Taking place at the Performing Arts Center of Colony High School on Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., is the 2019 North Texas Military Forum, co-hosted by Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, for students interested in becoming a military officer.

“We encourage students and their parents from middle school to high school to attend the event,” Deputy District Director of the office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess, Robin Vaughan said.

Students and parents alike will have the opportunity to converse with representatives from all five academies (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy), as well as current academy cadets and midshipmen, and representatives from Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps ROTC. Presentations and Q&A sessions from current members of all five military branches can be also be heard. This is an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable knowledge about the appointment process from military officials themselves.

“North Texas students, parents and educators will be able to hear from and meet with these representatives on a one-to-one basis to become informed about the excellent possibilities associated with attending these premier educational institutions and the sorts of careers they generate,” Vaughan explained in an email.

The event is of utmost importance for current juniors who are interested in becoming military officers, as a congressional nomination is required in addition to meeting all other requirements for admittance into the academies. This event is an opportunity for congressmen to be able to meet and interact with potential candidates as a way for them to decide who to nominate. This event is not a guaranteed way to secure a nomination but it does provide an advantage. Additionally, if students have prior commitments and cannot attend, they will still be able to potentially receive a nomination as congressmen will still review high school ROTC students.

“Each congressional member has a very limited number [of nominations] that they can submit to the academies each year,” Vaughan explained. “It’s the responsibility of each member of congress to nominate high school students.”

This forum will be most beneficial for those interested in attending one of the five military academies, not for those who wish to enlist straight after high school. If a student is not able to attend, it is encouraged that a parent still attends as valuable information will be distributed. Registration for the event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and it is a “come and stay” function.

For more information about the nomination process and details for a nomination from Congressman Burgess click here.