U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Juan Vazquez III, an aviation operations specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, has been recognized as the MCAS New River Go-Getter for October 2025.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Vazquez’s journey to the Marine Corps was inspired by his father.
Vazquez’s father is a Marine Corps veteran and currently serves as a New York Police Department (NYPD) officer. Initially, Vazquez planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an NYPD officer. However, his path shifted when he learned he would need either 60 college credits or four years of active-duty service.
“I felt like I would be able to put more use into being a military service member than just doing nothing back home,” Vazquez said.
Since enlisting on Sept. 4, 2023, Vazquez has distinguished himself within his unit by taking on multiple leadership roles. He currently serves as the airfield operations supervisor, assistant flightline access control officer, assistant to the transient aircraft service division and training noncommissioned officer.
His responsibilities include ensuring the timely and accurate entry of flight plans, overseeing and approving prior permission requests, coordinating the arrival and departure of distinguished visitors, submitting notices to air missions, maintaining flightline access rosters, issuing entry control point keys and managing the marshalling and refueling of transient aircraft.
“Cpl. Vazquez is an exemplary Marine,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan G. Fuentes, airfield operations chief, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS New River. “He exudes confidence and maturity and is the go-to Marine within the operations section. He consistently seeks out more responsibility and looks to grow in new environments. He places great value on public service and frequently volunteers within the local community.”
Beyond his primary duties, Vazquez earned three letters of appreciation for dedicating a total of 180 of his off-duty hours to Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), the Onslow County Public Library and coaching youth basketball through the MCCS youth sports program.
Driven by a deep sense of service both in and out of uniform, Vazquez embodies the selflessness, discipline and commitment that define a “Go Getter.” These qualities continue to guide him as he pursues his dream of one day serving as an NYPD officer, just as his father did.
“I plan on doing as many years as I can,” Vazquez said. “Or until the Marine Corps decides I can’t anymore.”
Date Taken: | 10.10.2025 |
Date Posted: | 10.10.2025 11:50 |
Story ID: | 550108 |
Location: | JACKSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 12 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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