And 4 to Grow On: Maryland Cadet Siblings Earn Mitchells

Sibling rivalry isn’t an issue for the White family.  The four oldest have promoted together in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program since they joined the Maryland Wing’s Granite Cadet Squadron in May 2022. 

That togetherness culminated recently in the four cadets earning the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award within weeks of each other.

Cadet 2nd Lts. Marlee (19), Tucker (18), Dylin (16), and Talon White (13) have excelled in the cadet program from the start. Joining together in May 2022, they’ve navigated the promotion process as a team and encouraged each other along the way.

 Working together and serving comes naturally to this military family.  Mom, Senior Master Sgt. Alana White, is active-duty U.S. Air Force. Their dad, Chad, is a CAP senior member, helping teach aerospace classes and physical fitness to the Granite squadron’s cadets.

According to Tucker, the family decided during  the COVID-19 pandemic to become more engaged once the lockdowns lifted. After being invited by friends — the Granite squadron’s Harvey family — they quickly jumped in, participating in cadet activities, orientation flights, ground team training, and cyber activities.  Senior Master Sgt. White helped coordinate her Air Force unit, the 94 Intelligence Squadron at Fort George Meade, to teach special leadership classes to the Granite squadron.

When asked what the best part of CAP is, each sibling had a different response.

According to the oldest, Marlee, “the best part of CAP is being part of an organization that holds itself and its members to high standards.” The squadron’s cadet deputy commander for support, Marlee said learning to be a leader in CAP has given her more self-confidence and improved her communication skills.

Tucker’s favorite part of CAP has been the leadership opportunities, which provide him with the chance to speak up, handle conflicts, and make better decisions. He’s active in the squadron’s CyberPatriot team and is cadet deputy commander for operations.

Dylin joined CAP for leadership experience and to fly.  She credits the program with her improved public speaking, adding that “as an introvert who prefers to stick to the shadows, I was probably never going to make myself learn this skill.” She said the best part of CAP is knowing she’s preparing for the future.  

A flight commander for the squadron, Dylin is mentoring, planning, teaching, writing, and helping others prepare for their futures.  “Seeing people grow is awesome,” she said.

Curiosity led Talon to join CAP.  For him, the best part is the squadron meetings that provide leading and learning opportunities.  He said he has grown in such life skills as communication, delegation, public speaking, and self-discipline.

Each of the four new second lieutenants have goals they are working toward, which include earning the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz award, finishing a novel, becoming an entrepreneur, obtaining a pilot’s license, and continuing a life of service.

And they’re not alone.  The youngest sibling, Cadet Airman1st Class Ajax White, joined Civil Air Patrol last fall and is working to catch up with his brothers and sisters.