Promotion Night at Wheeler Composite Squadron

Promotion Night at Wheeler Composite Squadron

Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawai‘i -  9^th Wheeler Composite Squadron of Hawai‘i Wing Civil Air Patrol, has a new record for monthly promotions with 21 cadets.

Six of the promoting cadets have joined within the past two months, completing their first achievement, receiving the John F. Curry Award, and are officially Cadet Airman. Cadets receiving their first insignia is always special and for Wheeler Composite Squadron it is something that is truly celebrated and doesn’t go unnoticed.

From fist pumps and high fives to cheering and wide smiles, it is evident that Wheeler Composite Squadron brings the warrior spirit and camaraderie that stays true to the CAP mission.

Each of the promoted cadets at Wheeler was welcomed with cheering as their names were called, followed their drill steps, saluted their Cadet Commander, Cadet 2^nd Lieutenant Salvador, about-faced towards the prideful audience and pinned by their beaming parents or even by their fellow cadets. After the explosive applause dies, the newly promoted cadet about-faces salute the Cadet Commander and receive a handshake with their ribbon before walking back to their seat with a big smile.

Newly promoted Cadet Airmen Kepa, who joined Wheeler Composite within the past month stated, “I was really nervous about Civil Air Patrol, but not too long after I started, I realized there really isn’t anything to be nervous about. I soon learned about ranks, drills, and the teamwork that can be found in the squadrons, and quickly got used to the routines of CAP. When I got my first award, I started to feel like a part of CAP and got more comfortable in my position and towards everyone in it, and I hope I will be a great part of the team.”

It is evident that Wheeler Composite Squadron is doing more than bringing the numbers, they are truly changing lives. From new Cadet Airmen to even Achievements 8 and 9, every cadet is celebrated and congratulated on their hard work and that helps instill confidence in these young lives. Wheeler Composite Squadron has done an excellent job in welcoming the youth and teaching them how to be outstanding cadets.

The cadets are much of the squadron, however, to make this happen the Senior Members also must be as willing and passionate for the cadets. Wheeler’s Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Ferrara has had a huge presence in the squadron, making sure to end the night with a speech saying how proud he is of every cadet and to keep up the fantastic work. His strong leadership motivates each cadet, and every cadet represents that at Wheeler.

And the fantastic work isn’t only done by the cadets. Deputy Cadet Commander of Cadets, 2^nd Lieutenant Melissa Kono, along with the help of all Wheeler’s Senior Members, ensures that the squadron’s cadets can have all the opportunities that CAP has to offer. It is with their outstanding efforts that the cadets are able to strive above and beyond in the squadron.

As the evening sunsets on September 28, 2022, the Wheeler Chapel becomes empty as cadets fold up chairs and help clean up the reminisce of the night. Cadets follow their customs and curtsies shaking hands with Senior Members and parents, and thanking them. Fellow cadets congratulate each other as hands fly in the air with enthusiasm. Wheeler Chapel becomes quiet, but every cadet, especially the newly promoted Cadet Airman, will return home still feeling the excitement of their very first insignia and ribbon. Even at the night's end, Wheeler Composite Squadron will continue to make memories and train exceptional cadets.

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C/SrA Nevaeh Silvas, Contributing Writer - PCR-HI-009 Wheeler Composite Squadron