The Fort Worth Phoenix Composite Squadron has experienced unprecedented growth and success over the past four years, becoming one of the most dynamic and decorated units in the Texas Wing.
Since 2021, the squadron has seen a sharp increase in member participation, expanding its mission capabilities while fostering a new generation of leaders through the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.
Active membership has tripled since 2021 to a recent high of 114, driven by targeted recruiting, community partnerships and engagement, and a robust mentorship model. Squadron leaders credit the squadron’s sustained momentum to its focus on member development, leadership training, and personal growth opportunities.
“This squadron has become a model for others because we’ve invested in our people — especially our cadets,” said Capt. Roman Vitanza, squadron commander. “Through mentorship, hands-on training, and real-world leadership opportunities, we’ve given young people and community members a platform to grow and succeed.
“For many, this experience has opened doors to careers in aviation, public service, and beyond.
“We’re committed to excellence, and that commitment is reflected in everything we do.”
Cadets in the Phoenix squadron have demonstrated consistent growth and achievement, with more than 300 milestone promotions earned since 2021. Those achievements reflect the squadron’s strong emphasis on leadership development, academic excellence, and commitment to the Civil Air Patrol core values — Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect.
Cadets are supported through structured mentoring, engaging training opportunities, and a clear path for advancement, preparing them to lead confidently within CAP and beyond.
Over the past four years, the squadron has celebrated:
● 15 recipients of the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award,
● Eight recipients of the Amelia Earhart Award,
● Five recipients of the Gen. Ira C. Eaker Award, and
● Hundreds of promotions at every level of the cadet program.
Many of the squadron’s cadets have gone on to hold leadership roles at group- and wing-level activities, such as Airman Leadership School, Noncommissioned Officer School, the Cadet Training and Education Program, CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education Program competitions, summer and winter encampments, and cadet advisory councils.
Many participate in national activities, including Medical Orientation and Training School, National Blue Beret, Hawk Mountain Ranger School, Lonestar Emergency Services Academy, International Air Cadet Exchange, Air Force Pararescue & Survival Orientation Course, Region Cadet Leadership Schools, and flight academies.
“Our cadets aren’t just advancing through the program — they’re stepping up as leaders,” said 2nd Lt. Joshua Bouldin, deputy commander for cadets. “They take ownership of their training, support their peers, and represent Civil Air Patrol with integrity and professionalism.
“Watching them grow into confident, capable young leaders has been one of the most rewarding parts of this role.”
Many of the squadron’s former cadets have pursued careers and education paths that reflect the discipline, leadership, and sense of service instilled through their time in CAP.
Alumni have enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, with several earning acceptance into prestigious service academies and ROTC programs.
Others have continued their commitment to public service as paramedics, firefighters, and first responders across Texas.
In addition, several former cadets have been accepted to top universities, pursuing degrees in aerospace engineering, political science, public health, and other fields. Their achievements are a testament to the squadron’s impact on shaping capable, motivated young leaders ready to serve their communities and country.
Former cadets like Jack Judkins and Zeno Smith enlisted in the Navy, and Jeffrey Wood enlisted in the Air Force. Former cadet Joshua Wyman serves as a loadmaster and aircrew member in the Air National Guard. In addition, Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathan Lowe was accepted into the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight Training Program, Patrick Dimel joined the Army, and former cadet Arwin Wise is finishing up at the Coast Guard Academy.
“The mentorship that I received and challenges that I overcame as a cadet built the foundation of the leader I am today,” said Elizabeth Demaree, the squadron’s 2021-2022 cadet commander. “I often use the leadership skills that I learned during my time as a cadet both in my personal life and as a first responder.”
Over the years, the squadron has earned recognition at the group, wing, region, and national levels, reflecting a steady commitment to service, leadership, and mission readiness.
Since 2021, recognition for the squadron and individual members has included:
● Quality Cadet Unit Award for 2022, 2023, 2024, and, soon, 2025
National Public Affairs Officer of the Year —
● 2023
Southwest Region Cadet of the Year —
● 2023
Southwest Region Public Affairs Officer of the Year —
● 2023
Texas Wing Incident Command Staff of the Year —
● 2023
Texas Wing Operations Officer of the Year —
● 2024
Texas Wing Aerospace Education Officer of the Year —
● 2024
Texas Wing Squadron of the Year —
● 2024
Texas Wing Safety Officer of the Year —
● 2024
Texas Wing Aircrew of the Year —
● 2024
Texas Wing Cadet of the Year —
● 2023
Group VI Air Force Association Cadet of the year —
● 2022
Group VI Colonel DeCamp Ground Team of the year —
● 2023, 2024
Group VI Aircrew of the year —
● 2022,2023,2024
Group VI Aerospace Education Officer of the year —
● 2022, 2023, 2024
Group VI Operations Officer of the Year —
● 2024
Group VI Senior Member of the Year —
● 2024
Group VI Squadron of the Year —
● 2024
Group VI Professional Development Officer of the Year —
● 2024
Aerospace Education Excellence Achievement —
● 2022, 2023, 2024
Presidents Volunteer Service Awards —
● 28 Gold, 10 Silver, two Lifetime Achievements
100 “Find” Participations
Five Certificates of Lifesaving
The Unit Citation —
● 2023
Individual members have also earned exceptional, meritorious Commander’s Commendations and achievement awards for their service in emergency services, cadet programs, aerospace education, and public affairs. The squadron’s public affairs team has been recognized for producing high-quality media coverage of local and regional events, raising CAP’s profile in North Texas.
