Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Aiden Morris (left) and Cadet Airman Ian Riach share a screen during the Air & Space Forces Association’s StellarXplorer national finals. The two cadets were teammates on the “Wolfpack” from the Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron, which captured third place on the final day of the National Space Design Competition. (Photo by Jud McCrehin, Air & Space Forces Association)

The Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron StellarXplorers team took third place April 24 at the finals of the 2025-2026 National Space Design Competition in Denver.

The cadets’ Top 3 performance put an exclamation point on Civil Air Patrol (CAP) participation in StellarXplorers and CyberPatriot — the Air & Space Forces Association’s space and cyber STEM competitions.

About 550 CAP teams signed up for the competitions, which officially ended in Denver. One of 10 teams competing for top honors in StellarXplorers, the Colorado Springs team was joined by CAP’s Capt. “Bud” Jackson Composite Squadron team from Edison, New Jersey.

Teams from the Air Force Junior ROTC and public and charter high schools rounded out the field.

Maj. Gen. Regena Aye (left), CAP’s national commander, joins members of the “Wolfpack” on the awards podium as they are recognized for their Top 3 finish in the National Space Design Competition. On stage with Aye, from her left, were team director/coach Maj. Bill Blatchley, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Parth Nayak, Cadet Lt. Col. Hally Hallare, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Aiden Morris, Cadet Airman Riach, and assistant coaches Maj. Donna Fay Assistant Coach and adult member Dalton Williams. (Photo by Jud McCrehin, Air & Space Forces Association)

Aye, who was on hand for the competition, added, “The Colorado Springs team, which finished third, remained calm under pressure, executed with focus, and demonstrated outstanding teamwork. The New Jersey team showed equally inspiring character, demonstrating tremendous sportsmanship and delivering a strong performance in their first year of national-level competition.”

A Space-Focused STEM Program

StellarXplorers is a national space-focused STEM program created by the Air and Space Forces Association to inspire and motivate tech savvy K-12 students to pursue careers in aerospace, aviation, and engineering.

It is best known for its National Space Design Competition, where student teams solve real-world space system design challenges — such as orbit determination and satellite component selection — using professional-grade Systems Tool Kit (STK) simulation software.

Nearly 400 teams participated in StellarXplorers this season, with the finalists battling through four intense online rounds to secure their place in Denver.

Maj. Bill Blatchley, the Colorado Springs team’s director/coach, said the 10 teams in the finals were given eight hours to complete the mission scenario on the final day of competition.

Blatchley said each team also had to select components for the mission satellite, including the sensors, radio transmitters, solar panels, batteries, and processors to fulfill mission requirements.

“An important part of the scenario was to select a launch vehicle and launch location for the system and provide enough fuel to meet a 12-year mission life,” he said.

Finally, the team had to brief a panel of industry and military professionals on their solution methodology.

Cadet Lt. Col. Hally Hallare (seated, center) huddles with her Wolfpack teammates — (from left) Cadet Chief Senior Master Sgt. Aiden Morris, Cadet Airman Ian Riach, and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Parth Nayak on the final day of competition. (Photo by Jud McCrehin, Air & Space Forces Association)

Meet the Members of the ‘Wolfpack’

Members of the Colorado Springs team, nicknamed the “Wolfpack,” were:

• Cadet Lt. Col. Hally Hallare (team captain)

• Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Parth Nayak

• Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Aiden Morris

• Cadet Airman Ian Riach

Maj. Donna Fay, 1st Lt Jared Tesone, and adult member Dalton Williams served as the team’s assistant coaches.

Members of the top three teams in the finals were awarded a cash prize to pursue their future STEM education and career goals.

Hallare, the team captain, plans to pursue a degree in astronautical engineering, ideally at the U.S. Air Force Academy or the U.S. Naval Academy.

Experience, Teamwork Led to Success

Previous experience in the competition helped the team’s performance this season, Hallare said. “We overcame a number of challenges, especially adjusting from a two-person team last year to a four-person roster this year. That transition had differences in working styles, but we learned how to adapt and come together to tackle complex scenarios effectively.”

Teamwork was a factor in the team’s success, she said.

“We delegated tasks efficiently and quickly identified each team member’s strengths. We also applied communication and collaboration skills emphasized in CAP. In highly technical scenarios where every second counts, clearly defined roles and strong team dynamics are needed to make the most of the time available.”

While competing in StellarXplorers national finals, the Capt. “Bud” Jackson Composite Squadron’s “Team Challenger” poses for a group photo before the national finals in Denver. Team members, from left, were Cadet Capt. Param Gor, Cadet Staff Sgt. Aarya Samadhiya, Cadet 2nd Lt. Lohitaksh Arige, Cadet Maj. Darsh Shah, Cadet Master Sgt. Sai Prateek Thotapalli, and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Maheah Ramani. (Photo by Jud McCrehin, Air & Space Forces Association)

Members of the New Jersey CAP team, “Team Challenger,” were:

•  Cadet Maj. Darsh Shah (team captain)

•  Cadet 2nd Lt. Lohitaksh Arige (vice-captain)

• Cadet Capt. Param Gor

• Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Mahesh Ramani 

• Cadet Master Sgt. Sai Prateek Thotapalli  

• Cadet Staff Sgt. Aarya Samadhiya

Adult CAP members working with the team included 1st Lt. Bhavin Shah (director/coach) and 2nd Lt. Trishia Soni.

Wrapping Up the Cyber Season

Blatchley also serves as the National Headquarters Cyber Mission Team deputy for education and awareness and says his team’s Top 3 finish in StellarXplorers was a fitting conclusion to CAP’s 2025-2026 space and cyber seasons.

In March, a cadet team from the Virginia Wing’s Burke Composite Squadron made it to the CyberPatriot 18 awards podium — placing second in the All Service Division’s Cisco Networking Challenge and third overall in the All Service Division during the championship round.

CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program and, like StellarXplorers, was created by the Air & Space Forces Association to inspire K-12 students toward STEM careers.

The Virginia team, “Cyber Monkeys,” was accompanied by “Team Iridium” from the California Wing's Fullerton Composite Squadron, which also participated in the championship round. Both teams were semifinals award winners in CyberPatriot 18, and both teams previously represented CAP in the national finals.

Opportunities Abound in CAP

Blatchley reported CAP had 78 teams registered in StellarXplorers for 2025-2026, which was a 30% increase from last season. Fifty-six of those teams competed in at least one qualification round and 46 participated in all three qualification rounds, he said.

There were 477 CAP teams registered for the CyberPatriot 18 season, which was “in line with the previous season,” Blatchley said. Of those registered teams, he pointed out that 296 participated in at least one round.

Civil Air Patrol has a robust cyber program, which prepares its cadet teams for their next season’s competition through several national cadet special activities and a series of CyberCamps each summer. The program helps steer CAP youth toward STEM careers that will aid in maintaining national security for the future.

Information on CAP’s cyber programs can be found here. Squadrons can also register to host a CyberCamp this summer during the weeks of July 6 and July 20, which will give them a preview for the 2026-2027 competition. More information on CAP cyber education is available here.

Hallare, the captain for the Colorado Springs team, said she was “incredibly grateful” for mentors like Blatchley, and for the CAP support her team had throughout the StellarXplorers season.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to compete again next year,” she said.

This high-resolution image provided by a specialized camera system used by Civil Air Patrol shows coastal destruction in Kihei, a resort community in Maui County.

In response to the March 2026 Kona Low storm, Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Hawaii Wing conducted aerial reconnaissance and imaging missions across the islands to support flood and storm damage assessment, infrastructure evaluation, and recovery prioritization.

Acting as a Total Force partner and the official civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, CAP helps respond to nonmilitary threats domestically in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage, and provide humanitarian assistance.

First Lt. Griselda Concepcion, the Hawaii Wing’s director of operations, approaches Kahului Airport in Maui County.

On the Ground, and in the Air

Working closely with state and county emergency management partners, CAP ground teams were activated early in the response. On March 20, teams provided transportation and logistical support across Maui County, moving essential supplies including 125 cots, nine animal cages, generators, fuel, and other critical equipment.

By March 25, aircrews began delivering high-resolution imagery and situational awareness to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist with damage assessment and recovery planning. With specialized camera systems that capture 7-centimeter resolution imagery, 33 flights were flown mapping portions of Dillingham Airfield, Waialua, and Haleʻiwa.

As the week progressed, CAP expanded flight operations across Oʻahu and Maui, with imaging sorties providing oblique photography over Kīhei and Kahului, Lāʻie and Kahuku.

Specialized camera systems on the wing strut of the Hawaii Wing aircraft helped provide the high-resolution images reviewed by members of the Geospatial Program’s Damage Assessment Team.

Nearly 5,000 Aerial Images Provided

Wrapping up on March 27, the Hawaii Wing provided a total of 4,152 images with their specialized camera systems and 524 digital photographs.

CAP’s advanced imagery of the storm-affected areas provided emergency management officials with a detailed look at the destruction wrought by the storm’s heavy rains and high winds.

