Promotions of Civil Air Patrol’s adult and cadet members are important but far from unusual … most of the time.
An exception occurred for the Vermont Wing’s Bennington Composite Squadron when mother and son both advanced in rank in a recent promotion ceremony.
New 1st Lt. Gail Robinson is the squadron’s cadet activities officer, and her son, new Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Robinson, was also named cadetn first sergeant – 
a brand-new position for the Bennington squadron, the noncommissioned officer equivalent of a cadet commander.
Capt. Hal Friday, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets as well as the Vermont Wing’s director for emergency services, carried out the promotions at the squadron’s headquarters at William H. Morse State Airport.
The Robinsons “have consistently distinguished themselves through their excellence 
and commitment to CAP’s core values,” Friday said. “I am honored to publicly recognize their respective accomplishments and contributions.”
Son and mother joined the squadron in April and June 2021, respectively.
“When we joined, Matt was quickly introduced to the squadron’s amazing group of cadets, who helped him feel welcome and catch up on what they had already learned,” Lt. Robinson said. “As he earned a higher rank, Matt really started to grow into a responsible cadet.
“Our respective promotions made this a very special day for our family, and we are all very proud of the wonderful things Matt has accomplished. As Capt. Friday called me up for my promotion, Matt also stepped out.
“I couldn’t help smiling as he pinned my silver bars on. Then I got the privilege to pin Matt’s cadet senior master sergeant bars,” she said.
Lt. Robinson has worked at Shaftsbury Elementary School the past 16 years as a special education paraprofessional. She also served as an intensive needs paraprofessional this past year.
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Robinson is a recent graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington. He plans on attending Hudson Valley Community College in the fall of 2024.
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1st Lt. Peter R. Steinerman
Public Affairs Officer
Vermont Wing
Photos by Cadet Senior Airman Oliva Chase, Bennington Composite Squadron