Editor
The Civil Air Patrol 279th Composite Squadron had a historic night on Feb. 16, giving out an award the squadron have never given out before.
The Air Force Sergeants Association Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year award has never been given out at this squadron before. The Air Force Association Outstanding Cadet of the Year award has not been given out for three years, said Captain Johnny Shea, Commander of the Clermont Squadron.
The squadron has never given the sergeants award before because this is the first time someone has performed at that level in this unit, Shea said.
Also at the ceremony, there was an induction and three promotions. The squadron has promotions every other month but the awards are only given out once a year, Shea said.
Joseph Mills, a junior at Milford High School, received the Sergeants Association award. He has advanced as fast as anyone can in the program, Shea said.
“He’s determined, athletic, humble. He arrives an hour early for activities, events and special assignments. He really works hard, harder than almost any kid I’ve ever seen at his age and rank,” Shea said.
Charles Hoffman, who is a junior and is homeschooled, received the outstanding cadet award for 2015. He is the cadet commander for the squadron.
“Hoffman is a little headstrong sometimes. but in a good way. He takes initiative, he’s tenacious, has a great attitude and a great command presence,” Shea said.
Zaid Ahmad, a sophomore at Clermont Northeastern High School, was given the outstanding cadet award for 2016. He is the senior most cadet non-commissioned officer.
“He can be relied upon in anything, whether that comes from the senior staff, whether that comes from the cadet core, he always has a solution. He never comes to me with a problem. He always says, hey, here’s a problem, by the way I fixed it,” Shea said.
He added, “These three guys together, they’re a force to be reckoned with. They are just outstanding.”
In addition to the awards, Ray Brock was inducted at the ceremony and Cadet Elise Hubers was promoted to Cadet/Airman 1st Class, Cadet Gabriel Christenson was promoted to Cadet/Senior Airman and Cadet Daniel Rennier was promoted to Cadet/Staff Sergeant. Rennier also read the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer oath.
Senior Master Sgt. Daren Wilson, of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, presented the Sergeants Association award to Joseph Mills during the ceremony.
Joseph Mills did not realize his full potential until he joined the air patrol. He is now a respected member who is always early and participates in every meeting, Wilson said.
Major Don Brown, USAF retired, presented both of the AFA awards. The two award winners are people who have a high level of commitment and professionalism, Brown said.
In addition, Sen. Joe Uecker could not attend but sent a proclamation and a letter commending the winners, which was read during the ceremony.
Shea also thanked the families of Joseph Mills, Hoffman and Ahmad, because without a strong family foundation the cadets would not be as successful as they are, he said.
“I was surprised to get the award. I was very honored,” Hoffman said. None of the award winners knew ahead of time.
He feels this award was given to him because of his commitment to excellence. He enjoys growing in leadership and helping others grow. Hoffman is interested in going into military aviation.
“I’m definitely very honored to have gotten this. I’ve been in for a little over a year. I’ve loved it from day one,” Joseph Mills said.
He has learned a lot from his fellow cadets, including Hoffman. Joseph Mills really enjoys the structure and being around like-minded people. He hopes to go into the Air Force.
Ahmad also hopes to go into military aviation. He has enjoyed learning the core values taught in the program.
“I love the leadership aspect of it. It teaches you to become a leader to prepare you for the world,” Ahmad said.
Jamey Mills, Milford Police chief and father of Joseph Mills, said he is very proud of his son and really respects what the Air Patrol does for young people. He also partners with them through the police department.
This has benefited his son academically and physically, in addition to teaching his son about military customs, core values, setting goals and working hard. His son’s success is largely a result of this program being an ideal fit for him, Jamey Mills said.
“I think it’s what happens when you align someone’s passion with the right opportunity,” Jamey Mills said.
He added, “I could not be happier that he’s involved in this.”