28 September 2008
TYLER, Texas - On 15 July, the Tyler Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol hosted a General Billy Mitchell Award ceremony for four squadron cadets, an event attended by family, friends fellow cadets and squadron members. In recognition of having completed the first eight of sixteen achievements of the Cadet program, the cadets, Russell Elliott, Isaac Niedrauer, Josiah Niedrauer and John Shanahan, were presented the award and promoted to the grade of Cadet Second Lieutenant. To earn the award, the Cadets had to pass an arduous 100-question examination, testing leadership theory and aerospace topics.

Since its inception over 30 years ago, over 42,000 cadets have earned this honor. The General Billy Mitchell Award, in existence since 1964, honors the late Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for America. 

The Texas Wing Chaplain, Maj Ron Whitt, pronounced the invocation.

Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Lou Thomas welcomed Squadron members, family and guests. Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander of Group III, Texas Wing, spoke to the cadets about the Core Values of Integrity, Excellence in all we do, and Service before self.

Thereupon, Lt Col Thomas and Lt Col Younger presented State Representative Leo Berman with a Legislative Squadron Membership Certificate, welcoming him to Texas Wing as a Lt Col of the Civil Air Patrol. Representative Berman, a retired U.S. Army Lt Col, assisted by the cadet's parents, "pinned" the new grade insignia and presented the Mitchell Awards to each cadet.

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet program is divided into 16 segments called achievements, involving study and performance in the program areas. Upon completion of each achievement, the cadet earns increased responsibility, decorations, awards, eligibility  for national and international special activities, and opportunities for both flight and academic scholarships, as well as opportunities to earn a higher rank. Meeting a physical fitness standard is also a requirement for promotion.

The four Mitchell recipients



 

Mitchell recipients stand with Group Commander Lt Col Owen Younger and Representative Leo Berman)


 

C/1st Lt James Schulgen and C/SMSgt Jesse Carr stand with Mitchell awardees


 

Article by Lt Col H "Butch" Ragland and photos submitted by TFO Elisabeth Niedrauer