Kansas Wing Cadets Appointed to Service Academies
As the school year ends and high school seniors are getting ready for graduation, some are preparing for their entry to a military service academy. The United States has five service academies: the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.
Roughly 42,000 people applied to service academies this year. These applicants rank at the top of their classes, have some of the highest ACT/SAT scores, demonstrate leadership skills, are involved in their communities, and showcase athletic ability. After an extensive application process and having received a Congressional nomination, academies only offer about 4,100 appointments. That’s an acceptance rate of around 10% on average!
Kansas Wing is delighted to share five of its cadets that were accepted into a military academy this year!
C/TSgt Riddick Goss
Cadet Technical Sergeant Riddick Goss of the Smokey Hill Composite Squadron in Salina, KS was accepted to the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy Prep School. He accepted his admission to the United States Naval Academy Prep School where he plans to study Biochemistry at the Naval Academy. Riddick joined CAP in November 2021 and has served for 1 ⅕ years. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart Junior Senior High School in Salina, KS.
CAP Achievements
2023 Kansas Wing Encampment Staff
2022 Kansas Wing Encampment Honor Graduate
2022 Glider Academy Honor Graduate
Riddick says one thing he’s learned through CAP that he’ll take with him to the academy is “leadership in small groups.”
C/Lt Col Sam Ritchie
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Sam Ritchie of the Air Capital Composite Squadron in Wichita, KS was accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. He accepted his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he plans to study Management. Sam joined CAP in September 2016 and has served for 6 ½ years. He is a graduate of Maize High School in Maize, KS.
CAP Achievements
Cadet Advisory Council Chairperson
Squadron Cadet Deputy Commander
Squadron Flight Commander
Squadron Flight Sergeant
Sam says one thing he’s learned through CAP is, “to be adaptable in any situation as conditions may change and leaders are looked on to be flexible.”
C/Capt Malachi Feil
Cadet Captain Malachi Feil of the Air Capital Composite Squadron in Wichita, KS accepted his appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he plans to study History. Malachi joined CAP in September 2018 and has served for 4 ½ years. He is a graduate of Legacy Academy homeschool program.
CAP Achievements
Wing Commander’s Commendation Awards x3
Cadet Advisory Council Chairperson
Squadron Cadet Commander
Kansas Wing Encampment Deputy Commander of Support
Missouri Wing Encampment Flight Commander
Squadron First Sergeant
Malachi says one thing he’s learned through CAP that he’ll take with him to the Academy is, “being immersed in an environment of servant leadership and being surrounded by individuals of immense character has shaped my life in inexpressible ways. I will use that experience to help influence others around me and continue to develop my own understanding of what it means to be a leader of character.”
C/Capt Parker Richmond
Cadet Captain Parker Richmond of the Heartland Cadet Squadron in Lenexa, KS accepted his appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where he plans to study Government. Parker joined CAP in February 2018 and has served for 5 years. He is a graduate of Shawnee Mission West High School in Shawnee, KS.
CAP Achievements
Wing Commander’s Commendation Award
CAP Achievement Award x3
Wing Cadet Advisory Council Chairperson
Squadron Cadet Deputy Commander for Operations
Color Guard NCOIC
Advanced Ground Search and Rescue Team Leader, National Emergency Services Academy
Kansas Wing Encampment Squadron and Flight Commander
Parker says one thing he’s learned through CAP that he’ll take with him to the Academy is, “it is not possible to be a perfect leader. People think that when they assume the responsibility of a leadership position, they are expected to always be the perfect example. Having been in several leadership positions throughout my CAP career, I understand that the stress and problems involved in being in a position of leadership are typically tenfold compared to that of being a follower. CAP has taught me that through continual experience and learning from mistakes, I can make the most out of any leadership opportunity, no matter the adversity presented to me.”
C/Col Jonathan Spoula
Cadet Colonel Jonathan Spoula of the Lawrence Composite Squadron in Lawrence, KS accepted his appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy where he plans to study Maritime Logistics and Security. Jonathan joined CAP in November 2017 and has served for 5 ⅕ years. He is a graduate of Lawrence High School in Lawrence, KS.
CAP Achievements
Spaatz Award
Wing Commander’s Commendation Award x3
CAP Achievement Award x3
Cadet Competition Team Commander
Kansas Wing Encampment Cadet Commander
Squadron Cadet Commander
Jonathan says one thing he learned through CAP that he plans to take with him to the academy is, “I’ve learned many skills that it takes to be a good leader. Not only did CAP teach me these skills but it provided me a place to exercise them in practical settings. When I go to the academy, I will have a lot of experience and knowledge under my belt and that is thanks to the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and the opportunities it’s provided me. I will forever be grateful.”
Kansas Wing is proud of the achievements of Riddick, Sam, Malachi, Parker, and Jonathan. We wish them great success in their endeavors!
For More Information:
Kansas Wing Public Affairs Office
pao@kswg.cap.gov
