CAP cadet honored for leadership and academic achievement

By Jordan Drake
Boone Composite Squadron Public Affairs

Cadet 1st Lt. Max Robertson, a member of the local Civil Air Patrol chapter, the Boone Composite Squadron, was recently recognized by the Air Force Association (AFA) as the outstanding cadet of the year.

Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth R. Walters presents the award to Cadet Max Robertson. Photo submitted

The honor is given by each local AFA chapter to a CAP, ROTC or JROTC member who stands out in areas of leadership and academic standing.

Presenting the award was retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth R. Walters, who, as the Blue Ridge chapter’s president, said that “the commendation is the most prestigious award possible for a cadet to receive from the Air Force Association.”

At 17, Robertson is certainly deserving of the honor. A Civil Air Patrol member of four years, he has progressed through the program with distinction, most recently as the cadet commander of the Boone Composite Squadron, a spokesperson for the squadron said.

He has also been accepted to the Air Force Academy and will be attending this summer.

The award was given at a meeting that marked more than one milestone for Robertson, who also took time to pass his command of the squadron to Cadet 2nd Lt. Emily Bullock, and to bid a fond farewell to his fellow cadets.

Robertson encouraged members to strive for excellence, and to never stop learning and growing.

Robertson told cadets, “When I return to visit at the end of the year, I expect you to be better cadets, followers and leaders than you are right now.”

His words were met with a standing ovation, as were the introductory remarks by the new commander, Bullock.

“While the evening’s events were certainly momentous in nature, they were by no means uncommon for the Boone squadron,” the spokeperson said. “Three of its members have been accepted to military academies in recent years, and many more have been given ROTC scholarships, or have simply enlisted in the various branches of the armed services.”

The Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is an organization comprised almost of civilian volunteers, many of whom have military experience and training.

A large part of the organization focuses on the training and enrichment of its cadet members, who range from ages 12 through 21.

CAP provides not only a rigorous military experience with drills, inspections and leadership training, but also a unique and unmatched education and hands-on experience in the fields of aerospace, moral leadership and emergency services, the spokesperson said.

The Boone Composite Squadron, with more than 30 members, both cadet and senior, meets weekly at the First Baptist Church on King Street. Members are often seen volunteering at local events, such as the Woolly Worm Festival and the Fourth of July parade.

For more information, or to become a member, contact senior member Jordan Drake at (703) 859-2655.