Civil Air Patrol - News

Calif. unit honors 16 cadets with President's Volunteer Service Award

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Airman Brianna Bressler of Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 salutes Maj. Simon Housman, deputy commander for cadets, after receiving multiple awards – including the 2009 President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold -- during the unit’s annual awards dinner Jan. 27. (From left) Cadet 2nd Lts. Cody Premus and Ricardo Villalta both received the award as well, as did Cadet 2nd Lt. Dylan Mayo (right), cadet commander.

1st Lt. Crystal Chatham
Public Affairs Officer
Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11
California Wing

CALIFORNIA -- Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 has recognized 16 cadets with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, a national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.

Established in 2003, the award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering.

The squadron has a long history of volunteer service. Members perform search and rescue operations, aerospace education and service activities including presentation of colors at community events. They also volunteer volunteer at numerous events, including air shows throughout Southern California.

Recipients of the gold award:

Cadet 2nd Lts. Casey Hutcheson, Leandra Lee, Ashley Mayo, Dylan Mayo and Ricardo Villalta.
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cody Premus.
Cadet Master Sgt. Patrick McMahon.
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Karl Hofmann.
Cadet Staff Sgts. Joshua Huntington and Jessica Wilson.
Cadet Senior Airman Megan Roberson.
Cadet Airmen Brianna Bressler and Derrick Whitlatch.

Recipients of the silver award:

Cadet Senior Airman Dakota Whidden.
Cadet Airman 1st Class Connor Glass

Recipient of the bronze award:

Cadet 2nd Lt. Patrick Phillips.

“These recipients of the President’s Volunteer Service Award are role models for all Americans,” said the squadron’s commander, Capt. Don Cook. “Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and I encourage everyone to contribute to our community by volunteering.

“Volunteers bring us closer together as families, as communities and as a nation through their commitment.”

The unit’s cadets have amassed more than 8,000 hours of service since the squadron began tracking hours in 2008.

Minn. members brave below-zero cold for annual Winter Survival Exercise

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Temperatures of 20 below have no impact on Duluth Composite Squadron Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Marshall Vondy’s compass.

(2)
(From left) Cadet Tech. Sgt. David Helgager and Cadet Senior Airman Tom Rogers of the Northland Composite Squadron, Cadet Staff Sgt. Eva Berg of the Grand Rapids Composite Squadron and Cadet Senior Master Sgts. Jacob Jones of the Duluth Composite Squadron and Jacob Fliehr of the 130th Composite Squadron make their way through deep snow.

(3)
At Mission Base, 2nd Lt. Danielle Schrader of the Northland Composite Squadron tries to ward off the cold during radio duty.

(4)
Capt. Richard Zeman of the Northwest Minnesota Composite Squadron gives a cold thumbs-up.

(5)
Cadet 2nd Lt. Libby Berg (left) and Cadet Staff Sgt. Eva Berg of the Grand Rapids Composite Squadron show off their shelter.

(6)
“It was worth the drive,” says Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Heisel of the Hutchinson Composite Squadron.

Capt. Robin Helgager
Commander
Northland Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – Temperatures were already hovering around 15 below when more than 50 members from 12 squadrons converged Jan. 22 on a wooded area in Minnesota’s North Country for the wing’s annual Winter Survival Exercise, hosted this year by the Northland Composite Squadron in Bemidji.

As ground teams were assigned, the group received a safety briefing and extra instructions on keeping with a buddy, sleeping a minimum of two cadets to a tent and assessing cold weather injuries.

Ground team leaders were given the coordinates to the campsite area, and the trek began. The deep snow muffled the sounds of the teams crunching through the woods with heavy 72-hour packs and cold weather gear.

Upon arriving at the campsite, cadets and senior members began gathering materials from the forest floor for their shelters and the common bonfires. The area chosen featured numerous fallen branches and limbs quite suitable for the exercise.

For Cadet Airman 1st Class Chris Madsen of the Northland Composite Squadron, “the shelter building was the best part of the weekend.”

Cadets pulled tarps and parachute cord from their packs for the construction of their weekend homes. Later, after each structure was in place, they began covering their shelters in multiple inches of snow for insulation.

As the temperatures plummeted to 24 below, cold cadets were escorted back to a warm fish house provided by Capt. Mark Shorter of the Tri-County Senior Squadron to warm up. Along with the fish house and the use of his property for the activity, Shorter donated a snowmobile, propane tank and lots of extra plowing to make room for the mission base.

The mission base was manned with round-the-clock communications by Maj. Ken Hartwig, 2nd Lt. Danielle Schrader and Senior Member Rachel Helgager, all of the Northland squadron. The unit’s 1st Lt. Don Helgager, winter survival project officer, and 2nd Lt. Tom Stinar, training officer, directed the ground teams, while fellow Northland members 2nd Lt. Patti Schrader and Rachel Helgager served as administration officers and 2nd Lt. John Schrader was safety officer for the weekend.

Temperatures rose a bit Saturday morning, and after breakfast by the fire came a full day of ground and air operations training.

Participating pilots – Lt. Col. Keith Bischoff, Group 1 commander; Majs. Edwin Culbert Jr. and Charles Schumacher and Capt. Pat Lawler of the Duluth Composite Squadron; and Capt. Ray Majkzrak of the Northland squadron -- trained throughout the day with exercises geared toward better air-to-ground communication. Meanwhile, the ground teams practiced search and rescue techniques using radio and nonradio signals.

Cadet Master Sgt. Jacob Jones of the Duluth squadron said he came for the emergency services training. “This type of weather makes it definitely more of a challenge!” he observed.

At the end of the day Saturday, everyone was glad for a warm meal, a hot fire and the camaraderie of the group being together again. Cans of soup, “hobo meals” and Meals Ready to Eat were prepared at each of three bonfires.

Cadet Master Sgt. Jacob Fliehr of the 130th Composite Squadron, who traveled six hours to participate, said he thought that “sitting around the campfire after a hard cold day of ES was just the best!

Sunday morning was time for packing up gear, cleaning up the area and bidding farewell to fellow cadets until the next wing event.

Before departure, the incident commander, Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg of the Hutchinson Composite Squadron, gathered all the participants for a time of reflection on what they had accomplished. Senior Member Wayne Striebel of the Northland squadron said he was proud of the teamwork and character he had witnessed as cadets made sure to watch out for one another.

“It’s easy to practice CAP’s core values when you are warm and inside,” Striebel said. “It’s another thing to live ‘IVER’ (integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect) when what you are doing is difficult.”

He didn’t hear a single cadet complain all weekend, he added.

As the teams were leaving the woods around noon, each member was given a take-home bag filled with a bottle of water, a sandwich, cookie, candy bars and the Northland unit’s traditional yellow airplane made from candy.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Marshall Vonda from the Duluth squadron said he definitely planned to bring more cadets from his unit next year. “Wouldn’t miss it!” he exclaimed.

CAP National Legal Officers College set for April 21-23 in Dallas

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS -- Registration is now open for the 2010 National Legal Officers College, set for April 21-23 in Dallas for Civil Air Patrol legal officers.

The forms required for admission may be obtained online and must be returned by April 1 to National Headquarters. Registration is $450.

“If you have attended before, please come back and help teach or simply attend for the new courses and updated information,” said Lt. Col. James A. Garlough of Minnesota Wing Headquarters, director of the college this year. “If you have not attended before, please plan to do so.

“All participants will receive CLE credit in your state (number of credits varies by state) and NLOC counts towards your senior training,” Garlough said.

“Who knows; you may even get promoted after attending!"

Additional information may be obtained from Garlough at:
8120 Penn Avenue South, Ste. 100L
Bloomington, MN 55431

He may also be contacted by work phone, 651-222-9441; work fax, 651-212-7190; or cell phone, 651-769-9865

Fla. member, veteran of U.S. atmospheric atomic testing, passes

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Maj. Daniel Hollander

Maj. Douglas E. Jessmer
Public Affairs Officer
Florida Wing

FLORIDA -- Maj. Daniel Hollander of the Central Brevard Senior Squadron, who participated in the last round of America’s atmospheric atomic tests, died Feb. 1. He was 68.

Hollander spent more than five decades in aviation, his last five of which were in Civil Air Patrol. He served in both the U.S. and Israeli air forces and was a commercial pilot and businessman.

Born July 9, 1941, in Israel, Hollander died in the Wuesthoff Hospice Care Center in Rockledge.

He came to America from Israel in 1958 as a teenager with command of “about five words in English,” according to his Internet biography. Within a few months he joined the U.S. Air Force and was an aircraft instrument mechanic from 1959-1963 at Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach.

In 1962, Hollander was sent to Christmas Island in the south Pacific Ocean for Operation Dominic. A crew member on an airplane that penetrated nuclear mushroom clouds for scientific measurements, he was exposed to what he described as “extensive amounts” of radiation.

After leaving the Air Force, he became an active commercial pilot and businessman who dealt with large aviation companies, airlines and security firms.

In 1969 he moved back to Israel and raised four children — twin boys, now 38, and two girls, now 33 and 29. After two decades of business jet sales, civilian flying and Israeli Air Force reserve duty as a C-130 loadmaster, he returned to Florida in 1988 to pursue aviation business opportunities.

In 1997 Hollander was diagnosed with lymphoma and was subsequently placed on 100 percent service-connected disability status. He received bone marrow transplants in 2000 and 2007. Until his recent illness, he said, he was “going strong again, like a zero-time, overhauled aircraft engine.”

He joined Civil Air Patrol in November 2005 and commanded the Central Brevard squadron for three years until illness forced him to resign his command in December 2009. He was a senior pilot and a rated transport mission pilot in CAP and was promoted to his current grade in June 2009.

"He was extremely dedicated to the program," said Col. Chris Moersch, Florida Wing commander. "He was dedicated to the mission. He took his work very seriously."

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Davis-Hollander; his mother, Lea Hollander; his sons, Tal Hollander and Nir Hollander; his daughters, Shili Hollander and Keren Hollander Romen, all of Israel; brothers, Barry Hollander of San Francisco and Gadi Hollander of London; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service with military honors is set for 10 a.m. Feb. 3 in Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 S. U.S. Route 1, Rockledge. Burial will be in Israel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Civil Air Patrol, 908 Airport Road, Merritt Island, Fla. 32952.

First Lt. Bill Weiler, public affairs officer for Florida Wing Group 4, contributed to this story.

Ga. cadets soar above Atlanta on orientation flights

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Sam Fernandez of the Atlanta One Senior Squadron conducts a preflight inspection with Fulton Composite Squadron cadets.
Photo by Arlisa Fraser

(2)
(From left) Cadet Airman Brandon Fuller, Cadet Senior Airman Vaughn Fraser and Maj. Doug Prather go over paperwork before takeoff.
Photo by 1st Lt. Bill Joyner

(3)
The Fulton Composite Squadron cadets between orientation flights.
Photo by Arlisa Fraser

Maj. Mike Bell
Director of Cadet Programs
Georgia Wing

GEORGIA – Eight Fulton Composite Squadron cadets out of school for Martin Luther King Jr. Day used the break as an opportunity to learn about aviation and to soar over Atlanta on their orientation flights.

Maj. Doug Prather, the Fulton unit’s operations officer, and Capt. Sam Fernandez, the Atlanta Senior One Squadron’s officer for finance and for personnel, served as pilots for the day, which turned out to be one of the area’s few clear days in January.

Since many of the participating cadets are new to CAP, the flights marked their first experience in a light general aviation aircraft.

The day started with a safety briefing by Cadet Airman Brandon Fuller, designated cadet safety officer for the activity, who would be taking his fifth powered orientation flight. Then came Cadet Airman Roderick Rhone, who gave a weather briefing for the day’s flying.

The cadets were then taken out to the flight line, where they conducted a preflight inspection under Fernandez’ guidance. After that they were assigned flights and pilots.

With one cadet in the right seat and one in the back, the planes took off from Fulton County Airport and flew to either Cartersville Airport or West Georgia Regional Airport. Upon landing, the cadets switched seats for the ride back.

While the cadets were waiting to fly, Maj. Mike Bell -- the Fulton squadron’s former deputy commander for cadets, now director of cadet programs for the Georgia Wing -- conducted an aviation ground school to keep their minds on aviation. Bell discussed aerodynamics, requirements for becoming a pilot, and different aviation organizations.

The cadets also got to listen to ground control and tower control and were able to hear the communications from the cockpit.

Capt. Jerry Ferrell, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets, brought two young visitors and their family to the event. The pair -- Javion Melvin and his sister, Victoria Dark -- were so impressed that they subsequently joined up.

The cadets all appreciated being able to do something many of them had never before experienced, and they enjoying learning something in the process. “It was a day off of school, yet we learned something” said Cadet Airman Ahkiym Pogue, whose orientation ride was his first.

For the pilots, the senior members and the parents who provided support, the activity was a chance to give back to their community. King Day, after all, is not just a day of celebration – it is also a day of service. And what better way to serve youth than to introduce them to something new, fun and potentially a valuable resource for the future?

“It is an honor to fly the cadets today, and I am glad they had such an enjoyable experience,” Fernandez said.

Nev. members focus on successfully leading cadets

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Curt LaFond, deputy director of cadet programs at Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters, leads a session during the Training Leaders of Cadets course.

(2)
Participants in the two-day course.

Capt. Terence M. Wood
Public Affairs Officer
Jim Bridger Middle School Cadet Squadron
Nevada Wing

NEVADA – Twenty-six senior members from seven squadrons and wing headquarters assembled Jan. 24 at North Las Vegas Airport for training on the tenets of a well-organized cadet program.

Those attending the wing’s Training Leaders of Cadets senior course gathered in the airport’s Grand Canyon conference room to hear Curt LaFond, who in his capacity as Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters’ deputy director of cadet programs is the organization’s focal point for cadet education, policy and management.

The TLC course, which LaFond created, is intended to educate senior members who have responsibility for cadet programs in their respective CAP assignments.

Topics covered during the course included strategic goals, leading indirectly, partnering with parents, cadet advancement, mentoring and military skills.

Completion is of the two-day course is a requirement for a senior rating in the Cadet Programs specialty track.

Over the past two years the national cadet team has been revising the 16-year-old curriculum text with a more comprehensive standards-base text for cadets. The first two of four modules from the “Learn to Lead” curriculum are slated to be mailed to units later this year.

Those attending:

Nevada Wing Headquarters – Lt. Col. Bob Dulinawka and Chaplain (Maj.) Elizabeth Tattersall.
Douglas County Composite Squadron – Col. Russell Smith and Capt. Robert Semans.
Henderson Composite Squadron – 1st Lt. Althea Levell.
Jack L. Schofield Middle School Cadet Squadron – Senior Member Felicia Eslinger.
Jim Bridger Middle School Cadet Squadron – Capts. David Henderson, A. Carey Sperling and Terence Wood; 1st Lts. Eric Johnson and Samantha Stout; and Senior Member Daniel English.
Las Vegas Composite Squadron – Capt. Brandi Mizner, 2nd Lt. Marvin Hein and Senior Member Samuel Jensen.
Nellis Composite Squadron – Lt. Col. Richard Parker, 1st Lts. Shirley Crisp and David Sidle, and 2nd Lts. John D'Angelo II, Victoria McLaughlin, Cory Setera, Jorge Torres and Edward Watson.
White Pine Composite Squadron – Maj. Barbara Martin, Capt. Debbie Willes and Senior Member Jimmie Turner.

Joining LaFond in making presentations were Lt. Col. Larry Lakeotes, the wing’s director of cadet programs, and Capt. Michael Mizner, Las Vegas Composite Squadron commander. Lt. Col. David Jadwin, assistant director of operations for the wing, served as course director.

Calif. member spearheads centennial celebration of 1st W. Coast flight

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(From left) First Lt. Elsie Lam of Jon E. Kramer Composite Squadron 14 and Maj. Juan Tinnirello, 1st Lt. Al Chavez, Lt. Col. Roger Glenn and Capt. Maggie Wang, all members of Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188 next to the bust of Feng Ru.

(2)
Roger Dong, chairman of the board of Chinese American Heroes, presents an award to Maggie Gee in recognition for her participation in Women Airforce Service Pilots during World War II as Lt. Col. Roger Glenn stands by.

(3)
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. James Warren, one of the Tuskegee Airmen.

(4)
Cindy Edwards, great-grandniece of the Wright brothers.

(5)
Thomas Reed, former secretary of the Air Force.

Maj. Juan E. Tinnirello
Public Affairs Officer
Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188
California Wing

CALIFORNIA – An Amelia Earhart Senior Squadron 188 member’s passion for aviation history helped result in a celebration of the centennial of the first motorized flight on the West Coast -- an observation that included tributes not only to the pioneering pilot, who subsequently introduced airplanes to his native China, but also to veterans of the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

Events had been set in motion when Lt. Col. Roger Glenn, the Earhart squadron’s recruiting and retention officer, visited his dentist, Dr. Wayne Fong, for a routine examination. Fong happened to mention the role that Feng Ru had played in the area’s aviation history.

Inspired to go to the Oakland Public Library and research the subject, Glenn found that the self-taught aviator, engineer and aircraft designer from China had made the flight less than seven years after the Wright brothers’ historic flight at Kitty Hawk.

The Wrights’ flight was over in 13 seconds, while Feng’s lasted 20 minutes – a measure of how quickly and how far aviation advanced during its earliest stages.

Two years after his historic flight, Feng returned to China with his plane, introducing powered flight to his homeland. He is now known as “the Father of Aviation in China.”

Unfortunately, he was killed Aug. 26, 1912, at age 29 when his plane went into a stall while he was demonstrating the aircraft in his native land.

The project that Glenn undertook to mark the historic 1909 flight’s 100th anniversary culminated in an observation at Laney College in Oakland.

The ceremony at Laney started with a traditional Chinese lion dance by Leung’s White Crane Lion and Dragon Dancers.

Then Glenn spoke, explaining Civil Air Patrol’s core missions and telling his listeners, “Today, we celebrate aerospace education by letting people become aware of what Feng Ru did in this country”

Glenn’s audience included a large number of dignitaries, among them a delegation from Feng Ru’s hometown in China.

Among the speakers were:

Cindy Edwards, great-grandniece of the Wright brothers.
Maggie Gee, a Chinese-American member of the WASP during World War II.
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. James Warren, one of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Thomas Reed, secretary of the Air Force from January 1976- April 1977.
Dong Jian-Long, the Chinese consulate general of San Francisco.
GuoPing Ju, news director, and Chenji, editor of the Qianjiang Evening News.
Feng Gualiang, grandson of Feng Ru.

During the celebration, recognition was also given to other often-overlooked heroes who were nonetheless part of American history.

Among them were two Chinese-American pilots, Art Lym and Tom Gunn, who were inspired by Feng Ru. Lym’s daughter, Renee, spoke about the influence her father had in the Canton Air Force in China.

Tribute was paid as well to the WASP and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Gee spoke about her experience as one of the WASP, who moved planes all over the U.S. as well as delivered them to the war zone, since every male pilot, once trained, was sent directly to combat.

Warren called the Tuskegee Airmen “the black air force of World War II.

“At that time, America didn’t want us,” he said, “but we wanted America and we wanted to do our part and fight to make this country safe.”

Also participating in the observation were Steven Lavoie of the Oakland Public Library, who assisted Glenn with his research; Qing Zhang, a foreign correspondent for the Qianjiang Evening News; and Eliza Chan, public information officer for Laney College.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling of a bronze bust of Feng Ru donated by the Qianjiang Evening News. The bust will be placed in a pedestal in the Laney College courtyard, to be completed later this year.

Chance encounter enhances orientation flight experience for Minn. cadets

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Thomas Henschell.

(2)
Cadet Airman Thomas Henschell and Cadet Master Sgt. David Kirsch.

(3)
Cadet Airman Caitlin Niemen and Cadet Master Sgt. Kyle Sebesta.

(4)
(From left) Cadet Airman Caitlin Niemann, Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, Cadet Master Sgt. Kyle Sebesta and Lt. Col. Paul Adams.

1st Lt. George Supan
Public Affairs Officer
Group 3
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – Jan. 15 was a great winter day for flying over St. Paul, thanks to crisp air and blue skies, and the cadets’ smiles, already about as big as they could be before their orientation flights, were even bigger when they returned.

Lt. Col. Paul Adams, director of logistics for the Minnesota Wing, enjoyed the opportunity to share his training and experience as a pilot with four cadets from the St. Paul Composite Squadron.

Cadet Master Sgt. David Kirsch and Cadet Airman Thomas Henschell, who shared the first flight, enjoyed their ride and their aerial view of St. Paul on a clear day. So did Cadet Master Sgt. Kyle Sebesta and Cadet Airman Caitlin Niemann, who shared the second flight.

“It was my first O-flight and I thought it would be hard,” Niemann said. Once she was in the air, though, “It was awesome: I’m ready to go again,” she said.

The experience soon proved even more memorable not only for the cadets but also their pilot.

The three were about to get some refreshments at the terminal during refueling when they noticed a man standing near the beverage area with a Minnesota Vikings football jacket on. The Vikings were hosting the Dallas Cowboys that weekend in the NFL playoffs, so the man could have been just about any fan.

To their surprise, he turned out to be Zygi Wilf -- the Vikings’ owner.

“I could see the surprise on the cadets’ faces as I told them who this man was”, Adams recalled.

Wilf joined the Civil Air Patrol members for some photos as they told him about their orientation flight experiences. “The O-flight was great but meeting Zygi was out of this world,” Niemann said.

The cadets’ pilot must have agreed, because “Col. Adams was acting like a kid,” Niemann said.

As they parted ways, Adams shouted "Skol Vikings!" to Wilf, who responded, "Go Vikings!”

Md. unit helps spice up Ft. Meade Chili Cook-off

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(From left) U.S. Air Force Col. John Bansemer with three members of the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron chili cook-off team -- 1st Lt. Jim Holcomb and Capts. Sherry McManus and Donald Ells.

Photo by Maj. Doug Barth

Maj. Douglas Barth
Public Affairs Officer
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND -- Fort McHenry Composite Squadron members made their mark recently during a return engagement at the Fort Meade Chili Cook-off, serving up “Search and Rescue Chili” and “Mom’s Secret Rocket Fuel Chili” and using the opportunity to promote Civil Air Patrol and its programs to the more than 250 in attendance.

“Mom’s Secret Rocket Fuel Chili” was awarded second place in the “Spicy Chili” category. This year 19 teams offered more than 25 chili recipes in the annual event, sponsored by the First Six Association of the 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing at Fort Meade.

The squadron’s team consisted of:

Maj. Doug Barth, public affairs officer.
Capts. Donald Ells, Sherry McManus and Larry Moore.
1st Lt. Jim Holcomb.

In addition to dishing out prize-winning chili, squadron members had the opportunity to talk with a number of active-duty personnel about volunteering with CAP, Maryland Wing activities, opportunities for youth and the organization’s primary missions – Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs.

A number of Air Force personnel expressed interest on behalf of both themselves and their families. Several also offered to attend squadron meetings to talk about leadership development and share their experiences in the Air Force.

Air Force Col. John Bansemer, commander of the sponsoring wing and one of the judges, took a few minutes while sampling the squadron’s fare to thank the members for their participation at the event and for the community service CAP performs.

Several Fort McHenry squadron members of Fort McHenry Squadron are active-duty Air Force, including cook-off team members Ells, the squadron’s commander and an Air Force staff sergeant, and Moore, deputy commander for seniors and an Air Force technical sergeant, as well as:

Senior Member Aaron Bechtel, an Air Force staff sergeant.
Senior Member Victoria Burke, an Air Force senior airman.
Senior Member Matthew Fleecs, an Air Force staff sergeant.

