Last night Mount Vernon Composite Squadron met for a busy evening of training followed by a traditional change of command and awards ceremony for cadets.
Prior to the ceremony, the seniors met for aircrew training and were joined by the cadets for a series of safety presentations covered by Lt. Col. Terry Pricer, the squadron’s safety officer, who addressed winter weather, jumping your car’s battery, safety mishap reporting, operational risk management and more.
Following training, the seniors joined the cadets and a large group of friends and family to witness the cadet change of command during which C/Maj. Clare Porter passed the guidon to C/1st Lt. Harrison Cox. For her service as cadet commander, Porter received the Commander’s Commendation Award for Outstanding Performance. Porter made remarks to the cadets and assembled guests, expressing her thanks for the support and mentoring she received during her tenure as commander. Vice Commander of the National Capital Wing, Lt. Col. J. D. Ellis was on hand to make the award presentation. Deputy Commander for Cadets, Capt. Travis Owens, presided over the entire ceremony.
Following the change of command, three cadets were presented with the cadet recruiter ribbon which is earned for bringing two or more new cadets or senior members to the squadron. Additionally, three cadets were promoted to C/Amn (Maj. Gen. John F. Curry Achievement), two to C/A1C (H. H. “Hap” Arnold Achievement), and two to C/SrA (Mary Feik Achievement). C/MSgt Nathan McCale traded his chevrons for those with the C/1st Sgt’s silver diamond. Following the ceremony, the cadets and senior members enjoyed a reception to celebrate their accomplishments and the health and camaraderie of the squadron.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the squadron commander, Lt. Col. Brian Porter, expressed his thanks for the wonderful turnout of parents, friends, and family who came to support the cadet’s ceremony.
