NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- For Airman 1st Class Taylor Vasquez, a personnel specialist assigned to the 99th Force Support Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, wrestling has been more than a sport; it’s been a way of life for the past 14 years. Now, just over a year into his Air Force career, he’s preparing to step onto the mats to compete at his first Air Force wrestling camp, scheduled to begin Nov. 3 in Dayton, Ohio.
During the camp, Vasquez will face off against other Airmen from across the service, each competing for a spot on the official Air Force wrestling team. Those who earn selection will advance to represent the Air Force at the 2025 Armed Forces Wrestling Championship, projected for Nov. 14–17 at Fort Bliss, Texas.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the mat, meeting potential teammates and putting in the hard work together,” Vasquez said. “Wrestling constantly challenges me, and I’ve learned to embrace those challenges as part of the journey and I want people to see me giving it my all for the Air Force.”
Vasquez first laced up his wrestling shoes in fourth grade, encouraged by his stepfather, a former high school wrestler. As he grew older, wrestling became a personal pursuit that carried him throughout high school and into college, where he competed at Morningside University in Iowa.
After graduating, Vasquez found himself searching for a new path, one that could offer both purpose and the opportunity to continue wrestling. He joined the Air Force in 2024 with the goal to continue pursuing his passion for wrestling.
“After college, I needed direction,” Vasquez said. “The Air Force gave me structure and opened the door to new opportunities, including the chance to continue chasing my passion for wrestling.”
Programs like the Air Force World Class Athlete Program offer Airmen the opportunity to train and compete at elite levels while serving, and Vasquez saw that as a path forward.
“I’d tell Airmen who are passionate about sports to not let their journey end in high school or college,” he said. “The military provides us opportunities to continue practicing sports, so take them.”
"I’d tell Airmen who are passionate about sports to not let their journey end in high school or college. The military provides us opportunities to continue practicing sports, so take them."
Airman 1st Class Taylor Vasquez, 99th Force Support Squadron personnel specialist
Since enlisting, Vasquez has focused on both career development and keeping his wrestling skills sharp. With limited local resources and training partners, finding time on the mat has been one of his biggest challenges.
To stay proficient, Vasquez trains with Senior Airman Laturey Villegas, a wingman and wrestler who he met through a local jiu-jitsu studio. The two put in a conscious effort to synchronize schedules to work through drills and mat sessions at the base's Warrior Fitness Center.
“Having someone like Senior Airman Villegas to work with has been beneficial,” Vasquez said. “You can’t wrestle by yourself, a partner is required and he’s been there. Him and I have share the mindset of staying objective to accomplish our objectives.”
The support for Vasquez’s goals extends beyond the gym. His mother and grandmother provide steady support, while his brother and sister who also share a wrestling background continue to encourage him to keep improving.
“They’ve always been there,” he said. “Even if it meant traveling across states to watch me compete. The biggest lesson they’ve given me is simple: if you want something, go get it. Nothing we want comes without hard work.”
As Vasquez begins his Air Force wrestling journey, he acknowledges the support of his leadership at Nellis, marked by the presentation of a commander’s coin in recognition of his achievement.
“Airman Vasquez’s dedication speaks for itself,” said Lt. Col. Brittany Lee, commander of the 99th Force Support Squadron. “Recognizing his accomplishments is about highlighting the time and effort he puts in every day and the passion he brings to work and wrestling.”
Being presented with a coin symbolized the support of his leadership as he pursues athletic and professional goals.
“It was really cool to be recognized like that,” he said. “It showed me that leadership takes the time to recognize the work Airmen do both in front of and behind the scenes. Their support propels me to continue working hard as I pursue my goals.”
Through his hard work and love for the sport, Vasquez hopes to do more than earn a spot on the Air Force wrestling team. He wants to represent the Air Force with pride, prove himself to future teammates and coaches, and give his family the chance to see him shine on the mat.
For Vasquez, this opportunity is more than a return to the mat, it's a reminder that the Air Force opens doors for Airmen to chase dreams beyond their core military duties.