Puerto Rico squadron steps up for Haitian relief supply effort

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Franceline Martinez takes inventory at the packing table while Cadet Staff Sgt. Jose L. Martinez and Cadet Airman Basic Angel A. Collado pack boxes.

(2)
Cadet Airman Basic Miriam S. Negron sorts and packs cans and other supplies.

(3)
The Lajas High School Cadet Squadron members who worked in the collection center.

Photos by Cadet Master Sgt. Alexander Santiago

Maj. Anabel Lugo
Public Affairs Officer
Lajas High School Cadet Squadron
Puerto Rico Wing

PUERTO RICO – Thirty-eight members of the Lajas High School Cadet Squadron worked in Lajas’ collection center for relief of Haitian earthquake victims in coordination with the local Emergency Management Office.

Working in different shifts, over six days the squadron members received donations, inventoried and sorted goods and packed and loaded trucks.

Some devoted up to 52 hours of volunteer service to the effort.

The squadron was responding to a request from Mayor Leovigildo Cotte, who helped out on various days himself and ordered pizza for the members.

Ga. unit sets mark with 29 cadet promotions

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The newly promoted cadets included (front row, from left) Cadet Airmen 1st Class Brett Smith, Orlando Clarke and David Frazier; Cadet Airmen Rachel Orlandella (second row, from left) and Jeremy Stubbs; Cadet Airman 1st Class Chris Eatmon; Cadet Airmen Cameron Stinson (third row, from left) and Ezekiel Crespo; Cadet Senior Airman Bailey Zindorf; Cadet Airmen 1st Class Bradley French and Austin Kelley; Cadet Staff Sgt. Maddie Sanchez; Cadet Airman Nick Farrin; Cadet Senior Airman Jessica Barnes; (fourth row, from left) Cadet Airman Daniel Farrin; Cadet Airman 1st Class Matt Murphree; Cadet Tech. Sgt. Tony Langone; Cadet Airman Brittney Hartley; Cadet 2nd Lt. Kaitlyn Barnes; Cadet Capt. Matt Sorcic; Cadet Airman 1st Class Logan Brown; and Cadet Senior Airman Samantha Aldana.

Photo by Mike Farrin

Lt. Col. Tom Schmid
Aerospace Education Officer
Gwinnett County Composite Squadron
Georgia Wing

GEORGIA – The Gwinnett County Composite Squadron recently snapped its former record – 17 – for cadet promotions in a single day when 29 cadets advanced to new ranks.

The previous record was set in March 1998. The squadron approached that mark several times in the meantime, totaling 15 or 16 promotions, but for more than a decade the record held firm.

Then, last year, the unit’s cadet officers decided to start mentoring the cadets in their leadership and aerospace studies. Soon after, the junior cadets were passing exams with such great frequency that the cadet leaders and senior members began to wonder if the squadron record was about to fall.

The night of the squadron’s Christmas Party, no one knew just how high the promotion count was going to be.
After the opening festivities, Lt. Col. Deb Schmid, deputy commander for cadets, asked a few distinguished guests to join her on the stage in preparation for the promotion ceremony:

Georgia National Guard Lt. Col. Vernon Atkinson.
U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Daniel Zarnik.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Vice Commander Mike Fitch and Adjutant and Quartermaster Mike Brown.
Lt. Cols. Thomas Schmid, squadron aerospace officer, and Patrick Zarnik, deputy commander for seniors.
2nd Lt. Luis Rivera, a former U.S. Army sergeant.

At that point the unit’s cadet commander, Cadet Maj. Melissa Thom, read out the names of those being promoted. They approached the stage as their names were called and received their rank from the distinguished guests.

After the ceremony, Deb Schmid pointed out that almost 15 cadets had been promoted in each of the previous two months, further evidence that the unit is going through a period of major growth. The Gwinnett County roster lists more than 80 cadets.

The promoted cadets, with new ranks:

Cadet Capt. Matthew Sorcic.
Cadet 2nd Lts. Kaitlyn Barnes and Joseph Peterka.
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Anthony Langone.
Cadet Staff Sgts. Madelyn Sanchez and Brittney Dixon.
Cadet Senior Airmen Samantha Aldana, Jessica Barnes, Cole Swiszowski and Bailey Zindorf.
Cadet Airmen 1st Class Joseph Brown, Orlando Clarke II, Ricky DeLatorre, Christian Eatmon, Jack Fontaine, David Frazier, Bradley French, Austin Kelley, Matthew Murphree and Brett Smith.
Cadet Airmen Levi Adams, Ezekiel Crespo, Michael D. Farrin, Nikolas Farrin, Brittney Hartley, David Martin, Rachel Orlandella, Cameron Stinson, Jeremy Stubbs and Andrew Tran.

Peters tapped as Wisc. Wing commander

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

1st Lt. Jeri Gonwa
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – Lt. Col. Clarence A. Peters has been selected Wisconsin Wing commander and will succeed Col. Donald Haffner in that role during a special ceremony April 24 during the wing conference in Stevens Point.

Peters joined Civil Air Patrol in 1980 and has held numerous leadership positions, including squadron commander and wing director of operations, finance officer, chief of staff and deputy commander. He has been the wing’s vice commander since May 1, 2006 – the date Haffner became commander.

Peters is also a command pilot and incident commander.

Minn. unit pitches in for African hunger relief food-packing campaign

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Viking Composite Squadron members fill food bags.

(2)
Busy workers are happy workers.

(3)
Squadron members and community volunteers work side-by-side.

(4)
Maj. Terry Dull (center), the squadron’s character development officer, gives pointers on how the bag-filling process works. Dull was instrumental in arranging for the unit’s participation in the effort.

(5)
The Viking Composite contingent that participated in the food-packing effort.

1st Lt. Erik J. Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer
Viking Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA -- Members of the Viking Composite Squadron teamed up with other community volunteers over the weekend to support the Hunger Initiative organization and its effort to pack bags of food for hunger relief in Africa.

Nationwide, the Hunger Initiative’s goal for the January campaign is to pack more than 1 million meals – enough to feed more than 3,000 children in Dondo, Mozambique, for an entire year.

Locally, squadron members working in two-hour shifts alongside other community volunteers packaged 50,000 bags of food. Each held six meals containing a unique nutritional formula developed by food scientists -- including easily digestible protein, carbohydrates and vitamins – and consisting of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and 21 vitamins and minerals.

The event organizers had cooked samples on hand for volunteers to try, and Viking squadron members were surprised at how good the meal actually tasted.

The event enabled the Civil Air Patrol members not only to participate in an important volunteer effort addressing a need made even more prominent by the recent suffering and loss of life in Haiti, but also to raise the organization’s profile among their fellow community volunteers.

Fla. Wing's Dohm honored with Commander's Citation from Courter

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Capt. Cindy Dohm receives her Commander's Citation from Lt. Col. M. Richard Mellon, Florida Wing inspector general.

Lt. Col. Richard C. Niess
Public Affairs Officer
Marco Island Composite Squadron
Florida Wing

Capt. Cindy Dohm of the Marco Island Composite Squadron has been awarded the Commander's Commendation from Civil Air Patrol's national commander, Maj. Gen. Amy Courter, in recognition for outstanding duty performance.

Dohm joined CAP in November 2005 and serves as the Marco Island squadron's administrative, personnel and professional development officer. In addition, she was appointed assistant inspector general for the Florida Wing in September 2008 and travels statewide conducting inspections of CAP units.

Champion CAP national color guard honored by N.Y. State Senate

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
The CAP National Champion Color Guard – Cadet 2nd Lts. Zin and Thomas Macrini, Cadet Staff Sgt. Jason Chan and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Albaro Pillco -- on the floor of the New York State Senate.

(2)
The CAP national color guard champions pose with state senators and wing and region officials after presenting the colors – (front row, from left) Sens. Malcolm Smith and Toby Ann Stavisky, Lt. Col. Andrew Liddle and Sen. James Seward, (middle row, from left) Capt. Valerie Ricchiuti, Cadet 2nd Lts. Zin Han and Thomas Macrini, Cadet Staff Sgt. Jason Chan, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Albaro Pillco, Cadet Airman 1st Class Juritzy Chino, Cadet Staff Sgt. Ryan Drayton, (back row) Maj. Mac Brice, Senior Member Virginia Ricchiuti, Majs. Steve Samuels and Sharon Williams, Lt. Col. Von Don Williams and 1st Lt. Audrey Drayton.

Capt. James Ridley
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
New York Wing

NEW YORK -- The New York Wing’s national color guard champions appeared Jan. 12 on the floor of the New York State Senate to present the colors and hear themselves honored for their year of achievements.

The team – Cadet 2nd Lts. Zin Han and Thomas Macrini, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Albaro Pillco and Cadet Staff Sgt. Jason Chan -- won the New York Wing and Northeast Region color guard titles, then went to finish first at Civil Air Patrol’s National Color Guard Competition in McMinnville, Ore.

State Sen. James L. Seward, who also is commander of the New York Wing’s Legislative Squadron, presented the team with a Senate resolution -- later placed into the New York State Legislative Record -- in front of family members, senators and Northeast Region and wing staff.

“This group of young people represents a shining example of what can be accomplished through dedication and hard work,” Seward said. “All New Yorkers should be proud of their fine achievement on the national stage.”

The session began with the pledge of allegiance led by the team’s escort, Maj. Mac Brice, commander of the Lt. Col. Michael R. Noyes Middle School Cadet Squadron, while the cadets presented the colors. Then Seward read the resolution he sponsored, which said in part, “It is the sense of this legislative body that when young people of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great state of New York”.

Col. Ken Andreu, New York Wing commander, said the awards and accolades recognized the cadets’ “dedication and prowess” and that the team members “represent our best hopes for what New York can and will achieve.”

Echoing that sentiment was Col. Christopher Hayden, Northeast Region commander, who said, “It is through moments like this that Civil Air Patrol gains the recognition it deserves.”

The day’s events were organized by Lt. Col. Andrew Liddle, the region and wing government relations adviser, and sponsored by Seward.

Haiti relief donations solicited

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Civil Air Patrol members who want to donate to the Haiti relief effort or are asked to refer someone to donate should use this link:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/haitiearthquake

The Web site is providing constant status updates on what is being accomplished with those donations.

The U.S. Air Force’s role in the relief effort can be monitored at www.af.mil/humanitarianrelieftohaiti/index.asp.

Md. unit receives $750 grant from Ft. Meade group

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Katherine Moore, recording secretary for the Enlisted Spouses Club of Fort Meade, presents the $750 grant check to Capt. Larry Moore, the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron’s deputy commander for seniors.

Photo by 1st Lt Jim Holcomb

Maj. Douglas Barth
Public Affairs Officer
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – The Fort McHenry Composite Squadron has received a $750 grant from the Enlisted Spouses Club of Fort Meade -- money that unit leaders plan to spend on aerospace education activities for the entire squadron and on the cadet model rocketry program.

The Enlisted Spouses Club is an independent private organization at Fort Meade. Its purpose is to promote social and cultural activities for its members and to support worthwhile services and community welfare projects.

Wisc. Wing hosts mission base staffing, communication training

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Trainees plot out on a map where to search next.

(2)
Students learn how to maintain the status boards under the watchful eye of Maj. Joe Hackett, director of cadet programs for the Wisconsin Wing.

(3)
Community Emergency Response Team training participants and instructors.

1st Lt. Jeri Gonwa
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – A training weekend Jan. 15-17 helped prepare members from the Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota wings to participate in mission base staffing and communication in response to assignments and emergencies

The three-day session at Volk Fair Air National Guard Base featured four specialty tracks and involved 73 participants.

Sixteen students graduated from the Basic Emergency Communications training track, which consisted of basic and advanced communications user training, a communications exercise and a wing communication exercise. The 16 are now mission radio operators ready to operate in a communication center for any size mission.

The Basic Mission Management track produced eight graduates. The students trained to work in the operations branch, which would involve serving as an air operations branch director or a ground branch director; in a support function, such as in the logistics or finance/administration sections; or as a communications unit leader. The training was a refresher course for some, while others were looking to upgrade their specialties.

Twelve senior members who were looking to become rated as a section chief or higher completed the Advanced Mission Management track. That qualified then to execute a search and rescue or disaster relief incident and to serve on either the command or general staff for Civil Air Patrol’s largest incidents.

In addition, 22 members and nonmembers participated in Community Emergency Response Team training -- invaluable in any disaster relief mission. Lessons learned in the CERT session included assessment of an injured person in 15 seconds, the many techniques of carrying people, use of a fire extinguisher and the proper way to lift a concrete slab off a trapped, injured person.

The CERT graduates are now certified to help in their local areas should disaster strike.

Also participating were 15 personnel who served as staff and instructors in capacities from logistics to food preparation and support. Three U.S. Air Force members were on hand as well.

Calif. Wing searchers locate crashed Cessna 340

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

1st Lt. Matthew Scherzi
Public Affairs Officer
Saddleback Composite Squadron 68
California Wing

CALIFORNIA – California Wing ground teams working with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Aviation Unit overcame inclement weather, darkness and challenging terrain about 1:35 a.m. Thursday to locate the wreckage of a twin-engine Cessna 340 reported missing on a flight from Henderson, Nev., to Compton.

The plane was located in the Lytle Creek area of San Bernardino County. The teams had been assigned to search the area after the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center obtained possible radar tracking data from the Federal Aviation Administration pointing to the site as one of the more likely places the aircraft might be found.

The wing was alerted Wednesday night by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. The Cessna was overdue at Compton/Woodley Airport after leaving Henderson on Monday.

The aircraft search was the second the California Wing has participated in this week. On Monday aircraft and ground search teams located a crashed Cessna 172 in the Joshua Tree National Park and saved two people who had been trapped in the wreckage for 18 hours.

Col. Wing member honored with 'United We Serve' volunteerism award

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Capt. Eric Schwarm
Public Affairs Officer
Thompson Valley Composite Squadron
Colorado Wing

COLORADO – Capt. Steve Schneider of the Thompson Valley Composite Squadron has been honored with one of the first four United We Serve Awards in Colorado -- the first state to honor government employees’ contributions to their communities through the White House initiative to recognize volunteer service.

Schneider, an information technology manager for Larimer County, was nominated by his peers for his outstanding contribution to the Colorado Wing. He is scheduled to receive his award today at a ceremony at the 18th Annual Martin Luther King Unity Training in Denver.

The awards are presented to four government employees – city, county, state and federal -- who have demonstrated sustained excellence in volunteer service leading to significant positive outcomes for their communities. Schneider is an information technology manager for Larimer County.

The United We Serve initiative was launched by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama in 2009 to encourage government employees to volunteer in their communities.

Schneider was nominated for the honor by a co-worker and fellow Thompson Valley squadron member, Maj. Roy Schutt, who is also director of professional development for the Colorado Wing. In nominating his colleague, Schutt said Schneider had taken the squadron cadets’ emergency services training program to new heights, preparing more than 80 12- to 18-year-olds to work in search and rescue efforts and disaster preparedness.

After a tornado struck Windsor in May 2008, Schutt wrote, “Steve and the cadets went door to door to assist residents and perform welfare checks.” Cadets spent four days helping with the disaster relief response.

Schneider joined the Thompson Valley squadron – where his son, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Callum Schneider, is also a member -- in July 2007. He is the unit's squadron leadership officer and technology officer.

Vogel joins Pa. Wing Legislative Squadron ranks

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Lt. Col. Robert Meinert administers the CAP senior member oath to Pennsylvania State Sen. Elder Vogel as Majs. Gary and Shelly Fleming look on.

Capt. Mary Ellen Stanley
Public Affairs Officer
Beaver County Composite Squadron 704
Pennsylvania Wing

PENNSYLVANIA – State Sen. Elder Vogel became a member of the Pennsylvania Wing’s Legislative Squadron upon taking the Civil Air Patrol senior member oath at Beaver County Composite Squadron 704’s regular weekly meeting Jan. 11.

Administering the oath was Lt Col Robert Meinert, executive director of the wing. Also on hand for the occasion were Majs. Gary Fleming, wing vice commander, and Shelly Fleming, Group 6 commander.

Vogel, who was sworn in with the CAP rank of major, was guest speaker at the Squadron’s annual awards banquet in December, when he spoke about CAP’s core values -- integrity, excellence, respect and volunteerism -- and how they carry into all aspects of life.

The following squadron members attended:

Capts. James Longan, commander; Don Cripe, logistics officer; Wolfgang Decker, aerospace officer; Lee Savio, deputy commander for seniors; and Mary Ellen Stanley, public affairs officer.
2nd Lt Stephen McKeown, chaplain.
Master Sgts. Tina McKendry, emergency service officer, and William McKendry, safety officer.
Cadet 1st Lt. Joshua Cripe, cadet commander.
Tech. Sgt. Ransom Marshall.
Airmen 1st Class Dakota Lee, David Shipman and Austin Shrauder.
Cadet Airmen James Breiding and Joe Matesic.

Schimelfening, Army veteran, to take command of S. Dakota Wing

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Capt. Todd D. Epp
Legal Officer
South Dakota Wing

SOUTH DAKOTA – Maj. Teresa Schimelfening, a U.S. Army veteran who spent nearly nine years on active duty, will accept command of the South Dakota Wing at the wing’s 2010 conference in Chamberlain on Jan. 23.

Schimelfening will take the reins from Col. Mike Beason, the wing commander for the last 4 1/2 years. Upon assuming command, she will be promoted to colonel for the duration of her four-year term.

After joining CAP in February 2004 as a member of the Lewis and Clark Composite Squadron and starting out as the unit’s personnel officer, Schimelfening became the squadron’s commander six months later and held the position from September 2004-April 2008.

She also served as deputy commander for the North Central Region’s 2007 Cadet Leadership Encampment and was appointed the wing’s director of logistics in October 2007 -- the position she currently holds.

During the last year she has been recognized with the wing’s 2009 Officer of the Year Award and the North Central Region’s 2009 Senior Officer of the Year Award. She was also one of eight nominees for the Senior Officer of the Year Award at the national level.

Schimelfening’s CAP awards also include the Meritorious Service Award, Commander’s Commendation Award and Command Service Ribbon, among others. She holds Master Ratings in CAP’s cadet programs and logistics specialties, a Technician rating in the personnel specialty track and various qualifications in CAP’s Emergency Services.

Schimelfening served in the Army from May 1976 until February 1985, beginning her service in the Women’s Army Corps.

She served first as a food service specialist and then as an air traffic control radar specialist upon her second enlistment. Her assignments included the U.S. Army Aviation School and Center at Fort Rucker, Ala.; a tour with the 240th Air Traffic Control Company at Grafenwoehr, Germany; and duties at Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Belvoir, Va.; and Fort Dix, N.J.

Schimelfening’s military awards include the Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals, Army Service Ribbon and Good Conduct Medals. A graduate of the Noncommissioned Officers Academy in Bad Toelz, Germany, she has a bachelor’s degree in human services with a minor in business administration and extensive coursework in resources management.

Her husband, James Schimelfening, holds the CAP rank of senior member. They have two sons – Adam, a student at Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City, and Benjamin, a senior at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Schimelfening said she is looking forward to the challenge of taking command of the wing’s more than 360 members. She is committed to continuing the wing’s efforts of reaching out to city, county, state and national agencies across South Dakota as a valuable resource of choice for emergency services.

She also wants to extend a hand to youth organizations and schools across the state to expand youths’ opportunities in leadership and aerospace education.

Puerto Rico members help collect, sort donations for Haiti earthquake victims

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Fajardo Cadet Squadron members load cases of bottled water collected for distribution to Haitian earthquake victims.

(2)
Cadet Master Sgt. Rafet Corujo helps sort through items donated for the earthquake relief effort.

(3)
Cadet Airman Basic Raiza Torres (left) receives donated canned goods from Cadet Airman 1st Class Angel Cotto as they work to sort donations for the relief effort.

1st Lt. Nitza Vivas
Commander
Fajardo Cadet Squadron

PUERTO RICO –- The Fajardo Cadet Squadron’s commander, 1st Lt. Nitza Vivas, and 10 cadets stepped up to assist local administrators in their effort to collect and sort food, water, clothes, medicines and other items that can be used in Haiti after the severe earthquake Jan. 12.

Diana Mendez-Melendez, wife of Fajardo Mayor Anibal Melendez, received the squadron members with applause and complimented Lt. Col. Doris Ortiz, Puerto Rico Wing Group II public affairs officer and designated government liaison for the mission, for the group’s contributions to the relief effort.

Live coverage of the event was broadcast to northeastern Puerto Rico by WMDD-AM 1440, and local newspaper reporters interviewed the participants and took photos.

King Day of Service volunteers assemble first aid kits for National Capital Wing

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Malik Cochran of the Andrews Composite Squadron distributes bags to volunteers for packing with first aid items.

(2)
The Andrews Composite Squadron’s deputy commander for seniors, 1st Lt. Rhoda Wharton, organizes completed first aid kits.

(3)
Maj. John La Jeunesse (left), National Capital Wing counterdrug officer, and Col. Richard Cooper, the wing’s commander, inspect completed kits.

Photos by Maj. Paul Cianciolo

Maj. Paul Cianciolo
Public Affairs Officer
National Capital Wing

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Volunteers from around the region came together Monday in partnership with Greater DC Cares for the Martin Luther King Day of Service to assemble some 900 personal first aid kits for use by the National Capital Wing.

In all, more than 250 people came out to support Civil Air Patrol, DC Central Kitchen and other nonprofit organizations.

The kits used the standard items required for Civil Air Patrol ground teams. Kit inserts were printed and donated by the UPS Store in Del Ray. The wing and Greater DC Cares purchased the supplies.

Other kits were also made at the event, held at The Washington Post building and sponsored by Target and Fannie Mae, the Federal National Mortgage Association.

Greater DC Cares organized more than 3,000 volunteers for projects around the metro region.

N.Y. unit presents aviation programs for area youth

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

James Kuhl, a CAP aerospace education member selected to participate in the Teacher in Space program, shows Breanna Mallory how to adjust the control surface of her model plane.

Photo by Capt. Earl Holdren

1st Lt. Jennifer Holdren
Commander
F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron
New York Wing

NEW YORK – Members of the F.R. Sussey Composite Squadron recently presented an aviation day for area youth that addressed a broad range of subjects, such as what makes airplanes fly, how early aviators built their planes out of wood and fabric and how astronauts train for spaceflight.

The squadron teamed with local Experimental Aircraft Association members and a special guest – James Kuhl, a Syracuse schoolteacher and Civil Air Patrol aerospace education member selected to participate in the Teachers in Space program – to conduct hands-on workshop activities as well as general presentations. The free event at Oswego County Airport was open to youth ages 10-18.

Participants had the opportunity to see a Cessna 182 aircraft up close and go through a detailed preflight inspection with Maj. Joakim Hansson, the Utica Cadet Squadron’s deputy commander for seniors and aerospace education officer.

From there, the groups rotated through a variety of workshops.

One session focused on aircraft-building techniques. Under the direction of a pair of EAA members, certified aircraft mechanic Chuck Burtch and experienced aircraft builder Terry Lynch, the participants built actual wooden wing ribs and learning how to properly rivet and work with sheet metal.

In another workshop, participants learned about remote control model aircraft and got to try out their skills on two remote control flight simulators. They also learned about standard flight simulation and were able to fly a variety of aircraft and simulator types on four computer-based simulators.

During a presentation on the International Space Shuttle, Capt. Richard Lauricella, aerospace education officer for the Central New York Group, passed actual thermal tiles from the space shuttle around the room for everyone to see. Lauricella also talked about the shuttle’s electrical system.

After that, Kuhl shared his experiences and special training as a Teachers in Space participant.

