THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9606280171
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Janelle LaBouve
LENGTH: 71 lines
Erin O'Connor encourages young people to live up to the Air Force motto, ``Aim high.''
Recruiting men and women for the Air Force is more than a job to him.
``I've been able to help so many people by doing for them what the Air Force did for me,'' he said. ``It gave me a sense of direction. I want to help people because it's a great way to go.''
When he's recruiting, O'Connor says he's looking for quality people, not numbers, because failure is not an option.
``Failure is just a nagging possibility which helps me stay focused,'' he said holding up a clipped copy of the saying.
He also advises applicants from the Reserve Officers Training Corps.
``I try to guide them as best I can and walk them through the process,'' he said. ``If they are selected, I take part in presenting scholarships to them. I think it is an outstanding program.
``There are a lot of young people who can't afford to go to college,'' he said. ``R.O.T.C. pays for their college. Knowing that I played a small part in helping a high school student gives me a great feeling of satisfaction.''
Seven years of his military service were spent in Germany where he met his wife, who is also in the Air Force. While there, he worked with security police and protective services.
He vividly recalls an experience in the latter job which is similar to the secret service.
``I was driving an armored car, a Mercedes-Benz,'' he said. ``We had an accident, but no one was hurt.''
Although the accident was not his fault, having a four-star general and a U.S. ambassador as his passengers when the wreck occurred was a humiliating experience.
``I saw my whole life pass before me,'' he said.
Full name: Erin ``O.C.'' P. O'Connor
Hometown: Apollo, Pa.
Fond childhood memories: ``Getting my first minibike. Ever since I was I kid, I wanted to be a motocross racer. Now my money goes toward college or an IRA. If I ever hit the Lotto, I might get back into it.''
Spouse: Denise
Children: Zackery and Casey
Occupation: Chesapeake Air Force recruiter
Hobbies: ``Trying to landscape our yard and putting the finishing touches on our house.''
Last book read: ``How To Win Friends and Influence People'' by Dale Carnegie.
What's your favorite game? ``Motorcycle racing and high school wrestling.''
Describe yourself as a color: ``Red. Between my Irish temper and being always on the go, red pretty much describes me.''
If you could be any animal, what would it be? ``An eagle because of the power of flight and their strength.''
What irritates you the most? ``Open cupboard doors.''
Favorite type of music: WROX-FM
Favorite movie: ``I like all types of comedies. `From the Hip with Judd Nelson.' I get a kick out of that even after watching it probably 100 times.''
Can't resist: ``Garlic.''
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? ``I would liked to have been as aggressive and focused as I am now, 15 years ago.''
Favorite TV program: ``Home Improvement.''
Favorite Chesapeake restaurant: ``My wife's kitchen.''
Favorite way to spend a day off: ``Watching a motocross race and spending time with my family.''
What would you choose for a last meal? ``My wife's shepherd pie or one of her burritos or my mom's lasagna.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY by CNB