West Hudson Valley News

MIDDLETOWN, NY –  On Saturday, Congressman Pat Ryan hosted an Information Workshop for NY-18 constituents interested in applying to United States Service Academies and spoke with students about his experience attending the United States Military Academy at West Point.

“At West Point, I learned to live a life grounded in duty, honor, and service to our county. Introducing others to a life of those values and nominating the next generation of military leaders is an incredible privilege,” said Representative Ryan. “Our military is also one of our most diverse institutions.  My goal is to develop an officer corps that reflects that same diversity. This starts by reaching out to everyone in New York’s 18th Congressional District and empowering them with the information and resources to take part in the nomination process. 

“It’s been a lifelong goal to attend a service academy. This informational event assured me that this dream remains possible,” said Dennis Palacios, a student at Monroe-Woodbury High School. “Each service academy representative was kind and encouraging. They also provided useful information on cadet life and tips to strengthen my application. Many thanks to Congressman Ryan and the service academy/ROTC representatives for hosting such an incredible event!”             

“SUNY Orange is happy to partner with Congressman Ryan and his staff in hosting this Service Academy Informational Workshop for aspiring service academy students,” said Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange President. “As a Military Friendly school, SUNY Orange values the contributions of our veterans and active duty personnel in serving and protecting our country, as well as the sacrifices their spouses, dependents and families make in support of their service. We also admire the decisions of the young people from Congressman Ryan’s district who may be considering the very challenging, yet rewarding, path of potentially enrolling in a service academy and committing now to future service to our nation.”

 “Congressionally supported Academy recruitment events provide the Candidates face-to-face with their elected officials or Congressional Staff and the ability to ensure they are presented multiple Academy options,” said Khodadod Kia, US Military Academy Admissions Field Force, NY 18 Congressional District Coordinator. “These events also provide the opportunity for Parents to ask pertinent questions related to their children’s future. Together, these three aspects allow the Candidate to choose an Academy that most closely aligns with their passions. As a USMA Graduate and current Field Force volunteer, I am wholeheartedly grateful that this event is being supported and reinforces that USMA will have continued support from NY-18.”

"Thank you so much to Congressman Ryan and his team for putting this afternoon together,” said 2nd Lt. Joshua Hong, US Air Force Academy Admissions Advisor. “It means so much for these students to express interest in serving their country, and it's through these Service Academy days where students can learn more about each academy. I wish all the best to each student moving forward, and thank you again to the Congressman's office for organizing this event." 

“I’d like to thank Representative Ryan for holding this workshop and for allowing me to participate,” said Captain Robert N. Anderson, USMMA ‘75. “Attending and graduating from Kings Point is one of the best things to have happened in my life.” 

 “I would like to thank Congressman Ryan for holding this event. As a USMA graduate Representative Ryan has experienced firsthand the value that our federal service academies provide to our Nation,” said Kate Farrington, a US Coast Guard Academy Representative. “The focus of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is to develop officer-ready leaders of character who embody Coast Guard values, who influence and inspire others, and who decide what is right and demonstrate the courage to act accordingly. Holding events that enable aspiring students the opportunity to speak directly to each academy is incredibly beneficial, especially to the Coast Guard Academy as we are the smallest of the federal service academies.  Thank you for your support and for the opportunity to attend as a representative of the USCGA”.

Congressman Pat Ryan is a 2004 graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) and is the first West Point graduate to represent the USMA in Congress.

The United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy require Congressional, Vice Presidential, or Service-Connected nominations to qualify as candidates to receive appointments to a U.S. Service Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination, but was represented at the Information Workshop. 

U.S. Service Academies provide appointees with a four-year, tuition-free undergraduate education. Graduates are then commissioned as officers in their respective military branch and serve for a minimum five-year commitment.

U.S. citizens of New York’s 18th Congressional District between the ages of 17 and 23 are eligible to apply for a nomination to a Service Academy by Congressman Pat Ryan. The application period opens on May 15th and closes on October 31st, 2023. Interested constituents can find additional information on the nomination process on Congressman Ryan’s website or by contacting his district offices at (845) 443-2930. 

Original source can be found here.