"I first encountered NASA in the classroom when I applied” for the original version of the program, he said. "Being a new teacher, I did not receive serious consideration for Teachers in Space, but I used the application as a blueprint for
subsequent professional development activities,” Kuhl said.

“Fifteen years later I was quite pleased to make it onto the final selection list for the Educator Astronaut Program and into the ranks of the Network of Educator Astronaut Teacher. The highlight of my life is to be accepted as a Teacher Astronaut into the Teachers in Space Program in May 2009!"

By the end of the day 36 area youth had participated in the various programs. When asked if the event had been both educational and fun, their vote was unanimous – a response that “means we met our goal," said Capt. Earl Holdren III, event coordinator and the Sussey squadron’s deputy commander for cadets.

“This event was an opportunity for young people to learn about aerospace and the wide variety of opportunities it holds,” Holden said.

“It is great to be part of an event that opens new doors for learning, from a hobby building model airplanes or working for NASA. The youth of today are our future."

Md. squadron hosts 18th successful community blood drive

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman 1st Class Sennsa Imhotep (left with a first-time blood donor, Cadet Airman Earl Watson.
Photo by Lt. Col. James Steinmeier

(2)
Maj. William Parris (left), Maryland Wing Group II commander, presents the CAP Unit Citation Award to 1st Lt. Donald Ells, Fort McHenry Composite Squadron commander, as Cadet Airman Brent Sacks stands by.
Photo by Maj. Doug Barth

Capt. Sherry McManus
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Maj. Doug Barth
Public Affairs Officer
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – Fort McHenry Composite Squadron members exceeded their goal when they hosted Catonsville’s annual holiday blood drive Dec. 12 for the American Red Cross, collecting three more pints than the 20-pint goal for the day.

Contributing to that total were a pair of first-time donors, Cadet Airmen Malcolm Scott and Earl Watson, along with two other Fort McHenry members, Capt. Sherry McManus and Senior Member Ping Wah Lai, and Maj. Jason Kerpelman of the Apollo I Composite Squadron.

Maj. Doug Barth, project officer, was on hand to open the Bloomsbury Community Center for the drive, with assistance from Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Zachary McManus and Cadet Airman Malcolm Scott. Alex Selema, a friend of the squadron, also met Barth for the early morning set-up and stayed the entire day to support the drive.

Throughout the day other squadron members rotated in and out of duty positions, including registration, escort and canteen services. Also providing support were:

Lt. Col Jim Steinmeier.
Capt. Sherry McManus.
2nd Lts. Jake Kellogg and Patrick McManus.
1st Lt. Jim Holcomb.
Senior Member Ping Wah Lai.
Cadet Lt. Col. Charles Frater.
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Gregory Gleichauf.
Cadet Staff Sgt. Gabriel LaJuenesse.
Cadet Senior Airmen Alex Coleman and Ali Green.
Cadet Airmen Sennsa Imhotep and Earl Watson.
Cadet Airmen Basic Pok Doo Lai, Pok Ko Lai and Lucas Pattison.

The Red Cross made a donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation on behalf of all donors to the drive, which was co-sponsored by the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce and the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks.

The campaign marked the 18th quarterly blood drive, totaling more than 400 pints, the squadron has sponsored as part of a community service program launched in June 2005. In 2009 that campaign helped earn the squadron Civil Air Patrol’s prestigious Unit Citation Award, citing “outstanding achievements, exceptional service and high degree of performance” in sponsoring and conducting the community blood drives.

The squadron has also received two citations from the American Red Cross Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region for its support to the Catonsville community.

Ala. Wing to gain 1st female commander

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Maj. Patricia Mitcham
Public Affairs Officer
Alabama Wing

ALABAMA -- Lt. Col. Lisa Robinson has been appointed Alabama Wing commander-elect and will become the first woman to command the wing when she takes over the top post during the Wing Conference being held Feb. 6-7 in Birmingham.

Col. Michael Oakman, wing commander since February 2006, will turn command over to Robinson in a formal ceremony presided over by national and regional officers. Robinson has been wing chief of staff since June 2007 and is also the wing’s acting vice commander.

Robinson has completed Civil Air Patrol’s five levels of senior member training, including the Gill Robb Wilson Award in December 2007. Each level required her to become more involved in CAP activities, master skills in one of 23 technical areas and develop leadership ability.

She holds a master rating in flight operations and cadet programs as well as a senior rating in public affairs. A private pilot, she is also a Satellite-Transmitted Digital Imagining System operator, a mission observer and a mission information officer, in addition to other emergency services qualifications.

Robinson has received multiple CAP awards, including an Exceptional Service Award, Commander’s Commendation with three Bronze Clasps and the Charles E. ‘Chuck' Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award. She has also been recognized for excellence in service to the Alabama Wing and CAP.

Former commander and deputy commander for seniors for the 117th Air National Guard Composite Squadron in Birmingham, she completed National Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 2007.

Robinson is employed by the Baptist Health System in Birmingham as an application analyst, providing 24-hour support for the Radiology Management System, networked to seven facilities. She earned an associate degree in applied science in radiological technology with honors from Jefferson State Junior College and a bachelor’s degree in allied health and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham.

Del. cadets fill food baskets for families

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(From left) Retired Air Force Maj. Daniel A. Alvarez lll, Middletown High School Air Force Junior ROTC senior aerospace science instructor, accepts a holiday food basket for a needy family from Cadet Master Sgt. Christopher Dengler of the Middletown Cadet Squadron.

(2)
(From left) Cadet Master Sgt. Christopher Dengler, Cadet 2nd Lts. Caroline Dengler and Derek Vento and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Noah Wible with a representative of Townsend Church.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Caroline Dengler
Middletown Cadet Squadron
Delaware Wing

DELAWARE -- Middletown Cadet Squadron members made sure three local families ate well for the holidays, thanks to the unit’s annual food drive.

During several weekends in October and November reserved for collecting canned goods and other nonperishable food items, the cadet project officer, Cadet Master Sgt. Christopher Dengler, and Cadet 2nd Lts. Caroline Dengler and Derek Vento amassed more than 300 food items.

As a result, the squadron was able to provide three needy local families with beautiful food baskets stuffed to capacity, each weighing more than 70 pounds.

In addition, Dengler requested a $20 gift card for each basket from the Middletown Walmart. Dawn McDowell, the store’s community involvement coordinator, was happy to accept the request. The gift cards enabled the families to buy perishable food items, such as turkey, ham, milk, eggs and the like.

Christopher Dengler also suggested donating one of the food baskets to a needy member of the Middletown High School Air Force Junior ROTC program, in which he participates as a third-year cadet.

“It’s important to help someone in your class during the holidays,” he said. “Also, it’s a really good feeling to help someone who wears the Air Force Junior ROTC uniform.”

Pa. cadet's service project yields 200+ coats for needy

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Ian Barrick and some of the coats he collected for the needy.

1st Lt. Helene Sheaffer
Public Affairs Officer
Black Diamond Composite Squadron
Pennsylvania Wing

PENNSYLVANIA – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Ian Barrick’s campaign to obtain his Civil Air Patrol Community Service Ribbon has helped make more than 200 children and others in the Hegins area warmer this winter.

And the cadet's unit, the Black Diamond Composite Squadron, is continuing the effort into 2010.

Barrick began his Free Warm Coats for Children project by visiting local Goodwill and Salvation Army thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales to buy children’s coats, which he then laundered at a Laundromat. Coats in need of repair were given to his grandmother for mending.

After sizing and tagging each coat, he put them in plastic totes by size to be handed out. The Middletown First Church of God allowed him to bring the coats in for two hours one Saturday a month to give out with the help of his mother and grandmother.

They handed out a total of 147 coats -- 34 in September, 51 in October after a trade-in program was started, and 48 in November, with another 14 given to area agencies and families outside the original Saturday dates.

By now word had spread, and Barrick began receiving donations of coats from churches, schools, law firms, state government offices. The project’s scope also expanded beyond children’s coats to include adult coats, hats, mittens, blankets and children’s toothbrushes.

In November, a church in Frackville asked if the cadet could bring the coats to their area for distribution. He had a prior commitment, though, so he approached the Black Diamond squadron’s commander, Capt. Harold Daubenspeck, and his fellow members for help.

Cadet Airman Basic Dakota Deaven volunteered to take over and distribute the coats in Frackville. That day another 82 coats were given out, for a project total to 229.

With Daubenspeck’s permission, the program has turned into a squadron community service project for 2010. Coat collection has already begun, and the squadron plans a coat closet for storage, making coats available at all times for families that need them.

Barrick and Deaven have been asked back by the two churches that participated, as well as two others that have asked to be included.

Barrick would like to ask other squadrons to think about similar projects for their own areas, as he found it truly rewarding to know he helped so many in so little time.

In recognition of his efforts, the cadet – who logged 109 ½ hours on the project -- will be recognized at an award ceremony in March as one of five finalists for the “Volunteer of the Year” Award for Central Penn Parent magazine. While his fellow Black Diamond members wish him good luck in the completion, they all already consider him a winner.

Ga. cadets introduced to joy of flight

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Airmen Hakeem Adams (left) and Jesse Freeman receive certificates marking their first flights from Maj. Dee Dozier, orientation pilot.

Photo by 1st Lt. Jay Jordan

1st Lt. Jay Jordan
Commander
Albany Composite Squadron
Georgia Wing

GEORGIA -- After being walked through an extensive preflight inspection, two brand-new Albany Composite Squadron cadets were introduced to flight by Maj. Dee Dozier.

One cadet remarked that he was surprised at the procedures carried out before a flight – he had thought that "you just walked out, started the aircraft and flew."

As proud parents looked on, Certificates of First Flight signed by the squadron’s commander, 1st Lt. Jay Jordan, and their orientation pilot, Dozier, were presented to Cadet Airmen Hakeem Adams and Jesse Freeman.

Mich. squadron helps bring holiday cheer to veterans' families

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Kayleigh Fountain and a young friend make an Advent chain.

(2 and 3)
Cadets and children at work making holiday cards.

(4)
Cadet Senior Airman Lindsey Fountain and a friend take a break from working on an ornament.

(5)
Selfridge cadets with the guest of honor.

Photos by 1st Lt. Lisa Fountain

1st Lt. Lisa Fountain
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Selfridge Cadet Squadron
Michigan Wing

MICHIGAN -- Members of the Selfridge Cadet Squadron joined with members of Charles A. Hammond American Legion Post 8 on a chilly winter day in Port Huron to help make sure veterans’ families found warmth during the holiday season.

Children were treated to crafts, including handmade holiday cards, colorful advent chains and whimsically decorated ornaments. All received stockings to personalize with their names to hold their crafts. They took great delight in decorating their own sugar cookie with a multitude of confectionary delights.

Soon it was time for a visit from a very special guest. The children gleefully welcomed Santa Claus and ran to get a chance to sit on his lap and tell him their wishes for Christmas. After their visit, they were each given a gift from the Legion post.

The Selfridge cadets assisted at each of the craft stations, on occasion finding a child sitting on their knee during work on the Christmastime creations.

Ala. Christmas Day search ends with discovery of crashed Piper

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A Satellite Digital Imaging System photo of the crashed Piper PA-28 Cherokee.

Maj. Patricia Mitcham
Public Affairs Officer
Alabama Wing

ALABAMA – Members of the Alabama and Georgia wings helped search Christmas Day for a Piper PA-28 Cherokee found wrecked in the Talladega National Forest after being reported missing upon failing to arrive in Cobb County, Ga.

The pilot, John Lawrence Gilbert Jr., 21, of Pell City, Ala., was killed in the crash, authorities said. The Piper had been scheduled to leave Pell City at 10 p.m. Christmas Eve.

After being alerted Christmas morning by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Civil Air Patrol members began searching for the aircraft. In all, 32 members of the Alabama Wing, the Alabama State Trooper Aviation Unit, Emergency Management Agency officials, as well as members of the Georgia Wing, mobilized to find the Piper.

The wreckage was found early Christmas afternoon in rough terrain about two miles north of Heflin, some 70 miles east of Birmingham and 50 miles east of Pell City. The Alabama Wing completed 10 air and ground missions in support of the search.

Ore. cadets deliver Christmas food baskets to needy

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(From left) Cadet Basic Kayla Bishop, Cadet Senior Airman Kolin Shapiro and Cadet Staff Sgt. Myles Ireland load Christmas food baskets into the McMinnville Composite Squadron van for delivery.

Lt . Col. Les Peterson
Commander
McMinnville Composite Squadron
Oregon Wing

OREGON -- Cadets from the McMinnville Composite Squadron spent their Saturday delivering Christmas food baskets to families that weren’t able to pick up their own in person.

Newberg FISH (Friends In Services to Humanity), which has been serving the community since 1970, passed out nearly 500 baskets to the needy, but eight families could not travel to pick theirs up.

That’s where the McMinnville squadron members came in. They loaded up the unit’s van and solved the problem.

"This was a good community service project for the squadron members plus, a good experience for the cadets,” said Lt. Col. Les Peterson, McMinnville commander.

The members were praised by the families they helped and by Robert Rucker, FISH public relations director. The unit plans to help out next year. too, Peterson said.

Texas unit tours TV station's news operation

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Second Lt. Rick Martinez of the Bexar County Senior Squadron, who led the Lackland Cadet Squadron’s tour of KENS-TV, at the controls in his department at the station.

(2)
Lackland Cadet Squadron members on screen.

(3)
(From left) Cadet Airman 1st Class Kevin Martinez, Cadet Senior Airman Samuel Rogers, Cadet Airman Basic Brandon White, Cadet Senior Airman Joshua Alvarez, Cadet Airman Basic Savon Vigil, 2nd Lts. Nancy Kerr and Rich Martinez, Cadet Airman Basic Lacy Brantley and Cadet Second Lt. Lt Alexander Holiday on KENS-TV news stage.

Photos by 2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr

2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr
Public Affairs Officer
Lackland Cadet Squadron
Texas Wing

TEXAS – Members of the Lackland Cadet Squadron got a behind-the-scenes perspective Dec. 19 on what’s involved in preparing the daily news broadcasts on KENS-TV, the CBS affiliate in San Antonio.

With 2nd Lt. Rick Martinez of the Bexar County Senior Squadron, who works in the station’s engineering department, serving as their guide, seven cadets and one senior member visited KENS’ master control room, its studio, the production room, the satellite room, the video room, the assignment area and the reporting area.

Squadron members participating were:

2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr.
Cadet 2nd Lt. Alexander Holiday.
Cadet Senior Airmen Joshua Alvarez and Samuel Rogers.
Cadet Airman 1st Class Kevin Martinez.
Cadet Airmen Basic Lacy Brantley, Savon Vigil and Brandon White.

Puerto Rico's Lajas High School Cadet Squadron marks 50th anniversary

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Lt. Col. Edgar Cruz, commander of the Lajas High School Cadet Squdron for the past 30 years, presents Lajas Mayor Leovigildo Cotte with a plaque in recognition for his support for the unit.

(2)
Puerto Rico National Guard Sgt. Miguel A. Ramirez, a former cadet with the Lajas squadron, speaks on the important roles parents play in leadership development.

(3)
Lt. Col. Edgar Cruz with the squadron’s cadet commander, Cadet Lt. Col. Luis Aponte.

(4)
A display of historic photos, insignias, fatigues and the service uniform of the unit’s only Gen. Carl A. Spaatz cadet – Anabel Lugo, now a captain, who received the prestigious award in July 1988.

Capt. Anabel Lugo
Public Affairs Officer
Lajas High School Cadet Squadron
Puerto Rico Wing

PUERTO RICO -- Lajas High School Cadet Squadron members and their families enjoy an awards luncheon every December, but this year’s gathering featured a special touch -- an observation of the unit’s 50th anniversary.

Photos, uniforms, ribbons and insignias from the squadron’s first half-century were on display, and a Power Point presentation featured photos of activities from throughout the unit’s history.

Present for the observation was Lajas Mayor Leovigildo Cotte. In addition, Puerto Rico National Guard Sgt. Miguel A. Ramirez, who had served as a cadet captain in the squadron in 1983, spoke to those assembled on parents’ importance in developing leadership among young people.

The unit also celebrating the addition of more than 30 new cadets in the previous month, expanding the membership total to 91.

3 from Pa. Wing join Pilots for Kids holiday visit to pediatric center

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Maj. Jeff Buchman (center), Northeast Group 4 deputy commander and Pilots for Kids coordinator, and two fellow Pilots for Kids participants talk with a young patient at St. Luke’s Good Shepherd Pediatric Center.

(2)
First Lt. Ken Hearn, public affairs officer for Quakertown Composite Squadron 504, with a young patient and his parents.

(3)
Maj. Jeff Buchman speaks with a patient.

(4)
(Standing, from left) Capt. Brian Hrycko of Lehigh Valley Composite Squadron 805, 1st Lt. Ken Hearn and Maj. Jeff Buchman with a pair of patients.

1st Lt. Ken Hearn
Public Affairs Officer
Quakertown Composite Squadron 904
Pennsylvania Wing

PENNSYLVANIA - Gifts and good cheer made it a memorable day for the young people at St. Luke's Good Shepherd Pediatric Center in Bethlehem when Maj. Jeff Buchman of Northeast Pennsylvania Group 4, Capt. Brian Hrycko of Lehigh Valley Composite Squadron 805 and 1st Lt. Ken Hearn of Quakertown Composite Squadron 904 visited patients and their families at the state-of-the-art unit.

The Pennsylvania Wing trio, who were part of a contingent of Pilots for Kids, a national volunteer organization supported by Civil Air Patrol, professional and military pilots, also received a tour of the facility.

Participants’ annual holiday visits to hospitals and care centers are, for pilots and children alike, a highlight of the season.

Ohio members focus on first aid, CPR

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Participants in the course watch video segments of real-life emergencies, then demonstrate the appropriate response.

(2)
Maj. David Jennison, commander of the Wright-Patterson Composite Squadron, practices a one-handed CPR technique designed for children.

Capt. Christopher Vecchi
Commander
Wright Brothers Composite Squadron
Ohio Wing

OHIO – More than 40 Ohio Wing members gathered Dec. 5 at Sinclair Community College in Dayton to learn the skills needed to make a difference in saving a life by stabilizing a victim until emergency responders arrive.

Capt. Chris Vecchi, squadron commander, provided instruction in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. All participants also practiced the skills necessary to operate an automated external defibrillator, or AED – a device that can deliver an electric shock to the victim’s heart, allowing it to resume a normal rhythm.

When CPR and AED are used within three to five minutes of a heart attack, studies have shown survival rates increase from about 2 percent to 40 percent-70 percent.

After the CPR course, Vecchi said the participants were “now equipped to give a person their best shot at resuming a normal life following sudden cardiac arrest by recognizing an emergency, phoning for help, providing CPR and operating an AED effectively.” Those are the first four links in the “chain of survival” for victims of cardiac arrest.

Capt. Melissa King, a physician who serves as the squadron’s health services officer, called on her experience in emergency medical care in serving as instructor for the first aid portion of the course. Using interaction and hands-on demonstrations, King taught members how to respond to a variety of medical emergencies and common injuries.

Topics she covered included assisting a seizure victim, managing an allergic reaction, helping someone with difficulty breathing and splinting a broken bone.

Several emergency medical technicians and paramedics from the squadron were also on hand to assist with the practical exercises. All participants were provided with “Heartsaver First Aid with CPR & AED” certification through the American Heart Association.

North Hennepin cadets dominate Minn. color guard competition

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1) Cadets practice flag etiquette in the snow during the 2009 Minnesota Wing color guard competition.
Photo by Maj. Richard J. Sprouse, Minnesota Wing

(2) Cadet Capt. Peter Mayhew of the Anoka Composite Squadron was one of the cadet staffers during the 2009 Minnesota Wing color guard competition.
Photo by Maj. Richard J. Sprouse, Minnesota Wing

(3) First rifle, Cadet Senior Airman Sam Kessler of the North Hennepin Composite Squadron leads the way for other members of the color guard.
Photo by Maj. Richard J. Sprouse, Minnesota Wing

(4) Members of the Anoka and Viking squadrons share congratulations during the Panel Quiz portion of the 2009 Minnesota Wing color guard competition.
Photo by Maj. Richard J. Sprouse, Minnesota Wing

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Information Officer
Group 2
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA -- Cadets from the North Hennepin Composite Squadron took numerous honors during Minnesota Wing’s annual color guard competition held Dec. 4-5 at Camp Ripley.

The North Hennepin color guard placed first in Indoor Practical Drill, Outdoor Practical Drill, Standard Drill, Mile Run, Male Fleet Foot competition, Inspection, Panel Quiz and Written Test. The North Hennepin color guard consisting of Cadet Airman 1st Class Garan Williams, Cadet Senior Airman Sam Kessler, Cadet Staff Sgt. Jasmine Sands, Cadet Master Sgt. Kris Grimaldi and Cadet Airman 1st Class Mitch Hanson (alternate) will represent Minnesota Wing during the North Central Region color guard competition in early 2010. A team from the squadron won Minnesota and North Central Region color guard competitions in 2008.

Color guard details typically include posting the colors at sporting events, military celebrations, veterans’ funerals and a variety of other appropriate occasions. North Hennepin was consistently challenged for the top spot by color guards from Anoka and Viking squadrons.

Cadet Airman Zophia Raleigh of the Anoka squadron took top honors in the Female Fleet Foot category, while Cadet Tech Sgt. Gideon Wiff of the Viking squadron had the best individual score in the Written Test competition. Anoka also took the Team Spirit Award.

The purpose of the competition is to provide incentive and motivation for cadets to train and attain goals in leadership, aerospace, physical fitness and teamwork; provide an opportunity for cadets to increase esprit de corps through excellence in training and performance; and to provide public validation of the objectives of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.

“The cadets that choose to be part this competition show great dedication by making sure they understand the basics of Drill and Ceremony, such as flag etiquette, which is so critical when our cadets are out in public performing as color guard,” said Maj. Janelle Gates, chief of staff-training, Minnesota Wing. “When cadets take that extra step to show that they care about what they’re doing, are willing to put themselves up for critical critique, and are ready to carry on the military traditions of honor and respect, that says a lot about our youth. THANK YOU!”

Ala. members participate in search and rescue exercise

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Clay Fetner of the Bessemer Composite Squadron marshals aircraft departing for a search.

(2)
Civil Air Patrol aircraft at Bessemer Airport for the search and rescue exercise.

1st Kim Miller
Public Affairs Officer
Redstone Composite Squadron
Alabama Wing

ALABAMA -- Alabama Wing members assembled at Bessemer Airport for a search and rescue exercise Dec. 5 to hone skills they would call on in the event of an actual disaster.

In all, 93 members devoted more than 700 man-hours to the exercise, which involved eight aircraft and two ground teams. As part of the simulated scenarios, air and ground crews searched for lost hikers, emergency locator transmitters and stranded canoeists and also supported the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and performed a variety of ramp checks.

Minn. cadets combine fun, training during campout

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cadets gather for physical training.

Photo by Cadet 2nd Lt. Elias Wiff

Cadet Staff Sergeant Matthew Johnson
Cadet Public Affairs Officer
Viking Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – About 15 Viking Composite Squadron cadets gathered recently for a weekend campout that combined socializing and fun with multiple opportunities for practicing valuable search and rescue skills.

In one training activity, the cadet leader organized a compass course requiring participants navigate from point to point using only a compass. Cadets measured the distance between waypoints by walking between the two points and then multiplying the length of their stride by the number of strides.

A scavenger hunt tested cadets’ skills in finding objects ranging from a bird’s nest to a dog’s choke collar.

