Civil Air Patrol Member Earns Commendation

Captain James V. Picone of the Marco Island Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force) was awarded the Commander’s Commendation by Civil Air Patrol’s Florida Wing Commander, Colonel Christian Moersch. The award was presented to him by the Marco Island Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Lee Henderson.

Picone received this prestigious recognition for “outstanding duty performance in connection with a Homeland Security multi-state, multi- agency mission.” Such missions are one of the key contributions Civil Air Patrol volunteers make in protecting our country.

During an extensive mission, a joint task force operation involving many agencies covering three states, Capt. Picone acted as communication team leader, participating in a mission from April 3 to April 12, 2009. Florida Wing provided 104 air sorties during this ten-day operational period.

When it became apparent that the controlling authority was overwhelmed with providing communications for the many moving pieces, Capt. Picone seized the initiative and organized communication teams that operated almost 24 hours a day for the duration of the operation. Capt. Picone’s quick reaction, self initiative, and expert organizational skills directly contributed to the success of the operation.