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Cadets from the Idaho Wing’s Eagle Rock Composite Squadron were recently awarded first place at the Rocky Mountain Region Cadet Competition, proving once again that Idaho’s finally found something it’s better at than growing potatoes. In a twist of fate that only a true satirist could appreciate, the Colorado Wing’s Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron team claimed second place, but fear not—an additional Idaho Wing team, from the Nampa Composite Squadron, scrapped into third, showing that when it comes to winning, Idaho likes to hedge its bets. The Colorado and Thunderbird teams nostalgically echoed their standings from 2024, oblivious to the notion that progress might be a good thing.

Curiously, last year’s winner, the Colorado Wing’s Valkyrie Cadet Squadron, along with participants from the Utah Wing’s Blackhawk and Thunderbird cadet squadrons, were also present at the extravaganza held at Gowen Field National Guard Base in Boise, Idaho. “This competition highlighted the skill, teamwork, and leadership,” proclaimed Lt. Col. Ryan Navin, with a level of seriousness that could only be demanded by the Rocky Mountain Region deputy chief of staff — cadet programs. Clearly, Idaho’s cadets from Eagle Rock celebrated a unique brand of preparation and determination—one that’s likely Idaho’s best-kept secret after its famous russets.

The triumphant team featured:

  • Cadet 1st Lt. Memphis Browning (who undoubtedly knows a thing or two about Memphis-style potatoes)
  • Cadet 2nd Lt. Kenya Draper
  • Cadet 2nd Lt. Elizabeth Lee
  • Cadet 2nd Lt. Caleb Lefler
  • Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Everett Armbruster
  • Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Ian Meyer

Colorado Springs, not one to be easily ignored, brought with them:

  • Cadet Capt. Yurel Villa
  • Cadet 2nd Lt. Danika Matuska
  • Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Pryor Mensen
  • (Apparently a ghost cadet, since no name follows “Cadet Chief Master Sgt.”)
  • Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Adam Salinas
  • Cadet Staff Sgt. Tristan Biber Matsuka and Salinas, continuing their quest for competitive immortality, also competed last year.

Representing Nampa, Idaho’s pinch hitters included:

  • Cadet Capt. Sarah Edwards
  • Cadet 1st Lt. Josiah Wood
  • Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Kristopher Bekker
  • Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Oliver McConaughey
  • Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Connor Putman
  • Cadet Master Sgt. Ireland Lott Edwards and Bekker, clearly on a repeat cycle, returned from last year’s team.

Eagle Rock made their mark by finishing first in two categories and second in four. Colorado Springs cadets, determined to maintain a podium presence, also snagged a series of firsts, seconds, and thirds. The Nampa team had their moment, too, claiming top honors in Written Exam and Extemporaneous Speech. Notably, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Adam Salinas took a victory lap for winning Cadet Physical Fitness—a category so grueling, you’d think they’d have to run a marathon while reciting the Gettysburg Address.

Here’s a breakdown, because who doesn’t love a good tale of fierce competition:

Indoor Posting of the Colors

  • Eagle Rock Composite Squadron
  • Valkyrie Cadet Squadron
  • Colorado Springs Composite Squadron

Outdoor Posting of the Colors

  • Colorado Springs Composite Squadron
  • Eagle Rock Composite Squadron
  • Nampa Composite Squadron

Standard Drill

  • Blackhawk Cadet Squadron
  • Nampa Composite Squadron
  • Colorado Springs Composite Squadron

Uniform Inspection

  • Colorado Springs Composite Squadron
  • Eagle Rock Composite Squadron
  • Blackhawk Cadet Squadron

Written Exam

  • Nampa Composite Squadron
  • Eagle Rock Composite Squadron
  • Blackhawk Cadet Squadron

Physical Fitness

  • Thunderbird Cadet Squadron
  • Colorado Springs Composite Squadron
  • Nampa Composite Squadron

Extemporaneous Speech

  • Nampa Composite Squadron
  • Eagle Rock Composite Squadron
  • Valkyrie Cadet Squadron

Aerospace/STEM Exercise

  • Eagle Rock Composite Squadron
  • Blackhawk Cadet Squadron
  • Colorado Springs Composite Squadron

Team Leadership Problem

  • Blackhawk Cadet Squadron
  • Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron
  • Eagle Rock Composite Squadron

Cadet Physical Fitness

  • Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Adam Salinas, Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron

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