U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced his nominees Dec. 19 to the United States Service Academies. A nomination is required to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; the U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a nomination. According to a press release, “being nominated is a significant honor. The application process is rigorous, and only the most qualified and meritorious candidates receive a nomination.”