Civil Air Patrol Cadet O’Farrell Appointed to West Point

CARMEL, NY. (March 8, 2026) - Civil Air Patrol Cadet Kymora O’Farrell, a member of the Putnam County Squadron in Carmel, New York, has received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. The appointment follows a nomination by Rep. Patrick Ryan (D-NY-18) and marks the culmination of a notable four-year cadet career that began in 2022.

Since joining Civil Air Patrol (CAP), O’Farrell progressed to the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant. During her tenure, she filled key leadership positions, serving first as a Flight Sergeant and later as a Flight Commander. In those roles, she trained fellow cadets, enforced standards, and oversaw mission activities within the squadron.

O’Farrell’s résumé includes several intensive CAP training experiences. She attended the annual CAP Encampment, where she immersed herself in military customs, drill, and leadership development. In addition, she completed the Civil Engineering National Cadet Special Activity (NCSA) at Tyndall Air Force Base, working alongside CAP cadets and active-duty personnel. The hands-on training challenged her with engineering tasks that mirror the demands of the U.S. Air Force.

“The CAP Cadet Program taught me leadership, teamwork and time-management skills that will help me meet the challenges of West Point and a future military career,” O’Farrell said. “Those experiences, combined with my academic work, strengthened my discipline and sense of responsibility.”

O’Farrell credits Major Elena MacDermant, commander of the Putnam County Squadron, with shaping her growth and building her confidence as a leader. “Maj. MacDermant has been a great mentor, inspiring me with her dedication and leadership example,” O’Farrell said.

MacDermant praised O’Farrell’s commitment. “Cadet O’Farrell exemplifies the dedication and integrity we seek in our nation’s future leaders, she said. I proudly support her appointment to West Point and look forward to watching her continued success.”

Looking ahead, O’Farrell plans to enter West Point this summer and pursue a commission as an Army officer. She aims to continue developing her leadership abilities while contributing to national security. “I believe my discipline, resilience, leadership, and commitment to service define who I am as a future leader, “O’Farrell said. “I’m ready to face any challenge with courage and purpose, and I’m excited to bring that spirit to West Point.”

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, CAP 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. Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.