A simulated missing person search capped off the search and rescue activities

Other fun activities included an afternoon of Capture the Flag, numerous games of tackle football and an evening of Evade and Maneuver -- a game made up over the weekend, in which one group had to go from one part of the park to another while avoiding detection by multiple teams trying to catch them.

Overall, the activities left everyone with tired bodies and fun memories.

The campout provided an opportunity for the cadets, who are used to relating to each other in a highly professional, formal manner, to have fun together in a relaxed environment. They enjoyed associating freely with each regardless of grade or position.

The campout was greatly enjoyed by all participants, who extended thanks to the Wiff family for organizing the gathering. The cadets are looking forward with anticipation to next year’s camping trip.

Calif. squadrons receive state training in search, rescue techniques

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadets take part in a “hasty search” led by a trainer from Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department.

(2)
Members of Diablo Composite Squadron 44 and Travis Composite Squadron 22.

Photos by Senior Member Bill Carr

Senior Member Bill Carr
Public Affairs Officer
Travis Composite Squadron 44
California Wing

CALIFORNIA – “A bus has crashed and rolled, scattering 10 Civil Air Patrol cadets over a large area. They are unable to move and are awaiting discovery by our search teams.”

While that scenario might stretch the imagination, the training that members of Diablo Composite Squadron 44 and Travis Composite Squadron 22 underwent in responding to it was no less real when they came together Nov. 7 with the California Military Reserve, the California National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard to receive instruction on search and rescue techniques.

Conducting the training were representatives of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department’s Division of Search and Rescue. In California, search and rescue operations are coordinated by the California Emergency Management Agency. Within this agency, the Law Enforcement and Victim Services Division takes on the responsibility of search and rescue missions.

In turn, county sheriffs’ departments are responsible for searches in nonurban areas within their jurisdictions. When an initial search proves unsuccessful, they will ask for assistance through mutual aid from other counties or agencies.

The purpose of the day’s exercises was to introduce new agencies to the process in hopes of being able to employ their resources in the future.

Military reservists and Coast Guard personnel joined the CAP Cadets at Camp Parks in Dublin, where everyone rotated through four stations of training in the morning. Skills taught were put into practice in the afternoon, when 10 cadet portraying victims were scattered over a wide area so ground searchers could look for evidence and locate them.

At Station 1, Rick Kovar of the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department’s Emergency Services Division discussed the structure of search and rescue operations in the state. Kovar explained that participants are classified by type to aid in assigning personnel appropriately. Type 1, he said, is attained after 50 hours of training, Type 2 after an additional 120 hours of training and experience and Type 3 with additional specialty training.

Station 2 was set up like a command post at a search site. Trainers reviewed the check-in process, the “T-Cards” that searchers fill out and the debriefing process. Trainees were introduced to the mapping process and to assignments based on type.

Trainers at Station 3 taught the techniques of field interviews. Trainees learned about going door-to-door interviewing residents, describing the missing person and collecting pertinent data. After both serious and humorous examples, trainees put their new skills to the test, conducting practice interviews.

At Station 4, everyone learned about the different types of ground searches. Based on the amount of time allowed and the missing person’s probable condition, searchers learned which type of search method to employ. Each type was then practiced, with clues dispersed in the field for the searchers to find.

The cadets learned that on an average hike, a hiker leaves 2,400 to 3,600 clues of their presence.

After lunch at the base, trainees were divided into four teams and deployed to take part in the search so they could put their new knowledge into action. By the time the exercise ended, all 10 cadets were located, with Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Joel Stark of the Travis squadron locating the last two across the valley from his position.

The exercise was considered successful not because all the cadets were found, but because all units had worked together and followed the protocol taught that day. The day ended with congratulations all around and a promise of a future exercise to further hone the participants’ skills.

The cadets were encouraged to pursue the emergency services training available through Civil Air Patrol and to achieve certification. Both squadrons look forward to working with the state officials in the future and ultimately to being relied on to help in searches

Mich. unit holds aerospace, aviation training day for Scouts

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Lt. Col. Steve Cotton, emergency services officer for the Livonia Thunderbolt Cadet Squadron, instructs Scouts in some of the basics of using direction-finders.

(2)
Capt. John Dauer, Monroe Composite Squadron emergency services officer, goes over preflight procedure.

(3)
Capt. Matt Woody, standardization and evaluation officer for the Monroe squadron, tells Scouts about some of the principles of aerodynamics.

(4)
The Monroe unit’s emergency services officer, Maj. Brian Malley, covers some of the essentials of model rocketry.

(5)
Capt. Jeff Walters, Monroe squadron leadership officer, speaks with Cub Scouts and parents.

(6) The Monroe squadron’s search and rescue officer, 1st Lt. Carl Sweeney, speaks with Boy Scouts.

(7)
Capt. John Jondro, public affairs officer for the Monroe squadron, and Cadet 2nd Lt. Camille Walters staff an informational display.

Capt. Jay Jondro
Public Affairs Officer
Monroe Composite Squadron
Michigan Wing

MICHIGAN – Members of the Monroe Composite Squadron helped out Cub and Boy Scouts of the Running Waters District in Monroe County by hosting an aerospace and aviation training day.

While the Scouting program offers an Aviation Merit Badge, area Scouts have not had been able to take advantage of it, because no one had the credentials to instruct them.

Under those circumstances, when CAP offered to step into the breach nearly 200 Scouts jumped at the opportunity to participate.

The squadron assembled 12 presentation stations for the Scouts focusing on such subjects as aircraft aerodynamics, glider assembly, aircraft preflight procedures, aircraft gauge and instrumentation, direction-finding instruction, and an emergency locator transmitter.

Cub Scout training included building a Goddard rocket, CD hovercrafts and balsa gliders and landing a “Lucky Lindy” airplane. As a special treat the Cub Scouts were served “Astronaut Ice Cream.”

In addition, a select group of Boy Scouts working toward their Space Exploration Merit Badges received instruction and hands-on guidance from Capt. Jeff Walters, who serves as squadron leadership officer for the unit and aerospace education officer for the Southeast Michigan Group and has earned Civil Air Patrol’s A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Master Educator Award.

Under Walters’ instruction, the Scouts built and launched model rockets.

Other exhibits on display throughout the day focused on drug awareness and reduction and public affairs. The drug reduction area included CAP informational posters, a sealed display of dangerous household chemicals and drug demand resistance brochures. The squadron public affairs staff displayed cadet posters and offered cadet and parent recruitment brochures, all while broadcasting CAP promotional CDs.

Operating the daylight-to-dusk affair successfully required the entire composite squadron to pitch in. In fact, the Monroe squadron recruited members from the fellow Southeast Michigan Group unit, the Livonia Thunderbolt Cadet Squadron, to run the ground team training.

For their work the CAP members were presented with merit patches designed to commemorate the day’s achievements and emblazoned with the legend, “Take to the Air”

The day took place at the request of Running Waters Scoutmaster Scott Goocher, who had attended a Monroe Composite meeting seeking assistance from Walters, who had been active in Scouting before joining CAP. Preparations required multiple meetings to arrive at a date, review merit badge requirements, obtain getting permission to use airport facilities and the air space for launching rockets, line up volunteers from both sides and gather donations and supplies.

Virgin Island unit devotes holiday weekend to training sessions

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
St. Croix Composite Squadron cadets try out a teamwork training exercise.

(2)
Physical training occupies St. Croix Composite cadets.

(3)
St. Croix cadets apply themselves during “Kiwi College” – boot shining.

1st Lt. Akeem Inniss
Commander
St. Croix Composite Squadron
Puerto Rico Wing

VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Puerto Rico Wing’s St. Croix Composite Squadron had no problem finding something to do over the long Thanksgiving weekend, thanks to a training schedule that featured a variety of training labs and classes.

Sessions focused on standards, customs and courtesies, physical fitness, communication ethics and radio communication, traffic control training, leadership labs, Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Module 1, aircraft identification at the local airport, boot shining (“Kiwi College”), drill and ceremonies, and a search and rescue exercise.

The period gave the squadron’s members an opportunity both to lead and to be led.

Pa. members pack Christmas boxes for deployed military

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1, 2)
Lebanon squadron cadets help pack Christmas boxes for deployed troops.

(3)
Cadets check information on a Christmas box.

(4)
Participants in the packing effort.

Photos by Capt. Wilson Ballester

1st Lt. Bea Gernert
Public Affairs Officer
Lebanon VFW Cadet Squadron 307
Pennsylvania Wing

PENNSYLVANIA – Members of Lebanon VFW Cadet Squadron 307 traveled to Penn Manor High School in Millersville on Dec. 5 to help the Military Mothers and Friends Lancaster Chapter pack 233 Christmas boxes for shipment to deployed military personnel both abroad and stateside.

The packages included homemade cookies, candy, comfort items, books, cards of appreciation from Lebanon cadets and Military Mothers and Friends members, socks, Veterans of Foreign Wars handmade Christmas ornaments, pretzels, chips, soup and numerous other items.

The squadron members sorted items and packed boxes, then sealed the boxes and attached the necessary papers, weighed the packages, affixed the correct postage and then packed the cartons in bins for loading onto U.S. Postal Service trucks.

The work began at 9 a.m. and lasted until 2:30 p.m. The cost of shipping exceeded $3,000.

Minn. squadron promotes CAP antidrug message at local schools

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Aliksandr VanReese-Jasso showcases a drug display kit to students at Connor-Jasper Middle School.

Photo by 1st Lt. Nan Berg

Major Richard J. Sprouse
Public Information Officer
Group 2
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA -- MINNESOTA -- Members of the Grand Rapids Composite Squadron recently brought Civil Air Patrol’s Drug Demand Reduction message to a pair of local schools for Red Ribbon Week.

Cadets and senior members with the squadron visited St. Joseph’s Catholic School the morning of Oct. 28, then later appeared at Connor-Jasper Middle School.

The oldest, largest drug prevention campaign in the U.S., Red Ribbon Week is observed nationwide the last full week of October. Nationwide, CAP wings distribute red ribbons and conduct educational programs to show support for a drug-free lifestyle.

For his unit's presentation, Capt. Rick High, an Eveleth police officer who serves as the squadron’s commander, provided Fatal Vision goggles designed to impair the wearer's vision in order to simulate the effects of alcohol or narcotics use. In addition, Cadet Basic Aliksandr VanReese-Jasso showcased a drug display kit and answered students’ questions.

Six other cadets -– Cadet 2nd Lt. Libby Berg; Cadet Staff Sgts. Eva Berg, Trevor Klatt and Antonio VanReese-Jasso; and Cadet Basics Abraham Berg and Logan Meyer -- participated in an activity in which each student drew a picture of something they liked to do. The cadets then attached the drawn-on paper squares with ribbon and made a quilt.

When the DDR red ribbons didn't arrive in time for the event, squadron members improvised.

"We picked up some thin satin ribbon, had students tie the ribbons to their wrist like a bracelet, and instructed them to see how long they could keep them on and remember their pledge not to use illegal drug," said 1st Lt. Nan Berg, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets.

"The goal was for the students to keep the bracelet on until someone asked them what the red ribbon on their wrist meant. Then they could share the message."

Berg said the visit made for a very good, productive day, and the squadron received lots of positive feedback from students and staff.

"It was a very meaningful presentation, and I think the students got a lot from it.” said Jake Nelson, the school's principal. “hope you are willing to come back to Connor-Jasper Middle School next year," he told the visitors.

Civil Air Patrol became involved with Red Ribbon Week in 1994 and has since expanded its role to include a year-round Drug Demand Reduction program with three major elements -- education, training and community outreach. Each element is designed to bring an antidrug message to the community, students throughout the nation and CAP members.

Stranded Ariz. hiker found after CAP expert helps narrow search area

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Office of Public Affairs
First Air Force (Air Forces Northern)

ARIZONA – A man stranded in the Sonoran Desert was saved late Tuesday after the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center coordinated with Capt. Justin Ogden of the Arizona Wing, a cell phone forensics expert, to help local and state agencies reduce their search area to less than one square mile.

The man was hiking on Superstition Mountain near Apache Junction when he became lost and began suffering from hypothermia. He had placed a call to 911 on his cell phone when his phone battery died.

The Pinal Country Sherriff’s Office contacted the AFRCC to ask for federal assistance in locating the man. The AFRCC responded by contacting Ogden.

Based on information he gleaned from the hiker’s last cell phone hit, “I was able to work with the stranded hiker’s cellular provider and use current data to help narrow the search area down to a more defined area," Ogden said.

Under federal law, cell phone companies can voluntarily divulge cell phone data to federal agencies such as the AFRCC when the information is being used for lifesaving purposes involving the owner.

The hiker was rescued by a Maricopa County Sherriff’s Office helicopter and taken to the bottom of Superstition Mountain, where he was met by family members.

"Capt. Ogden’s ability to utilize cell phone data to reduce search areas is an invaluable asset to the AFRCC," said Lt. Col. Charles Tomko, AFRCC commander. "By minimizing our search areas we have a greater chance of effectively saving lives."

N.C. squadron helps out at Carolina BalloonFest

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Iredell Composite Squadron cadets with Cadet Ken at the Carolina BalloonFest.

Photo by Capt. Jim Mixson

Cadet Senior Airman Andrew Austin
Iredell Composite Squadron
North Carolina Wing

NORTH CAROLINA – A dozen members of the Iredell Composite Squadron did their part to help ensure smooth sailing for the annual Carolina BalloonFest at Statesville Regional Airport.

A large tent set up by the squadron provided a rest area for visitors and for the cadets when they weren’t working. Cadets were also educated in the operation of Cadet Ken, Civil Air Patrol’s inflatable, walkable mascot.

When the first day started out rainy, it looked as if the BalloonFest would be a bust, but the weather turned out to be nice. Cadets helped set up seating for the stage and used Cadet Ken to promote CAP’s various programs, which included handing out red ribbons and various drug abuse prevention materials in conjunction with the organization’s Drug Demand Reduction campaign.
.
.As the 15-foot-tall mascot walked around the festival, he elicited photo shoots and curious onlookers.

For the festival’s final day, featuring the balloon competition, cadets and senior members helped maintain the perimeter around the scoring box. As the balloons flew in and launched their targets, cadets also assisted in retrieving the projectiles.

After the scoring, cadets set up a CAP public relations booth, staffing it throughout the day. Cadet Ken was again brought out, to the delight of the crowd.

Members also answered event-goers’ questions and directions, in addition to providing communications support to Iredell County Emergency Services.

Ohio cadets assist with local Chamber of Commerce fundraiser

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Civil Air Patrol and Air Force Junior ROTC cadets participate in the Licking County Chamber of Commerce "Deal or Not a Deal" fundraiser.

Photo by Senior Member James Goodman

1st Lt. John Morgan
Public Affairs Officer
Licking County Composite Squadron
Ohio Wing

OHIO – Cadets from the Licking County Composite Squadron joined with their counterparts in Newark High School’s newly organized Air Force Junior ROTC unit Nov. 19 for the Licking Count Chamber of Commerce’s third annual “Deal or Not a Deal” fundraiser.

Sporting numbered pizza boxes instead of the stainless steel cases used on NBC’s “Deal or no Deal,” the 21 cadets were featured in the final round of the game, with the top prize of $1,000 up for grabs by a lucky contestant pulled from the audience.

After an intermission, the cadets marched down the aisle of the beautifully restored Midland Theatre in downtown Newark as “The U.S. Air Force Song” played. The cadets were treated to a standing ovation as they took their place on the risers.

“The cadets were such a big hit last year at this event, the Chamber of Commerce invited us back”, said 1st Lt John Morgan, public affairs officer for squadron. “The cadets were a real crowd-pleaser!”

W.Va. aircrew locates wreckage of missing plane

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Maj. Jeffrey Schrock
Public Information Officer
West Virginia Wing

WEST VIRGINIA – An aircrew from the Clarksburg Composite Squadron has located the wreckage of a twin-engine Piper PA-30 that had been reported missing after it left a Texas airport Nov. 23 for Viriginia.

The aircrew spotted the Piper about 9:40 a.m. five miles north of the Rainelle VOR ground station. The crash site was confirmed about 1:30 p.m. West Virginia State Police are now in charge of the area.

The wing had been alerted about the missing plane early Sunday by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. The pilot, Kwan Kwok of Virginia, had taken off from Dalhart Municipal Airport in extreme northwest Texas without filing a flight plan, but officials believed the Piper’s flight path made southern West Virginia the prime search area.

The last known contact with the pilot came when he left the airport. The flight would have lasted four to five hours. Weather conditions were windy, with low clouds and drizzling rain.

Six aircraft from the West Virginia Wing searched for the missing plane all day Sunday, and three planes were involved today. In addition, ground teams from the Beckley Composite and Charleston Cadet squadrons worked with searchers from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, with assistance from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

Ala. cadets test prowess in 4th annual 'Iron Man' Competition

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Master Sgt. Alexandria Bufford of the Auburn Composite Squadron exchanges salutes with Auburn University Air Force ROTC cadet Brandon Clements before the drill portion of the competition. Bufford commanded her squadron’s drill team, which also included Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Marah Sanders, Cadet Master Sgt. Alex Riehl, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Brentston Evans and Cadet Senior Airmen Lawrence Weldon and Jacob Wilson.

Cadet 1st Lt. Ryan Erskine of the Boaz City Schools Cadet Squadron stands for inspection before Air Force Tech. Sgt. David Reza.

Photos by Capt. Jonathan W. Lartigue

Capt. Jonathan W. Lartigue
Public Affairs Officer
Auburn Composite Squadron
Alabama Wing

ALABAMA — Cadets from across the Alabama Wing met Nov. 21 in Auburn for the fourth annual Civil Air Patrol “Iron Man” Competition -- a grueling all-day event that tested the participants’ physical prowess, aerospace knowledge and leadership skills.

In all, 11 teams consisting of more than 65 senior members and cadets vied for the honor of being named CAP’s toughest squadron. More than 120 CAP members, Air Force ROTC cadets from Auburn University and spectators attended.

The competition, held on the grounds of Auburn University and hosted by the Auburn Composite Squadron, incorporates CAP’s three core missions -- emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs – into an exciting challenge that tests the capabilities of both cadet and senior members.

Competition consisted of five events:

A “super” physical fitness test.
A military-style inspection.
A compass navigation and direction-finding course.
A drill competition.
The “Iron Man’ Run, a grueling three- to five-mile course punctuated with stops for objective tasks testing competitors’ aerospace knowledge and practical skills.

The competition’s overall winner was the returning champions from 2008 -- the Chilton County Composite Squadron, which carried home a travelling trophy and a commander’s commendation for each team member. The winning team members were Capt. Sam Ogilvie, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets; Cadet Maj, Jonathan Ernest; Cadet Tech. Sgt. Hannah Pearson; and Cadet Staff Sgts. Megan Lawley, Andrew McGowin and Jacob McGowin.

Runners-up were the 117th ANG and Maxwell composite squadrons.

The Chilton County team won the inspection, drill and emergency services competitions Bessemer Composite Squadron Team A finished first in the physical fitness test, while the Maxwell team took the Iron Man Run.

“The purpose of the ‘Iron Man’ competition is to incorporate the three missions of Civil Air Patrol into one event,” said Capt. Christopher Tate, commander of the Auburn squadron. “It involves squadrons of the wing in a safe, competitive, challenging and -- most importantly -- fun environment."

“We were happy to see so many people participate in this year’s event,” Tate added. “We have more participation each year. and it is our goal to make this a truly regional event with teams from across the Southeast Region.”

CAP celebrating 68th anniversary

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1) Its volunteer members – such as these Maryland Wing cadets – are CAP’s most treasured resource.

(2) One of CAP’s fleet of Cessna 182s.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – The 58,000 citizen volunteers of Civil Air Patrol will mark CAP’s 68th anniversary Dec. 1. The celebration commemorates the rich history of vigilant service provided by the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force over the past seven decades.

The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization was founded Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America’s involvement in World War II. Its members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols, vigilance that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks on shipping in American waterways.

In all, 59 heroic members died, 26 were lost at sea and seven others were seriously injured while carrying out CAP missions during the war.

“Our citizen volunteers have a proud legacy of selfless service to their country and their communities. They truly go above and beyond each day, giving their best as needs arise,” said Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP’s national commander.

“This occasion provides citizens across America the opportunity to honor Civil Air Patrol and its members,” said Courter, who recounted some individual members' accomplishments in her message marking the anniversary. “Be sure to say ‘thanks’ to these unsung heroes in your communities who provide such vigilant service, often without fanfare. Each day, through their volunteer efforts, our members help save lives and preserve liberty for all.”

As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP performs a multitude of missions in communities throughout the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico:

CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, responds day or night when planes are overdue and emergency locator transmitters go off. Its volunteers perform 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions, as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, and were credited by the AFRCC with saving 72 lives in fiscal year 2009.

CAP provides disaster relief during hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes and countless other emergencies. In addition, members perform homeland security and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

CAP plays a leading role in aerospace education and mentors more than 23,000 young Americans through its cadet program. By partnering with 900 educators nationwide, members nurture the talents of generations of the nation’s sons and daughters with cadet programs that stress leadership and moral responsibility and teach aviation and emergency response skills.

'Holiday Mail for Heroes' sought for U.S. service members, veterans

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are again inviting Americans to “send a touch of home” to U.S. service members and veterans across the country and abroad this holiday season.

In its third year, the Holiday Mail for Heroes program is an opportunity to share joy and thanks with service members throughout the holiday season with a greeting card. The holiday season is the perfect time to honor and extend a warm holiday greeting to those who’ve served and continue to do so.

An extensive process has been established to ensure that all cards sent to service members are safe and arrive in time for the holidays. Holiday cards will be collected through a unique P.O. Box address Dec. 7.

Cards must be sent to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Every card received will be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and distributed to participating Red Cross chapters nationwide. Once the cards arrive at the Red Cross chapters, they are sorted and reviewed by volunteers who then distribute them to service members, their families and veterans in communities across the country.

Some guidelines:

Do...

Sign all cards.
Entitle cards “Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran.”
Limit cards to 15 per person or 50 for a school class or business group.
Bundle groups of cards in single large envelopes (there is no need to include individual envelopes and postage for cards).

Don’t...

Send letters.
Include personal information such as home or email addresses.
Use glitter – excessive amounts can aggravate health issues of wounded recipients.
Include inserts of any kind, as they must be removed in the screening process.

More complete information can be found on the Red Cross Web site.

N.C.'s Fayetteville Composite Squadron honored with CAP Unit Citation

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(2)
Maj. Robert Mason, Fayetteville Composite Squadron commander.

Lt. Col. Jayson A. Altieri
Acting Public Affairs Officer
Fayetteville Composite Squadron
North Carolina Wing

NORTH CAROLINA -- The Fayetteville Composite Squadron was recognized at the recent North Carolina Wing Conference with a Civil Air Patrol Unit Citation for its efforts and activities from Aug. 1, 2005 through April 1 – the second Unit Citation the squadron has received since being activated in the 1970s.

Under the command of Maj. Robert Mason, the squadron has distinguished itself as a leader within the wing in emergency services, aerospace education and cadet and senior member programs.

Said Maj. David B. Siemiet, the squadron’s deputy commander, “This is a huge deal and I am very proud and humbled to be a member of such a fine squadron. Congratulations to all [members] and keep up the great work on behalf of our community and nation.”

During the nearly four years covered by the award, squadron members have been credited with 24 finds and have been involved in 115 actual missions and more than 100 training missions.

As a result of its strides in aerospace education, the unit was chosen to host the Group VI and then the Group II model rocketry competition and ultimately the wing model rocketry competition in 2006 and 2007. In addition, 80 percent unit senior members have earned CAP’s Charles E. "Chuck"Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award for completing the organization’s aerospace education program for senior members.

