Maryville, IL–Congressman John Shimkus says he’s accepting applications from young men and women interested in attending one of the United States military academies.  To be eligible for appointment, you must be a United States citizen; at least 17 and not more than 23 years of age, unmarried, have no dependents, and a legal resident of the 15th Congressional District of Illinois. Applications are accepted for the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York.  Students interested in applying may go to Shimkus’ websiteCompleted applications have to be received no later than November 6, 2015, or they won’t be considered. Shimkus nominates to the academies; however, academy officials actually make the final selection regarding admission.  Those accepted into an academy will be notified in early 2016.