Ground teams from the wing also relocated 125 cots, nine animal cages, two generators, four gas cans, two charging stations, and sundry supplies

Geospatial Team Evaluates Storm Impacts

The photographic products collected by the wing were provided to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support damage assessment and analysis efforts. CAP members from the national Geospatial Program’s Damage Assessment Team assisted federal partners in evaluating the impacts.

The team’s volunteer service, which began March 21, helped provide data for the state’s request for a major disaster declaration for the affected islands and deliver federal relief to impacted residents and businesses. The disaster declaration request for Hawaii was approved by the president April 15.

Working in collaboration with FEMA, the combined team dedicated approximately 40 hours to assessment efforts, identifying damage to more than 400 structures

How to Serve Communities Through CAP

Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for people who want to support emergency response and community resilience. Volunteers serve in roles including disaster assessment, aviation support, communications, logistics, and emergency operations planning.

Members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and no aviation experience is required. Those interested in community-focused service can learn more and connect with a local squadron by visiting gocivilairpatrol.com.

Through partnerships with FEMA and other agencies, CAP volunteers continue to support disaster response efforts focused on saving lives, protecting property, and helping communities recover.

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (standing left) and Air Force Brig. Gen. Matthew French (right) tour Civil Air Patrol communications operations at Maxwell Air Force Base as CAP Col. Ross E. Veta (foreground) and others look on. (Photo by Brad Nolan, CAP National Headquarters)

In this article

• What is the Board of Governors?

• Leading Through Life Experiences

• Meet the Members of the Board

• Two New Board Members

• A Second Term for Gen. Skoch

• Giving Back to Civil Air Patrol

• Want to Be a Part of Something Bigger?

What is the Board of Governors?

The people who serve on Civil Air Patrol’s Board of Governors, like its 70,000 members, come from every walk of American life.

While CAP’s missions are carried out by volunteers in communities nationwide and in some communities overseas, the board’s 11 members provide strategic oversight that helps ensure the organization remains ready to support the nation.

With its mix of Air Force leaders, CAP members, and outside professionals from industry, government, and education, the board helps align the organization’s volunteer service with future needs of the communities it serves.

Then-U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce checks out the cockpit of a Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182T on the tarmac at Maxwell Air Force Base. Before his retirement in 2023, Pierce — as part of his duties with First Air Force — regularly piloted CAP aircraft. (File photo)

Leading Through Life Experiences

Before Pierce retired in 2023 following a decorated 35-year Air Force career that took him from the battlefields of Iraq as a command fighter pilot to the Pentagon as one of its military leaders, he served in a multi-command role with First Air Force and the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.

In that combined force air component command assignment, Pierce led U.S. Air Forces Northern, U.S. Air Forces Space, and First Air Force. Part of his many responsibilities with AFNORTH was ensuring CAP was organized, trained, and equipped to fulfill its Total Force missions.

He also was the first AFNORTH commander to fly the C-206H and C-182T — two aircraft used by CAP to perform its Air Force-assigned missions. His 170 flying hours with CAP added to an impressive record as a command fighter pilot who logged more than 4,900 hours in Air Force aircraft

The hands-on flight experience with CAP also gave him a wealth of knowledge of the organization’s large and agile fleet of single-engine aircraft, which serves him well today as the board’s leader.

Meet the Members of the Board

Consider the equally impressive life experiences of other current members of CAP’s highest governing body:

• CAP Col. Rajesh Kothari, the board’s vice chair, is an entrepreneur who has founded and led several investment banking and private investment firms. His 40-year CAP career, which began as a cadet, includes service as commander of the Michigan Wing and a primary role as one of the founding members of the CAP Foundation board of trustees, which sets the direction of the foundation, supporting its success, and establishing it as a long-term solution to support the financial needs of CAP.

• Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Bernie Skoch served as board chair for the Air & Space Forces Association from 2022-2025, after serving as the first national commissioner of CyberPatriot — the AFA’s National Youth Cyber Education Program. And that doesn’t include a noteworthy 29-year Air Force career with leadership positions developing, managing, and implementing communications and information systems for the Air Force as well as the Defense Information Systems Agency.

• Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher S. Walker last served as the assistant adjutant general and commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard after active Air Force duty service as a master navigator in Air Force aircraft, including over 400 combat and combat support hours.

• Sharon DeVivo, Ph.D., the president and CEO of Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, is well- known and -connected in the nation’s aviation/academic university community for her executive-level experience in strategic planning. DeVivo’s school is located adjacent to LaGuardia Airport in Queens, New York, and, at her insistence, the college now hosts one of CAP’s 40 national cadet special activities — the Aviation and Aeronautics Business Academy.

• Capt. Mary Ann Schaffer is a veteran commercial pilot who serves as United Airlines’ managing director of aviation safety. An experienced aviator with more than 18,000 hours of flight time in more than four decades as a commercial pilot, she is also a licensed attorney in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

• CAP Col. Ross E. Veta is a former California Wing commander and current senior partner in a San Diego law firm that carries his name. His professional wealth of experience with aerospace engineering and program management and global strategic procurement experience as well as expertise in complex organizational management and growth through innovation. While wing commander, the former CAP cadet served as a member of the National Strategic Planning Team, which created the Corporate Strategic Plan and Vision Statement now in effect.

• CAP Lt. Col. Andrew Oppmann, also a cadet, has served in various marketing and communications roles in the organization at wing, region, and national levels. He was part of the launch team for CAP.News, the organization’s digital news platform, and served as CAP’s interim national marketing chief. Professionally, he is vice president for marketing and communications at Middle Tennessee State University, where he has forged a partnership with CAP that includes MTSU hosting the Cadet Engineering Technology Academy — another national cadet special activity.

• CAP Chief Master Sgt. Robert Dandridge is a retired Air Force command sergeant with 30 years of service. He is the former command chief for CAP, where he advised on mission effectiveness, development, training, and the effective use of the organization’s NCO Corps. A certified professional innovator, he also helped the National Innovation Team simulate and sustain a culture of innovative behavior and thinking.

As members of the board, these nine individuals, along with two new members, establish strategy to guide CAP’s volunteer force as it conducts missions in emergency services, youth development, and aerospace education.

Four members of the Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors — (from left) CAP Col. Ross E. Veta, retired Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, CAP Lt. Col. Andrew Oppmann, and Air Force Brig. Gen. Matthew French — attend a recent onboarding session at National Headquarters. Van Ovost and French are the newest members of the board. (Photo by Brad Nolan, CAP National Headquarters)

Two New Board Members

The board’s latest additions — retired Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, former commander of U.S. Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command, and Brig. Gen. Matthew French, chief of staff of the Florida Air National Guard — bring senior operational leadership experience.

A former CAP cadet, Van Ovost has a diverse operational and training background that includes command of an air refueling squadron, a flying training wing, and the Presidential Airlift Wing.

She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and a command pilot with more than 4,200 hours in more than 30 Air Force transport and refueling aircraft.

Her decorations and awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, and the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster.

In his role with Joint Force Headquarters Florida National Guard, French serves as the principal advisor to the Florida Air National Guard commander and is responsible for strategic planning and guidance for the state’s wide range of air and space missions. He directs the force development programs and initiatives impacting over 2,000 Airmen in diverse units across Florida.

French also serves as a deputy combined forces air component commander for First Air Force.

French previously served in a variety of operational fighter assignments in U.S. Air Forces Europe and Pacific Air Command. He instructed at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School before transitioning in 2010 from the active-duty Air Force to the Florida Air National Guard.

French is a command pilot with over 2,600 hours in Air Force trainer and fighter aircraft. He has deployed in support of NATO Alert in Iceland, Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe, and flown numerous missions in support of Operation Noble Eagle in the U.S.

A full list of Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors members and their bios are available here.

Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Bernie Skoch updates Civil Air Patrol members on the activities of the Air & Space Forces Association while serving as the association’s board chair. (File photo)

A Second Term for Gen. Skoch

Members of the board recommended to the assistant secretary of the Air Force to grant Skoch a second four-year term, which extends his service through 2029.

Pierce said extending Skoch’s service another term made sense, and there was the option to do it in the board’s current governance model.

“As we looked ahead to projected vacancies on the board, we wanted to ensure continuity and a depth of CAP youth development knowledge,” he said. “With this in mind, Gen. Skoch was offered a second term.”

Skoch added, “I am eager to continue the work before us and to play whatever small part I can in positioning us for an even brighter future.”

Giving Back to Civil Air Patrol

Skoch said serving on the board is his way of giving back to CAP.

“As I've shared with many people in CAP and outside it, Civil Air Patrol shaped not only my professional life, but my personal life as well,” he said, explaining he and his wife Debbie met as 15-year-old cadets in the Arkansas Wing’s Jacksonville Composite Squadron.

Want to Be a Part of Something Bigger?

Those interested in exploring leadership opportunities with the U.S. Air Force auxiliary can join now. Open to youth ages 12-20, and adult volunteers of all backgrounds, CAP offers firsthand training, mentorship, and service opportunities nationwide.

To learn more about membership and find a local unit, visit gocivilairpatrol.com.

