When Hayden Elwood first took flight at just 5 years old, he knew immediately that aviation would shape his future. In February, that passion took him from Stevens Point all the way to Capitol Hill.
Elwood, 16, was among three young Civil Air Patrol leaders representing Wisconsin during National Legislative Day in Washington, D.C., advocating directly to lawmakers about the critical role this organization plays in communities and youth development.
Civil Air Patrol serves as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, conducting emergency missions, fostering youth leadership and advancing aerospace education. With around 400 cadets across Wisconsin alone, its impact is widespread, from emergency response to shaping future leaders.
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Now a first lieutenant and executive officer in his local squadron, Elwood brought his enthusiasm and personal experiences directly to federal legislators. He spoke with WPR’s “Morning Edition” host Shereen Siewert about his journey, highlighting how Civil Air Patrol transforms individual dreams into practical leadership and real-world advocacy.
“Civil Air Patrol has helped me overcome my fear of public speaking and leading small groups,” Elwood told WPR. “It has really advanced those skills for me, and for other cadets in that aspect.”
Youth interested in learning about Civil Air Patrol can visit a local squadron. Cadets from ages 12-21 are accepted.
The following interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
Shereen Siewert: What inspired you to join Civil Air Patrol in the first place?
Hayden Elwood: Civil Air Patrol originally drew me in with their aviation program. I’ve always had a spark for aviation and Civil Air Patrol has allowed me to expand that spark.
The experience has been incredible, something I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s given me the opportunity to meet new people and expand my personal knowledge about public speaking and aviation.
SS: Tell me what it meant to you to be selected as one of the cadets traveling to Washington, D.C. for National Legislative Day.
HE: It was a surprise at first. Then I felt a rush of amazement at such a great opportunity. When we went, I was in a group of two cadets and two senior members. We interviewed each representative for about an hour to talk about what Civil Air Patrol is, and how important it is to the communities of our state. We met with seven representatives in all.
SS: What stood out as the most surprising thing to you?
HE: My most surprising thing, and this might come as a shock, but going and talking with people who are so high up in the U.S. government, you realize that they’re people, too. Just normal human beings I can talk to. That was the most surprising.
SS: What are some of the key messages that you shared with lawmakers?
HE: We talked about how important this organization is and helped legislators understand the impact of Civil Air Patrol. It’s not just national emergency response but also youth leadership and development. The biggest benefit for people involved in it is coming out of your shell, especially the younger kids. It’s a place where you can meet and talk to new people and make new, lifelong friends.
SS: Tell me a bit about the overall experience. What do you do on a regular basis?
HE: On a daily basis you can study leadership and aerospace.
We have certain events every year where cadets from all over the country come together for an encampment, where younger cadets are taught by older cadets. They learn how to do drill, how to participate in ceremonies. They’re taught how to lead.
In Stevens Point, we get together once a week. As a larger group, it’s once a year.
SS: I know Civil Air Patrol has a strong focus on aerospace, education and emergency services. Have you participated in any search and rescue training or aviation programs?
HE: I have vast experience in the aerospace programs. We do orientation flights, where senior members or pilots take cadets up in the air and have them fly the aircraft so they can learn about aviation.
Since I was 5, I’ve always loved flying. I took my first Young Eagle’s flight and the first time I went up in the air I looked at the ground and it was incredible to me.
SS: What do you love most about flying?
HE: It feels magical, honestly. It’s beautiful looking up at the clouds. It’s a totally different view up there.
SS: What has been the most challenging part of being a cadet?
HE: For me, it’s public speaking, getting up and talking to a large or small group of people and telling them what to do.
SS: How did you get over your fear of that?
HE: Practice. A lot of practice! There was a time when one of our senior members randomly called me up to speak in front of the room, totally unprepared.
Stuff like that helped me get better at public speaking and getting over the fear of talking in front of people.
SS: What does the future look like for you?
HE: I want to join the Air Force and then become an airline pilot after that. I am currently obtaining my private pilot’s license right now, hopefully by this summer.
First you need to be 17 and then there’s a multitude of tests that you need to take, practical tests to make sure you’re proficient in the skills of flying the aircraft and have general knowledge of aviation.
SS: How has being a part of Civil Air Patrol influenced your future plans?
HE: It has greatly amplified by plans and my love for aviation. I’m in an environment where I’m surrounded by other pilots with a lot of opportunities for experience in aviation emergency services and leadership. That really can prepare young people for the future.
The main aspect is having these people around you who support you and build you up. You’re in an environment where people support each other and build them up. You love what you’re doing and the people around you love the same thing.
SS: What is your rank, and how does the hierarchy work?
HE: I am a first lieutenant, also the executive officer for the Stevens Point. Ranks are in phases. There is the airman phase, the sergeant phase, the lieutenant phase and finally the colonel phase. The airman and sergeant phase are kind of leaning phases, while the lieutenant and colonel phase are leaders who teach the other cadets.
If you have an idea about something in central Wisconsin you think we should talk about on “Morning Edition,” send it to us at central@wpr.org.
