On June 28, Cadet Airman First Class Dante Guedes, of Whitehall, was presented with the Lt. Col. Bruce Brinker Award during a Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Training Schools event.

Named in honor of former Pennsylvania Wing Director of Cadet Programs Lt. Col. Bruce Brinker, the award recognizes a cadet who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professionalism, character and commitment to the ideals of the Civil Air Patrol. It is considered one of the Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Training Schools’ highest individual honors.

Dante is a cadet in the Pennsylvania Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Since joining, he has completed emergency services training, FEMA Incident Command certifications, CPR and Stop the Bleed training and continues to develop as a young leader through Civil Air Patrol’s leadership, aerospace, fitness and community service programs.

In addition to Civil Air Patrol, Dante is an honor student and a gifted education student in Whitehall-Coplay School District. He is an accomplished soccer player, serves his community through volunteer activities and previously received the Whitehall Township Police Department Chief’s Award, a certificate of congressional recognition and a certificate of mentorship for his participation in the Whitehall Township Police Youth Law Enforcement Academy.

Dante hopes to one day attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and serve as an Air Force officer and pilot.