Towson CAP Squadron Holds Promotions Night

By Capt Brian Green, CAP

Public Affairs Officer, Towson Composite Squadron

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Towson Composite Squadron celebrated a number of cadet and senior member achievements on March 25, 2015. Cadets, senior members and parents gathered to watch as more than 20 promotions and awards were presented.

The awards ceremony began with recognition of the hard work and determined effort shown by all squadron cadets. Cadet First Lieutenant Kira Stiers received three awards, including the U.S. Air Force Association award, presented to a cadet officer for outstanding achievement in leadership and academics. She also received a Maryland Wing (MDWG) Commander’s achievement award and a certificate of appreciation, from Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Montague, the MDWG Legislative Unit Commander. Stiers received both awards for her participation in CAP’s Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. in February 2015.

Cadets Jessie Beall and Jerry Yang were awarded the Captain Eddie Rickenbacker award and were promoted to Cadet Technical Sergeant. Cadets Grant Vaeth and Robert Blonder received the Wright Brothers award and were promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant. Cadet Greyson Connor received the Mary Feik award and was promoted to the grade of Cadet Senior Airman. Cadet Joseph Houck was presented with the General Henry “Hap” Arnold award and promoted to Cadet Airman First Class. Cadet Ryan Mahan received the General J.F. Curry award, and was promoted to Cadet Airman.

The following cadets, Jesse Scherr, Kyle Spawn, David Trider, Ryan Mahan, Paige Jones, and Greyson Connor, were presented with their First Flight awards, for having completed their first Cadet Orientation Flights in Cessna single engine aircraft. Cadet Senior Airman Urvesh Sukhai was named Towson Composite Squadron Cadet of the Quarter.

The evening also included recognition of Towson Squadron senior members. Senior Member Randolph Houck and Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt.) William Blonder received Membership awards for completing Level One of the CAP Senior Member Professional Development Program. Next, 2nd Lt. Sean Connor, a Towson Squadron Aerospace Education Officer, received the Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education award. Finally, 2nd Lt. Brian Green, MDWG Assistant Legal Officer, was promoted to Captain.

The structured Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is divided into sixteen achievements, involving study and performance in five cadet program areas. Upon completion of each achievement, cadets earn increased responsibility, decorations, awards, eligibility for national and international special activities, and opportunities to apply for both flight and academic scholarships. CAP senior members progress through the Senior Member Professional Development Program, which provides opportunities for senior members to learn specific mission-related skills and prepare for leadership positions. All members have the opportunity to participate in emergency services, search and rescue, and aviation activities.

The Towson Composite Squadron is recognized as one of the oldest continually operating CAP squadrons in the nation, having moved from its original location in Baltimore City in 1961.

The Towson Composite Squadron meets every Wednesday from 7:00 pm until 9:15 pm at the MG Harry C. Ruhl Armory, 1035 York Road, Towson, MD 21204. Prospective cadets, ages 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. Adults seeking mentoring opportunities are invited as well. For more information, email sherry.a.McManus@mdcap.org or visit www.sites.google.com/site/towsoncap/home. You can also follow the squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TowsonCAP.

Nearly 1,600 CAP members serve in Maryland. Last year wing members flew 13 search and rescue missions. The wing was credited with four finds. Maryland Wing flew 32 missions for the State of Maryland. Members flew 2,245 hours in all mission categories. Volunteers contributed services estimated at 4.6 million dollars. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing at www.mdcap.org or follow the wing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandWingCivilAirPatrol.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 58,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. CAP, in its Air Force Auxillary role, performs about 85 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 70 lives annually. Its unpaid professionals also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. Performing missions for America for the past 73 years, CAP received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 in honor of the heroic efforts of its World War II veterans. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S military veterans. Visit www.capvolunteernow.com