This summer at the 2014 Wisconsin Wing Summer Encampment, Olga Boukhvalova (‘17) graduated as an Honor Graduate: one of the top performers of the 26 member school. She was titled as Bong Flight Commander: Chief Master sergeant as one of three cadets from the Waukesha Squadron who were also acknowledged as Honor Graduates. To honor her accomplishment, the Wisconsin Cadet Academy invited Olga to march in the parade as squadron staff and bestowed her WCA challenge coins.
The Wisconsin Cadet Academy provides an opportunity for hands-on leadership training simulating an Air Force Officer School experience. Cadets are challenged to act in an engaging and arduous environment. Olga was also presented with the General Billy Mitchell Award by Lt. Col. Julie Sorenson, the SE Group Commander of the Wisconsin Wing Civil Air Patrol at the Waukesha armory, on Aug. 14. Olga was among the mere 15 percent of Civil Air Patrol cadets who receive this award. She was additionally promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant in the Civil Air Patrol. She currently serves as the Flight Commander and claims her place as the only female cadet officer in the entire squadron. When asked what she wanted to pursue after high school, Olga responded, “Go to the Air Force Academy and then fly really awesome planes and study atmospheric and space sciences.”
The Waukesha Civil Air Patrol regularly holds meetings every Thursday night. Missions include Emergency Services, which trains cadets to search for missing commercial aircraft and save lives of people in distress, Aerospace Education, and a Cadet Program, which offers opportunities for ages 12 to 18 to earn ranks, flight time, and leadership skills.