Washington, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has had the honor of notifying young Oklahomans of their appointments to one of the five prestigious U.S. Service Academies.

In a video shared across his social media, Senator Mullin, a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, called Byrch, a high school senior from Choctaw to surprise him with the news of his acceptance to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Each year, Senator Mullin’s office accepts student applications for congressional nominations for appointment to four of the five U.S. Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy, U.S Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment. If you or a qualified student you know are interested in potentially attending a U.S. Service Academy, interested parties can learn more and apply online by October 9^th, 2026.

The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

“The decision to apply to a service academy is an incredibly personal and courageous one, and I am humbled to be a part of the process,” said Sen. Mullin. “No matter the branch, rank, or role, each of our men and women in uniform play an important part in maintaining our national security and defending our way of life. I always encourage Oklahoma’s qualified high school seniors to consider if this path is right for you. The process of nominating exceptional students and notifying them of their appointments is easily one of the best parts of my job.”

Senator Mullin just released this video on his various social media platforms.

Background:

• A nomination does not guarantee admission. If an individual receives a nomination from the Senator’s office, next, they must receive an appointment from the service academy.
• The honor of attending a U.S. service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. At that time, individuals receive a bachelor’s degree and are commissioned as military officers.
• In addition to meeting the minimum eligibility requirements, the Senator’s office recommends that each applicant excel academically and demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities through their schools and in their communities.
• Applications and additional information can be found on the Senator’s website: https://www.mullin.senate.gov/services/service-academy-nominations/
• Students must submit four copies of their completed application, along with four copies of their 3×5 photo, by mail to the Senator’s Oklahoma City office by October 9^th, 2026. 

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