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Andrew Watters

By Jennifer Tanner | Photos by Bobby Lacey

One glance at Andrew Watters's achievements is enough to intimidate most. Ranked first among close to 100 cadets in VSU's Air Force ROTC program, the business management major has made the most of his college experience by getting involved in every aspect of the university.

A top ranking isn't surprising when considering the merits boasted by the future US Air Force pilot. He was designated cadet of the month several times at VSU, captured the 2009 Georgia Cadet of the Year award from the Air Force Association, and was awarded the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award, the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award, and many more.

The Woodstock native, who prefers to study at Odum Library, has a list of community service projects about as long as his list of accolades. His studies were covered by an annual Air Force ROTC scholarship and a passion for service to his country and others fueled his involvement with the local community.

Described by superiors as meticulous and self-sacrificing, Watters has aided and led projects for Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest, the Humane Society, Christmas in the Desert, roadside cleanups and more. He has also volunteered at many VSU events, such as the annual chili cook-off and spends much of his free time leading physical training and morale trips for the cadets in detachment 172, over which he serves as wing commander.

An outdoor enthusiast who loves sports and recreation, Watters said he can be found often at the Student Recreation Center focused on fitness, watching his favorite sport — hockey — or spending time with the wonderful friends he's made at VSU.

After his May 2010 graduation, the Sequoyah High School graduate will commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and begin training to become a fighter pilot. Although his military career may be filled with excitement, Watters said he hopes his future includes flying commercial jets while settled down near the ocean with a family.

Name: Andrew F. Watters
Academic year: Junior
GPA: 3.75
Expected graduation: May 2010
Degree objective: Business Management
Hometown: Woodstock
High school: Sequoyah High School

Academic Achievements/recognition:

-AFROTC 3.5 year scholarship after only one semester of being in the program.

-AFROTC cadet of the month of October 06’

-AFROTC cadet of the month of March 07’

-AFROTC AS100 cadet of the year fall 06’ – spring 07’

-Air Force ROTC Field Training Superior Performer Award

-American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award

-Society of the War of 1812, Outstanding Student Award

-AFROTC Warrior Spirit Award

-HOPE Scholarship

-Dean’s list every semester of college

-Arnold Air Society member

-Langdale College of Business Student Advisory Council member

I chose to attend VSU because....
I really enjoy the overall attitude and feel of the campus. I feel like VSU provides me with an abundant amount of opportunities to grow academically as well as socially. VSU has the finest run Air Force ROTC program that I am proud to say I am a part of.

My favorite things to do on campus are…
Workout at the SRC, enjoy a meal with a friend at one of the on campus dining facilities, and enjoy all the events offered through AFROTC.

When I have free time, I like…
I like to spend my time at the gym. I love to fish, camp, hike, biking, or anything outdoors. I like to go to the beach. I like to play hockey, but I play other sports of all kind.

My favorite place to study is…
The library is my favorite place to study. Finding a quiet place in the library fades away any distractions that could come my way.

The most exciting/interesting thing I’ve done is…
After 3 years of hard work in Air Force ROTC, I earned a slot to become a pilot in the United States Air Force.

My favorite professor was…
Dr. Kent Moore. He truly cares that I succeed as a student as well as my future career.

My favorite class was…
Biology 1030 with Ashley Rall.

If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
My favorite NHL hockey player, Ilya Kovalchuk.

If I knew I could not fail, I would…
I would continue to live the way I am now. Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again. With the proper planning and amount of work, anything is possible.

The three words that best describe me are…
Caring, Brave, Meticulous

Growing up the person I looked up to the most was…
My Brother, Brain. He has taught me so much both directly and indirectly more than he’ll ever know.

Some unique things about me are…
I’m a junior in college and I already have my job.
I’m from Georgia and I love the sport of hockey.
I’m a certified Army Combative instructor
I’ve marched through the desert with 40lbs on my back for 26.2 miles


I chose my major/career because…
I chose management because I love working with people and learning about the business world. I chose flying with the Air Force because it’s been a dream of mine for a long time.


My favorite childhood memory is…
Going to the hockey rink with my family, and playing hockey at Hockey Time USA.


My biggest supporter in life is…
My family. My parents and my brother have supported me through the years in every way possible. I cannot thank them enough.