By Marc Stanley, 1st Lt, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Palwaukee Composite Squadron
Cadet Weinberg joined Palwaukee in 2006 and currently serves as the Cadet Flight Commander. He has attended 4 encampments, serving as the First Sergeant at the 2009 IL Wing Spring Encampment. In 2008 he was awarded the USAF Sergeant’s Association Medal for outstanding performance. Maj. Robert Dempsey, who supervises the Squadron's cadet program, describes Cadet Weinberg as a “hard worker, very deserving of this recognition”; he expects that he will now assume an even greater leadership role.
The Mitchell Award is given after completion of the first eight structured segments of the CAP cadet program. In addition, a cadet must also pass an examination covering leadership theory and aerospace topics. Cadets who receive the Mitchell Award are eligible for advanced placement in the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enlist in the US Air Force. They are also eligible for advanced credit in the Air Force ROTC program. Mitchell Award cadets may also apply for a variety of scholarships and are eligible to participate in certain special CAP activities.
Cadet Weinberg is a Junior at Vernon Hills High School and plans to serve in the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment after receiving his diploma. Says Cadet Weinberg: “To me, the Mitchell Award is just a piece of paper. The true accomplishment is all these bonds that have been created, and the knowledge and ability I have gained from CAP that I will carry with me forever.”