Two Civil Air Patrol cadets from the local squadron were honored recently for their achievements. Cadet Lt. Dominic Six received the Billy Mitchell Award and Cadet MSgt. Alex Pantaleo was named 2013 Cadet of the Year at a Jan. 28 ceremony.

Both cadets are members of CAP Composite Squadron 805 of Whitehall.

Presentations were made with the assistance of Vince O'Domski, district director for Congressman Charlie Dent, R-15th, who gave the cadets certificates of achievement along with their awards.

To earn a Mitchell Award, a cadet must pass a comprehensive leadership and an aerospace exam and attend a cadet encampment. He or she must also demonstrate leadership development by showing responsibility and self-motivation and being able to motivate others.

Six have demonstrated these qualities, according to adult leaders in the squadron, who said he has come a long way from a shy cadet to becoming a true leader.

To achieve the Cadet of the Year award, besides completing achievements, passing physical fitness requirements, attending encampment and being in good academic standing, a cadet must actively display and promote CAP core values and volunteer outside of Civil Air Patrol.

Pantaleo has earned that distinction. He is the first to volunteer for any event or operation for the Civil Air Patrol. He served in the color guard during a blizzard at a Wreaths Across America event in Hanover Township and spent two days raising funds for the squadron.

The cadets of Squadron 805 volunteer their time when a natural or man-made disaster strikes. They volunteer their time in the community not because they have to, but because it is part of the CAP culture and because they want to. This organization is dedicated to teaching youth about leadership, discipline, aerospace programs, search and rescue, self-confidence and self-reliance.

The Cadets of the Squadron 805 are certified by the Community Emergency Response Teams so that they may serve their local communities in Lehigh, Carbon, Northampton and Monroe counties. Some are training to earn a pilot's license and to work in emergency response services.

For more information, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or stop by any Tuesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Egypt Fire Company building, where the squadron meets.