Winchester Civil Air Patrol Unit Earns Top Honors
WINCHESTER, Va. — The Squadron of Merit award recognizes the top cadet or composite squadron in each wing, while the Squadron of Distinction program recognizes the top cadet or composite squadron in each of Civil Air Patrol's eight regions nationwide. Selection is based on a unit's accomplishments, community impact, and contributions to Civil Air Patrol's cadet program.
The Winchester Composite Squadron, which serves members from over 7 counties, experienced significant growth in 2025, increasing its membership by 35% to 188 total members. The unit's 125 cadets and 63 adult volunteers contributed hundreds of service hours throughout the year, supporting local nonprofits, veterans organizations, community events and aerospace education initiatives.
Among the squadron's accomplishments, members organized food drives that collected more than 1,000 pounds of food, helped coordinate the placement of 3,600 wreaths at Winchester National Cemetery through Wreaths Across America and hosted more than 1,000 community volunteers. Cadets also provided color guards and ceremonial support for numerous veterans and civic events throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
The squadron's aerospace education and cadet program development also continued to excel. In 2025, 24 cadets earned the Wright Brothers Award, 11 earned the Billy Mitchell Award and three earned the Amelia Earhart Award, all significant milestones in cadet progression. Squadron pilots provided over 95 powered orientation flights, while two cadets completed solo flights and one earned a private pilot certificate.
The recognition places the Winchester Composite Squadron among the top Civil Air Patrol units in the nation. Winchester’s selection as both Virginia Wing's top squadron and the Mid-Atlantic Region's top squadron reflects an extraordinary year of service, leadership and aerospace education.
About Virginia Wing
Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing is home to 21 squadrons spread throughout the Commonwealth and has approximately 2,250 members, 12 light aircraft, 6 small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and 28 multi-mission vehicles. These assets are available to federal, state, and local governments, as well as to emergency responders and law enforcement agencies to perform search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and counter-drug missions. For more information on Virginia Wing, visit the wing’s website at https://vawg.cap.gov.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Visit vawg.cap.gov or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
For More Information:
2d Lt Jordan Stokes at PA@vawg.cap.gov
