Military Academy Nominations

Thank you for your interest in serving our country by attending one of the United States Military Academies. It is an honor for me to nominate up to ten exemplary candidates, from the 2nd District, to enter one of these prestigious institutions. Below is the information you will need to guide you through the process: 

General Requirements:

• You must be at least 17 years of age, but not yet 23 years of age as of July 1 of the year you seek admission to an Academy. Note: Merchant Marine Academy maximum age is 25.
• You must be a citizen of the United States
• You may not be married, pregnant or have a legal obligation to support a child
• You must be a resident of the 2nd Congressional District of Michigan

Congressman Moolenaar’s Requirements:

• Completed application form, printed, and signed (see below)
• Provide a personal essay ( at least 500 words) describing why you want to attend a United States Service Academy. In this essay, please also include what makes you a qualified and unique candidate for a nomination.
• Provide an official transcript of your high school (and any college) grades through the most recent grading period.
• Provide a statement from your guidance counselor as to your projected rank in class and your cumulative grade point average if it is not included on your official transcript.
• Provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation from representative members of your community who are in the position to comment on your leadership ability, character, and suitability for an academy nomination and military career. It is suggested that the letters come from people who can give a view of all aspects of your life, for example; teacher, counselor, employer, clergyman, coach or family friend.
• Provide copies of your ACT and/or SAT scores. You should take the next available exam so that we have your scores by our deadline. Should you take the test more than once, your best scores will be considered.
• Please provide a current photograph of yourself with this application packet.

Timeline for Service Academy Nominations

*Before Completing the Application, Please Read the Frequently Asked Questions*

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Representative Moolenaar may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district. To request a Military Academy Nomination from our office, please complete the form below. Best wishes to you as you pursue your goal of attending one of the U.S. Service Academies and serving our country.

Fill out this form completely. Then submit it with the items listed above.

Application for Nomination to U.S. Service Academies

Please send completed application packets by October 31, 2025 to:

Congressman John Moolenaar
Attention: Keisha Wolgast
431 N McEwan Street
Clare, MI 48617

For more questions or assistance, please contact Keisha at Keisha.Wolgast@mail.house.gov 

Thank You!