Unit Citation awarded to Yokota CAP

  • Published
  • By CAP 2nd Lt. Billie Thompson
  • NHQ 103 Public Affairs Officer
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Civil Air Patrol Yokota Cadet Squadron, NHQ-103, was awarded the Unit Citation Award from Headquarters CAP in January 2015 for performing "in an exemplary manner for the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program," from Jan. 1, 2011 to Oct. 1, 2014. An award presentation ceremony was held at the squadron on Jan. 8, 2015.

The Civil Air Patrol Unit Citation Award is presented for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement. Applicants for the award must demonstrate service or achievement that is above and beyond that which is accomplished by other similar units.

"Our cadets are talented and motivated, and our senior staff is professional and eager to serve. I can think of no better way to recognize this unit's hard work over the past few years," said CAP Lt. Col. Adam Boyd, Yokota Squadron commander.

Among the achievements of the Yokota Cadet Squadron was the reconstruction of the unit after the devastating earthquake off the coast of Japan in March 2011. Before the earthquake, the unit had 12 cadets. After the families returned from a voluntary evacuation, there were only three cadets remaining. They began working diligently to recruit and rebuild their unit. Within a year, they had the squadron's membership up to 15 active cadets.

Additionally, the Yokota Cadet Squadron assisted the Osan Cadet Squadron with holding the first CAP Cadet Encampment at Osan Air Base, Korea in 2012 by sending three staff and nine cadets. The following year, they supplied the encampment commander, their own cadet commander, and six cadets. Coordinating such massive efforts were indeed above and beyond what is typically accomplished by an overseas unit.

The Cadet Commander, Cadet 1st Lt. Michael McDougall, praised their dedication and hard work.

"The cadets have put in so much work and grown so much in this time and I am glad to see their efforts rewarded," he said.

Civil Air Patrol makes a huge impact each and every day, making a profound difference in the lives of America's youth and communities. To learn more visit gocivilairpatrol.com.