[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 90 (Thursday, June 30, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1397-E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING ZACH OSBORNE AND MIKE ALLEN, CIVIL AIR PATROL SERGEANTS AND 
  DAVID FEHLMAN, CADET CAPTAIN, FOR THEIR COMPLETION OF THE CIVIL AIR 
                          PATROL CADET PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 29, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Zach Osborne, Mike 
Allen and David Fehlman for receiving the milestone award in 
recognition of their accomplishments in the Civil Air Patrol cadet 
program.
  These three young men have shown great dedication and excellence. 
This article published in the Jamestown Post Journal pays tribute to 
their commendable accomplishment.

            [From the Jamestown Post Journal, June 24, 2005]

                    Cadets Complete Training Program

                          (By Sabrina Blanco)

       Three cadet members of the Jamestown Composite Squadron 
     earned awards Thursday after completing intensive training 
     programs with the Civil Air Patrol. Zack Osborne, Michael 
     Allen and David Fehlman of Chautauqua County received 
     milestone awards in recognition of their accomplishments in 
     the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.

[[Page E1398]]

       A full curriculum of aeronautics, communications, physical 
     fitness and moral leadership was taught to each cadet. They 
     also participated in several volunteer and community service 
     projects over the last year.
       Cadet Sergeants Osborne and Allen were honored with the 
     Wright Brothers Award, passing the first of four phases in 
     the cadet program.
       The Wright Brothers Award is earned after completing Phase 
     I, ``The Learning Phase,'' consisting of the first three 
     achievements of the cadet program. In addition, the cadet 
     must pass a challenging examination, testing leadership, 
     knowledge and proficiency in drill and ceremonies.
       ``These cadets have really grown since they first started 
     the program and they have come a long way,'' said Deputy 
     Commander Ellen Maternowski, who presented the awards to each 
     cadet.
       Once a cadet earns the Wright Brothers Award, they are 
     promoted to the grade of cadet staff sergeants. They begin 
     service as cadet non-commissioned officers and continue to 
     participate and advance as cadets in the U.S. Air Force 
     Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol.
       Mark Thomas, Chautauqua County executive, gave a message at 
     the event, saying, ``During World War II, the civil air 
     patrol became famous for coastal control, where civilians 
     volunteered to use privately owned aircrafts to spot enemy 
     submarines along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Recognizing 
     that America's entrance into the war was imminent and 
     general aviation would be needed to succeed, the Civil Air 
     Patrol then expanded rapidly into an army of more than 
     100,000 civilian volunteers committed to protecting 
     America.''
       The Civil Air Patrol has marked over 60 years of service 
     and remains a thriving program across America.
       In the graduation ceremony on Thursday, Cadet Captain David 
     Fehlman was honored with the Amelia Earhart Award which is 
     earned after completing the Phase III with 11 credits and 
     passing an arduous 100-question examination testing aerospace 
     topics, leadership theory and staff topics.
       ``Once a cadet earns the Earhart Award, they are promoted 
     to the grade of cadet captain,'' Mrs. Maternowski said. 
     ``These cadets who later enter CAP's Senior Member program 
     are eligible for immediate promotion to CAP 1st Lieutenant at 
     age 21. They are also eligible to apply to the International 
     Air Cadet Exchange.''
       The cadet program provides opportunities for the learning, 
     maturing, accepting, and nurturing of leadership to over 
     27,000 young Americans from 12-20 years of age. For further 
     information about the Civil Air Patrol, contact Ellen 
     Maternowski at 763-2743.
       ``For more than half a century the Civil Air Patrol has 
     taken an active role in carrying out non-combat missions on 
     behalf of the United States Air Force, performing more than 
     85 percent of inland search and rescue missions in the 
     continental U.S.,'' Thomas said. ``It is a great opportunity 
     to honor these young men today for their achievements and for 
     being role models for the younger generation.''

  I am honored Mr. Speaker, to have an opportunity to honor Zachary 
Osborne, Mike Allen and David Fehlman for their completion of cadet 
training.

                          ____________________