Burke Civil Air Patrol Squadron Takes Third At National Competition

VIRGINIA — Burke's own Civil Air Patrol squadron has won the state level cadet competition before, and now it has placed in a national competition. The Burke Cadet Competition Team finished third overall at the Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Competition.

Winners were announced Monday at the awards banquet with attendance by Civil Air Patrol's National Commander, Maj. Gen. Edward Phelka, as well as Chief Master Sergeant Todd Parson. Florida's team came in first place, followed by Alaska's team in second place and the Burke team representing Virginia in third place.

The national competition from July 13 to 19 in Dayton, Ohio featured 16 teams from eight regions around the U.S., from Alaska to Puerto Rico. Cadets competed over two days on various aspects of cadet life, such as indoor posting of the colors, outdoor posting of the colors, drill, a leadership and aerospace written exam, a team leadership problem, uniform preparation, fitness testing and public speaking.

The Burke team placed first in the written exam, and C/CMSgt. Robert Kammerer received the first place highest individual score in the written exam with a perfect score. The team received second place in small unmanned aircraft systems, indoor posting of the colors and outdoor posting of the colors.

"The competition was the perfect opportunity for our team to excel and have fun," said Cadet Maj. Lucas Bottorff, a senior at Edison High School and commander of the cadet team. "Our hours of preparation work paid off, and we made timeless memories and connections along the way."

The team practiced and studied leading up to the competition, including preparing a speech, exercising and preparing uniforms. The team also completed a service project.

"I am proud of their teamwork and efforts to be prepared for the competition, but also their positive attitudes, teamwork, and commitment," said Col. Liz Sydow, Virginia Wing commander of the Civil Air Patrol, via a news release. "Support from the escorts, their squadron, families, Mid-Atlantic Region, and the Salvation Army (where they met for training) all contributed to their success."

This was the first time Burke's squadron competed on the national level. In April, the team advanced to the national competition by winning the Mid-Atlantic Region Cadet Competition.