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Local Civil Air Patrol College Student Receives Prestigious Awards

One year after earning the award, Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills is presented his Mitchell Award by KYWing Commander, Colonel Darrel Williamson, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

One year after earning the award, Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills is presented his Mitchell Award by KYWing Commander, Colonel Darrel Williamson, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

 

Local Civil Air Patrol College Student Receives Prestigious Awards

By 2d Lt Kathy Mills, CAP PAO, Van Meter Cadet Squadron

Lexington, Ky. (March 18, 2021) –  Lexington’s Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan J. Mills received the Billy Mitchell Award recognizing Mill’s leadership and educational efforts throughout the COVID pandemic. Mills was also awarded the Air Force Sergeants' Association Award to Outstanding Cadet NCOs for distinguished leadership, perseverance, determination and dedication to positive character. CAP Kentucky Wing Commander Colonel Darrel Williamson was on hand to honor Mills efforts and promote him to Cadet First Lieutenant.

“Starting out as a Cadet Airman, the Billy Mitchell Award was something I thought was almost unobtainable. Or at the very least, would take me a very long time to earn,” Cadet Mills remarked. “I discovered reaching this milestone in CAP is attainable for anyone if they are willing to do what it takes.” 

Squadron Commander 1st Lt. William von Brandenburg commended Mills for his dedication, “C/1st Lt. Aidan Mills exemplifies perseverance. He is a long term Civil Air Patrol member who remained steadfast in dedication to CAP through two changes in command and COVID19 disrupting his cadet experience. His perseverance is the example in our squadron of what dedication to a worthy organization looks like.”

Former KY-222 Squadron Commander Captain Eddie Walter also acknowledged Mills efforts to support the cadet program. “Cadet Mills is unwavering in his ability to do what was asked of him even when he had to come up with the solution on his own. This combined with his unending support and constant mentoring to all of the junior cadets distinguished him for this award.” 

Upon hearing Captain Walter's remarks, Mills stated, “I will make sure that my future efforts will uphold what this award means. The certificate, ribbon, and medal will be a constant reminder, urging me to uphold all that the Civil Air Patrol has helped me become.”  He hopes the multiple awards will motivate young cadets to set goals and never give up on achieving them.

Mills is studying Media Communication with a concentration in Film Production at Asbury University in Wilmore, KY. He continues to be an active member of Lexington’s Van Meter Cadet Squadron and looks forward to further leadership development. He said the skills he developed in CAP will benefit him in his daily life and future endeavors.

The Billy Mitchell Award is given in recognition of Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, a fearless pilot whose patriotism, foresight, and tenacity we honor and respect. It marks completion of Phase II of the CAP Cadet Program, recognizing sustained excellence in all four areas of cadet life: leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. Only 15% of Civil Air Patrol cadets achieve this distinguished award.

The Air Force Sergeants' Association Award to Outstanding Cadet NCOs recognizes an enlisted Civil Air Patrol cadet at the squadron level for exemplary service or exceptionally outstanding achievement. Recipients are presented with a personalized certificate as well as a medal and ribbon for their uniform.

The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the US Air Force providing opportunities for youth as young as 12 and adults. During Mills’ participation in CAP, he had opportunities to develop strong leadership skills and to receive training in cybersecurity, emergency services, aerospace and more all while serving his community. CAP’s core values are integrity, volunteerism, excellence and respect, character traits von Brandenburg notes Mills represents well. 

Van Meter Cadet Squadron meets each Thursday at 6 pm at LexCity Church, 410 Sporting Ct #3560, Lexington, KY 40503. For more information about the Lexington area Civil Air Cadet Program, please visit our website at  https://ky222.cap.gov/ on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KY222CAP or contact Squadron Commander William von Brandenburg at wbrandenburg@kywg.cap.gov.

 

Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills displays his Mitchell Award, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills displays his Mitchell Award, March 18, 2021;
photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills
 
 
 

An honored surprise during the award ceremony: Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills was presented the Air Force Sergeants Award, ribbon, and medal by KY222 Squadron Commander 1st Lt. William von Brandenburg, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

An honored surprise during the award ceremony: Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills was presented the Air Force Sergeants Award, ribbon, and medal by KY222 Squadron Commander 1st Lt. William von Brandenburg, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills
 
 
 

Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills holds his US Air Force Sergeants Award, March 18, 2021; photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills

Cadet 1st Lt. Aidan Mills holds his US Air Force Sergeants Award, March 18, 2021;
photo by 2d Lt. Kathy Mills
 
 
 

Civil Air Patrol is the longtime auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and as such is a valued member of its Total Force. In its auxiliary role, CAP operates a fleet of 560 single-engine aircraft and 1,994 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). It performs about 90% of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 82 lives annually. CAP’s 60,000 members also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Operating as a nonprofit organization, CAP also plays a leading role in STEM/aerospace education, and its members serve as mentors to about 25,000 young people participating in CAP’s Cadet Programs. Visit www.CAP.News or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.

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