During the award period, Fayetteville cadets earned more than 50 milestone awards, including the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, the highest honor a cadet can achieve.

The squadron has pioneered a revolutionary cadet staff training school, graduating more than 60 cadets from across the wing fully qualified them to hold crucial leadership positions within their units. Such achievements earned the unit recognition as North Carolina Wing Squadron of Merit in 2006 and 2007.

Continuing its leadership within cadet programs, the squadron hosted nine separate Training Leaders of Cadets Seminars, expanding knowledge of cadet programs within the wing. Members served in several key leadership positions for the 2007 North Carolina Wing Summer Encampment, including commandant of cadets and encampment executive officer.

Senior members have shown the highest levels of commitment by earning 20 Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. awards, nine Grover Loening awards and five Paul E. Garber Awards, with 50 percent holding at least a technician rating and 25 percent a master rating.

Finally, three members have earned Region Staff College Distinguished Honor Graduate recognition within the four-year period.
In addition, the squadron’s active and reserve component military members supported a number of wing and national CAP activities both at home and while deployed to combat zones around the globe.

Military members coordinated the use of U.S. Army helicopters to support cadets at the 2008 wing encampment at Cherry Point Marine Corps Base and in 2009 organized a Combat Controller Orientation Course at Pope Air Force Base.

Earlier this year, 16 members were awarded the U.S. Department of Defense’s Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for their contributions – the largest number of such medals ever presented to a single volunteer organization.

Ohio cadets compete in NASA center's Young Astronaut Day

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Members of the Loraine County and Lakefront Thunderbird composite squadrons and the Cuyahoga County Cadet Squdaron at NASA Glenn Research Center, joined by NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Capt. Sunita Williams (second from right).

Capt. Flo McKinley
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Lorain County Composite Squadron
Ohio Wing

OHIO -- Cadets from three squadrons participated in Young Astronaut Day at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, applying their engineering and design skills and knowledge of aerospace in a quartet of competitions.

The young members of the Lorain County and Lakefront Thunderbird composite squadrons and the Cuyahoga County Cadet Squadron competed in building rocket-propelled model drag-racers from corked bottles; constructing models of NASA’s lunar and planetary rover vehicles; and designing different protective suits to guard the “Space Spud” from small, simulated meteorites.

Earning ribbons were:

Planetary Rover Competition, first and third place -- Cadet Ian McQuaid and Cadet Basic Alexander Peters of the Lorain County Composite Squadron and Cadet Airman Kyle O’Connor of the Cuyahoga County Cadet Squadron.
Aerodynamic Drag Challenge, second place -- Cadet Airman 1st Class David Fairbairn of the Lorain County squadron and two community youth.
Aerodynamic Drag Challenge, honorable mention – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Mark Dombroski of the Cuyahoga County squadron and Cadet Airman Randy Williams and Cadet Basic Michael Boazzo, both of the Lakefront squadron.
Rocket Car, honorable mention – Cadet Senior Airman Allison Dombroski and Cadet Airman Lindsay Tryon, both of the Cuyahoga County squadron, and Cadet Senior Airman Ryan Dickerson of the Lorain County squadron.

Also participating were Cadet Tech Sgts. Michael McCormack, Daniel Pieta and Benjamin Rubino of the Lorain County squadron and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Mark Vealey of the Lakefront squadron.

The cadets also heard U.S. Navy Capt. Sunita Williams discuss her experiences as a crew member of expeditions 14 and 15 to the International Space Station. Now deputy chief of the Astronaut Office at Johnson Space Center, Williams holds the record for days spent in space by a woman – 195.

FAA recognizes Minn. pilot's half-century of safe flying

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Capt. Bill Menkevich (right) receives the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award during the 2009 Minnesota Wing conference.

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
Group 2
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – Capt. Bill Menkevich of the Anoka Composite Squadron has received the Federal Aviation Administration's Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, recognizing pilots who have demonstrated professionalism, skill and aviation expertise by maintaining safe flights for 50 years or more.

"I am thrilled to receive one of the aviation industry's highest honors," said Menkevich, who earned his pilot's license in 1959. "I appreciate that the award recognizes both my personal and professional flying record."

Added Maj. Don Sorenson, commander of Minnesota Wing Group 2, "We are very happy and proud that the FAA has honored a member of the Anoka squadron … for 50 years of safe flying - an impressive achievement.

"Bill sets an example for all of us to follow - that flying can be 100 percent safe given good planning, sound judgment and attention to detail. We salute Bill on this well-deserved award."

Menkevich's first flight occurred in the summer of 1947 when a family friend paid for a one-hour joy ride in an Ercoupe, a low wing monoplane manufactured shortly before World War II that still enjoys a very faithful following today.

The New Jersey native spent 1953-1964 in the U.S. Air Force -- an experience he still relishes decades later.

"The two most significant experiences of my Air Force career were my assignment to the 47th Bomb Wing in England, where I flew in B-45s as a tail gunner, and my experience at Officer Candidate School," said Menkevich, past president of the 47th Bomb Wing Association.

After leaving the Air Force, he spent the next 40 years in the computer industry.

The master pilot award has gone to about 1,400 recipients. They receive a certificate and lapel pin, in addition to a "Roll of Honor" listing on the FAA's Web site.

Members across CAP help salute nation's veterans

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadets in the Minnesota Wing's St. Cloud Composite Squadron raise the flag for a program honoring U.S. veterans in conjunction with the local Veterans Day parade, held three days before the actual holiday this year. More than 40 groups took part, many wearing uniforms, playing music and carrying American flags.

(2)
St. Cloud Composite Squadron cadets march in the local Veterans Day parade.

(3)
A wintry gust whips the U.S. flag as Cadet Staff Sgts. Joshua Vanderlooven (left) and Kylie Kroeker of the Alaska Wing’s Birchwood Composite Squadron raise the colors at the Wasilla Veterans Memorial Wall. Members of the squadron participated in a Veterans Day observation by Alaska Veterans Aviation Outreach, though the cold, snow and wind forced most of the ceremony indoors.

(4)
(From left) Cadet Basic Isaac Kimball, Cadet Staff Sgt. Joshua Vanderlooven and Cadet Airman Adam Pence salute the colors during Veterans Day ceremonies in Wasilla.

(5)
Cadet 2nd Lt. William McLaughlin (center) of the Nevada Wing’s Nellis Composite Squadron with fellow Scottish-American Military Society bagpipers, who performed at the Veterans Day ceremony at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. Other Nellis cadets served as ushers for the ceremony, and the unit’s color guard posted the colors.

(6) and (7) Members of the Puerto Rico Wing’s St. Croix Composite Squadron part pâté in a Veterans Day procession on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

(8) Members of the Massachusetts Wing’s Worcester Cadet Squadron march beneath a firefighters’ tribute in the 56th Annual Veterans Day Program at the Massachusetts National Guard Military Museum.

(9)
Color guard members of the Pennsylvania Wing’s Wayne Composite Squadron 201 lead the way for the first Veterans’ March in Wayne County. Veterans Day ceremonies are normally held at 11 a.m., but this year local veterans organizations, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League decided to hold a second observance in the evening so working veterans could attend and be recognized. Accordingly, at 6 p.m. more than 100 veterans marched from Miller Pavilion to Honesdale's Central Park.

(10)
The color guard – (from left) Cadet Staff Sgt. Amber Anthony, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Harkness, Cadet Senior Airman Nathaniel Harkness and Cadet Airman 1st Class – for the Hawaii Wing’s Lyman Field Composite Squadron marches in the Veterans Day Parade in Hilo.

(11) Presenting the colors at the El Dorado County Veterans Monument, the California Wing’s Eugene L. Carnahan Cadet Squadron 85 Color Guard -- (from left) Cadet Tech. Sgt.. Dylan Whitaker, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Evan Yanagihara and Cadet Airmen 1st Class Anthony Smith and Kevin Kaita participate in the Veterans Day tribute in Placerville. The monument is the largest veterans’ monument west of the Mississippi.

(12)
Three of the veterans – (from left) Father Wes Clare, retired from the U.S. Air Force; John Tabita, formerly of the U.S. Army Air Corps; and Dennis Mann, retired from the U.S. Navy – hosted by the California Wing’s Tehachapi Composite Squadron 46 for Veterans Day stand by the flag as the Air Force theme is played. The squadron marked the day by participating in a potluck dinner for local veterans in a squadron member’s hangar. Each member was encouraged to invite a veteran – a family member, neighbor or friend.

(13)
Marine Corps veterans Steve Cutright (left) and Casey Schaubschlager – also a CAP first lieutenant in Bakersfield Composite Squadron 121 -- flank Roger Dennis, retired from the Navy, as the Marines’ theme is played after the Tehachapi squadron’s potluck dinner for veterans. Cadets followed the meal by presenting skits dramatizing what it must have been like to serve during wartime, and the veterans themselves recounted vivid memories of their service and some of the difficulties they faced. The veterans then stood tall and proud by the flag as their service songs were played.

Pilot's body found in wreckage of missing plane

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

MINNESOTA – The pilot of a plane reported missing last Friday is dead.

The plane, a PA-28 Piper Cherokee, was discovered Tuesday southwest of Bemidji, Minn., by a private pilot. A Minnesota State Patrol helicopter and a CAP ground search team confirmed the find.

The Clearwater County Sheriff's Office announced that the pilot, Andrew Lindberg, died in the crash.

Over the course of four days, nearly 400 Civil Air Patrol members from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota wings, including ground team members and pilots, were involved in the search. They used 18 CAP aircraft to search for Lindberg, who was flying from Air Lake Airport to Hallock, Minn., Friday night. State and Department of Natural Resources helicopters also participated in the search.

The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., alerted CAP the aircraft was missing on Nov. 14. CAP air and ground crews from all parts of the Minnesota Wing joined CAP members from Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D., and Sioux Falls, S.D., in the search. The circumstances of the crash will be investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.

CAP’s Minnesota Wing consists of 24 squadrons located in every area of the state, with more than 1,200 members and 19 light aircraft.

Minnesota Wing routinely flies thousands of hours per year of operational flights and contributes more than 10,000 person-hours to search and rescue, counter drug, disaster preparedness, homeland security and other humanitarian mission flying.

Fla. PAOs gather for workshop on skill development, PR trends

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Capt. Jeff Carlson, Group 5 public affairs officer, discusses efforts to expand public affairs capability and capacity at the squadron level.

Capt. Jeff Carlson
Public Affairs Officer
Group 5
Florida Wing

FLORIDA – Two dozen Florida Wing members from across the state gathered Oct. 31 in Sarasota for a one-day public affairs workshop focusing on public affairs officer skill development and new trends in public relations.

The workshop was hosted by the Group 5 Headquarters public affairs team and featured five topic presentations by public relation experts.

Maj. Grant Meadows, Florida Wing director of marketing and public relations, emphasized learning about recent changes to the Civil Air Patrol regulation governing the public affairs program, including a requirement that an annual public affairs plan be developed for each unit. Meadows also reviewed the current Florida Wing plan and outlined future changes.

Maj. Steven Solomon, Southeast Region director of public affairs, guided participants through a session on writing effective news releases.

Other topics included presentations on:

“Working with the Media” by Maj. Doug Jessmer, Group 3 PAO.
“Making Better Photos” by 2nd Lt. David Bellis, assistant wing public affairs officer.
“Social Networking” by 2nd Lt. Kevin McNulty of the SRQ Composite Squadron, president and chief executive officer of NetWeave Social Networking.

Capt. Jeff Carlson, event director and Group 5 PAO, welcomed the participants and briefly discussed the need to coordinate existing public affairs resources and to further expand the number of members involved with creating and delivering CAP’s message -- especially cadets.

Carlson emphasized the need for effective internal communication with members, calling it vital in maintaining morale and a high level of readiness. He also spoke about the important role that communication plays in developing strategic partnerships and strengthening relationships with CAP’s stakeholders.

Each participant received a completion certificate and credit toward the annual professional development training requirement for the public affairs officer specialty track. The workshop sessions were recorded on video by cadets from the SRQ squadron and will be made available on the Channel 5 multimedia Web page accessed through the Group 5 news site.

R.I. members see KC-10 tanker in action

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Rhode Island Wing contingent beside the KC-10 tanker.

Col. Anthony Gagliardi
Commander
Rhode Island Wing

RHODE ISLAND – A full complement of Rhode Island Wing members -- 21 cadets and 11 senior members -- got a feel for flight in a KC-10 via an incentive ride Nov. 6 aboard a tanker from the 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J.

The trip was planned for three months through the McGuire public affairs in office. In addition to the incentive ride, the cadets received a tour of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron freight and passenger terminals and a tour of a C-17.

The cadets were able to watch actual refueling training from both the flight deck and the refueling station. Clear weather and light winds helped make the flight even more memorable.

Transportation from Rhode Island was provided by the Rhode Island Air National Guard’s 143rd Tactical Airlift Wing. Lodging was at the All American Inn at McGuire, and the Army Dining Facility at Fort Dix provided meals.

Mass. members train on preflight inspections, communications

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Steve Goldman leads a presentation on preflight checks for Hanscom Composite Squadron cadets.

(2)
A senior member works on communications proficiency.

2nd Lt. Reid J. Leonard
Public Affairs Officer
Hanscom Composite Squadron
Massachusetts Wing

MASSACHUSETTS -- Cadet and Senior members gathered recently on the Civil Air Patrol ramp at Hanscom Air Force Base for an evening of recurrent training and aircraft familiarization.

Six Hanscom cadets and prospective cadets learned first-hand the basics of preflight aircraft inspection in a session led by a pair of mission pilots, Capts. Steve Goldman and Steve Hood. After a safety briefing, the cadets conducted a full preflight inspection of a Cessna 172, using the approved checklist.

They learned how to assess the proper condition and function of each item, such as the propeller, flaps, aerodynamic control surfaces and fuel tanks. They were also encouraged to discuss the reasons behind each step in the inspection, including potential risks to safe aircraft operation and factors critical to successful completion of a mission.

After the preflight inspection, each cadet climbed into the cockpit to enjoy the view from the pilot or co-pilot's seat. They were encouraged to learn much more about CAP aircraft through the cadet orientation program.

At the same time the cadets were enjoying some hands-on time with the Cessna 172, instructors from the squadron were delivering scenario-based communications proficiency training in a Cessna 182 to mission observers from the Hanscom and Mount Wachussett Senior squadrons.

The Hanscom unit’s communications officer, 1st Lt. David Kent, and Capt. Jim Rottman, mission pilot, led a 45-minute classroom refresher on CAP aircraft communications equipment. Topics included hardware differences among Massachusetts Wing aircraft, recent updates to CAP communications channels, proper phraseology and best practices for cockpit coordination among mission pilots, mission observers and mission scanners.

Then the trainees were paired up in a G1000-equipped Cessna 182 with Lt Col. Bill Schillhammer, who acted as mission pilot for a simulated night mission. After the preflight communications check, the crew "ground-flew" a complete mission, using the aircraft radios to communicate with 1st Lt. Steve Cavanaugh, acting as mission base.

The aircraft and base crews practiced standard radio calls for navigation, tasking and emergency locator transmitter detection, with an emphasis on proper phraseology.

During the debriefing, all agreed that scenario-based training is a valuable tool to maintain mission readiness.

"Ground-bound simulations allow the crew to focus on specific training tasks using real-world equipment, without the stress of managing an actual flight," said Lt. Col. Bill Duffey, Hanscom commander.

N.C. cadets mark Veterans Day by presenting colors at NHL contest

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
The Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron Color Guard presents colors during the National Anthem.

(2)
The Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron Cadet Color Guard – (from left) Cadet Senior Airman Michael Sowell, Cadet Capts. Kyle Zobel and Stephen Coogan and Cadet Senior Airmen Peter Soares.

2nd Lt. Marie Shanley
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron
North Carolina Wing

NORTH CAROLINA – The Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron Cadet Color Guard presented the colors at the Carolina Hurricanes’ Veterans Day game against the Los Angeles Kings as more than 13,000 NHL fans watched at Raleigh’s RBC center.

The crowd was the largest the cadets -- Cadet Capts. Stephen Coogan and Kyle Zobel and Cadet Senior Airmen Peter Soares and Michael Sowell -- had ever appeared before, and they were excited and nervous. They were especially concerned at having to walk on the ice in front of such a throng.

Lt. Col. Paul Meade, North Carolina Wing vice commander, was at the game and remarked at how pleased he was to see the cadets. The team was also commended by Col. Roy Douglass, wing commander, who told squadron leaders that “your cadets look extremely sharp! Please pass on to them … my thanks and my congratulations to them for an obvious job well done.”

Accolades also came from Jon Chase, director of promotions for the Hurricanes. “Everyone did a great job and represented the Civil Air Patrol cadets very well,” Chase said.

"The group is well-spoken, very organized and quite professional.”

Added Maj. Tim Tessin, Raleigh-Wake commander, “We are proud that our cadets were selected to display the colors on such an important day.”

N.C. member, Army lt. col., receives French Paratrooper Wings after training mission

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(Left)
Lt. Col. Jayson A. Altieri at the Nancy airport before a joint French-U.S. airborne operation.

(Right)
Lt. Col. Jayson A. Altieri (far left) and fellow U.S. and French paratroopers over France’s Gueblange Drop Zone.

Photos by U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Stephen C. Madrid

Maj. Rob Mason
Commander
Fayetteville Composite Squadron
North Carolina Wing

FRANCE --U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jayson A. Altieri, who remains a member of the North Carolina Wing's Fayetteville Composite while deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, recently participated as a Combined Joint Task Force-82 member in a joint French-U.S. airborne operation as part of a mission readiness exercise for a French brigade headed to Afghanistan.

Altieri and seven other officers from the task force deployed from Afghanistan to Mailly-le-Camp, France, to the Centre D'Entrainement Au Combat (Combat Training Center). The U.S. team members worked with their French counterparts, conducting mission planning and command and control of the French 21st Mountain Brigade.

The brigade is composed of both regular French Army and French Foreign Legion soldiers. It is scheduled to be d for about six months to the Kapisa Province of Afghanistan. .

After the 10-day exercise ended, Altieri and the rest of the team moved on to Dieuze, near the city of Nancy, for pre-jump parachute training with the French 13th Dragoon Parachute Regiment, a cavalry unit that traces it linage to the late 1600s and which now conducts airborne reconnaissance missions around the globe.

After a short flight from the Nancy airport the U.S. and French paratroopers exited their CASA 235 aircraft over the Gueblange Drop Zone, a few miles from 13th Dragoon Headquarters.

After a successful exit from 1,200 feet, both the team members and their French hosts rallied at the Dragoon's Officers Mess for a ceremonial lunch. The U.S. paratroopers were presented French Parachute Wings by the regimental commander of the dragoons.

Stateside, Altieri is the Fayetteville squadron’s aerospace education officer. He holds the Civil Air Patrol rank of lieutenant colonel.

Conn. Wing conducts statewide exercise for Air Force evalution

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Senior staff listen during operations planning at the start of a mission.

(2)
Cadets listen closely during a mission briefing.

1st Lt. Robert Johnson
Director of Public Affairs
Connecticut Wing

CONNECTICUT -- The Connecticut Wing combined with staff from the neighboring Rhode Island Wing for a graded multi-incident simulated training exercise over the weekend under the watchful eyes of U.S. Air Force evaluation judges.

Members successfully located and secured a simulated aircraft crash site and treated the victims and also carried out a simulated missing person search in a Connecticut state park.

Participants were also called on to deal with other unexpected, concurrent operational emergencies. They airlifted emergency medications, secured the command facility from a potential outside threat, adapted to power and communications breakdowns, treated a senior team member’s emergency heart attack, located and inspected a potential hazardous waste dump -- all while providing updated multimedia information to the press, public and state agencies throughout the exercise.

To simulate the severity of real life emergency stressors, the missions were crammed into a very tight time frame involving five fully operational aircraft and more than 100 team members including base staff, pilots, observers, mission scanners, photographers and senior members and cadets in the field.

Hartford-Brainard Airport was established as the base of operations, with mission flights launched from that facility and other Connecticut airfields. Ground teams deployed from the Brainard command base and from other squadrons throughout the state.

Senior members served on the command staff, in aircraft and on ground teams. They flew a number of different search missions, ferried packages and conducted advanced photographic and surveillance technology missions.

Cadets served as both mission base security and staff assistants, and they made up the lion’s share of the ground teams deploying in Civil Air Patrol vans to search their assigned areas on foot and with the aid of electronic tracking devices.

Mich. unit presents aircraft fire, rescue session for firefighters

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Kyle Reed at the controls of a $650,000 rig at Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s firefighting and rescue center.

(2)
Capt. Tony Gutierrez, commander of Lakeshore 119 Composite Squadron, shares insights from his experiences as a firefighter/emergency rescue team member at Gerald R. Ford International.

(3)
Michigan Wing members and Sparta firefighters look over a few of Kent Career Technical Center’s airplane displays.

(4)
Kent Technical Career Technical Center instructor Dennis Stine and 2nd Lt. Bill Reed, Grand Rapids Senior Squadron emergency services officer, lead a presentation.

(5)
Second Lt. Bill Reed describes typical engine type and mounting configuration.

1st Lt. Kevin Jarchow
Public Affairs Officer
Grand Rapids Senior Squadron
Michigan Wing

MICHIGAN – The Grand Rapids Senior Squadron hosted a special training session Nov. 1 for the Sparta Fire Department in response to firefighters’ request for information and general training in fire and rescue matters involving aircraft.

Sparta, just north of Grand Rapids, is home to the popular Paul C. Miller-Sparta Airport, which the squadron often uses for training purposes. During various joint activities, the city’s firefighters expressed interest in a Civil Air Patrol-led training session.

The squadron’s emergency services officer, 2nd Lt. Bill Reed, worked with Lt. Dan Olney, the fire department’ training officer, in organizing the session, which drew 34 participants. It was held at the Kent Career Technical Center’s aviation maintenance facility at Grand Rapids’ Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The facility’s displays of general aviation aircraft in various stages of disassembly made the site ideal for the presentation.

Reed, a CAP pilot and former volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician, worked with Kent Career Technical Center instructor Dennis Stine in presenting a general review of aircraft construction, materials, engines, fuel and electrical systems, as well as potential accident scene and victim injury scenarios. The session also included an overview of current technology and potential hazards at a crash scene.

Key members of the Lakeshore 119 Composite Squadron also contributed. The Lakeshore unit’s commander, Capt. Tony Gutierrez, is a firefighter/emergency rescue team member at Ford International and provided valuable insights for the Sparta team.

Other Lakeshore members participating were the squadron’s deputy commander for seniors, Lt. Col. Frank Roldan; its operations officer, Maj. Jason Sherwood; and its emergency services training officer, 2nd Lt. Jeston Swarts.

In addition, Reed’s son, Cadet Airman Kyle Reed of the Boulle-Norman Cadet Squadron, helped keep things running smoothly. The younger Reed is a student at the technical center.

After the training session concluded, a small caravan of vehicles traveled to the east side of the airport for a tour of the airport fire and rescue facility, led by Gutierrez.

Search exercise leads to 'close encounter' for S.C. ground team

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Greenville Composite Squadron cadets inspect a salvaged Rockwell Commander 685 serving as part of a Halloween display as “aliens" look on.

(2)
Cadets with their Oct. 24 find – (from left) Cadet Airman 1st Class Mary Frietze, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Alexis Phares, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sally Anderson, Cadet 2nd Lt. Cameron Taylor, Cadet Airman Rane Hardgrave, Cadet 2nd Lt. Kevin Czajaka and Cadet Senior Airman Hudson Cole.

