Cadets Devote Week in D.C. to Civic Leadership Academy

Twenty of Civil Air Patrol’s top young members gathered in Washington, D.C., in February for one of CAP’s most popular National Cadet Special Activities — the weeklong Civic Leadership Academy.

A premier educational experience for cadets, CLA has long been recognized nationally for its outstanding academic value. Participants receive a well-rounded understanding of government leadership, public service, and the principles of American citizenship.

“The intent of CLA is to expose our future leaders to the inner workings, complexities, and tradeoffs senior governmental leaders face on a daily basis, and how issues at the federal level can impact the local communities of where our cadets reside,” said the academy’s director, Lt. Col. James Keohane of CAP’s Pacific Region.

Cadets attending the 2025 academy came from 16 CAP wings and seven regions as well as an overseas squadron in Japan.

The cadets visited the nation’s capital from Feb. 9-16 and also participated in Civil Air Patrol’s national Legislative Day on Feb. 13.

“One unique highlight was one of our cadets, Cadet Lt. Col. Brodie Hendrick from Arizona, being awarded his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in person — a highlight that even his congressman had not had the opportunity to do before in D.C.,” Keohane said.

As part of their Legislative Day experience, the cadets also had the opportunity to learn about internship opportunities on Capitol Hill as well as participate in a full evening of dialogue with Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, CAP’s national commander/CEO, and members of her command team. 

“We had 20 remarkable cadets and four staff members from across the nation,” Keohane said. “During the week, cadets were exposed to all three branches of government and experienced unprecedented access to leaders at the Supreme Court, Department of Defense, Department of State, and their elected leaders at the Capitol.

“They also had a unique opportunity to directly participate in an Army wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and visit the CIA.”

Between these visits was a blend of lectures, seminars, and assigned readings from historic and current sources, which prepared the cadets for their final project — a presentation on their CLA experience to their peers in their home squadrons and wings.

Arizona Wing

California Wing

Colorado Wing

Illinois Wing

Maryland Wing

Minnesota Wing

New Hampshire Wing

New Jersey Wing

North Carolina Wing

Ohio Wing

Oklahoma Wing

South Dakota Wing

· Cadet Col. Keon den Hoed, Sioux Falls Composite Squadron

Texas Wing

Virginia Wing

Washington Wing

Vermont Wing

Overseas Squadron

Pacific Region

Maryland Wing

National Capital Wing

The 2026 Civic Leadership Academy is scheduled for Feb. 22-March 1. More information about the academy is available online.