I am honored and excited to serve as this year’s Encampment Commander! I recently retired from a rewarding career in the Federal Government as a member of the Senior Executive Service in the Department of Homeland Security, following a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force. I began my Air Force service as an enlisted Air Traffic Controller, later commissioned and served around the globe as a Transport Pilot, Special Operations Pilot, and Commander before retiring from active duty as a Colonel. I concluded my military service as a civil servant, serving as Speechwriter to the Secretary of the Air Force.

This remarkable journey began as a Maryland Wing Cadet, where summer encampments were among the most formative experiences of my CAP career. They helped launch a life defined by integrity, excellence, and service—a life I would not trade for anything. My goal is to provide every cadet at this year’s encampment with an experience that is just as meaningful, if not more so.

This year, the Tri‑Wing Encampment (TWE) will be hosted at Joint Base McGuire‑Dix‑Lakehurst (JBMDL), rather than Camp Fretterd in Maryland. While Camp Fretterd has been a valued and long‑standing partner, JBMDL offers an unparalleled environment. It brings together active‑duty U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard operations, providing a truly unique opportunity to live, learn, and train in a joint military setting.

I have already selected an exceptional team of senior member and cadet leaders to serve as this year’s cadre, and I could not be more confident in their abilities. Chosen in February through an initial screening and rigorous weekend assessments—including early morning wakeups, physical training, written and practical exams, and continuous evaluation—these leaders have been thoroughly tested and are fully prepared to serve. For them, encampment is already underway as they continue training and refining the detailed plans for this years’ experience.

Together, this outstanding team and extraordinary location set the stage for what promises to be the largest, most challenging, most rewarding, and most memorable encampment in Tri‑Wing history. Success will be achievable for all—but it will be earned. My hope is that every participant leaves encampment as I once did as a cadet: proud of what they accomplished, sad to see it end, and far too tired to argue about it.

Registration for this year’s encampment will open on 16 April 2026, the day after the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP) closes, and will close on 31 May 2026. Please watch Registration Zone and visit us online as we continue to publish additional details.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Honored to serve,

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