DIAMOND BLUFF – On May 6, 2021, Cadet Second Lt. Caleb James Kangar from Diamond Bluff was presented the Civil Air Patrol Billy Mitchell Award. Kangar is a member of the Red Wing Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron which meets at the Red Wing Airport. In the Civil Air Patrol program, to earn the General Billy Mitchell Award, a Cadet must spend a great deal of time and effort. Kangar has always displayed a high spirit of cooperation, willingness and attentiveness to duty. He is an awesome role model for the young cadets, consistently presenting a big brother attitude. As such, Kangar exemplifies the characteristics of the Cadet Oath and the four core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect. He received this award from Group 4 Command Lt. Col. Harry E Coleman.

The first milestone of the Cadet Program is the General Billy Mitchell Award, which is earned after the completion of the first eight achievements of the cadet program. In addition, the cadet must pass a comprehensive 100-question examination covering leadership theory and aerospace topics. To further highlight the significance of this accomplishment, as of March 1, 2021, 72,429 awards have been earned since the Mitchell Award’s inception in 1964. Each year only 5 percent of the 26,000 cadets nationwide obtain this award.

This structured Cadet Program is divided into 16 segments called achievements, involving study and performance in the five program areas. Upon completion of each achievement, the cadet earns increased responsibility, decorations, awards, eligibility to apply for national special activities, and opportunities for both flight and academic scholarships. None of this would have been possible without the commitment and support provided by his parents, family and volunteers.

The Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, has three primary missions: Aerospace education of the American people, Emergency Services, and the Cadet Program. The Cadet Program provides opportunities for the learning, maturing, accepting, and nurturing of leadership to over 26,000 young Americans from 12 to 20 years of age. With the advice and assistance from CAP Senior Members and the US Air Force, cadets are exposed to a structured program comprised of aerospace education, leadership, special activities, physical fitness, and moral and ethical values through group and individual activities.

Photo courtesy of Capt. Brenda Carlstrom