Local Civil Air Patrol Cadets Achieve Honors at 2013 National Cadet Competition.

July 2013, Dayton, Oh. After placing first in the 2013 Civil Air Patrol Maryland Wing and the Middle East Region competitions, the Westminster, Md, Carroll Composite Squadron color guard participated in the 2013 Civil Air Patrol (CAP) National Cadet Color Guard and Drill Team competition. This national event is the final round of the annual competition that provides cadet color guards and drill teams from around the nation an opportunity to display their talents and abilities while competing for national honors.  The competition was held at Wright State University in Dayton, Oh, in July.

Beginning their road to success in mid-2012, the Carroll team committed themselves to many hours of practice to achieve team and individual excellence.  The Carroll team included Cadet/Staff Sergeant Angela Auth, Cadet/Chief Master Sergeants Logan Parrish, Jonathan Yerger, Olivia Persing and Cadet/Senior Chief Master Sergeant Aaron Scanlan.   When asked, they all agreed that this experience afforded a special gift of lasting friendships gained through their camaraderie, spirit and commitment to honor and respecting our nation's flag.

Asked about her experience, Cadet Persing replied: "It was such an honor to represent (Maryland and) the Middle East Region at the National Cadet Competition and to have the opportunity to compete with some of the best cadets in the nation. Being able to participate in the National Cadet Competition was an amazing experience and I am very grateful for the opportunity. I learned valuable lessons in leadership and teamwork in addition to making many new friends."

The Carroll color guard was awarded the national team Esprit-de-Corps Award, acknowledging the Carroll demonstrated the highest level of enthusiasm, comradeship and positive attitude while employing the principles of esprit de corps throughout the national competition.

Although top color guard competition honors went to the Rocky Mountain Region, the Carroll team placed first in the indoor/drill and presentation of colors and first in the knowledge based written examination with team member, Persing achieving the overall highest individual examination scores for the competition.

The competition event was an intense three-day challenge. Representing the eight national CAP regions, 124 cadets took full advantage of every opportunity to excel facing challenges on several levels including teamwork skills, aptitude and physical agility.  Teams were evaluated on precision drill movements, indoor and outdoor color guard flag etiquette and testing through a written exam and panel quiz on their knowledge of aerospace-related topics. Individual and team physical fitness also were evaluated as cadets competed in volleyball and a mile run.    

A caravan of enthusiastic supporters of parents, siblings, family and friends accompanied the Carroll team. In addition, CAP Maryland Wing commander, Colonel John Knowles; Group II commander; Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Howell; squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Jarosinski and other CAP senior members accompanied the team.   

Knowles expressed his pride and support for the Carroll team.  "I was fortunate to attend the National Cadet Competition to support and proudly cheer for the Middle East Region/Maryland Wing color guard from the Carroll Composite Squadron.  I have continually been impressed with the Carroll team, especially upon learning that the team was self-taught.  When they began their journey, this group of cadets did not have any prior experience in accomplishing the color guard protocols; however, they went at it full speed.  At the competition, I especially enjoyed the personal interaction with the team, their escorts and families that came along to cheer and offer support.  We had the largest cheering section at the competition!  The team kept a positive attitude and supported each other as a cohesive unit throughout the competition. Each team member did a fantastic job; including the alternate who stood-by through all events with anxious anticipation knowing she could be called to substitute at any time, she did a great job.  I am not being biased in saying that the Carroll team soared in spirit and positive attitude.  We were not surprised when the team was presented the Spirit Award for having the most esprit de corps and the best sportsmanship of any color guard in the competition. This award was voted on by the other teams!  Thanks to all who worked so hard to achieve this goal; you made all of us in the Wing and Region proud!"

Howell and Jarosinski also expressed their appreciation for a "job well done." Howell congratulated the Carroll team for proudly representing the Carroll Composite Squadron, Group II, Maryland Wing and Middle East Region.  He extended his appreciation to all the parents, friends and squadron members that supported the Carroll team throughout all levels of the competition.

Jarosinski was extremely proud of his cadets: "Congratulations! On behalf of the squadron, we join you in celebrating your achievements and successes.  Your determination, commitment to excellence and your willingness to 'go the extra mile' were evident in all that you attempted and accomplished.  We are privileged to have you all as part of the Carroll Composite Squadron."

The National Cadet Competition is one of more than 30 National Cadet Special Activities provided by CAP across the nation this summer. These activities allow cadets to hone their skills in a variety of areas – including search and rescue, flight and emergency services, science, leadership fundamentals, citizenship and military courtesies – and to explore aerospace technology and aviation careers.

            Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 61,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 80 lives annually. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 26,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. CAP received the World Peace Prize in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for 71 years. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.capvolunteernow.com for more information.

            Nearly 1,600 members of CAP serve in Maryland. Last fiscal year wing members flew 29 search and rescue missions and were credited with 13 finds saving three lives. Maryland Wing flew over 160 missions for the State of Maryland resulting in 2,222 hours flown. Volunteers contributed services estimated at $4.2 million. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing at www.mdcap.org.

            The Carroll Composite Squadron meets 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings at the Hilltop Assembly of God Church Hall at 30 North Cranberry Road in Westminster, Maryland.  Prospective cadets, ages 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. Adults seeking mentoring opportunities are invited as well. For more information e-mail carrollcomposite@yahoo.com or visit www.carrollcap.org.  You can also follow the Squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capcarrollcomposite .

By 2ndLt Alice Raatjes, Public Affairs Officer, Carroll Composite Squadron www.carrollcap.org Photo Credits: Hailey Barao except where indicated.