The closely formed team, from Magic City Composite Squadron, proved its skills against the best teams from the region in multiple events, including military discipline, physical fitness, public speaking and academics. This competition marked the first time all seven states gathered with at least one team, according to a Civil Air Patrol news release.

Arrival and opening events took place Friday night, testing each team’s performance in the mile run, followed by an early morning the next day.

“Judges were very impressed with how well [the North Dakota team] communicated,” said adult team coach Capt. Nichole McLaughlin in the release. Team members grew to know their tasks and each other well over the past four months as they practiced an average of four hours per week. The team could not have accomplished the training required to properly represent the state without the service hours provided by nearly one-dozen CAP volunteers, guided by McLaughlin.

The discipline and skills learned have allowed the team to present the American and state flags at community events, such as the Air Force Association banquet last month.

Submitted Photo Cadet Master Sgt. Ezekial Hoverson, Cadet Master Sgt. Kohen Merkel and Cadet Staff Sgt. Isaac Sager use the resources provided to solve a prescribed task at regional competition in Salina, Kan. Saturday. Civil Air Patrol photo by Capt. Nichole McLaughlin.

CAP can be joined at age 12 as cadets; adults can volunteer at any age. More information can be found at gocivilairpatrol.com/join.