Future Airman wins Southeast Region Civil Air Patrol Cadet of the Year Published May 10, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Reel 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1st Lt. Hunter Ward, Tyndall-Panama Composite Squadron, has been nominated as the 2011 Southeast Region Cadet of the Year. He began his service in the Civil Air Patrol in 2010. He quickly moved through ranks to become a 1st Lt. and Cadet Commander for the Tyndall-Panama Composite Squadron. Cadet Ward has organized fundraisers to raise money for the cadet program, organized recruiting and volunteering activity at the 2011 Gulf Coast Salute Open House and Air Show at Tyndall Air Force Base, and organized and commanded the presentation of colors for events in the local area. "Learning to prioritize activities and my time has allowed me to do a lot of the things that I have," said Cadet Ward. "My family is supportive. Though my dad is in the Air Force, he doesn't push my involvement. My family lets me do my own thing." Cadet Ward is the son of Lt. Col. Robert Ward, 325th Fighter Wing chaplain. When Cadet Ward isn't devoting his time toward service, he is involved in maintaining his high grade-point-average. He is an honors student in Rutherford High School's International Baccalaureate program, a cadet officer in the school's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and holds a varsity letter with the school's cross country team. "Cadet Ward has shown great maturity for someone his age, as he maintains strict discipline in both himself and those who serve under him," said Civil Air Patrol Captain Charles Walker, Tyndall-Panama Composite Squadron deputy commander for cadets. "He is a shining example of what Civil Air Patrol wants out of a cadet, and will one day be a fine officer for the United States Armed Forces." After high school, Cadet Ward plans to attend the Air Force Academy and pursue a career as an Air Force officer in mission support, force support or civil engineering.