GAINESVILLE, GA – Last week, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) hosted Blue Ridge Service Academy Day to help Ninth District students and their families learn about the five U.S. Service Academies and the congressional nomination process.

Each year, Congressman Clyde nominates eligible candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

In partnership with Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Rep. Clyde hosted students, parents, and school counselors at Rabun County High School to gather information and resources from representatives from each of the five U.S. Service Academies.

“One of the greatest honors of serving the Ninth District is the opportunity to assist Northeast Georgians in their journey to military service,” said Clyde. “I’m so pleased that our Blue Ridge Service Academy Day was a success – featuring a great turnout, patriotic students, and beneficial insight into our nation’s prestigious military academies and the congressional nomination process. I wish all aspiring nominees the best of luck, and I look forward to helping them navigate the process ahead.”

Rep. Clyde’s 2026 Blue Ridge Service Academy Day 

Last month, Congressman Clyde announced his nomination of 16 students from Georgia’s Ninth District as candidates to the U.S. Service Academies.

Students interested in seeking a future congressional nomination may find more information and access the application on Rep. Clyde’s website.