Achievers

The Mitchell award honors the late brigadier general, an aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent air force. The award is earned after a cadet completes the first eight achievements of the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program and passes a comprehensive 100-question examination on leadership theory and aerospace topics.

Upon earning the Mitchell award, the cadet is automatically promoted to the grade of cadet second lieutenant. It marks their entry into the cadet officer ranks. About 15 percent of all Civil Air Patrol cadets earn the honor. Those cadets who receive the Mitchell award are also eligible for advanced placement in the grade of E-3 (airman first class) should they choose to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.

The Air Force Association Award is presented to outstanding CAP cadets. State Rep. Leo Berman presented the AFA Award to Cadet Cloud.

Cloud has also earned the Wright Brothers award; his other achievements include graduation from the Advanced Ground Search and Rescue School (GSARS), Hawk Mountain Ranger School and the Texas Wing Flight Academy.

At the conclusion the award ceremony, nine other cadets received promotions for higher rank and one senior member was presented the CAP level 1 achievement. 

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the Air Force, has a three-fold mission: aerospace education of the American people, emergency services and disaster relief for those in distress, and the cadet program.

The cadet program provides an opportunity for Americans ages 12-20 to participate in a structured program of aerospace education, leadership, physical fitness, and moral and ethical values. The training is divided into 16 achievements, which involve study and performance in five major program areas.

Upon completion of each achievement, the cadet earns increased responsibility, decorations, awards, eligibility for national and international special activities and the opportunity for both flight and academic scholarships. Cadets earn a higher grade/rank as they progress through the various achievement levels.

For additional information regarding the CAP or cadet program, contact Lt. Col. Louis Thomas at 903-521-3467 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, he can be reached at 903 592-2426 or online at www.cap.gov.

The event was held Nov. 6 during the squadron meeting at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

Updated Monday, Dec. 3, 2007 at 3:29 p.m. CST