Press release/provided photos
The Batavia Composite Squadron recognized the outstanding achievements of young leaders and volunteers dedicated to service.
On Thursday April 16, 2026 Congresswoman Claudia Tenney’s office representative Philip Gow presented Congressional Certificates to C/1st Lt. Andrew Korzenieski, named Cadet Officer of the Year for the New York Wing (squadron level), and C/CMSgt. Cooper Swanson, named Cadet NCO of the Year (squadrol level).
The Batavia Composite Squadron was also honored with the 2025 Squadron of Merit Award. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Squadron of Merit is an annual award recognizing the top-performing cadet or composite squadron within each of the 52 wings, celebrating excellence in program management, growth, and cadet achievements. It highlights units with strong, active programs and is often associated with the Quality Cadet Unit Award criteria.
This was a great community event with many community leaders in attendance, including Lt. Gen. John K. Love, Finger Lakes Group Commander Major James Herrmann and WNY regional director, Philip Gow, Jr. from Congresswoman Tenney’s office. These cadets and volunteers represent the very best of our community, demonstrating leadership, discipline, and a strong commitment to serving our country.
Lt. General John K. Love is a retired United States Marine lieutenant general who served as senior United States military representative to the NATO in Brussels. He is the former commanding officer of the Second Marine Division which is based in the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina. He participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His assignments as a general officer included the time he participated in Operation Unified Protector in 2011 as part of NATO. In June 2018, Love was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general and assignment as a military representative to the NATO Military Committee. It was an honor to have him in attendance.
The Batavia Composite Squadron meets every Thursday night at 6pm at the Northgate church, south campus. For more information, call Squadron Commander John VanderSypen (585)409-1217
Lt. Gen. Love assisted in promoting cadets to their new ranks. Those promoted include:
Cadet Beckett Swanson Promoted to Cadet Lt. Col. Ira C. with the Eaker Award
Cadet Andrew Korzenieski Promoted to C/ Captain with the Amelia Earhart Award
Cadet Vincent Dimick Promoted to C/2d.Lt with the Billy Mitchell Award
Cadet Aiden Denning Promoted to C/TSgt with the Eddy Rickenbacker Award
Cadet Joshua Korzenieski Promoted to C/TSgt with the Eddy Rickenbacker Award
Cadet Skylar Siebuhr Promoted to Cadet Sgt with the Wright Brothers Award
