PARKDALE — Andy Betzing has always been a go-getter. In grade school, his mom recounted, he wanted to sell the most raffle tickets to be principal for a day, and by golly he did.
Years later, he set his sights on a much bigger goal: receiving an appointment to West Point, the premier military service academy in the country.
And that’s exactly where the 2025 Hood River Valley High School graduate is headed at the end of this month, along with just 10 others from Oregon.
While Andy has an inner drive, “he doesn’t always project that,” said his mom, Alison Betzing. “He’s got this smile that just kind of wins people over so I would guess some people would be surprised he got in because he doesn’t project this go, go, go attitude.”
But he’s such a go-getter that even getting into West Point is just a stepping stone to yet another even bigger goal: Andy wants to be in special forces, and says an academy appointment is the most direct route to achieve that goal.
In fact, he said the thing he’s most looking forward to about West Point is “graduation,” because he’s got plans for afterwards, namely, special forces training.
Asked why he’s set on special forces, he said, “I’ve just always been drawn to it, just a gut-drawn.”
He also figures part of the attraction is the challenge of getting in.
Alison said Andy is “a natural athlete, talented musically, strong academically and a natural leader. He values his friendships, has a great work ethic and an amazing motivation to problem solve, learn and strive for success.”
She said he’s “naturally interested in others and their lives…and forms immediate friendships.” She said he’s someone who “enjoys life everyday … We’re so proud of him and for who he is.”
Andy’s dad Joe also noted how Andy is a people person. “He’s drawn to them. He’s got a natural smile, and he engages easily with people.”
Alison agreed, saying Andy “has never met a stranger.”
School has always been easy for Andy (until he ran into calculus senior year). When he took a military aptitude test sophomore year called the ASVAB, he scored a 92 out of 100. The average score is a 50.
It tests not only math, writing and reading comprehension, but also general knowledge areas including mechanics and electrical knowledge.
Andy had a leg up in those latter two arenas, since he’s long been a fix-it guy who works with motors of all kinds. His dad and his uncle call him “Idea Man” since he’s always got a thought on how to improve things.
He was a dishwasher and cook at a pub in Parkdale, “and they called me Handy Andy because I could fix stuff.” He’s called “Wonder Boy” at the gym he works at for the same reason.
He wants to study either mechanical or aeronautical engineering, and noted that engineering is a common background for special forces.
Andy has an older sister, Ruby, who is studying nursing.
Alison credits “our wonderful community” for providing both of her kids with positive role models and mentors. “Through great connections with friends, neighbors, employers and teachers at the schools, Andy has been able to learn and grow confidently and he will continue to flourish,” she said.
Andy was actually surprised he got into West Point because “I don’t have as many qualifications as other people.” But he had a really good interview, he said, and was able to demonstrate leadership in other areas.
“I think they could just tell I was hard working, so I think that went quite a ways,” he said.
And while Andy is also athletic, he’s “not into one sport.” He did basketball and baseball for years, and track, but his real love is lifting weights.
He joined a gym sophomore year, and became such a fixture people there teased him, saying, “‘Do you have a bedroom in the back?’”
He even got a job at the gym, Snap Fitness, and at his recent graduation party, his boss said in her 40 years of business, Andy was one of her hardest workers.
“I just like being busy,” he said. “I gotta be doing something.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, he’s up with the sun, and also loves to fish.
While school has always been easy for him, he is no nerd. Asked what his favorite class was, he said, “Can I say lifting class?”
He also was very fortunate to get into a community works program at HRV this year where he said he learned practical useful knowledge in a three-month construction class. “I could see it and I can figure it out,” he said of the hands-on instruction.
Andy said he “barely passed” calculus this year, and he’s worried about the academic side of West Point.
But Joe believes Andy has what it takes to succeed. “When he buckles down, he can study. He thinks he’s having to study a lot, but it’s not much compared to what most of us have to do. He’ll do fine, he’ll probably have to learn some study skills, that’ll be the biggest thing. But he’s got it, he can do it.”
Joe said Andy thrives in structure and he’ll get exactly that at West Point. “And he loves working hard so they will provide a lot of opportunity for that.”
Joe and Alison are “over the moon” about him going to West Point, Joe said.
Neither parent was involved in the arduous application process — not so much as even looking at an essay before Andy submitted it.
Not surprising, since when Andy was 16, he emailed contractors and got himself a construction job without telling his parents. “He came up to me and said, ‘Dad I got a job offer,’ And I said, ‘What do you mean you have a job offer?’” Joe recounted.
Always industrious, he mowed yards, and even tried to set himself up as a travel agent for he and a friend once. “But again, didn’t tell his parents,” Joe said.
Asked what he thought West Point saw in his son, Joe said, “I think it’s his personality and character. He’s very charismatic and engages with people well. Thoughtful. And also, he reads people well.”
He’s too reserved to be considered a class clown, but he “definitely has a great sense of humor,” he said. He’s always been a quick study. “He could learn and pick things up right away, figure things out. He’s an excellent problem solver. Mechanical. How things go together and work.”
He said, “I’m not worried, I’m excited for him. I think it’s gonna be a great fit for him in all aspects. He wants to get out and experience the world. I think this provides a great structure for him. I’m kind of relieved because I feel it’s safe. They’re going to keep a good eye on him and provide him enough activities to keep him busy.”
Commented