The most successful cadet participants in Civil Air Patrol’s recent 75 for 75 Challenge have been announced, with the top-performing cadet generating more than $7,000 in donations for his Texas Wing squadron.
The challenge, linked to Cadet Programs’ 75th anniversary last year, provided a structured, cadet-based national fundraising campaign with a goal of providing additional financial resources to CAP units. The campaign offered an opportunity for each cadet to become a stakeholder in the future of the cadet program by reaching out to their community for support and raising at least $75.
Nationally, cadets and senior members raised $84,000 over four months, from Nov. 1-Feb. 28. The initiative was not only a fundraising opportunity, but also a teaching tool in public speaking and responsibility.
Cadets competed for prizes based on performance levels. Prizes included challenge coins, uniforms and scholarships.
The $7,049 raised by Cadet Maj. Andrew Fuller led not only CAP’s Southwest Region but the entire organization. Fuller, a member of the Midway Composite Squadron, found the challenge even more rewarding than he’d hoped, and not just because his pace-setting performance garnered him a $2,000 scholarship.
“Recently, my 75 for 75 Challenge fundraising efforts took me to my local Lions Club,” Fuller recalled. “I spoke to the group and explained what CAP is, and I told them how the volunteers in Civil Air Patrol had impacted and changed my life. This experience opened doors to many smaller businesses that also wanted to hear my message.
“At my next talk, at the local Rotary Club, my life was changed forever. I have always dreamed of traveling and experiencing other cultures. After my presentation, I met a French exchange student and her host family, who shared with me their experiences with the student exchange program.
“I am now connected with a community of people that support me in my dream of being an exchange student,” he said. “I have been inspired to learn two more languages and then graduate early from high school.
“I am confident that the 75 for 75 Challenge will continue to positively impact cadets’ lives across the nation. I am proud to be a part of it!”
Educational scholarships of $750 will go to the other CAP regions’ top cadets:
Great Lakes RegionCadet Senior Master Sgt. Jude HemannScott Composite SquadronIlliinois Wing
Middle East RegionCadet 1st Lt. William FronkierNewport-News Composite SquadronVirginia Wing
North Central RegionCadet Airman 1st Class Gregory AndersonSiouxland Composite SquadronNebraska Wing
Northeast RegionCadet 2nd Lt. Ashley ConigliaroSuffolk Cadet Squadron 10New York Wing
Pacific RegionCadet Airman 1st Class Melissa Jo KuijpersFresno Composite Squadron 112California Wing
Rocky Mountain RegionCadet Capt. Alexis ClementsHighlander Composite Squadron Colorado Wing
Southeast RegionCadet Senior Airman Brock Eugene Thompson IIINaples Cadet SquadronFlorida Wing
