Congratulations to Cadet Matthew Patrick who was presented his Billy Mitchell Award in a memorable ceremony, the first event held at Dallas Composite Squadron’s new meeting location, the Dallas Business Jet Center.

The evening, orchestrated by 1Lt Joe Kaplor, Deputy Commander for Cadets, included comments on the Cadet Honor Code, a discussion of the CAP motto, “simper vigilens” (Always Vigilant), and a presentation of the Core Values of the Cadet program (Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect).  Special guest, Group III Commander, Lt Col Owen Younger addressed the attendees.  As the former commander of the Dallas Composite Squadron, Lt Col Younger shared some stories about Matthew Patrick as a cadet.  To highlight the significance of the achievement of receiving the Billy Mitchell Award, Lt Col Younger compared it to the well-known Eagle Scout designation, saying “I would stack a Mitchell Award against any Eagle Scout.  I would stack a Mitchell Award against any FIVE Eagle Scouts.”

Cadet Patrick took the Cadet Officer Pledge and received his new grade insignia, which was affixed to his uniform by his parents.  He was presented with his Billy Mitchell Award certificate by Lt Col Younger, who identified his new rank as C/2d Lt.

Closing the program, the audience was treated to two videos: the first showed Dallas Composite Squadron cadets extolling the virtues of the Cadet program.  The final video was composed of a collage of photos of C/2d Lt Matthew Patrick and his journey through the CAP Cadet program.  The evening ended with a reception.

Dallas Composite Squadron has moved meeting locations.  And what better location to hold meetings than in the very Center that houses the squadron airplane?  Beginning May 5, the Dallas Composite Squadron holds their weekly meetings at the Business Jet Center located at 8611 Lemmon Avenue on the east side of Love Airfield.  Cadets gather at 1830 hrs and the senior members commence at 1900 hrs.  Join us on the second floor of Business Jet Center!

Join the Dallas Squadron at the Frontiers of Flight on Feb 26th at 1900hrs to see the presentation of Col. Joe Kittinger. He holds the world record for the highest parachute jump at 102,800 ft and reached a speed of 614mph or .9 Mach. In addition he was our very own Rich Graham’s squadron commander for the famous Triple Nickel fighter squadron in Vietnam.