The Pahrump Valley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol gathered at Pahrump Valley High School on Thursday, August 21, for a momentous occasion that blended tradition, growth, and celebration. The high school cafeteria was filled with cadets in uniform as family members and supporters filled the seats around them. The atmosphere was one of pride and anticipation, as the squadron held its official change of command ceremony—a symbolic passing of responsibility from one leader to another. In addition to honoring outgoing Cadet Commander Cadet Colonel Ryan Lamping and welcoming incoming Cadet Commander Cadet Second Lieutenant Jeremiah Cortes, the evening also recognized the accomplishments of Oscar Bosket, who achieved his milestone promotion to Cadet Staff Sergeant.
The ceremony began with formalities familiar to Civil Air Patrol traditions, but it was the emotion behind the moment that left an impression on the audience. For Lamping, who has served in Civil Air Patrol for more than three and a half years, the event marked the culmination of his time as cadet commander. During his tenure of nearly a year, he held responsibility for guiding the cadets, ensuring they had opportunities for growth, and working hand-in-hand with senior members to carry out the squadron’s mission.
Having also served in leadership positions such as flight sergeant, color guard captain, and deputy commander of operations, he described how the experience has helped him mature into a leader. “We’re a squadron made up of members of the community, and all we do is serve the community,” he shared, noting how that service created unity, boosted morale, and offered a sense of purpose. At just shy of his 21st birthday, Lamping is preparing to transition into the next phase of his life by finishing his degree at UNLV and pursuing a career in the armed services. Though his time as a cadet is ending, he emphasized that his service is far from over—he will continue with the squadron as a senior member, mentoring the younger cadets who look up to him.
The evening also introduced Cadet Second Lieutenant Jeremiah Cortes as the new cadet commander. At only 17 years old and entering his senior year of high school, Cortes accepted the responsibility of leading the cadets with humility and determination. With nearly three years of experience in Civil Air Patrol, he explained the importance of his role as both a leader and a mentor. His duty is not only to direct the cadets and work closely with senior members but also to train the next generation of leaders who will one day step into his place. “It’s the feeling of just seeing how they grow and become the leaders they want to be,” Cortes said, reflecting on the joy of guiding younger members. His own future plans reflect the drive and discipline he has developed in Civil Air Patrol—he aspires to attend the United States Naval Academy and pursue a career as a Navy pilot.
The change of command ceremony featured outgoing Cadet Commander Cadet Colonel Lamping formally passing the squadron’s flag to Squadron Commander Sitter-Jones, who then presented it to incoming Cadet Commander Cadet Second Lieutenant Cortes. This symbolic transfer represented not just the handover of authority but also the squadron’s growth, the achievements of its members, and its ongoing mission to prepare the next generation of leaders.
The strength of the Pahrump Valley Composite Squadron lies not only in its cadets but also in its senior leadership, who ensure that the program operates smoothly and continues to grow. Squadron Commander Amie Sitter-Jones compared her role to that of a CEO, overseeing both cadet and senior operations and ensuring the organization runs effectively. Deputy Commander for Cadets Jon Jones focuses specifically on cadet activities, providing oversight, training, and support to ensure cadets succeed in their goals. Together, with the help of a dedicated team of senior members—many of them parents, veterans, or local professionals—they have helped the squadron double in size in just the last year, growing from 25 to 53 cadets. This surge in membership reflects the squadron’s growing presence in the community and the enthusiasm of local families to participate in a program that builds leadership, responsibility, and pathways to future careers.
Weekly meetings, held every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Pahrump Valley High School, remain open to anyone interested in joining, with visitors encouraged to arrive early to meet cadets and senior members. The squadron is also preparing for its next major community appearance at the annual Fall Festival Parade, where its color guard will once again represent the program with distinction.
The August 21 ceremony was both a moment of reflection and a vision for the future. With the steady leadership, the dedication of senior members, the accomplishments of its cadets, the Pahrump Valley Composite Squadron is not only thriving but also laying the groundwork for generations of service and leadership to come.
