Herndon Civil Air Patrol earns 2021 Quality Cadet Unit Award

The QCUA recognizes units that have vibrant cadet programs. Units must meet or exceed challenging objective criteria to qualify for the award. This year’s award, which covered a time frame of one year from August 2020 to August 2021, was earned by meeting a minimum of six criteria out of ten. Some examples included maintaining a minimum number of cadets on the roster, ensuring that new cadets that joined promoted and earned their first achievement in eight weeks, and that a certain number of cadets had met their first milestone award, transitioning from cadet airman to noncommissioned officer.

Criteria also focused on activities including that a certain number of cadets had completed their first orientation flight (cadets that join can take advantage of 5 powered and 5 non-powered flights for free), a certain number of cadets had completed encampment (week-long cadet leadership camp), and that the unit had participated in an external aerospace education or leadership activity.

The William P. Knight Squadron’s Commander, 1st Lieutenant Les Flores, commented, “We are proud of our achievement. It shows that we are on the right path in developing our youth into tomorrow’s Aerospace Leaders. The hard work and dedication of the squadron, from both our adult leaders and our cadets, are evident in earning this award. Congratulations to all!“

Virginia Wing’s Commander, Col. Liz Sydow, commented, “Earning this award demonstrates that a unit is healthy and thriving. This past year was particularly challenging because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to membership growth across the state into the next year as we continue to safely have in-person activities again, shaping our nation’s future leaders.”