Change of Cadet Command at Carroll Squadron.

July 2016. Westminster, MD. Cadet 1st Lt. Caleb Scanlan accepted the Carroll Squadron’s guidon from outgoing commander, cadet Lt. Col. Aaron Scanlan on 12 July 2016. The time-honored tradition of a formal change-of-command was executed between two brothers who have proven through exemplary service their commitment to the Civil Air Patrol Core Values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect. The squadron commander, 1st Lt Raoul Budge and the designated flag bearer, C/CMSgt. Jonah Scanlan, completed the ceremonial assembly. Onlookers included special guests Colonel John Knowles, Middle East Region Commander, Major Don Ells, Group II Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Jarosinski, Group II Deputy Commander, other Maryland Wing, Carroll squadron and family members, and friends.

Newly appointed cadet commander, cadet 1st Lt. Caleb Scanlan, was awarded the General Billy Mitchel Achievement in April 2016. Upon accepting his new command position, he commented, “I am honored to serve and enthusiastic to take on this leadership role. I believe Carroll squadron cadets are some of the finest in the Wing and together, we will continue to pursue excellence in all that we do.”

Since joining CAP in May 2012, Scanlan has taken advantage of many learning opportunities and held positions of cadet deputy commander, tango flight commander and first sergeant. He served as a member of the 2015 Tri Wing Encampment staff cadre as a flight sergeant and was a member of the 2016 encampment Standards and Evaluation team. Enhancing his ability to lead, Scanlan participated in the 2016 National Blue Beret program in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and as a flight commander for the Maryland Wing Group II Preparatory Academy and as a squadron commander for the Group III Airman Leadership School.

When asked about his CAP journey Scanlan said, “Initially, I joined CAP with a group of friends who wanted to be a part of an organization that challenged us to learn new things. In the four years since I joined the Carroll Squadron, I have come to realize there is so much more to CAP than just an organization. The learning opportunities, the friendships, the experiences are great. By participating in many community services activities, I have met new people and been able to do things for my community. Through experiences such as being a member of the squadron’s Cyperpatriot team and the color guard that carried our nation’s flag at the Westminster Memorial Day parades I have gained a sense of commitment and assurance that my life is one of service. When I joined I did not know just how much being part of CAP would enhance my educational goals and help lay the ground work for a future military career as a combat control officer.”

The Carroll Composite Squadron meets at 6:45 p.m. every Tuesday evening at the Hilltop Assembly of God Church Hall at 30 North Cranberry Road in Westminster, Maryland. Prospective cadets, ages 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. Adults seeking mentoring opportunities are invited as well. For more information, email carrollcomposite@yahoo.com or visit www.carrollcap.org. You can also follow the squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capcarrollcomposite.

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.marylandwingcivilairpatrol.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandWingCivilAirPatrol and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWGCAP.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force, which consists of regular Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, along with Air Force retired military and civilian employees. CAP, in its Total Force role, operates a fleet of 550 aircraft and performs about 90 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 78 lives annually. Civil Air Patrol’s 56,000 members nationwide also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Its members additionally play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet program. Performing missions for America for the past 75 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.

Article by: Capt Alice Raatjes, Public Affairs Officer, Group II, Maryland Wing with contribution from 2nd Lt. Carol Scanlan, Public Affairs Officer, Carroll Composite Squadron. Photo credit, cadet CMSgt. Jonah Scanlan, Hannah Yerger and 2016 National Blue Beret Public Affairs staff.

Image Descriptions:

Photo 1 -- Change of Command - Cadet 1st Lt. Caleb Scanlan salutes 1stLt. Raoul Budge, Carroll squadron commander, as he accepts the position as the squadron’s cadet commander. Also pictured, cadet Lt. Col. Aaron Scanlan (outgoing c/commander), cadet CMSgt. Jonah Scanlan (holding guidon) and cadet 2nd Lt. Landon Thorpe, cadet flight commander.

Photo 3 - National CAP Commander, Maj Gen Joseph R. Vazquez, presents cadet 1st Lt Caleb Scanlan a ‘blue beret’ in recognition for his participation in the 2016 National Blue Beret Activity.