Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing

09/07/2023

Thanks to The Boeing Company for allowing our Civil Air Patrol cadets to experience the all-new advanced pilot training system! This simulator is for the new T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet, which will soon replace the Air Force T-38 trainer.

08/18/2023

From Lt Col John Davies, encampment commander:

We cordially invite you to the graduation ceremony for the 2023 National Capital Wing Summer Encampment. The ceremony starts with the Pass in Review at 1200. Guests should plan to arrive by 1130. Attached are directions to SMR. When you arrive at the gate let the guard know you are there for the Civil Air Patrol Encampment graduation.

The ceremony will take place on the parade field at the State Military Reservation, Virginia Beach. There are no bleachers and seating will be limited so we suggest you bring lawn chairs and umbrellas for shade. In the event of inclement weather we will cancel the parade.

After the parade, we will release the cadets once the barracks are cleared and inspected and the cadets outprocess. We anticipate that would be no later than 2:00 PM.

To get to SMR from Richmond:

Take I-64 to I264 East. Go approximately 9 miles. Take exit 22 - Birdneck Road. Turn right on Birdneck Road and go approximately 4 miles. Cross General Booth Blvd. SMR Mail Gate is on your left.

The GPS Address is 1293 South Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach Virginia

We hope to see you there.

08/15/2023

The National Capital Wing's 2023 cadet encampment officially kicked off yesterday!

Students began arrival, in-processing, and getting to know their flight mates and squadron leadership. The students arrived in the afternoon, going through in-processing, orientation, and an honor agreement. Following this block, they were introduced to their squadron leadership and expectations throughout the week. The first dorm inspection of the week was experienced by the students, and they got started on their drill and ceremonies. They then attended their first classes and ate their first dinner at encampment.

08/14/2023

Civil Air Patrol’s cadet encampments are life-changing activities that partner with the Air Force in order to teach young cadets leadership skills as well as resiliency.

Meet our encampment commander, CAP Lt. Col. John Davies. He has been a member of CAP since 1965, when he first joined as a cadet with the Connecticut Wing. He became an active member in 1974. Davies has been serving as the National Capital Wing’s chief of staff since 2021. Whenever he can find the time, Davies enjoys woodworking.

💭 Davies advice for cadets: “Encampment is a learning opportunity, make the most of it. Listen and learn from the instructors and cadre and think about how you can apply this in CAP and in life. Take advantage of the opportunity to meet other cadets and make lasting friendships. Believe in yourself. You can accomplish more than you can imagine.”

08/08/2023

During cadet encampments, students are given the opportunity to experience all aspects of Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program. Throughout this week-long leadership lab, cadets learn the foundations of being a leader through different classes, activities, and inspections.

Meet our cadet deputy commander for operations, Cadet Capt. Leilani Harris. She joined CAP in November 2019 with our Mount Vernon Composite Squadron and has served in many positions there, most recently as the cadet commander. Harris has staffed many wing-level activities, including basic cadet and both non-commissioned officer schools. She has served on staff at the Virginia Wing’s summer encampment in 2022. Outside of CAP, she enjoys running both track and cross country, and experimenting with model rockets.

💭 Harris’ advice to the incoming students: “Don’t aim to be the best. Work together, and the results will follow.”

08/07/2023

During encampments, Civil Air Patrol cadets make a commitment to bettering themselves and working as a team. Cadets are challenged throughout the week and experience fun, hands-on activities that emphasize leadership, character, aviation, STEM, and fitness.

Meet our cadet deputy commander for support, Cadet Maj. Benjamin Schlenz. He joined CAP in 2019 with our Fairfax Composite Squadron, recently serving as the cadet commander there. Schlenz served as a flight commander at the 2022 Tri-Wing Encampment. He was recognized as the 2022 National Capital Wing Cadet Of the Year. He earned his wings at a CAP national flight academy and recently returned from CAP’s Cadet Officer School. Outside of CAP, he plays in and referees the top youth soccer travel leagues and youth state and regional soccer and futsal tournaments.

