Air Force Association CAP Cadet of the Year Receives Wright Brothers Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By Captain Charles LePla, CAP

Public Affairs Officer

Escondido Cadet Squadron 714

Civil Air Patrol Air Force Auxiliary

   

Air Force Association CAP Cadet of the Year Receives Wright Brothers Award

  ESCONDIDO, Cal. – Cadet Technical Sergeant Hunter W. LePla of the California Wing’s Escondido Cadet Squadron 714 received the Wright Brothers Award for completing the first phase of the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program.  At an awards ceremony held February 4 in Escondido, LePla was also named squadron Cadet of the Year by the Air Force Association and awarded the Achievement Ribbon by the Civil Air Patrol.  U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant James P. Richey presented the prestigious awards to LePla in front of the crowd of attendees. 

LePla, a seventh grader at Escondido’s Heritage Digital Academy who maintains a perfect 4.0 grade point average, was recognized for his outstanding leadership and achievement in Civil Air Patrol as well as his academic standing.  Asked about his decorations and promotion, he said, “I am proud and honored to receive these awards.  I believe that our squadron has a bright future, and I am looking forward to being a part of it.”

A graduate of Non Commissioned Officer School, LePla currently serves as the Flight Sergeant responsible for training the squadron's new cadets.  Cadet LePla leads by deed and example, and his military bearing and courtesy set a standard for other cadets to follow.

The Wright Brothers Award is an important milestone in the CAP, marking the completion of the cadet program Learning Phase.  LePla aspires to reach the highest level that a cadet can achieve in Civil Air Patrol, Spaatz Cadet Colonel, before seeking appointment to the United States Air Force Academy.

The Air Force Association is a civilian education organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation.  The AFA recognizes the outstanding cadet in each CAP squadron each year.  Squadron 714 Commander Major Robert H. Rea nominated LePla for this prestigious medal based upon his leadership, academic excellence, contributions to the squadron, and his remarkable progress in the cadet program.

Formed in 1941, the Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization with 57,000 members nationwide.  CAP performs emergency services, homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions for government agencies.  The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs.