Local CAP earns state recognition

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Honor Guard members present colors during a Gallup Raptor Composite Squadron's recent meeting. The Gallup-based group received the 2005 New Mexico Wing Squadron of Merit Award. This is the first time the local squadron won this award. Since 2000, the Eagle Squadron from Kirkland Air Force Base has won the award. [Photo by Jeremy Schneider/Independent]

Independent Staff

GALLUP — The Gallup Civil Air Patrol was honored as the New Mexico Wing Squadron of Merit for the year 2005 this month.

The award is given to one squadron from each state annually by the Civil Air Patrol's national commander.

CAP Capt. Jim Stephens said this is the first time the Gallup chapter has received the distinction since its development.

"The award is a culmination of many things that we've been doing together as a unit," Stephens said. "It was a complete surprise."

Stephens said a team of judges evaluated each squadron based upon a specific criteria to determine which chapters are awarded the honor. The squadrons are evaluated upon the number of cadets that are reqruited each year, how many cadets renew membership, the number of recruits who attend encampments and by how many recruites earn various "Milestone Awards."

The Civil Air Patrol is part of the air force auxiliary and supports federal agencies in times of need such as natural disasters.

Following the presentation of the award, the chapter was given a streamer to place on its squadron flag.

The Gallup chapter also features a cadet program with students ages 12 to 21 and focuses on aerospace education.

Stephens said the Gallup chapter is continuosly looking to recruit new members and is also in need of pilots. The Civil Air Patrol meets on Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Gallup Municipal Airport.

"We encourage everyone to get involved," Stephens said.

Since the year 2000, the Eagle Squadron from Kirkland Air Force Base was the only squadron within New Mexico to receive the award.