Harmon takes command, Koszka-Lombardo awarded Mitchell.

Captain Nathan Harmon was sworn in as Squadron Commander for Monroe Composite Squadron at his Change of Command ceremony on Thursday night. Harmon, who started at the Squadron as a Cadet almost 25 years ago, took command from 1st Lt Gerald Murray, who took on the position of acting commander in December after the departure of the former commander, Maj John Dauer.

Lt Col Maria Accardo, Group 705 Commander, was on-hand for the swearing in ceremony, as well as to assist Lt Col Eric Scott, Michigan Wing Vice Commander, in presenting Billy Mitchell Award #71023 to Cadet Christian Koszka-Lombardo.

Koszka-Lombardo, who is coming up on two years with the Squadron in May, finished all of the requirements for the Mitchell award in January. Started in 1964, only a small percentage of Cadets will achieve the Mitchell Award.

In addition to Capt Harmon’s appointment and Cadet Koszka-Lombardo’s promotion, several other Cadets and Seniors received promotions, appointments and awards Thursday evening, and the Squadron was presented with the Quality Cadet Unit Award for 2019, earning a streamer for the Squadron flag.