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PATROL PURPOSE Change of life's direction doesn't stop top cadet WHAT REALLY MATTERS
Stafford County resident earns highest cadet award in the Civil Air Patrol
Date published: 3/25/2008
By CATHY DYSON
By the time he was 7, David Dillie Jr. had charted a course for his life.
He was visiting the library when he saw a pamphlet for the Civil Air Patrol, the Air Force civilian auxiliary. He thought it sounded neat, to dress up in a uniform and go on search-and-rescue missions.
He put the pamphlet in his pocket and carried it around--for six years--until he was old enough to join.
Then, the Stafford County resident focused on his dream of becoming a Marine.
He did every exercise the Fredericksburg Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol offered.
He figured every mission, exam and essay would prepare him to lead others into battle.
Now 21, Dillie also earned practically every cadet award. He recently received the organization's highest honor, the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz award, named for the first chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force.
Only two in 1,000 cadets are so honored and then promoted to captain, according to the Civil Air Patrol.
But everything hasn't worked out exactly as Dillie planned. Two years ago, life threw him off course.
He was in a serious car accident, which brought on an even more serious asthma attack. Because of the asthma, Dillie was medically disqualified from joining the Marines.
"It certainly was a shocker," said Dillie, a well-spoken young man who was homeschooled and is taking online courses for college credits. "I recognized there needed to be a new directional change."
So, Dillie looked at the other skills the Civil Air Patrol taught him and decided to pursue a degree in homeland security or emergency management.
He's living with his parents, working full time to pay for classes, and hoping to get a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
He's already got many of the skills an emergency coordinator would need, said Doug Clark, the Fredericksburg squadron's deputy commander of cadets.
"He's really a first-rate young man, and I think he'll do fantastic," Clark said.
Air Force Col. Rich Anderson presented Dillie his Spaatz award--the same honor he received 36 years ago. He was impressed by Dillie's perseverance and focus.
"Whatever path he chooses, he'll be doing public service for his fellow man, and that's the highest calling there is."
Even though Dillie can't be a Marine, he still surrounds himself with the colors of the corps.
He wears his hair high and tight. From his North Stafford home, he regularly hears the rumbling of training at Quantico.
He works at the rifle range simulator at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Before that, he worked at Marine Federal Credit Union.
When he comes upon an accident--as he's done several times--he doesn't hesitate to use his Civil Air Patrol training.
He asks the rescue chief or state police how he can help, then coordinates his part of the effort.
No one seems to question if the efficient young man knows what he's doing.
"They think I'm a Marine," he said.
Cathy Dyson: 540/374-5425
Email: cdyson@freelancestar.com
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The Civil Air Patrol was chartered in 1946 with three missions:
Promote aviation (which later included aerospace education)
Train the nation's youth in technical skills, teamwork, leadership and emergency planning
Assist the Air Force with search-and-rescue missions and disaster-relief programs
There are about 57,000 volunteer members worldwide, according to the National Civil Air Patrol.
The cadet program is for children ages 12 to 21. (Minimum age was 13 when David Dillie Jr. joined.)
The Fredericksburg Composite Squadron meets each Thursday at the Fredericksburg Armory.
ONLINE: capva108.org |
David Dillie Jr. plans to earn a degree in homeland security or emergency management. He later may study to be a pastor or missionary.
He believes everything he does is part of his ministry, "an outsourcing of who I am spiritually."
Degrees and awards are nice, but "I want to be remembered as a godly man," he said.
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Date published: 3/25/2008
Most recent reader comments:
Fredericksburg Comp Sqdn. is proud
(posted by
Mlglg
, Mar. 25, 2008 3:10 pm)
Our squadron is proud of the accomplishments of David Dillie as a Cadet Colonel and now look forward to his involvement and expertise as a new Senior Member. His character and professionalism have been evident and is a credit to himself, his upbringing and his faith. Civil Air Patrol provides many opportunities and builds many outstanding individuals. David Dillie is a great example.
"Screamin' Eagles ................HOOOOOOAHHH!!!!"
Spaatz Award
(posted by
kayakker
, Mar. 25, 2008 9:16 am)
Well done, Col. Dillie. This outstanding cadet is a credit to his family, his community and his country!! Good luck in your future endeavours, David.
Congratulations!
(posted by
MarHeflin
, Mar. 25, 2008 12:57 am)
Congratulations to Cadet Dillie! Your friends and family should be honored to share company with such a fine young man. Best wishes for continued success!
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