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Another Group IV Cadet Earns USAFA Appointment

Cadet Cathey receives Award
C/CMSgt Lelyand Cathey (right) accepts an award form Lt Col Paul Steele. PHOTO CREDIT: Maj Sherry Haskell, CAP, PAO, Group IV (click image to view full size)
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Second Group IV cadet headed for the Air Force Academy

By Maj Sherry Haskell
Group IV Public Affairs Officer

7/18/2016–CHARLOTTE, NC–C/CMSgt Lelyand Cathey of the 111th Search and Rescue Composite Squadron, located in Charlotte, NC, has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy for the class of 2021. His appointment does not come as a surprise, as C/CMSgt Cathey has excelled in Civil Air Patrol since he joined in April 2014, as well as in his many activities outside of Civil Air Patrol.

Like many Civil Air Patrol cadets, C/CMSgt Cathey was homeschooled. A member of the Episcopal Church, he spent countless hours volunteering his time as a counselor for Vacation Bible School and the Episcopal Outreach Camp, working with disabled children and adults through H. U. G. S. and serving the homeless through Room in the Inn. He was also a member of the Choir School at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. C/CMSgt Cathey has participated in a variety of Robotics and Engineering clubs and leadership organizations such as the Assistance League of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Teen Court and the Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
 
During his two years in Civil Air Patrol, C/CMSgt Cathey  has had numerous accomplishments and successes.  He was awarded the Daughters of the American Revolution Outstanding Cadet Medal, earned Honor Flight Staff at the 2015 South Carolina Encampment and proudly accepted a plaque for being the North Carolina Wing NCO of the Year for 2015. When asked how Civil Air Patrol has impacted him, C/CMSgt Cathey stated, "I've always wanted to serve in the Air Force, but CAP opened my eyes to the opportunities and capacities I could serve in. Up until I joined, all I had ever considered was enlisting, and not even what I could do in the service." Cadet Cathey will undoubtedly continue to be successful as he transitions from CAP to the Academy and a new phase in his life.