Jonathan Francisco is a young man I've had the pleasure of watching grow up.  He is an outstanding young man, a top student at his high school and a fine citizen.  His father has served our country proudly as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corp. 

Young Jonathan desires to follow in his father's footsteps and was recently awarded a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (Marine Option) scholarship from the NSTC (Naval Service Training Command), during Awards Night festivities at Vista Murrieta High School.  Jonathan fully qualified in every way to receive the scholarship to the academy and met the requirements.

Despite this, after the fact, the NCOIC (Non Commissioned Officer In Charge) Office that handles the scholarships for the Navy / Marine Corps out of NSTC in Pensacola, Florida, has come back and withdrawn the scholarship based on an alleged medical disqualification. 

It is being claimed that Jonathan's eyesight is not within standards for admission to the program.  In fact, however - according to clearly outlined parameters within DoDI 6130.03 "Medical Standards for Appointment, Enlistment, or Induction in the Military Services" - Jonathan's vision is well within the outlined requirements.

We are asking that the NSTC honor and follow through with its commitment to Jonathan and restore the scholarship.

Jonathan has worked hard, has overcome some very daunting adversities and has made the right choices in his life.  He is the type of serious, dedicated and courageous young man that our nation's future relies on to meet the challenges that we will face. 

We know that he will be an asset to the Officer training program at the Naval Academy and appreciate your support with this petition.

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