Several cadets from the Knox County Airport Cadet Flight, part of the Civil Air Patrol, were promoted and recognized at a ceremony on January 5, 2026. Jenna Jerkowitz and Baylee Mitchell advanced to Cadet Airman after completing the General John F. Curry Achievement. Trace Armstrong, Benjamin Steele, Lucas Yarman, and Seth Yarman were promoted to Cadet Airman First Class upon finishing the General Hap Arnold Achievement.
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Nathaniel Hoskins received the Civil Air Patrol Community Service Ribbon with two clusters for his 180 hours of volunteer service outside CAP. "This outstanding achievement reflects Civil Air Patrol’s Core Values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect," said a spokesperson.
Additionally, Jenna Jerkowitz, Baylee Mitchell, Benjamin Steele, and Griffin Davies earned their CAP "First Flight" certificates after their initial orientation flight in a CAP aircraft. The Knox County Airport Cadet Flight convenes every Monday evening at 6 PM at the airport terminal building.
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is open to youth aged 12-18 and emphasizes leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and character development. For more information about the program or adult volunteer opportunities, interested parties can contact 1st Lt. John Morgan at 740-263-1664.
Founded in 1941 as a nonprofit organization chartered by Congress seven years later as an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol operates a large fleet of single-engine aircraft for various missions including search and rescue and disaster relief. The Ohio Wing is part of this organization dedicated to community service and youth development.
