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Harford squadron cadet receives prestigious Mitchell Award

Harford squadron cadet receives prestigious Mitchell Award


March 21, 2019 – ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – Civil Air Patrol Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Eyler, a member of Maryland Wing’s Harford Composite Squadron, was promoted to cadet second lieutenant and received the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award at the March 18, 2019, squadron meeting. Lt. Col. David E. Roberts, squadron commander, presented the award and congratulated Eyler during a ceremony attended by his parents, unit members and guests.

Eyler has been a member of the Harford squadron since June 2017. He earned the prestigious Mitchell award in only 20 months. “This is considerably faster than most cadets,” stated Roberts. Roberts indicated that Eyler has served in a variety of positons including as part of the squadron color guard team, search and rescue, and as a flight commander. Eyler is planning to attend the Honor Guard Academy this summer in Virginia. The academy, a national activity available to cadets, prepares them to participate as a qualified member of CAP color guards and honor guards while simultaneously furthering their individual character development. Eyler has also been selected to participate in the 2019 Tri-Wing Encampment located at Camp Fretterd as a cadet staff member. Encampment is a week-long program designed for CAP cadets. The mission of Tri-Wing Encampment is to engage cadets and develop their leadership skills in a high intensity military environment.

Eyler currently serves as the Alpha Flight commander training new cadets, affording him the opportunity to lead by example. Eyler continues to progress through the remainder of the cadet program achievements with the ultimate goal of securing the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, CAP’s highest cadet honor.

2nd Lt. Eyler is a 13-year-old homeschooled student who is committed to service before self, excellence in character and professional development. Eyler enjoys reading historical fiction, kayaking, hiking, and dedicating his time to Civil Air Patrol. He aspires to serve in the military; however, he is unsure of which branch of service, and what career path to pursue at the moment.

Harford squadron is a composite of both senior and youth programs. The squadron meets on Monday nights, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in the STEM Center Building 4508, located at 6483 Wayberry Road at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.  Have a passion for aviation, dream of flight, are considering a career in the military? Want to serve your community and enhance your leadership skills? Join us. Youths, ages 12 to 18, parents and adults interested in the cadet and/or senior program are always welcome to visit our meetings and talk with our staff. Follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CAP.MER.MD008/

Nearly 1,500 members serve in the CAP’s Maryland Wing. Last year wing members flew 13 actual search and rescue missions. Overall, the Maryland Wing flew 32 missions for the State of Maryland, flying 2,245 hours in all mission categories, and was credited with four finds. Volunteers contributed services estimated at $4.6 million. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing at mdwg.cap.gov or follow the wing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandWingCivilAirPatrol 

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force. In this role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 aircraft, performs about 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 82 lives annually. CAP’s 61,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. In addition, CAP plays a leading role in aerospace/STEM education, and its members serve as mentors to over 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com  or www.CAP.news for more information.

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Photos (left to right):

Proud parents, Melissa and Jason Eyler, place their son’s lieutenant epaulets on new Cadet 2nd Lt. Caleb Eyler as Lt. Col. David E. Roberts oversees.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Caleb Eyler proudly displays his award with his family. 

 

2nd Lt. Michelle Travers, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Harford Composite Squadron
michelle.travers@mdwg.cap.gov

 

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