History of the Patch

	NY-117 Colonel Francis S Gabreski Cadet Squadron Version 3

The Colonel Francis S Gabreski Composite Squadron patch was designed in 2000 by former members Cadet Everett Brady, and his father, 1st Lt James Brady. The patch design was approved by then Squadron Commander, Maj James Hirsch, and authorized for wear by New York Wing Commander, Col Richard Greenhut, in 2001.

The squadron began as Suffolk Cadet Squadron 6 in 1976, and changed its name in 1979 to honor Long Island’s two-war Flying Ace, Col Francis S "Gabby" Gabreski. When Capt Joy Nelson, squadron commander 1978-1980, asked Colonel Gabreski about using his name for the squadron, he had just one condition: When he died, the squadron would decorate his grave along with the others in his section (#14) at Calverton National Cemetery each Memorial Day. Since Gabby's passing on January 31, 2002, the squadron has never failed to make good on its promise.

Information provided by:
Major Louis P Fenech Jr, Commander
Col Francis S Gabreski Composite Squadron
March 26, 2009