Former Sugar Valley Cadet Commander visits Squadron to talk about Air Force Academy Cadet experience!

One of Civil Air Patrol’s missions is the Cadet Program: to “transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders.” When a cadet joins the squadron with the goal to serve in the United States Air Force, and to do that by attending the US Air Force Academy, then it is the squadron’s opportunity to help the cadet achieve that goal. When the cadet later returns to visit the squadron as an Air force Academy Cadet, it is a most impactful experience for all. Sugar Valley Composite Squadron members and the Group 4 Commander, Maj Chad Hooper, experienced this on 22 March 2022 when former cadet and Cadet Commander, Christopher Herman, Jr, returned to the squadron to share his experiences of being a first year cadet at the US Air Force Academy.

USAF Cadet Christopher Herman, Jr initiated the visit to see former squadron members and also to speak to cadets and encourage others who might aspire to be a part of the US Air Force Academy. He was well prepared with a slide show of photos covering some of his activities at the Academy.  During his presentation, Herman highlighted a cadet club he elected to join:  the US Air Force Cadet Honor Guard.   The Honor Guard represents the AF Academy at programs all across the nation.

Following the slide show, Herman addressed members with his thoughts on “Followership.”  The three aspects of followership that Herman finds particularly significant include tenacity, curiosity, and discipline. Cadet Herman answered questions from cadets and senior members that demonstrated the integrity and accountability of the Air Force Academy in molding future leaders.

For the senior members who worked with Herman when he first joined the squadron at 13 years old, there was much joy in seeing this young man set the goal to attend the Air Force Academy, and then exemplify the hard work and discipline it takes to achieve the goal.

Lt Col Eric Orgain served as NC-052 Squadron Commander when Herman joined: “USAF Academy Cadet Christopher Herman’s achievements are indicative of his extraordinary hard work and dedication. I am extremely proud of him, and it has been a privilege to be a small part of his journey.”

After the meeting, Cadet Herman had the opportunity to share some of his lessons and advice with another cadet who also has the goal of attending the USAF Academy. There is much appreciation in the squadron for Herman’s many years of serving the Sugar Valley Composite Squadron.  His return demonstrates that he is an excellent example of the potential impact of the CAP Cadet Program Mission.

For More Information:

1st Lt Deborah Leighton, CAP

Sugar Valley Composite Squadron Public Affairs Officer

Contact: Deborah.Leighton@ncwgcap.org