And, for his effort, pride, and dedication, Cadet SSgt. Tyler Walton of Squadron 505 is Group 6 Cadet of the Year.

Both the Warren squadron and Walton were recognized by Group 6 Commander Col. Gary Fleming at the Pennsylvania Wing Group 6 Conference Jan. 14 in Erie.

The conference also featured leadership seminars and programming, and each cadet received a drone. The local organization was recognized for its ongoing dedication and efforts to work with the community to help with events and programs as well as individuals.

“We were out there. We had volunteered for just about anything and everything,” 2nd Lt. Jillette Crowl said. “We do parades. We do a lot of volunteering for the veterans.” On Veterans Day, the squadron places flags. They volunteer with Blue Star Mothers.

Times Observer file photo Civil Air Patrol Squadron 505 Warren County Cadet SSgt. Tyler Walton seen here participating in a Wreaths Across America event in Sugar Grove is the Group 6 Cadet of the Year.

“We volunteer to serve dinners and breakfasts for the veterans,” Crowl said. “We have helped out a couple of our veterans who are overseas.”

The squadron went to the home of a serviceman who was called overseas and didn’t even have time to finish chopping wood. The members stacked that wood for the serviceman’s family, Crowl said. Not all events are specific to veterans. “We have helped at a lot of the fairs.

Those services fits into the CAP cadet program focus on leadership. “Our biggest thing is character development,” Crowl said. In addition to the cadet program, the CAP mission includes aerospace education and emergency service.

“We’re trying to build up our squadron,” Crowl said. “We are going to start doing our rescue and search this summer. We have to get certified in the first aid and CPR.” The group meets at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Faith Fellowship Church, 208 Market St., Warren.

Those who might be interested in joining are encouraged to attend a meeting. Those interested in more information may call Crowl at (814) 730-1587. Crowl was named Public Affairs Officer and Recruiting and Retention Officer of the Year and Squadron 505 Senior Member John Newcome was award Communications Officer of the Year.

Photo submitted to Times Observer Civil Air Patrol Squadron 505 Warren County Cadet SSgt. Tyler Walton is awarded Cadet of the Year by Group 6 Commander Col. Gary Fleming at the Pennsylvania Wing Group 6 Conference in Erie.

In May, Squadron 505 will be heading to the state conference in Harrisburg.