Patchogue, NY – August 22, 2007.  “One of my favorite duties as a squadron commander” noted Major Lou Fenech of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol’s Col Francis S. Gabreski Squadron, “is the opportunity to recognize members of the squadron who have earned awards through their hard work”.  This evening’s festivities featured a cadet “Change of command” ceremony followed by an awards ceremony.  The Change of Command was necessitated because Cadet Ridley, who was later promoted to c/Lt Col, was attending the meeting on the eve of his entering Syracuse University as a freshman and an Army ROTC scholarship winner.  

C/Maj James Ridley II relinquished command to C/CMsgt Kevin Krause in front of the entire squadron, family, friends and distinguished guests which including the Long Island Group Commander, Lt Col Jack Ozer and Suffolk County Legislator Jack Eddington.  Also in attendance were former NY Wing Commander Col Austyn Granville and former LI Group Commander Lt Col Norman Greenberg.

Following the change of command Legislator Eddington joined Major Fenech in the presentation of both a Mitchell and Eaker Award.  He also presented Legislative Proclamations to both the incoming and outgoing commanders and the Mitchell and Eaker Award Winners and also a check in the amount of $1,000 to the squadron on behalf of the Suffolk County Legislature. Eddington also witnessed the promotion of Captain Paul Ryan the unit’s Moral Leadership Officer and the presentation of a Region Commander’s Commendation Award and Meritorious Service Award to two of the Squadron’s Officers for their work at the 2007 NER Search and Rescue Competition.  “It was a great night” commented Fenech, “and it demonstrated how hard we work and all that our members have accomplished, I’m very proud of my squadron.”

AWARDS PRESENTED

General Billy Mitchell Award:       c/2d Lt Stephanie Filiberto
General Ira C. Eaker Award:     c/Lt Col James Ridley II
Region Commander’s Commendation Award:    2nd Lt Mark Hoover
Region Commander’s Meritorious Service Award:   Capt James Ridley, Sr.

Hon. Jack Eddington is a County Legislator representing Suffolk County NY’s 7th Legislative District.  Legislator Eddington volunteered to serve our country during the Vietnam War and served 4 years in the United State Navy.  He is married to his wife of 35 years, Assemblywoman Patricia Eddington.  They have two children; Kerri and Brian, and two grandchildren; Matthew and Olivia.  Legislator Eddington has pledged to work to reform the system and represent the people.  “To lead, but also listen, to be the people’s advocate and voice in Suffolk County Government”.