Photo Attached – CAPTION: Congressman Frank Lucas welcomes Austin Garland to his district office. Colby Bodkin (LEFT), Congressman Frank Lucas (RIGHT)

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas welcomed Austin Garland, Altus, Okla. native, to his district office on Monday to thank him for applying to the United States Service Academies.

“It was a pleasure discussing the Academies with Austin in my district office,” said Lucas. “I greatly appreciate his willingness to serve our country through our nation’s Academies. I am very proud of him and wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Garland is currently a student at Altus High School. He is a certified lifeguard and a black belt in Tae Kwan Do.  Garland is the son of Douglas and Jaqulyne Garland of Altus, Okla.

Four of our nation’s five Service Academies require a congressional nomination, including the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy.  In order to receive a nomination, the student must be between the ages of 17 and 23 and a resident of the Third Congressional District of Oklahoma.  Each academy offers young men and women a free college education at a highly ranked, nationally recognized academic program while preparing them for an officer’s commission in the armed forces upon graduation. 

Third District students interested in applying for the 2014 Service Academies should contact Allison Litterell in Lucas’ district office at (405) 373-1958, or visit the web site at /service-academy-nominations.

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