Burien, WA – Moritz Wienke, a freshman at Aviation High School, led his squadron’s Civil Air Patrol color guard to a first place finish in the Washington Wing Cadet Color Guard competition. Moritz is the color guard commander. His brother Max, an AHS junior, and two other cadets make up the color guard.

The National Cadet Competition is held annually by the Civil Air Patrol. The state level competition takes place over a day and a half at Camp Murray near Joint Base Lewis McChord. It consists of seven categories: written exam, one-mile run, uniform inspection, standard drill, outdoor practical drill, indoor practical drill and a panel quiz. Under Moritz’ command, the color guard took first place in all seven categories.

The team will represent the state in the Pacific Region competition against top teams from Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada and Oregon. The winner of regional the competition will compete in national competition in June in Dayton, Ohio.

The Wienke brothers post colors at the start of all school assemblies. “We have made this a tradition at AHS for our students who participate in the Civil Air Patrol,” says Principal/CEO Reba Gilman.

“Weeks of hard work and practice training in the rainy, cold weather ultimately paid off,” said Andreas and Pilar Wienke, Max and Moritz’ parents. “We cannot be more proud of their accomplishment.”