Lani Cahill, MAJ, is dedicated to today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. She has lived and worked in Kern County for more than 30 years, a psychology graduate of the University of California, Riverside.

That foundation would prove instrumental in better understanding youth, the focus of her professional endeavors.

Always active in Kern County, Lani remained involved at her children’s schools as a stay-at-home parent for 18 years, with roles helping out at Parks and Recreation programs in addition to substituting for Rosedale. She had already worked locally in people-centered organizations, including Health and Human Services, neighboring counties’ Child Protective Services and Employers’ Training Resource, when a friend who had retired from the Army contacted her to say she could be paid for work similar to what she was already doing as a volunteer.

Lani accepted a support officer position with California Cadet Corps, a civilian entity authorized by the National Guard, in 2018. She was later promoted to brigade advisor, a position she still holds, visiting schools with California Cadet Corps units’ programs to ensure they have everything needed to be successful throughout the Central Valley. With California Cadet Corps, Lani also oversees administrative functions at Camp San Luis Obispo two weekends each month for drill and training weekends for staff and/or cadets.

California Cadet Corps offers its program opportunities to more than 5,000 cadets statewide at participating schools, in grades 4 through 11 and at Porterville Military Academy. Founded in 1911 prior to ROTC, the program is unique to California, a facet of the state’s military history, one of the most significant contributors of trained American personnel in World War II.

Many students’ participation counts as an elective or PE credit.

“We focus on leadership and building the character of the person,” Lani explained. “We only get about 10% of participants going into the military. It’s not necessarily a path for students who see the military in their future but rather, any leadership role, including teachers, civic leaders and outstanding members of their community, wherever life takes them.”

The daughter of a retired Air Force Colonel who served in Vietnam and Korea, Lani did not serve in the military but she did participate in the Air Force Youth program, Civil Air Patrol, beginning in 1987 at age 14, and later in college, Army ROTC.

Students from diverse backgrounds are part of California Cadet Corps, across the income spectrum. 

 “They can access field trips, track days and summer camps, with the option to get scholarships, where they can learn about important professions, like medics, firefighters and lifeguards,” she said.

Student exchanges have recently been established with India, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The program is always looking for community participation; it is staffed by adult volunteers in addition to some paid positions.

Lani and her husband, Shaun, are the parents of two daughters. Ainsley, 21, has been involved with Civil Air Patrol since age 12; she also became a sergeant as an adult member of California Cadet Corps, where she serves as a youth mentor. She studies psychology with an emphasis in animal behavior at the University of Arizona, a two-time intern in the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program. Callie, 18, plays volleyball at Ventura College, where she is a freshman. Shaun has been volunteering with Bakersfield Police Department for more than three decades and is a reserve with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office; he can often be found in that capacity at Lake Ming on the weekends.

Dedicated to serving Kern County and the communities their life and work enriches; the Cahill family is an outstanding example of service.

---

Three questions with Lani Cahill

1. November's Veterans Day observance reminds us of the many ways veterans serve our community. What would you like the public to better understand about the veterans they know? Respect for everyone around you transcends time and generations. We should always stand up, turn to the flag, show that respect to our veterans but especially on a holiday like that. 

At California Cadet Corps, we also partner with veterans organizations. Many of our older veterans need to see the joy of youth. It’s a great opportunity for kids to be with the older generation who have been in our military. So many members of past generation just want their story heard and young people are often interested in hearing war stories, life stories and life advice.

Parents can also ask school administrators to partner with California Cadet Corps. Civil Air Patrol for ages 12 to 21 also meets once a week. Work with administration to run these programs as after-school opportunities or in class. Email lani.cahill@cacadets.org for more information.

2. What should families in the Kern County area know more about in their community? Kern County features a rich history of culture, with a huge community of Basque, Greek and Hispanic communities. I would encourage families to attend food and culture events. Even if you’re not affiliated with those groups, they enlighten people to different cultures.

3. What is your parenting PSA?

Stop and listen to everybody’s children. Be an ear. Listen. They have so much to say.

Fill-in-the-blank questions:

• I'm always laughing at... Animals, the antics of our dogs and cats to get our attention.
• The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is... Drink the coffee my husband brought to me.
• My favorite dessert is… Peanut butter and chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins.
• In my pantry, you will always find… Lots of food, enough to feed an army; ask any one of my friends. I am always ready to make a meal.
• My favorite musical genre is… ‘80s and ‘90s country music.
• So far, my best life advice is… Have a friend group because you always need a network of people to lean on.