Cadets Help Showcase Civil Air Patrol’s Impact on Capitol Hill

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.

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!”

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.