Cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy visited the Gastonia Composite Squadron prior to Thanksgiving, providing Civil Air Patrol cadets with insight into academy life. The visitors included Kennedy Rogers and Gabe Bolivar, both second-year cadets at West Point, and Ethan Gallagher, a third-year midshipman at the Naval Academy.
During their presentation, they discussed academic offerings at their respective institutions and described a typical day for cadets. They emphasized discipline, commitment, and teamwork as key elements of academy life. The session was accessible both in person and through live Teams audio and video.
The visiting cadets shared that before enrolling in their academies, they attended week-long summer immersion programs designed to introduce prospective students to daily routines, classes, athletics, leadership activities, and campus culture. They noted being attracted by the traditions and histories of West Point and the Naval Academy.
Highlighting their training experiences, Cadet Rogers recounted her participation in West Point’s 10-day Air Assault School where she learned helicopter operations and rappelling techniques. Midshipman Gallagher described spending four weeks on a nuclear submarine involved in ship operations and drills.
After answering questions from attendees, each visitor received a certificate of appreciation along with other mementos from the squadron. The event concluded with informal conversation over snacks. According to squadron representatives, some CAP cadets expressed renewed interest in pursuing military academy paths following the visit.
“We appreciate that they took the time to visit us,” stated squadron members.
