California American Legion’s New Assistance Program for STEM Teachers Announced at the Annual “Rocket Fever” Event held at the Columbia Memorial Space Museum

Photo by Tanya Stonesifer

American Legion Aerospace Commission Chairperson Frederick J. Shacklett (Left) delivers news to Civil Air Patrol California Wing Representatives about their new CALTAP Program to Assist California STEM Teachers. This presentation took place on August 8, 2026 in Downey during the Columbia Memorial Space Center’s annual “Rocket Fever“ Event.

Receiving the notification on behalf of the California Wing Deputy Director of External Aerospace Education (CAWG DDAE/E), Capt Amber Bishop, was Lt Col Alex Daunis (2nd from left). Los Angeles County Group 1 Aerospace /STEM Education Officer.

Also present at Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138’s “Rocket Fever” Exhibit for this presentation were Capt Erick Castillo (3rd from Left), Squadron 138 Commander; Lt Col Charles Wiest (4th from Left), Squadron 138 Deputy Commander and Capt Xuhui Li, Squadron 138 Aerospace Education Officer.

As of May 1, 2026, the California American Legion Teacher Assistance Program, “CALTAP,” will reimburse the CAP AEM Membership Fee for any California Teacher who teaches a STEM-oriented curriculum and joins the Civil Air Patrol as an Aerospace Education Member (AEM). With this innovative support from the California American Legion Aerospace Commission, this state’s support for STEM Teachers will be even stronger!!

Legion Aerospace Commissioner Fred Shacklett and CAWG Group 1 Aerospace / STEM Officer, Lt Col Alex Daunis live in Los Angeles and are developing a CALTAP Application Guide. Basically, CALTAP applicants must be an AEM prior to applying for reimbursement. Further Application Details will be made available in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Civil Air Patrol Members should contact Alexander.Daunis@cawgcap.org with any questions or suggestions.

Additional Photo Participant Info (Left to Right):

Frederick J Shacklett, Chairperson of the American Legion Department of California Aerospace Commission; Commander American Legion Post 51, Whittier

Lt Col Alex Daunis, Civil Air Patrol, Los Angeles County Group 1 Aerospace Education /STEM Officer; Disaster Preparedness Officer, Van Nuys Hawker Senior Squadron 128

Capt Erick Castillo, Civil Air Patrol, Commander, Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138

Lt Col Charles Wiest, Civil Air Patrol, Deputy Commander, Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138; Assistant Historian for the California Wing; Fifty Year Member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Capt Xuhui Li, Civil Air Patrol, Aerospace Education Officer, Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138;

Invited but Unable to Attend:

Capt Amber Bishop, CAWG Deputy Director of External Aerospace Education (CAWG DDAE/E) Aerospace Education Officer, Auburn-Starr Composite Squadron 92 (NE of Sacramento)

Maj James Fogel, CAWG Aerospace Education Directorate Chief of Staff (CAWG AE DCHS) Former California Wing Deputy Director of External Aerospace Education (DDAE/E) Aerospace Education Officer. East Bay Cadet Sqdn 18; Hayward CA (San Francisco) Civil Air Patrol Representative to the American Legion Aerospace Commission

For Questions or Suggestions Contact:

Lt Col Alex Daunis
Los Angeles County Group 1 Aerospace /STEM Education Officer
Alexander.Daunis@cawgcap.org | Text: 818-601-9080