U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadet Squadron 09 is the Air Force Academy’s top squadron of the academic year.
Each year, the cadet wing’s 40 squadrons are judged on their academic, athletic and military performance.
"CS-09 demonstrated the grit, character and teamwork all cadets aspire to,” said Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams, the Academy’s commandant of cadets. “The competition was tough, but CS-09 set the bar, creating a culture of commitment and climate of respect. Their list of achievements was very impressive, from scoring in the top 10 in all Outstanding Squadron System categories, to their countless hours of volunteer work in support of Colorado Springs and beyond. CS-09 should be very proud of their achievements."
Cadet 1st Class Damon Kirkpatrick, CS-09’s squadron commander, said the squadron’s performance is based on a collective effort to create a culture of safety and respect for all.
“Our focus on taking care of people helped us achieve success in all areas of cadet life,” he said. “People perform at their best when they feel they belong and their leadership and friends genuinely care about them."
Kirkpatrick said the squadron’s success hinged upon a spirit of unity.
“Going into any event, whether marching, room inspections, Polaris Warrior or simply studying for classes, we had the mentality of doing it for each other,” he said. “By focusing on helping each other, being there for each other and giving our best efforts, we knew everyone else was too, and we were able to come together as a squadron and do well in all aspects of cadet life.”
Fifty cadets assigned to CS-09 will share the stage at this year’s Class of ’16 graduation ceremony, June 2, with President Barack Obama and Academy superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson.
“It is an honor for my classmates and me to end our cadet careers with this achievement,” Kirkpatrick said. “The squadron is full of high-quality, high-performing, genuine people.
Kirkpatrick said the achievement was not the result of luck.
"I proudly watched our squadron leadership thoughtfully design and implement an empowering climate and culture," he said. "Through this intentional planning, a very powerful movement was created that drove high performance and inclusiveness for each member. This is difficult to do, but if done well, which CS-09 has, can deliver incredible results."
Maj. Dustin Mowrey, CS-09 air officer commanding, said CS-09 epitomizes the Academy’s mission of developing leaders of character.
“Ultimately, my strategic end-state as the commander of CS-09 was to develop officers who will one-day increase the combat effectiveness of our great Air Force,” Mowrey said. “I am convinced these young leaders will do just that."