Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing

07/15/2024

07/03/2024

This past Sunday, 100 students graduated from our cadet encampment — a week-long opportunity for Civil Air Patrol cadets to develop leadership skills, investigate the aerospace sciences and related careers, commit to a habit of regular exercise, and solidify their moral character. In addition to those participating from our wing, a quarter of students came from other CAP wings. Our cadet encampment included cadets from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, New Mexico, and overseas from Germany.

To view photos from our pass-in-review graduation ceremony, go to https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment and scroll to the bottom.

📷: Civil Air Patrol photos by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte

06/30/2024

Throughout day six of our cadet encampment, students participated in various physical activities. Each flight rotated through numerous stations featuring an activity challenging their strength and tenacity. From tug-of-war to the wheelbarrow walk, the cadets persevered through each, building camaraderie as they came together as teams.

Cadet Col. Gerald Mon Pere assisted in these activities, saying: "Building healthy, active lifestyles in our cadets is a top priority of the encampment program. Activities like these introduce cadets to a positive, competitive environment to practice and develop physical excellence, which they will hopefully carry into their later lives."

📷: Civil Air Patrol photos by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte

For more photos from our encampment, visit https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment.

06/29/2024

Throughout day five of our cadet encampment, students navigated a compass course, challenging their teamwork and communication skills. Students also engaged in various classroom activities, including presentations on ownership and upholding Civil Air Patrol's core values — integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. In preparation for graduation, cadre members and guidon bearers finished the day perfecting pass-in-review procedures, rehearsing their commands and formations for Sunday's ceremony.

📷 1&4: Civil Air Patrol photos by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte
📷 2&3: Civil Air Patrol photos by Cadet 1st Lt. Ethan Shrestha

For more photos from our encampment, visit https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment.

06/29/2024

06/28/2024

Civil Air Patrol cadet encampments are designed to develop students' leadership skills, allow them to investigate aerospace science, and immerse them in the challenges of cadet life. Throughout day four of our cadet encampment, students had the opportunity to participate in hands-on STEM activities organized by the Army. From immersive flight simulations to augmented reality demonstrations, these activities captivated students while sparking curiosity and innovation. Students also participated in numerous class discussions, with a presentation from Boeing providing insight into engineering and aerospace-related career opportunities, among others.

📷: Civil Air Patrol photos by Cadet 1st Lt. Ethan Shrestha

For more photos from our encampment, visit https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment.

06/27/2024

Throughout day three of our cadet encampment, students were challenged to solve a range of team leadership problems, encouraging communication and collaboration. Additionally, students participated in numerous hands-on classes — from the foundations of aerospace to the value of teamwork.

Here is a cadet perspective from the first photo:

Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1st Lt. Hanna Syska grins after completing a tricycle course wearing alcohol impairment goggles. Cadets had the opportunity to wear the goggles for a class discussing the consequences of substance abuse. She said: "I found this class interesting because it is important to spread awareness of the effects of substance abuse, and to give the cadets an opportunity to safely experience its effects hands-on."

📷 1&4: Civil Air Patrol photo by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte
📷 2&3: Civil Air Patrol photo by Cadet 1st Lt. Ethan Shrestha

For more photos from our encampment, visit https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment.

06/26/2024

Day two of our cadet encampment has concluded. Cadets participated in an obstacle course at the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School, engaging with their cadre to emphasize teamwork and determination. Additionally, students had the opportunity to tour Marine Corps Air Station Quantico and fly on a Delaware Air National Guard C-130, among other activities.

Check out some of today’s photos:
📷 1: Civil Air Patrol Photo by Cadet 1st Lt. Ethan Shrestha
📷 2&3: Civil Air Patrol Photo by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte
📷 4: Civil Air Patrol Photo by Capt. Pete Castine

For more photos, visit https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment.

