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Outstanding Civil Air Patrol cadets recognized by Veterans of Foreign Wars

April 9, 2023

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WINCHESTER, Va. (Apr 9, 2023) – A cadet non-commissioned officer (NCO) and a cadet officer of Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Winchester Composite Squadron were presented with Veterans of Foreign Wars Award last week for their outstanding efforts in 2022.

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Simon Stanley, of Berryville, received the NCO award. He currently serves as an element leader and actively attends and supports all unit meetings and activities. He competed on the unit’s CyberPatriot team and learned a whole new operating system, Linux, in which his efforts directly supported his team’s advancement to the semifinal round. He completed the 2022 Virginia Wing summer encampment and is slotted to serve on staff for the 2023 summer encampment. Cadet Stanley’s passion for CAP is unwavering; he has only been absent for activities when his family had vacation plans. He has completed all five of CAP’s orientation flights and is currently in flight instruction towards a private pilot certificate.

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Creese received the officer award. She is a dedicated cadet currently serving as flight commander for the Great Start flight. She transferred to the Winchester squadron in the fall and took on the flight commander responsibility without hesitation. She greatly increased the efficiency and effectiveness of the great start program, which focuses on brand new cadets and assists them with getting their first promotion within two months. Her efforts ensured seven cadets advanced within two months and she is currently preparing to lead ten new cadets. In Leesburg, she served as the deputy commander for support, coordinating and mentoring several cadet staff members in their support roles ranging from public affairs, logistics, supplies, administration, and more. Her dedication resulted in her selection for this role at the Virginia Wing encampment this coming summer which will have nearly 200 students and over 100 cadet cadre.

Rich Petro, commander of VFW Post 2123, presented the awards. He commented, “VFW Post 2123 in Winchester has a commitment to the youth of our community; to see them grow in patriotism and Americanism. Both Cadet Lt. Col. Creese and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Stanley exemplify those traits along with their outstanding achievements and leadership qualities. We are proud to recognize their current and future contributions within and outside the Civil Air Patrol. They represent the best of a new generation.”

For More Information:

Maj Jacob Bixler, CAP

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