At ceremonies during a meeting of the 507 CAP Squadron, Cadet 2nd Lt Robert Mallinak received the prestigious “General Billy Mitchell Award” from Captain Sam Burrell, Commander of the 507.The award honors Billy Mitchell, considered by many to be the most influential figure in the history of airpower.

To earn the Mitchell Award, cadets must pass comprehensive leadership and aerospace exams as well as a rigorous physical fitness test, and they must complete an encampment. In addition, in order to move into the cadet officer ranks, Mitchell awardees are expected to exhibit very mature behavior, to be highly responsible and to demonstrate leadership skill before they can take their exams.

2Lt. Mallinak, is a dual-enrolled student at Kolbe Academy and Kennesaw State University, has been selected to become a member of the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment. Robert actively participates in search and rescue training exercises with CAP and is trained and certified to participate in search and rescue missions. Robert is the son of Bob and Diana Mallinak.