06/25/2024

Cadets participated in various activities throughout day one of our cadet encampment. Read their thoughts below:

📷1: Civil Air Patrol Cadet Airman 1st Class Darlene Barrett of our Andrews Composite Squadron practices guidon procedures with her flight commander. Barrett gained experience first as a member of her squadron’s honor guard team, motivating her to serve as her flight’s guidon bearer. She said: “I joined Civil Air Patrol when I turned twelve and chose to attend encampment because I thought it would be fun. It has been, and I am excited to continue.” (Civil Air Patrol photo by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte)

📷2: Civil Air Patrol Cadet Staff Sgt. Daniel Ritter of our Andrews Composite Squadron calls his squadron’s motivation chant, which is utilized to raise student morale while building camaraderie. When asked about his expectations for encampment, Ritter answered that he strives to “embrace the core values” while gaining additional drill knowledge to teach other cadets. (Civil Air Patrol photo by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte)

📷3: Civil Air Patrol Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Gianna Albanese of our Mount Vernon Composite Squadron energizes her squadron while calling their motivation chant. As one of the encampment cadet first sergeants, Albanese utilizes motivation chants to build camaraderie and healthy competition between squadrons. She said: “My expectations for this encampment are for the students to respect everyone and try new things while getting the most out of this experience.” (Civil Air Patrol photo by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte)

For additional photographs from our cadet encampment, visit https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment.

06/24/2024

Here are some photos from the first day of our cadet encampment, which serves as a week-long leadership laboratory offering Civil Air Patrol cadets the opportunity to further develop leadership skills, investigate the aerospace sciences and related careers, commit to a habit of regular exercise, and solidify their moral character. See all the photos at https://photos.cap.gov/Mid-Atlantic-Region/National-Capital-Wing/2024-NatCap-Wing-Cadet-Encampment.

📷 1&3: Photos by Cadet 2nd Lt. Marion La Serte
📷 2&4: Photos by Lt. Col. Paul Cianciolo

06/22/2024

Meet the commandant of cadets for the 2024 National Capital Wing Cadet Encampment, Lt. Col. CJ Wilkinson. Read more about him at https://natcapwg.cap.gov/about/encampment/encampment-news/meet-the-commandant-of-cadets.

06/14/2024

Flag Day has been celebrated nationally on June 14 since President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a national observance in 1916. Here, former President Barack Obama talks with Civil Air Patrol members from our National Capital Wing's Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron after they placed American flags next to all the veteran headstones at the Alexandria National Cemetery on May 25. Take a moment this Flag Day to brush up on your flag etiquette at https://www.vfw.org/community/flag-etiquette.

📷: In the back row from the left are 1st Lt. Cori Bitterman, Cadet 2nd Lt. Vanessa Popescu, Cadet Capt. Dakota Bitterman, former President Barack Obama, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Liam Peters, Lt. Col. John Bitterman, and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Nawin Sadeewong. In the front row are Cadet Airmen Nathee Sadeewong and Napath Sadeewong, Cadet Senior Airmen Gianni Prodigalidad and Reinaldo Fernandez, and 2nd Lt. Jeremy Cover.

05/29/2024

Civil Air Patrol members from our Challenger 1 squadron had the opportunity to chat with former President Barack Obama while posting flags at the Alexandria National Cemetery on Saturday.

Former Pres. Obama surprised the hundreds of volunteers at a flag-laying event at Alexandria National Cemetery in Virginia on Saturday as he joined them to help place flags at gravesites ahead of Memorial Day.

Obama paid his respects to the servicemembers interred at the cemetery, posed for pictures with family members of the fallen, and briefly addressed volunteers at the event about the importance of Memorial Day. https://abcnews.visitlink.me/ck9tEz

05/10/2024

Our aircrew members gathered to give the fleet its "spa day." Each aircraft received a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Our thanks to the members who braved the darkening skies to do the job. The fleet looks great!

03/31/2024

Col. Jane Davies, Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing director of operations and CAP's Wreaths Across America coordinator at Arlington is interviewed on this podcast. Listen to the recording at https://soundcloud.com/wreathsacrossamericaradio/jane-davies-meet-the-civil-air-patrol.

