Charleston, WV — The Charleston Cadet Squadron has announced today the launch of its 2011 effort to remember and honor America’s greatest heroes, all West Virginia service men and women for their selfless sacrifice and for those of their families who are without their loved ones during the holiday season.  The Charleston Cadet Squadron will honor all of our service men and women as well as their family members by participating in the Wreaths Across America National Remembrance Ceremony. This ceremony will take place at Spring Hill Cemetery Park in Charleston on Saturday, Dec.10, 2011.  During the day, hundreds of volunteers will place a holiday wreath and hold a brief moment of silence at each veteran’s head stone. A formal ceremony will be held at noon.  To fulfill its mission, Charleston Cadet Squadron seeks to significantly expand sponsorships and wreath donations by mid-November.

“It is our great honor to place a holiday wreath on the head stones at Spring Hill to ensure that all of those buried on this hallowed ground are uniquely acknowledged and remembered for sacrificing their lives to protect our freedoms,” said Charles Case, Project Officer for the Civil Air Patrol in Charleston. “Our hope is that veterans and their family members across our state will view this event as a symbol of our profound appreciation.”

Any individual or group who would like to sponsor any wreaths or who would like to participate in the wreath-laying on December 10, 2011, may contact Major Debbie Butler-Case at hapi2bee@yahoo.com or by telephone at 304-389-0556.

On Tuesday 30 June 2009, three cadets, Ryan J. Badadilla, Tag A. Morgan, and Chaz M. Vandall began the Civil Air Patrol’s Great Start Program as they joined our squadron. They were joined by several of the veteran cadet members of the squadron as well as this was the first time the Charleston Squadron used the Great Start Program.

Civil Air Patrol’s Great Start program is designed to get the cadets off to a rapid progression toward their first achievement. The program includes instruction on leadership, character development, customs and courtesies, aerospace education and physical training.

On Saturday 18 July two of the three new cadets participated in a field day activity which included a review of all basic aspects of the the cadet program.  The day began eventfully as we had to have a tree removed from the road into the area of Coonskin where we met.  Many thanks to officer Rodney Jones for his use of a chain saw to clear our way to the shelter where we worked.

Upon  completion of the morning activities, cadets and senior members visited Wendy’s for lunch and then visited the runway at Yeager Airport to view several T39-N Sabreliners which were parked at Yeager for Navy flight training.  Thanks go out to Executive Air for allowing us runway access through their facility.

Cadets and seniors then returned to Coonskin to finish the balance of the educational activities for the day.  At 1700 we were joined by other members of the squadron and their families for a cookout and aerospace education courtesy of Major Robert DeVere.

The Great Start Program culminated with a graduation ceremony on Tuesday 28 July.  At that time, all three cadets were acknowledged for completing the course and Cadet Tag Morgan was awarded his Curry Achievement.  Now, as soon as practical, we will be scheduling Orientation Rides for these fine young cadets.

According to Deputy Commander Boggs, it is hoped that by using the Great Start Program, cadets will have a more uniform training, a better understanding of what CAP is all about, and have a better sense of what direction they are going in the Civil Air Patrol.

Charleston Cadet Squadron’s initial participation in the nationwide Wreaths Across America observation went off without a flaw on a frosty but brilliantly sunny morning Dec. 13 at Spring HillCemetery Park.

After a ceremony in which wreaths were placed in honor of the five branches of the service – the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine – and prisoners of war and those missing in action, volunteers placed about 150 wreaths on veterans’ graves at the American Legion Field. For every two wreaths that local residents had sponsored, Civil Air Patrol donated a third.

The ceremony was a cooperative effort by Civil Air Patrol, the city of Charleston, Spring Hill CemeteryPark, the Patriot Guard Riders, American Legion Riders Post 73, American Legion Post 20, the Alum Creek Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter and several other local veterans’ groups.

Maj. Debbie Boggs, the Charleston squadron’s public affairs officer, said the unit began exploring the idea of participating in Wreaths Across America after its information technologies officer, 2nd Lt. Charles Case, “learned of the project in Richmond, Va., and brought the idea back to Charleston.”

“He has been working on this since last spring, but a lot of volunteers contacted us right up until the last minute offering to help, which was great,” Boggs said. “The first time you do something, you need all the help you can get.”

Dignitaries on hand included Mayor Danny Jones, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, and Richard Andre, chairman of the Spring Hill Cemetery Park Commission. South Charleston High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard posted the colors, veteran Mary Palla sang the national anthem, Alum Creek VFW performed the firing of arms and Air Force Lt. Col. Dale Olson performed taps.

Ariticle by Maj. Debbie Boggs. Photo by Maj. Vickie Bond.

Civil Air Patrol’s Charleston Cadet Squadron recently honored several of its members at the unit’s Annual Banquet. Cadet Airman Kylie Eads was honored with the Esprit de Corps Award; Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Brad Berry was honored with the unit’s Academic Honors; and Cadet Airman First Class Andrew Moss received two awards, the Leadership Award and the Attendance Award. Cadet Moss also earned the Cadet of the Year award.

The unit also honored as Officer of the Year, Second Lieutenant Charles Case for his outstanding service as the unit’s IT Officer and Web Master. Lieutenant Case was also responsible for spearheading the 2008 Wreaths Across America Ceremonies in Charleston.

These members stand out among their peers as the best in the unit. They characterize the positive ethical framework of Civil Air Patrol’s Core Values – Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect.

Story by Major Debbie Boggs

The Charleston Cadet Squadron conducted a wreath-laying ceremony Dec. 11 in the Capitol’s Lower Rotunda in anticipation of the nationwide Wreaths Across America observation held two days later to honor the nation’s veterans

Gov. Joe Manchin III, along with his special guest, aviation legend Chuck Yeager, and Cadet Airman Andrew Moss of the Charleston squadron, presented a wreath to honor veterans from all branches of the military.

Manchin made brief remarks in support of U.S. military men and women and their families for the sacrifices they have made. He noted West Virginia’s rich heritage and patriotism, adding that the state has sacrificed more than most states for the nation’s freedom.

The governor also thanked Civil Air Patrol members for their service to the state and nation.

Yeager, a retired Air Force brigadier general, was greeted by a standing ovation. He shared a bit of his personal history and also expressed thanks to CAP for its service to the country 1941. He encouraged citizens to continue to support our military men and women.

The purpose of this event was to raise public awareness of and kick off the Wreaths Across America ceremonies held Dec. 13. Observances were held in West Virginia at Beckley American Legion Cemetery, West Virginia National Cemetery, Grafton National Cemetery and Spring Hill Cemetery Park in Charleston. Five West Virginia squadrons – the Morgantown, Clarksburg, Beckley and Mercer composite squadrons and the Charleston Cadet and Squadron – provided support.