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Gastonia Composite Squadron Awards Night

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Cadets perform opening formation. Photo credit: Sue Beutler (click image to view full size)
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Gastonia Mayor Presents Milestone Awards

5/4/2015–– The Gastonia Composite Squadron was pleased to set aside its regular weekly meeting for an awards ceremony. Gastonia Mayor John Bridgeman attended to present First Flight certificates and Wright Brothers awards. 

Cadets, Senior Members and families gathered on the tarmac to recognize the accomplishments of twelve cadets. Mayor Bridgeman spoke to the group and expressed admiration for the accomplishments of all the Cadets and encouraged them to continue working toward their goals.  He also spoke of the importance of training leaders for the future of our community.

First Flight certificates were presented to Cadet Robin Lightsey, Cadet Amber Lightsey, C/Amn Jacob Smith, Cadet Bowen Zhang, Cadet James Bianucci, Cadet Danje Walker, C/Amn Bryce Houston, Cadet Allen Rogers, C/TSgt Ben Lakey, C/SSgt Michael Mullis, C/SMSgt Thomas Beutler and C/SrA Josh Masters. Four Cadets were also presented with Civil Air Patrol’s Wright Brothers Award for successful completion of Phase One of the Cadet Program.  Those Cadets were C/TSgt Ben Lakey, C/SSgt Michael Mullis, C/SMSgt Thomas Beutler and C/SrA Josh Masters.   Cadet Josh Masters was also pinned with a promotion to Staff Sergeant. Cadet Steven Moore was promoted to Cadet Major. A social hour followed the presentation then Cadets practiced drilling skills as a full moon rose over the runway.

The Squadron Commander and Senior Members look forward to many more such events as the Cadets continue their success in Civil Air Patrol.