GLR-KY-357 Lake Cumberland Cadet Squadron Emblem

GLR-KY-357
Lake Cumberland Cadet Squadron Emblem
 (Adopted and Approved 1 March 2019)

The Lake Cumberland Cadet Squadron Emblem is of a disk and rocker construction. The grey circular shaped disk represents the respect for the humble beginnings which is owed to the initial efforts provided by the original membership of the KY-357 unit. The color gray also gives a nod to the retrospective needed for a squadron’s redevelopment. A white base used on the upper and lower scrolls to display the positive reorganization’s movement forward. It further denotes the innocence of a youth-based cadet squadron.

The unit’s lettered designation “Lake Cumberland Cadet Sq.” or Lake Cumberland Cadet Squadron, is in bright heraldic yellow. Yellow is used to represent the high values the membership commits to and the ethical promise they will display to the world. Cadets and seniors alike will seek the honorable and truthful path while maintaining loyalty to their family, their community, the Civil Air Patrol and to the United States.  The yellow further surrounds the rocker and disk in order to show the unit’s mindset to always seek wisdom in order to be a better squadron member, a community member, and citizen while relying on the membership. The unit will always stand as a united family who will seek excellence in all they do.

The Rocker, or banner scroll also mirrors the colors on the lower disk display. The Latin phrase “Paratus Et Potest” is membership’s documented commitment to be “Ready and Able”. Be it a prepared student, or a member training for CAP emergency services initiatives, or studying STEM-based programs in order to be a better prepared future employee in the community, the motto is one all members will use as their daily motto for life. The two scrolls are the same size for uniformity and displays the balance members should always seek in life.

Centrally located on the grey disk is the royal blue embossed spear point in chief. The spear point’s points to the heavens. However, all points are sharp. The unit’s mission’s highest calling is central to all the unit goals members seek for themselves. As all edges of the spear are sharp, so it represents that every member has value. They will stand ready to aid each other. In addition, every side represents the membership and the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol: Emergency Services, Aerospace and Cadet

Programming. While the missions are many, members recognize that each mandate is equally important to the success of the unit. Finally, the color known as “Kentucky Blue” shows that the Lake Cumberland Squadron can be valued as a unit for being loyal, trustworthy and faithful.  There are three points also as the 3 in KY-357 history binds the residents of the south-central Kentucky together. Two historical figures serve as inspiration to the squadron members of KY-357. Much of the Air Force history in the region is owed to Colonel Vermont who grew up in Pulaski County Kentucky, specifically in Mt Victory, Kentucky. (Vermont, 2020) Vermont is represented as the ace pilot, who flew missions that spanned three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Therefore, he represented as the “black spades”.

The black color choice for the spades represents constancy, determination and might, as Vermont displayed in spades. Further, the choice to use five spades is also expressed in number “5” in KY357. Vermont masterfully represented Kentucky values and determination for excellence in THREE wars. His ace pilot status for downing seven German planes is further numerically expressed in the unit KY-357 moniker. Hence the numerical values of 3 for THREE wars, FIVE for his spades and SEVEN for the German planes that would inflict harm on the innocents of the world.

The six blue stars provide stability as the base or basis of the disk. The blue from the spearhead is repeated here to indicate that we seek the blue skies. The use of the CAP propeller as the “seventh” star and number SEVEN in KY-357 represents the air superiority we seek; we should always come home. The Civil Air Patrol represents the USAF in providing 90% of the support for all inland mission and we must always protect our homeland so home can remain our refuge. 

Finally, the use of the red propeller also demonstrates Civil Air Patrol’s Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Volunteer Service to our community, commonwealth and nation.

The most predominate and centrally featured character is the grey fox. The silver fox represents another Pulaski County resident, Four Star USAF General Jack Gregory, who has historically been known as the “Grey Fox”. Somerset, Kentucky native Jack Gregory was born in 1931 and grew up in Somerset and attending local universities.

 

Emblem designed by: Col Darrel Williamson, CAP
Heraldry written by: Capt Stacey Foncannon, CAP
Approved by: Col Darrel D. Williamson, CAP  KYWG Commander.