Local Civil Air Patrol squad takes second at state
Six members of the local squadron competed at the Washington Wing Cadet Competition on Feb. 24-26 in Marysville. The team placed second and will move on to regionals.
From left to right, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Joey Beaulieu, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Braiden Stump, Cadet Master Sgt. Noah Baker, Cadet Master Sgt. Dylan Cruz, Cadet Master Sgt. Dominic Beaulieu, and Cadet Master Sgt. Anthony Tindal. On knee in front, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Michael Park, team commander.
COURTESY PHOTO/KATHY MAXWELL
EPHRATA — The Columbia Basin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol placed second at the state competition over the weekend and will move on to regionals.
“They have basically had to train themselves,” said Lt. Col. Kathy Maxwell, Cadet Program Activities Officer.
Six members of the local squadron competed at the Washington Wing Cadet Competition Feb. 24-26 in Marysville. The competition includes events such as indoor and outdoor posting of the Colors, Color Guard Drill, Element Drill, a team leadership problem, a written exam, a physical fitness test, uniform inspection and uniform preparation. The squadron also participated in the elective panel quiz.
Maxwell said the events teach and practice real-life skills, not just skills specific to cadets, and the skills for the competition was something that the cadets have taken the time to practice on their own accord because they have not had any cadet officers leading them.
“This is extra work these guys did all on their own,” Maxwell said. “They’ve been going every Sunday afternoon for the last two months and they will go for the next two months still practicing.”
The Columbia Basin squadron placed second in the competition, with only the top two teams moving on to the Pacific Region Cadet Competition. Regionals will be held April 28-30 in McMinnville, Oregon. The top two teams at regionals will compete at the National Cadet Competition this summer.
Maxwell said the success of the squadron is thanks to the community, particularly its support for their Wreaths Across America fundraiser and being able to use the Ephrata Recreation Center.
“The community has been so supportive of us,” said Maxwell.
Rebecca Pettingill may be reached at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.