Civil Air Patrol cadets experience annularity in Richfield, Utah, during the 2023 CAP/NASA solar eclipse mission.

The CAP-NASA Space Act Agreement

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) have entered into a Space Act Agreement to build the next generation of aerospace and defense professionals.

The partnership establishes a framework for collaboration focused on engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), supporting the strengths of both organizations to expand educational opportunities nationwide.

Meaningful, Hands-On Experiences

Through this agreement, NASA and CAP will work together to provide meaningful, hands-on STEM experiences for CAP’s more than 34,000 cadets and 35,000 adult members.

The collaboration is designed to inspire curiosity, strengthen technical skills, and prepare participants for post-secondary education and careers in STEM fields through new access to NASA-led citizen science projects, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities with NASA personnel, as well as the development of educational programming aligned with real-world aerospace applications.

In addition to educational programming, NASA will provide technical expertise, data resources, and guidance to ensure CAP activities reflect current industry standards and workforce needs. CAP will distribute these resources broadly across its nationwide network, expanding NASA’s STEM outreach into local communities and classrooms.

Cadets in the Louisiana Wing collect weather data during the CAP/NASA 2024 solar eclipse mission.

Empowering the Next Generation

Together, the organizations aim to empower a diverse and capable pipeline of future aerospace leaders while reinforcing their shared commitment to public service and innovation.

Aye added, “A Space Act Agreement represents a forward-looking partnership with tremendous potential and one that strengthens CAP’s national impact, expands opportunities for our members, and positions our cadets to engage with NASA in ways that shape futures.”

New Opportunities Available Through CAP

Individuals interested in aviation, leadership, emergency services, or STEM education are encouraged to learn more about joining CAP. With opportunities for youth and adults alike, CAP offers hands-on experiences, mentorship, and a chance to serve communities while developing valuable life and career skills.

To learn more or find a local squadron, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

Col. Amy Myzie (third from left) poses for a selfie with CAP volunteers who provided needed manpower in support of the Armed Services Whole Blood Processing Lab-East at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

This effort expands the reach of Operation Pulse Lift, CAP’s ongoing humanitarian blood collection mission, and supports the need for blood for U.S. forces overseas.

Civil Air Patrol is always just a phone call away

Responding to a request from the Armed Services Blood Program, wing members provided urgently needed manpower to the Armed Services Whole Blood Processing Lab — East, a blood processing and transshipment center, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, responsible for preparing blood shipments for overseas transport.

The request came during a period of limited personnel availability and increased operational demand. The lab, which typically processes about 30 cases of blood products per week, has recently experienced a surge to more than 40 cases per day.

The initial CAP team consisted of Col. Myzie, Maj. Megan Kingston, the wing’s health services officer, Maj. Britton Williams, director of emergency services, and Cadet Maj. Luke Patterson. The CAP team arrived shortly after a large incoming shipment and began processing more than 40 cases of blood products.

According to Kingston, wing members assist by verifying the temperature of incoming blood products to ensure they meet required standards, documenting and labeling shipments, and preparing them for cold storage and transport.

The work never stops

Since the start of the mission, CAP volunteers have contributed thousands of personnel hours from dozens of locations across the nation, with additional support planned in the coming weeks. During the initial surge in March 2026, the New Jersey Wing personnel supported the Whole Blood Processing Lab for 16 days, processing an unprecedented 7,500 units of blood.

The wing expects to continue assisting the lab as needed, helping ensure U.S. service members overseas receive critical blood supplies.

You can be a part of this incredible effort. For more information, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.

Capt. Hirae sits in the cockpit of an American Eagle plane. He worked for the airline for 25 years.

The spirit of “talk story’’ (preserving and sharing memories) permeate the Hawai’ian Islands and the souls of those who’ve lived there.

Retired airline Capt. Clement Hirae’s saga of his time with Civil Air Patrol’s Ka’u Composite Squadron and subsequent journey from the Big Island’s sugar plantations to Rocky Mountain ski slopes to the windswept plains of the Midwest and ultimately to the skies and ski slopes of the Northeast, is quite a tale — and one made possible through Civil Air Patrol (CAP).

Establishing the Ka’u Memorial Fund

“I’m glad l can do something for cadets who are passionate about CAP,” Clement, a third-generation Hawaiian currently living in Walpole, Massachusetts, said about establishing the Ka’u Memorial Fund. The fund will annually award a $1,400 flight academy or national cadet activity scholarship to a cadet from Hilo’s Lyman Field Composite Squadron or the Kona Composite Squadron. Although the Ka’u squadron is no longer active, Clement hopes this will keep its memory alive. “I wanted to do something for future generations to live their dreams,” he said.

Ka’u sits amid sugar cane plantations near Volcanoes National Park — the same ones his grandparents, who emigrated from Japan, came to find work in. As a child, Clement was fascinated by the Stearman biplanes crop-dusting the fields and vowed that he too would one day fly. He received the opportunity when Capt. Robert Brooks, a U.S. Air Force officer who had just been assigned to an Air Force station nearby, established the CAP Ka’u Composite Squadron. “He had this vision … and, as I look back, I feel so grateful and thankful to him. He planted the seed for my future.”

Clement talks proudly of his CAP journey: he earned his Gen. Billy Mitchell Award, became a squadron commander, and has continued serving as an adult member wherever he has landed. He continues to credit his life’s success to the tenets learned as a cadet. “I am what I am today because of Capt. Brooks and Civil Air Patrol.”

This newspaper clipping shows then-Cadet Hirae in the simulator at Williams Air Force Base as part of the CAP career exploration tour of the base. His mother saved the clipping for him, and he has kept it all this time.

Cadet Experiences Influence His Path

Two CAP experiences dramatically changed his life’s trajectory. As a cadet, he attended an encampment at Oahu’s Hickam Air Force Base. “Sleeping in the barracks near Hickam’s flight line and hearing the constant sounds of aircraft cemented my dream to become a pilot,” he said.

The second was a visit to Colorado Springs’ U.S. Air Force Academy as part of a CAP career exploration tour of Air Force bases. On a horseback riding tour of the academy grounds, he saw the Rocky Mountains for the first time — and that’s when he knew where his flight training had to be. “I recall that memory like it happened yesterday. I was just in awe,” he said of the mountains.

When he returned home, he researched aviation degrees in Colorado, ultimately finding Northwestern Community College in Rangely and Metro State College in Denver. “Going to schools so far from my rural Hawai’ian roots was something I would never have attempted without the self-confidence learned as a cadet.”

Ski Instructor Turned Corporate Pilot

However, when he graduated in the mid-1970s, airlines weren’t hiring so he fell back on his new-found love of skiing and became a ski instructor at Keystone for the next eight years.

He “talks story” about how that experience led to his first flying job — but it wasn’t in an airplane. He had become friends with a ski student who was heir to a Kansas City large-scale office park development firm. They needed a quick way to ferry clients from the airport to their Overland Park headquarters and on to potential sites.

They offered Clement the chief pilot job, put in a helipad, bought a helicopter, and sent him off to flight school. When the company purchased a King Air, Clement spent several more years as its corporate pilot. During that time, he also became an adult CAP member and instructor pilot for the nearby Shawnee Composite Squadron.

Finally, a Long Career as an Airline Pilot

Missing Hawai’i and family, he sought employment back home two separate times. Unfortunately, both inter-island passenger airlines which hired him declared bankruptcy soon after he entered their ground schools.

“I was devastated,” he said of returning to the mainland each time. But the resiliency he learned in Civil Air Patrol shone through and, over the next several years, he flew a variety of aircraft for courier, cargo, and people carriers, eventually moving to the Northeast flying for Business Express Airlines. When that company, which operated commuter jets for Northwest, Delta, and American, eventually became American Eagle, he flew for them for over 25 years before retiring, remaining in the Northeast with his wife Arleen, whom he had met in Kansas City, and their daughter.

Capt. Clement Hirae with the Hawai’ian leis traditionally given to those in the Island State at notable events in their lives. A family member brought the lei over from Hawai’i to present to him during his retirement ceremony from American Eagle.

Captain Still Active in Civil Air Patrol

Although he’s a long way from his beloved Hawai’i, he has combined two of his greatest loves — soaring down the mountains and through the skies thanks to Capt. Brooks and Civil Air Patrol. Currently, Clement spends his time serving as a captain in the Mansfield Composite Squadron and competing in area and national slalom and giant slalom ski competitions.

A vision, begun so long ago in Hawai’i’s sugar cane fields, has ensured memories of the Ka’u squadron will help other teenagers pursue their dreams and create their own memories to share and “talk story.”

Your Legacy.  Shaping Futures.

Stories like that of Clement Hirae highlight the lasting impact Civil Air Patrol makes in the lives of young cadets. We are shaping futures, one cadet at a time.