💭 Schlenz’s advice to the inbound students: “Do what you’re told, get comfortable being uncomfortable, and remember that your cadre wants you to succeed.”

08/05/2023

Was a busy Saturday morning for aircrews of Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing. Two aircrews departed to participate in a homeland security training mission with the 113th ANG. While another aircraft, with pilot and three cadets, headed to Grant County Airport for glider flights with the West Virginia Wing of Civil Air Patrol.

08/04/2023

🥳 Congratulations to Cadet Maj. Ben Schlenz of our Fairfax Composite Squadron and Cadet Capt. Leilani Harris of our Mount Vernon Composite Squadron! They recently graduated from Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The school is patterned after the Air Force’s Squadron Officer School, teaching leadership as a multi‐disciplinary subject requiring academic study and continual self‐assessment. CAP cadets are introduced to strategic perspectives in leadership. The course is divided between lectures, seminars, and hands-on training with instructors from both CAP and the Air Force.

Maj. C.J. Wilkinson from our Howard Town Cadet squadron also attended the school and led one of the flights/seminars as an activity duty Air Force major on the Joint Staff.

08/02/2023

We will soon have a new home for our wing headquarters and Tuskegee squadron inside Enterprise Hall on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. This will give us more space to serve our local communities, save lives, and shape futures. Renovations are underway with a potential October move. The building even has a 24/7 Navy Exchange Micro Market.

07/31/2023

For the first time in many years, we will be hosting our own cadet encampment. Cadet encampments are weeklong leadership laboratories that develop discipline, time management, and interpersonal skills. Civil Air Patrol cadets learn how to overcome challenges and succeed through critical thinking.

Meet our encampment cadet commander, Cadet Col. Stephen Gordon. He joined CAP in 2016 with our Mount Vernon Composite Squadron, and has actively served in every cadet duty position, including the squadron’s cadet commander. Gordon has also graduated from CAP’s Hawk Mountain Ranger school and Air Force Pararescue Orientation Course. Outside of CAP, he is a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician in Stafford County, Va.

💭 Gordon’s advice to the cadets about to attend the encampment: “Take care of your team, hold each other accountable, and leave it all on the table. It’s not a matter of graduating, it’s a matter of how proud you are of the work you put in.”

07/12/2023

This is a friendly reminder that tonight's meeting will be VIRTUAL. We will resume our meetings in person next week, on 7/19/2023 at Alexandria City High School.

Here is the Google Meet link:
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/nab-gnuy-cri
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 216-600-8308‬ PIN: ‪108 414 994‬ #

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

03/18/2023

If you are not with us in person for our annual awards banquet Saturday evening, you can still join us as we watch our year-in-review recap of 2022 at 8:30 p.m. Go to the video now to get notified and chat live.

This is a recap of Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing members in action throughout 2022 as they serve communities, save lives, and shape futures.Video ...

03/11/2023

This afternoon our cadets had the opportunity to tour the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Airport!

03/08/2023

One of our own from Andrews Composite Squadron.

03/02/2023

Those who do not drive or use a rideshare service can now access both Bolling and Andrews for Civil Air Patrol events. Plan ahead, as only vetted drivers will get a notice for pickup or drop-off.

Joint Base Andrews and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., paired together to kick off a new program allowing the rideshare company Uber to transport passengers with installation access to

03/01/2023

Women have been vital to Civil Air Patrol's success since our earliest days. Today, at the start of Women's History Month, we recognize all women's contributions and achievements, especially our current senior leaders, in serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

02/28/2023

Thank you, Textron Aviation, for being the title sponsor of our Civil Air Patrol National Conference, which will be held in Bellevue, Washington, Aug. 17-19.

