SECOND LIEUTENANT AARON ESTRADA, CAP
Visionary

2d Lt. Aaron Estrada is the Public Affairs and Recruiting Officer at Sonoma County Composite Squadron 157, Civil Air Patrol. He leads efforts in public relations, media outreach, and cadet recruitment, while supporting organizational leadership and cadet orientation flights and emergency services. He is also the chair for the Recruiting, Retention, and Marketing Committee (RRMC) at Squadron 157.

The lieutenant entered the Civil Air Patrol in July 2023 and is currently pursuing dual undergraduate degrees in electrical engineering and applied mathematics at Sonoma State University (SSU). He actively contributes to SSU's Lunar Robotics and Cube Satellite Team, where he collaborates on innovative space technology projects. Additionally, he serves as a Student Ambassador for the Sonoma State University Police Department, fostering positive community relations and promoting campus safety initiatives. Prior to his current position, 2d Lt. Estrada served as the S3 Training & Operations Officer for the Philippine Air Force Citizen's Advancement Training Corps at St. Mary's Academy of Sto. Niño, Meycauayan, Philippines.

Additionally, 2d Lt. Estrada has a background as a Scout leader with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and volunteered with the 102nd Technical Administrative Support Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command during Brigada Eskwela initiatives.

EDUCATION
2020 Introductory Engineering Courses, Glendale Community College, Glendale, CA
2022 Undergraduate Electrical Engineering and Bi-Disciplinary Mathematics, Sonoma State University, CA
2023 General Education, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa, CA
2024 Applied Quantum Computing for Computer Scientist, California State University Chico, CA

ASSIGNMENTS or CAREER CHRONOLOGY

1. June 2018 – March 2019, Cadet Officer Candidate, Cadet Officer Candidate Course (COCC), Philippine Air Force - CAT Corps, SMASN

2. July 2018 – March 2019, Campus Air Police (AP), Philippine Air Force - CAT Corps, SMASN

3. October 2018 – March 2019, Flight Leader, Flight Foxtrot, Philippine Air Force - CAT Corps, SMASN

4. March 2019 – April 2019, S3 Training & Operations Officer, Philippine Air Force - CAT Corps, SMASN

5. September 2022 – June 2023, Student Intern, Sonoma State University Police Department

6. June 2023 – Present, Student Ambassador, Sonoma State University Police Department

7. August 2023 – Present, Assistant Emergency Services Officer, Squadron 157, Civil Air Patrol

8. August 2023 – Present, Squadron Leadership Officer, Squadron 157, Civil Air Patrol

9. January 2024 – Present, Assistant Operations Officer, Squadron 157, Civil Air Patrol

10. January 2024 – Present, Cadet Orientation Flight Coordinator, Squadron 157, Civil Air Patrol

11. January 2024 – Present, Supply Officer, Squadron 157, Civil Air Patrol

12. April 2024 – Present, Public Affairs Officer (Technician Rating), Squadron 157, Civil Air Patrol

13. June 2024 – July 2024, Assistant Training Officer, Alpha Flight, 160th Cadet Training Squadron, California Wing Encampment, Camp Roberts, CA

13. December 2024 – January 2025, Training Officer, Zulu Flight, Advanced Training Squadron, Winter Raptor Encampment, Camp Rilea, OR

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Lt. Col. David J. Reber Emergency Services Officer of the Year Award. 

Civil Air Patrol Achievement Medal (three awards)

Community Service Ribbon

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

Distinguished Service Commendation, Sonoma State University Police Department

2025-26 Face of SSU

ES QUALIFICATIONS

1. Air Operations Branch Director Trainee

2. Aircrew Mission Scanner 

3. Aircrew Mission Observer

4. Mission Staff Assistant

5. Urban Direction Finder 

(Current as of January 2025)