If you are interested in seeing how you can create a Legacy at CAP, to help prepare the next generation of leaders, contact us at Legacy@gocivilairpatrol.org.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Jason Ludlow, Civil Air Patrol

A career in the military was always the goal for Civil Air Patrol Cadet 2nd Lt. Jason Ludlow. The Lake George High School senior spent years keeping his eye on the prize — a hoped-for appointment to one of America’s military academies. His discipline and hard work finally paid off in January when he was accepted to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

CAP’s core cadet and aerospace education programs are highly effective, providing a variety of innovative youth development initiatives and award-winning STEM curricula and inspiring thousands of youth nationwide to attend U.S. military academies. In fact, CAP cadets constitute about 10% of each Air Force Academy class.

His Example of Community Service

A deputy cadet commander of CAP’s Capt. Luke C. Wullenwaber Composite Squadron based in Ballston Lake, Ludlow honed his leadership skills at the squadron and put them to use in his academic career serving as the current class treasurer, captain of both the varsity cross country and Nordic ski teams.

Ludlow is academically rated in the top 10% of his class and is also enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program at Queensbury High School.

His community service record is commendable as well, as he has served as a junior member of Warrensberg Emergency Medical Services, having received his EMT-B certification in 2025. He also served as a lifeguard at Lake George Village’s Million Dollar Beach.

Nominated by a U.S. Senator

Along with strong academic, athletic, and leadership qualities, a student must be nominated by a member of Congress to attend a military academy. Ludlow received his nomination from U.S. Sen. Kristin Gillibrand, D-N.Y., after a long interview process.

Ludlow plans to major in chemical engineering while at West Point.

Looking Ahead?

CAP is open to youth and parents nationwide who are seeking pathways to the U.S. Military Academy, the Air Force Academy, or others. If you're between the ages of 12-20, the formula for getting there is clear: maintain strong academics through CAP’s youth scholarship opportunities, pursue leadership roles, and even earn aviation credentials.

With more than 1,400 squadrons nationwide and a cadet corps of about 34,000, there’s an opportunity near you. Join CAP today.

Members of the New Jersey Wing delegation pose for a group photo on Capitol Hill during Civil Air Patrol’s National Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. Cadets and adult members met with members of Congress and staff to advocate for CAP missions and highlight the organization’s impact across New Jersey and the nation.

Nearly 500 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) volunteers traveled to Washington, D.C., in late February to meet face-to-face with U.S. lawmakers to directly advocate about the impact the organization delivers in thousands of communities across the nation through its 1,400-plus operating locations.

Part of CAP’s National Legislative Day campaign, the 2026 event utilized a hybrid model, allowing participants to engage virtually while also facilitating in-person interactions on Capitol Hill.

CAP conducts emergency missions while also fostering youth leadership and advancing aerospace education as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Over the past five NLD campaigns, several wings are heavily investing in cadet participation to provide a once-in-a-life experience meeting with their members of Congress and touring the U.S. monuments and other highly sought-after destinations in the National Capital Region.

CAP Delegations Led by Cadets

Many of the CAP volunteers in the nation’s capital were cadets, aged 12-20, who told their legislators about CAP’s emergency responses in their home states during the past year. They helped emphasize the measurable return on investment for the Air Force and their home states through volunteer-led search and rescue operations and operational military training, and how the organization is helping shape America’s youth into future leaders through STEM education initiatives.

“Our cadets are dedicated to serving their communities and developing leadership skills,” said Lt. Col. Franklin Birt, the New York Wing’s government relations advisor. “Meeting with our congressional representatives is a vital opportunity for them to share their experiences and the positive impact of Civil Air Patrol.”

The cadets’ in-person and virtual presentations made an impact.

“I always look forward to meeting with Civil Air Patrol members during National Legislative Day,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J. “The work you do in emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet development makes a real difference in our communities, and I strongly support your mission.”

“Enjoyed meeting with cadets from the South Dakota Wing of Civil Air Patrol, a program I was a member of when I was a kid,” said Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D. in a social media post on X that showed several photos of him meeting with them in his office, which features a giant photo of Mount Rushmore. “Keep up the great work!”

(From left) Cadet 1st Lt. Jay M. Patel, Cadet Lt. Col. Cora Taylor, and Cadet 1st Lt. Lily Tuttle meet with Brendan Larkin, deputy chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-N.Y., as Capt. Tammy L. McGarvey looks on.

A Force-Multiplier of National Interest

CAP serves nearly every U.S. congressional district nationwide, as well as Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., making it an organization of national interest to Congress.

Funded through the annual Defense Appropriations bill, CAP returns nearly $4.50 in value for every federal dollar invested; in 2025, the organization’s programs invested an estimated $334 million of community service through its missions, programs, and activities. CAP’s cadet program impacts more than 34,000 youth nationwide, developing responsible, confident leaders through weekly meetings, summer encampments, flight training, internships, and international exchanges.

Well-prepared teams from all 52 wings presented CAP’s 2025 Impact Report to lawmakers, highlighting the organization’s primary programs and its significant contributions during the past year. As constituent representatives, their advocacy extended to discussing CAP’s 2027 federal appropriations request, emphasizing the crucial role the organization plays in emergency response, leadership development, and aerospace education in thousands of communities

A Divide and Conquer Approach

During their visit, volunteers from the New York Wing divided into five teams to engage with 19 state congressional offices, including staff members from the offices of U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. Their meetings provided a platform for cadets to professionally articulate the importance of CAP’s mission and programs, which include search and rescue operations, disaster relief, and youth development.

She added, “We are proud to represent the Civil Air Patrol and advocate for the resources necessary to continue our work.”

Similarly, members from CAP’s New Jersey Wing represented their state with confidence and purpose.

“National Legislative Day allows us to engage directly with elected officials and demonstrate how Civil Air Patrol supports our communities, our state, and our nation,” said Col. Amy Myzie, the New Jersey Wing commander. “I am incredibly proud of how our cadets and adult members articulated our mission and strengthened key relationships.”

During their meetings, the delegation detailed how the New Jersey Wing serves the Garden State through disaster response during severe weather, coordinated aerial search missions with state agencies and youth leadership development in 22 local squadrons. Members also emphasized the measurable return on investment for the Air Force and New Jersey through volunteer-led search and rescue operations, operational training, and STEM education initiatives.

CAP’s aerospace education programs support local schools and homeschools with K-12 STEM curricula, textbooks, and project kits focused on aviation, space, and cyber. Teacher enrichment initiatives — including educator orientation flights — bring scientific principles to life in classrooms.

Civic Engagement in Action

For many cadets, the event offered a firsthand look at civic engagement in action.

“Meeting with congressional officials was an incredible experience,” said Cadet Maj. Luke Patterson. “It was an honor to share how Civil Air Patrol has shaped my leadership skills and to explain the impact our wing has in New Jersey. Representing our cadets at the national level was both humbling and inspiring.”

The delegation also met with Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, sharing their service experiences and briefing her on programs underway throughout New Jersey. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO, was on hand throughout the day, personally visiting with members of Congress hosting their states’ CAP delegations.

Beyond Capitol Hill, cadets attending CAP’s Civic Leadership Academy toured the Pentagon and explored the National Air and Space Museum, gaining insight into national defense operations and the history and future of aviation and space exploration.

They also visited the Air Force Memorial, where the soaring spires and solemn setting inspired a profound sense of pride, sacrifice and reverence for the men and women who have served in the nation’s Air and Space Forces.

Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander and CEO, and members of the Kansas Wing delegation visit with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

For Many, A Favorite CAP Activity

While the experiences of these four wings offer a glimpse into National Legislative Day, they reflect a much larger effort carried forward by wings across the country. Months of training, preparation, and coordination culminate in nearly 500 cadets and senior members meeting with the elected officials on Capitol Hill — making the journey at their own expense. For many wings, the effort extends beyond a single day, turning the experience into a multi-day opportunity for leadership, learning, and civil engagement.

The excitement begins the night before during the all-hands briefing, when participants from every direction gather under one banner for an all-hands brief for the day ahead. For some, it is their first National Legislative Day. For others, reportedly it’s their favorite Civil Air Patrol activity — a chance to reconnect with friends and link arms to advocate for CAP’s federal funding.

“National Legislative Day is truly a partnership between National Headquarters and the wings,” said Kimberly Carole, CAP’s deputy director of government relations. “Every wing brings its own energy and dedication to the effort, and it takes every hand on the rope to share our story, and the impact CAP members are delivering every day in their local communities.”

Carole said cadet integration has substantially grown over the years, and this 2026 event “hit an all-time high with a show of hands.”

She added, “I am honored to support their distinctive passion for community service through Civil Air Patrol.”

Want to be Part of Something Bigger?

Those interested in being a part of CAP’s government relations efforts or exploring other leadership opportunities with the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, can join now. Open to youth ages 12 and older and adult volunteers of all backgrounds, CAP offers hands-on training, mentorship, and service opportunities nationwide. To learn more about membership and find a local unit, visit gocivilairpatrol.com.

Col. Griffith as a cadet

Having joined Civil Air Patrol as a teenager, Col. Griffith now serves as the Indiana Wing commander. Her story reflects how mentorship, service, and leadership opportunities at a young age can shape a lifetime of purpose, both inside and outside the organization. What follows is her interview.

