Col. Rodney F. Moody Scholarship Provides A Unique Leadership Opportunity to Promising Cadet

Civic Leadership Academy Cadets at the Lincoln Memorial

The goal of Civic Leadership Academy is to foster cadet officers’ civic growth by increasing their leadership skills, sense of civic responsibility, and overall interest in the democratic process. Cadets interested in politics and careers in public service, CAP’s Civic Leadership Academy, an exciting 1-week program in Washington, DC, is for you. Cadets participate in behind-the scenes tours and briefings at the Capitol, Supreme Court, State Department, Pentagon, CIA, Arlington National Cemetery, and more. This is not your average field trip to Washington. CLA is an academically focused activity that includes seminars, readings, and group projects. The week culminates with Legislative Day, when cadets meet with their elected leaders on Capitol Hill.

C/Lt Col Nathaniel Whetsell receives the Colonel Rodney F. Moody Memorial Civil Air Patrol Scholarship. Left to right: Senator Shelley Moore Capito, C/Lt Col Nathaniel Whetsell, and Colonel Connie Moody, WV Wing Commander

"Throughout the Civic Leadership Academy, I met and worked with 19 other extraordinary cadets from all over the country. We were able to see and experience things that the majority of our peers will never be able to in their lifetimes, much less before the age of 21. We had lunch with high-ranking officers of the armed forces in the Pentagon, walked the halls of the CIA, participated in a diplomatic training scenario that was evaluated by experienced Department of State employees, and were allowed access too many areas that aren’t open to the general public. I even had the honor to place a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. This experience is something that I will remember for the rest of my life and I am so glad I decided to attend this training.

I would also like to thank  Beckley Area Foundation and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for providing me with the Colonel Rodney F. Moody Memorial CAP Scholarship, which allowed me to attend this activity without a significant financial burden. I am extremely grateful for their financial support, which provided me with this unique opportunity to expand my education and training in civic leadership."
— Nathaniel Whetsell’| Col. Rodney F. Moody Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Beginning of the Wreath Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier C/Lt Col Nathaniel Whetsell on Left

Connie Moody, wife of Rodney, along with family and friends, created this permanent memorial for a beloved family man and distinguished community servant. At the age of 54, he died in 2009 after fighting a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol – United States Auxiliary, reaching the rank of Colonel; he served as the National Controller (2005-2008) and the WV Wing Commander (2001-2005). He was an avid supporter of the Cadet Program and initiated the cadet leadership course conducted annually at the Mine Health & Safety Academy. Income from this fund will be used to provide scholarships for eligible cadets of the WV Wing to attend a CAP leadership training activity.

Support the Col. Rodney F. Moody Memorial Scholarship Fund