Photos by 1st Lt. Chris Chapman

1st Lt. Orville N. Eastland III
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
Greenville Composite Squadron
South Carolina Wing

SOUTH CAROLINA – Greenville Composite Squadron members searching for a crashed airplane Oct. 24 as part of a training exercise came across not only a downed craft, but also a flying saucer complete with little green men.

As part of a search and rescue exercise, the cadets and senior members on the ground team were assigned to look for possible signs of a crashed airplane in eastern Greenville County.

"We were told to look for an aircraft possibly coming down in a neighborhood, but we had no type of aircraft, so we were just looking for airplane parts," 2nd Lt. Ronald Hardgrave said.

Mission accomplished … and then some.

In a residential front yard the team found a Rockwell Commander 685 that had crashed in Mississippi in 1991. Greenville resident Kim Varner had bought it to use as part of his Halloween display.

Varner made an accompanying flying saucer by joining a pair of satellite dishes together. The alien craft’s little green occupants were costumes placed on poles nearby.

"My first thoughts were that it wasn't what we were looking for, and we thought it was just something someone had set up there, so we didn't think anything of it, really," said Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sally Anderson.

After reporting the find to mission base, however, the team members were informed that the scene was, in fact, their target.

Capt. Charles W. Morris Jr., The incident commander overseeing the exercise, knew of the crashed plane in the Halloween display and decided to use it as part of the exercise.

"We became aware of it and realized that we were going to have bad weather in the morning, so we decided to set up an urban search, which is also very realistic," said Morris, also the Greenville squadron’s commander.

While Varner had not known about the exercise, he did appreciate his display’s being used as a search target.

"He was pleased to see them," Hardgrave said.

The exercise later involved a search in a different location for an emergency locator transmitter, which simulated a crashed aircraft.

Overall, "I thought it was a lot of fun," Cadet Senior Airman Hudson Cole said.

Asked if she expected to remember the exercise for awhile, Anderson answered in the affirmative.

“Little green men are kind of hard to forget," she said.

U.S. Virgin Islands squadron pays tribute to 3 killed in 1996 crash

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Participants in the memorial service.

Capt. Akeem Innis
Commander
St. Croix Composite Squadron
Puerto Rico Wing

VIRGIN ISLAND – The Puerto Rico Wing’s St. Croix Composite Squadron conducted a memorial service Oct. 31 in honor of three Civil Air Patrol members killed in a plane crash 13 years earlier.

The three – Capt. Normando Ortero, pilot, and 14-year-old cadets Natasha Ayala and Dorence Isidore -- were killed when their plane crashed just after takeoff during an orientation flight Oct. 26, 1996, on St. Croix. The memorial service was held at the crash site.

Many dignitaries were among those in attendance, including U.S. Virgin Island Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Novelle Francis and Jonathan Smalls, chief executive officer of Sen. Sammuel Sanes’ office. Francis and Smalls are both former Civil Air Patrol members.

Also present were members of both cadets’ families, along with numerous former CAP members, family and friends of current members and well-wishers.

After the 1 ½-hour memorial service, the Virgin Islands Police Department Traffic Unit sent a police unit to escort about 20 cars in a silent motorcade from the memorial site to Kingshill Cemetery, where Isidore is buried.

The family and CAP members laid wreaths and flowers on his grave, and then the motorcade continued from to Frederiksted Cemetery, site of Ayala’s grave. Her family, friends and CAP members laid wreaths and many flowers.

After the memorial Ayala's mother, Ema Ayala Miller, took the 20 St. Croix Composite members to lunch.

The caring people of the Virgin Islands donated all of the floral arrangements and wreaths.

N.C. unit devotes day to orientation flights, rocketry

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Basic Jessica Weimer and 1st Lt. William Hess inspect rockets before the first launch of the day.

Photo by Cadet Airman 1st Class Victor Valduvinos.

(2)
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andres Rodriguez prepares his rocket for launch.

Photo by Cadet Airman 1st Class Victor Valduvinos

(3)
Orientation pilot 1st Lt. Allen Johnson of the Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron describes the preflight inspection process to Cadet Airmen 1st Class Andrew Konopka (center) and James Nelson.

Photo by 1st Lt. William Hess.

1st Lt. William Hess
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Tar River Composite Squadron
North Carolina Wing

NORTH CAROLINA -- Nine cadets and two senior members from the Tar River Composite Squadron more than made up for missing the North Carolina Wing’s Aerospace Education Day on Oct. 3 by enjoying an impromptu aerospace education day of their own Saturday.

The day got off to a great start at Rocky Mount-Wilson Regional Airport with a 9 a.m. cadet orientation flight out of piloted by 1st Lt. Allen Johnson of the Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron. Other cadets worked on model rockets or practiced their flying skills on aerospace education officer 1st Lt. David Nelson’s flight simulator while waiting for the second orientation flight of the day.

Shortly after the second flight left, 1st Lt. William Hess, the unit’s deputy commander for cadets, and six cadets piled into the squadron van and drove into Wilson to see their rockets in action. A misfire and a parachute failure provided plenty of excitement, allowing the cadets to successfully show off their range safety knowledge and line searching skills.

After five successful flights -- the sixth launch was scrubbed -- the rocketeers returned to base for testing, more time on Nelson’s simulator and the day’s final orientation flight of the day.

By the end of the day, the following cadets had experienced the thrill of flight in the air or from the ground:

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andres Rodriguez.
Cadet Senior Airmen Sean Gettys and Emily Watson.
Cadet Airmen 1st Class Lucero DeLaFuente, Andrew Konopka, James Nelson, Crystal Rodriguez and Victor Valduvinos.
Cadet Airman Basic. Jessica Weimer.

Their smiles and enthusiasm provided more than enough incentive for Tar River Composite leaders to look for ways to make the event a regular part of the squadron calendar.

Fla. cadets salute veterans as U.S heroes

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(Standing, from left) Cadet Staff Sgt. Andrew Gelbard, Cadet Airman Eddie Thompson and Cadet Airman 1st Class Ted Schroeders listen as Cadet Staff Sgt. Zackery Macdonald
practices his Patriot Pen speech.

(2)
At the Republican Club’s Real Heroes Luncheon (from left) cadets Eddie Thompson, John Clark, Andrew Gelbard, Ted Schroeders and Zackery Macdonald pose for a photo with the guest of honor, retired Air Force Lt. Irwin Stovroff, a World War II Army Air Corps B-24 Bombardier, former prisoner of war and Distinguished Flying Cross recipient and founder of Vets Helping Returning Heroes, an organization providing service dogs to injured soldiers.

(3)
Cadet Staff Sgt. Zackery Macdonald speaks about honoring U.S. military heroes. Listening to the young cadet is retired Air Force Lt. Irwin Stovroff.

(4)
Cadet Staff Sgt. Andrew Gelbard delivers his Voice of Democracy speech.

1st Lt. Jackie Zarrilli
Public Affairs Officer
Cadet Programs
Florida Wing

FLORIDA – On the eve of Veterans Day, for Boca Raton Composite Squadron cadets the topic for discussion is heroes.

“Does America Still Have Heroes?” and “When Is The Right Time To Honor Our Military Heroes?” are the respective themes for this year’s Veterans of Foreign Wars high school Voice of Democracy and middle school Patriot Pen contests.

For the past seven years, cadets from the Boca Raton squadron have participated in these annual essay speech competitions. Each year cadets have taken first, second and or third place with local VFW Post 10556 and have moved up to the next level, where several have earned first, second and or third place awards.

Squadron leaders sees this as a win-win opportunity for their cadets. As they research their essays they learn American history. Senior members work with them to improve their writing and speaking skills. The cadets are given opportunities to delivery their speeches at Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies and local community events, such as the “Real Heroes” luncheon recently sponsored by the Boca Raton Republican Club.

At this event, eighth-grader Cadet Staff Sgt. Zackery Macdonald told the audience, “Personally I honor our heroes as much as possible, whether it’s thanking them for their service or striving for the best in school or Civil Air Patrol … I soon found out that honoring a hero tells them that they not only did their duty for their country, but that they also made an impact on the younger generation.”

“Heroes in America come in many different forms and are heroes for many reasons,” said sophomore Cadet Staff Sgt. Andrew Gelbard, also a featured speaker at the luncheon.

Cadet Airman Etan Vann said, “When a child thinks of heroes he thinks of Superman, Spider-Man, Fantastic 4, etc. … But a hero could be that fireman shooting the smoke-polluting monster of fire from destroying the structure, or that doctor that is saving a woman from the abominable black lump that affects one in eight women, called breast cancer, and, of course, the soldiers protecting the motherland from enemies.”

Cadet Airman Basic Diondre Noel said in his essay, “There are a few days that can be counted as a significant day for giving recognition to our patriots.”

Cadet Airman 1st Class Ted Schroeders wrote, “Does America still have heroes … in my eyes, the answer is: Absolutely! America has a long continuous line of heroes that dates back to its inception.”

For Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Judah Brown, “A hero is one who acts in the interest of others. They are constantly working and are oftentimes left unnoticed.”

As to why Americans should honor their veterans, Cadet Airman Austin Budney said, “When the time came that soldiers were needed, they stepped out of their lives and into a battlefield and fought bravely for our country.”

The squadron’s cadet commander, Chief Master Sgt. Zachary Weinbaum, said, “I believe that any human being that commits themselves to standing up and fighting for America and saving lives is a hero.”

Cadet Airman Eddie Thompson expressed a similar point: “In my opinion our military heroes are and should be important to us because of all the things they have done for us.”

Summing up the discussion, Cadet Staff Sgt. Alexander Falcone put into words the feelings of most of his Civil Air Patrol colleagues: “Those who have fought and died in combat have paid greatly for our freedoms today. Anyone who has ever taken an oath to protect this country is a hero to me.

“I thank them every day for my freedom of speech, my right to vote and my privilege to live in a democratic America. I thank them for what they have done, for what they do and what they will do in the future. I honor them for their courage, for their endurance and for the inspiration they give me as I prepare to serve my country.

“To me each and every serviceman and -woman is a hero.”

Wisc. cadets apply online skills in CyberPatriot II competition

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Showing off their CyberPatriot II T-shirts and challenge coin are (from left) Cadet Airmen Ephraim Mattos and Ben Sandlin (with coin), Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Carballo and Cadet Master Sgt. Michael Sgt Leggett.

(2)
(Clockwise from left) Cadet Airmen Ben Sandlin and Ephraim Mattos, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Carballo and Cadet Master Sgt. Michael Leggett.

Lt. Col. Jo Stys
Public Affairs Officer
Milwaukee Composite Squadron 5
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – Four Milwaukee Composite Squadron cadets pitted their online acumen against teams from across the U.S. and Japan on Nov. 7 in CyberPatriot II, a national high school cyber defense competition sponsored by the Air Force Association

The four -- Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jonathan Carballo, Cadet Master Sgt. Michael Leggett and Cadet Airmen Ephraim Mattos and Ben Sandlin -- were coached by Lt. Col. Jo Stys, project officer..

Likely the largest live high school cyber defense competition ever staged, CyberPatriot II involved more than 100 Air Force Junior ROTC and Civil Air Patrol teams from American and Japan in simultaneous competition.

The cadets were racing against the clock and their opponents, with six hours to find and correct vulnerabilities in the virtual computer provided by the Science Applications International Corporation through a virtual network.

The team was able to use only part of the six hours allotted, having marched in Milwaukee’s 46th Annual Veterans Day parade earlier in the day.

“The cadets really got involved as a team in solving each situation they faced,” Stys said. “I am proud of their optimism and enthusiasm for this new challenge.”

Asked if they had fun, the cadets’ reply was unanimous: “Yes!”

The team is looking forward to Round 2 on Nov. 14, when they hope to take what they learned and apply it more quickly. A fifth team member, Cadet Senior Airman Morgan Murphy, will be present to add to the group’s technical knowledge.

The cadets said they enjoyed the challenge of learning new skills in real time on the virtual computer. Online and PowerPoint instructions helped them prepare for the competition.

“Congratulations to all the competitors and continued good luck to all the teams over the next two Saturdays of competition,” said S. Sanford Schlitt, AFA vice chairman of the board for aerospace education. “CyberPatriot II is proving to be a fantastic hands-on learning experience. It’s a great way to encourage new interest in this crucial career path.”

Va., Middle East Region members join multi-agency search and rescue exercise

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Pilot “Mr. Jack O'Lantern” is attended to by paramedics at base camp after being lowered down a mountain by a team of about 15 members using a belay line.

Capt. Alberic Bergeron
Public Affairs Officer
Virginia Wing

VIRGINIA – Nineteen members marked Halloween this year by participating in the appropriately named Operation Jack-O-Lantern multi-agency search and rescue exercise in the Jefferson National Forest near Blacksburg.

.The exercise scenario -- created by Col. Charlie Glass, Middle Eastern Region director of safety and a longtime Civil Air Patrol incident commander and pilot -- involved a missing charter aircraft with seven people aboardthat had disappeared from radar after declaring an emergency.

In all, 19 members from Middle East and Virginia Wing headquarters and the Danville, Montgomery and Roanoke composite squadrons joined with more than 150 participants from more than 10 organizations, including Commonwealth Search and Rescue, South Western Virginia Mountain Rescue, the American Red Cross, Angel Search and Rescue and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

The weekend began with a Friday night planning session, as CAP air operations and command staff worked closely with the other agencies to investigate clues and create tasks for the next day’s search and rescue operations. In addition, an airborne electronic locator transmitter search was launched Friday evening from Roanoke to provide real-time position information to the search planners.

Early Saturday morning, CAP established air operations at the Blacksburg and Roanoke airports, while ground search and rescue operations were established at Caldwell Fields in the Jefferson National Forest. Search and rescue teams from across Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee were involved. and participants included equestrian and dog teams, as well as mountain rescue and CAP direction-finding personnel.

Two high-birds radio relay flights were flown from Roanoke to ensure communications among the assorted ground teams. The air operations staff had to improvise, however, when the high bird could not be in position because of fueling or pilot constraints and low visibility.

By substituting a CAP vehicle as a low bird relay when the aircraft was not available, the members were able to maintain communications throughout the 10-hour exercise period.

In all, 28 ground search tasks, one airborne ELT search, two high bird radio relay flights and two transport flights were completed. CAP flew 9.9 hours and four corporate vehicles providing ground support, all in poor weather conditions.

Fortune 1000 CEO, warbird collector, former fighter pilot welcomes Ohio cadets

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(Standing, below, from left) Cadet Airman Basic Jacob Waters, Cadet Master Sgt. Nicholas Miner, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Hockman, Cadet Basic Rebecca Doud, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Moriah Efries, Cadet Staff Sgt. Daniel Smith, Cadet Airmen 1st Class Cody Howell and Nathan Crist, Cadet Airman Basic Jacob Chesbrough, Cadet Airman Senior Chris Ward, Cadet Airman Basic Jacob Waters, (standing on wing, from left) Cadet 2nd Lt., Trevor Baier, Cadet 1st Lt. Jim Norton and Cadet Senior Airman Douglas Woischke.

Photo by Pam Ward

1st Lt. John Morgan
Public Affairs Officer
Group VIII
Ohio Wing

OHIO -- Cadets from two units recently visited former U.S. Air Force Capt. James Hagedorn – now the chief executive officer of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. – and his collection of aircraft in Marysville, where he told them about his experience as an F-16 pilot, his education and his background as head of the nation’s leading lawn and garden company.

The cadets, members of the Columbus Composite Squadron and the Union County Flight, were especially intrigued by Hagedorn’s accounts of some of his close calls as a fighter pilot.

They were able to take a close look at some of his vintage aircraft, such as a 1947 T-6 Texan, a McDonnell Douglas helicopter, a 1940s Piper Cub and 1960s-era Cessna 185.

The star of the night, however, was their host’s famed P-51 Mustang “Old Crow,” the original of which was flown by World War II fighter ace Col. Bud Anderson of the 357th Fighter Group. Anderson, a good friend of Hagedorn’s, has flown this particular Mustang as well.

Two years ago Hagedorn was instrumental in organizing the largest and most likely the last assembly of surviving P-51 Mustangs and their famed pilots, the “Gathering of Mustangs and Legends,” in central Ohio.

“The cadets had a great time and learned a lot,” said 1st Lt. Jim Ward, Union County Flight commander/ “They were allowed to climb in the planes and ask as many questions as they wanted.”

Also on hand to answer questions from the eager cadets were some of Scotts-Miracle Gro’s corporate pilots.

Along with the two units’ members, Marysville Mayor Chris Schmenk, Union County Sheriff Rocky Nelsom and Lt. Col. Jenny Baker, Group VIII commander, were in attendance as well.

Air show role gives Texas cadets access to Blue Angels

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Phoenix Composite cadets take a look at one of the Blue Angels’ Boeing F/A 18 Hornets between performances.

Photo by John Clark

Cadet 2nd Lt. Mary C. Clark
Phoenix Composite Squadron
Texas Wing

TEXAS – Cadets from the Phoenix Composite Squadron spent a memorable weekend Oct. 24-25 at the Fort Worth Alliance Airport, helping out as assistant at the 2009 Alliance Air Show.

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels staged the final performances both days, and the cadets got an up-close look at what it takes to be a Blue Angel.

Throughout the weekend the cadets had a chance to tour many different planes and ride in simulators. After the Blue Angels landed their Boeing F/A 18 Hornets, the cadets were able to get autographs, talk to the pilots and have their photographs taken with them.

The weekend ended with a grand tour of an active U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry.

N.H. cadet honored with CAP Lifesaving Award for response to brother's injuries

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Allen Ellis with his parents, Robb and Kristen Ellis, and his brothers.

(2)
Cadet Airman Allen Ellis with the Civil Air Patrol Lifesaving Award he received from Maj. Nic Goupil, Seacoast Composite Squadron commander.

Photos by Maj. Penny H. Hardy

Maj. Penny H. Hardy
Public Affairs Officer
Seacoast Composite Squadron
New Hampshire Wing

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Cadet Airman Allen Ellis of the Seacoast Composite Squadron has been recognized with the Civil Air Patrol Lifesaving Award for having helped save his 3-year-old brother’s life while on a summer camping trip.

Just a few weeks earlier the cadet, son of Robb and Kristen Ellis, had attended the New Hampshire Wing Cadet Summer Encampment, where he learned many first-aid skills – little knowing that he would need to put what he had learned into practice so soon.

His mother, who was carrying a pot of boiling water, told Allen’s younger brother to stay where he was while she carried the container into the family’s camper. Instead, though, the child ran after her, causing her to spill the hot liquid on him.

Allen immediately realized the seriousness of the situation and told his mother to take off the boy’s clothes and pour cool water on him, while having someone called 911.

The youngster was taken to a nearby hospital and later to a Shriners Hospital, as he had suffered second-degree burns over 10 percent of his body.

Thanks to the cadet’s quick actions, his little brother has fully recovered from the injuries.

N.Y. opens new Wing Operations Center

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Maj. Tom Vreeland, New York Wing director of information technology, demonstrates some of the new Wing Operations Center’s capabilities to wing staff.

(2)
Col. Ken Andreu, New York Wing commander, cuts the ribbon to the new Wing Operations Center.

Capt. James Ridley
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
New York Wing

NEW YORK – As members watched before the start of the quarterly New York Wing staff meeting Oct. 24 in Westchester, Col. Ken Andreu, wing commander, cut the ribbon to the entrance of the wing’s newest asset -- a state-of-the-art command operations center.

The Wing Operations Center will provide operational space and situational awareness for seven to 20 mission staff personnel and will function as the Wing Academy for advanced technology training, simulations, tabletop exercises and other training when not in use for missions and operations.

“It’s all about how we bring what’s going on out there, in here.” said Maj. Tom Vreeland, wing director of information technology and the center’s chief architect.

In dedicating the new center, based at Wing Headquarters at Westchester County Airport, Andreu called it “only the beginning in what we envision as the state of the art in centralized command over a large span of control.”

Andreu regards the airport as an excellent site for coordinating efforts across the wing or on Long Island, in response to such possible occurrences as a significant coastal hurricane or flood damage, or a radiological event at Indian Point Nuclear Reactor Facility.

The wing flew daily missions out of Westchester County in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks Sept. 11, 2001, he recalled. The airport “was the perfect location, as it was just outside of the affected area of New York City but close enough to easily and quickly launch aerial surveillance flights.”

The center boasts advanced communications components as well as geographical information systems and weather information systems, along with high-speed internet access for accessing Civil Air Patrol’s Web Mission Information Reporting System, or WMIRS, and other CAP resources.

Alaska cadets raise money for 80 garlands for Wreaths Across America observance

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(From left) Cadet Basic Beatrice McCarty, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Sarah Peyton and Cadet Senior Airman Suntaya Robison were among the Birchwood Composite Squadron cadets participating in Wreaths Across America fundraising.

Photo by Senior Member Cary Kimball

1st Lt. Pamela Speer
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Birchwood Composite Squadron
Alaska Wing

ALASKA – Birchwood Composite Squadron cadets raised enough money in a single day to place 80 wreaths on graves at Fort Richardson National Cemetery as part of the annual nationwide Wreaths Across America observation Dec. 12.

The Birchwood squadron’s cadet activity director, Senior Member Cary Kimball, arranged for the fundraising activities and presented associated teaching material.

"Kimball really made sure the cadets understood who they were doing this for and why,” said 1st Lt. Pamela Speer, deputy commander for cadets. “He spent a lot of time showing them videos and just talking about veterans and their sacrifices for all of us."

The squadron’s Wreaths Across America fundraising efforts are just starting. Several other activities and appearances are planned throughout November.

"Our goal is 4,800 wreaths,” Kimball said. “We want to place one at every grave in the Fort Richardson National Cemetery."

Va. squadron promotes CAP antidrug program at Aviation Expo

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airmen Basic William Durham and Sierra Baumhoefener of the Winchester Composite Squadron assist a student through the Fatal Vision obstacle course.

(2)
Students line up to participate in the Fatal Vision demonstration.

Capt. Christopher Colvin
Public Affairs Officer
Winchester Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing

VIRGINIA -- The Middle East Region and Virginia and Maryland wings, with the Virginia Wing’s Winchester Composite Squadron playing a particularly prominent role, represented Civil Air Patrol’s Drug Demand Reduction program at this year’s Aviation Expo, which drew more than 600 students, faculty, parents and guests from schools in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.

The DDR program promotes an aggressive, positive, drug-free attitude in CAP members, Air Force families, Department of Defense civilians and school-age children through a comprehensive approach.

The program

Stresses CAP as a positive community-service lifestyle.
Encourages youth to remain in school.
Focuses on drug abuse education, prevention and awareness.
Provides positive activities as an alternative to drugs and gang violence.

Members from the region and wings’ respective headquarters spoke with hundreds of people as they visited the Drug Demand Reduction display set up a short distance from other exhibitors, such as the Transportation Safety Administration and the West Virginia Air National Guard.

“Many of the students participated in the Drug Demand Reduction demonstration and learned just how impaired they could be on their own or in driving with someone else who had been drinking,” said Lt. Col. Duke Stanton, the Winchester squadron’s deputy commander for seniors. “I hope they took the demonstrations to heart.”

First Lt. Walt Murphy, assistant Drug Demand Reduction coordinator for the Middle East Region and Drug Demand Reduction administrator for the Maryland Wing, said that CAP’s “participation in events like this Aviation Expo do more than increase awareness of the CAP Drug Demand Reduction program.”

A highlight of the display was the Drug Demand Reduction obstacle course using Fatal Vision goggles designed to impair the wearer’s vision in simulation of the effect of alcohol or narcotics use. The impact of watching people try to perform the simplest while wearing the goggles was funny to some and sobering to others.

