New Fairfield Cadet Program Top in Connecticut

NEW FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Oct. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- The 801st Cadet Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has been awarded the 2013 Squadron of Merit streamer for the top cadet program in Connecticut. The squadron is based at New Fairfield High School.

The 801st placed first out of 14 squadrons in the state as determined by an independent awards committee comprised of senior officers from across Connecticut. The award streamer was presented to the 801st by Colonel Ken Chapman, New Fairfield resident and Connecticut Wing Commander. Col. Chapman told cadets, “It is a great honor for you to receive this award and goes to show just how far the New Fairfield High School cadet program has come from its inception just 5 years ago.”

According to Colonel Chapman, the 801st Cadet Squadron has distinguished itself across a number of disciplines including cadet program fundamentals, emergency services and community support. The squadron nearly tripled cadet enrolment in 2012. It was also one of the top squadrons in the Northeast Region in cadet encampment attendance, orientation flights and cadet promotions. The squadron is one of only two school-based programs nationwide to win the Quality Cadet Unit Award three years in a row.

In addition to cadet program fundamentals, the squadron earned a number of distinctions to include winning the Connecticut Wing Color Guard Competition and individual cadets winning regional and national awards. In the area of Emergency Services, the 801st excelled in 2012 as the lead squadron during Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts at the emergency shelter in New Fairfield, CT. This specific disaster relief mission lasted a week and encompassed over 2,000 volunteer-hours of CAP assistance to residents impacted by the storm. This effort came after three previous disaster relief efforts in 2011 where the squadron played a lead or prominent role in those missions.

In the five years that the squadron has been in existence, it has established local and state relationships and earned a reputation for helping the community. The squadron’s involvement in numerous community and volunteer activities includes Wreaths Across America, Tunnel to Towers charity run, Relay for Life charity event, Red Ribbon Leadership Academy for Middle School students and a Free Movie Night community event.

The 2013 Squadron of Merit Streamer will remain permanently affixed to the 801st Squadron flag to commemorate this achievement.