In a new tradition for the Missouri Wing, graduating cadet members of the high school Class of 2025 were presented with a Civil Air Patrol graduation stole in recognition of their accomplishments in the organization and their lives.
Col. Jennifer Smith, Missouri Wing commander, presented each cadet with their stole and a certificate commemorating the ceremony, held in the Carnahan Memorial Garden next to the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City.
Smith made the presentations to 27 cadets from eight squadrons and two flights.
“You have lived the CAP Core Values — Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect — not just while wearing this uniform but in everything you do,” Lt. Col. Michael Toedebusch, wing chief of staff for missions and master of ceremonies for the event, told the participants.
“You have set a standard that inspires all who follow behind you. And today, we honor your journey.
“The stoles you are about to receive are more than fabric and thread. They are a symbol of hard work, perseverance, and leadership. They represent your growth — from young cadets learning to lead, to young adults ready to take flight into the world beyond high school,” Toedebusch said.
Following the invocation by Chaplain (Maj.) Chad Cooper of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Smith made presentations to and posed for a photo with each cadet and then concluded the ceremony with words of encouragement and praise for the graduating seniors.
“This idea began as a way to recognize the accomplishments of our graduating cadets and to encourage them as they venture on in life,” said 2nd Lt. Janis Bays, Missouri Wing recruiting officer and organizer of the event. “We look forward to honoring next year’s Class of 2026 with this new wing tradition.”
Cadets honored:
Central Missouri Composite Squadron
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Derek Janz
Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron
Cadet Maj. Faith Godsell
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Reco Russell
Cadet Senior Airman Vincent Featherby
Harry S. Truman Composite Squadron
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Benjamin Schork
Cadet Airman Townsend Tibbitts
Lake Ozark Regional Composite Squadron
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Robert Johnson
Cadet Senior Airman Carter Nutter
Cadet Airman 1st Class Eric Forney
Cadet Airman Karson Reece
Lee’s Summit Composite Squadron
Cadet Maj. Layla Cranston
Cadet 2nd Lt. Jason Kitchens
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. John Caughron
Cadet Staff Sgt. Dayton Tuck
Springfield Regional Composite Squadron
Cadet Lt. Col. Issac Olivea
Table Rock Lake Composite Squadron
Cadet 2nd Lt. Abigael Nievar
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Harley Viall
Wentzville Composite Squadron
Cadet Capt. Jacob Daus
Cadet Capt. Tali Hauquitz
Cadet 2nd Lt. Greyson Garvey
Cadet Staff Sgt. Collin Osborne
Cadet Senior Airman Savanna Hermannes
Excelsior Springs Flight
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Kieran Cooper
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Jon Franke, Jr.
Cadet Airman 1st Class Derek Palmer
St. Louis Flight
Cadet 2nd Lt. Cade Ritter
_____Lt. Col. David MillerDirector of Public AffairsNorth Central Region
