Ormond Beach, FL - Two cadets from the Ormond Beach Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol were honored by CAP's Florida Wing Commander.
Cadet Captain Grayson Bertaina was presented with the Amelia Earhart Award, which honors the late aviatrix Amelia Earhart, who set many records for women aviators in aviation's infancy.
The award is the second milestone of the Cadet Program, which is earned after the receipt of the General Billy Mitchell Award and the completion of the first 11 achievements of the Cadet Program.
In addition, a cadet must pass a comprehensive 100-question examination, covering aerospace topics, leadership theory and staff duties. Only 5% of CAP cadets obtain the award.
Cadets who receive the Earhart Award are also eligible to apply for participation in the International Air Cadet Exchange.
Cadet Second Lieutenant Emily Kraft was presented with the General Billy Mitchell Award, which honors a "fearless pilot" whose patriotism led him to become the "Father of the Independent Air Force."
The Mitchell Award marks the completion of Phase II of the CAP Cadet Program, recognizing sustained excellence in all four areas of cadet life: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character.
Further, Mitchell candidates must have passed comprehensive examinations on leadership and aerospace topics and have completed a week-long encampment immersing them in a challenging Core Values and STEM environment.
The awards were presented by Colonel Luis Garcia, the Florida Wing Commander.
