On Thursday State Representative Richard Smith (R-108) was inducted into the Honorary Squadron of the New Fairfield High School Civil Air Patrol.
After accepting his rank of Honorary Major, Rep. Smith presented several cadets with Milestone Awards and other recognitions during a promotions ceremony at New Fairfield High School.
“I am honored to be a part of the New Fairfield Civil Air Patrol, which is an award winning Squadron of young leaders,” said Rep. Smith, a member of the New Fairfield Lions Club which donated the Patrol’s new trophy case. “These Cadets have trained hard and made New Fairfield proud by exhibiting discipline, respect and maturity, and I look forward to fulfilling my honorary duties.”
Rep. Smith’s first assignment as part of the 801st Squadron was to present the Wright Brothers Award to Cadets Lucas Capozzola, Connor Guzda, Kevin Jenkins, Sabrina Rautter, Alessandro Ripari and Andre Vasquez. These recipients have now achieved the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant.
Rep. Smith also awarded the Billy Mitchell Award to Cadets James Colella, Anthony Smyth and Michael Tryforos. These recipients have now earned the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant.
Earlier this year, Rep. Smith welcomed the Patrol to the House of Representatives during the legislative session to congratulate them for winning the statewide Civil Air Patrol Cadet Competition in March.
Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, with 57,000 members nationwide.
