Cadets and adult members from the Virginia Wing’s Burke and William P. Knight composite squadrons shared a Civil Air Patrol perspective with Harry Coker Jr., national cyber director, in a meeting Nov. 1 focusing on cyber security, career opportunities, and artificial intelligence.
Convening in the Eisenhower Executive Officer Building, Cadet Lt. Col. Samuel Ten and Cadet 2nd Lt. Catelyn McClure of the Burke squadron briefed Coker and his staff, including deputy director Harry Wingo, on CAP and its core programs.
Cadet Maj. Ronald Zhang, a fellow member of the Burke squadron, followed with a presentation on cadet participation in the Air and Space Forces Association’s annual CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program competition.
“Engaging in conversation with the White House cyber director was an incredible experience that left a lasting impression,” Ten said afterward. “It was immensely rewarding to share the programs and achievements of Civil Air Patrol, highlighting the impact we’ve made on our communities, state, and nation, with a high-level government leader.
“The chance to represent CAP’s contributions in such an influential setting underscored the significance of our work and filled me with pride and purpose.”
The Burke squadron’s CyberPatriot team placed first in the All Service Division in Virginia this year, while the Knight squadron’s CyberPatriot team finished second. In the CyberPatriot 2023-2024 season semifinal round, the Burke team placed first nationally in the All Service Division’s Civil Air Patrol category, while the Knight team finished fifth.
Cadet Capt. Thomas Ye, the Knight squadron’s CyberPatriot team captain, who plans to study cyber security next year in college, called the meeting “a wonderful opportunity to learn more about cyber security policies and issues at the national level.”
The Virginia Wing members — 30 in all, including 25 cadets — also took the opportunity to tour the White House, ascend the Washington Monument, and pay respect at the World War II Memorial. The visit was organized, coordinated, and executed by Burke Composite Squadron members.
_____1st Lt. JiangFeng YePublic Affairs OfficerWilliam P. Knight Composite SquadronVirginia Wing
