One of the challenges all Civil Air Patrol squadrons face during COVID-19 is finding a way to keep their cadets motivated and making progress in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
The ACE Basin Composite Squadron is excited to announce that four cadets have earned the Wright Brothers Achievement Award, earning the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant.
These four cadets are now referred to as Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers, and have the opportunity to join the squadron’s other Cadet NCOs and Cadet Officers in growing as leaders with new responsibilities and staff positions.
The Wright Brothers Award is awarded for successfully completing the Phase I of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. It marks the transition of a cadet to the non-commissioned officer status in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, and accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt).
The cadets who achieved this milestone recently include: C/SSgt Joshua Koontz, C/SSgt Lincoln McClellan, C/SSgt Piper McClellan and C/SSgt Bethany Tharp.
In addition to these four milestone promotions, the following cadets have achieved new grade and rank announced at Promotion Night on June 30: Cadet Airman (C/Amn) Jason Carter, C/Amn Alyssa Montanez, Cadet Airman First Class (C/A1C), C/A1C Keane Hickman, C/A1C JaneBatson Mason, C/A1C Melinda Kaye Mercer, Cadet Senior Airman (C/SrA), C/SrA Hunter Koontz, C/SrA Oscar Ponce, Cadet Technical Sergeant (C/TSgt), C/TSgt Paul Pearson, Cadet Senior Master Sergeant (C/SMSgt), C/SMSgt Haley Idol, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMSgt) and C/CMSgt Nathan Mercer.
“Despite the challenges posed by training in a virtual environment, the cadets and senior members of the ACE Basin Composite Squadron continue to make progress and are prepared to make a difference in their community because of their commitment! We are so proud of them!” said unit commander Capt. Rachel Mercer.
Although the ACE Basin Composite Squadron is currently meeting virtually, the emergency services training and preparation for community service continues. Those who are interested in joining the Unit may email Capt. Rachael J. Mercer, unit commander, for information about how to visit the unit virtually. Outside of COVID-19 quarantine and social distancing, the ACE Basin Composite Squadron meets on Tuesday nights 6-8 p.m. at the Lowcountry Aviation Hangar (637 Aviation Way) on the campus of the Lowcountry Regional Airport.
Prospective cadets must attend three meetings and are eligible to complete their membership paperwork on the third visit. Senior members, who are adults 18+, are eligible for membership upon completing the required paperwork and background checks. Senior members need not have pilot experience or military experience — there is a place for all sorts of backgrounds within Civil Air Patrol — whether you’re a lawyer, journalist, mechanic, accountant or a parent simply wanting to make a difference.
For more information about the ACE Basin Composite Squadron, contact Capt Rachael J. Mercer at rachael.mercer@scwgcap.org.