Why did you join Civil Air Patrol?

I was taking a science class with a teacher I really respected. I had an interest in aviation at the time and asked him about Young Astronauts. He recommended I check out Civil Air Patrol. I visited the Weir Cook Cadet Squadron in Indianapolis and knew immediately I wanted to be a part of it. I joined as a cadet when I was 16.

What is your current career?

I am currently the Indiana Wing commander (leader of a state in Civil Air Patrol). Outside of CAP I am the primary full-time caregiver for my youngest son. He is epileptic and intellectually disabled.

What specific lesson or experience from CAP has influenced your career or your life?

I always tell cadets that I learned more about leadership in CAP than in four years of college. The practical experience that comes from pulling together a team from different backgrounds and with different skills, and leading them to accomplish the mission, has helped me in every aspect of my life. Being in CAP has taught me resilience and self-discipline, and that there is always an opportunity to improve as an officer and a leader. Never stop learning.

What else should we know about you?

We are a CAP family. My spouse served as the Indiana Wing commander. Four of my five children have been or are currently CAP cadets. It has been exciting to watch them develop their own leadership skills and begin to put into practice all of the knowledge they are acquiring as they move through the cadet program. Being able to look at a problem through the lens of CAP Core Values will serve them well.

Col. Griffith and her daughter

Civil Air Patrol’s Core Values in Action

Col. Griffith’s story reflects Civil Air Patrol’s core values in action. Her commitment to continuous learning and accountability demonstrates integrity. Her decades of involvement, from cadet to wing commander, exemplify volunteer service. The emphasis she places on practical leadership, teamwork, and constant improvement speaks to excellence. Finally, her respect for mentorship, family, and the diverse individuals she leads shows how CAP’s values are lived out not just in uniform, but across a lifetime of service.

Stay Connected. Get Involved.

Stories like Col. Griffith’s highlight the long-term impact of Civil Air Patrol, not just on individuals, but on families and communities.

If you are a former CAP member, stay connected to the organization that helped shape your path. Join CAP Alumni and Friends and continue to be part of the CAP story.

If you have never been part of Civil Air Patrol, consider joining. Whether as a cadet, adult volunteer, or educator, there is a place for you to serve, grow, and make a difference.

Rowe now joins an elite group of Civil Air Patrol cadets who have completed the program’s most demanding requirements. Fewer than one-half of one percent of Civil Air Patrol cadets earn the Spaatz Award. Since the honor was established in 1964, less than 3,000 cadets nationwide have received it.

The award recognizes exceptional achievement in leadership, character, aerospace knowledge, and physical fitness.

The award is named for Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, the first chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force and a pioneer in military aviation.

To earn the honor, cadets must pass a series of rigorous evaluations including a comprehensive leadership examination, an advanced aerospace test, a timed essay and a challenging physical fitness assessment similar to standards used by the U.S. Air Force Academy. Cadets are allowed only three attempts to complete the requirements.

Rowe’s achievement also reflects a rare family legacy. His family is among only a handful in the nation with three or more siblings who have earned the Spaatz Award.

A Family Legacy of Leadership

Cadet Col. Jackson Rowe with his mom, Lt. Col. Kelly Rowe. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Pakenas

Rowe is a member of the Coastal Charleston Composite Squadron, the Civil Air Patrol unit serving the Charleston area. During his time in the program he has held numerous leadership roles, including serving as cadet commander for the South Carolina Wing’s summer encampment, a weeklong leadership training camp for cadets from across the state.

He has also earned qualifications as a ground team member for search and rescue operations, a small unmanned aerial system technician and a model rocketry operator. Through those roles he has supported emergency services missions alongside adult volunteers.

Rowe has also been recognized as the South Carolina Wing Cadet of the Year and has represented the state organization during Legislative Day in Washington, where cadets meet with members of Congress to advocate for Civil Air Patrol’s missions of youth development, aerospace education and emergency services.

Rowe joined Civil Air Patrol after watching his two older brothers participate in the program.

“They set the standard,” Rowe said. “I watched them work hard and grow into leaders, and I wanted to follow that same path.”

Words of Praise and Reflection

Col. James Brogan, commander of the South Carolina Wing of Civil Air Patrol, said Rowe has distinguished himself through steady leadership and humility.

“At our summer encampment, he led from the front,” Brogan said. “He never asked his team to do anything he wasn’t willing to do himself. He had an ability to pause the chaos around him and ask pointed questions that made others think. He led with courage to make tough decisions and with honor to accept the outcome, no matter what it was.”

Brogan reminded Rowe that the award represents both an achievement and a new beginning.

“This isn’t the pinnacle of your life,” Brogan said. “It’s the closing of one chapter and the start of another. Continue to lead with courage and serve with honor.”

The Value of Service

Air Force Col. Vincent Rea (center) speaks with South Carolina Wing Commander Col. James Brogan and Mrs. Brogan at the ceremony. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Pakenas

Representing the U.S. Air Force, Col. Vincent Rea, commander of the 628th Mission Support Group at Joint Base Charleston, spoke about the broader impact of Civil Air Patrol and the role its volunteers play in communities across the country.

“When most people think about the Air Force, they picture fighter jets, rockets and satellites,” Rea said. “But there’s another story in aviation — a quieter one that’s been unfolding for more than 80 years. It’s a story of extraordinary citizens giving their time freely and making a meaningful difference.”

Civil Air Patrol’s members include students, retirees, professionals and veterans who volunteer their time to serve their communities. The organization supports missions such as aerial photography after disasters, search and rescue operations and emergency response.

“When hurricanes threaten our coasts or emergency managers need eyes in the sky, the call goes out to CAP,” Rea said. “Missions that could cost millions at market rate are carried out by volunteers.”

Rea recalled flying with Civil Air Patrol as a college student.

“I’ll never forget those flights,” he said. “It wasn’t just the excitement of being in the air, but the dedication of the people around me who weren’t doing it for recognition or a paycheck. They did it because they cared.”

He said that same spirit of service continues through cadets like Rowe.

“Beyond all the numbers, there’s something even more powerful — a life force that comes from serving others,” Rea said. “Jackson, you are proof that service and dedication still matter.”

Humility and Service Above Self

Cadet Col. Jackson Rowe (left) receives the highest cadet award in Civil Air Patrol. Photo by Staff Sgt. Rachel Pakenas

In his remarks, Rowe thanked the mentors, fellow cadets and family members who supported him throughout his journey in Civil Air Patrol.

“This award represents years of hard work and growth,” he said. “But it’s not about me. It’s about the people who helped me get here and the opportunities I’ve had to give back.”

Rowe also thanked his parents for their support.

“Thank you for the uniforms, the equipment for emergency services and all the hours spent driving me through Charleston traffic to CAP meetings,” he said. “I’m proud to stand here as your son.”

He credited his squadron with shaping his experience in the program.

“We like to say we’re the best squadron in South Carolina,” Rowe said with a smile. “They are the backbone of my CAP career. I started at Coastal Charleston, and I’m still there today. They’ve supported me every step of the way.”

To younger cadets, he offered encouragement to aim high.

“This award is hard, but it’s worth it,” Rowe said. “If I can do it, so can you. It just takes dedication, effort and living by our core values.”

A graduate of homeschool studies, Rowe is pursuing a degree in business management at Trident Technical College and plans to earn licenses in real estate and property management. Outside Civil Air Patrol, he remains active in his church, serves as a sound technician and enjoys running cross-country, participating in theater productions and spending time with family and friends.

As Phelka noted during the ceremony, the Spaatz Award marks not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter.

“You’ve earned your place among the nation’s finest cadets,” he said. “Now continue to exhibit excellence in everything you do.”

How would you like to start your journey of leadership learning? Check out gocivilairpatrol.com.

For Colonels Ned Lee and Christine “Chris” Lee, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was never just an after-school activity. It became the foundation for a lifetime of leadership, service, and shared purpose spanning more than five decades, multiple continents, and careers at the highest levels of public service.

Both longtime members of Civil Air Patrol’s California Wing, Ned and Chris joined CAP as teenagers in the late 1960s. Chris began her journey in 1968, followed by Ned in 1969. What started as cadet participation became a formative experience shaping how they would lead, serve, and grow both individually and together.

From Cadets to Leaders

As cadets, both Lees achieved CAP’s highest cadet milestone, the General Carl A. Spaatz Award. Chris earned Spaatz Award No. 235, while Ned earned No. 356. While they knew each other during their cadet years, their relationship began later, when they worked side by side as adult Tactical Officers at a California Wing encampment in 1977.

During that experience, they discovered shared values, mutual respect, a sense of humor, and a commitment to service formed a strong foundation. Those qualities carried them through marriage in 1981 and more than four decades of partnership.

They went on to become one of CAP’s Spaatz-to-Spaatz married couples and are believed to be the first to raise a Mitchell Award cadet, their daughter Joanna, extending CAP’s influence to the next generation.