“The Fort Worth Phoenix Composite Squadron didn’t just teach me how to lead — it showed me the impact one person can have when they’re part of a team with a shared mission,” said Ethan Quick, the squadron’s cadet commander from 2019-2020, who’s now an adult member. “It gave me a sense of purpose and the courage to pursue goals I once thought were out of reach.”
The squadron has also deepened its presence in the Fort Worth community through various mission-focused and educational initiatives. Members regularly participate in joint training exercises with local first responders and emergency management agencies, building critical interoperability and real-world readiness.
The unit has supported numerous search and rescue missions, disaster response efforts, and homeland security training events, contributing to the region’s safety and preparedness.
Beyond emergency services, the squadron has become a key advocate for aerospace education, conducting classroom presentations, STEM outreach events, and hands-on demonstrations for local schools and youth organizations. These efforts have helped introduce young people to aviation, science, and public service careers.
The Phoenix squadron has also developed a strong partnership with the Fort Worth Aviation Museum. Together, they host educational events focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals and engineers.
Through this collaboration, squadron members and museum staff have provided hands-on learning experiences for students, educators, and community members.
The squadron’s involvement includes organizing and hosting interactive workshops and leading educational demonstrations highlighting the fundamentals of flight, aerospace engineering, and the science behind aviation. These events allow local youth to explore the world of aviation up close, whether by engaging with historic aircraft displays, participating in flight simulations, or learning about real-world applications of STEM concepts.
This partnership has not only reinforced the squadron’s commitment to aerospace education but has also fostered a deeper connection with the community. It allows members to share their passion for aviation and science in an engaging and accessible way. By partnering with the aviation museum, the squadron plays a key role in enriching local educational opportunities while promoting the importance of STEM careers to the next generation of innovators.
Since 2021, the squadron has contributed thousands of volunteer service hours to the local community.
“This squadron has faced its share of challenges, but time and again, we’ve adapted and come back stronger,” said 1st Lt. Eric Erwin, deputy commander for seniors. “Our ability to overcome adversity is what makes us not just resilient but effective. We’re building a program that equips young people with the tools to lead, serve, and thrive — no matter what the future holds.”
The squadron maintains a robust internal schedule, with weekly meetings that include leadership training, aerospace instruction, drill and ceremonies, and character development. Regular field training exercises offer members opportunities to apply their skills in dynamic, mission-like environments, reinforcing technical knowledge and teamwork. This steady rhythm of training and engagement reflects the unit’s commitment to building capable, confident, and community-minded citizens.
The squadron has emerged as a leader in the Texas Wing’s small Unmanned Aircraft Systems program, with a growing number of members earning qualifications as remote pilots. As of this year, the squadron boasts 15 qualified sUAS pilots, including six cadets who have completed both CAP and Federal Aviation Administration requirements to operate drones in support of Civil Air Patrol missions.
Those cadets represent some of the youngest sUAS-certified members in the wing, showcasing the squadron’s commitment to empowering youth through advanced technical training. Under the guidance of experienced adults, cadets have received instruction in flight planning, safety protocols, airspace regulations, and aerial imagery collection — preparing them to contribute to real-world missions such as search and rescue, disaster assessment, and community service projects.
The squadron regularly conducts sUAS training events and flight operations, integrating this technology into its emergency services curriculum and field exercises. By investing in drone operations, the squadron is helping members stay on the cutting edge of CAP’s evolving mission set while offering cadets an unusual opportunity to gain valuable skills in a high-demand field.
Squadron leadership is focused on sustaining the unit’s trajectory of excellence, with plans to expand emergency services qualifications and increase engagement with local schools and civic groups.
“Like the unit’s mascot, the phoenix, the Fort Worth composite squadron has shown its resiliency time and time again,” said Maj. Jason Quick, squadron commander from 2017-2021.
“This squadron has overcome challenges, embraced growth, and continually reinvented itself to meet the needs of our community and our members and is truly a unit that embodies the core values of Civil Air Patrol.”
