By U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Henry E. Mooberry Division Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – Two members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) Henry E. Mooberry Division were recognized recently aboard USS Barry (DD 933) for their humanitarian efforts, rendering emergency medical assistance to two people in April, 2010.

Instructor Peter Gaydos and Cadet Leila Farzam were awarded the NSCC Meritorious Service Ribbon, the third highest award individuals can earn. The pair was cited for humanitarian actions that distinguished them in the NSCC while in a position of responsibility.

On April 3, 2010, the two NSCC personnel rendered emergency medical assistance to an adult victim who suffered an injury along the Washington waterfront, during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Surrounded by a crowd of 16,000 people, according to an official report, the two used their training and experience to maintain order at the scene; help ensure the victim remained calm, as they rendered the proper medical care and directed other members of the Sea Cadet unit to give the ambulance access to the crowd-filled area. Following medical stabilization at the scene, the ambulance transported the person to a hospital.

A singer, left, from the Army’s Down Range rock band sings to part of the 16,000 person crowd. (U.S. Navy Photo by Joseph P. Cirone/Released)

Shortly afterward, Gaydos and Farzam were again rendering emergency medical aid at the event; this time to a teenager who was having trouble breathing.

Members of the Henry E. Mooberry Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps are trained, certified and equipped to provide first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), special event management, crowd and traffic control.

Based at the historic Washington Navy Yard, the Sea Cadet unit is one of the oldest, largest, most capable and most respected Sea Cadet units in the country. Its focus includes community service and public affairs; ceremonial operations, surface (boat and ship) and special operations.

The unit supports Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force and Navy League of the United States events and programs. It exposes youth, age 10 to 17 and adults age 18 and up, to all military branches of service, numerous occupational fields and encourages enrollment in college, by providing college scholarship and military academy opportunities.

In the unit’s 48 year history, more than 6,500 male and female youth have experienced “The Adventure of a Lifetime,” while increasing their self-confidence, self-discipline, courage and independence; learning leadership, self-reliance, new skills and building their moral, patriotic and personal values and character in a safe, drug-, alcohol-, tobacco- and gang-free environment, while having fun.

Many former Sea Cadets have been accepted into the nation’s military academies and other prestigious educational institutions; have entered the military services at advanced pay grades; and have become top military and business leaders and even astronauts, as well as model citizens.

The unit’s Sea Cadets form lifelong bonds and make new friends from around the world through its monthly training program as well as travel and training opportunities during school breaks in winter, spring and summer and participation in the International Exchange Program, which the unit helped develop in the 1970s.

By participating in the year-round Sea Cadet program, there is no obligation whatsoever to join the military. College scholarships are available for cadets seeking opportunities for higher education. The unit welcomes all interested personnel to seek more information at www.seacadetsdc.org.