Winchester Civil Air Patrol earns 2024 Quality Cadet Unit Award

WINCHESTER, Va. (Sep 23, 2024) – Virginia Civil Air Patrol’s Winchester Composite Squadron was recognized this month for earning the 2024 Quality Cadet Unit Award (QCUA) for the sixth time.

The QCUA recognizes units that have vibrant cadet programs. Units must meet or exceed challenging objective criteria to qualify for the award. This year’s award, which covered a time frame of one year from August 2023 to August 2024, was earned by meeting a minimum of six criteria out of ten. Some examples included maintaining a minimum number of cadets on the roster, ensuring that new cadets that joined promoted and earned their first achievement in eight weeks, and that a certain number of cadets had met their first milestone award, transitioning from cadet airman to noncommissioned officer.  

Criteria also focused on activities including that a certain number of cadets had completed their first orientation flight (cadets that join can take advantage of 5 powered and 5 non-powered flights for free), a certain number of cadets had completed encampment (week-long cadet leadership camp), and that the unit had participated in an external aerospace education (AE), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activity, or leadership activity. 

Winchester Composite Squadron’s Commander, Maj. Jacob Bixler, commented, “The unwavering dedication to Civil Air Patrol volunteer service, from our adult leaders and cadets, is evident in earning this award. Congratulations to all!“

Virginia Wing's Commander, Colonel Pat Fulgham, remarked, "Our squadrons have varied strengths, and the QCUA units have showcased these across many aspects of cadet programs. This award recognizes excellence in senior member training, cadet achievements, new member onboarding, unit activities, encampments, aviation, aerospace education, STEM initiatives, and emergency services - all areas that are crucial for providing the best opportunities for our cadets and adult volunteers. I am proud of their accomplishments, and look forward to presenting the certificates and unit streamers to the squadrons in the coming months."

About Virginia Wing
Civil Air Patrol's Virginia Wing is home to 21 squadrons spread throughout the Commonwealth and has approximately 2,250 members, 12 light aircraft, 6 small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and 28 multi-mission vehicles. These assets are available to federal, state, and local governments, as well as to emergency responders and law enforcement agencies to perform search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and counter-drug missions. For more information on Virginia Wing, visit the wing’s website at https://vawg.cap.gov.
 
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
 
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