Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron

Volume 1, Issue 3 - Spring 2011

Recent Promotions: C/CMSgt Ryan C. Lucas C/SrA Catherine L. Addington C/SrA Ryan R. McFadden

Bolling Air Force Base / Bishop Ireton High School

United States Air Force AuxiliaryCivil Air Patrol

Cadets Attend JSOH Air Show

The cadets of Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron recently attended the 2011 Joint Service Open House and Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. Cadets manned several stands over the course of the weekend, to include both fundraising and recruiting opportunities. Cadets from other squadrons also worked the show, providing a great image for the organization.

Upcoming Events:

Become A Pilot Day: 18 June 2011 End of Term Party: 18 June 2011 Police Obstacle Course: 25 June 2011

All in all, the Air Show was enjoyable, exciting , and enlightening. The cadets look forward to many more years of participation in such a great Many cadets enjoyed the Air Show, which was their event. favorite part of working the event. Air performers Below, left: C/SrA Catherine Addington with a such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Army U.S. Coast Guard helicopter Golden Knights were the star attractions of the show. The static displays were also intriguing, with Below, right: C/Amn Melanie Blower on the Rusmany planes, jets, and helicopters dotting the area. sian Volga-Dnepr plane

About Us: Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron is a unit of the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol. We proudly serve our community, state, and nation as we are formed in aerospace education, physical fitness and moral leadership. We operate out of Bolling Air Force Base (AFlight), Washington, DC and Bishop Ireton High School (BFlight), Alexandria, Virginia.

Recent Cadet Achievements

The Bishop Ireton Crew Team, including many of Challengers cadets, recently won another Cindy Cole Cup. Cadets on the crew team include C/MSgt Caitlin Lucas, C/SrA Abigail Steinberger, C/SrA Lily Ramey, and C/Amn Catherine Burgin. The team also did well in the recent Stotes regatta. Congratulations to the cadets for their athletic achievements. C/Amn Melanie Blower and C/ SrA Catherine Addington were recently elected officers in the International Thespian Society at Bishop Ireton High School. Congratulations to the cadets on their positions in this honor society for the dramatic arts. Congratulations to C/Amn Michael Andersen on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Likewise, congratulations to C/ Amn Robert Beydler on his appointment to the United States Naval Academy; C/SrA David Soliotis on his acceptance to the Virginia Military Institute; and C/Amn Kevin Corcoran on his acceptance to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Finally, congratulations to all of Challengers graduating seniors, who have all done an excellent job in academics and in the cadet program.

Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Volunteer Service Semper Vigilans Challenger OneSecond to None

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Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron

Cadets Receive Basic Water Survival Training from Marines

On Saturday, 16 April 2011, Cadets attended a Basic Water Survival Training from USMC Water Survival Instructors at MCB Quantico, VA. The cadets learned how to uses their clothes as floatation devices by tying knots in the arms or legs of the garment and splashing air and water into the rest of the clothing to make them buoyant. The instructors also taught how this was possible with a backpack. The cadets line up for instructions regarding water survival situations. The cadets also learned how to remove a helmet, Kevlar vest, and rifle in under ten seconds, while underwater. Many of the cadets enjoyed learning how to properly aban- Cadets use the high dive as a simulation for don ship with the jumping ship. use of a 20 ft. high platform. Some cadets even overcame their fear of heights or their inability to swim by jumping off the low or high dive, or patiently and calmly working with the sergeants to learn basic swim strokes.

Cadets practice using backpacks as As a final exercise, the flotation devices. cadets gathered in a circle in the deep end of the pool and passed a 10 pound brick around, trying to tread water and keep the brick above it. The cadets did this for an astonishing twenty minutes before it was time to leave! C/Amn Reese summed up, The training was very exhilarating. I enjoyed every moment of it. The high tower was breathtaking. It was a great use of time, and team building. The USMC instructors were impressed by the maturity and level of enthusiasm of the cadets, and have invited them back for future training.

