San Benito High School 2002 graduate Thomas Occhipinti graduated from another institution on Friday, and was at the top of his class. Friends and family proudly watched as the 24-year-old officer in the Marines graduated in the No. 1 spot at the Naval Aviation Flight School in Corpus Christi, Texas.
"I always wanted to fly, and I never tried this hard at anything," says Occhipinti, who went on to say that his grandfather who flew for the Navy had inspired him.
"It is an outstanding achievement," says brother-in-law Justin Watkins, who also notes that Occhipinti had also graduated in the top 8 percent of all naval aviators, qualifying him for the prestigious "Commodore's List."
"If you make that list you get to choose wherever you want to go so he is headed to Miramar in San Diego for training on the KC130J," says Watkins.
The aircraft Watkins is referring to is, according to the Marine's Web site a, "multi-mission tactical tanker/transport which provides the support required by Marine Air Ground Task Forces."
It wasn't the simplest path that Occhipinti chose, says Charles Jackson, his flight instructor in Hollister. First, says Jackson, he had to gain admission to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Arizona, enroll in the ROTC program there and graduate as an officer.
"His dad passed away when he was a freshman at college, and that couldn't have made it any easier," says Jackson. "Even though I only started him out by taking him through a private pilot's license, I'm tickled to death and proud as hell."
Jackson adds that he is appreciative of anyone willing to serve their country as well.
"I was in the Air Force myself," remembers Jackson, "but that was a very long time ago."
From college, comments Occhipinti, he went into a six-month training program for officer flight school. He says that coming into the program with a private pilot's license was helpful but that, "Obviously combat flight training is a little different."
Asked about the possibility of serving in Iraq, Occhipinti says he will serve wherever he is asked.
"I joined the Marines for adventure and to serve my country. Whoever is making the decision, I will trust them no matter where they send me," says the Marine's newest fighting pilot.
Jeff Gatlin Jeff Gatlin is a staff writer at The Hollister Free Lance. You can call him at (831) 637-5566 or send him an email.
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