WC NEWS

Quinn Basso came to Weatherford College with the goal to earn his commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Thanks to WC’s crosstown partnership with TCU, Quinn enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program, and with his designation as a Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program recipient, he has all the tools to make his goal a reality.

Basso was recently recognized as the 2026 recipient of the TASSP scholarship for Texas Senate District 30. Recipients of this scholarship receive $30,000 per year, up to $120,000, to assist with higher education expenses. It also requires a four-year military service commitment upon graduation.

That’s a commitment Basso is ready to make, as his ultimate goal is to serve as a Combat Search and Rescue pilot.    
Basso grew up hearing stories of his dad’s time as a tech sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and was inspired to pursue a career in military service.

“I’ve always felt like I have a calling to help others, and that grew into wanting to help save the lives of others, especially those of, hopefully, my future military family,” Basso said. “I also have a love for aviation; I love flying.

“So, I did a little research and found out the Air Force has search and rescue pilots, and I thought, ‘Wow, it's perfect for me! Sign me up. That's what I want to do with the rest of my life.’”

Once he knew his goal, Basso started figuring out the steps he needed to take to make it happen. That journey led him to Weatherford College, where he met faculty member Lisa Winegar, herself a retired U.S. Army Colonel. Winegar earned her commission as a cadet and student at TCU in 2000, so she began exploring opportunities for Quinn. This facilitated the crosstown partnership with TCU’s Air Force and Army ROTC programs.

"In my role as a faculty member, I have discovered that students often believe they will commission into military service after they complete their degree,” Winegar said. “But, depending on the career field they hope to pursue, it may be too late.”

Gaining admission to the military as an officer requires a bachelor's degree, with a minor in military science. That can be achieved at either a military service academy, like West Point, or as a cadet in a four-year ROTC program.

“This crosstown sharing agreement with TCU allows WC students to compete with students from around the country to earn a commission,” she said. “I am so proud of Quinn for being the first."

Winegar’s mentorship and hearing about her journey through TCU and the military has helped guide Basso this past year.

“Her support has helped me through some of the challenging parts of ROTC,” he said. “Her support has really just kept me going by remembering what she's done, and what I can do for the future of our country.”

As a 2025 graduation of Springtown High School, Basso had good grades. In the top 20% of his class, he estimated. But at WC, he’s excelling with a 4.0 and designations on the Dean’s List.

His work ethic? Show up, do the work, go to your instructor’s office hours and build a connection.

“You're your own biggest advocate,” he said. “Always fight for yourself. Fight for opportunities and do the networking to put yourself out there.”

Major Joshua Young from the TCU Air Force ROTC Detachment 845 taught Basso as a freshman cadet and said he isn’t surprised about him earning such a prestigious scholarship.

“Just from his perseverance, his desire to come into the program and learn,” Young said. “He came in with some personal goals of his own, and is doing his part to meet some of the major milestones that's demanded of our ROTC cadets. So, no, I'm not surprised at all that he's receiving the scholarship. It's been an honor and pleasure seeing him grow, seeing him mature in just a year.”

Basso’s father, Robert, recalled checking in with his son last year, asking him how he was adjusting to the ROTC program.

“He said he finally found his people,” Robert said.

At this, Basso’s mom, Danielle, teared up.

“He's always been an introvert,” she said. “Not the biggest social butterfly. So, to see him now, in this ROTC element and him connecting with all of the people there. It's heartwarming.”

Basso was selected by Sen. Brent Hagenbuch for this competitive scholarship.

“Each recipient must go through a legislative process or an appointment,” Hagenbuch said. “It's a competitive process, and we had some great applicants, but Quinn really stood out. Quinn's decision to answer the call to serve our nation speaks volumes about his character and his leadership that's committed to something greater than himself.”

WC President Tod Allen Farmer noted that Basso’s selection for this scholarship is a testament to the skills WC can leverage to ensure students enter some of the most competitive and demanding career tracks.

“The selection not only recognizes Quinn's hard work, but it also invests in him as a future leader for our collective national security,” Farmer said. “Quinn’s selection acknowledges Weatherford College's role in providing academic excellence to produce future leaders.”