Two Los Alamos Cadets Receive the Mitchell Award

By Maj. Dan Gabel, CAP
Los Alamos Composite Squadron

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. – For the third time this n year, Los Alamos Composite Squadron recognized the achievement of cadets earning Civil Air Patrol’s Gen. Billy Mitchell Award. On June 5, 2017, Cadets Zachary Lang and Gabe Fox were promoted to the grade of cadet second lieutenant and presented with the award, named after aerospace pioneer Gen. Billy Mitchell.

Cadet Lang set his sights on earning the Mitchell Award shortly after his brother earned the award not too long ago. He is planning on joining the United States Navy.

Cadet Fox said, “It’s been a long road and a long, hard challenge, but it pays off in the end.” Fox joined the cadet program in October 2013, while still in the sixth grade. Fox hopes to join the United States Air Force, and then go on to college

It was a bittersweet meeting for Fox, since it was his last meeting at Los Alamos Composite Squadron. His family is moving to Rio Rancho, N.M., and he is transferring his membership to Albuquerque Heights “Spirit” Composite Squadron

The Mitchell Award signifies completion of Phase II of CAP’s four-phase Cadet Program. To earn the award, cadets must successfully complete the first eight of 16 achievements in the Cadet Program, as well as pass comprehensive leadership and aerospace exams, and a rigorous physical fitness test.

Cadets who earn the Mitchell Award become eligible for advanced placement upon graduation from basic training and consideration for entry into the Unites States service academies, as well as CAP flight and academic scholarships and grants.

Above: Cadets Zachary Lang, left, and Gabe Fox, right, prepare to receive their Mitchell Awards from New Mexico Wing Vice Commander-North Lt. Col. Annette Peters, assisted by Maj. Mark Peters. (All Photos: Maj. Dan Gabel, CAP}