Towson Squadron Holds June Awards Night

Group II Commander attends Towson Squadron promotion night.

By Capt. Brian Green, Public Affairs Officer, Towson Composite Squadron.

June 3, 2015. Towson, Md. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Towson Composite Squadron welcomed Maryland Wing (MDWG) Group II Commander, Major Donald Ells, to a night of cadet recognition and promotions. Cadets, senior members and parents proudly stood by as five cadets were promoted. The evening began with the squadron’s opening formation which was followed by cadet physical fitness testing and a moral leadership class taught by cadets Robert Blonder and Urvesh Sukhai. New cadets, and teenagers, who are interested in joining the Towson Composite Squadron, joined in the formation alongside cadets with varying levels of experience.

The special evening concluded with an awards ceremony, led by the Towson Composite Squadron Commander, Captain Stacey McManus and assisted by Maj. Ells. Cadets Miya Stephenson and Manny Epstein received the General J.F. Curry award and were promoted to Cadet Airman. Cadet Kyle Spawn received the General Henry “Hap” Arnold award and was promoted to Cadet Airman First Class. Cadets Blonder and Sukhai were awarded the Captain Eddie Rickenbacker award and promoted to Cadet Technical Sergeants. Each cadet was called to report to Maj. Ells and Capt. McManus, who congratulated them on their hard work and achievement. All the cadets received a new set of metal chevrons, which were ceremoniously pinned to their collars, before salutes and hand-shakes were exchanged.

The structured Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is divided into 16 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.

Throughout the evening, cadets expressed excitement and anticipation about the upcoming 2015 Tri-Wing Encampment, scheduled to begin July 3, 2015, at Aberdeen Proving Grounds Army Facility. The mission of the encampment is for cadets to develop leadership skills, investigate the aerospace sciences and related careers and commit to a habit of regular exercise. Encampments also provide cadets opportunities to learn firsthand about military customs, courtesies, drill and helps them build self-esteem and the espirit de corps in their individual squadron units, known as cadet “flights.”

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 to its current location.

The Towson Composite Squadron meets every Wednesday from 7 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. at the MG Harry C. Ruhl Armory, 1035 York Road, Towson, Maryland 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.MD013.org. 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 auxiliary 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 for more information.