Granite Cadet Squadron recognizes it members at awards luncheon

June 2, 2022 -- GRANITE, Md. -- Civil Air Patrol's Granite Cadet Squadron, a unit in Maryland Wing, celebrated its members and their accomplishments during a luncheon and awards ceremony held June 2, 2022, at Maryland Wing Headquarters in Granite, Md.

The Granite squadron is comprised solely of homeschool students. Meeting weekly, students are provided numerous opportunities to learn leadership principles, character development, work on STEM projects, participate in physical development programs and fly. Since receiving its initial official CAP charter on February 27, 2020, Granite Cadet Squadron cadets have made tremendous strides during their first two years to include achieving several individual and group awards.

Cadets, senior members, invited guests and families joined to celebrate squadron and individual member’s accomplishments. The guest speaker was Maj. Laura Smith-Velazquez, commander of Maryland Wing’s Group 1. The event included many opportunities for members, guests, and families to become more familiar with CAP’s programs, services, and professional opportunities.

In addition to camaraderie, and celebrating the squadron achievements, the occasion provided an opportunity to recognize individual cadets and seniors for their successes and commitment to CAP’s programs, mission, and goals. It was an afternoon showcasing the growth and achievements of Granite squadron members.

The awards program also included presenting CAP cadet program’s first milestone award, the Wright Brothers Award.  The cadet program is comprised of sixteen achievements divided into four phases. The completion of each phase is marked by the awarding of a milestone award. The milestone awards mark the cadet's transition from one phase of the cadet program into another phase where he or she will assume new leadership roles commensurate with his/her increased maturity and development as a cadet. Cadet Staff Sgts. Efrayim Davis, Amarnie Edwards, Eva Peterson, Andrew Tolbert, and Jonas West were presented the Wright Brothers Award. This award is the first cadet milestone award representing the cadet’s transition from airman to noncommissioned officer.

Several cadets were promoted and presented achievement awards for their accomplishments in CAP’s cadet program.

Nearly all of the squadron’s 51 cadets have participated in CAP orientation flights, either in gliders or powered aircraft.  Those completing their first flight over the past year were presented certificates recognizing this accomplishment.  Additionally, cadet who participated in the aerospace requirements for the Aerospace Excellence Award were presented certificates for their achievement.

Continuing with the ceremony, Lt. Col. Brenda Reed, Granite squadron commander, presented awards recognizing cadets and a senior member for their performance, dedication, and leadership excellence.

• Cadet Sr. Airman Samantha Sniffen was presented the Granite Cadet Squadron Cadet Airman of the Year Award,

• Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Nechamah Davis was presented the Granite Cadet Squadron Cadet NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) of the Year Award,

• Cadet Capt. Jacob Stigdon was presented the Granite Cadet Squadron Commander’s Leadership Award,

• 2nd Lt. LaKeshia Davis was presented the award as the Granite Cadet Squadron Senior Member of the Year, and

• Cadet Maj. Abigail Martucci was presented the award as the Granite Cadet Squadron Cadet of the Year.

Through an outstanding partnership with the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), CAP squadrons are permitted to nominate one cadet for the annual Air Force Sergeants Association Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award. Chief Master Sgt. Tom Reed presented this year’s award on behalf of AFSA, recognizing the importance of NCOs in the organization to Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cory Matejovich.

Additionally, the Air Force Association (AFA) supports CAP cadet recognition with the annual AFA Civil Air Patrol Outstanding Squadron Cadet of the Year Award which is presented to a unit CAP cadet officer. This year’s award, on behalf of the AFA, was presented to Cadet Maj. Vincent Martucci.

A change-of-command ceremony was held for the position of cadet commander. The primary purpose of a change of command ceremony is to allow members to witness the formal command change from one officer to another. Historically, the command is represented in the unit’s guidon or flag of colors. The passing of the command guidon from the outgoing command officer to an incoming command officer denotes the official change of command and supports the premise that the unit and its members are never without official leadership. CAP develops leadership skills in cadets by giving them real opportunities to lead. This includes planning events, making leadership decisions, and teaching and mentoring junior-ranking cadets as cadet commander and supporting staff.

Granite’s outgoing squadron cadet commander was Cadet Maj. Abigail Martucci, who served 12 months in the position. Martucci, a charter member of Granite Cadet Squadron, led the cadet corps during a year of that saw the squadron double in size and helped streamline many processes of the cadet corps.  Cadet Maj. Abigail Martucci presented the squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Brenda Reed, signifying her relinquishing command.  Reed presented the guidon to the new cadet commander, Cadet Maj. Vincent Martucci, who accepted the guidon and command of the cadet corps and will serve through the upcoming year.

Congratulations to all Granite squadron members for their hard work and commitment to the past year of our squadron’s history. Today’s cadets are tomorrow’s leaders! We have made a great start in preparing for our future.

Through core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect, CAP cadets are provided opportunities to learn and lead. These values instill confidence, earn lasting respect, and create an atmosphere conducive to achieving excellence. They are the values that anchor resolve in the most difficult situations. They are the values that support mental and physical courage in all our missions. In essence, they are the four pillars of professionalism that provide the foundation for leadership at every level within the CAP.

CAP offers homeschoolers an exciting form of character education that uses the students’ enthusiasm for aviation, space, and technology as a motivator. Middle schoolers find that the challenge of cadet life provides the structure early adolescents need. CAP provides a youth-scaled, Air Force-themed extracurricular activity that teens find fun and meaningful through a safe, positive place to develop leadership skills while exploring aviation and STEM careers. Cadets learn about the fundamentals of aviation through classroom activities, self-study texts, orientation flights, and formal flight training CAP believes that Today's Cadets are Tomorrow's Aerospace Leaders and provides through its cadet program incredible leadership experiences to cadets ages 12 to 21.

Granite Cadet Squadron meets at Maryland Wing Headquarters in Granite, Md., on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Prospective cadets and their families are welcome to stop by the squadron.  Visit the squadron’s website https://granite.cap.gov  for more information or email granite@mdwg.cap.gov for specific questions.

More than 1,300 members serve in Civil Air Patrol’s Maryland Wing. Last year, wing members flew 13 actual search and rescue missions. Overall, the Maryland Wing flew 32 missions for the State of Maryland, flying 2,245 hours in all mission categories, and was credited with four finds. Volunteers contributed services estimated at $4.6 million. For information, contact the Maryland Wing at mdwg.cap.gov or follow the wing on Facebook.

Established in 1941, Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 555 single-engine aircraft and 2,250 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and performs about 90% of all search and rescue operations within the contiguous United States as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Often using innovative cellphone forensics and radar analysis software, CAP was credited by the AFRCC with saving 108 lives last year. CAP’s 56,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. As a nonprofit organization, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education using national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education resources. Members also serve as mentors to over 23,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs.

Visit www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.