Cadet Profile
Robin Kim
Civil Air Patrol Cadet · Varsity Swimmer & Team Captain
- Rank
- Cadet Staff Sergeant
- Unit
- LA Cadet Squadron 138
- School
- Cerritos High School · Grade 11
- Station
- Cerritos, CA
- Objective
- U.S. Service Academy
About
I'm Robin Kim, a junior at Cerritos High School in California. Most of my time outside class goes to two things: Civil Air Patrol and swimming.
In Civil Air Patrol I started as a new cadet and have worked up to Cadet Staff Sergeant, where I now help train and mentor newer cadets. In the pool I swim for the Cerritos varsity team and Cerritos Aquatic Club, and I captain the JV water polo team. Since March 2026 I've also worked as a swim instructor and lifeguard for the City of La Mirada. I'm working toward a U.S. service academy.
Civil Air Patrol
I joined Civil Air Patrol in 2024 as a new cadet with Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138. Since then I've moved up through the cadet program one milestone at a time, and in July 2025 I earned the Wright Brothers Award and was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant. With that promotion I took on responsibility for training, mentoring, and guiding newer cadets.
I also recruited six new cadets to the squadron, which earned my Cadet Recruiter Ribbon with two bronze clasps. As an active cadet I take part in leadership drills, aerospace education, emergency services training, and community service projects.
In May 2026 I received the Red Service Award for two years of service, and I've since completed Achievement 7, the Robert H. Goddard Achievement, with honor credit.
Milestones & Ribbons
- 2026
Robert H. Goddard Achievement Ribbon · Promotion
Completed Milestone 7, with the Silver Star for honor credit. Promoted to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant.
- May 2026
Red Service Award
Two years of service in Civil Air Patrol (May 2024 – May 2026).
- Apr 2026
General Jimmy Doolittle Ribbon · Promotion
Completed Milestone 6. Promoted to Cadet Master Sergeant.
- Oct 2025
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker Ribbon · Promotion
Completed Milestone 5. Promoted to Cadet Technical Sergeant.
- Aug 2025
STEM Badge · Silver Star
Earned the STEM Badge, then added the Silver Star by completing every requirement of the intermediate science, technology, engineering, and math badge.
- Jul 2025
Wright Brothers Award · Promotion
Promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant.
- Jan 2025
Mary Feik Ribbon · Promotion
Completed Milestone 3. Promoted to Cadet Senior Airman.
- Dec 2024
General Hap Arnold Ribbon · Promotion
Completed Milestone 2. Promoted to Cadet Airman First Class.
- Jul 2024
General John F. Curry Ribbon · Promotion
Completed Milestone 1. Promoted to Cadet Airman.
- Jul 2024
Certificate of First Flight
First powered orientation flight.
Athletics
Boys Varsity Swim
Cerritos High School varsity swimmer and Cerritos Aquatic Club member since 2020.
Water Polo · JV Captain 2026
Boys Varsity / JV Water Polo. Appointed JV team captain in 2026 — helping set team tactics and mentor younger players.
Records & Championships
- 605 League JV record holder — 100-Yard Individual Medley, 200-Yard Freestyle Relay, 400-Yard Freestyle Relay
- Cerritos High School JV record holder — 200-Yard Freestyle Relay, 400-Yard Freestyle Relay
- Winter Age Group Championships — qualifier & competitor (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Junior Age Group Championships — qualifier & competitor (2022, 2023, 2024)
Awards
- Most Improved Swimmer — Boys Varsity Swim (2026)
- Athletic Award — Boys Varsity Swim (2026)
- Athletic Award — Boys JV Water Polo (2026) & Boys JV Swim
Work Experience
Swim Instructor & Lifeguard
City of La Mirada — Aquatics
- Teach swimming lessons and keep swimmers safe in the water.
- Work as a lifeguard, keeping the pool area a safe place to swim.
- Completed CPR and the other professional training and certifications the job requires.
Service & Community
Vice President — Swim for Hope
Hope Global Outreach Foundation. Help plan and run community service projects and outreach for low-income local families.
Pacific Airshow — Leadership & Recruitment Volunteer
Came back for a second year, this time on the leadership and recruitment side. Spent the full day helping with recruitment, booth operations, and team activities.
Pacific Airshow Volunteer
Helped with event operations and crowd management for a full-day airshow.
Memorial Day Tribute Volunteer
Supported logistics and tribute ceremonies honoring veterans.
Honors & Awards
Certificate of Congressional Recognition
For outstanding youth leadership and community service through Hope Global Outreach Foundation. Presented by U.S. Rep. Derek Tran, CA-45.
California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition
For leadership in honoring Korean War veterans during the Hope Foundation's Korean War Memorial visit. Presented by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, 67th District.
Gold Level Certificate of Service · Twice
For extraordinary commitment and completing extensive volunteer hours. Hope Global Outreach Foundation. Awarded in May 2025 and again in 2026.
Certificate of Congressional Recognition
For dedication to local community service and civic volunteer contributions. Presented by U.S. Rep. Derek Tran, CA-45.
Certificate of Congressional Recognition
In recognition of leadership as Vice President of Swim for Hope. Presented by U.S. Rep. Young Kim, CA-40.
Training & Development
CAP California Wing Advanced Encampment
A follow-on encampment building on cadet leadership and team operations.
Alumni Ambassadors Youth Leadership Experience
Selected participant in a humanitarian crisis simulation focused on decision-making, problem-solving, and teamwork under pressure.
American Red Cross Leadership Development Camp
Worked on emergency-response leadership, project planning, and disaster preparedness.
CAP Aerospace Education STEM Camp
Completed intensive aerospace and engineering modules.
CAP California Wing Encampment
A week-long encampment covering military drill, discipline, and physical fitness.
Certifications
NRA FIRST Steps Rifle Certification
Firearm safety, safe handling, and marksmanship fundamentals.
School Clubs