Civil Air Patrol cadets’ national academy at MTSU sparks career paths

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Dozens of teenagers from around the nation enjoyed driving the Middle Tennessee State University Experimental Vehicles Program’s lunar rover and four-wheel Baha during Day 2 of the Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy on Tuesday, July 8.

Later in the day, the 40 cadet participants from more than 20 states, including two from Hawaii, visited the MTSU Dairy at the MTSU Farm off Guy James Road in Lascassas.

While on campus, they visited MTSU MakerSpace in the James E. Walker Library, toured the Aerospace Department’s simulator at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport, learned about admissions and will visit the horse science program at Miller Coliseum, hear about data science, physics and astronomy, MTSU Army ROTC marksmanship and much more.

The cadets, selected by CAP for the academy through a competitive process, are taking part in activities covering aerospace, engineering technology, concrete and construction management, biology and chemistry — many a part of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, plus surprises.

“The (moon) buggies (lunar rovers) always have been one of the highlights. Everyone has a smile on their face,” said Andrew Higgins, 19, cadet commander from Churchville, Maryland. This marks his third year at MTSU. “I love this school. It’s a brilliant place to hold this.”

Al-Zuhair Al-Aghbari, left, senior team leader in the Middle Tennessee State University MakerSpace laboratory in the James E. Walker Library, offers suggestions regarding the hands-on project for two Civil Air Patrol cadets attending the National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy at MTSU on Monday, July 7, on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Ava Zendejas, 15, of Auburn, Washington, is the deputy cadet commander being groomed for the cadet commander role next year. An aspiring pilot, as are most of the cadets, she has been in CAP for more than three years.

“I was really shy at first, but I have gotten to learn a lot and, overall, get out of my comfort zone,” Zendejas said. “I really like the aerospace opportunities, makerspace and exploring all of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) options.”

With assistance from an Engineering Technology Experimental Vehicles undergraduate student, right, Civil Air Patrol cadet participants attending the National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., maneuver the lunar rovers down the sidewalk in front of the Science Building, on Tuesday, July 8. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

One of four Tennesseans (all homeschooled) attending this year, cadet Capt. Joseph Taylor, 16, of Smyrna, said “he knew about MTSU and to see the facilities, but didn’t know so much about the hands-on activities” available to them.

Taylor hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy “because I want to get into piloting, join major in an area of engineering technology or aerospace and join the military after college,” he said.

Civil Air Patrol cadets from around the nation attending the National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy visit the dairy cows at Middle Tennessee State University’s Farm and Dairy in Lascassas, Tenn., Tuesday, July 8. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Brothers Graysen, 18, and Wyatt, 16, Crawford of Paris and Cody Jones, 14, of Smyrna also participated.

Col. Larry Trick of Hollywood, Maryland, a 50-year member with CAP, said 240 teens applied this year. Those selected joined 12 cadet staff, 11 senior staff members and two U.S. Air Force reservists serving as liaisons.

“MTSU is so supportive,” said Trick, a CAP historian. “The faculty and facilities provide a wonderful experience for the cadets. … Nearly 100% of them want to be pilots.”

James Flatt, front, Middle Tennessee State University School of Agriculture Farm Laboratories director, points out specific areas of the MTSU Dairy at the MTSU Farm in Lascassas, Tenn., Tuesday, July 8, to a group of Civil Air Patrol participants attending the National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy at MTSU. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

MTSU alumnus and Air Force Col. Aaron Reid, a 2002 aerospace graduate, is commander of the Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force and was recognized by the university during MTSU’s annual alumni barbecue at EAA AirVenture, the world’s largest aviation celebration in 2024.

Keith M. Huber, MTSU senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives — Keith M. Huber

Before graduating during ceremonies at 6 p.m. Friday, July 11, in McCallie Dining Hall, attendees heard a leadership seminar led by Keith M. Huber, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and MTSU’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives.

“I’ve never seen so many people spellbound when Gen. Huber spends time talking to them,” Trick said.

Founded in 1941 before the start of U.S. involvement in World War II, Civil Air Patrol’s mission statement is volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives and shaping futures and core values include integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect. The CAP has more than 60,000 members.

MTSU and CAP have been partners in aerospace education for cadets since 2014 and has hosted the academy since 2017.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)