MAR-MD-879
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Squadron history


Granite Cadet Squadron (MAR-MD-879) was officially chartered on February 27, 2020, as a unit of the Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol within the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Charter certificate

The squadron began as an idea discussed at a Maryland Wing open house for Maryland homeschool families in the spring of 2019.  Interested families and several Maryland Wing members with homeschooling experience worked together to bring the idea of a weekday unit dedicated to meeting the unique needs of homeschooling families, as well as others unable to attend evening squadron meetings, to fruition.  The squadron began to meet formally in September 2019 and quickly met the requirements for charter.  Nineteen CAP members (12 cadets and 7 adult leaders) were charter members of the squadron and continue to shape and lead this unique squadron with the support of local squadrons interested in helping the unit succeed.

The squadron emphasizes the CAP core value of excellence.  Since Granite's inception, we are proud to have earned several awards for excelling as a unit, including:
 

Squadron of Merit 2023

Named the Squadron of Merit for Maryland Wing in 2023, Granite is thankful to have been able to earn this award after such a short time.  The award, based on recruiting, retention, cadet award, encampment, and cadet orientation flying data, acknowledges the top squadron for the wing for the previous calendar year.

Maryland Wing Squadron of the Year 2023
Selected as the top squadron in state of Maryland, we are extremely proud of this recognition of our members' excellence.  Also selected as the Group 1 Squadron of the Year.


Quality Cadet Unit Award 2022, 2021, 2022, and 2023

Granite Cadet Squadron has earned the Quality Cadet Unit Award for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 after meeting the required criteria for the fourth consecutive.  Criteria includes cadet member strength, Wright Brother achievements, emergency services qualifications, Training Leaders of Cadets graduates, education excellence through the AEX program and/or STEM kits, orientation flights, and encampment graduates.  Granite squadron is proud to have achieved this standard and award during each year as a squadron.
 

Aerospace Excellence Award 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023

Granite Cadet Squadron earned the Aerospace Excellence Award for 2023 for a fourth year in a row for their work in providing outstanding aerospace lessons and activities to our cadets.  In 2021, our cadets studied Mars, did basic coding with the Sphero K+ STEM kit, established a weather station (another STEM kit from Civil Air Patrol), and participated in the national CAP High Altitude Balloon Challenge for three years.   In addition to our lessons at the squadron meetings, our cadets completed readings and assignments, presented speeches on a variety of aerospace topics, and welcomed an astrophotographer to share his photos and photography tips.  Field trips to the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Center and the National Security Agency's Cryptologic Museum enhance our cadets' learning. We are proud to have earned this award once again as a squadron.
 

Squadron Aerospace Achievement Award 2021 and 2022

This award recognizes squadrons who meet specific criteria in their aerospace education program, including work within the squadron and externally with the community.  Granite squadron's aerospace education team works with local scout units, the Nike missile base restoration and tours, and offers an Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program for our non-CAP siblings in kindergarten through 5th grade.

 

2020 History of Granite Cadet Squadron

 

Awards

Maryland Wing Squadron of the Year 2023
Group 1 Squadron of the Year 2023
Squadron of Merit 2023
Quality Cadet Unit Award
     2020, 2021, 2022
Aerospace Excellence Award
     2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Squadron Aerospace Achievement Award
     2021, 2022

Annual Awards

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