By: 1st Lt. JIM GRIGGS, CAP Palwaukee Composite Squadron(picture credit Capt. Ken Stone)
WHEELING, Ill -- Palwaukee Composite Squadron is the 2007 Illinois Wing recipient of the Squadron of Merit (SOM). Wing Commander, Colonel Maurice Givens, presented the unit streamer and citation to Captain Robert Williams during a Change of Command ceremony on 5 June.
Each year, Wing commanders select one outstanding cadet or composite squadron to receive this award, which lasts for one year. The criteria to determine the awardee is:
* A minimum of 12 cadets as of 1 January.
* An active cadets recruiting and retention program.
* Number of milestone awards (Wright through Spaatz)
* Number of first-time encampment attendees.
* Participation in O-flights.
* Percentage of cadets flying "99" (backseat) O-flights
Palwaukee Squadron has only had a cadet component in the squadron for the last two years, after a hiatus of ten years, being one of the last in Illinois to transition from a senior squadron. Capt. Williams attributed
this short-time turnaround success to Deputy Commander of Cadets, Capt. Bob Dempsey, and the Cadet Commander, C/Capt. Michael Hatkevich. Both have been tireless in their efforts to improve the cadet opportunities and progression during their tenures.
