News

California Wing Announces Winner of 2024 Cadet Speech Challenge

September 7, 2024

California Wing, Civil Air Patrol

The California Wing of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is proud to announce the highly competitive 2024 Cadet Speech Challenge winner. Cadets from across the Wing participated in this event, showcasing their understanding and passion for CAP’s three core missions: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs.

Each squadron could submit a cadet representative for the competition, with Group-level winners moving forward to the Wing level. After thoroughly evaluating each speech, C/SMSgt Julia L. Nguyen from Bakersfield Composite Squadron 121 has been selected as the overall Wing winner for 2024.

Col. Craig E. Newton, California Wing Commander, praised all participants, stating, “California Wing has some of the most outstanding cadets, and I’m always highlighting to other Wing commanders about the incredible things we accomplish here. The Cadet Speech Challenge highlights our cadets' exceptional talent and leadership skills, and I’m proud of everyone who participated.”

Group Winners:
• Group 1: C/SSgt Hilary Faye C. Molina (Capt Jay Weinsoff Cadet Squadron 3)
• Group 2: C/Amn Ethan Ish (San Francisco Cadet Squadron 86)
• Group 3: C/A1C Keshavhari Thirunavukkarasu (Redlands Cadet Squadron 411)
• Group 4: C/SSgt Natalie M. Zagnoli (John C. Savage Challenger Cadet Squadron 1986)
• Group 5: C/CMSgt Maili Martin (Sierra Composite Squadron 72)
• Group 6: C/SMSgt Julia L. Nguyen (Bakersfield Composite Squadron 121)
• Group 7: C/SSgt Sophie A. Tung (Fullerton Composite Squadron 56)
• Group 8: C/TSgt Maile Ronchetto (San Diego Cadet Squadron 144)

The California Wing Commander extended heartfelt congratulations to all the Group winners for their dedication and hard work in preparing and delivering their speeches.

Upcoming Presentation:
As the Wing winner, C/SMSgt Julia L. Nguyen will have the honor of delivering her speech on the three core programs of Civil Air Patrol at the 2024 California Wing Conference. The conference will provide a platform for Cadet Nguyen to inspire and educate attendees on the vital contributions of CAP’s missions.

About Civil Air Patrol:
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

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