Cadet Wright Wins Essay Contest
Earlier this year, Queen Elizabeth gave a speech to the British people regarding the pandemic now facing the world. The Queen, who lived and served during WWII assured her people that despite everything we are currently facing, much like the threat faced by the British in WWII from the Axis powers, "This too shall pass."
Inspired by this speech, Lt Col Mario Accardo, Group 705 Commander, held an essay contest for all cadets in the group, which he detailed in a letter on 06 April 2020.
"COVID-19 has presented our nation a challenge not seen since World War II. You might be fortunate to know someone in your family who remembered life in America during the war. It was by far the most influential event of the 20th century, and created the Greatest Generation this country has ever seen." said Accardo.
"We are well into the 21st Century, what do you think your children or grandchildren think of us when they look back at this World War against COVID-19? Do we have a generation of leaders, within our local, regional and national ranks that compare to the Roosevelts, Churchills, Eisenhowers, and Doolittles of the 20th Century?"
In his letter, Accardo challenged the cadets to identify "one or more persons who are influential in the fight against COVID-19," and to "demonstrate how that person or persons illustrate the themes, principles or practices described in your Leadership Volume for your current phase in the cadet program."
The contest had three categories, one for Cadet Airmen, one for Cadet NCO's, and one for Cadet Officers. Submissions had to be at least 1000 words and provide research.
In her winning essay, Monroe Composite Squadron's Cadet Mary Wright highlighted a local hero who decided to make masks for those in need, and also the mother of two WWII Army soldiers who made and sold quilts, donating all proceeds to the American Red Cross. Cadet Wright's essay highlighted the Civil Air Patrol's core value of Volunteerism, and how Americans have always stepped up and volunteered in time of need.
Cadet Wright's essay was judged against all other submissions in the Airmen category and came out on top. For her winning essay, Cadet Wright earned an Achievement Ribbon, a $50 Amazon Gift Card (to buy uniform supplies, of course) and one of Lt Col Accardo's personal challenge coins, pictured below.
