Texas Wing Members Earn VFW Awards

20 March 2007

...selfless service reflects both his personal devotion to others and his country and the highest standards of the Civil Air Patrol and the United States Air Force...

VFW Post 9182, Katy TX- On Tuesday March 20, 2007 three members of Texas Wing Group IV were recognized for their dedication to the community with plaques and ribbons. Capt Bob Manning, Sabre Senior Squadron was given the VFW Leadership Award. C/2d Lt John Barron and C/CMSgt Jesus Sayago were presented with the VFW Outstanding Officer and NCO Civil Air Patrol awards for 2006.

Among the dignitaries at VFW Post 9182 was Katy Mayor Doyle Callendar. “I am honored to present these individuals with such distinguished awards. I have been helping with this yearly ceremony for a while. My term limit is up and this will be my last time to be here as mayor.”

Capt Manning has been with CAP for four years. As a member of Sabre Senior Squadron, Houston TX, he has flown many missions and participated in a national, multi agency exercise in New Mexico. Most recently Capt Manning, along with other CAP pilots, flew missions looking for a downed aircraft in southern New Mexico. This aircraft has yet to be found.

C/2d Lt John Barron has been a member of Thunderbird Composite Squadron since 2003. He served as commander for the 2006 Texas Wing color guard team. Under his leadership the team won first at Texas Wing cadet competition and placed a strong third in Tucson Az. They won many team and individual awards at SWR competition. They placed first in Outdoor Presentation and Mile run. Cadet Barron and team member C/2dLt Annabel Andrews were each presented with coins and named Outstanding Cadet as chosen by the judges. Two other team members earned both the male and female Fleet foot Award. He served on SET for Summer Encampment 2006. He is current Cadet Commander of Thunderbird.

C/CMSgt Jesus Sayago has been a member of Thunderbird Composite Squadron since 2003. He has completed ALS, CTEP and attended an encampment. He participated for several days in the Task Force Rita mission in 2005 as a flight marshaller and earned a special coin from Col George Sciss. He is GES,MIO and FLM qualified. He currently serves as Thunderbird First Sgt.

Story & Photos Contributed by Denise Thompson TXWG, Group IV PAO