Gabreski Squadron Cadet Named Honor Cadet at 
2006 R.I. Wing Encampment
By 1st Lt. James A. Ridley, Sr., PAO 


C/CMSgt Stephen Ervin

RHODE ISLAND - April 23, 2006.   For the second time in three years, a cadet from the Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron of Patchogue, NY was named Honor Cadet at the annual Rhode Island Wing Encampment held at Camp Varnum, RI.  C/CMSgt Stephen Ervin, the squadron’s First Sergeant was the fourth Gabreski Cadet to attend the Rhode Island Encampment during the same time period. 

Cadet Ervin, who was also a member of the encampment’s Honor Flight, was honored by the Cadet & Senior Staff as an exemplary cadet throughout the encampment.  In addition, he rendered assistance to his fellow cadets during a C-130 flight provided to them by the 143rd Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard.  During this flight many of those on board experienced nausea and air sickness and nine cadets ended up being treated in a local hospital.

The Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron has a proud tradition of having exceptional cadets attend encampments with an Honor Cadet in each of the last three years: Cadet Stephen Ervin, RI Wing encampment 2006, Cadet Colin Martin, 2005 NJ Wing Encampment, and Cadet Louis Villafane 2004 RI Wing encampment.  Cadet Nolan Hammer was awarded a challenge coin at the 2005 NY Wing Encampment.

Well done Chief!