AFA Awards Excellence in Texas Students, Educators, and Community Partners
June 2, 2026
Northeast Texas Chapter 416 (NETXAFA) held its “Recognize & Inspire” event on April 25 to recognize their essay contest scholarship recipients, three Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadets of the Year, and their teacher of the year, as well as present to community members programs they sponsor.
The keynote speaker was Congressman Keith Self, Texas 3rd Congressional District, who spoke on the importance of service and encouraging our youth, educators, and community leaders. He also spoke about the privilege of military service, airpower and spacepower, and the opportunities military service provides, and the importance of AFA’s efforts to ensure it is a viable option for some of our youth. He was excited to see the hard work put into recognizing community partners, students, educators, Civil Air Patrol Cadets, and thanked chapter 416 for its hard work.
Terry Thomas, NETXAFA Vice President for Community Partners, presented three Texas Medals of Freedom to Bob and Gloria Jordan of Office Solutions, Rhonda Hinchey of Best Western Plus, and Debbie Sickles of Insurance Groups North Texas. Each was recognized for their tremendous and long-term support to the chapter and community.
Civil Air Patrol cadets from three Texas squadrons were recognized: Cadet Jackson Landers, TX-354, Lakeshore Squadron, located in Rockwall; Cadet Lydia Breidenthal, TX-450, located in Sulphur Springs Squadron; and Cadet Sienna Briennan, TX645, located in Greenville. Each was recognized for outstanding leadership and execution of duties as cadet leaders in their units.
Cass County judge, and Army Reserve, Command Sergeant Major, Travis Ransom, then spoke on service to the nation. His example of serving in the military while also serving as an elected judge was not lost on the audience. He spoke of the importance of all stepping up in their communities to ensure the freedom we have. Prior to the Recognize & Inspire event, Ransom spoke with CAP cadets and senior leaders on service and shared leadership and life challenges. He also participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony opening the new simulator training supported by the chapter with TX-645.
Recognition of the NETXAFA Chapter Essay contest recipients began with eight $500 scholarships being given to students from multiple high schools. The theme of this year’s contest was, “Artificial Intelligence in the military; strategic enhancement or serious concern?” with each student required to submit a two-page essay with quoted source material. NETXAFA awarded the top three essay contest recipients with scholarships worth $1,000, $1,500, and $2,000.
Next the chapter presented two $750 scholarships to Riddi Desai of Greenville Early College High School, and Abigail Bautista of Sulphur Springs High School.
In total, $10,500 in scholarships were given to 13 students, thanks to generous sponsors including the Lt. Col. John Murray family, Dr. Jerry Ransom, and the Chief Master Sgt. Bobby & Louise McCasland family, along with numerous community partners and donors.
The chapter interspersed presentations from programs they support to share how funds are expended. Brad Pletcher of Greenville Christian School presented how the chapter and CAP provided 30 rockets to his students to build and launch. CAP senior leaders provided classroom training, NETXAFA provided funding, and school leaders enabled the program and launch day.
The Grenville Lions Solar Car Team also gave a presentation with three students sharing their experiences in the program and talking about their 2025 experience taking the car to Australia and racing it. The Lions were the first high school team to ever enter the Bridgestone Solar event. They competed with college teams and others.
Shannon Perez, non-profit manager of the Hughes Springs Library, spoke on her programs and impact NETXAFA has made by sponsoring STEM programs for the library. The robotics and science support, as well as introducing and supporting efforts are making a difference in their community. Located in Cass County, NETXAFA was made aware of this need by Judge Travis Ransom. Funny how our connections and partners can help make such a difference. This outreach helped high school, and students of many ages experience things they cannot get elsewhere in their communities.
Next, Southwestern Doctoral student, Mandy Eckhardt briefed. She is an inspired scientist who desires to give back to rural areas. She works on a grant provided by NETXAFA each year and provides science experiences to students. She has presented to the Girls Recognizing Our Worth (GROW), the Hughes Springs Library, and the Wolfe City High School. She has been providing training for three years now and is doing a great job.
Lastly, teacher Joel Pitts from Greenville Early College High School was presented the chapter Teacher of the Year. Pitts leads the Lions Solar Car efforts and has been a previous runner up for the award. After being congratulated by Congressman Self, Judge Ransom, and others, a second announcement was made. Pitts has been named the AFA Texas State Teacher of the Year as well.
You can see more by visiting www.netxafa.org and reach out to TX416.Northeast.Treasurer@afa.org for more information.