Honoring Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1Lt Brian M. Mooney

HONORING CIVIL AIR PATROL CADET 1LT BRIAN M. MOONEY -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 07, 2004)

Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the life and contributions of Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1LT Brian M. Mooney. The Civil Air Patrol, an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, is dedicated to educating the American public on air related topics and providing emergency services and disaster relief efforts.

During First Lieutenant Mooney's extensive tenure as a Suffolk County Cadet, he exemplified what it means to be a dedicated and passionate member of the Civil Air Patrol. After originally joining the Air Patrol as a member of the COL F.S. Gabreski Squadron in 1998, Cadet Mooney worked hard to help that squadron earn a Unit Citation for 1999. In 2001, First Lieutenant Mooney became Commander of Suffolk County Cadet Squadron 5, where he served diligently until his 21st birthday.

Sadly, First Lieutenant Mooney passed away prematurely on October 16, 2004. First Lieutenant Mooney was truly an individual respected by his community and he will continue to be remembered as someone who always had a kind word for friends and strangers alike. Mr. Mooney's loving family, surrogate mother and all of his friends and compatriots in the Air Patrol will miss his dedication to life and to his duties as a Squadron Commander.

In a fitting and lasting tribute to the many contributions First Lieutenant Mooney made to the Air Patrol organization, I was pleased to learn about a recent decision to rename Squadron 5 after Brian M. Mooney. This will undoubtedly serve as a reminder to young cadets that their unit respects the outstanding works of former Squadron members.

In December of 2000, First Lieutenant Mooney received one of the Air Patrol's highest honors by earning the illustrious General Billy Mitchell Award. Named for BG Billy Mitchell, this commendation represents a significant achievement requiring a strong work ethic and an exhaustive knowledge of aerospace issues.

First Lieutenant Mooney's experience in the Civil Air Patrol could serve as a guide for all young cadets. Early in his tenure, Mooney was elected Vice-Chairperson for the Long Island Group Cadet Advisory Council and following his work there, was elected Chairperson for the LI Group and was named as a Member of the New York Wing Cadet Advisory Council.

First Lieutenant Mooney's work as Commander shows the overwhelming pride that he had in his unit and in his fellow cadets. One year after becoming Commander, Mooney was named Long Island Group's Cadet of Distinction 2002, and during the course of only two years of his service in the Air Patrol, Mooney was responsible for increasing recruitment for his squadron from five to forty-plus cadets.

I can think of few individuals more suitable for recognition by this body. First Lieutenant Mooney's work with the Civil Air Patrol influenced numerous cadets on Long Island and the members of the Squadron now bearing his name will sorely miss him. First Lieutenant Mooney shows that selfless dedication to a cause and dogged pursuit of one's goals reflect positively on the community as a whole.

First Lieutenant Mooney's brief life was filled with extensive contributions to family and fellow cadets alike, and I appreciate the opportunity to commemorate his work in the Civil Air Patrol. I would also urge that the current cadets in the Brian M. Mooney Civil Air Patrol Squadron memorialize First Lieutenant Mooney's achievements by continuing his good works.