Carper, Coons, Blunt Rochester Host 23rd Annual Service Academy Information Night

On Friday, March 15, 2024, nearly 200 people attended the 23^rd Annual U.S. Service Academy Information Night at Dover High School. Organized by U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), the last serving Vietnam Veteran in the Senate, and co-hosted by U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (both D-Del.), the event included representatives from the service academies and other military organizations to answer questions and provide information to students and their families about the application process.

Service academy applications require either a congressional nomination or a military-affiliated nomination. Other requirements and more information on applying can be found by going to www.carper.senate.gov/services/academies.

“The military taught me how to be a leader, and shaped the person I am today,” said Senator Carper, a 23-year veteran of the Navy. “I consider it an honor and great responsibility to nominate exceptional young men and women to our nation’s service academies, where they will grow into tomorrow’s leaders.”

“I’m excited to see members of our next generation pursuing a life dedicated to leadership in the service of others,” said Senator Coons. “The young men and women who will pursue this path are models of courage, strength, and dedication to this great nation. I look forward to nominating some of our finest young Delawareans to our nation’s service academies and seeing all that each of those who take this path will accomplish.”

“Nominating Delaware students to our nation’s prestigious service academies is something that Senator Carper, Senator Coons, and I are proud to do each year,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I am grateful to all the students and families who came to our annual Service Academy Information Night in Dover to learn more about the process, and I look forward to doing my part to help our young people answer the call to serve our state and nation.”

Senator Carper invited Zakary Ward, a United States Naval Academy appointee for the class of 2028, and Larence Kirby, who served 30 years in active duty and now helps veterans and service members at Delaware Technical and Community College as an academic counselor, to speak to attendees about their experiences. Other participants included the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the United States Military Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy and the Delaware National Guard, as well as Air Force, Army and Navy ROTC program representatives and the Delaware Civil Air Patrol.