Submitted by: Maj Lavonne Adams

C/TSgt Richard Fish represented the SC Wing and the Richland Cadet Squadron as one of 74 cadets from 29 wings who stepped up and out during the 2009 Civil Air Patrol National Honor Guard Academy graduation ceremonies. Seventy-four cadets converged on McDaniel College in Westminster, MD for two intense weeks of instruction including four days with the U.S. Air Force presidential honor guard - in the four Honor Guard elements of flag history, public speaking, etiquette and the characteristics of an honor guardsman. Cadets who participate in honor guards provide specific honors and respect for such humbling events as presenting the colors, burial detail and greeting returning veterans from their duties overseas. During the two-week academy, the cadets actually performed these elements as they:

• presented the colors for a packed room of future leaders attending the Student Leadership University forum at the Washington Hilton Hotel.
• performed ceremonial honors for the funeral of Louise Doyle, longtime Civil Air Patrol member who toured and sang with the USO band in World War II.
• greeted 308 soldiers returning to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport from their tours in the Middle East.

Meticulously groomed in crisp detailed uniforms, white gloves and ascots, each cadet represented a proud history and future during the graduation ceremony performances in McDaniel College’s Baker Memorial Chapel. As the audience looked on, the academy graduates shared the history of the American flag; carried a flag-draped casket and then folded the flag for presentation to a recipient. The cadets also performed exciting basic, intermediate and advanced rifle drills.

The academy also yielded another extraordinary opportunity as Col Mary Feik, aviation pioneer and cadet mentor, presented a special program on her career in World War II from flying and refurbishing aircraft and instructing others. She challenged the cadets to aim high and reach for their dreams. Maj Lavonne Adams, commander, has also challenged the cadets to reach for their dreams by participating in Regional Cadet Leadership School as well as National Cadet Special Activities. She uses the example of how former Richland C/CMSgt Jeyna Roberts' participation in the NHGA motivated her to be on staff the following year.  Not only was she on staff but this opportunity allowed her to perform at the Pentagon for Red Ribbon Week and, later, chosen for the inaugural parade. C/TSgt Fish, the fourth cadet from the squadron to participate in the NHGA, believes that this experience enhanced his leadership skills for the squadron and the SC Wing. He looks forward to an honor guard for the wing as well as next year's participation at NHGA.