Abraham Louisiana

he wryly notes his long career has been at the service of
two political dynasties, Bush and Clinton — is the
interesting, meaningful work.
“It’s very stimulating,” Staples said. While foreign
policy is filled with long-standing issues, he said, “At
least three to four times a month something new comes
up, and you are challenged to come up with some
answers. You can have tremendous responsibility,
especially in times of crisis.”
That provides the sort of rush that Staples sees as
motivating “CAP-types.” Moreover, he senses a shifting
focus for career paths from the 1990s, when money was
the motivator. “Serving your country through the
military or public service,” he said, “is one of the most
noble things you can do.”
At the CIA
During their week in the nation’s capital, CLA cadets
also had the opportunity to walk the halls of the CIA,
thanks to arrangements made by Sharon Storey, a CIA
recruiter and also a CAP lieutenant colonel assigned to
National Headquarters.
Being a recruiter, Storey explained, is the key that
allows her to bring the CAP cadets into the CIA
compound, which has stringent requirements for
visitors. “As a recruiter,” she said, “I am always looking
for individuals who might be interested in pursuing a
career in the intelligence community and CIA
specifically. This is a great opportunity for us to
showcase our organization as well as dispel some of the
myths about what we do.”
Photos by Capt. Brenda Reed, Maryland Wing
Following a suggestion from an earlier CLA graduate, the cadets stop at
Arlington National Cemetery, where they place a wreath at the Tomb of the
Unknowns and honor all who died in service to America with their salutes.
Citizens Serving Communities...Above and Beyond
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