Barksdale Civil Air Patrol Named Louisiana’s Best

  • Published
  • By Ashley Grady
  • Barksdale Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs Officer
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's Civil Air Patrol Squadron has received the Louisiana Wing's Squadron of Merit Award for 2012. It was presented at a ceremony March 17.

This prestigious annual award signifies the best unit in the state and is based on annual growth rates, squadron strength, cadet achievements and success in fulfilling CAP's mission in the local community. It's the fifth time the unit has earned the award in the past 10 years.

"What this award represents is the partnership we have with the base community," said Maj. Jason Smith, Barksdale CAP squadron commander. "For the past 40 years, the base and surrounding communities have provided a tremendous amount of support for what we do, and it shows in the quality of the program we are able to provide. Being named the best squadron in the wing is an achievement we can all be proud of."

In addition to earning the Squadron of Merit award, two of the squadron's cadets also earned top recognition. Cadet Kaitlyn Fife of Shreveport was awarded the Louisiana Wing Cadet of the Year award, and will compete for the Southwest Region Cadet of the Year title. Cadet Matthew Pourteau of Bossier City earned the James LaChute Leadership Award, presented to the top Cadet NCO in the wing.

"Both of the cadets worked extremely hard to earn those awards," said Smith. "I'm proud of them, and the entire squadron is proud of them. Much of the success our cadet program has earned is because of their hard work. They certainly deserve it."

Chartered in 1971, Barksdale's CAP squadron has been an important fixture on the base, providing youth leadership training, aerospace education and emergency services to the community. Today, it's 50-plus members continue to execute those missions while representing the diverse backgrounds and expertise found in the local area.

CAP is the Official Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, and is a non-profit organization with more than 64,000 members nationwide. CAP members perform three congressionally chartered missions: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education and Emergency Services.

For more information about CAP, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.