For teens who are considering going into any branch of the military, a must-attend event is coming up in Tupelo put together by Trent Kelly, our U.S. House representative.

To become part of a military service academy, students must receive a Congressional recommendation, and the honor of recommending the best and brightest students in Mississippi to eventually serve the United States is high for members of Congress.

Trent Kelly takes his appointments seriously and on Oct. 31 will host his annual Military Service Academy Day. It’s open to middle and high school students. You also can attend if you are a school official, an interested resident or a family member of an intrigued student.

There are five U.S. military academies with five different admission processes. Kelly, a former military man himself, will be happy to brief those interested in what it takes to be a part of one.

Kelly said our region in Mississippi has a long tradition of students receiving prestigious appointments to service academies, and “I look forward to working with you to continue this great legacy.”

What does it mean to attend a service academy? It means a quality undergraduate education equivalent to a top-tier Ivy League school, the options to pursue advanced degrees, commit a minimum of five years serving the country on active duty as a military officer, and keep an open mind for a variety of career opportunities that can surface from the experience. Congressional leaders say the full four-year scholarship is valued at more than $350,000 including room, board, medical care and a salary. Not to mention the benefits of discipline, ethics and leadership-building environment.

The academy day is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 on West Jackson Street in Tupelo.

Any Mississippians in Kelly’s district, which includes Oxford and Lafayatte County, can contact his military academy liaison in his Tupelo office at (662) 841-8808.

If you or your child are considering this option, it’s a valiant and noble cause and filled with lifelong benefits. It doesn’t hurt to make the short trip to Tupelo to learn a little or a lot and see if it is a good fit.