Monday, 26 April 2004 - Signal Aviation, Lebanon Municipal Airport — Our first open house of 2004 was a success. With over 50 people in attendance, Captain Charles Freeman, the squadron commander, opened the evening with a presentation on Civil Air Patrol. The audience had a chance to see everything the organization has to offer complete with photographs and videos.
The awards ceremony followed the presentation. Senator Clifton Below was in attendance to present the General Billy Mitchell Award to Cadet Tom Rich. This award represents the halfway point in the cadet program and is a significant achievement. In conjunction with this award, Rich earned promotion to Cadet Second Lieutenant. Cadets receiving the Mitchell award are eligible to receive CAP scholarships and may enlist in the United States air force at a higher pay grade than other applicants.
Senior member Thomas Ferranti, a recent addition to our ranks and a CFII, was awarded promotion to Captain. Congratulations to both members for their hard work and dedication to the squadron and CAP.
c/2Lt Tom Rich receives the Billy Mitchell Award.
Following the formal presentations, everyone had a chance to peruse the displays, speak with squadron members, and have a bite to eat. There were photographs of squadron activities including encampments, orientation flights, rocket competitions, and more. Search and rescue tools such as radios and direction finding equipment were also on display.
Perhaps of most interest to those in attendance was being able to see our aircraft and van in person. The new Cessna 182T with its distinctive color scheme is very good looking. Squadron members were on hand to explain how we use the aircraft and van together to locate downed aircraft. Last year alone, CAP was credited with saving over 140 lives.
After the guests departed, the squadron members discussed the evening and felt it was a success with a couple people showing strong interest in joining and more names on our sign-in sheet.
If you are interesting in learning more about the Lebanon Composite Squadron and CAP, read more about us.