Cadet Airman Brianna Bressler of Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 salutes Maj. Simon Housman, deputy commander for cadets, after receiving multiple awards – including the 2009 President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold -- during the unit’s annual awards dinner Jan. 27. (From left) Cadet 2nd Lts. Cody Premus and Ricardo Villalta both received the award as well, as did Cadet 2nd Lt. Dylan Mayo (right), cadet commander.
1st Lt. Crystal Chatham
Public Affairs Officer
Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11
California Wing
CALIFORNIA -- Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 has recognized 16 cadets with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.
Established in 2003, the award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering.
The squadron has a long history of volunteer service. Members perform search and rescue operations, aerospace education and service activities including presentation of colors at community events. They also volunteer volunteer at numerous events, including air shows throughout Southern California.
Recipients of the gold award:
- Cadet 2nd Lts. Casey Hutcheson, Leandra Lee, Ashley Mayo, Dylan Mayo and Ricardo Villalta.
- Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cody Premus.
- Cadet Master Sgt. Patrick McMahon.
- Cadet Tech. Sgt. Karl Hofmann.
- Cadet Staff Sgts. Joshua Huntington and Jessica Wilson.
- Cadet Senior Airman Megan Roberson.
- Cadet Airmen Brianna Bressler and Derrick Whitlatch.
Recipients of the silver award:
- Cadet Senior Airman Dakota Whidden.
- Cadet Airman 1st Class Connor Glass
Recipient of the bronze award:
- Cadet 2nd Lt. Patrick Phillips.
“These recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award are role models for all Americans,” said the squadron’s commander, Capt. Don Cook. “Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and I encourage everyone to contribute to our community by volunteering.
“Volunteers bring us closer together as families, as communities and as a nation through their commitment.”
The unit’s cadets have amassed more than 8,000 hours of service since the squadron began tracking hours in 2008.
