Steele Chapter Honors CAP Cadet of the Year

AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter in Northern Virginia continued its long-standing support of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets by participating in the Fredericksburg Composite Squadron’s annual awards ceremony on March 30.

Chapter Secretary Bob Hill presented the AFA Civil Air Patrol Cadet of the Year award, the highest honor a CAP cadet can receive, to Cadet Captain Thomas Williams. Williams, a high school senior, currently leads a squadron of more than 100 cadets and has distinguished himself through sustained excellence, leadership, and commitment throughout his CAP career. He plans to serve in the military following college.

“It’s been a real honor to know Cadet Captain Williams and see him develop into the young man he is over the last three years, going from a junior cadet to leading a squadron of over 100 cadets,” squadron commander Lt. Col. Cody Draeger said during the ceremony. He also recognized the Steele Chapter’s continued support, noting that its partnership is helping develop future leaders across the air, space, and cyberspace domains.

Hill congratulated Williams and addressed the cadets, reinforcing the value of their CAP experience. “The skills you learn here—discipline, teamwork, and problem solving—will serve you well regardless of the career path you choose,” he said.

Earlier this year, the Steele Chapter provided the squadron’s CyberPatriot team with a new laptop computer, one of several STEM grants provided to Northern Virginia CAP, JROTC, and high school programs. This support strengthens hands-on learning opportunities and reinforces the chapter’s commitment to developing future leaders in air, space, and cyberspace.

Through consistent engagement with CAP squadrons across the National Capital Region, the Steele Chapter remains committed to developing the next generation of Airmen, Guardians, and civic leaders, advancing AFA’s mission to educate, advocate, and support our Air and Space Forces.