BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- The U.S. Service Academy forum kicked off Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in downtown Bakersfield. Dozens of students from 7th to 12th grade interested in going to a U.S. Service Academy gathered at the Kern County Board of Supervisors chambers for a seminar. The event is hosted by Representative Vince Fong from California's 20th Congressional District. 3-alarm fire contained west of Meadows Field Airport: KCFD Fong and local academy liaison officers discussed the process for applying and receiving a Congressional nomination. "Going to a service academy is a unique college experience. You are being trained as a leader, to lead other men and women into combat and to defend our country," said Congressman Vince Fong. "This is not your typical college experience. You're going to go into an educational environment that not only will give you a high quality education, but it also is going to train you to be a military leader." The second forum will be held in Clovis on Saturday, Oct. 5th from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.