1st Lt. Jim Griggs (left), Palwaukee's Deputy Commander, Seniors presents Major Bob Dempsey with his Benjamin O. Davis Award acknowledging his successful completion of Level Two of the Civil Air Patrol Professional Development Program.
All photos by 2d Lt. Marc Stanley
By 1st Lt. Jim Griggs
Deputy Commander, Palwaukee Composite Squadron
WHEELING, Ill – On 5 February 2008, Captain Robert Dempsey Jr was honored in a surprise evening of recognition at Palwaukee Composite Squadron. The evening was the culmination of months of planning and hard work by the Squadron, and took place on the ‘all-hands’ award night.
Captain Dempsey has served in CAP for 27 years, first joining as a Cadet in the former Hometown Squadron in the South suburbs. He rose through the ranks before transitioning to Senior Member, and ultimately served as Squadron Commander during his tenure there. His dedication to the Cadet Program is almost unequaled in the Wing, given that he always put the Cadets needs before his own.
That same selflessness kept him a Captain for 16 years.......until recently, as he has now had time to complete his Levels 2 and 3. The certificates for his Davis and Loening Awards were presented on this night. Palwaukee Commander, 1st Lt. Scott Murphy, promoted Dempsey to the grade of Major during the evening, praising his dedication and hard work for all these years.
Group 22 Commander, Major Robert Williams, was on hand to present Major Dempsey with a Commander’s Commendation. After reading the award citation aloud, he praised Major Dempsey for being the main force responsible for Palwaukee Squadron being awarded Illinois Wing’s Squadron of Merit in 2007. Major Williams had served previously as Palwaukee’s Commander, and has worked with Major Dempsey for years both in the squadron and at the Illinois Wing Spring Encampment.
Lt. Murphy, then presented the honoree with a challenge coin given to him by former CAP National Commander Brig. Gen. Anderson, denoting the ‘rising phoenix’ of the Cadet Program. Captain Dave Gillingham then presented Major Dempsey with a framed commemorative display on behalf of the squadron. The evening’s festivities concluded with a special cake denoting the promotion, cut by Major Dempsey, for all to enjoy.
