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Iredell Composite Squadron attends Archangel Commencement Ceremony

Cadets with Mr. Carlos Gates
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Cadets with Mr. Carlos Gates. Photo credit: 1Lt Roger Ayscue, DCC MER-NC-162 (click image to view full size)
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By C/MSgt Jeb Stuart Ayscue
Assistant PAO, Iredell Composite Squadron

6/1/2015–Mooresville, NC–Cadets and Seniors from the Iredell Composite Squadron were on hand at the christening of the IOMAX ARCHANGEL aircraft at the IOMAX production facility at the Mooresville Airpark. The ARCHANGEL is a Close Air Support aircraft currently being used in combat operations on several fronts against ISIS terrorists. Production of the ARCHANGEL is now located at the Mooresville facility with today’s celebration marking the completion of the first aircraft in Mooresville. IOMAX had been producing the aircraft in another location prior to moving to

Mooresville. Wednesday, 3 June, the first Mooresville produced ARCHANGEL will depart for the International Air Show in Paris, France. This aircraft shows the level of skill that Iredell County craftsmen have in manufacturing this beautiful and powerful piece of engineering.
 
Mr. Ron Howard, CEO of IOMAX, extended the invitation to Senior Member Brett Marr, the Leadership Officer of the SAR Devil Squadron. Cadets and Seniors were given a guided tour by both Mr. Howard and Mr. Carlos Gates, IOMAX’s Director of Maintenance, himself a retired Army officer and CAP Parent. Mr. Gates’ son, a former CAP Cadet is now a Cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Mr. Gates credits the Civil Air Patrol with playing a major role in preparing his son for West Point. Each CAP member was presented an ARCHANGEL Challenge Coin.
 
After remarks from Former Member of the House of Representatives Sue Myrick, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, and Mr. Howard, the Cadets had the privilege of meeting and speaking with both Governor McCrory and Mrs. Myrick. Gov McCrory shook hands and spoke with each member of the Civil Air Patrol in attendance. There was also an opportunity to meet and speak with local governmental officials, who pledged support for the Squadron and its
mission. Iredell County Commission Chairman and Friend of the SAR Devil Squadron, Major General (Retired) James Mallory and Sheriff Darren Campbell promised to maintain the ties between Iredell County and the Squadron.
 
We would like to thank Senior Member Brett Marr for making this possible for the Squadron and giving us the opportunity to give the Civil Air Patrol more exposure in the community. We had a fine showing of Cadets, Seniors, and Parents. This activity is a great start to what the SAR Devils know will be an eventful and fun summer.
 
Assistance with this release provided by 1Lt Roger Ayscue, DCC MER¬NC¬162