Cadet Squadron Recognized For Distinguished Service

Alexandria, Virginia -- At an awards ceremony on Wednesday, 22 January 2020, the Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron of the National Capital Wing, Civil Air Patrol was recognized for exceptionally meritorious service during the period of 30 September 2015 to 26 September 2018 in the execution of Cadet Programs. During this period the members of Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron demonstrated exceptional strength in instituting and executing all facets of the Cadet Program, winning multiple awards and honors during the period.

Additionally, the squadron was presented with the 2019 Quality Cadet Unit Award, its sixth consecutive award. Any cadet unit that displays strong program fundamentals can earn the Quality Cadet Unit Award. This award motivates squadrons to pursue goals that will inevitably lead to their having a vibrant Cadet Program. The award is purely objective. Cadet and composite squadrons who meet 7 of the 10 challenging criteria are eligible for the award.

Colonel Janon D. Ellis, Commander, National Capital Wing presented the awards to 1st Lieutenant Justin M. Strait, Commander, Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron during the squadron's annual awards ceremony at T.C. Williams High School.

The following individual awards were also presented:

• Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron Cadet of the Year - C/Capt Haseeb Khan
• Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron Cadet NCO of the Year - C/CMSgt (now C/2d Lt) Olin Peterson
• Air Force Sergeants Association Squadron Cadet of the Year - C/SSgt Savannah Lindig
• Air Force Association Squadron Cadet of the Year - C/SrA Zachary Lane
• VFW Cadet NCO Award - C/CMSgt (now C/2d Lt) Olin Peterson
• VFW Cadet Officer Award - C/Capt Haseeb Khan
• Billy Mitchell Award - C/2d Lt Olin Peterson
• Wright Brothers Award - C/SSgt Dominic Evanina
• Curry Achievement - C/Amn Isabella Barroso
• Red Service Ribbon - C/MSgt Anouar Eltobgi
• CyberPatriot XII Competition State Round Tier Award, 2nd Place, All Services Division, Virginia - C/SSgt Savannah Lindig & Cadet Noah Bright
• Model Rocketry Badge - C/2d Lt Olin Peterson

The Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron serves the City of Alexandria and conducts aerospace education programs, ground and airborne emergency services support, and leadership and character development programs for young people, and is currently recruiting new cadet members from 12-17, and adults from 18 years of age and over, no experience required. The squadron currently meets every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302. For more information visit dc060.natcapwing.org. You can also follow the squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DC060 or follow @CAP_DC060 on Instagram.

Established December 1, 1941, Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force's Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, 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 80 lives annually. CAP's 63,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. In addition, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to over 26,000 young people participating in CAP's Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com or www.CAP.news for more information.