Central Louisiana News

On Saturday, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) spoke at Service Academy Day in Baton Rouge, featuring presentations from all five of America’s Service Academies for students interested in becoming commissioned officers in the United States Armed Forces. Cassidy hosted the event along with the offices of U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) and five of Louisiana’s six U.S. Representatives.

“There are talented young men and women here today who could choose to do anything, but want to serve our country,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It’s incredibly impressive and it’s in part thanks to their parents, who invest and instill their values in their children. Some of them will join the long line of officers who graduate from our Service Academies, to defend our nation.”

Over 100 students from at least 40 different high schools attended Service Academy Day with their parents. Representatives from the U.S. Military (West Point), Naval, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine Academies discussed how students can gain admittance, thrive, and graduate as officers from their Academies. Presenters from ROTC units attached to Louisiana State University and Southern University also provided information on programs that help college students become military officers.

Students were informed about the nomination process by their U.S. Representative or one of their U.S. Senators required for admittance into four of the Service Academies. Staff were present for Senators Cassidy and Kennedy, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), and Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02).

Afterwards, students and parents had the opportunity to visit with representatives of the Service Academies, ROTC units, and Members of Congress to get their questions answered. Colonel Charlton Meginley, USAF (Ret.), Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs was also present.

“We are grateful for the young men and women who want to serve our nation in uniform, and for those who will be accepted into the Service Academies; our national security will one day lie squarely in their hands,” said Secretary Meginley.“It cannot be emphasized enough the impact these future leaders will have not only in the military but in American society. And when their time in service has concluded, we will support them when they return home. We are proud of that mission and we thank Senator Cassidy and the Members of Congress who support Service Academy Day and our own mission to serve those who served.”

The final Service Academy Day of 2024 is scheduled for September 28 at Mandeville High School. The offices of Senators Cassidy and Kennedy along with Representatives Carter and Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) will host this event. Representatives from all five Service Academies as well as ROTC units attached to Tulane University will be present alongside staff for hosting Members of Congress.