Virginia Civil Air Patrol members meet with state legislators
RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 18, 2026) - Earlier this month, approximately 50 Virginia Wing members laced up their shoes, buttoned their blazers, and fastened their covers for State Legislative Day and the 2026 Aviation, Aerospace, and Advanced Air Mobility Legislative Reception.
Since 2019, this Virginia Wing tradition has brought cadets from across the state together at the Capitol to speak with delegates and senators about Civil Air Patrol. This year, cadets were laser-focused to spread gratitude and demonstrate servant leadership.
Led by Cadet Captain Steven Ball, the Virginia State Legislative Squadron’s lead intern, this year’s focus included advocating for funding for a new hangar at the Winchester Regional Airport, in addition to gratitude for the state’s routine funding for Virginia Wing. The proposed multi-use building would not only be utilized for a new meeting space for the Winchester Composite Squadron, but would also serve as a sufficient location to support statewide emergency services responses and operations as well as aerospace education outreach for students, teachers, and CAP’s own members. This budget appropriation would also provide housing for Civil Air Patrol aircraft located at the airport.
Legislative Day was not only an opportunity to advocate for funding but also a wonderful experience for cadets to meet their delegates. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., cadets had the unique chance to personally meet and speak with various government offices. In these meetings, cadets spoke about their personal Civil Air Patrol leadership experiences, aerospace knowledge, and emergency services opportunities. As a result, cadets gained public speaking skills and learned about the role of ambassadors within government.
Following the Legislative Day was the Aviation, Aerospace, and Advanced Air Mobility Legislative Reception. Alongside prominent organizations such as NASA, Rocket Lab, and Space Lab, cadets participated in representing Virginia’s broad aerospace industry. At this event, cadets also observed newly elected Governor Abigail Spanberger give a speech about Virginia’s aerospace opportunities.
Throughout the integrity of both events, cadets from the Commonwealth experienced a unique and life‑changing opportunity. From the skies to the ground, Civil Air Patrol cadets strive for excellence in all that they do.
Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/U5e6yY2HEB7rxcqw9
About Virginia Wing
Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing is home to 21 squadrons spread throughout the Commonwealth and has approximately 2,500 members, 13 light aircraft, 6 small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and 28 multi-mission vehicles. These assets are available to federal, state, and local governments, as well as to emergency responders and law enforcement agencies to perform search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and counter-drug missions. For more information on Virginia Wing, visit the wing’s website at https://vawg.cap.gov.
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.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
For More Information:
Cadet Maj. Autumn Ewing
