August 24, 2009 - Cadet Russell T. Mozingo of Sherman was awarded the General Billy Mitchell Award. Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum presented the award during the Awards and Recognition Night held in the auditorium of the Work Force Education Building at Grayson County College.
The award is earned by Civil Air Patrol cadets who have successfully completed the second phase of the cadet program. The award is given on honor of Major General William "Billy" Mitchell, former Deputy Staff of the Army Air Service and military aviation visionary.
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Mozingo earned the award for passing a series of leadership, aerospace and physical fitness tests, CAP summer camp, and moral leadership training. He is now eligible for promotion to the Cadet officer rank.
Russell Mozingo is the grandson of Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Kirby of Howe, Texas.
Seven cadets were recognized for their achievements with a certificate of appreciation from Major Jeff Harrell, their commanding officer.
Senior members where also recognized and awarded certificate of appreciation. They were: Chaplain (Lt. Colonel) Robert Sholl, Finance officer Major Pat Sholl, Testing officer Captain Jack Nash, Administration officer Captain Minor, Communications officer Jerry Jones, Historian Lt Charlie Giarraputo, Training officer Lt Wilson.
Ceremonies were opened with posting the colors by the squadron's area renown professional performing honor guard in true military form. The Civil Air Patrol Texoma Composite Squadron is headquartered at North Texas Regional Airport-Perrin Field on Airport Drive. Meetings are held each Monday evening at 6:30. The Civil Air Patrol is an official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
(l-r) Major Jeff Harrell, Squadron Commander, congratulating Cadet Russell Mozingo, Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum, and 1st Lt Wilson, cadet training officer. photo by John Elkins
(l-r) 1st Lt Charles Giarraputo Cadet Mozingo's "Mentor" and Cadet Russell Mozingo shown with his prestigious Civil Air Patrol's Major General William "Billy" Mitchell Award. Photo by John Elkins
News release authorized by Major Jeff Harrell, Commander