Gainesville Composite Squadron - Civil Air Patrol

Squadron Holds Annual Banquet

by 1st Lt Leslie Ballard

The Gainesville Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol held its annual awards and recognition banquet on Thursday, January 19, 2006 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville. In addition to squadron members and their families, attendees included Lt Col Christian Moersch, Group II Commander, and Gainesville Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Chestnut. Southeast Region staff members Lt Col Valerie Brown, Lt Col Jean duBois, and Lt Col Fred Swearingen were also in attendance. A special address was given by Capt CarolAnn Garratt of Marion County Composite Squadron.

Several senior members received awards, including 1st Lt Greg Ashley, who was honored as Senior Member of the Year. Major Bob Lee was presented the Grover Loening Award for completing Level III of the senior member professional development program. The Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award was presented to Capt Thomas Beukelman, 2d Lt Collin David, 1st Lt Alan Lilly, SM Lisa Payan, and 1st Lt David Typinski. Lt Typinski also received a Leadership ribbon and badge, having earned a Technician rating in Aerospace Education. 2d Lt Michael Ballard was presented with the Red Service Award.

The Air Force Association Cadet of the Year Award was presented to C/2d Lt Daniel Freeman. The VFW Officer of the Year was C/2d Lt Brandi Justice, and the VFW NCO of the Year was C/MSgt Evan Stanley. The Air Force Sergeants Association NCO of the Year award was presented to C/2d Lt Stephen Freeman. Phase I Cadet of the Year honors went to C/SSgt Ronald Falleck, who also earned a Recruiter ribbon.

Billy Mitchell Award presentations were made to C/2d Lt Daniel Freeman, C/2d Lt Stephen Freeman and C/2d Lt Brandi Justice. The Wright Brothers Award was presented to C/SSgt Ronald Falleck, C/SSgt Kelcee Griffis, and C/SSgt Trixie Stengle.

In special squadron honors, the squadron’s Spirit Award was presented to C/A1C Lauren Shepard, who also earned the Community Service ribbon. A certificate for the Most Improved Cadet went to C/Amn Davis Kewanimptewa. The Outstanding Cadet Staff Member honor was presented to C/SSgt Kelcee Griffis.

Gainesville Composite Squadron has been serving the North Central Florida area for more than 50 years.

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