THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 23, 1994 TAG: 9406210190
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARK DuROSE, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: 940623 LENGTH: Medium
Vazquez received offers from three military academies but chose to attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., this fall.
{REST} The Granby High graduate was third in his class of 200-plus and president of the National Honor Society. School officials say he is the school's first to have a shot at attending the U.S. Naval, Army and Air Force academies.
``It's an accomplishment,'' said Granby principal Theodore Smith. ``We've had a lot of kids get one offer, some even two, but never three. It's very reflective of his maturity and academic ability.''
It may also be a result of his passion to fly. Vasquez began pilot training at age 15 with the Naval Flying Club at Naval Air Station-Norfolk, and received his pilot's license from Dave Watson Aviation last September. He had actually logged in four times the requisite 13 hours flying time, but the minimum age for recertification is 17, so he soared while he waited.
And it may have something to do with his guidance counselor, retired Marine Corps aviator and Col. James McGinn, who took Vasquez under his wing. McGinn has been a guidance counselor in Norfolk schools for seven years. ``I look out for the military aspects, and the academy opportunities for the kids,'' he said.
The gung-ho counselor is a former instructor at the Naval and Air Force academies, and estimates an average of one student a year is accepted for such a post. ``But it's quite rare to receive three offers,'' affirms McGinn. ``It is based on his academic performance, which speaks for itself, but they're looking for the overall person, as well. Like athletics. Richard lettered in tennis and cross-country, and played soccer this year. Pretty versatile.''
Vasquez also lettered in debate and forensics. He won the district title in debate last year, and this year he came in third in the region even though he had only 30 minutes to prepare for an extemporaneous speaking competition in forensics.
McGinn is confident ``this outstanding man'' will succeed partly because Vasquez manages his time well and can set priorities.
But Vasquez sees his entry into a military academy as something of a foregone conclusion. ``That's been a dream of mine since - well, forever. I grew up surrounded by the military,'' said Vasquez. His father was in the Navy, stationed in Guantonamo Bay, Cuba, for nine years before arriving in Norfolk two years ago.
``It's in my blood. It's a challenge to me, also,'' Vasquez said.
In the process of applying for candidacy status and then acceptance to an academy, Vasquez received letters of nomination from President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore and Sen. John Warner. He said his first choice was the Naval Academy at Annapolis, but less-than-perfect vision got in his way. And he has difficulty distinguishing colors.
``I'm color discriminatory,'' said Vasquez, who wears eyeglasses. ``In the Navy's eyes, that disqualifies me for any of the fields I would have been interested in. But West Point and the Air Force both gave me waivers.''
His passion for the wild blue yonder made the Air Force an easy second choice but, still, piloting in the military may yet elude him. ``I'll always strive for that,'' said Vasquez. ``My eyes aren't that good . . . but I've never let that stop me before.''
No, indeed. In fact his determination and commitment this year kept him much busier than the average senior. ``Except for a couple of hours with my girlfriend here and there, I'm usually at school, at the gym, finishing my homework, or in bed,'' said Vasquez, who is looking for a welcome R & R before launching his Air Force career.
``I just want to have fun, go to the beach, see my girlfriend, and do some flying,'' he said. by CNB