Local ROTC cadet from Calexico High School dreams of joining U.S. Academy Services

Samuel Garduno Jr., a senior at Calexico High School, has been part of the school’s ROTC program for years.

Born into a military family, Garduno has dreamt of following his father’s footsteps for most of his life. Garduno said, “As a little kid I aspired to be more like dad. And to have sort of an armed forces background. So it’s a…it’s quite an impact on me.”

Garduno hopes to make a difference in the lives of everyone he meets. “Everyone says, be the change you want to see and I want to be that change. To have my impact on military men and women and all my family and anyone I can have an impact on,” said Garduno.

To be considered for the U.S. service academies, he’ll need a nomination from Congressman Juan Vargas. “We want to see more people from this area, frankly the entire area here of this valley. Go to these elite schools. We want to see them at West Point, we want to see them at Annapolis. We want to see them at the Air Force Academy at Colorado because we know we have the talent here,” Vargas said.

One school official said it would be a proud moment in the school’s history if Garduno was chosen. Calexico High School Principal Gabrielle Willams said, “It would be an honor and definitely proud and excited for the student and the family. In terms of his futures and goals and opportunities out in the real world.”

After hearing about Congressman Vargas’ humble beginnings, Garduno is inspired that he can accomplish anything. “That really shows that if I really set my mind into it, if I really work hard, I can accomplish anything even if I start from the bottom,” said Garduno.

Only one nominee is chosen from the select nomination by Congressman Juan Vargas per military branch. The last day to apply is November 1 and nominations are revealed in December.

Vargas also invited to valley residents to his U.S. Service Academy and ROTC Fair that will take place next Wednesday at Imperial High School.