When the participants removed the goggles at the end of the course, they were asked if they would drive in the condition they just experienced or ride with someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The answers always came with a quick shake of the head.

Murphy said “The most important thing I take away from an event like this is, we get to reach kids from the elementary school age range to the young adults going to college.

“Before they have been reached by drug abuse, they get to see, while sober, what some of their actions would be like if impaired. They get the problems with perception. Sometimes they get the nausea associated with being drugged or drunk. They get the loss of balance.

The difference is, this time they can take it off,” he said. “They can make it stop.

“The reality of drug abuse is, you can’t take that off like a pair of Fatal Vision goggles.”

Minn. unit gains new home: National Guard chopper facility

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

St. Cloud Composite Squadron members tour the Minnesota National Guard's new $37.2 million aviation support facility ,where they are now conducting their weekly meetings.

Photo by Maj. Richard Sprouse

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
Group 2
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA -- Members of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol have set up operations at the Minnesota National Guard's new $37.2 million aviation support facility.

The 114,000-square-foot building, which opened in March, stands on 52 acres near St. Cloud Regional Airport. It will support six Blackhawk helicopters and six Chinook helicopters.

The base is separate from the commercial aviation section of the airport and has its own entrance and security.

The facility is a boon for the St. Cloud squadron, said Capt. Pat Cruze, a squadron member who worked to secure space for the unit at the new facility. The squadron had been meeting at the St. Cloud Armory for years.

"It means we will have access to a state-of-the-art facility, in an operational military environment, with proper classroom and storage space," Cruze said. "It just can't be anything but a positive environment to develop our cadets, further engage staff and train for missions."

Cruze said the Minnesota National Guard was very helpful in securing a spot for the squadron at the new facility, which will be a regional center for National Guard aviation teams and will employ 60 people, including soldiers, building maintenance and security staff.

"When I approached the Guard this past summer about moving to the facility their attitude was, 'We would love to have you here; actually, we've been waiting for you!' I just couldn't believe how helpful everyone was and how quickly this all came together. It's still hard to believe we're actually here," Cruze said.

One-third of the soldiers working at the facility are deployed in Iraq and will be back in May, National Guard Staff Sgt. Rob Schuety said.

Once it's fully operational, two to three flights a day will be coming and going from the base. Schuety said it's hard to say what the pattern of the flights will be, but the site will be a regional launch point for the helicopters.

The choppers will be able to help in state emergencies such as search-and-rescue missions -- something Civil Air Patrol is well-known for.

"Your search and rescue training and abilities are nationally recognized and we're excited about working with you," Schuety told CAP officials.

St. Cloud is near Camp Ripley, making it easier to get the helicopters to Minnesota's 53,000-acre National Guard training site.

"I see a future including helicopter rides and possible joint training operations. The squadron is excited about the possibilities," Cruze said.

Test

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Alaska members add antidrug message to Halloween offerings

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
A creepy butler offers Drug Demand Reduction red ribbons to trick-or-treaters, including one young girl who found a ribbon to be an excellent addition to her costume.

(2)
The Birchwood Composite Squadron’s haunted porch by day ...

(3)
... and night.

1st Lt. Pamela Speer
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Birchwood Composite Squadron
Alaska Wing

ALASKA – Along with the traditional dose of scares and sweets, Halloween trick-or-treaters in Birchwood came away with red ribbons representing Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to a drug-free America.

Birchwood Composite Squadron cadets passed out 200 ribbons from CAP’s Drug Demand Reduction program to children visiting the unit’s spookily decorated premises Saturday night.

"It can be difficult to get the attention of young kids today,” said 1st Lt. Pamela Speer, deputy commander for cadets. “We decided to seize this opportunity to support CAP's DDR program in our local community.”

For four hours straight the participating cadets manipulated spiders, fog, air darts, music, cameras, lights and radios; passed out candy; and -- most importantly -- got the message to kids that there are "better things to do than drugs."

His fellow squadron members agreed that Cadet Airman 1st Class William Sutherlin should be recognized as a master at manipulating the spider to drop just as trick-or-treaters approached. Sutherlin’s radio work from the coffin was outstanding as well.

Cadet 1st Lt. Chad Speer deserves credit as well for coordinating all cameras, wiring and lawn skits for the event.

Rio Rancho Falcon Composite team takes N.M. color guard honor

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The winning team, flanked by Lt. Col. Paul J. Ballmer (left), New Mexico Wing director of cadet programs, and Col. Richard F. Himebrook, wing commander – (from left) Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Tabitha Romero, commander; Cadet Staff Sgt. Haleigh Ferguson; Cadet Airmen 1st Class Jordon Hill and Sean Kilbane; Cadet Master Sgt. V. James Clark, alternate; and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Allen Gallegos, coaching aide.

Photo by Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel

Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel
Public Affairs Officer
Eagle Cadet Squadron
New Mexico Wing

NEW MEXICO WING -- Amid keen competition, the Rio Rancho Falcon Composite Squadron swept nearly every team and individual award to win the 2009 New Mexico Wing Cadet Color Guard Competition, held Oct. 23-24 at Kirtland Air Force Base.

The color guard, commanded by Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Tabitha Romero, not only placed first but also won team awards for best overall mile run, in-ranks inspection, indoor and outdoor practical drill and standard drill.

In addition, the Fleet Foot Award -- for the fastest individual mile run -- was presented to Cadet Staff Sgt. Haleigh Ferguson in the female category and Cadet Airman 1st Class Jordon Hill in the male category.

The squadron competed against four other units – the Las Cruces Composite Squadron, which came in second; the High Desert Composite Squadron; and two teams from the St. Therese Middle School Cadet Squadron, a School Enrichment Program unit.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Corey Newman of the High Desert squadron won the individual award for top written exam score. Cadet Staff Sgt. Emilia Apodaca of St. Therese Middle School Squadron Team 2 was honored as Top Overall Cadet.

The Hardest Working Team Award was presented to St. Therese Middle School Squadron Team 1, which showed extraordinary heart and spirit for a unit composed almost entirely of cadet airmen.

All five units were honored at an awards ceremony presided over by Lt. Col. Paul J. Ballmer, New Mexico Wing director of cadet programs. Before presenting the awards, Ballmer thanked the cadets and their parents for participating, saying their presence made this year’s competition an unprecedented success.

“Out of five teams, there can only be one winner, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re all winners,” he told the cadets.

The awards were presented by Col. Richard F. Himebrook, wing Commander.

The Falcon Composite Squadron won't have far to travel to represent the New Mexico Wing at the Southwest Region Cadet Color Guard Competition, which will be held in Albuquerque during the spring of 2010.

N.Y. members provide support for 3-mile Breast Cancer Walkathon

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadets from the Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron help set up the event tents and mission base the day before the walkathon.

(2)
Cadet Capt. Heather West, cadet commander for the Gabreski squadron, briefs her fellow cadets.

(3)
Capt. Nathan Hillard, emergency services officer for the Gabreski squadron and incident commander for the event, briefs cadets regarding the next day’s tasks.

Capt. James Ridley
Public Affairs Officer
Long Island Group
New York Wing

NEW YORK – Howling wind and a constant downpour Oct. 18 failed to deter 25,000 individuals from participating in the annual Breast Cancer Walkathon at Jones Beach or to dampen the spirits of the Long Island Group members who support the event year after year.

The annual walk, featuring a three-mile circuit on the boardwalk at the beach in Wantagh, is sponsored by the New York Chapter of the American Cancer Society. It supports fundraising for medical research in the fight against breast cancer.

Each year cadets and senior members from the Long Island Group support the event by providing security, logistics and emergency services to walkers in distress. The participants employ the Incident Command System structure, following an emergency scenario.

“I’m very pleased with the performance of our cadets and seniors this year,” said Capt. Nathan Hillard, incident commander for the activity and emergency services officer for the Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron. “We came out and performed in a professional manner and did so in some extreme weather conditions.”

Ground branch directors managed teams that were dispatched to the beach parking lots and along the three-mile march along the boardwalk. In addition, two Civil Air Patrol vans were dispatched to the midpoint and end of the walk.

The CAP members’ was to provide a logical flow for the walkers and for the more than 15,000 cars that arrived at and departed from Jones Beach within a four-hour period. Cadets and senior members directed the cars and walkers and ensured that anyone needing assistance received it.

The evening before the walk, members of the Gabreski squadron bivouacked at the park to provide security and prepare for the next day’s events.

“The overnight provides a necessary service for the Cancer Society” said Maj. Lou Fenech Jr., Gabreski commander.

“We have seen this event grow from about 5,000 people to 60,000 over the years,” Fenech added. “It’s a shame that the weather reduced the number of participants this year, but the society did manage to raise almost the same amount as they did last year.

Ohio squadron's 'Trick or Treat for Canned Goods' nets 904 lbs. for hungry

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Licking County Composite Squadron members after their successful food drive.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Kim Cox

1st Lt. John C. Morgan
Public Affairs Officer
Licking County Composite Squadron
Ohio Wing

OHIO -- Pirates, fairies and a Hannah Montana or two were out in abundance on “Beggar’s Night” Oct. 29 in Newark, but some residents on the north end were also met at the door by uniformed cadets of the Licking County Composite Squadron.

Instead of candy, the cadets were collecting food items for their annual “Trick or Treat for Canned Goods,” benefiting the Food Pantry Network of Licking County.

The unit had prepared the neighborhood for the campaign the week before by passing out fliers announcing the food drive.

“The response was tremendous,” said 1st Lt. John Morgan, the squadron’s public affairs officer. “Most residents had bags of food waiting for our cadets.

“We even had some folks bring cases of food to us.”

The group collected a total of 904 pounds of food items, which will go directly to benefit the hungry in Licking County.

Conn. Wing sees 5 consecutive commanders convene

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(From left) Cols. Lloyd Sturges, Frederick Herbert, Karen Payne, James Palmer and Peter Jensen.

Col. Peter Jensen
Commander
Connecticut Wing

CONNECTICUT – Connecticut Wing members in the right place at the right time during the wing’s annual conference caught a rare sight – an unbroken line of five wing commanders, their combined tenure spanning 16 years.

Gathering for a photo were Cols. Lloyd Sturges, commander from 1993-1997; Frederick Herbert, 1997-1999; Karen Payne, 1999-2003; James Palmer (2003-2006); and Peter Jensen, who has held the wing’s top rank since succeeding Palmer.

During the five commanders’ combined tenures, the wing:

Added three squadrons – the 143rd Composite, the Northwestern Hills Composite and the New Fairfield Flight.
Grew from 500 to 700 members.
Secured a large increase in the state legislative appropriation.
Established close cooperative ties with the National Guard.
Became fully integrated with the state's interagency communications system.
Inaugurated two state-funded missions -- the ETHOS (Eyes of the Home Skies) patrol for critical infrastructure, as well as the Long Island Sound Patrol.

Fla. cadets assist Palm Beach organization with Oktoberfest

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Senior Airman John Haney and Capt. Lisa Johnson discover that a German-style frankfurter is far more than an ordinary hot dog.

(2)
Cadets gather around the beverage station.

(3)
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Alejandro Lopez guides traffic.

(4)
Lt. Col. Robert Masiker, Lantana Cadet Squadron commander, and Ralf G. Bahr of the American German Club of the Palm Beaches.

(5)
A couple of cadets wait to sample some of the Oktoberfest wares.

(Photos by 1st Lt. Athina Holmes)

1st Lt. Athina Holmes
Public Affairs Officer
Lantana Cadet Squadron
Florida Wing

FLORIDA -- Willkommen to Oktoberfest!

Lantana Cadet Squadron members heard that greeting more than once during the annual celebration of German culture, traditions and customs at the American German Club of the Palm Beaches.

The club, which has staged the festive tradition since 1967, added a new wrinkle recently by granting Lantana cadets permission to handle all event parking – this year, more than 800 vehicles.

The club also made a generous donation to the squadron for the service.

Ralf G. Bahr, the club’s communications director and member of the board of directors, talked with Lt. Col. Robert Masiker, Lantana squadron commander, about the importance of the squadron’s performance in keeping the heavy parking situation under control. Cadets worked alongside the Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputies to maintain a steady flow of traffic.

Each year cadets work diligently in making sure Oktoberfest parking proceeds without incident.

Although the cadets pride themselves on the outstanding service they provide, they also know how to join in on the festivities. During breaks, they had the opportunity to explore such German foods like bratwursts and frankfurters, kartoffelsalat (German potato salad), spätzle (a noodle dish), specialty pastries and much more.

The event also featured cultural attire, kiddie amusement rides and games, a host of craft vendors, live music, cultural performances and the traditional chicken dance.

Va. unit assists with 'Air and Scare' at Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Staff Sgt. Samuel Walker helps a young visitor apply air in motion with a Ghostblaster.

(From left) Cadet Airman Basic Nate Watkins, Cadet Airman 1st Class Eric Arnesen, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Caleb Schneider and Cadet Staff Sgt. Samuel Walker take a break during the Ghostblasters activity.

Photos by Senior Member Liz Hamm

Capt. Christopher Colvin
Public Affairs Officer
Winchester Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing

VIRGINIA – Cadets from the Winchester Composite Squadron helped make sure visitors to the Steven F. Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum’s annual Air and Scare event came away with some aerospace education lessons as well as Halloween candy.

Visitors were treated to trick-or-treating, costume parades and trick-or-truth information stations where they found out if Area 51 exists, whether the museum collection includes an alien spaceship and even why someone would fly with a lion in the backseat of a plane.

“The Winchester squadron always is a bright star in the constellation of activities that make up Air and Scare,” said Jennifer McIntosh, Discovery Station program coordinator at the museum. “They were and are critical in developing and manning a station called Ghostblasters.

“This is one of the most popular activities of the night, where visitors can try their hand at using air pressure via air cannons to knock about tissue paper ghosts,” McIntosh said.

“More children and adults learned about air in motion with our Ghostblaster activity this year than any of the past years,” said Maj. CJ Muncy, the squadron’s deputy commander of cadets. “I’m proud of the cadets who gave their time to teach the visitors to the museum about aerospace education with practical, hands-on activities.”

While Cadet Airman Basic Nate Watkins was tired at the end of the day, it was an experience he won’t soon forget.

“I had a lot of fun and the museum was really cool,” Watkins said. “We worked hard and met some members from other squadrons who stopped by.

“I think the best part of the day was seeing the kids’ eyes light up when they were using the Ghostblaster to move the ghosts.”

McIntosh added, “The squadron always gives the visitors an informative and high-energy experience—and working with them is always a blast! They are an integral part of the night.”

Puerto Rico Wing provides aerial view after massive refinery blast

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Two of the Puerto Rico Wing aircrew’s aerial images after the Oct. 23 gasoline refinery explosion outside San Juan.

Maj. Edgardo Barreto
Legal Officer
Puerto Rico Wing

PUERTO RICO – A Puerto Rico Wing aircrew took to the skies to provide aerial photos after 15 fuel tanks exploded at an oil refinery early Oct. 23, rocking the entire San Juan metropolitan area with what residents first mistook for tremors from an earthquake.

The huge cloud of black smoke from the explosion at the Caribbean Petroleum Corp. plant in Bayamon rose to 20,000 feet, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a temporary flight restriction affecting commercial traffic routes and general aviation.

Within hours of the explosion and with special permission to fly into the area, 1st Lt. Frank Matias, mission pilot for the Muniz Air National Guard Squadron, and Maj. Waldemar Figueroa, Puerto Rico Wing disaster relief officer and mission observer, teamed up to take more than 90 photos of the site.
The images were delivered to the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency.

Civil Air Patrol was the only participating agency that flew a photo reconnaissance mission in the explosion’s aftermath.

Minn. Wing graduates 50 cadets from leadership academy

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet 2nd Lt. Korben Weidenborner of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron, recognized as the distinguished graduate of the Basic Commissioned Officer Course’s Alpha seminar, shows that “all work and no play” wasn't a guiding principle for participants.

(2)
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Jarek Connolly, a member of the Mankato Composite Squadron, explains the successful characteristics of rocket flight during an aerospace education session held as part of the Basic Commissioner Officer Course.

(3)
Cadet Staff Sgt. Caitlin Albrecht (foreground), Noncommissioned Officer School distinguished graduate, and Cadet Senior Airman Jasmine Sands, distinguished graduate for the Charlie seminar, share a smile for the camera. Both are members of the North Hennepin Composite Squadron.

(4)
Cadet Airman 1st Class Garan Williams (foreground) of the North Hennepin Composite Squadron and other Noncommissioned Officer School participants note the finer points of drill and ceremony.

(5)
Cadet 2nd Lt. David Nelson of the Red Wing Composite Squadron, Basic Commissioned Officer Course distinguished graduate, and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Chandler Vondy of the Duluth Composite Squadron at a session on effective communications.

Photos by Maj. Richard J. Sprouse

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Seminar Instructor
Basic Commissioned Office Course
Minnesota Leadership Academy
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – The Minnesota Wing's Leadership Academy drew a full house during its annual session at Camp Ripley, graduating 16 cadets from the Basic Commissioned Officers Course and 34 from the Noncommissioned Officer School.

The academy is part of the wing's Integrated Leadership Program, which provides cadets continuous training and development from cadet basic to cadet colonel.

The training prepares cadets to become leaders through academic study and practical excises focusing on improving communications and interpersonal skills, affirmation of the leadership skills the cadets already have, as well as provide them ready resources that will help them deal with the challenges confronted by most young leaders.

For Noncommissioned Officer School, major components are drill and ceremony, human behavior modification, verbal and written communication, and conflict resolution.

"I learned a lot about proper drill and ceremony during NCOS, and how I was doing it before was wrong," said Cadet Airman 1st Class Kati Jents of the St. Croix Composite Squadron. "I can't wait to go back to my squadron and practice what I learned."

The Basic Commissioned Officers Course addresses such elements as character development, project management, ethics and leading by example.

"I took a ridiculous amount of notes during each session," Cadet 2nd Lt. David Nelson of the Red Wing Composite Squadron said, "and I will apply what I learned at BCOC to make us an even better squadron."

In each graduating class a number of award winners were selected for overall academy performance and leadership excellence. The cadets were presented their awards by Col. Tom Theis, Minnesota Wing commander.

The distinguished graduate of the Basic Commissioned Officers Course was Cadet 2nd Lt. David Nelson of the Red Wing Composite Squadron.

Among the Noncommissioned Officer Course participants, the distinguished graduate was Cadet Staff Sgt. Caitlin Albrecht of the North Hennepin Composite Squadron.

Other cadets recognized for excellence:

Noncommissioned Officer School distinguished graduates:

Alpha seminar – Cadet Airman 1st Class Megan Halek, North Hennepin Composite Squadron.
Bravo seminar – Cadet Airman 1st Class Abdulrahman Haji, Valley Composite Squadron.
Charlie seminar – Cadet Senior Airman Jasmine Sands, North Hennepin Composite Squadron.
Delta Seminar -- Cadet Senior Airman Matt Klugherz, 130th Composite Squadron.

Basic Commissioned Officer Course distinguished graduates:

Alpha seminar -- Cadet 2nd Lt. Korben Weidenborner, St. Cloud Composite Squadron.
Bravo seminar -- Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Libby Berg, Grand Rapids Composite Squadron.

While the academy curriculum and experience provides a solid foundation for being a leader, the primary benefit Theis wants cadets to leave with is a strong dose of confidence in their ability to be leaders.

"We want them to feel empowered," he said.

That feeling was not lost on Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Lydia Wiff of the Viking Composite Squadron, who said she was excited about applying what she had learned during the Basic Commissioned Officer Course because the experience was still fresh in her mind.

"It really helped me develop that confidence . . . you can't be afraid to speak up sometimes,” Wiff said. “You may just have an idea that would contribute to Civil Air Patrol as a whole, so speak up and make a difference.”

Barron assumes command of W. Va. Wing

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Col. Rod Moore, former West Virginia Wing commander, congratulates Col. Dennis Barron after he assumes command of the wing.

(2)
Col. Dennis Barron assumes command of the West Virginia Wing.

Photos by Capt. Russell Voelker

Maj. Jeffery Schrock
Public Affairs Officer
West Virginia Wing

WEST VIRGINIA – Col. Dennis D. Barron was sworn in as West Virginia Wing commander during a ceremony Oct. 25 at the wing conference and banquet in Charleston.

Barron is concluding four years of service as the wing's chief of staff. He has also held the positions of wing drug demand reduction administrator and inspector general.

For 20 years he commander of the Martinsburg Composite Squadron – the unit he joined as a cadet in 1965. He is a pilot and an incident commander and has commanded more than 45 summer encampments for the West Virginia Wing.

Barron’s many awards over the years include three Exceptional Service Awards, eight Meritorious Service Awards, more than 25 Commander's Commendation Awards, the West Virginia Wing Commander's Special Commendation Award, Civil Air Patrol’s Gill Robb Wilson Award and three Air Force Liaison Awards for mentoring cadets.

"I am very honored to have been selected as the new commander of the West Virginia Wing," Barron said. "We have an outstanding wing with some of the finest members in the nation.”

“The West Virginia Wing has made great progress in the last four to six years in every facet of the CAP program. We have a lot to be proud of, but we cannot rest on our laurels. We must forge ahead and build on our past successes," he said.

Col. Joe Vazquez, commander of the Middle East Region, said the new commander “has done an excellent job managing the West Virginia Wing and will be a valuable member of West Virginia and Middle East Region in the years to come.”

Col. Rod Moore, former wing commander, has agreed to act as vice commander until a new command staff is in place. Moore will also be assuming the position of director of operations for the wing.

National Capital Wing raises $1,560 through 'Shop for a Cause'

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Mary Sherrer, the National Capital Wing’s deputy director of personnel, hands out shopping passes for a $5 donation during Macy’s “Shop for a Cause” Oct. 17 at Springfield Mall.

(2)
Senior Member Seth Poole (left), Arlington Composite Squadron finance officer, and 1st Lt. Derrick Barnette, Andrews Composite Squadron commander, greet shoppers at the Macy’s entrance.

(3)
Macy’s shoppers learn about Civil Air Patrol from (from left) Capt. Howard Hall, Cadet Staff Sgt. Joe Frech and 2nd Lt. Joe Frech of the Mount Vernon Composite Squadron. Hall is the unit’s public affairs officer, while the elder Frech is deputy commander for cadets.

Photos by Maj. Paul Cianciolo

Maj. Paul S. Cianciolo
Director of Public Affairs
National Capital Wing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Capital Wing raised more than $1,500 through Macy’s “Shop for a Cause” event Oct. 17 at Springfield Mall in Springfield, Va.

In all, “Shop for a Cause” raised a total of $1,561 in tax-deductible donations, which will help the wing continue to perform its missions.

“I would like to thank everyone who stopped by Macy’s to support us and do a little shopping,” said Col. Richard Cooper, wing commander.
“Your donations will go a long way in helping us support our youth program here in D.C.”

Macy’s shoppers who made a $5 donation to CAP received a one-day shopping pass for extensive discounts throughout the store. National Capital Wing squadrons also received $470 in donations for shopping passes before the event.

In the store, members from wing staff and squadrons showcased Civil Air Patrol and educated shoppers about its important missions in emergency services and civil support, aerospace education, and cadet programs.

More photos from the activity

N.Y. members help ensure success of Kids Day at LaGuardia

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Staff Sgt. Ryan Drayton of the Phoenix Composite Squadron answers a spectator’s questions about aircraft at the Kiwanis Club Kids Day at LaGuardia Airport.

(2)
A cadet explains Civil Air Patrol’s mission while Capt. Ray Miller of the Falcon Senior Squadron and others observe.

