Promotions, Awards & Change Of Command For Silver City Cadet Squadron Of Civil Air Patrol

MERIDEN, CT — After four and a half years as squadron commander for the Silver City Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Capt. David Kania reflected on his time leading the unit during a change of command ceremony that also featured promotions and awards Monday night at Meriden Markham Airport.

Kania assumed command of the squadron during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Squadron meetings were taking place on Discord or at Pragemann Park, and later at the Wallingford Parks and Recreation building, utilizing social distancing or masks,” Kania said. “It was a difficult time for the squadron. Interactions between members were limited, and maintaining aircrew proficiency in CAP’s fleet of very compact Cessnas was challenging.”

After months of virtual meetings, the squadron resumed in-person gatherings at Meriden Markham Airport in June 2021. To commemorate the occasion, Kania, with support from former Wing Commander Col. Mathew Valleau, presented several awards to cadets and senior members.

It marked a turning point for the squadron.

“Membership was growing, cadets were advancing, and the squadron was able to once again offer orientation flights,” Kania said. “In addition, the squadron participated in missions including Long Island Sound Patrol, Ice Patrol and various training opportunities.”

On Monday, April 7, Kania led his final squadron meeting as commander, presenting awards and promotions to members.

During his tenure, he oversaw three unit compliance inspections and actively promoted CAP, which he referred to as “the best kept secret,” through community engagement at events such as Celebrate Wallingford, Veterans Day ceremonies, Meriden’s Christmas in the Village, and school and community presentations.

Among the evening’s highlights, Kania congratulated Capt. Constance Castillo for being recognized as the Northeast Region’s Certified Flight Instructor of the Year. He also presented Lt. Col. Janice Daviault with the Squadron Senior Member of the Year award and celebrated Maj. Paul Patnoad’s promotion to lieutenant colonel. Patnoad was also honored as the Connecticut Wing’s Professional Development and Education Officer of the Year.

Several cadets were promoted during the ceremony. (A complete list of awards and promotions is included below.)

Wallingford Mayor Vincent Cervoni attended the ceremony, expressing his enthusiasm for the squadron’s efforts. He noted “the positive energy in the room” and that he got “the last parking space, which says something about what is going on here.”

“Meriden and Wallingford are happy to have CAP,” Cervoni said.

Tony Terzi, public relations representative for the City of Meriden, recalled when he was 9 years old, his father brought him to Meriden Markham Airport for a ride.

“The airport will always have a special connection to me, whether through youth programs, students building an airplane, or CAP,” Terzi said. “All the great functions that happen here are a piece of the puzzle that helps complete Meriden.”

Terzi attended on behalf of Meriden Mayor Kevin Scarpati.

The evening concluded with a change of command ceremony led by Wing Commander Col. Ashley LaPlante. Capt. Kania passed the flag to Col. LaPlante, who then presented it to 2nd Lt. Christopher Clark, officially transferring command.

“I want to thank Capt. Kania for four and a half years of distinguished service,” LaPlante said, “as well as wish 2d Lt Clark luck and offer support to ensure Silver City’s continued success.”

Clark joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in 2014 after an air show at Meriden Markham Airport. During his time as a cadet, he attended Encampment and Cadet Leadership School, and in 2019, traveled to Washington, D.C., with the Connecticut Wing Commander to represent CAP to congressional leaders.

In his time as a cadet, Clark participated in Encampment - a weeklong event designed to immerse cadets in a structured, high-intensity training environment, fostering teamwork, discipline, and personal growth - and Cadet Leadership School. In 2019, Clark also had the opportunity to join the Connecticut Wing Commander in representing Civil Air Patrol to our congressional leaders in Washington.

“These experiences helped me develop self-discipline and grow as a leader both within and outside of CAP,” Clark said, noting that CAP also helped him find employment in a corporate setting.

Of CAP’s three core missions — Aerospace Education, Emergency Services and the Cadet Program — Clark said the Cadet Program resonates most with him.

“I want to give cadets the same opportunities that I received to take the reins and take control of my future,” he said.

Clark hopes to mentor cadets, promote participation in programs like Encampment and grow squadron membership through recruitment.

Clark aspires to become the Director of Cadet Programs in Connecticut and sees being unit commander for the Silver City Cadet Squadron as a steppingstone.

While he acknowledged he may be young for the position, he sees it as an opportunity to lead and grow.

Squadron members expressed gratitude for Kania’s service and shared their support for Clark as he begins his tenure.

Full list of Promotions and Awards:

• Capt. Kania bestowed a Squadron CFI Award on Capt. Constance Castillo, Capt. Josh Pattberg, Maj. Oran Mills, and Lt. Col. Roger Malagutti (not present).

• Capt Kania recognized:

o 2d Lt Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe on receiving the Air Crew Member of the Year Award for the Connecticut Wing

o Maj. Paul Patnoad on receiving the Professional Development and Education Officer of the Year Award for the Connecticut Wing

o Capt. Constance Castillo on receiving the CFI of the Year Award for the Northeast Region

• Capt. Kania bestowed a Squadron Senior Member of the Year on Lt. Col. Janice Daviault.

• Capt. Kania promoted the following cadets to the grade of:

o Lucas Camporverde – Cadet Airman

o Luke Greenwood - Cadet Master Sergeant

o John Grice - Cadet Airman

o Marious Gugliemino - Cadet Airman

o Colton Rosenthal - Cadet Airman

o Jake Pattberg – Cadet Airman First Class

o John Pinto - Cadet Airman

o Paul Ummacheril – Cadet Senior Master Sergeant

• Col. LaPlante and Capt. Kania promoted Maj. Paul Patnoad to Lt Col.

• 2d Lt. Christopher Clark assumes command

• Col. LaPlante bestowed a Commander’s Commendation upon Capt. Kania

News release via Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary