Whitehall resident and Whitehall High School graduate Angela Stella is a cadet with the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 752 at Wilkes University.

According to Lt. Col. Robert Hartmann, U.S. Air Force commander of ROTC Detachment 752, Stella has received several Air Force ROTC medals and honors for her outstanding performance.

“In the fall of 2018, she received the Meritorious Service Medal for her dedication, drive and devotion to duty as the cadet wing commander (highest cadet position),” Hartmann said.

The MSM is awarded to no more than 5 percent of the cadet corps. Hartmann reported they have 82 cadets each semester. The award recognizes outstanding performance for single exemplary acts of achievement or term service, according to Hartmann. Some things they consider are outstanding performance in leadership positions, project officer duties, training other cadets or service project leadership.

“She continued excelling this semester, providing guidance and insight to the new wing commander as the senior adviser to the cadet wing commander. For her continued efforts, she was awarded a commendation medal for the spring 2019 semester,” Hartmann said.

The commendation medal is awarded to no more than 10 percent of the cadet corps. This award recognizes cadets showing superior performance for acts of achievement or academic term service.

According to Hartmann, Stella was awarded the detachment’s highest leadership award April 25. The Major Candice Ismirle Leadership Excellence Award is given to an AS400 cadet who best exemplifies and embodies the leadership qualities and enthusiastic spirit of the late Maj. Candice Adams Ismirle, a Detachment 752 alumna who died in February 2016 after a battle with breast cancer.

“Maj. Ismirle was a true leader who worked tirelessly collaborating and working with others to accomplish the mission. A mission-driven leader, she excelled at any challenge or obstacle that came her way no matter how difficult,” Hartmann said.

AS400 cadets are in the professional officer course of the aerospace studies program focusing on national security studies and preparation for active duty.

Hartmann also reported Stella commissioned as a second lieutenant May 17. She has been selected as a pilot and will begin training within the next year.

In addition to these awards, Stella was also honored with the Daughters of the American Revolution ROTC Gold Medal from the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution April 4. This award is presented to an outstanding cadet.