Air and Space Forces awards scholarship to local student

On April 22, 2023, Chapter 416 presented awards to 10 Essay Contest winners, three Civil Air Patrol Cadets, and two teachers.

Congressman Pat Fallon, TX-04 spoke at the event and presented certificates, coins, and flags to the various winners. His remarks hit a home run with the crowd and received a standing ovation.

Colonel Retired Charles B. “Chuck” DeBellevue, a Vietnam ACE and friend to AFA, provided remarks and participated in the presentations. He spoke about readiness and some of his wartime experiences and spent a great deal of time talking to parents, students, and attendees.

A passion for flight at an early age drove him to join air force ROTC at the university of Louisiana at Lafayette. He joined at an unsettled time in American history -- the Vietnam war. Commissioned in 1968, colonel DeBellevue accumulated 550 combat hours, tallied six mig kills during the war and was one of only five Vietnam fighter “aces.” He eventually became a command pilot, collecting more than 3,000 flying hours.

Among many awards, he earned the air force cross, three silver stars, three legions of merit, and six distinguished flying crosses.

He has said the air force cultivated great integrity, discipline, leadership, teamwork and training traits he has carried with him all his life.

Now residing in Edmond, Oklahoma, he has retired from the Air Force, and service is still a big part of his life. He volunteers within the air force community, is an active leader in the Air & Space Forces Association, and speaks regularly with active duty, ROTC, and Civil Air Patrol units about his experiences.

Also present and participating as a speaker and presenter, was AFA President, Lt. Gen. Retired Bruce “Orville” Wright. He spoke on the quality of the chapter event and the work that AFA does for the Air Force and locally. He was so pleased to see so many awesome students, CAP Cadets, and Teachers.

Over $8000 in scholarships were awarded thanks to donations from the Lt Col John Murray Family, Dr. Jerry Ransom - Greenville, TX Mayor and strong education supporter, the CMSgt Bobby McCasland Family, and over fifty Chapter Community Partners.

Caedmon Larson Atlanta, Texas, was one of 10 winners for a scholarship. He received $500. Caedmon was not present due to a UIL debate event, but his parents Shawn and Mary Larson received his mementos on his behalf.

Caedmon Larson is a senior at Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Texas. He has been the debate team captain, qualifying for quarterfinals in policy debate his junior year and participating in various other debate activities. He is a squad leader for the Atlanta high school marching band front ensemble, which placed fourth last year at the state marching competition. Caedmon is also a member of the tennis team. After high school, Caedmon plans on attending the Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and majoring in music education. He intends to become a band director or teach music in some capacity.

The Top Three finishers received scholarships, certificates, and flags flown over the nation’s capital.

Third Place, receiving a $1000 scholarship, from Paris High School – Sophie Stone.

Second Place, receiving a $1500 scholarship, from Paris High School, - Brody Holleman.

First Place, receiving a $2000 scholarship, from Forney High School, Nyomi Franklin.

The event was attended by over 50 people, and all were pleased with the results and the excitement generated by Congressman Fallon, Colonel DeBellevue, and Lt Gen Wright. The accomplishments of these teachers, cadets, and students are all indicative of the type of people our local area produces, and the type of people AFA is working to encourage and help.

For further information on how to help Chapter 416, please contact CMSgt (Ret) Vance Clarke at 903274-9981 or vanceclarke1@gmail.com.