Tony Salgado

When asked where he envisions himself in five years, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Tony Salgado replied, “... in Pensacola, Florida,  learning to fly fighter jets.” 

With his appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, his vision is quite likely to evolve. He also received an appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs but chose the Naval Academy due to its location and its unique culture and like-minded people. Another benefit is that he will be joining Cadet Capt. Rui Parker who is currently studying at the Naval Academy. 

“I want to give back to my country and serve. Going into the military seems the best way to repay what has been given to me as a naturalized citizen,” Salgado said when asked why he wanted to go into the military. This is a cornerstone of  the Civil Air Patrol program and is part of the cadet oath. “... advance my education and training to be of service to my  community, state and nation” is the final part of this oath. He will now serve his nation. 

Salgado has been a Civil Air Patrol cadet since November of 2021. He added CAP to his already busy sports schedule. He has played football, hockey and earned his first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In addition, he took private pilot lessons and received his pilot license in August of 2024. 

At Cody High School he maintained high grades and took several Advanced Placement courses. In CAP, Salgado also scored well on the tests required for advancement in the cadet program. Salgado was active in student council and a member of the National Honor Society. He was also a participant in the Wyoming Boys’ State in his junior year, where he studied state government during a weeklong event in Laramie. He was elected governor in a mock election, which was the most highly prized elected position. 

Salgado said Civil Air Patrol offered him the discipline  and leadership skills needed to succeed. With his knowledge of drill, customs and courtesy he is sure to be ahead of the game during basic training. He must report to the academy by June 26 and the Civil Air Patrol wishes him the best. 

If anyone is interested in learning more about leadership, aerospace  and other opportunities Civil Air Patrol can offer youth, contact the Heart Mountain Composite Squadron Commander, Lt. Col BJ Carlson at 307-762-3536 or at capcommander@gmail.com. The squadron meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 in the Math and Science building of the Northwest College campus, Room 104.