Letter to the editor: Civil Air Patrol remembers Veterans for Christmas
Cadets from Goldsboro Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, pose for a photo with residents of the NC State Veterans Home in Kinston, NC. Back Row: C/MSgt Alona Arnette, C/Amn Ysabella Bylica, C/Amn Aliciana Bylica, C/1st Lt Benjamin Michael, C/Maj Maggie Thibodeaux
On Saturday, December 7th, 2019, the Goldsboro Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, visited the North Carolina State Veteran’s Home in Kinston, NC to honor the residents this Christmas season. The visit opened with a posting of the colors by the squadron’s Color Guard team, led by C/1st Lt Aiden Thibodeaux. Following the posting, cadets conducted a flag folding ceremony led by C/Maj Maggie Thibodeaux. To conclude the presentation, the Honor Guard team meticulously presented the Missing in Action/Prisoner of War ceremony. The combination of these ceremonies emotionally moved many of the residents and viewers.
C/MSgt Alona Arnette, C/Amn Ysabella Bylica, C/Maj Maggie Thibodeaux, and C/Amn Aliciana Bylica perform a flag folding ceremony. Photo Credit: C/SrA Anna Cunningham
C/SrA Zane Turbyfill addressed the veterans describing his father’s service and the inspiration his father and other veterans have given him, “to follow their footsteps in service and sacrifice.” C/Amn Dylan Brock thanked the veterans for their service. Lastly, C/1st Lt Benjamin Michael spoke of his aspirations to attend the Air Force Academy and how Civil Air Patrol has helped him develop his leadership skills.
Concluding the presentation, the cadets visited with the veterans, listening to their stories and taking to heart their words of wisdom. Alanna Cunningham, an adult member of Civil Air Patrol stated, “It was nice to see cadets to meet with veterans, not only honoring them, but visiting with them. These veterans do not get attention they deserve and they greatly appreciated it.” After spending time with the veterans in the social hall, the cadets went door to door handing out Christmas cards and continued to spend time with the residents. Ms Kimberly Dixon, the Activities Director for the Home, said “The veterans thoroughly enjoyed the visit from the Goldsboro Composite Squadron on Saturday. The MIA/POW ceremony was the most touching part of the ceremony. The cadets were very polished during the each demonstration. “
Civil Air Patrol fosters four core values, one of which is community service. Opportunities such as this in serving the community instill an attitude of service before self and help bring the community together.
By: C/Amn Aliciana Bylica, Cadet Public Affairs Officer
