Effingham, Illinois – Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) hosted his 2019 nominations to the military service academies and their families at a reception held at the Elks Lodge in Effingham, IL on Thursday, December 27, 2018. The congressman nominates individuals from his district, and then the academies themselves make the final determination whether a nominee receives an appointment to attend that academy.

“The academies look at academics, leadership, and physical fitness in order to assure a young person is well-rounded and able to cope with the unique challenges of attending a military school,” Congressman Shimkus, himself a graduate of West Point, said. “I am very proud of these young men and women for considering an academy for their college choice and am grateful for the honor of being able to nominate them.”

Gary W. Harness, son of Jason and Nancy Harness, of Mt. Carmel, IL received one of Congressman Shimkus' nominations to the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Gary is a senior at Mount Carmel High School where he has been involved in Cross Country, Tennis, National Honor Society, Scholar Bowl, and the annual Music Department production. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and is actively involved in the St. Mary's Youth Group. Mr. Harness has also been accepted to Southeast Missouri State University where he plans to study Engineering and participate in the United States Air Force ROTC program if he does not receive an appointment to USAFA. Nominees typically receive notification of their appointment to an academy in February or March.

The four military academies that require congressional nominations are the: United States Military Academy (USMA), located in West Point, New York; United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), located in Colorado Springs, Colorado; United States Naval Academy (USNA), located in Annapolis, Maryland; and United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), located in Kings Point, New York.

High school juniors, college students, or current members of the military who are residents of the 15th District and wish to attend an academy beginning in 2020 can start the dual application process now by registering on the academy of their choice's website. This summer, interested students should complete the online application form for the Congressman’s office available at http://shimkus.house.gov/services/academy.