Coming up at 7:15 AM ET on our Meet the Civil Air Patrol segment, we talk to Col. Jane Davies the Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing director of operations. She was the National Capital Wing commander from 2004 to 2009 and has served in various positions and wings throughout her membership in CAP. Davies joined CAP in 1969 as a cadet in the Connecticut Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Then at 8:15 ET, we catch up with Toni Hedstrom from FireWatch Magazine. At 8:40, Michael chats with Nancy Fassbender from Mesa, Arizona. Nancy is a Location Coordinator and will be in Washington D.C. to lay a wreath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday. And at 9:15, we hear from Army CW5 (Ret.) Phyllis Wilson, President of the Military Women's Memorial.

Listen Live anytime: http://tinyurl.com/mt7k7tmh

03/13/2024

Earlier this month, we hosted a squadron commander course for members interested in leading a local Civil Air Patrol squadron. Participants not only included auxiliary airmen from our wing, but also from Maryland, Virginia, and Colorado wings.

12/29/2023

Our cadets flew with the Air Force's 1st Helicopter Squadron this week at Joint Base Andrews, Md. The Bell UH-1N Twin Huey is used for VIP transport and emergency evacuation of high-ranking personnel from the capital area. Civil Air Patrol cadets also practiced their aviator skills on the helicopter simulators.

📷 Civil Air Patrol photos by Lt. Col. James Zavala and 2nd Lt. Glenda Shrestha

12/24/2023

12/17/2023

Wreaths Across America, Arlington National Cemetery 2023. 114 cadet and senior members from Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing, Virginia Wing and Maryland Wing provided communications support to ensure even distribution and coverage of the cemetery. A critical task that involved coordination between four different agencies. 66 trucks provided enough wreaths to cover the cemetery. The day started at 03:00hrs for key staff and at 04:00hrs for the rest of the members. The day ended around 14:30hrs - so a long day indeed. But with beautiful weather and 30,000 members of the public entering the cemetery to lay wreaths, the mission was a success. Among the CAP members, there were smiles all around and new friendships made. All did Civil Air Patrol proud!

12/04/2023

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is set to execute Exercise FALCON VIRGO, a live-fly air defense drill, on December 6, 2023, from midnight to 2:30 a.m. EDT in the National Capital Region. The exercises encompass scenarios such as airspace restriction violations, hijackings, and responses to unknown aircraft, and are meticulously orchestrated and closely supervised by .
Air Combat Command | North American Aerospace Defense Command | U.S. Coast Guard | First Air Force | Civil Air Patrol | Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing | Air National Guard | Western Air Defense Sector | Eastern Air Defense Sector

11/28/2023

On , let's transform lives together! Your generosity fuels Civil Air Patrol's mission to empower youth. Join us in elevating dreams and shaping tomorrow's leaders. Every donation matters! 🌟

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.

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.

04/26/2023

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Zachary Lane
Leadership Roles: First Sergeant
School: Alexandria City High School

Notable awards & qualifications:
- AFA unit cadet of the year, 2019
- SET qualified for GTM 3 and UDF
- Most improved cadet, Tri-Wing Encampment, 2019
- Presidential Volunteer Service Award, 2021

Hobbies:
- Flight simulators
- Aviation
- Guitar
- Chess
- Rubik’s cubes
- I also enjoy basketball and soccer, but I don’t play either competitively.

Interesting facts:
- I’ve ridden the world’s tallest roller coaster!
- Every summer, I visit my family in Costa Rica (where my mom is from). It’s a beautiful place!
- I’m seeking to become an airline pilot in the near future.
- Generally speaking, I’m a Jack of all trades, but master of none

Favorite CAP Memory:
At Wreaths Across America in 2022, I got to meet up with not only some cadets who I flew to Blue Beret with, but also with many other NATCAP cadets who I very rarely get to see. Speaking of those cadets, I was in the same zone with them in 2021, hearing them over the radio, as I was learning to use it. Some of the best social interactions I’ve had within CAP have been at WAA.

03/11/2023

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

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.

12/18/2022

This morning we had the pleasure of volunteering with the Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk. Our next volunteer event is on December 17 with Wreaths Across America at Alexandria National Cemetery. Come out and join us as we honor our fallen service members.

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.