Two members of the Civil Air Patrol recently received the highly coveted Billy Mitchell Award.
Second Lts. Evan Henrich of Aurora and George Mitchell of Streetsboro received the awards in the presence of their parents and fellow members of the Civil Air Patrol's 096 Squadron, based in Stow.
Capt. Darren Beichler of the 096 presented the awards during a ceremony Feb. 18 at the Stow Armory.
The Billy Mitchell Award is earned by Civil Air Patrol cadets who have successfully completed the second phase of the cadet program.
To earn the award, cadets must pass a series of rigorous leadership, aerospace and physical fitness tests, as well as demonstrating exemplary moral standards and leadership ability.
They also must attend a military-style encampment which helps prepare them for a career in the military, if they so choose.
The award is given in honor of Maj. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, former deputy chief of the Army Air Service and military aviation visionary.
Only 15 percent of Civil Air Patrol cadets receive this coveted award.
Henrich and Mitchell have been active in the Civil Air Patrol for five years. They are both considering careers as Marine aviators.