Maui Civil Air Patrol Celebrates 75 Years with Special Awards

The Maui Civil Air Patrol celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on Saturday, honoring the late First Lieutenant Calvin Pardee III.  

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard will present a bronze Congressional Gold Medal replica to the CAP WWII veteran’s grandson, Ario Pardee, who now lives on Maui.

The CAP was established as part of the Office of Civil Defense by air-minded citizens on Dec, 1, 1941, six days before the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

The volunteer members of the Civil Air Patrol provided public and combat services during World War II, and included civilian men and women ranging in age from 18 to 81.

The Civil Air Patrol flew 24 million miles over 18 months, reporting 173 submarines and finding 325 attack survivors.

First Lieutenant Calvin Pardee III, CAP: is being recognized for honorable service along side other Civil Air Patrol volunteers, for serving in defense and support of the United States during the period of Dec. 1, 1941 to Sept. 30, 1945. As an unpaid volunteer, 1st Lt. Calvin Pardee III distinguished himself by providing extraordinary humanitarian, combat, and national services during a critical time of need for the nation. He is also an Air Service Medal recipient, given to CAP members who used their own aircraft to perform a myriad of essential tasks essential for the military and the nation, including attacks on enemy submarines off the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts.

A special cadet milestone award will be presented by CAP Maj. Charles W. Dryden,Jr., the son of two Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen: First Lieutenant Charles W. Dryden and Second Lieutenant Irma C. Dryden.

The ceremony will also honor Cadet Second Lieutenant Eric Michael Lazo with a special cadet achievement award.

Cadet Second Lieutenant Eric Michael Lazo, CAP: is being recognized for earning his General Billy Mitchell Award signifying his Cadet Officer Commissioning. Brigadier General Billy Mitchell was a noted aviation pioneer of the early 20th century known as the Father of the US Air Force.  Authorities say Lazo’s dedication to self excellence through almost four years of Civil Air Patrol membership, has set him apart from his peers, graduating valedictorian of Maui High School’s 2016 class as a four year letterman in tennis and giving back to his community by volunteering in many clubs and organizations.