Division of Communications and Marketing
MANHATTAN — From Kansas soil to Kosovo's frontlines, retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Hector A. Vasquez has devoted more than four decades to serving the Kansas Army National Guard. On Sept. 6, Kansas State University formally recognized Vasquez's distinguished military career by presenting him with the 2025 Kansas State University Medal for Military Excellence.
Vasquez was presented with the commemorative medal by President Richard Linton during a first-quarter public ceremony at the K-State vs. Army football game, recognizing his exemplary military service and commitment to living out the university's mission of service to Kansas. Vasquez was also recognized during a private ceremony on July 21, where he received a certificate from Executive Vice President for External Engagement and Chief of Staff Marshall Stewart in front of family and friends.
Raised in Topeka, Vasquez has been a Wildcat fan since his teenage years. He began his college studies at K-State in fall 1977 but paused his education after just one semester to enlist in the Kansas Army National Guard, later returning to earn his bachelor's degree in social sciences in 2010. Before his first uniformed military appointment, Vasquez served as a civilian technician, holding nine different positions in the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Topeka. During his military service, Vaquez held nine military assignments, served three deployments — Bosnia 1996, Iraq 2004-2005 and Kosovo 2007-2008 — completed 28 military education courses and received a total of 34 awards, decorations and badges.
Vasquez's dedication extends far beyond his military service to every aspect of his life, including his love for K-State. A strong supporter of K-State Athletics, Vasquez and his family have contributed to the Ahearn Fund since 2018 and hold football season tickets and regularly attend men's basketball, women's basketball and baseball games. "My dad really embodies what it means to be a K-Stater and is the best representation of our K-State family," said Whitney Vasquez, his daughter. "He has received many distinguished honors in his military career, but nothing means more to him than being recognized by his K-State family as a veteran, patriot, family man and die-hard Wildcat fan."
The Kansas State University for Military Excellence, coordinated by the Office of External Engagement, is the most prestigious military-related award that K-State grants. The award honors those who have showcased exemplary leadership, vision and service to the country while remaining committed to Kansas State University and its land-grant mission.