A pair of cadets in the Louisiana Wing’s Capitol City Composite Squadron have been selected to attend U.S. service academies
Cadet Lt. Col. Cullen Chaney will attend the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where he intends to pursue a degree in cyber science and space warfighting. He will be inducted into the academy June 26.
Cadet Capt. Thomas Watkins has been selected to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he will be inducted July 1. He plans to pursue a degree in defense and strategic studies.
Both cadets are recent homeschool graduates.
Chaney has served as the squadron’s cadet commander the past year. Last summer he participated in CAP’s Space Operations Academy in Colorado Springs, where his experiences inspired him to pursue an Air Force Academy appointment.
Watkins’ accomplishments in Civil Air Patrol include participating in National Blue Beret in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, helping manage the Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture, the world’s largest air show.
“CAP has helped me grow as a leader of character and has had an invaluable impact for me both personally and professionally,” Watkins said.
“These are very fine young men, and I consider it a great personal honor to have had the opportunity to be their squadron commander,” said Capt. Barry Hugghins, who commands the Capitol City squadron.
“I am so proud of these two young men and all that they have accomplished in CAP,” said Capt. Jennifer Begley, deputy commander for cadets.
“It has been a privilege to work with them and watch them develop into amazing leaders.
“Our squadron will miss them, but we know our country is gaining two of the very best from Louisiana,” Begley said.
_____Capt. Ken BestPublic Affairs OfficerCapitol City Composite SquadronLouisiana Wing
