Dozens of Civil Air Patrol aerospace education officers from across the U.S. encountered CAP history when they gathered for the 2025 National AEO School class photo in Dayton, Ohio. The backdrop for the photo was the CAP aircraft, now on exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, that flew over Ground Zero in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Standing among 20 acres of air and space history in the museum, the aerospace education leaders from all eight CAP regions had made some history of their own the week of June 24-28 at the 22nd National AEO School, conducted in Dayton for the first time. Previous schools had been held in Pensacola and Cocoa Beach, Florida.
The museum visit came on the school’s last day, and the group photo marked a rare pause in a busy four-day schedule that included presentations on AE duties and responsibilities and AE programs and products, engaging activities, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and workshops.
The theme of this year’s school was “Empowering Excellence: Mastering Skills and Resources for Success.” The school aimed to empower AE leaders by equipping them with essential skills and guiding them through available resources.
John W. Desmarais, Jr., CAP’s chief operating officer, kicked off the course with a Day 1 keynote address, thanking the volunteers for their service and for taking the time to attend the school.
Shayla Freeman, CAP’s director of aerospace education, also was thankful for the school’s participants.
“What an incredible week spent connecting with so many devoted and inspiring AEOs from across the country!” she said. “It was truly inspiring to share in days filled with learning, growth, and collaboration. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and made this school not only possible — but unforgettable.”
The students in the class were a mix of long-serving AEOs and volunteers new to the position as well as those serving at local, wing, and region levels.
Capt. Dave Wells, internal AEO for the Tennessee Wing, was attending his first AEO school.
“I would highly recommend the National AEO School to every aerospace education officer in Civil Air Patrol,” Wells said. “We can learn about the aerospace education programs through our CAP regulations and pamphlets, but the National AEO School brings it all to life and into focus.
“I liken it to reading about stars and galaxies in a book versus seeing them through a telescope for the first time,” said Wells, who also presented a session on telescopes and astronomy. “I now feel connected to this mission and to this team in a deeper way.”
Capt. Melissa Shrewsbury, external AEO for the Delaware Wing, also attended her first AEO school.
“My favorite part of this week surrounded by educators and professionals would have to be the collaboration of ideas stemming from a diverse group,” Shrewsbury said. “Each squadron, group, and wing presents its own challenges for engagement and access to materials; so it was magical to see how other AEOs were able to assist based on their own experiences.
“Aerospace Education is always adapting, but our community continues to grow stronger.”
Second Lt. Brian Olsen of the Texas Wing, a CAP volunteer for only a year, found the school delivered helpful information for him to bring back to his squadron. “
“I have a much better understanding of STEM Kits and best practices with involving STEM teachers, cadets, students, and (adult) members,” said Olsen, assistant AEO for the West Houston S.A.B.R.E. Senior Squadron. “The last thing I would like to mention is how cool it is to work with volunteers.
“These people are doing this so that they can better serve others. It was fun getting to know many people and making new friends.”
Even for those not new to the duty position of AEO, the school can be impactful, said Maj. Burt Dicht, New York Wing assistant director of aerospace education, one of the volunteer presenters at the school, which also featured national staff presentations. “
“The biggest takeaway for me — and what I hope others recognize — is that no matter how experienced you are as an AEO, you will always learn something new by attending the AEO School,” he said. “While I’ve been doing this for a long time and have a broad understanding of how to be an impactful AEO, the school showed me that there are subject-matter experts within CAP who have deep knowledge in specific AE areas.
“That kind of expertise is invaluable. What makes the AEO School so powerful is that it helps build the network that allows all of us to tap into that expertise, support each other, and elevate the entire AE program.
“That, to me, is what the school is really all about,” Dicht concluded.
Lt. Col. Paul Ault, Ohio Wing external AEO, who helped coordinate the school, said he has long wanted to see a National AEO School in Dayton because of the city’s connection to aviation history. Ault, who has attended schools at the Space Coast in Cocoa Beach, Florida, was inspired by the late Lt. Col. Sherwood “Woody” Williams, former national volunteer manager, who shared the same goal.
“All we have in aviation around the world and outer space all started by the Wright brothers of Dayton, Ohio,” Ault said.
After their class photo and a few more morning workshops, amid a backdrop of presidential airplane exhibits at the National Air Force Museum, 58 school graduates received their certificates before accompanying several of the course presenters and organizers to a field outside the museum to celebrate in appropriate aerospace fashion — by launching the model rockets each student had built in a workshop the day before.
Building and launching the rocket was one of the favorite parts of the school for Olsen. “I felt 10 years old again,” he said.
And with the sparks of ignition, the whizzes of model rockets, and the soft landings of tiny parachutes, the busy four days ended, sending the class members home to inspire the next generation.
“The success of this year’s National AEO School was a true reflection of the dedication and passion within our AE community,” Freeman said. “From engaging sessions to lasting connections, the impact of this week will carry forward.
“We look ahead with enthusiasm and anticipation for another outstanding school next year.”
Shrewsbury is eager to implement what she learned.
“As an external AEO, I am looking forward to reaching out to more local organizations and making sure students and teachers are aware of what opportunities Civil Air Patrol can offer,” she said. “I am also challenging myself to innovate new ideas for my wing as well as for future AEO Schools so that the AE program can be utilized by many.”
Dicht, too, said he was leaving National AEO School with added resources.
“It was a great reminder of how valuable in-person learning and connections can be. I left with new ideas, new contacts, and a deeper appreciation for the work AEOs are doing throughout CAP,” he said.
