Dungeness Squadron, the local chapter of Civil Air Patrol, was represented by seven cadets at the statewide Washington Wing Cadet Competition in February.
Cadets from Sequim to Joyce competed against other squadrons in formal drill evaluations, written exams, leadership drills, uniform inspections and a physical fitness test.
Overall, the squadron placed third out of seven, with one of the unit cadets – Cadet Master Sergeant Joseph Henninger — achieving the highest written exam score of the competition.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” Lt. Madeline Patterson, Commander, said. “Especially since we had no experience in Cadet Competition before, it really demonstrates how important our preparation has been. I know the cadets are already excited to compete again next year and place even higher than this year.”
This was the first time that Dungeness Squadron attended Cadet Competition, making the podium placement that much more significant, Dungeness Squadron representatives said.
Participating cadets included Henninger, team captain 2d Lt. Faith Amaya, CMSgt Genna Nickel, SMSgt Reilly Sue, TSgt Trenton Downs, TSgt Alex Creery and TSgt Hannah Colwill.
“We have our best, I am entirely proud of what my team did,” Amaya said. “Next year I hope they can make it even further; with all their hard work and dedication, I know they can.
In preparation for the competition, the squadron team had practices for several hours every other Saturday since the start of the new year. In addition to the cadets’ efforts, Deputy Commander Captain Nick Sue, SM Elizabeth Nickel and Lieutenant Thom Hightower assisted in practices, planned training and accompanied the team to the competition.
The team also included mascot Lt. Ribbit, a crocheted frog made by several unit members, including a ribbon rack and lieutenant epaulets.
Civil Air Patrol is the civilian Air Force Auxiliary for members ages 12 and older who are interested in aviation, leadership, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or the military.
For more information, visit wa091.cap.gov.
Photo courtesy of Madeline Patterson/Dungeness Composite Squadron / Cadet Lieutenant Faith Amaya, team captain for the Dungeness Squadron, works hard during a written exam at the Washington Wing Cadet Competition in February.
Photo courtesy of Madeline Patterson/Dungeness Composite Squadron / Members of the Dungeness Cadet competition team enjoy a briefing at the Washington Wing Cadet Competition.