Tour of U.S.S. Barry and Navy Yard Museum

On 7 May 2011, the cadets visited the display ship USS Barry and followed the tour guided by squadron commander Capt. Lucas. Capt. Lucas, having served in the Navy with Explosive Ordnance Disposal, described to the cadets what life on a ship is like. The cadets also learned proper boarding procedures for a military ship, which include military courtesies not necessarily familiar to the other services. Afterwards, the cadets visited the museum at the Navy Yard. The USS Barry, decommissioned in 1982 and now a museum ship, has served in the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. She is a Forrest Sherman-class destroyer of the United States Navy and was launched in 1955.

Left: The cadets gather around the table in the Officers Wardroom on the USS Barry. Right: Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron
salutes a group of Honor Flight veterans visiting the museum at the Washington Navy Yard after a tour of the USS Barry.

Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Volunteer Service Semper Vigilans Challenger OneSecond to None

Volume 1, Issue 3 - Spring 2011

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Cadets Attend Marine Parade

On Friday, 6 May 2011, cadets and their families attended the United States Marine Corps Evening Parade. This one hour and fifteen minute performance showcased the extraordinary talents of The Presidents Own Marine band, "The Commandant's Own," The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the emotionally moving Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. C/SrA David Souliotis commented that The Marine Corps parade was an incredible experience for all who attended. The Barracks at 8th and I are very historic, and the band, the drum and bugle corps, and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon put on a great show and gave everyone an appreciation for the military.

Cadet Honor Guard Lays Wreath at National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
On 15 May 2011, the Cadet Honor Guard of Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron placed a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during National Police Week. The ceremony was in honor of the law enforcement officers who had given their lives this year, the names of whom were read aloud by C/ MSgt Caitlin Lucas while C/SrA David Souliotis and C/SrA Ryan McFadden kept vigil. C/CMSgt Ryan Lucas, C/SrA Abigail Steinberger, and C/SrA Lily Ramey laid the wreath, and C/SrA Steinberger offered a police officers prayer. The wreath laying was a perfect example of what the cadet honor guard strives to accomplish in their mission with Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron: honor those who serve, and the country with which they serve. This is often in the form of color guard or in support to the Air Force community, but the cadets agree that it finds its most profound manifestation in remembering the fallen.

Left to right: C/SrA Lily Ramey, C/SrA Abigail Steinberger, C/CMSgt Ryan Lucas,
C/SrA David Souliotis (not visible), and C/SrA Ryan McFadden carry out the wreath laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Cadets Support Bishop Ireton High School Community

On 9 April 2011, members of Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron helped at the Bishop Ireton High School PTO Clean-Up. As a partner organization of Bishop Ireton, Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron often gives back to the community that has been such a gracious host for B-Flight. C/Amn Melanie Blower participates in the Bishop Ireton High School PTO Clean-Up

Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Volunteer Service Semper Vigilans Challenger OneSecond to None

Cadets Having Fun!

Top left: C/SrA David Souliotis and C/ CMSgt Ryan Lucas on the bridge of the USS Barry. Top right: C/Amn Melanie Blower enjoys training with the Marines. Center right: C/AB Eric Borio gives a thumbs up to the Basic Water Survival. Bottom left: C/SrA Ryan McFadden is in charge at the Navy Museum.

Our Newsletter
For more news, please check our squadron website, Squadron Commander: Capt. Steven Lucas, CAP dc060.mytroop.us, regularly. Cadet Public Affairs Officer: C/Amn Melanie To contribute news stories, cadet achievements, or Blower, CAP photos from recent events, please send them by Assistant Cadet Public Affairs Officer: C/SrA Cathemail to the Cadet Public Affairs Officer, C/Amn erine Addington, CAP Melanie Blower, or Assistant Cadet Public Affairs Officer, C/SrA Catherine L. Addington, at Squadron Public Affairs Contact Information: dc060.pa@natcapwg.cap.gov. dc060.pa@natcapwg.cap.gov This newsletter was compiled by C/Amn Melanie Blower and C/SrA Catherine Addington. Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Volunteer Service Semper Vigilans Challenger OneSecond to None Pleast direct queries, suggestions, and information to the personnel listed at left.