After joining the local High Desert Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) just three years ago, 16 year-old Bend native Taylor Goodrich has soared to new heights by earning the rank of Captain in the CAP Cadet program, serving as the Cadet Commander for the local squadron and earning the prestigious Amelia Earhart award – an achievement reserved for only the top three percent of cadets nationwide.
A volunteer service organization founded in 1941 as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, the CAP focuses on three main missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Emergency Services. CAP offers cadet program opportunities for youth in the areas of leadership, aviation, STEM, medical, cybersecurity, robotics, government and much more.
“CAP has so much to offer young people,” states Cadet Captain Taylor Goodrich. “I feel some of the greatest things I have gleaned from the program are confidence, dedication, knowledge, and experience. It has given me many wonderful opportunities such as a glider academy and solo, leadership encampments, orientation flights in a Chinook helicopter, color guard training, and so much more!”
According to High Desert Composite Squadron Commander Captain Steven Burns, “Cadet Captain Goodrich is dedicated and determined, and has achieved an award and level few CAP Cadets ever achieve. Based on her dedication and determination, we expect Cadet Captain Goodrich will earn the pinnacle of cadet rank and awards, something only 0.5 percent of CAP Cadets achieve.”
Currently a junior attending Oregon Family School in Bend and taking courses through the dual enrollment program at Central Oregon Community College, Cadet Captain Goodrich plans to attend the United States Air Force Academy or another military academy. “I originally joined CAP for the aviation opportunities and the ability to fly, but I have learned and experienced so much more than that. CAP has greatly enhanced my leadership skills on so many levels, along with multiplying my experience with and understanding of everything related to my future career.”
She credits the support and encouragement of her parents throughout all her endeavors, along with that of other family members, CAP leaders, athletic coaches and community members who have enabled her to achieve so much in her life. “Their support and encouragement mean so much to me and is what gives me the drive to keep doing what I do.”
In fact, Cadet Captain Goodrich’s mother made the decision to join CAP as a way to support her daughter, but also give back to her community. A registered nurse, Tiffany Goodrich now holds the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and works to support the cadets in the local squadron, with a goal to serve in CAP’s emergency services programs and learn to fly someday.
“Civil Air Patrol transforms young teenagers into responsible, respectful, disciplined and accomplished young adults with a strong emphasis on community service, public speaking, and leadership,” states CAP 2nd Lieutenant Goodrich. “I am obviously very proud of Taylor. She started the program as a shy teen who just wanted to fly and has grown into a young woman with no fear of public speaking, a sense of responsibility that extends beyond many adults and discipline in her studies, activities, and her health to ensure success in anything she reaches to achieve.”
“One definite character trait Cadet Captain Goodrich possesses is knowing that she does not know everything and being receptive to positive critique and learning how to improve herself,” notes CAP Captain Burns. “She asks for help when she is dealing with something beyond her experience level and then takes what she has learned to improve herself, her leadership skills and then conveys this to the upcoming cadets.”
Outside of CAP, Cadet Captain Goodrich participates in a variety of sports and extracurricular activities such as martial arts, cross country, Nordic ski team, track, trap shooting and 4-H. “I have come to understand that setting goals is crucial for future success,” she reflects. “I am very motivated by my desire to improve upon my character and skills, along with my desire to impress my mentors and inspire my mentees. This is what gives me the drive to do my very best in this program and everything else in life.”
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.
The High Desert Composite Squadron meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bend Builders Assist, Bend Municipal Airport. Public meetings offer information on volunteer opportunities for youth and adults. GoCivilAirPatrol.com