Mitchell Ceremony Held at Corsicana CAP Thunderchiefs

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By Michelle Vineyard

The Corsicana Thunderchiefs Civil Air Patrol hosted an awards ceremony on Saturday, September 21st. The ceremony was attended by the Texas Wing Group III Commander, Major S. Riddiough. The first Cadet D.J. Baker received his promotion to Cadet Major, a testament to his dedication to service and education.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Miranda Baker was awarded the Prestigious Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award, an honor that is earned by about 15% of cadets. This award is given to cadets that demonstrate excellence in leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. The award is named for Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, known as the father of the Independent Air Force, a champion of air power as the first line of defense during WWII. After the war, Congress presented him with a gold medal to acknowledge his outstanding pioneer service and foresight in the field of American military aviation.

During the presentation, Major Riddiough explained the history and significance of the Billy Mitchell award and the lessons that cadets can take from his examples, including speaking truth to power as a moral duty of each cadet.
Captain James Westley recollected Cadet Baker’s insistence in joining the Civil Air Patrol, and her determination to succeed by gaining her first promotion within her first week of joining. She has proven her tenacity and dedication by achieving promotions on a regular basis. She was also presented with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Jake Ellzey, and a letter of recognition from Cody Harris of the Texas House of Representatives.
If you would like to join in making a difference in the community and learn more about aerospace education, emergency services training, leadership development opportunities and more- you can visit the website tx377.cap.gov to learn how you can support the mission of the civil air patrol, the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.