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Washington County Composite Squadron 601 of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) celebrated the 74th Anniversary of CAP with a Cadet Change of Command Ceremony and Awards Banquet on December 1st, 2015.

The Cadet Change of Command - C/1st Lt Collin Page salutes the Commander as he relinquishes command. Left to right: Captain Nancy Parker, C/TSgt Jeremy Soyring, C/1stLt Collin Page, C/CMSgt Zachary Keyes.

Cadet CMSgt Zachary Keyes of Canonsburg assumed command of the squadron and Cadet 1st Lt Collin Page of Washington made his final remarks as outgoing commander. Cadet Page was also promoted to 1st Lt and awarded the Community Service Award. This award is given to members who have completed 60 hours or more of community service. Page has gone above and beyond that requirement having already dedicated over 120 hours to his local community.

When asked what community service means to him he replied, “Community service is giving back to our local community in payment for what we take from it. Without us giving back, the community would starve for help to replenish its resources.”

A number of other achievements were also awarded to various squadron members during the ceremony. C/2d Lt Zachary Kagle of Burgettstown was presented with the General Billy Mitchell Award. Kagle was also awarded the Airforce Association Squadron Cadet of the Year.

 C/TSgt Jeremy Soyring of Canonsburg achieved his Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement and was promoted to C/TSgt.

C/SrA Joshua Sheppard of Washington had the honor of receiving the Cadet of the Year Award, Keyes was awarded the Cadet NCO of the Year, and Soyring was awarded Senior Member of the Year. Squadron “Of the Year Awards” are given to recognize members who have shown outstanding leadership and continued dedication at the squadron level.

The following cadets were recognized at a smaller promotions ceremony held at the squadron in November: C/A1C Caleb Heckler of Marianna received the General "Hap" Arnold Achievement, C/MSgt Daniel Salai of Wind Ridge received the Charles A. Lindbergh Achievement, C/SrA Joshua Sheppard of Washington received the Mary Feik Achievement, and C/1st Lt Raeann Silassy of Canonsburg received her promotion to 1st Lt.

Cadet CMSgt Zachary Keyes of Canonsburg

As a whole, the Washington Composite Squadron received the Quality Cadet Unit Award, a national recognition given to cadet units that display strong program fundamentals. Squadron 601 currently has 35 members, 19 of whom are cadets between the ages of 12 to 21 and is commanded by Capt. Nancy Parker of McMurray. The group meets from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Wednesday at the Flyers Club located at the Washington County Airport. For more information please visit www.pasquadron601.org.

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