Cadet Mangano Receives AE Cadet of the Year Award

By Capt. James Kalemis
Commander
McHenry County Composite Squadron

Cadet Col. Maria Mangano receives the CAP Aerospace Education Cadet of the Year Award at the Air & Space Conference in Washington, DC.  The Award was presented to Cadet Mangano by Michael W. Wynne, Secretary of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, and Robert E. Largent, Chairman of the Board Air Force Association.

Cadet Mangano has been a cadet at the McHenry County Composite Squadron for four years.  Her two most recent accompilshments include receiving the ILWG Cadet Commander of the Year Award and earning the Gen Carl A. Spaatz Award.  Among Cadet Mangano’s aerospace related accomplishments are:
• Cadet Commander of Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance Academy
• Cadet Commander of Advanced Technologies Academy
• Instructor of classes at the Illinois Wing Conference 2006
• Basic Cadet School and NCO  Academy Project Officer
• Graduate of Cadet Officer School
• Rocketry Program demonstrations and hands-on laboratories at the Woodstock, Wauconda, Richmond and McHenry Public Libraries
• Squadron Cadet AE Officer

Cadet Mangano, with Capt. James Kalemis, showing the Award plague she received with the Coin given to her from Michael W. Wynne, Secretary of the Air Force.  Cadet Mangano is currently attending Iowa State University and pursuing a MD/PhD.