Lt Lhota, C/Lhota, C/Davidson, C/Eades and C/Jakowczuk at NCC

Four members of Gainesville Composite Squadron were part of the Southeast Region Drill Team that participated in the 2009 National Cadet Competition. The National Drill Team Competition, held in McMinnville, Oregon on July 9-12, pitted teams from each of Civil Air Patrol's 8 regions against each other in seven events, including drill, physical fitness and academic knowledge.

The Southeast Region team placed 3rd overall. In event awards, the team placed in Standard Drill, In-Ranks Inspection and Panel Quiz. 

Team members from Gainesville were C/Joshua Davidson (Team Commander), C/Caleb Eades, C/Tiffany Jakowczuk, and C/Timothy Lhota. Gainesville member 1st Lt Rich Lhota served as one of the team's Senior Escorts. 

Former Gainesville squadron member Maj Leslie Ballard, who is currently the Southeast Region Director of Cadet Programs, attended the competition to cheer the SER teams on.

This marks the second consecutive year that Gainesville cadets have attended National Cadet Competition. Last year, cadets Lhota, Jakowczuk and Davidson, along with Marion County cadet Samuel Dauss, were the National Color Guard Competition champions. 

Click here for more photos from National Cadet Competition.