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!

WWII/D-Day Museum

Written By: C/MSgt My-kel Pardue
(minor edits by: Lt Pike)

GONZALES - On May 15, the cadets of Ascension Composite Squadron along with Deputy Commander of Cadets, 2d Lt Pike CAP, traveled New Orleans to attend the “Mayors Council on Military Affairs” annual award ceremony. The ceremony, held
at the D-day museum, recognizes one member from each branch of the military who is selected for outstanding service within the community. Former Lieutenant Governor and newly elected mayor of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu, presented the awards.

Following the ceremony, the cadets toured the museum along with many people, military and civilians, who came to honor those of the last world war. The cadets learned about what WWII was all about and the events that led up to US involvement. Cadet Kelley shared his impressive, in depth knowledge of the history behind the deadliest war that had ever occurred. After seeing the exhibits, the cadets crossed the street to the new Victory Theater and viewed a full-length movie about the war. “Beyond all Boundaries,” a documentary directed by Tom Hanks, included surround sound, breath taking effects, and vibrating seats to emulate the feel of being there. The D-Day museum was amazing, from the C-47 and the Higgins Boat to the ladies and gentlemen dress from head to toe from that error…you could really feel that you were there. The D-Day store had many interesting gifts that you would not find anywhere else. The cadets had a great time and looked professional at the same time. ##
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PHOTO: Museum Volunteer explains how they got the C-47, purchased on eBay, into the
museum. These are not replicas, they are the real thing, refurbished and flown
into New Orleans then transported to the Museum where they hang.

CAP Capt. Brummett shares with KPLC reporter

Captain Ken Brummett, CAP and others participate in Lake Charles SAREX .
Click HERE for Video
Click HERE for news story

New Cadets, O-Flight "AMAZING"

Saturday morning, March 20, two of our newest cadets took to the air with Col. Collins for their first Orientation Flight. Cadets Tanner Smith and Gage Tressitt seemed to already be flying high just at the thought of getting to fly. Tressitt had one word to describe the experience, "Amazing!" He said it was really cool how they got to fly over there neighborhoods and see their homes. Smith thought whole experience was "Awesome."

Civil Air Patrol Cadets who are members of the Ascension Composite Squadron receive their first O-Flight after passing most of the requirements for promotion to their first rank. Both Tressitt and Smith, should be reaching that promotion within the next week.