Hi Everyone!

I am a YACer for the state of Maryland. I recently had the opportunity to meet up with staffers for Senator Mikulski and Senator Cardin. Luckily, they both quickly restated their support for the Academy, and the rest of the meetings consisted of brainstorming ideas to gather some more support.

During the meeting, we discussed the possibility of getting more organizations to not only endorse the Academy, but also to contact the Representatives and Senators of the states in which they are based and ask those Congressional leaders to take a more proactive stand on the issue.

I myself have a few friends in the staffs of the United States Coast Guard Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy, so I’m going to be in touch with them and ask them to reach out to the Senators in Connecticut and New York.

As far as what each of you can do, if you have any connections or are friendly with those in positions of power at larger organizations and institutions, email them or give them a call. Discuss the Academy with them again, share a few updates on the legislative status of the Academy, and then ask them if they would be willing to contact their Senators and Representatives. If these politicians are asked by influential constituents to express their support and take a leading role, we hope that they can help generate more momentum for the Academy.

Keep working hard to support the Academy!

Respectfully,
Chris Jennison
Maryland YACer