Colonels Ned Lee and Christine “Chris” Lee

Lifetime Leadership Lessons

The skills learned through CAP proved remarkably transferable. The Lees credit CAP with teaching them how to plan in detail, communicate clearly, lead and manage teams, accept constructive feedback, and commit to continuous improvement. Those lessons became cornerstones of their professional lives.

For Ned, those lessons carried directly into high-stakes environments. His career began in law enforcement in 1978, followed by service as a Deputy District Attorney, a Municipal Court Judge, and later election to the California Superior Court. In 2020, he was appointed by the U.S. Attorney General as a U.S. Immigration Judge. Since 2023, he has served internationally as the Senior Justice Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Concurrently, Ned served as an Infantryman in the California Army National Guard from 1982 to 2002, with deployments to Ukraine, Japan, and Panama. He credits his CAP experience with preparing him to lead soldiers in chaotic and dangerous conditions where clear thinking, teamwork, and calm leadership are essential.

Chris followed a different but equally impactful path. She built a successful career as a Silicon Valley human resources executive, starting with several early-stage startups before moving into leadership roles at eBay and later PayPal, where she retired in 2018. Throughout her professional career, she remained continuously active in CAP, mentoring cadets and supporting senior member programs.

A Commitment to Mentorship and Service

Despite demanding careers and international assignments, CAP remained a constant presence in their lives. Today, both Colonels Lee are assigned to the Pacific Region Headquarters Staff, continuing their service to the organization responsible for shaping their leadership foundation.

Their commitment reflects one of CAP’s enduring strengths, the ability to instill a lifelong dedication to mentoring others. For the Lees, leadership was never about rank alone. It focused on developing people, supporting teams, and leaving organizations stronger than they found them.

This philosophy extends into their family life. Married for 44 years as of December 2025, they are parents to two adult daughters and enjoy a growing extended family. Wherever life has taken them, from California to Bosnia and Herzegovina, family, service, and curiosity about the world remain central.

Colonels Ned Lee and Christine “Chris” Lee

Advice for the Next Generation

When asked what guidance they would offer today’s cadets and young leaders, their message remains simple and enduring.

Their story stands as a testament to Civil Air Patrol’s mission of shaping confident, capable leaders prepared to serve their communities, their nation, and the world. For Ned and Chris Lee, CAP did not simply shape their futures. It helped them build a life of purpose together. If you’re a former cadet, consider joining Civil Air Patrol Alumni & Friends.

For the 25th straight year, Civil Air Patrol is participating in the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s (NORAD) Exercise FELIX HAWK to support the preparations for safety and security of airspace around the Super Bowl, set for Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

F-15 fighter aircraft from the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing conducted a live-fly exercise, in coordination with the Civil Air Patrol, simulating a Temporary Flight Restriction violation intercept - Photo: Michael Sparks

Exercises Help Fighter Aircrews Maintain Proficiency

To help NORAD fighter aircrews maintain their proficiency, Civil Air Patrol, acting in its role as the Air Force auxiliary, provides single-engine aircraft that fly into simulated restricted airspace as a track of interest so military fighter crews can practice intercept techniques. One of these “live fly” exercises took place in California on Jan. 29, with CAP aircraft being intercepted by NORAD F-15s.

When NORAD jets intercept the CAP aircraft, the military pilot attempts to make radio contact and safely guide the CAP plane out of the restricted airspace.

In practice scenarios, the CAP pilot may not initially respond to radio calls and will ignore the instructions to change course. In that case, the fighter jet performs a “head butt” maneuver, flying through the flightpath of the CAP plane. This maneuver provides both an obvious visual cue of the intercept and creates minor turbulence to get the pilot’s attention as the jet passes in front of the CAP aircraft at a safe distance.

The exercise reinforced the importance of TFR compliance and the integrated efforts used to safeguard North American airspace 24/7/365 - Photo: Michael Sparks

Similar Exercises Year-Round Test Air Defense

CAP is involved in similar exercises around the U.S. throughout the year to test airspace security. The exercises are conducted as part of Operation Noble Eagle, launched by the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. Along with CONR’s Western Air Defense Sector and CAP, the exercises are conducted in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and may also involve Customs and Border Protection.

In typical training exercises, one or two Civil Air Patrol single-engine aircraft fly as intercept tracks of interest, or TOIs, for NORAD fighter jets. CAP’s “low and slow” aircraft are considered ideal TOIs for these exercises. An additional CAP aircraft, known as a “high bird,” may fly as a communications hub coordinating radio traffic among participants on the ground and in the air.

Temporary Flight Restrictions Enforced by NORAD

The Federal Aviation Administration routinely implements Temporary Flight Restrictions around major events such as the Super Bowl, National Special Security Events, VIP TFRs, and natural or manmade disasters. Airspace around these TFR areas is restricted to all general aviation traffic within a specific radius and time to prevent aircraft from entering. The TFR is enforced by NORAD, which has fighter aircraft patrolling the area during the restriction.

Acting as a Total Force partner and official civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, Civil Air Patrol helps First Air Force rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage, and provide humanitarian assistance. If you’d like to be part of something great, meaningful, and fun, take a look at GoCivilAirPatrol.com.

Operation Pulse Lift Goes Global, Saving U.S. Military Lives

In January, U.S. Army officer cadets and U.S. Navy midshipmen, along with faculty and staff from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, came together to compete in what is now known as Civil Air Patrol’s Operation Pulse Lift “Blood Bowl.”

Everyone’s a Winner in This Matchup

Not to be confused with the Army–Navy football game in December (won by the Navy, 17–16), the Blood Bowl held one month later carried far higher stakes — potentially saving thousands of U.S. military lives.

Four Civil Air Patrol state wings supported the Armed Services Blood Program and the American Red Cross during Blood Donor Center events held Jan. 12–23 at both military academies. The first event took place over four days at the U.S. Naval Academy, where midshipmen helped support the collection of 806 units of blood. That was followed by a four-day event at West Point, where Army officer cadets supported the collection of 775 units.

Civil Air Patrol Leads the Way

Forty-nine members from four Civil Air Patrol wings participated in supporting the Blood Donor Centers at the two military academies. Lt. Col. Jean-Marie Nixon of the Delaware Wing led members from the Delaware, National Capital, and Maryland wings in providing setup, logistics, administrative assistance, and other support during the Annapolis event.

At West Point, Col. William Martin, former New York Wing commander, led CAP members supporting blood collection efforts.

Lt. Col. Nixon donates at Naval Avademy

A History of Military Support

While Civil Air Patrol had previously supported six weeklong Blood Donor Center events at the U.S. Military Academy, this marked the first time CAP members supported a four-day event at the U.S. Naval Academy. CAP is now firmly engaged in supporting future Armed Services Blood Program events in Annapolis.

CAP, the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, has also supported seven multi-day Blood Donor Center events at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is scheduled to return in February to support a similar two-day event.

These efforts reflect CAP’s ongoing support to U.S. service members and their families. To date, Operation Pulse Lift has helped collect more than 30,000 units of blood during dozens of Blood Donor Center events at 22 military installations in 13 states nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii.

An Operation With a Global Reach

According to the Armed Services Blood Program, blood collected during these military installation events directly supports combat casualty care overseas.

One notable example followed the Kabul Airport suicide bombing, when the Texas Wing supported a Blood Donor Center at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland. Blood collected there was immediately packaged and airlifted to support U.S. casualties who were aeromedically evacuated to Landstuhl, Germany, and Washington, D.C.

Together, these missions underscore Civil Air Patrol’s global reach, while serving as a valued Total Force partner and force multiplier.

If you want to be a part of something that changes and saves lives, check out gocivilairpatrol.com.

Richard L. Anderson, the newly appointed assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, hosted Lt. Col. Antonio J. Barroso and Cadet Capt. Isabela V. Barroso to recognize the father and daughter team from Civil Air Patrol’s National Capital Wing for their recent CAP achievements.

Anderson, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and current Civil Air Patrol brigadier general who served as CAP’s national commander from 1993-1996, presented Cadet Barroso with the Amelia Earhart Award, which carries with it a promotion to cadet captain. Her parents, Antonio and Priscilla Barroso, affixed her rank to her uniform as part of the ceremony.

Background and Significance of the Amelia Earhart Award

The Amelia Earhart award recognizes the record-setting aviator and one of the first female heroes of aviation, though she was lost while attempting to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Cadet Barroso is the 22,373rd cadet to achieve this CAP milestone since the award’s inception in 1964.

Richard L. Anderson (center), the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, poses for a photo with Lt. Col. Antonio J. Barroso and Cadet Capt. Isabela V. Barroso after presenting them with their Civil Air Patrol awards.

Lt. Col. Barroso, the CAP National Headquarters liaison to the Pentagon and a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, was also recognized for earning the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Award and his parallel professional achievement of a Master rating in aerospace education.

Crossfield Award Highlights Aerospace Education Excellence

The Crossfield award, named after the legendary test pilot, aerospace pioneer, and avid supporter of CAP and aerospace education, is an achievement within the Senior Member professional development and specialty track programs that recognizes members’ dedication and expertise in promoting aviation and space education both within CAP and throughout their communities.

