Introducing the 1 st Lt James L. Badley Squadron of Arnold Air Society. The squadron consists of 39 members and on average we do 205 hours of community service each month. We volunteer for a number of different organizations and causes, such as working at the Polar Plunge or helping at the Humane Society. However, a large number of our hours are spent volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club. Basketball tournaments, dances, the Hoop Shoot, you name it and our squadron has probably been there to lend a hand.

Our members go above and beyond, taking time out of their busy schedules—as students, AFROTC cadets, and work—to help out our community. I am proud to announce, we were awarded the Volunteer Service Award and Partnership of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of Corvallis. Captain Chang, the Lt. Badley squadron commander Cadet Captain Shelby P., and two new members, Cadets Drew G. and Matthew L., received the award from the Club’s representatives. Congratulations, “Arnies”, and thanks for all the hard work!

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Last Thursday, I was invited to attend the Boys and Girls Club Awards Ceremony on behalf of Det 685 with Capt Chang and fellow cadets. We were asked to be present and accept the “Partnership of the Year” award. The event was impressive. The Boys and Girls Club provided a terrific lunch as well as entertainment through OSU’s “a-capella” group Outspoken. Immediately after lunch, Corvallis Mayor Julie Manning gave a speech detailing the civic duties and responsibilities community members need to provide for the future populace and how the Boys and Girls Club ensures this is accomplished. We were presented the award after her speech and recognized for participating in multiple volunteer events such as chaperoning middle school dances and helping out at Boys and Girls Club basketball tournaments. The greatest part of the afternoon was definitely the presentation of the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year Award. This award was given to High School Junior Patrick McCarthy. He was recognized for his leadership and devotion to community. The award contained a $3,000 college scholarship and a laptop for college. I was honored to attend the event and loved all the support from local organizations as they supported the leaders of our future.