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Brendan Kappel

595

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Brendan, and I hail from San Diego, California. I am currently a freshman at Texas A&M University located in College Station, Texas. I am a member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, which is a military institution. Additionally, I participate in the Texas A&M Fish (freshmen) Drill Team color guard. We are scheduled to compete in February 2026 at a national drill team competition in New Orleans, Louisiana. Furthermore, I am presently a police cadet at the El Cajon Police Department, where I have accumulated over 500 hours of volunteering. I am diligently studying, and during my first semester, I achieved a GPA of 3.5. My goal is to complete the US Air Force ROTC program and graduate from Texas A&M, with the ultimate aspiration of becoming a US Air Force officer.

Education

Texas A & M University-System Office

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • History
  • Minors:
    • Military Applied Sciences

Grossmont High

High School
2021 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • 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 – Present5 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