Steele Chapter Reps AFA at CAP Cadet Summit in Virginia

The Civil Air Patrol Burke Composite Squadron gathered for their annual “Dining Out” in Fairfax, Va., on April 10, 2025. Around 125 cadets, senior members, family members, and other supporters heard from keynote speaker Bob Hill, Secretary of AFA’s D.W. Steele, Sr. Chapter, during the event.

Hill’s remarks highlighted the extraordinary resilience, teamwork, and adaptability demonstrated by the Apollo 13 crew during their ill-fated 1970 mission. He connected these themes directly to the mission and spirit of Civil Air Patrol, challenging cadets to remain mission-focused and adaptable in every situation.

“You may not be flying to the moon,” he said, “but you will face moments when quick thinking, teamwork, and perseverance matter.”

During his keynote address, Hill congratulated the squadron’s CyberPatriot team, the “Cyber Monkeys,” for winning second place nationally in the “All-Service Division Cisco Networking Challenge.” CyberPatriot is AFA’s flagship youth STEM competition, which inspires K–12 students to pursue careers in cybersecurity and STEM.

Hill also recognized Cadet 2nd Lt. Brisha Uprety as the squadron’s 2025 AFA Cadet of the Year, a prestigious honor supported by the close partnership between AFA and CAP.  Cadet Uprety has been an active member taking part in numerous squadron programs including the squadron’s CyberPatriot team and serving as a role model and mentor for other cadets.

“The Burke Squadron’s motto is ‘Empowering Leaders,’ and everything I’ve seen tonight tells me you’re living up to it,” Hill concluded. “On behalf of AFA, we’re proud to be on the same team.”