DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Maj. Gen. Paul Benenati, a First Army general officer, recognized the achievements of local Civil Air Patrol cadets during their annual dining out and awards presentation at the American Legion Post #26 Feb. 7.
Benenati, First Army deputy commanding general for support, challenged the cadets of Davenport Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron #13041 to continue their positive role in the community.
"It is your service and your commitment to the American way of life that will preserve our form of government and the ideals that make this the greatest nation on earth," Benenati said.
Approximately 60 cadets, senior cadets, commanders and Family members attended the CAP event.
Maj. John McDermott, CAP commander and previous CAP cadet, said, "I see these boys and girls grow, change in a positive way and become better leaders -- present and future. It's good to know this program is still here."
Benenati challenged the cadets to lead by example.
"Leaders lead through their actions, not their words. You must live to the highest of moral standards and truly live the team's values," he said. "Leadership is one of those intangible concepts. I can't tell you whether or not I'm a good leader, only my Soldiers can tell you that.
"I learned a lot and I use it every day in everything I do," Cadet 1st Lt. Steven Mester, the outgoing cadet commander said, "It was hard and always challenged me. It's good to know that I can use my CAP experiences in my future military career."
"It's not easy, but leadership never is. You learn through experience and training and can never know enough," Benenati said.
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