Civil Air Patrol leaders honored

The St Augustine Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron reported to Historic City News that their Commander, Ralph Aviles, was recently promoted to the rank of Major by Civil Air Patrol Group Two Commander, Lt. Col. Christopher Duemmel, during ceremonies held at the Northeast Florida Regional Airport Conference Center.

“Major Aviles has been the driving force behind the success of the St Augustine Composite Squadron since its founding in 2009 and I expect that he will take it to even greater heights,” said Lt. Col. Duemmel at the ceremony.

Major Aviles also announced that Capt. Dennis Maloney was awarded the Eileen Tonkinson Public Affairs Officer of the Year at the Civil Air Patrol Florida Wing Conference in Orlando.

“This was a real special occasion for our squadron to have Capt. Maloney receive this award out of all the members of our Florida wing,” Major Aviles told reporters. “He works very hard to promote our squadron to the public and I am so happy that he has been recognized for his efforts.”

In addition to the award, Capt. Maloney was given a Commander’s Commendation for outstanding duty performance by both Florida Wing Commander Col Michael Cook and National Commander Maj Gen Charles Carr.