02/24/2023

In observance of Black History Month, we recognize the impact made by Col. Richard Cooper, a member of our National Capital Wing for more than 30 years. Cooper commands the Tuskegee Composite Squadron in Washington, D.C., focusing on youth development through Civil Air Patrol’s cadet and aerospace programs. He has flown disaster assessments and numerous search and rescue missions as a pilot and aircrew. Read more about Cooper's selfless devotion to youth development at https://bit.ly/3SlRmvw.

📷 : Civil Air Patrol's Tuskegee Composite Squadron commander Col. Richard Cooper (second from left), holds the 2020 and 2021 Quality Cadet Unit Award streamers and certificate. Also pictured is Col. David Sterling, National Capital Wing commander; 1st Lt. Victoria Courtney, squadron deputy commander for cadets; and Chief Master Sgt. Freddie Perry, National Capital Wing command chief.

02/17/2023

Training opportunities for members.

We are pleased to announce the opening of the Mid-Atlantic Region Search and Rescue College registration process. Please follow the instructions on the registration form carefully. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

Register for MARSAR
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=WVLqN3zUxUuFnjQPxdYXrr_xlJQZIMpHiVUtWwgHoftUMElYRlA5MjlUR1Y3VktSRFBEWDNOV0VOVC4u

02/08/2023

MEET OUR CADETS

Cadet 2nd Lt. Dakota Bitterman
Leadership Roles: Cadet Activities Officer
School: Edison High School

Notable awards & qualifications:
- Distinguished Expert in the Marksmanship Program - December 2022
- VFW NCO of the Year, March 2022
Cadet Intermediate STEM Badge - July 2021
- Presidential Volunteer Service Award (Gold) - August 2020 and August 2021

Hobbies:
- Playing viola
- Goalkeeper in soccer
- Art (paintings and drawings)
- Hiking and archery

Interesting facts:
- I lived in Colombia for three years
- I've visited 7 countries, 39 states, and Easter Island
- I was a lead role in a Mercedes-Benz Commercial

Favorite CAP Memory:
I attended encampment in my hometown on the western coast of Oregon. On the fourth day, we had the opportunity to fly in a Chinook one flight at a time. After exploring the Chinook and getting an explained tour from the pilots and engineers, my flight was second to go up. It was perfectly clear skies and the warmest day of the week, so we had a perfect view out the back of the Chinook and the small side windows. I was able to see my entire small town from the air, seeing every detail of the landscape and even finding our first neighborhood. It was a thrilling experience to have with my wonderful flightmates.

02/04/2023

Last week our meeting was virtual to enable our cadets to attend the Air Force Academy admissions webinar specifically for Civil Air Patrol cadets.

We’ll be back in person next Wednesday, so come out to Alexandria City High School at 7pm to get involved.

01/30/2023

MEET OUR CADETS

Cadet 2nd Lt. Tejh Hardin
Leadership Roles: Cadet Commander
School: Annandale High School

Notable awards & qualifications:
- NCO of the year, Wing level, 2021
- GTM 1 qualified and SET qualified for GTM 3
- Honor line staff NCO Tri-wing encampment 2022

Hobbies:
- Playing guitar
- Playing football with friends
- Watching sunsets/ any mountain view

Interesting facts:
- I do shotput in track!
- I LOVE boba tea
- I’m applying to the merchant marine academy

Favorite CAP Memory:
When I was at the robotics NCSA, we had a robot battle competition. The little “bricks” were the programming units that controls your whole robot, but there was a screen and a speaker on it as well. One of the staff programmed “never gonna give you up” by Rick astley onto it. So, while their robot was beating us all, we were getting Rick rolled at the same time.

01/28/2023

Today we remember the lives and sacrifices of the Challenger Space Shuttle Crew. 37 years ago today the space shuttle Challenger took flight for 73 seconds before a malfunction led to an explosion that would take the lives of all who were on board.

01/27/2023

This week our cadets had the opportunity to welcome our new Cadet Commander, Cadet Second Lieutenant Hardin, as well as learn about the scientific method and celebrate with each other as we promoted and awarded four different cadets.

Next week we will be meeting virtually in order to allow cadets to attend the Air Force Academy admissions webinar.

Check out our story highlights if you’re interested in getting involved.

01/24/2023

Last week our cadets had the opportunity to learn the basics of color guard drill and rifle manual, participate in a teamwork activity, and help the newer cadets get the uniform pieces they need.

Tomorrow we’ll have the pleasure of welcoming our new cadet commander at our change of command ceremony and learning about a new aerospace education topic.

01/19/2023

Have you ever been to AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis.? Let us know in the comments what your favorite experience was.

Pictured here is a Chicken Wings cartoon from the Spring 2022 issue of Civil Air Patrol Volunteer magazine created to showcase the exceptional work CAP volunteers do to make the world's largest aircraft fly-in a success. Read more about what we do at https://bit.ly/3IH0Q1Q. See you at !

01/18/2023

Civil Air Patrol's Board of Governors has named John W. “Moose” Desmarais Sr., CAP’s director of operations, as our next chief operating officer. He will succeed John Salvador, who is retiring in March. Desmarais is a longtime Civil Air Patrol member with nearly three decades of CAP National Headquarters experience. Read more about our new COO at https://bit.ly/3kp1C9f.

12/24/2022

12/18/2022

Yesterday cadets from Challenger 1 Squadron had the privilege of volunteering at Wreaths Across America’s wreath laying at Alexandria National Cemetery. This was a great opportunity for our cadets to meet veterans and active members of different branches and honor service members who are no longer with us. We are incredibly thankful for the sacrifice that all members of our military make and we’re honored to be able to be a part of this tradition.

11/22/2022

11/21/2022

Youth ages 16-18, including Civil Air Patrol cadets, who are interested in flying can earn up to 15 flight hours and a chance to solo through U.S. Air Force Recruiting's Aim High Flight Academy program by AFRS Detachment 1. It’s a free, 3-week introductory program being held around the country next summer designed to teach and inspire future aviators. It includes one-on-one training from Air Force pilots and classroom instruction. Applications are due by Nov. 30. Go to https://bit.ly/3Ez0Pdx for more info.

11/05/2022

Pilots came together in-person and virtually for a flight clinic on Saturday, 5 November. Held at National Capital Wing headquarters, Lt Col Lou Volchansky presented an in-depth and interesting clinic.

10/28/2022

Volunteer members from our Mount Vernon squadron greeted veterans from WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars on Oct. 15. The Honor Flight Network flies veterans from 140 hubs here to visit their memorials at no cost to them.

10/20/2022

On October 19th, Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron welcomed Capt Rachael Norberg as she assumed command of the squadron from Capt Justin Strait, outgoing commander.

Prior to assuming command Capt Norberg previously served as Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron Deputy Commander, Aerospace Education Officer, and National Capital Wing Assistant Public Affairs Officer.

We look forward to Capt Norberg's leadership over the next four years and wish Capt Strait well in his new position as the National Capital Wing Director of Education & Training.

Congratulations to them both!

10/06/2022

Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commander of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), mentions her time as a Civil Air Patrol cadet while reflecting on the recent 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force. Read more of what she said at https://bit.ly/3TgaXg7.

10/06/2022

Last night the Emergency Services cadets led small group lessons on different Ground Team skills. Working on Ground Teams is one of the ways that cadets can participate in Emergency Services missions like search and rescue.

10/04/2022

Congratulations to Civil Air Patrol cadets Animesh Bijawat (Illinois Wing), Alexander Heinrich (South Dakota Wing), Justin Paul (Washington Wing), and James Thomas (National Capital Wing), who recently earned their private pilot certificates in our Cadet Wings program. Read the Q&A with these four cadets at https://bit.ly/3LTbKRy.

10/01/2022

Congratulations to everyone who earned promotions and awards during the month of September!

09/29/2022