Congressional District for a nomination to one of the four service academies - U.S. Air Force, U.S. Military, U.S. Naval, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academies.

Representative Linder made the following statement:

   "Now that the school year has begun, we approach one of my favorite duties as a Congressman - nominating young men and women to the United States service academies. Besides providing our young people a world class education, America's service academies provide students the knowledge and experience necessary to become the future leaders of our country.

   "Every young man and woman interested in applying to the service academies must be between the ages of 17 to 23 and obtain a nomination from a federal Representative to attend the academy of their choice. This is a detailed and selective process that allows the academy to offer admission to the best and brightest candidates in the country. Applications for the Seventh District nomination process must be complete and submitted to my office by Friday, October 20, 2006 at 5:00pm. The application must include a complete transcript, three letters of recommendation, resume of experience, short essay, and the application form, along with SAT/ ACT scores.

   "The dedication of these young people amazes me every year. With the threat of terrorism and other great challenges, I feel it is imperative that our most committed young people are afforded the opportunity to serve their country in such an essential role as a cadet in a service academy."

   To obtain information on this process, or if you want to provide information to a potential candidate, please contact Annie Valenty at 770-232-3005 (extension 1011). The Academy Nominations section of Representative Linder's online office at http://l inder.house.gov/academy provides multiple resources for information about the process, including links to the service academies, requirements for consideration, all of the pertinent deadlines and a downloadable application.