MONTVILLE BROTHERS RECOGNIZED BY THE CIVIL AIR PATROL

Groton — Civil Air Patrol Cadets Michael A. and Daniel S. Hollingsworth received the Billy Mitchell Award and promotion to cadet second lieutenant in ceremonies at Groton-New London Airport.

The brothers are Montville residents and joined Thames River Composite Squadron in August of 2013.

Michael, the oldest, is cadet commander and Daniel serves as deputy cadet commander. Both brothers have completed five powered aircraft flights in which they practiced aircraft control, navigation, airport procedures and weather report interpretation, and have started flying in the CAP glider program. They attended Hawk Mountain National Cadet Summer Activity, where they spent 12 days learning outdoor skills useful for searchand-rescue missions.

This achievement require a candidate to pass two closed book exams, in leadership and aerospace education, with grades of 80 percent or higher. They also must attend a cadet encampment, pass a physical fitness test and assume some squadron duty such as a flight commander or public affairs officer.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 60,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 25,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs.