Navy Veteran Torran McCarthy Honored

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame announced today that a Naval veteran who worked as an aviation electrician and who is now studying for an A & P designation is the 2004 recipient of the $1000 Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Carl Guell Memorial Scholarship.

Torran McCarthy, 29, of Milton (WI)is a student in the Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic program at Blackhawk Technical College (BTC) in Janesville, WI. McCarthy joined the Navy in 1998 as an aviation electrician. Though he enjoyed his work, he realized electronics was just the tip of the aviation iceberg, so he chose the A & P program to broaden his knowledge and understanding of the aviation field. His ultimate goal is to become an aeronautical engineer.

McCarthy is an active participant in the Aviation Club at BTC; he holds the position of vice-president. He also hosts a study group in his home, with an open-door policy for all students in the field. While in the Navy, he spent time in the Honor Guard, providing military burials to United States Veterans.

A hardworking student, McCarthy has a very positive attitude towards learning. Blackhawk Instructor Richard Theis said of McCarthy, "He is a highly motivated individual who not only completes required projects and assignments but takes on additional challenges as well." Fellow instructor James Stec agreed, saying, "McCarthy is an exceptional student who brings a lot of real world experience into the classroom."

"It's an honor to receive this scholarship. I'm sure there were many qualified applicants. It's nice to win. Every bit helps, as I'm going to school full-time," said McCarthy.

McCarthy said the scholarship would help fund his two-year program at Blackhawk while enabling him to get into the workforce. After graduating from BTC, he plans to attend classes on a part-time basis to reach his goal of becoming an aeronautical engineer. The scholarship will be awarded to McCarthy at the annual Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Investiture Ceremony and Banquet on November 6, 2004 at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh.

FMI: www.aviationhalloffamewisconsin.com