Burke Civil Air Patrol Cadets Get Behind-The-Scenes Tour Of Pentagon

BURKE, VA — Cadets with the Civil Air Patrol's Burke squadron got a look inside the Pentagon for a tour.

The 16 participating cadets first stopped at the Headquarters of the U.S. Air Force Crisis Action Center. Cadets were given a simulated disaster scenario and were asked to assess the situation, review their capability with airplanes, ground teams, communications, and command and control, and develop options. After a plan was developed, a briefing was given by Capt. Samuel Ten, the cadet commander and Hayfield Secondary School senior, to retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Planert, who is also a Civil Air Patrol senior member.

Cadets next met with Brig. Gen. Daniel Lasica, who is the U.S. Air Force director of current operations. Four cadets gave a briefing about the projects they've been working on in the last year, including the high-altitude balloon experiment that earned them an award, cybersecurity work, and wings at the Virginia and Regional Cadet Competition.

Lasica presented several coins to the cadets while thanking them for their service and emphasizing the skills they learn in the Civil Air Patrol. Cadets also learned Lasico's son was a cadet in the neighboring Fairfax Composite Squadron.

"It was an amazing opportunity to brief General Lasica on the opportunities of the Civil Air Patrol," said Cadet Maj. Lucas Bottorff. "I got to share the positive impact the cadet program has had on my life, which was a very meaningful experience. Afterward, General Lasica was able to have a discussion with us cadets that provided insight into leadership and readiness."

Cadets also ventured through the Army side of the Pentagon, which is not typically frequented by tourists. Along with learning about how the Army's uniform and weapons have evolved over time, cadets heard about the changes to the Pentagon since it was constructed in 1943 and after the 9/11 attacks. Cadets also stopped by the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial to pay tribute to those who died in the Pentagon attack and learn about the aftermath.

Just as the cadets were preparing to leave, they received a surprise invitation. U.S. Chief of the Air Force General C.Q. Brown invited cadets to visit his office and briefing room. While Brown was away on leave, cadets got to learn about his history, see historical artifacts on his shelves, and sit in briefing chairs that Brown uses for briefings and video teleconferences.

"Getting the chance to walk through the CSAF's office in the Pentagon is certainly not an everyday occurrence," said Cadet Tech. Sgt. Tyler Webb, a Hayfield Secondary School sophomore. "We were able to learn a lot about who the CSAF is and his past accomplishments. We also got the opportunity to look around his conference room and take a memorable picture to ‘capture the moment.’"

The Burke Composite Squadron is one of 22 in the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The squadron is made up of senior members 18 and older and cadets 12 to 18, providing Civil Air Patrol opportunities like search and rescue, flying in Cessna aircraft, cybersecurity, and more. The Burke squadron has earned numerous awards including the Squadron of Merit Award and the Quality Cadet Unit Award from the Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol in 2021. Meetings are held Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Washington Irving Middle School.

More information on the squadron or joining can be obtained by emailing VA-130informationgroup@vawg.cap.gov.