user profile avatar

Brendan Kappel

575

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Brendan, and I’m from San Diego, CA. For the last four years, I’ve taken on leadership positions as Executive Officer and Platoon Officer in my U.S. Navy JROTC unit at Grossmont High School. I played a key role in helping my team qualify for the regional drill team championship, led the physical fitness team, achieved 1st and 2nd place in a regional aerial drone competition, coached the academic team, and organized our involvement in local parades. In 2023, I was proud to be recognized as Cadet of the Month. I have also volunteered over 400 hours at the El Cajon Police Department and with my local Sunday school program at church. During the summer of my junior year, I was chosen as a state delegate for the American Legion California Boys and Girls Club, where I gained insights into American government and politics, started political parties, conducted elections, and established local governments. I’m excited to have been accepted into the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University for the fall of 2025, where I plan to study political science. My ambition is to complete the US Air Force ROTC program and graduate from college, ultimately aiming to become a US Air Force officer.

Education

Grossmont High

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Criminology
    • History
    • Political Science and Government
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Military

    • Dream career goals:

    • Soccer Referee

      San Diego County Referee Association
      2021 – Present4 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Club
    2021 – 20243 years

    Awards

    • Captain

    Arts

    • Photography Classes

      Photography
      2024 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      U.S Navy JROTC Grossmont High School — Executive Officer
      2021 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Journey Community Church — Sunday School Aide
      2022 – 2024
    • Public Service (Politics)

      American Legion California Boys and Girls State — City Attorney
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my future as a college student. Being close to the military has really fueled my interest in aviation. Growing up in a community surrounded by military presence, I've had the chance to see incredible military aircraft up close as they soar through the sky. Witnessing these amazing feats of engineering has shaped my dream of not only becoming a military officer but also a military pilot. Coming from a military family, I've met many inspiring individuals who have served, and their stories motivate me to pursue my own ambitions and strive to be the best I can be. Overall, my military family’s background has significantly impacted my future aspirations. I plan on attending a 4 -year university out of state, completing Air Force ROTC and commissioning to become a pilot in the United States Air Force.
    Patriots Path Scholarship
    Winner
    Growing up in a military family has shaped my life significantly, making me very accustomed to military culture and lifestyle. My family has a rich history of military service; my dad has dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, my grandfather was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, and two of my great grandfathers served in the Navy during World War II. This background has fueled my ambition to carry on my family's tradition of service, and I am determined to become an officer in the military. One of the advantages of being part of a military family is that I have a clear understanding of both the benefits and challenges of military life. I've seen firsthand what it means to serve this country, not just as a service member but also as the child of one. This experience gives me confidence in my choice to pursue a military career because I feel prepared for what lies ahead. Being in a military family is like walking a tightrope. There are times when the job takes precedence, and other times when family needs to be the main focus. Ultimately, when someone enlists in the military, their whole family is in it together. Service members, their spouses, and kids all recognize that this lifestyle brings its own set of challenges and tough times. However, by supporting each other as a family, the service member can honor their commitment to protect their country and its citizens. The most valuable lesson I've learned from my military upbringing is that joining the military is a lifelong commitment. Even after leaving, the experiences and benefits you gain will remain with you forever. I've also realized that having initiative is crucial in the military. To truly succeed, you need to take charge of your own path. Whether it's aiming for a specific position, seeking a qualification, or working towards a promotion, it's up to you to make it happen. I've embraced this mindset and applied it to my current school life and my future as a college student. Being close to the military has really fueled my interest in aviation. Growing up in a community surrounded by military presence, I've had the chance to see incredible military aircraft up close as they soar through the sky. Witnessing these amazing feats of engineering has shaped my dream of not only becoming a military officer but also a military pilot. Coming from a military family, I've met many inspiring individuals who have served, and their stories motivate me to pursue my own ambitions and strive to be the best I can be. Overall, my military family’s background has significantly impacted my future aspirations. During the summer following my sophomore year, I enrolled in the El Cajon, Ca police teen academy. I was eager to engage in defensive tactics, tour the sheriff's helicopter base, analyze a crime scene, accompany an officer on patrol, perform building searches and high-risk vehicle stops, and observe demonstrations by both SWAT and K9 units. My passion for law enforcement was sparked at the conclusion of this academy, leading me to take the initiative to volunteer as a police cadet. During my time as a El Cajon, CA police cadet for the past 2 years, I gained invaluable experience by accompanying police officers on ride-a longs. This experience greatly enhanced my understanding of police work and has better equipped me for a service to my country.
    Brendan Kappel Student Profile | Bold.org