From our rolling Sandhills to the Missouri River Valley and everywhere in between, Nebraskans are bound by a set of exceptional values: hard work, determination, and above all, a natural tendency to serve those around us. Seeing this value in action is what inspired me to run for my local school board, the Nebraska Unicameral, and eventually the U.S. Senate. Today, it is what drives me to advocate for Nebraska in Washington.
Fortunately, this value is also alive and well in young people across our state. When I meet with high school students, I am encouraged to hear that their aspirations are still rooted in service. For a select group of young Nebraskans, those future dreams include pursuing an appointment to one of our nation’s service academies — a path that demands excellence, leadership, and the ultimate commitment to serving our country.
As a U.S. senator, I have the privilege of nominating a select group of outstanding young men and women to attend one of the U.S. service academies: the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and U.S. Naval Academy. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination, but I still submit recommendations on behalf of Nebraskans. These five academies not only provide some of the most rigorous curricula in the world but also shape young men and women into future officers, with many becoming generals and admirals.
Playing a role in the selection of our future military leaders is not a responsibility I take lightly. As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I work on legislation to advance our national defense capabilities. And as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Board of Visitors, I oversee the academy’s operations and report findings directly to the president. Through it all, these young, determined Nebraskans remain in the forefront of my mind and close to my heart. I am inspired by their commitment to strengthen the future of our state and our nation.
Each academy has its own application process outside of pursuing a nomination from my office, so it is important to stay on top of all deadlines. I recommend starting the process as soon as possible — the academies recommend high school juniors begin their applications in the spring. If you are in 9th through 11th grade and thinking about applying to a service academy, you can look into attending a summer program at one of the academies to gain a better understanding of the service academy experience.
To learn more about this process, consider attending a Service Academy Day hosted by the Nebraska Delegation. These informational sessions are held each spring by congressional staff members who are very knowledgeable about the application and nomination processes. We concluded this year’s informational sessions but will host more in 2027 – please check for the dates and useful information related to the academies on the “Academy Nominations” page of my website: fischer.senate.gov.
Nomination applications for the class of 2031 are now open until October 7, 2026. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Omaha office at 402-391-3411 or email my team at academynom_fischer@fischer.senate.gov. My staff and I will provide any assistance you need as you enter this exciting time.
Nebraskans have always answered the call to serve our nation. I am confident our next generation of leaders will carry on this tradition and make our state proud.
Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.
