Kathy Babers, representative from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s Office, attended the Webster Parish Police Jury meeting this month to give an update on recent happenings and upcoming outreach programs offered by the congressional office.
“We are starting a new school outreach. We have a lot of things, that no matter who’s in office, that congress offers to students,” said Babers. “That would include art competitions, an app challenge – where they can create an app and get recognized nationally for it.”
They also have nominations open for this years’ service academy.
“Which is obviously now even more of a big deal for the Speaker because you must have a congressional nomination to get into a service academy and so that is going to be a big deal this year,” she said.
Babers explained that upon Johnson’s election to Speaker of the House, there was some confusion because many were not aware that Johnson still attended to his congressional duties, as well.
“We are trying to let everybody know we still do the same things, he just has a Speaker side and his regular congressional side now,” said Babers. “So, we will be doing a lot of that coming up in the next few months.”
Members of congress are responsible for nominating 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 service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination.
If nominated, participants must commit to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. Johnson may nominate up to ten individuals for each vacant academy slot allotted to our district.
For those interested in applying for consideration, contact Babers at 318-840-0309 or Kathy.Babers@mail.house.gov. You may also find an application form on their website at
https://mikejohnson.house.gov/services/service-academy-nominations.htm
The 2024 application should be submitted no later than Wednesday, November 6, 2024, by email to Babers or mailed to Speaker Mike Johnson’s district office in Bossier City, Louisiana at 2250 Hospital Drive Suite 248 Bossier City, LA 71111.