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Family shares laurels at Carroll squadrons annual awards banquet

1st Lt Michael Zabetakis proudly adds the Earhart and Air Force Achievement Ribbons for son, C/Capt Jason Zabetakis.

By 2d Lt. Sharen Favre
Public Affairs Officer
Posted May 18, 2003

WESTMINSTER, MARYLAND –
    Cadet Jason E. Zabetakis and Senior Members Michael J. Zabetakis and Susan A. Zabetakis took turns accepting promotions and awards in front of the fellow squadron members at the Carroll Composite Squadron annual awards banquet on May 18, 2003. The event was held at the Sykesville Volunteer Fire Department in Sykesville, Maryland.

    Jason Zabetakis, 18, was promoted to Cadet Captain and received the Amelia Earhart achievement award for completion of Phase III of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Additionally, Jason’s dad, Lieutenant Michael Zabetakis presented Jason with the Air Force Association award for his service as Carroll Squadron’s Cadet Commander. Cadet Captain Zabetakis joined Civil Air Patrol in October, 1999.

    Cadets in the Civil Air Patrol participate in a structured program based on military training. Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet Programs are designed to provide youth, ages 12 - 20, with an environment in which to develop their leadership skills, to help them reach their potential as adults. Cadets participate in group and individual activities which include aerospace education, physical training, leadership, and moral and ethical values. The programs encompass 16 achievement levels that include study in these four areas. Upon completion of each achievement, cadets earn increased rank, decorations, awards, and leadership responsibilities. In addition, CAP cadets earn eligibility for national and international special activities, and opportunities for flight and academic scholarships.

    But the awards banquet did not end with young Jason. First Lieutenant Michael Zabetakis joined Civil Air Patrol in January, 2001 after his son Jason and daughter Nicole asked their dad if he could help out at the squadron. Since joining, Michael earned the rank of First Lieutenant and now serves as the squadron’s Deputy Commander for Cadets. For his two years of service, Lieutenant Zabetakis received the Red Service ribbon, and the Leadership ribbon for attaining the senior rating in cadet programs. Additionally, Lieutenant Zabetakis was presented with the Chuck Yeager award for completing the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members.

    Susan Zabetakis, a Cadet Sponsor Member at Carroll Squadron was also presented with an award of appreciation for her ongoing support of cadet activities. “It’s the only way I can see my family, she jokes. But her contributions to the Civil Air Patrol cadets of the Carroll Composite Squadron go far beyond family support. Mrs. Zabetakis attends regular squadron meetings, oversees the cadet physical fitness program, and even meets with cadets after school at the track at Westminster High School to time cadets on their mile run.

    Following the awards banquet, Nicole Zabetakis, 16, was appointed as the squadron’s Cadet First Sergeant. As First Sergeant, Nicole will be responsible for mentoring the squadron’s cadet non-commissioned officers, ensuring that the needs of the squadrons cadet enlisted members are taken care of, and to set the example for all cadets to emulate. “We’re very fortunate to have the entire Zabetakis family so actively involved in our squadron”, said Major Christian Ready, Carroll Squadron commander. “In fact, we are truly blessed to have several families involved at our squadron as active members, or providing the support our members need to conduct the missions mandated by the Air Force.” Ready adds, “One of the unique aspects of our organization is that whole families can join and serve together.” For many, this is a time when families can serve their country in the same uniform, before their kids move on to their own adult careers.

        Civil Air Patrol, the official Air Force Auxiliary, is a nonprofit organization with more than 63,000 members nationwide. It performs 95 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief, and counter-drug missions at the request of federal, state, and local agencies. The members take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 27,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. There are more than 80 members in the Carroll Composite Squadron. For information, visit the
Maryland Wing Civil Air Patrol online at http://mdwg.cap.gov or the Carroll Composite Squadron at http://carroll.mdwg.cap.gov.
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AWARDS GUIDE
Earhart Award: A milestone award for a cadet who has achieved the grade of Cadet Captain
Air Force Association Achievement Award: Given on behalf of the Air Force Association to a Civil Air Patrol squadron’s cadet of the year
Red Service Ribbon: Awarded at the end of two years as a cadet or senior member in good standing.
Leadership Ribbon: Awarded to a senior member who successfully completes a technician rating in a training specialty
Brigadier General Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award: Awarded for the successful completion of the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members.