John Kunesmiller
Achieves Highest Civil Air Patrol Award
On December 20, 2004, the Thompson Valley Composite
Squadron was proud to honor their own John Kunesmiller for his outstanding
achievement of Gill Robb Wilson Award. This award is attained only by
those with unparalleled dedication to Civil Air Patrol, its ideals and its
service. The citation for this award provides an inkling as to the
requirements:
|
Gill Robb Wilson Award Citation |
|
"The Gill Robb Wilson Award is
the highest professional development award which can be earned by a Civil
Air Patrol senior member. The award is bestowed on its recipient in honor
of the founder and first executive officer of Civil Air Patrol. Since its
inception in 1964, the Wilson Award has been presented only to the most
dedicated Civil Air Patrol members. To earn this award, a member must
complete all levels of the Senior Member Professional Development Program,
attend the National Staff College or its equivalent, and serve in a
command or leadership position for no less than 3 years.
This Gill Robb Wilson Award
Certificate is hereby presented to John Kunesmiller for conspicuously
meritorious performance and exceptionally distinguished service in Civil
Air Patrol." |
John joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in
1942 and has been honored, as well, for his 50 years of service to Civil Air
Patrol. The vast amount of experience John has amassed over the years is
frequently shared with both the seniors and cadets of the Thompson Valley
Composite Squadron. John is able to deliver his statements with humor and a
smile but, make no mistake, he always gets his point across! Thank
you, John, for your leadership and inspiration for us all.
 The
ceremony was held in Windsor, Colorado on December 20.
Opening the ceremony, the colors were presented
by the Thompson Valley cadets.
The cadets know John well as
he acts as the Moral Leadership officer for both the cadets and seniors in
the squadron.
(Please click on a picture to see
the full-size version.) |
| Given the
importance of a Gill Robb Wilson Award, there is a certain protocol to be
met where anyone
of sufficient importance gets to say nice things about the honoree!
And so: |
John Mitchell
TVCS Squadron Commander
and Master of Ceremonies |
Greg Cortum
Colorado Wing Commander
 |
|
The Gill Robb Wilson Award, being the highest honor of
the USAF Auxiliary's Civil Air Patrol, is to be presented by a
distinguished person. Thompson Valley was fortunate to have Colorado
state senator, Wayne Allard, to deliver the prestigious award to John.
 |
John graciously accepts.
|
Look happy, John!
|
John gets to say a few words in his defense!
 |
 Accepting the congratulations of the squadron
commander, John Mitchell.
|
Retiring the colors by the exceptional cadets of TVCS
as Senator Allard looks on.
 |
|
Finally, a smile out of the most distinguished honoree!
 |
The
ceremony was held in Windsor, Colorado on December 20. 
