EL DORADO COUNTY- A Union Mine High School senior and Civil Air Patrol cadet has earned appointments to four U.S. military academies, a prestigious accomplishment that places him among the nation’s top young leaders.
Cadet Maj. Brock Buak, a member of the California Wing’s Eugene L. Carnahan Cadet Squadron 85 in Placerville, has received offers to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. In addition, he was awarded a full Army ROTC scholarship should he choose to pursue that path instead.
Buak, who serves as the executive officer of the California Cadet Corps and is a former cadet commander of the Carnahan squadron, joined Civil Air Patrol in February 2022. Since then, he has balanced his commitment to community service, academics, and athletics while preparing for a future in military service.
At Union Mine High School, Buak is a multi-sport athlete, competing in football, baseball, and wrestling. His academic excellence has earned him recognition as a 2024 National Wrestling Coaches Association High School Scholar All-American. He has also demonstrated leadership as president of the school’s National Honor Society and as a two-term president of the Key Club.
By the end of his junior year, Buak had already completed two associate degrees from Sierra College in Rocklin, further showcasing his dedication to academic achievement.
Outside of school and Civil Air Patrol, Buak works on his family’s farm in Shingle Springs, where he raises pigs, sheep, chickens, and rabbits. His experiences in agriculture, combined with his military training, have helped him develop a strong work ethic and leadership skills.
Buak is currently weighing his options and plans to make his final decision by April. His career goal is to serve as a military officer specializing in either civil engineering or military intelligence.
The Carnahan squadron, founded in 1980, has a strong tradition of producing cadets who go on to receive military academy appointments. Recent alumni include former cadet Meth Ranaweera, who began attending The Citadel in 2023, and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Lucas Roth, who joined the Air Force Academy last year.
Buak’s achievements highlight the opportunities available through Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that trains youth in community service, aerospace education, leadership, emergency services, and military customs and courtesies.
For now, the El Dorado County cadet has a difficult choice ahead—one that will shape his future in military service and beyond.