(3)
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Zin Han of the Academy Cadet Squadron, stationed at the Piper Comanche flow in by Maj. Ray Bengen of the New York City Group.

(4)
The New York Wing contingent.

( 5,6)
Cadets provide flight line marshalling.

Photos by 1st Lt. Louis Morgan

Capt. Michael Lee
Public Affairs Officer
New York City Group
New York Wing

NEW YORK – Members from six squadrons in the Long Island and New York City groups joined recently to assist with the annual Kiwanis Club Kids Day at LaGuardia Airport, with senior members flying in a pair of aircraft and cadets helping greet spectators and provide flight line marshalling.

The Civil Air Patrol participants came from the Academy, Amelia Earhart and Brooklyn Tech cadet squadrons, the Floyd Bennett and Phoenix composite squadrons and the New York City Group.

Piloting planes in were Maj. Ray Bengen, emergency services and operations officer for the New York City Group, and Maj. Daniel Rogers, Brooklyn Tech Cadet Squadron commander.

In addition, Lt. Col. Marilyn Rey, director of aerospace education for the New York Wing, set up a string model aircraft, drawing a number of children to gather around to practice landing a model aircraft safely on a mock runway. Cadet Staff Sgt. Jason Chan of the Academy Cadet Squadron took the opportunity to jump right in and begin recruiting new cadets.

Maj. Manuel Ceja, New York City Group safety officer, also set up a display showing photos of a variety of CAP activities.

Midway through the afternoon, following a Port Authority request for flight line marshalling while certain aircraft took off, with the approval of the CAP officer in charge -- Capt. Valerie Ricchiuti of the New York City Group -- Capt. Michael Lee of the New York City Group immediately summoned almost all the cadets to perform. The team ensured that the flight line was clear of spectators

The cadets – who had undergone 30 minutes of flight line training that morning by Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Kleiver Gomez of the Earhart squadron -- did such a good job that they earned high praise both from Port Authority officials and from the Kiwanis Club.

Ga. unit assists with restored B-17's local stop

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1) Cadet 1st Lt. Matthew Sorcic’s smile as he emerges from the B-17 Aluminum Overcast leaves little doubt about his feelings following a flight on the vintage bomber.

(2) The warbird takes flight.

(3) Cadet Airman 1st Class Cole Swiszowski and Cadet Basic Jack Fontaine apply some elbow grease to the underside of the B-17’s wing.

(4) The Aluminum Overcast’s nose art, redone in 1988.

Cadet 1st Lt. Matthew Sorcic
Officer in Charge
B-17 Fly-In
Gwinnett County Composite Squadron
Georgia Wing

GEORGIA— The Gwinnet County Composite Squadron renewed its relationship with the crew of the B-17 Aluminum Overcast the weekend of Oct. 3-4 when the vintage warbird flew in to Gwinnett County Airport near Lawrenceville.

Senior members and cadets showed up to assist the event staff for the B-17 fly-in assist and also to participate in fund-raising for the squadron.

Cadets were responsible for managing parking for the event, which included making sure that no other roads or complexes at the airport were blocked by the massive amount of people who came to view the Experimental Aircraft Association’s restored World War II B-17 on its “Salute Our Veterans Tour” visit.

The cadets also got to meet several veterans of not only World War II but also the Korean, Vietnam and Iraq wars.

The squadron exceeded its previous fundraising high for the event, collecting well over $1,000 through sales of hot dogs, hamburgers and doughnuts to hungry guests. Members also solicited donations for the Dec. 12 observation of Wreaths Across America, collecting more than 15 pledges for wreaths in less than an hour.

N.J. team braves rain, cold to run 10K for Gold Star Mothers

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cadets and senior members brave rain and cold temperatures in a 10K run held Oct. 17 at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J., as a benefit for Gold Star Mothers.

1st Lt. Mark Swanson
Public Affairs Officer
New Jersey Wing

NEW JERSEY – Rain and cold proved no obstacle Oct. 17 as New Jersey Wing members took part in the First Sergeants Council Third Annual Ruck March at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst.

With temperatures in the mid-40s, a nor’easter moving up the East
Coast added more than an inch of precipitation as about 15 cadets and senior members ran in the rainy 10K benefit for the Gold Star Mothers of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The CAP members were among 75 military and civilian four-man teams participating. Each team carried memorial items of fallen service members, provided by Gold Star Mothers.

The New Jersey Wing contingent carried a photo and medal dedicated to Army Cpl. Steven R. Koch of Milltown, N.J., who died March 3, 2008, at age 23 from wounds caused by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan’s Sabari district of Afghanistan. Koch’s mother, Christine, was one of the Gold Star Mothers participating in the event.

Pa. cadet honored by Union League of Philadelphia

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet 2nd Lt. James Lorditch with his Good Citizenship award.

1st Lt Tracey J. Axelrod
Public Affairs Officer
Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base Squadron 902
Pennsylvania Wing

PENNSYLVANIA, -- Cadet 2nd Lt. James Lorditch of Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base Squadron 902 has been honored with the Good Citizenship award from the Union League of Philadelphia.

To be considered for the award, which Lorditch received at a recent Union League banquet, one “must demonstrate marked evidence of good citizenship as manifested by a cooperative attitude, self-control, perseverance, good sportsmanship and efforts to uphold the best traditions and principles of the American way of life,” according to the organization’s Web site.

Lorditch credited Civil Air Patrol for helping prepare him for the award – not only in qualifying for it but also by having “helped prepare me to be more comfortable in a social banquet situation and how to conduct myself in a proper manner.”

The award is regarded as quite prestigious in the region, and Lorditch called it "an honor to receive, especially because of the Union League's rich history and the many awardees who received it before me."

The Union League participates in civic contribution and philanthropic outreach, which includes the Good Citizenship award.

Lorditch, who recently served as the Willow Grove squadron's cadet commander, joined CAP in July 2005.

Minn. squadron celebrates member's milestone

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Lt. Col. Paul Thompson, then and now.

1st Lt. Erik J. Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer
Viking Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – Like many Civil Air Patrol units across the country, the Viking Composite Squadron’s membership includes an assortment of active or retired military personnel.

These individuals bring to their squadrons their many years of military and personal experiences, helping form the solid knowledge base of CAP.

Members of the Viking squadron had occasion recently to turn the spotlight on one such veteran when Lt. Col. Paul Thompson, their plans and programs and assistant safety officer, turned 80.

As his fellow CAP members and his family celebrated his birthday with a surprise party, Thompson’s pride in serving in the squadron and CAP was obvious.

The evening was not as much about him as it was the friends and family who came and shared in the celebration, and they in turn focused less on the number of years in his life than on the amount of life in his years.

A CAP member and major contributor since Dec. 26, 2001, Thompson has proven an inspiration to all who know him. His vast knowledge and experiences in life as well as aviation make him an outstanding mentor for the squadron.

He shares a great focus on quality training and building leadership skills within the squadron, and his vast knowledge and love of flying are shared with all who go aloft with him. One of his greatest thrills and motivations is to see shy young cadets come into CAP still “tied to their mother’s aprons,” then over time watch them break those ties and grow into confident young leaders.

Thompson is one of those humble heroes who does not boast of his military experiences. An Air Force cadet from 1948-1952, he began active duty as a second lieutenant in July 1952. He flew in Korea during 1954.

Returning to Asia, during the Vietnam War he flew 631 air commando missions, logging 517.3 hours.

Notable among his many medals are the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster and two bronze oak leaf clusters. He retired March 31, 1976, from the Air Force as a command pilot with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Mich. cadets introduced to nonpowered flight

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1) Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Trute and glider pilot Capt. Ron Van Houten await takeoff.

(2) Cadet Airman Brett Tiles in the glider cockpit.

(3) Maj. Rick Crepas, tow plane pilot for the glider orientation flights.

Photos by 1st Lt. David D'Arcy

1st Lt. David D’Arcy
Assistant Commander for Cadets
Lakeshore 119 Composite Squadron
Michigan Wing

MICHIGAN -- Pilots from the Kellogg Field Senior Squadron made time Oct. 10 to provide Lakeshore 119 Composite Squadron cadets with much-needed glider orientation flights, with three pilots volunteering an entire Saturday for the activity.

The lead tow plane was piloted by Maj. Rick Crepas, the senior squadron’s commander. Capt. Ron Van Houten and 2nd Lt John McCormick served as glider pilots, giving expert, attentive instruction to the three cadets who braved the cold and rain in hopes that conditions would clear up enough to fly.

Around lunchtime, the clouds cleared, the rain was driven away and the skies parted as though to invite the members skyward. Although several other squadrons were invited, only three cadets from Grand Haven came and reaped the benefit. One had already received an orientation flight in July at his summer encampment, so he flew once while the other two cadets were able to get up twice.

After being required to take an online test on how to serve as a wing runner for a glider, the cadets were able to put the newly acquired skill to work under the watchful eye of the glider pilots, who gave further instruction on how to properly hold and run with the wing.

The three were also taught to be careful on an active runway in light of such potential hazards as the tow rope being dropped for the next flight.

The cadets were grateful for the chance. Asked how his day had gone, Cadet Airman Brett Tiles declared that "it was awesome.”

Alaska cadet's address on integrity takes wing speech competition

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1) (From left) Cadet 1st Lt. Chad Speer of the Birchwood Composite Squadron, who served as timekeeper, and the judges – Maj. Ed Bos, Alaska Wing vice commander, and Lt. Col. John Desmarais, director of operations for Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters.

(2) Participants in the competition -- (standing, from left) Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Tyler Kiele, Cadet Master Sgt. Christopher Wolford and Cadet Senior Airman Roland Bergey, all of the Mat-Su Valley Cadet Squadron; and Cadet Chief Master Sgts. Veronica Morthorpe of the Birchwood Composite Squadron, (kneeling, from left) Levi Doran of the Mat-Su squadron and Ryan Sherwin of the Birchwood squadron.

(3) Competition spectators.

1st Lt. Pamela Speer
Project Officer, Cadet Speaking Competition
Deputy Commander of Cadets
Birchwood Squadron
Alaska Wing

ALASKA – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Levi Doran of the Matsu Valley Cadet Squadron finished first in the cadet speech competition at the wing conference Oct. 17, thanks to his three-minute presentation in response to the topic, “The most important core value to me is …”

Doran spoke on the importance of all the CAP core values, highlighting integrity as the building block for service, excellence and respect.

The participants all delivered an unrehearsed three-minute presentation in response to the same prompt concerning their choice of top core value.

The cadets were scored on:

Uniform appearance.
Originality.
Clear introduction.
Body.
Conclusion.
Use of examples/comparisons.
Presentation -- poise and confidence.
Directness.
Voice -- pitch, force, articulation.
Use of notes.
Poise during question-and-answer session.
Clear purposes.

Lt. Col. John Desmarais, Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters director of operations, and Maj. Ed Bos, Alaska Wing vice commander, served as judges. Time control was monitored by Cadet 1st Lt. Chad Speer of the Birchwood Composite Squadron, while Senior Member Andrew Day of the Mat-Su squadron administered the prompt and coordinated participants in the lobby.

Md. squadron boasts 12 Yeager award recipients

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(From left) Maj. Jeff Thomas and Capt. Chris Roche present Yeager awards to 1st Lt. Cory M. Grochowski, Capts. Donajean M. Appel and Earl T. Williams Jr., 2nd Lt. Martin R. Tobb, 1st Lt. James A. Holcomb, 2nd Lts. William J. Keenan and Michael R. Pruett, Capt. Mark A. Kukucka, 2nd Lt. Jeffrey S. Welch and 1st Lts. James N. Mancini and Charmi M. Vasquez, as Maj. Bill Parris, Group II commander, stands by in the background behind and between Welch and Mancini.

Photo by Senior Member John Hardway

Capt. Mark A. Kukucka
Aerospace Education Officer
Glenn L. Martin Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND -- Twelve Glenn L. Martin Composite Squadron members have earned Civil Air Patrol’s Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award for successfully completing the aerospace education program for senior members.

Since the beginning of the year, the squadron's aerospace education officer, Capt. Mark Kukucka, has encouraged all eligible members to prepare for and take the 100-question multiple-choice Yeager exam based on the reading material presented in the Civil Air Patrol textbook “Aerospace: The Journey of Flight.”

The Yeager awards ceremony took place in the Helicopter Transport Services hangar at Martin State Airport, where the squadron is headquartered. Maj. Bill Parris, Maryland Wing Group II commander, presided over the ceremony, praising the dozen officers while noting their significant contributions to CAP.

Maj. Jeff Thomas, squadron commander, and Capt. Chris Roche, deputy commander, made the actual presentations while congratulating each recipient individually.

The award recipients:

Capts. Donajean M. Appel, Mark A. Kukucka and Earl T. Williams Jr.
1st Lts. Cory M. Grochowski, James A. Holcomb, James N. Mancini and Charmi M. Vasquez.
2nd Lts. William J. Keenan, Michael R. Pruett, Martin R. Tobb and Jeffrey S. Welch.
Senior Member Philip J. DePalo.

Fla. Wing steps up for grand opening of museum aerospace exhibit

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Lt. Col. Dave Auerbach (center), Group 6 deputy commander, listens as 1st Lt. Kevin Burr, deputy commander for the North Palm Beach County Cadet Squadron, speaks to an interested family about Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education programs.

Photo by 1st Lt. Jackie Zarrilli

1st Lt. Jackie Zarrilli
Public Affairs Officer
Cadet Programs
Florida Wing

FLORIDA -- Civil Air Patrol participated as an invited community partner recently when Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science held the grand opening of its latest exhibit, “Runways to Rockets: Our Place in Aerospace.

Several members were on hand at the grand opening to discuss CAP’s core missions with those attending -- emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education.

“This event was a win-win,” said Maj. Nicholas Sacco, commander of Florida Wing Group 6. “It allowed us to showcase our program to the community and, at the same time, participate in the opening of an outstanding new exhibit.

Capt. Dean McClure, operations officer for the North Palm Beach County Cadet Squadron, concurred: “With our emphasis on aerospace education it was a natural fit.”

CAP leaders to hone executive-level skills at National Staff College

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – Eighty-nine Civil Air Patrol members from 33 wings will be primed for executive-level success Oct. 17-24 at Civil Air Patrol's 2009 National Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

The annual professional development opportunity employs a challenging curriculum to enhance the leadership abilities of members who are, or will be, assuming positions of regional or national importance within CAP. Through seminar discussions, case studies and exercises, students will focus on executive leadership, management, organizational behavior and policy formulation while examining in great detail CAP's national-level operations.

The seven-day course benefits class participants beyond their CAP roles. The leadership, communication and executive management skills – made available through the course at a fraction of the commercial cost – are in high demand by employers in all industries.

Instructors are drawn from senior CAP leadership, instructors from the U.S. Air Force’s Air University and other leadership experts, including:

Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Perry M. Smith, secretary of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP national commander.
Air Force Col. Phillip Parker, Air War College instructor.
Retired Army Col. Jack Jacobs, Medal of Honor recipient and MSNBC military analyst.
Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Hower, commander of the 31st Student Squadron, Squadron Officer College.
Dr. Johnnie Cain, organizational psychologist/behaviorist, Cain and Associates.
Dr. John A. Kline, director, Troy University Institute for Leadership Development.
Don Rowland, CAP executive director.

“Building leadership skills is paramount to our success as one of the premier public service organizations in America,” Courter said. “Through opportunities such as National Staff College, our members add to their experience base and polish the skills they need to be better partners in CAP and in their communities.”

NSC is a requirement for earning the Gill Robb Wilson Award, CAP’s highest award for professional development. Because of the graduate-level design of NSC, as well as its focus on national-level operations, attendance is usually restricted to members who hold the grade of major or above, have completed CAP’s Region Staff College or its equivalent and have the endorsement of their wing commander.

The participants:

National Headquarters

Congressional Squadron -- Lt. Col. John J. Schumacher and Chief Master Sgt. Lou E. Walpus.
National Commanders Squadron -- Col. Robert Diduch.

Middle East Region

Region Headquarters -- Maj. Robert J. Beichner.

Southeast Region

Region Headquarters -- Maj. Gordon R. Merrill.

Arkansas Wing

42nd Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col. Dean Thomas.

California Wing

Inland Empire Group 3 -- Maj. John J. Foote.
Los Angeles County Group 1 -- Maj. Jon L. Stokes.
Fallbrook Senior Squadron 87 -- Maj. Scott R. Swanson.
March Field Composite Squadron 45 -- Majs. Karen Nahrstadt and Cathy M. Neubauer.
Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 -- Chaplain (Maj.) Richard A. Nelson.

Colorado Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Maj. Fairfax C. O’Riley.
Black Sheep Senior Squadron Lt. Col. Clyde S. Altum.

Connecticut Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Maj. John A. Lesick.

Delaware Wing

Middletown Cadet Squadron -- Maj. Sherri L. Lierenz.

Florida Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Lt. Cols. Robert Hartigan and Lee Taylor.
Archbishop McCarthy High School Cadet Squadron -- Maj. George McCord.
Coral Springs Cadet Squadron -- Maj. Rick Strul.
Polk County Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col. William R. Rogerson.

Georgia Wing

Peachtree City Falcon Field Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col. David L. Austin.

Indiana Wing

Indiana State Legislative Squadron -- Maj. Kathy L. Bruns.
Grissom Cadet Squadron -- Maj. Sharon R. Groome.

Iowa Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Chaplain (Maj.) Ralph Cole.

Kansas Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Lt. Col. Eric Shappee and Maj. Rick G. Franz.

Louisiana Wing

Group 2 -- Lt. Col. Edmond A. Jones.
Group 5 -- Maj. Judith Lavalley.

Maine Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Majs. Kenneth S. Knightly and Merrie C. Knightly.

Maryland Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Lt. Col. Timothy J. Corrigan.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron -- Maj. Michael A. Crockett.
Carroll Composite Squadron -- Maj. Frank Jarosinski.

Massachusetts Wing

Hanscom Composite Squadron -- Maj. Peter Hand.

Michigan Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Chief Master Sgt. Henry C. Dotson.

Minnesota Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Maj. Janelle I. Gates.

Mississippi Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Maj. Thomas K. Riddle.

Missouri Wing

Group IV -- Maj. Carl W. Cope.

Nebraska Wing

Sandhills Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col. Dan A. Foster.

New Hampshire Wing

Seacoast Composite Squadron -- Majs. Jason S. Smith and Jillian L. Smith.

New York Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Lt. Col. George L. Fillgrove.
Long Island Group -- Lt. Col. Ellen G. Hirsch.
Mid-Eastern Group -- Lt. Col. Anita E. Martin.
South Eastern Group -- Lt. Col. William S. Bernfeld and Maj. Darren J. Cioffi.
Brian M. Mooney Cadet Squadron -- Maj. Michael Mooney.
Canandaigua Composite Squadron -- Maj. Robert W. Frost.
Lt. Col. Michael R. Noyes Middle School Cadet Squadron -- Maj. Mac T. Brice.
Owego Composite Squadron -- Maj. James R. Strickland.
Utica Cadet Squadron -- Chaplain (Maj.) Edwin R. Kopp.

North Carolina Wing

State Legislative Squadron -- Lt. Col. Paul D. Meade.

North Dakota Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Col. K. Walter Vollmers, Lt. Col. John P. Steiner and Maj. William Goldammer.
Red River Valley Senior Squadron -- Lt. Col. Gerald M. Manley.

Oklahoma Wing

Starbase Composite Squadron -- Maj. Joe Cavett.

Pennsylvania Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Maj. Annette M. Carlson.
Group 5 -- Majs. Richard E. Gray and Roy A. Long.
Allegheny County Composite Squadron -- Maj. Robin A. Steiner.
Nittany Composite Squadron 338 -- Maj. Erin C. Long.
Philadelphia Composite Squadron 102 -- Maj. Adam W. Wenclewicz.
York Composite Squadron 301 -- Maj. James Eiben.

Puerto Rico Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Majs. Aitmalys Perez and Jorge J. Rosario.
Group 5 -- Lt. Col. Carlos Fernandez.
Mayaguez Cadet Squadron -- Maj. Marie Ann Rivera.

South Carolina Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Maj. Yarborough M. Gleaton.
Group 3 Headquarters -- Maj. Michael Reynolds.
Murrells Inlet Cadet Squadron -- Maj. Suella M. Reynolds.

Tennessee Wing

Group 1 Headquarters -- Maj. William A. Renaud.

Texas Wing

Abilene Composite Squadron -- Maj. David S. Crymes.
Hobby Senior Squadron -- Lt. Col. Allen R. Maxwell.
Pegasus Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col. G. Dawn King.
Sheldon Cadet Squadron -- Lt. Col. James D. Peace.
South Fort Worth Composite Squadron -- Maj. Jay Workman.

Virginia Wing

Langley Composite Squadron -- Maj. Aaron E. Oliver.

Washington Wing

Wing Headquarters -- Majs. John R. Bittinger, Kenneth L. Gaver, Gregory D. Gessell and Donald E. Starr.
Yakima Composite Squadron -- Majs. Georgia A. Duncan and Jamie Treat.

West Virginia Wing

Beckley Composite Squadron -- Maj. James L. Childress.
Greenbrier Composite Squadron -- Maj. Alvin Fox.
Parkersburg Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col. Earl R. Loew.

Wisconsin Wing

461st Wisconsin Composite Squadron -- Maj. Joseph Hackett.

N.J. unit hosts son, biographer of former cadet who received Medal of Honor

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

(1) Edward J. Benfold, center left, and Craig E. Burgess with members of the Jack Schweiker Composite Squadron.

(2) The 60-year-old newspaper clipping showing that future Medal of Honor recipient Edward C. Benfold was a member of the New Jersey Wing’s Camden Cadet Squadron.

1st Lt. Mark Swanson
Public Affairs Officer
New Jersey Wing

NEW JERSEY -- Members of the Jack Schweiker Composite Squadron hosted two very special guests and friends at the unit’s recent monthly meeting -- Edward J. Benfold, son of a Medal of Honor recipient and former New Jersey Wing cadet, and biographer Craig Burgess.

Benfold’s father, Edward C. Benfold, was a member of the New Jersey Wing’s Camden Cadet Squadron in 1948-1949. He went on to enlist in 1950 in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman third class and was recognized with the Medal of Honor for courage in giving his life during the Korean War while serving with the 1st Marine Division.

The younger Benfold, who was a baby when his father left for Korea, showed the Schweiker cadets his father's medals as well as mementos from the namesake USS Benfold (DDG-65), an Arleigh Burke class destroyer. He also gave each of the cadets a commemorative coin from the ship, based in San Diego.

Burgess, who is the author of The Green Wave and the Navy: The History of the USS Benfold, told the cadets about how he grew up in the same New Jersey town as Benfold -- Audubon. The small town of 7,500 actually lays claim to three Medal of Honor recipients in Benfold; Army Sgt. 1st Class Nelson Brittin, also killed during the Korean War; and Army Cpl. Samuel Sampler, honored for heroism during World War I.

The squadron’s commander, 1st Lt. Don Cameron, the squadron commander, presented Benfold and Burgess with certificates of appreciation and the unit’s own challenge coin.

Lt. Col. Bob Jennings, New Jersey Wing chief of staff, described the program presented by Benfold and Cameron as "moving and stirring." Jennings expressed hope that the wing's relationship with the two men would grow in the future.

He invited Benfold to take part Dec. 12 in Wreath Across America ceremonies at Beverly National Cemetery, where Benfold's father is interred.

The wing and squadron placed wreaths on Benfold's grave for the first time at last year's ceremonies after learning from Burgess that a newspaper clipping from the late 1940s showed the future Medal of Honor recipient, for whom no CAP membership records exist, had been a cadet.