Youngstown Composite Squadron receives prestigious awards

Staff report

VIENNA

The Youngstown Air Reserve Station Composite Squadron received two highly respected awards last year for its performance in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.

The Civil Air Patrol, otherwise known as the United States Air Force Auxiliary, provides volunteer service-based opportunity for people to get hands-on experience in aerospace, emergency services, and leadership training, according to a CAP press release.

In October, the patrol’s Ohio Wing’s Commander came to the area to present the Squadron of Merit award.

This award recognizes the state’s top Civil Air Patrol squadron for accomplishments within the cadet program, including growth, promotions, attendance and activity participation. This is the sixth time the squadron has earned this annual award, according to the release.

Also last year, the squadron was named as a Quality Cadet Unit. The unit was judged according to the amount of first-year and cadet officer achievements, orientation flights, encampment attendance, aerospace achievements, membership growth and retention and adult leadership.

The squadron tied for first place in terms of criteria met with three other squadrons around the nation, according to the release.

The team of 77 youths (cadets) and 30 adults (senior members) makes up the Youngstown ARS Composite Squadron. For the last two years, the squadron represented Ohio in the National Cadet Competition with the drill team placing fifth in the nation.

The CAP Cadet Program is open to youths between age 12 and 18. Adults 18 and older may join as senior members and volunteer in many areas, including mentoring cadets or flying search-and-rescue missions.

Weekly meetings are Monday nights at the air reserve station, 1453 Youngstown-Kingsville Road. There is no commitment to join the military, and aviation experience is not necessary.

The next meeting to learn about CAP membership will be an informational night at the reserve station today.

Visit the local unit’s website at www.youngstowncap.org for details on how to sign up.

Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization with more than 60,000 members nationwide. The patrol has been performing missions for America for 69 years. For more information, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.