Auston Osborn

Springtime saw more promotions for the Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol.  

Two of the newest members, Cadet Troy Hoover of Cody and Cadet Phu Nguyen of Powell, each received their first achievement promotion March 21. They earned the Curry Award, which is named after Major General John F. Curry, the first National Commander of Civil Air Patrol.  

Cadet Airmen Christopher Blutt of Ten Sleep and Austin Fenwick of Cody earned the Arnold Achievement and gained the grade of airman first class. General Hap Arnold, for whom this award is named, was the commanding general of the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. 

A final cadet promotion occurred for Cadet Technical Sergeant Adam Swaney of Powell as he progressed to cadet master sergeant and earned the Lindbergh award. Charles Lindbergh was the first aviator to complete a solo transatlantic flight in his airplane, the Spirit of St. Louis.

In addition to the cadet promotions, senior member Auston Osborn was awarded the grade of first lieutenant. Lt. Osborn joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet while living in Alaska and achieved the grade of cadet lieutenant colonel during his tenure there. He transferred to the Yellowstone Squadron when he came to Powell as a student at Northwest College and eventually transitioned to senior member status when he turned 21. Because of his achievement as a cadet, he was able to skip over second lieutenant. He currently is serving as the deputy commander of cadets for the squadron and is looking at a future career as a pilot.

The Yellowstone Regional Composite Squadron serves cadets and senior members around the Big Horn Basin. The squadron meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Powell National Guard Armory, across from Powell High School. The public is welcome to come and check out the cadet program for ages 12-21 or the senior member program for adults 18 and older. Contact the squadron commander, Lt. Col. BJ Carlson at capcommander@gmail.com for more information.