Accomplished in Kansas City

Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. 9/1/2026 – Copy

Five Civil Air Patrol officers from the Scott Composite Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois received valuable updates, training, and opportunities to network with national leaders at the Civil Air Patrol National Conference that convened at the Loews Kansas City Convention Center Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri on Friday, 28 August and Saturday, 29 August 2026.

Civil Air Patrol delivered on every front, enjoying inspiring keynotes, learned in meaningful sessions, applauded major organizational news, and brought the kind of energy that only happens when CAP comes together to share ideas. We are proud of everyone who made the trip, contributed their time, and represented this organization at its best.

The National Conference brought together members from across the country for a full slate of activities. Day one kicked off bright and early with a powerful address by National Commander Major General Regena Aye, touching on several topics at the national level.

Representing the Scott Composite Squadron were Major Jeffery MacHott, Squadron Deputy Commander; Chaplain (Captain) Mike Mroz, Squadron Chaplain; First Lieutenant Kristina Sander, Squadron Testing Officer; Mr. William Sander, Squadron Public Information Officer; and Cadet Captain Makenzie Waldon, Squadron Cadet Commander.

Participants got a chance to meet distinguished guests like Joseph Acaba, Associate Director of Mission and Strategy at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Before he ever set foot in a spacecraft, Acaba was a teacher, a Peace Corps volunteer, a Marine, and a scientist. He spent 306 days in space across three missions to the International Space Station and served as Chief of the Astronaut Office from 2023 to 2025. Today, as Associate Director of Mission and Strategy at NASA's Johnson Space Center, he took the stage as the second keynote speaker at the 2026 CAP National Conference.

His message wasn't really about space. It was about what happens when curiosity, service, and persistence combine over a lifetime, when every role you take on and every detour you make turns out to have prepared you for something bigger. His path has a way of making you look at yourself with fresh eyes.

“Besides all of the updates, I really liked re-connecting with my old friends from Wyoming and the Overseas Group,” Major MacHott said.

Civil Air Patrol's largest and longest mission event in history was underway on site at the convention venue. Since 2020, Operation Pulse Lift has resulted in more than 110,000 units of blood donated through the American Red Cross, with each unit potentially saving three lives.

“My favorite part, besides meeting and networking with my chaplain peers was the session on emotional intelligence,” Chaplain Mroz said.

Day two brought cadets face-to-face with a rotating group of STEM and aviation professionals, leadership speakers, and CAP staff ready to share career insights and help build networks. Sponsor tables offered additional opportunities to explore career paths and connect with industry professionals. Author Sara Vladic was on site for a special book signing of The Dangerous Shore, which explores World War II and the Civil Air Patrol's role in protecting the East Coast from German attacks. The Sphero Robot Races sparked healthy competition, with members navigating robots through obstacle courses and competing for the best time.

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the senior member (adult) sessions and connect with senior members from around the nation. Additionally, it was very perspective shifting to see the top leaders of our program at work and being able to engage with them. Hearing their command intent and goals in person, and, not an email, humanized them and brought a sense of connection to the organization beyond my little, small world of it,” Cadet Waldon said.

About Civil Air Patrol

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, Civil Air Patrol operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

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