Local Civil Air patrol cadet receives an award
Prince promoted to Cadet Airman First Class
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
Cadet Benjamin Prince of the Civil Air Patrol’s 99th Composite Squadron in Marion has been busy making a name for himself. Not only has he been an active participant in the program, but he also recently earned the General Henry “Hap” Arnold Achievement, which bumped him up to the rank of Cadet Airman First Class. To get there, he had to pass leadership and aerospace tests, physical fitness assessments, and stay engaged in cadet activities.
Prince has had some pretty exciting experiences with the Civil Air Patrol. In June 2023, he completed Operation Diamond Forge, an encampment for cadets where he got to tour Camp Robinson and Little Rock AFB. One of the coolest parts? He got to fly in both a Blackhawk helicopter and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
That wasn’t his only adventure. He also attended an event called Fun at the Fort at Fort Chaffee in Fort
See AWARD, page A2
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Benjamin Prince proudly receives the Henry “Hap” Arnold Achievement along with a promotion to the rank of Cadet Airman First Class.
Photo submitted AWARD
From page A1
Smith, Arkansas. There, he trained on a convoy simulator, fired an M-16 in a laser combat simuulation, and checked out various military facilities. He even visited the historic barbershop where Elvis Presley got his first Army haircut.
Cadets in the Civil Air Patrol have access to all kinds of awesome opportunities. There are flight academies (both powered and glider), military training programs like Hawk Mountain Ranger School and Pararescue School, as well as programs in emergency services and space command. There are also scholarships available for college and flight training. Those considering a military career can even earn an advanced rank upon enlistment.
The 99th Composite Squadron meets every Monday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cypress Avenue Baptist Church in Marion. Anyone interested in learning more can reach out to 1st Lt. Phillip Farris at pfarris@cap.gov or visit the national Civil Air Patrol website at www. gocivilairpatrol.com.
