From The Daily Sentinel

The SFA student body president has kicked off a “local movement” to inform Nacogdoches residents about the United States Public Service Academy, a proposed undergraduate institution designed to develop “civilian leaders.”

Kent Willis, SFA graduate student, said he is in full support of the academy, because it will get more people involved in public service careers.

“There’s federal legislation in both the House and the Senate supporting the idea of the United State Public Service Academy,” Willis said. “Over time, there’s been a deterioration of faith in public service. But this is an effort and a way to get people energized and more focused on going into those kinds of careers.”

Read the whole story here

If you are interested in writing a letter to the editor in support of the Academy please contact our communications staff.

U.S. Army Lieutenant Ryan Collins is a West Point graduate who now leads the 1st Platoon of the 556th Signal Company, which is part of the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Striker Brigade. He is from Alaska, and was appointed to West Point by two of the current members of the Alaska congressional delegation. He’s agreed to help our Alaska Youth Advisory Council get congressional co-sponsors and endorsements. And he’s even agreed to write a letter to the editor to the Anchorage newspapers – all the way from Iraq.

When asked why he was willing in helping us, here is what Lt. Collins wrote in an email to me:

“I believe in the necessity and the fulfillment that public service brings to people’s lives. The necessity of professional public servants leading our nation in a variety of different career fields cannot be overstated.  If we are going to be educating tomorrow’s leaders then it is a moral imperative that we see to an education that is equally steeped in virtue and professional ethics as it is a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum.  Personally, I would be satisfied knowing that I took an active role in modeling an institution that would mold civil leaders into educated, mentally tough, and ethical individuals.”

As we approach July 4, the celebration of our country’s independence, I hope you will keep Lt. Collins and his platoon in your thoughts and prayers.

Over at www.ohmygov.com, YACers have been hitting the comment boards big time urging Senator Obama to co-sponsor S. 960, the Academy bill on the Senate side.  Thank you ohmygov.com for being a “proud supporter” of the Academy!

Help us out by commenting here and also getting in touch with Obama’s Senate office.   Call his Senate office TODAY! 202-224-2854 and ask to speak to the aides who handle Homeland Security issues (our bill has been referred to that committee).  Tell them you heard the Wesleyan speech and know about the Academy and want his support.  And tell everyone you know in Illinois to call twice!