Nevada delegation hosts academy information sessions

Sens. Harry Reid and Dean Heller and Representatives Joe Heck, Mark Amodei, Dina Titus and Steven Horsford will jointly host this year’s Academy Information Sessions in Northern and Southern Nevada.

Both sessions are slated for April 6 with the Reno event beginning at 9 a.m., and the Las Vegas presentation at 6 p.m.

This annual event gives high school sophomores and juniors interested in a military education a chance to ask questions and learn about opportunities available at service academies in the United States. The event is designed to help students learn about the enrollment, nomination and education processes involving the service academies.

“It has been a pleasure to host the Academy Information events for more than two decades,” Reid said. “There are so many bright and talented young Nevadans who will make the choice to serve their country with honor and courage in elite leadership roles. These events help set these individuals in that direction by helping to learn about the opportunities available to them. I admire the students who decide to attend our nation’s service academies. It is an important decision and commitment they are making to themselves and to their country.”

Heller said the annual event gives prospective candidates a better insight into what each academy offers.

“Academy Information Day helps young Nevadans interested in a nomination to one of our nation’s prestigious service academies to take a brave first step that will lead to life changing experiences,” said Heller. “Having family that served in the Armed Forces, as I do, I truly appreciate the journey they are about to embark upon. It is a privilege to be a part of this event and to recommend our military’s future officers.”

Heck, an Army Reserve officer, touts the benefits of the academies, both for the immediate and long-range future.

“Academy Day is a great opportunity for students who are considering attending one of the service academies, and I am pleased to join with the delegation in hosting this event,” Heck said. “The young men and women who attend Academy Day have decided to consider a lifetime of service to their country and they are to be commended for that. As a colonel in the Army Reserves, I take very seriously my responsibility to nominate exceptional Nevada students to the academies and look forward to meeting with this year’s potential nominees.”

Amodei, along with Heck, has served in the military.

“As an Army ROTC alumnus and the father of a veteran, who is a Navy ROTC alumna, I value the educational opportunities provided by our armed forces, whether it’s through the GI Bill or our outstanding service academies,” said Amodei. “I am thrilled to join the Nevada delegation for Academy Day and look forwarding to meeting some of the best young people the Silver State has to offer as they consider this path to serving our country.”