Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame Flyer Presented with Patch for Namesake Squadron

Retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Robert Nester, for whom one of the Indiana Wing’s four school-based squadrons is named, was honored Oct. 8 at the Indiana Aviation Hall of Fame Honors Banquet in Carmel along with his fellow 2022 inductees into the shrine.

During the gathering, Cadet Capt. Fred Griffith of the Weir Cook Cadet Squadron presented Nester with his namesake squadron’s unit patch. The Maj. Gen. Robert A. Nester Cadet Squadron is based at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis – Nester’s alma mater. The patch design reflects the emblem of the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Grissom Air Reserve Base, where Nester served.

The airplane depicted on the patch represents Civil Air Patrol’s single-engine fleet, the leprechaun is Cathedral High’s mascot, the colors are those of the school, and the Latin motto means “Faith, Fidelity/Friendship, Flying,” reflecting the school’s core values.

Capt. Vincent Cannon, Weir Cook squadron commander, hand-drew the patch, which was then rendered digitally.

Nester’s induction stemmed from his service to the Air Force Reserve as a combat pilot and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, followed by a career as a commercial pilot. Cadets from his namesake squadron were invited to attend the banquet.
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Lt. Col. Jamie Griffith
Vice Commander
Indiana Wing