Congressman Pat Ryan announces third annual fall service academy information session at Marist University in Poughkeepsie

Poughkeepsie, New York – Congressman Pat Ryan is once again opening the door for young New Yorkers to learn about a future in national service. On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Ryan will host his third annual Fall Service Academy Information Session, giving students, parents, and educators a chance to meet directly with representatives from the nation’s military academies and learn more about the nomination process required to attend them. The event will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Marist University’s Dyson Center, located at 30 John Winslow Drive in Poughkeepsie.

Ryan, who represents New York’s 18th Congressional District, has made these information sessions a recurring fixture on his calendar since first taking office. For him, the events carry deep personal meaning. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 2004, Ryan was the first West Point alumnus ever elected to represent the Academy in Congress. His role on the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the Service Academies, has made these programs even more central to his work in Washington.

“At West Point, I learned to live a life grounded in duty, honor, and service to our county. Nominating the next generation of leaders is an incredible privilege,” Ryan said in announcing this year’s session. “Our military is also one of our most diverse institutions. My goal is to develop an officer corps that reflects our community. This starts by reaching out to everyone in New York’s 18th Congressional District and empowering them with the information and resources to take part in the nomination process – I hope to see any young person interested in pursuing national service there.”

Students Share Their Experiences

The upcoming information session builds on past events that have already shaped the ambitions of local students. Dennis Palacios, a Monroe-Woodbury High School student who attended a 2023 workshop, described how valuable it was to hear directly from those who had walked the path he hopes to take.

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“It’s been a lifelong goal to attend a service academy. This informational event assured me that this dream remains possible,” Palacios said. “Each service academy representative was kind and encouraging. They also provided useful information on cadet life and tips to strengthen my application. Many thanks to Congressman Ryan and the service academy/ROTC representatives for hosting such an incredible event!”

For Palacios and others, the opportunity to ask questions in person made the idea of applying to a service academy less intimidating and more attainable.

Why These Sessions Matter

Major General (Ret.) Glenn Lesniak, chairman of Ryan’s Service Academy Selection Board and a 1976 West Point graduate, emphasized that meeting mentors face-to-face makes all the difference for applicants.

“Applying to a Service Academy is an involved process, so getting to meet with people familiar with that process is crucial,” Lesniak explained. “Plus, serving in the Military is about interacting with other people. Attending a Service Academy Fair provides that interpersonal experience and gives you a sense of culture and what to expect from people who have lived it. It’s much better than an internet search and a critical resource for anyone considering enrolling in one of our exceptional Service Academies.”

The congressman’s office expects this year’s session to attract a wide range of students from across the Hudson Valley. Attendees will not only hear about the nomination process but will also get a realistic picture of academy life, admissions standards, and alternative routes to military service such as ROTC.

How the Nomination Process Works

Unlike traditional college applications, entry into most of the nation’s service academies requires a nomination from a member of Congress or another eligible official. Applicants to the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and West Point must secure such a nomination before moving forward. Nominations can also come from the President, the Vice President, or through military-connected pathways for enlisted personnel. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy is the lone exception, admitting students without the nomination requirement.

Once nominated, students must then receive an appointment directly from the academy they hope to attend. Acceptance comes with a unique set of commitments: a four-year, tuition-free education followed by a commission as an officer and at least five years of active-duty service.

For Ryan’s district, the nomination process is designed to identify young leaders who reflect both the character and diversity of the communities they come from. Applicants must meet several baseline requirements as of July 1 of the year of admission:

• Be between 17 and 22 years old (must not have passed their 23rd birthday).
• Hold U.S. citizenship.
• Be unmarried, not pregnant, and free of legal obligations to support dependents.
• Reside within New York’s 18th Congressional District.
• Satisfy medical, physical, and academic standards set by the academies.

The application window for fall 2026 admission is currently open, with a deadline of November 1, 2025. Completed forms must arrive at Ryan’s office no later than October 31, 2025.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

For Congressman Ryan, these requirements are not barriers but opportunities to find students prepared to embrace the responsibilities of service. His push to expand awareness of the academies reflects both his personal journey and his commitment to public service. As he often reminds constituents, serving as an officer in the military is about more than just a career path — it is about leadership, sacrifice, and being part of an institution bigger than oneself.

The September session will provide families and educators with a comprehensive look at these opportunities. Parents concerned about the rigors of academy life will hear directly from academy representatives. Educators looking to guide their students will receive practical information on how to support applications. And for the students themselves, the event offers a tangible first step toward turning a dream into reality.

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The congressman’s office is encouraging broad participation. Whether students are certain about applying or simply curious about what the academies entail, Ryan insists the session will deliver valuable insights. As Major General Lesniak noted, no online resource can replace the personal dimension of meeting people who have gone through the experience.

Looking Ahead

With the deadline for nominations fast approaching, this year’s Fall Service Academy Information Session may serve as the decisive moment for many young people weighing their future. By gathering students, families, and military representatives in one place, the event aims to not only inform but to inspire.

For more details on the nomination process or the September 13 event at Marist University, constituents can visit Congressman Ryan’s official website, email [email protected], or call his district office at (845) 443-2930.