ATLANTA – State Representative Alex Atwood (R-St. Simons Island) was recently appointed to serve as a member of to the First Congressional District’s United States Service Academy Nominations Board by U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) of Pooler.
“Military service to our great country is a solemn and noble endeavor,” said Rep. Atwood. “I am thankful to Congressman Carter for his trust, and will certainly work hard to help select young people who wish to achieve the dream of a military academy education.”
Each year, members of Congress may nominate a limited number of people to United States Armed Services Academies. Admission to a Service Academy is a two-tiered process. First, applicants apply to the Academy and meet the set minimum standard qualifications. The second tier in pursuing admissions is the Congressional Nominations process in which the United States Service Academy Nominations Board reviews all applicants, selects candidates for interviews and participates in final nomination decisions. Factors such as academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills, physical aptitude, character and motivation are taken into consideration and compared with other applicants.
“The First District has been blessed with a rich military heritage,” said U.S. Rep. Carter. “Rep. Atwood’s insight and service on the board will help continue that tradition by allowing me to nominate the best and brightest candidates to attend our United States Military Service Academies. In turn, they will become the future leaders of our nation.”
Rep. Atwood served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in ground, aviation and Intelligence positions for 34 years. Initially enlisting as a private, Rep. Atwood became a captain in 1982. He was then selected by the Commandant of the Marine Corps in a national competition as the Marine Reserve Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year. As a Marine, he served throughout the United States and overseas, including service in Honduras, Korea, Norway and Spain. Rep. Atwood was called back to active duty and served in support of both Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. Rep. Atwood retired at the rank of full Colonel.
Representative Alex Atwood represents the citizens of District 179, which includes portions of Glynn County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as a member of the Appropriations Committee and as a member on the Insurance, Juvenile Justice, Judiciary Non-Civil, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Committees.
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