PTHS Senior Achieves Civil Air Patrol Award

Andrew Ladzinski, a senior at Peters Township High School and cadet with Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Washington Squadron 601, was promoted to the rank of Cadet 2nd lieutenant following his receipt of CAP’s prestigious Gen. Billy Mitchell Award. 

The award was presented by Lt. Col. Gary Fleming, vice commander of CAP’s Pennsylvania Wing. 

Cadet 2nd Lt. Ladzinski was also awarded a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his achievement from Congressman Tim Murphy's Veterans and Military Affairs Liaison James Hill. 

The awards took place at Washington Squadron 601’s annual banquet this January at the Washington Elks Lodge.

“CAP has taught me a lot about leadership, but maturity and responsibility goes along with that as well,” Ladzinski said. “You get put into higher levels of responsibility if you prove yourself. It has given me a great sense of accomplishment. Through CAP, I have gotten to achieve things other people haven’t had the chance to. A lot of people don’t know about Civil Air Patrol and the opportunities it offers.”

A CAP member since 2008, Ladzinski was Washington Squadron 601’s Cadet of the Year in 2010. His accomplishments also include the Northeast Regional Leadership Academy in Cape Cod, MA, and the Aircraft Maintenance and Manufacturing Academy in Independence, Kansas. 

After graduation, Ladzinski plans to attend Beaver County Community College and become a professional pilot.

“Andy has always been one of our quiet, behind the scenes, cadets," said Capt. Donald Kaminski. "He does his work without fanfare—and when he's not there we notice quickly! He is a solid young man with a strong sense of commitment and ethics.”

The award honors the late Brigadier Gen. Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for America.

It is earned after completing the first eight achievements of the CAP cadet program. In addition, the cadet must pass an arduous 100-question examination testing 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) if they choose to enlist in the U.S. Air Force and are also eligible for advanced credit in the Air Force ROTC program.

Mitchell Award cadets may also apply for a variety of scholarships and CAP special activities.

Washington Squadron 601 is the county’s local chapter of the Civil Air Patrol, an all-volunteer, civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that provides emergency services, search and rescue, youth leadership programs and more to the community.  

Members include adults and students from all over the Washington County area.

Washington Squadron 601 holds their weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 125 Goodridge Rd., Washington, PA. 

In addition to Civil Air Patrol members and their families, the Washington Squadron 601 Banquet was also attended this year by James Hill, Veteran Affairs and Military Liaison for Congressman Tim Murphy; Sen. Timothy Solobay; Washington Commissioner Diana Irey-Vaughan and her husband, LTC Robert Vaughan, 489th Civil Affairs BN attached to 1st CAV DIV in RC-East for Operation Enduring Freedom; and Washington commissioners Larry Maggi and Harlan Shober.

If you would like to learn more about CAP and Washington Squadron 601, visit its website at www.Squadron601.us, or contact Kaminski at dkaminski@wju.edu. 

For more information on Civil Air Patrol, go to www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com.