After the Dec. 8 presentation at the Pentagon, Anderson then remarked upon the significance of these awards and shared anecdotes about the aviation pioneers after whom these two awards were named.

Lt. Col. Barroso, who joined CAP as a Florida Wing cadet in 1996, achieved the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award (number 1437), the CAP Cadet Program’s highest cadet achievement, in 2001. Since that time, he has maintained active membership as a CAP officer over the course of the past two decades, serving at every echelon of the organization, while simultaneously pursuing his career as an Army officer, husband, and father.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were John Russo, program manager for Air Force Auxiliary Programs, Col. Crystal Glaster, senior military assistant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Lt. Col. Erin Fasshold, chief of the Civil Air Patrol Branch within the Air Force Operations Group, and Col. Janon “J.D.” Ellis, deputy commander for CAP’s Mid-Atlantic Region.

Anderson and Ellis are also former CAP cadets who each achieved the Spaatz award (numbers 193 and 661, respectively).

How can you become part of something bigger?

Those interested in developing leadership skills, serving their communities, and exploring opportunities in aviation and aerospace can join Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force auxiliary. Open to youth ages 12 and older and adult volunteers of all backgrounds, CAP offers hands-on training, mentorship, and service opportunities nationwide. To learn more about membership and find a local unit, visit gocivilairpatrol.com.

Volunteer organizations rise or fall on leadership. When leadership changes, direction, priorities, and opportunities often change as well.

Lt. Col. Michael R. Toedebusch has been selected to serve as the next commander of the Missouri Wing of Civil Air Patrol, a nationwide volunteer organization supporting emergency services, youth leadership programs, and aerospace education. He succeeds Col. Jennifer Smith, who has led Missouri operations since March 2023. The leadership transition will be formally recognized during the Missouri Wing and North Central Region conference in March.

In Civil Air Patrol, a wing commander is responsible for guiding thousands of volunteer hours across an entire state. This role sets strategic direction, develops leaders, and ensures programs remain effective and responsive to community needs. A change of command signals continuity paired with new perspective, especially important in organizations built on long-term volunteer commitment.

Toedebusch brings extensive experience to the position. Since March 2022, he has served as the wing’s chief of staff for missions, overseeing operational readiness and coordination. From January 2018 through May 2022, he led youth leadership initiatives as director of cadet programs. His service also extends nationally through roles as an instructor at CAP Volunteer University and, since July 2024, as senior adviser to the National Cadet Advisory Council.

His involvement began in 1987 as a teenage cadet. In 1993, he completed the cadet program by earning the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, the organization’s highest youth achievement. As an adult volunteer, he continued serving in progressively responsible leadership positions, including group-level program management, squadron deputy commander roles, and a term as a squadron commander.

“Lt. Col. Toedebusch has a well-established reputation as an effective mentor, manager, and leader at the wing, region, and national levels,” said Col. Thomas Theis, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s North Central Region. “Since joining in 1987 as a cadet, his depth of experience positions him well to guide Missouri’s future.”

Final approval for the appointment was granted by Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, Civil Air Patrol’s national commander and chief executive officer.

Throughout his career, Toedebusch has received multiple national, regional, and state-level awards recognizing sustained service and leadership excellence. He completed Civil Air Patrol’s highest professional development program in 2019 and was named North Central Region Cadet Programs Officer of the Year in 2018. His qualifications span leadership, emergency services, aerospace education, and personnel management.

Born in St. Louis, Toedebusch earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from the University of Central Missouri in 1995. He has held leadership roles in both public and private sectors and currently works in small business solutions sales. He lives in O’Fallon, Missouri, and has two daughters.

Leadership Grows Here
Lt. Col. Toedebusch’s path shows how long-term investment in people creates capable leaders who serve communities across decades. Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for youth and adults to build leadership skills, gain real-world experience, and contribute through service. Those seeking personal growth paired with meaningful impact can explore how involvement in Civil Air Patrol leads not only to advancement, but to lasting community benefit.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood response efforts in Washington received critical support in December from volunteer aircrews and ground teams operating in coordination with federal, state, and local partners.

At FEMA’s request, nearly 100 volunteers from the Washington and Oregon wings of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) supported disaster operations following severe flooding across 14 Washington counties. A series of Pacific storm systems caused widespread impacts to communities, infrastructure, and transportation corridors across the region.

FEMA tasked Civil Air Patrol to provide aerial imagery, ground photography, and situational assessments to support damage evaluation and recovery planning. Civil Air Patrol serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and operates as a Total Force partner supporting domestic response missions through Defense Support of Civil Authorities.

FEMA Mission Support Across Western Washington

Beginning Dec. 11, Civil Air Patrol aircrews, ground teams, and mission staff deployed across western Washington to document flood impacts to residential areas, transportation routes, and critical infrastructure. Operations extended from Whatcom County south through the Puget Sound region.

During the 16-days, volunteer teams completed 56 total missions, including 17 air missions and 39 ground or small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) missions. Aircrews collected low-level aerial imagery requested by FEMA, while ground and sUAS teams gathered detailed photography in areas inaccessible by air.

These efforts supported FEMA and emergency managers by providing timely information used to prioritize response actions, allocate resources, and support recovery planning for affected communities.

“Civil Air Patrol’s volunteer members consistently stepped up under demanding conditions,” Morgan said. “From aircrews and ground teams to communications, logistics, and mission staff, this was a true team effort that met every assigned tasking.”

Supporting Communities Through Federal Partnerships

Civil Air Patrol’s role in the flood response illustrates how we can extend FEMA’s reach during large-scale disasters. By integrating with federal coordination centers and operating alongside emergency management agencies, Civil Air Patrol helps deliver rapid situational awareness during critical response periods.

The mission also reinforces Civil Air Patrol’s shared commitment with other agencies to protect communities and support recovery efforts when disasters strike.

How to Serve Communities Through Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for people who want to support emergency response and community resilience. Volunteers serve in roles such as disaster assessment, aviation support, communications, logistics, and emergency operations planning. Members come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, and no aviation experience is required. Those interested in community-focused service can learn more and connect with a local squadron by visiting gocivilairpatrol.com.

Through partnerships with FEMA and other agencies, Civil Air Patrol volunteers continue to support disaster response efforts focused on saving lives, protecting property, and helping communities recover.

The Federal Aviation Administration presented one of the most exclusive honors in American aviation to a Nebraska pilot with deep ties to Civil Air Patrol. On Dec. 1, former Nebraska Wing commander Col. Darrell Nelson received the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, a distinction earned by fewer than 1 percent of pilots in the United States.

Nelson, a former Nebraska Wing commander, proudly displays his awards for 50 years of safe flying. Today, he serves as the wing’s director of operations, where he remains active in mentoring pilots and supporting mission readiness.

The FAA established the Master Pilot Award to recognize aviators who have demonstrated 50 years of safe flight operations, professional skill, and consistent adherence to national safety standards. Recipients are entered into the FAA’s permanent Roll of Honor in Washington, D.C. The award is considered the highest civilian recognition the FAA presents to a pilot.

Members of Civil Air Patrol’s Capitol City Senior Squadron joined in recognizing Nelson after the FAA confirmed his selection. The presentation included the FAA’s blue ribbon and commemorative pin, delivered by Lt. Col. Mike Eisenhauer, a longtime friend and fellow Civil Air Patrol pilot who submitted the nomination.

Eisenhauer praised Nelson’s record, emphasizing safety and professionalism developed over decades of flying.

“I have flown with him a lot over the last 20 years, and I have never been afraid to go up with him,” Eisenhauer said. “Darrell represents 50 years of flying experience and aircraft operations.”

Nelson’s aviation journey began at Purdue University, where he soloed in a fixed-gear, single-engine PA-28-140 on Oct. 29, 1969. He advanced through the full progression of pilot certifications, earning private, commercial, instrument, and instructor ratings. Over the years, he has accumulated approximately 2,000 flight hours across a lifetime of safe flying.

The FAA requires several criteria for the Master Pilot Award, including 50 years of accident-free U.S. flight operations dating back to a pilot’s first solo, an unblemished record, and endorsement letters from fellow FAA-certificated pilots. Recipients are confirmed only after a thorough review process conducted by FAA safety officials.

Within Civil Air Patrol, Nelson served as Nebraska Wing commander from 2014 to 2018 and currently serves as director of operations for the wing. His work supports pilot development, mission readiness, and flight safety processes that follow FAA standards. He continues to mentor new and experienced aviators who volunteer with Civil Air Patrol.

Outside the cockpit, Nelson has had a distinguished academic career. He is an emeritus professor of agronomy and horticulture and an emeritus dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Reflecting on the honor, Nelson remarked, “To get this award, you need to be old, not bold.”

How to Support Community Service Through Civil Air Patrol

Community service comes in many forms, and Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities for people who want to make a direct difference in the lives of others. Volunteers can serve in search and rescue, disaster relief, logistics, communications, aviation support, and youth mentorship. Every member helps strengthen community readiness, whether flying missions, supporting ground teams, or assisting families during emergencies. Prior flight experience is not required, and all aviation training follows FAA safety practices. Information on joining is available at gocivilairpatrol.com or through any local Civil Air Patrol squadron.

Nelson’s recognition reflects the FAA’s unwavering commitment to aviation safety and also highlights Civil Air Patrol’s support for training programs guided by FAA standards. His award stands as a reminder of the professionalism, discipline, and dedication required to build a lifetime of safe flying.

A check pilot is an experienced, FAA-certificated pilot who evaluates and trains other pilots to ensure safe and consistent aviation practices. Check pilots conduct flight checks, review skills, reinforce safety procedures, and mentor new and returning aviators. In Civil Air Patrol, check pilots volunteer their time to help maintain oversight and readiness for missions that include search and rescue, disaster response, and cadet orientation flights. Their work directly supports the safety culture established by the Federal Aviation Administration.

FAA influence on aviation safety took center stage on Dec. 1 when New York State Sen. John Liu received recognition as the 2024 New York Wing Check Pilot of the Year. Civil Air Patrol presented the award during a meeting of the Falcon Senior Squadron at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The award had been announced earlier in the fall during a statewide conference in Lake George.

New York State Sen. and CAP Capt. John Liu (third from left) is recognized by (from left) Maj. Raymond Miller, Col. Peter Koch, and Maj. Steven Pinello.

Although Civil Air Patrol made the presentation, the award reflects the broader national expectation for flight safety shaped by FAA training standards. Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, follows FAA procedures in pilot development, aircrew evaluations, mission training, and cadet flight activities.

Liu, a Democratic state senator representing the 16th District in northeast Queens, is an FAA-certificated pilot and instructor. He volunteers with Civil Air Patrol and received the award for contributions to flight safety and pilot advancement across the New York Wing.

As a check pilot, Liu has volunteered many hours evaluating fellow aviators, mentoring new pilots, and ensuring proficiency through FAA-aligned instruction. His service includes conducting orientation flights for cadets, which introduce students to aviation and encourage interest in science and aerospace careers.

“Capt. Liu’s dedication to mentoring and training pilots makes a significant impact on our mission,” said Col. Tom Carello, New York Wing commander. “His commitment ensures our members are not only skilled but also prepared to respond in times of need.”

Liu also participates as a mission pilot, flying search and rescue operations and supporting disaster relief assignments across the state. His involvement highlights the connection between FAA standards and Civil Air Patrol’s volunteer-driven approach to public safety.

“Civil Air Patrol is an outstanding and essential organization that opens doors for young people interested in performing life-saving duties like search and rescue, disaster relief, and national security support,” Liu said. “As a volunteer flight instructor, it is enormously fulfilling to support the advancement of aerospace education and give young cadets the chance to take flight as they pursue their dreams. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve and truly humbled at being given this tremendous honor.”

Liu’s recognition underscores the importance of consistent training and evaluation in aviation. Civil Air Patrol pilots observe FAA procedures in every flight activity, from preflight preparation to mission execution. His award reflects individual excellence and the value of FAA-aligned volunteer service.

How to Join Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol welcomes volunteers ages 12 and older who want to explore aviation, serve their communities, and develop new skills. Members can train for roles in search and rescue, flight operations, emergency services, communications, youth mentorship, and aerospace education. No aviation experience is required to begin. Information on how to join is available at gocivilairpatrol.com or through any local squadron.

As Sen. Liu continues to support training, youth development, and operational readiness, he reinforces Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to safety, community service, and the development of skilled aviators who follow FAA standards in every mission.

Maj. Rob Yusko, director of operations for the Civil Air Patrol Rocky Mountain Region, has been named the 2025 Volunteer Emergency Manager of the Year by the International Association of Emergency Managers. This award is the highest national honor presented to a volunteer in the field of emergency management and disaster response.

Maj. Rob Yusko

Yusko received the recognition during the IAEM Annual Conference held Nov. 14 to 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. His award was one of four presented to Civil Air Patrol during the event.

National Recognition for Emergency Service Leadership

According to the IAEM nomination, “Maj. Yusko directed the emergency services operations of his statewide, 2,160-member volunteer organization. In these duties he wore a number of hats, as he served as a ‘badged’ 24/7 on-call member of both the operations staff in Colorado’s State Emergency Operations Center and Colorado Air National Guard-Joint Operations Center, augmenting the Air Operations Branch of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 8 Regional Response Coordination Center in Denver, and also serving as a commander on the five-state CAP Rocky Mountain Region Unified Command – Incident Management Team.”

Yusko’s responsibilities placed him across multiple emergency response platforms, from statewide coordination centers to regional and federal support roles. His work involved participation in numerous training events, large-scale exercises, and real-world disaster operations.

Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, and Training Support

Yusko supported major winter storm response, multi-day search and rescue missions, and several missing aircraft and missing person operations. He periodically served as an incident commander during training and real-world emergencies.

He also served as the lead Incident Management Team trainer for the Rocky Mountain Region during the 2024 two-part, seven-day Wasatch Range and Salt Lake City simulated 7.0 earthquake response exercise. In 2025 he supported a 10-day joint FEMA and Civil Air Patrol disaster response and terrorism exercise.

Yusko’s leadership contributed to the region’s selection for the CAP-U.S. Air Force 2025 Disaster Relief Award. In mid-November he continued service as a Civil Air Patrol agency representative in the FEMA Region 8 Response Coordination Center in Denver during a large-scale, multi-state flood and tornado outbreak exercise.

Additional Civil Air Patrol Honors at IAEM

Civil Air Patrol received three other national IAEM awards during the conference:

• Operation Pulse Lift, recipient of the Business and Private Sector Integration and Public Sector Partnership Award

• National Emergency Services Academy Mobile Training Team (NESA-MTT), recipient of the Emergency Management Education and Training Program of the Year Award

• Col. Todd Canale, recipient of the Uniformed Services Emergency Manager of the Year Award. Canale is a former CAP-USAF officer and now serves as a NESA-MTT instructor and Headquarters First Air Force emergency preparedness officer.

Col. Carol Lynn accepted the award presented to the National Emergency Services Academy Mobile Training Team

Lt. Col. Valerie Moczgembia represented Operation Pulse Lift at the IAEM Annual Conference

State Sen. Mark Pody has been appointed to lead the Legislative Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol Tennessee Wing, expanding the organization’s efforts to strengthen connections between volunteer service and state government.

Pody was selected for the role by Col. Tracy Scantland, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Tennessee Wing, and promoted from major to lieutenant colonel within the organization. Civil Air Patrol serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and operates as a nationwide nonprofit focused on emergency services, youth leadership development, and aerospace education.

A private pilot, Pody joined Civil Air Patrol in 2011 as a legislative member. He has served in the Tennessee Senate since 2018, representing eastern Davidson County and Wilson County, after serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 2011 to 2018.

Col. Tracy Scantland, commander of Civil Air Patrol’s Tennessee Wing, administers the oath of office to Tennessee Sen. Mark Pody, who was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel and appointed commander of the Tennessee Legislative Squadron.

Supporting Awareness and Civic Engagement

As commander of the Legislative Squadron, Pody will help increase awareness among members of the Tennessee General Assembly about Civil Air Patrol programs, including emergency response support, aerospace education initiatives, and youth cadet programs. He will also work with wing leadership to plan the Tennessee Wing’s annual Day on the Hill activities, which highlight the organization’s mission and community impact.

“I know well the contributions and capabilities of the volunteers who serve in CAP’s Tennessee Wing, and I am proud to be an advocate in their efforts to serve communities, save lives, and shape futures,” Pody said.

“I am honored to lead the Legislative Squadron and draw attention to the work of Tennessee Wing’s senior members and cadets.”

The Legislative Squadron is open to all members of the Tennessee Senate and House of Representatives. Lawmakers who join the squadron serve as members of Civil Air Patrol while supporting outreach and education efforts related to the organization’s mission. Pody succeeds former State Rep. John Ragan as squadron commander.

Leadership and Service in Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol emphasizes leadership built on experience, service, and collaboration. Leaders selected for command roles are expected to strengthen partnerships, represent the organization to public officials, and support volunteers who carry out missions across their communities.

“This appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CAP. We are confident that, under Senator Pody’s guidance, our legislative efforts will be strengthened, our advocacy amplified, and our impact deepened,” Scantland said.

Tennessee State Sen. Mark Pody (second from right) displays his certificate and lieutenant colonel epaulets after his ceremony naming him as commander of Civil Air Patrol's Tennessee Legislative Squadron. With Pody is Col. Tracy Scantland, Tennessee Wing commander (left of Pody); Lt. Col. Kevin Divers, deputy commander-west of Tennessee Wing (far left); and Lt. Col. Andrew Oppmann, adviser to the Tennessee Wing commander (far right).

Professional and Community Background

In addition to his service in the legislature, Pody serves as vice chair of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee and as a member of the Education Committee and the Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

He lives in Lebanon with his spouse, Barbara, and they have two adult daughters. Pody owns Educators Resource Association, an insurance business based in Murfreesboro.