July 12, 2007

Full speed ahead

Brendan Hinz appointed to United States Naval Academy

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

It’s been a busy few months for 18-year-old Almaden resident Brendan Hinz.

Brendan Hinz holds his three appointment folders from the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy and West Point. Photos courtesy of the Hinz family

First, he celebrated his Eagle Court of Honor, and then he received appointments to three service academies. He chose the United States Naval Academy [USNA], which he left for on June 22.

Hinz moved to Almaden with his family from upstate New York in 1996 attending St. Francis Cabrini School and Bellarmine College Preparatory. In seventh grade he joined the Cub Scouts of America. He also played lacrosse for the San Jose Vipers and was team captain the past two years.

Last year, Hinz completed refurbished the bandstand at the San Jose History Museum with the help of Troop 290 Almaden for his Eagle Scout project. His parents Dan and Cynthia Hinz assisted with the undertaking though mom says she “only brought the pizza.” His family and troop honored Hinz at his Eagle Court of Honor held in June at Castillero Middle School.

“Brendan was always focused as a child,” said Cynthia Hinz. “He was studious and always kept his eye on his goals. We are very fortunate.”

Hinz is the oldest of five children—Meredith, 15, Cecelia, 9, Fallon, 5 and Nolan, 3. His father served as a U. S. Naval submarine officer for 12 years. While in school, Hinz’s other interests include his friends, music, military history and movies. And he really enjoyed working at Amato’s Pizzeria in Almaden.

Besides the appointment with the USNA, the Air Force Academy and West Point accepted him. After receiving his undergraduate degree he will be a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. His mother and youngest sibling traveled with Hinz to experience the pomp and circumstance of his induction day at the USNA in Annapolis, Md.

Brendan Hinz chose to beautify the bandstand at San Jose History Museum, which included raising donations and sweat equity with his Troop 290 in Almaden, which helped him with power washing, replacing wood, priming and painting.

The USNA was founded in 1845 by then Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft. The history of the academy reflects the chronicles of the United States. As the U.S. Navy has moved from a fleet of sail and steam-powered ships to a high-tech armada of nuclear-powered submarines and surface ships as well as supersonic aircraft, the USNA has also changed.

The academy gives young men and women the academic and professional training needed to be effective naval officers in their assignments after graduation. Notable USNA graduates include former President Jimmy Carter and astronauts Alan Shepard and James Lovell.

So it’s full speed ahead for Hinz, but he hasn’t forgotten his family. He’s already written an upbeat letter and calls every Sunday. This last week he reported that he was fine though a bit hoarse and getting used to a plebe’s routine. But he did ask for more of mom’s homemade food.