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7 July 2008
GEORGETOWN, Texas – Our squadron has just held its
first Mitchell ceremony in five years. I would like to take this
opportunity to congratulate C/2d Lt Moody for all his hard work, as he
proceeded to vanquished all hurdles. It is estimated that only 15% of
all CAP cadets ever get their General Billy Mitchell Award. All Apollo
cadets already know that Cadet Moody is a really unique person and this,
this is like the cherry on top.
 After
the ceremony, C/2d Lt Michael Moody (second from left) poses with the
members of the Apollo Color Guard: C/SrA John Schertz, American Rifle,
C/TSgt Christian Nelson - American Flag, C/MSgt Stephen Corley,
Organizational Flag, and C/Amn Philip Nelson, Organizational Rifle.
A Mitchell ceremony is a very special event and needs a color guard.
I felt honored to be asked to be in the color guard and jumped at the
chance. The rest of the cadets in the Color Guard (Organizational Flag
C/MSgt Corley, Rifles C/SrA John Schertz and C/A1C Philip Nelson) are
sharp and professional. With these cadets, I had no doubt that we could
pull it off. Though we made a few mistakes, I was far from disappointed
with the results. Given how much we had improved in a very short time, I
am sure that our next effort will be much better.
It was an experience like no other, being entrusted to properly
carry, post, and reverence the colors of my nation. As we marched down
the center of the room, there was a deep quiet and a feeling of awe.
Everyone present was looking at something beautiful and they knew it:
the Colors that represent this sovereign nation; that have stood as a
symbol of courage, refuge, justice, and freedom; that have been carried
in the field of battle for over two centuries; and under which men and
women have fought and even died for. I will remember that moment for the
rest of my life.
Our squadron cadets, in Cadet Moody, have a brilliant example of
Integrity, Volunteer Service, Respect, and Excellence that they can
follow. Any cadet willing to make the effort and do the work can achieve
promotion. It is a matter of time, attitude and hard work. Since three
of the Apollo cadets are Chief Master Sergeants, I look forward to more
Mitchell ceremonies in the near future, and a still greater improvement
in the color guard.
Special thanks to 1st Lt. Matthew Hammond, 2d Lt Capo, and C/Maj
Joshua Lewis for instructing the color guard, to C/CMSgt Davita Heavener
for critiquing us, to Capt Arthur Woodgate for the after-action article,
and to everyone who made the color guard possible.
Article by C/TSgt Christian Nelson (First published in the July Group
III, Texas Wing Newsletter) |
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