Reporter staff
Civil Air Patrol Cadet 2nd Lt. Kathryn Graham of Auburn was honored for her service and achievements in a special ceremony Thursday at the Auburn Eagles Building.
Graham, who attends Auburn Mountainview High School, earned the Billy Mitchell Award for successfully completing the second phase of the cadet program. The award is given in honor of Maj. Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell, former deputy chief of the Army Air Service and military aviation visionary.
Lt. Col. Paul Hansen, squadron commander and deputy commander for cadets at the Green River Composite Squadron, and Mayor Nancy Backus presented the award to Graham, who was accompanied by family and friends. The ceremony was part of the patrol’s 73rd anniversary celebration and the squadron’s open house.
To earn the award, cadets must pass a series of leadership, aerospace and physical fitness tests and attend character development training for each achievement from cadet airman basic through cadet chief master sergeant.
In addition, cadets must attend a military-style encampment before the award is made, and have maintained active membership in the Civil Air Patrol for at least 18 months since joining. About 15 percent of Civil Air Patrol cadets achieve the award.
The Civil Air Patrol is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
Wreaths Across America
The Green River Composite Squadron invites the public to a Wreaths Across America ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent.
The Civil Air Patrol annually adorns memorials and veterans’ graves with evergreen wreaths to ensure the sacrifices of the nation’s soldiers are never forgotten.
A $15 donation places a wreath on the grave of a fallen hero this winter, and a portion of that gives back to the local squadron. Donations are being accepted until Dec. 1.
To learn more, visit www.grcscap.com/fundraising/waa.
