Ascension Composite Squadron had a full weekend of Memorial Days Services and acts of appreciation for our nations fallen military service men and women, their families and the veterans who served with them.

On Saturday, May 29, 2010, Lt Col Phillip Collins, Captain Mark Attuso, 2d Lt Lydia Pike and SM Brandi Covington were accompanied by Cadet MSgt Pardue, C/A1C Pike, Delbasty, Kelley, Tressit, C/Basics Ravey and Kallenberger, all of Ascension Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. The squadron travelled to Port Hudson National Cemetery and spent the morning working alongside members of the Istrouma Area Boy Scouts to place over 14, 000 flags on the grave sites. What initially seemed like a daunting task took less than 2 hours with the number of people there to help.

On Monday, May 31, 2010, the squadron attended the Memorial Day Services at the USS Kidd museum but not before stopping at Sunrise Assisted Living to visit with the residents, many of whom are veterans and wives of veterans who served in the WWII era. Cadets Pardue, Blank, Delbasty, Kelley, Berry, Tressitt and Ravey, along with Lieutenant Pike, SM Carl Ravey and Ms. Tasheka Dorsey were on hand and Cadets Delbasty on piano and Blank on guitar shared some songs. The short time there was truly appreciated by the residents and several cadets inquired about going back.

After leaving the assisted living center, the group headed downtown to meet up with Lt Col Collins. The cadets assisted in many ways: 2 posted outside the door, opening the door as people entered the building and others greeting visitors with programs, a small thank you note provided by wreaths Across America attached to a mini-letter from our cadets and squadron. Each guest also received a poppy flower. Traditionally worn on Memorial Day, the poppy flower represents eternal sleep.

Once again, the cadets of the Ascension Squadron have represented the squadron, Wing and Civil Air Patrol as a whole with honor and received much thanks from those in attendance and from the staff of the museum. Congratulations Cadets!