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Civil Air Patrol Cadet Awarded Four-Year Naval ROTC Scholarship

KY Wing Commander Colonel Darrel Williamson presents Cadet 2d Lt. Anna Martin with her Mitchell Award, photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

KY Wing Commander Colonel Darrel Williamson presents Cadet 2d Lt. Anna Martin
with her Mitchell Award, photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills 
(More photos below)
 

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Awarded Four-Year Naval ROTC Scholarship

By 2d Lt Kathy Mills, CAP PAO, Van Meter Cadet Squadron

 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 5, 2021) – Civil Air Patrol Cadet (CAP) Cadet 2d Lt. Anna C. Martin has been awarded a prestigious full-ride Naval ROTC scholarship to Texas A&M where she will join the famed Corps of Cadets and study meteorology. Upon graduation Cadet Martin will receive her commission and enter the US Navy as an officer. Martin has actively participated in CAP’s Lexington KY222 Van Meter Cadet Squadron for the past two years.

Martin attributed many leadership skills she obtained to her fellow CAP cadet squadron members and adult leaders. “I have been blessed with many inspiring senior members and cadets who introduced me to leadership. I am infinitely grateful for my experiences in Civil Air Patrol,” she emphasized. She believes the cadet program developed her strong leadership skills and gave her a deep confidence that she will call upon throughout her college experience and beyond. “CAP has taught me servant leadership and to lead by example, both of which require integrity, humility, and hard work.” 

Martin also credits her rigorous homeschool coursework with teaching her about setting goals and working hard independently to achieve them. Blending her independent school studies with the leadership skills and military knowledge developed in CAP gave her a step up in the competitive scholarship process. These skills are what her mother, Karen, believes her daughter developed when she was determined to challenge herself academically and be an active member in CAP. “She has a lot of hard work ahead of her, but we know she is a worker and will succeed.”

According to College Magazine, Texas A&M ranks fourth in the nation for the best ROTC programs. In order to qualify for the naval scholarship, Martin had to be exceptional academically and physically, have a resume with extensive community service activities, show proven leadership experience and stand out above other deserving applicants. To receive a full four-year scholarship is both highly challenging and competitive.

It is an opinion Martin’s CAP Squadron Commander, 1st Lt. William von Brandenburg echoes “C/2nd Lt Martin joined the Civil Air Patrol with the express purpose of taking maximum advantage of every leadership opportunity, especially learning her Billy Mitchell award in two years. She leveraged her CAP experience and outstanding academic achievement into a full-ride Naval ROTC scholarship at Texas A&M. She exemplifies pursuit of excellence.”

“Earning my Mitchell is special to me as I thought it was an achievement that I could never reach,” states Martin. “I joined CAP later in my high school career and didn’t think I would have the time or leadership abilities to make it this far; nevertheless, I wanted to try my best. Since my first promotion, I kept that long-term goal as my motivation.”

Her steadfastness inspires younger cadets. To receive the Mitchell Award, a CAP Cadet must study and pass through ten different educational and leadership exams on topics such as leadership and aerospace. She also had to pass drill tests and physical fitness evaluations every eight weeks. Earning the Mitchell Award in two years is an impressive accomplishment that demands grit and dedication. Von Bradenburg said the Mitchell Award achievement proved to scholarship evaluators that Martin could pursue and sustain leadership and academic excellence at the same time. 

The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the US Air Force and provides opportunities for youth as young as 12 and adults. During Martin’s participation in CAP, she had the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity, emergency services, and STEM-based careers, including aerospace and aviation all while serving her community. Her exposure to flying developed her desire to become a naval aviator. CAP’s core values are integrity, volunteerism, excellence and respect. Character traits Von Brandenberg feels Martin exemplifies. 

Van Meter Cadet Squadron meets each Thursday at 6 pm at LexCity Church, 410 Sporting Ct #3560, Lexington, KY 40503. For more information about the Lexington area Civil Air Cadet Program, please visit our website at  https://ky222.cap.gov/ on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KY222CAP or contact Squadron Commander William von Brandenburg at wbrandenburg@kywg.cap.gov
 

Proud Parents, John and Karen Martin with Cadet 2d Lt. Anna Martin, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

Proud Parents, John and Karen Martin with Cadet 2d Lt. Anna Martin,
 March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills 
 
 

Cadet Martin visits Texas A&M, August 12, 2020; photo by Karen Martin

Cadet Martin visits Texas A&M, August 12, 2020;
photo by Karen Martin

 

Cadet 2d Lt. Anna Martin proudly displays her Mitchell Award, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

Cadet 2d Lt. Anna Martin proudly displays her Mitchell Award,
March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills 




Civil Air Patrol is the longtime auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a valued member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine aircraft and 1,994 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). It performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 82 lives annually. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Operating as a nonprofit organization, CAP also plays a leading role in STEM/aerospace education, and its members serve as mentors to about 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

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