Members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) from Florida and Wisconsin are celebrating a rare achievement: each state wing has successfully placed two cadets into the upcoming class of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA).
Florida Wing: Ormond Beach Composite Squadron
Cadet 1st Lt. Neil Klein, a CAP member since December 2019, rapidly advanced to cadet commander. He holds a private pilot certificate, and during his Air Force Junior ROTC tenure he twice led the national champion honor guard drill team and twice commanded the state-champion color guard.
Cadet 2nd Lt. Reece Griffin, joining CAP in October 2023, earned his private pilot certificate through the Cadet Wings program in May 2025 and is a National Merit Scholar. He was also active in Science Olympiad for six years and helped tutor peers for the SAT.
This Florida pair exemplifies the growing pipeline from local CAP squadrons to elite service academies, combining academic excellence, aviation credentials, and leadership experience.
Wisconsin Wing: Milwaukee Composite Squadron 5
Meanwhile in Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Composite Squadron 5 has also achieved twin academy appointments:
Cadet Lt. Col. Kaeden Saunders, a CAP member since April 2021, will pursue a degree in physics at the Air Force Academy and aims to become a pilot.
Cadet 1st Lt. Andrew Blount, a CAP member since April 2022, plans to major in aeronautical engineering and also hopes to serve as an Air Force pilot.
Milwaukee Squadron 5 has a strong track record: over the past 17 years, 14 of its cadets have been appointed to U.S. service academies.
Why This Matters
This dual success highlights how CAP squadrons in different states—Florida and Wisconsin in this case—are contributing significantly to the U.S. Air Force Academy cadet class each year. The combination of CAP training, private pilot certification, and academic competition creates a powerful preparation pathway for service-academy aspirants.
Capt. Erik Wolbach, commander of Milwaukee Composite Squadron 5, commented:
“One of the most rewarding aspects of Civil Air Patrol is to see cadets arrive as kids and grow over the years into very capable young adults… These cadets are the squadron’s credentials.”
Looking Ahead
Both wings now set an inspiring example for cadet recruitment, leadership cultivation, and service-academy readiness. For cadets and parents seeking pathways to the Air Force Academy, the formula is clear: join CAP, pursue leadership roles, earn aviation credentials, and maintain strong academics.
