CAP cadet, base dependant earns Mitchell Award

  • Published
  • By Civil Air Patrol 1st. Lt. Johanna Augustine
  • San Angelo Composite Squadron Public Affairs
SAN ANGELO, Texas --  San Angelo Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Matthew Barnes received his Mitchell Award and promotion to the rank of cadet second lieutenant during the monthly promotion ceremony Jan. 22.

Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Martin Barnes, father of the cadet, presented the certificate in front of squadron and family members. Chaplain Barnes, a member of the Air Force for 27 years and the squadron chaplain, spoke about Billy Mitchell and how his actions resulted in the Air Force we know today.

He also spoke of Cadet Barnes' many achievements since joining the squadron in March 2007. Barnes has attended Texas Wing encampment four times to include basic encampment, Advance Training School, ATS staff instructor, and Command Chief Master Sergeant.

Cadet Barnes has also attended Texas Wing Non-commission Officer Course, Senior Non-commission Officer Course, and Officer Training School. He attended the first Texas Wing Lonestar Emergency School Academy Ground Search and Rescue School completing all requirements for Ground Team 3.

Cadet Barnes attends San Angelo Central High School and is a member of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and debate team. He received a nomination from Texas 11th District Congressman Mike Conaway to attend the Air Force Academy class of 2013 and is waiting to hear if he has received an appointment.

Cadet Barnes' family members did the honors of officially promoting him to cadet second lieutenant.

Only 15 percent of all cadets ever receive the Mitchell Award. To receive the award, the cadet must complete a comprehensive exam covering information about leadership and aerospace, pass the Cadet Physical Fitness Test, and receive instruction in character development.

Mitchell Award recipients are eligible to receive the grade of E-3 upon enlistment in the U.S. Air Force. They may also receive credit toward AFROTC's General Military Course. The service academies look favorably upon cadets who have earned the Mitchell Award. Other benefits include eligibility for CAP scholarships, and participation in Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning programs.