Local Civil Air Patrol Squadron Recognized at City Council Meeting

This Tuesday, the Overlake Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol was recognized at the biweekly Redmond City Council meeting. Mayor John Marchione personally presented the Squadron Commander, Captain Mike Holliday, with a Proclamation of Recognition, commending the squadron’s achievements.

Overlake Composite Squadron was named as the “Outstanding Unit” in Washington out of 27 squadrons across the state, and was also honored with the “Quality Cadet Unit” Award for 2011. With a membership of near 100 cadets and senior members, the squadron has drastically increased its enrollment, only having 40 members two years ago.

“The City of Redmond values the efforts of the Civil Air Patrol in the community…and recognizes the Overlake Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol as the top unit in Washington for 2011 and appreciate its members’ accomplishments, leadership, and support” read Marchione, in front of the entire council as well as dozens of community members. 

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Mathew Skelton was also honored at the meeting, where he was presented with the Billy Mitchell Award. This award is given to cadets who achieve the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant; a mere 10 percent of all cadets in the Civil Air Patrol organization reach this level of achievement.

“I cannot think of a cadet who is more deserving of this award, and having worked with him for the past two and a half years, I am incredibly proud of his extraordinary level of dedication and commitment," said Cadet Commander Capt. Kelly Walls.

Skelton completed nearly 200 hours of community service in the past year and was a key member of the squadron’s Color Guard team, which won the Washington Wing competition and placed second at the Pacific Region competition.