Bright, humble, clever, physically tough, and mentally strong. Those are just a few adjectives I would use to describe the midshipmen from Missouri who I recently had the honor to meet at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Upon arrival at the beautiful Naval Academy, I was impressed by the academy’s top notch facilities and all of the midshipmen walking around with a distinct purpose. I was greeted by a Vice Admiral who accompanied me through the grounds, observed meal formation with the Commandment of Midshipmen, and dined with the 10 midshipmen from Missouri’s 3rd District who currently attend the Naval Academy.

During lunch, I was blown away by how mature our midshipmen are, even at a young age, and how they strive to selflessly serve our nation.  The amount of discipline and commitment that these young men and women showed was nothing short of inspiring. From sun up to sun down these midshipmen dedicate their time toward academics, athletics and, of course, military service.

Since 2009, I have nominated over 60 individuals to either attend West Point in New York (U.S. Army); the Air Force Academy in Colorado; the Merchant Marine Academy, also in New York,; and of course, the Naval Academy. So it was a true honor to visit with the young men and women who have either been nominated by me or one of Missouri’s United States Senators.

I have a lot of help along the way in the nomination process, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 3^rd District’s Military Academy Advisory Board.  This board is composed of 3^rd District residents who share a deep passion for students and the military, and they help me every step of the way with the nomination process. I would like to recognize Washington Missourian publisher, Bill Miller, Sr.; safety director and retired military, Sheldon Hartsfield; Naval Academy graduate, Adam Gresham; on-air host at KJFF radio in Festus, Matt West; and communications specialist at the Missouri Department of Education, Julie Boeckmann. Without your help, we would not have such fine individuals from the 3^rd District, making our district proud, at our nation’s military academies.

Currently, the application process is open for high school students to apply for the academy classes of 2020. The application deadline is October 30, 2015 so if you or someone you know is interested in applying, please contact my Jefferson City office immediately. 

I am proud to play a small part in these outstanding young folks’ futures. I look forward to getting another opportunity to meet all of the new applicants face-to-face as they seek the honor of attending one of our nation’s military academies and serving a grateful nation.