Graves Opens Application Process for Service Academy Nominations

Image April 3, 2025 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) announced that he is currently accepting applications from North Missouri students interested in attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, or U.S. Naval Academy. “It’s always an honor to nominate the best and brightest from North Missouri to attend our nation’s service academies,” said Graves. “Each year, numerous outstanding young men and women from North Missouri go through the application process. It’s not an easy process, but it is certainly rewarding. Every student who has interest in attending a service academy should definitely consider applying.” Individuals interested in applying for a service academy nomination can do so by contacting Congressman Graves’ Kansas City District Office at 816-792-3976 after opening an application with their desired service academy. To be eligible to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, or U.S. Naval Academy, you must: Be at least 17 years old, but not have passed the 23rd birthday (25 for the Merchant Marine Academy). Be a U.S. Citizen, and a permanent resident of Missouri. Be unmarried, not pregnant, and have no legal obligation to support children or other dependents. Meet the medical, physical, and academic requirements of the Academy. Be of good moral character. Have a valid Social Security Number. The deadline for applications for the nomination process is 5:00 pm, October 10, 2025. The U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Naval Academy all have extremely high admission standards and the nomination process is very competitive. Applicants are evaluated and interviewed by the Academy Nomination Review Board comprised of service academy graduates, veterans and citizens of Missouri’s 6 th Congressional District before final recommendations are made to Congressman Graves. ###