The 2008 NCGC Champions

The Group 2 Color Guard are champions once again! The team - comprised of Gainesville cadets Tim Lhota (commander), Tiffany Jakowczuk and Josh Davidson, and Marion County cadet Sam Dauss - earned 1st place at the 2008 Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Competition in Dayton, Ohio.

The competition was held at several venues around Dayton, including Wright State University and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The team competed in seven events over the course of three days, and emerged victorious, returning the national title to Southeast Region.

The team earned first place in four events: panel quiz, written examination, indoor practical drill and standard drill. The team was undefeated in panel quiz. In addition, Cadet Lhota earned the highest written exam score in the competition, with a 100%.

After the grueling competition, the team had a great time touring the National Museum of the Air Force and visiting with other teams from around the nation. They were especially thrilled to be able to meet members of the USAF Honor Guard, who served as competition judges.

At the banquet on Sunday evening, the team was presented with the USAF Chief of Staff Sweepstakes Award trophy by Brig Gen Joseph Lanni (USAF) and Brig Gen Amy Courter (CAP), the Civil Air Patrol Interim National Commander. In addition to NCC challenge coins and lapel pins, the team and escorts also received challenge coins from SER Commander, Col. James Rushing.

The team has also been asked to present the Colors at the 2008 CAP National Board and Conference in Orlando.

Once again, congratulations to the team and their escorts, Capt Leslie Ballard and 2d Lt Rich Lhota, on this outstanding achievement.

On 5 July, the Marion County Composite Squadron’s Color Guard presented the Colors at the opening of a baseball between the Belleview Bulldogs and the United States Armed Forces Baseball team in Ocala.

The United States Armed Forces Baseball team is composed of active and reserve members of all the services. They have been goodwill ambassadors around the nation as well as in some other countries during the past year. Members rotate in and out of the team as they return or come from military assignments around the world.

During the opening ceremonies, four members of the baseball team passed an America flag, as the poem “Old Glory” was recited in a heart warming patriotic rendition. The four then faced the colors as the National Anthem was played.

The squadron Color Guard consisted of C/CMSgt Heather Osborne, C/Capt Isaiah Tamblingson and C/Amn Uriah Johnson.

More photos can be viewed at http://www.mccs-cap.org/USA-SCG.html