Members of the Civil Air Patrol’s North Carolina Wing recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the organization’s annual National Legislative Day campaign. The event, which took place on February 26, 2026, brought together delegations from across the country to meet with federal lawmakers and discuss CAP’s missions and contributions.
The North Carolina team included senior members and cadets who delivered CAP’s 2025 Impact Report and briefed legislators on both state-level achievements and national priorities. The group also discussed CAP’s budget request for fiscal year 2027. This year’s campaign used a hybrid format, allowing some meetings to be held virtually if needed.
Preparation for the Capitol Hill meetings involved several rounds of virtual training sessions before participants traveled from various locations in North Carolina to Washington, D.C. The delegation was led by Wing Commander Col. Brendan Kearns and included Chief Master Sgt. Cozzi, Government Relations Advisor Lt. Col. Liz Dunster, Director of Aerospace Education Maj. Green, Director of Cadet Programs Capt. Elaine Kaempf, and several other officers and cadets.
On February 25, the group attended additional training in Arlington, Virginia, alongside representatives from other wings nationwide. They also met with leaders within CAP including the National Commander and National Vice Commander.
During their day on Capitol Hill, teams held sixteen scheduled meetings with lawmakers. Cadets shared their experiences in emergency services, flight training, and aerospace activities as part of their presentations.
Johnston County Composite Squadron’s Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Emma Schall said: “This year was my second year at National Legislative Day, and it was still such an amazing experience. It showed me how much Civil Air Patrol has done for me and how it has shaped my future.”
Brigadier General Jason Bailey, CAP’s National Vice-Commander, joined the North Carolina delegation for one meeting during the event.
Cadet Master Sgt. Logan Schall reflected on his participation: “NLD gave me the opportunity to talk to people that I would never have imagined even getting to sit in the same room with. It was very fun, and I’m glad I got to give back to CAP.”
Between meetings on Thursday, teams visited the Library of Congress; they also spent Friday morning at the National Air and Space Museum.
Johnston County Composite Squadron’s Cadet Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Schall described his experience: “Participating in National Legislative Day was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to see firsthand how cadets going to Congress impacts the future of the Civil Air Patrol.” Guilford Composite Squadron’s Cadet Lt. Col. Sara Bissell added: “It is always an honor to serve Civil Air Patrol and to represent my state and nation to our legislators. National Legislative Day is an incredible opportunity, and I am grateful to have served alongside such an amazing group of people. We truly made a great team.”
Col. Brendan Kearns praised those involved: “North Carolina Wing’s National Legislative Day showcased the very best of Civil Air Patrol—stellar cadets, dedicated NCOs, and committed senior members standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder in service. Thanks to the exceptional leadership of Lt. Col. Dunster and Master Sgt Ellen Franks, our teams shined with professionalism, purpose, and pride.” He continued: ”I especially wish to congratulate our wing’s outstanding cadets, whose embodiment of CAP’s core principles continues to inspire us all.”
