Capt Julius Garrett, Commander

MER-VA-108

Fall 2011 Edition

FROM THE COMMANDERS DESK

Greetings members: Senior & Cadet Members of the squadron met recently to set squadron goals for the upcoming year. The following are the goals that we will use to focus our efforts and activities: CADET PROGRAMS: Provide a well-rounded cadet program, as evidenced by earning the Quality Cadet Unit Award in 2012. http://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/library quality_cadet_unit_award.cfm EMERGENCY SERVICES: Have an active Emergency Services program by having enough qualified members to be able to field a minimum of one aircrew and one ground team for missions. At least 70% of all members will have completed the General Emergency Services exam. AEROSPACE EDUCATION: In addition to the activity for the Quality Cadet Unit Award, 50% of all seniors will have earned the Yeager Award. Staff members should develop their own program goals to support accomplishing these goals and coordinate these with the appropriate deputy commander. Goals should be for an entire program area (e.g. cadet programs, operations) and involve all Senior and Cadet Staff assigned to that area. Regards, Capt Garrett In picture from left to right: Capt Garrett at GSAR college with C/1st Lt Xavier Campbell and C/CMSgt Daniel Sylvia.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Fri-Sun, Oct 14-16 Virginia Wing Conference Richmond VA Sat/Sun, Oct 15-16 Spotsylvania County Sherriffs Joint Search and Rescue Training Luck Stone Quarry, Massaponax Saturday, Oct 15 Wings & Wheels Air Show Stafford Regional Airport Nov. Date TBD, White House Tour Saturday, November 12 Squadron Wreath Sales Locations TBD Thursday, December 1 CAP 70th Anniversary Party Saturday, December 3 Christmas Lights Parade Fredericksburg VA Saturday, December 10 Wreaths Across America Ceremony Quantico National Cemetery Triangle VA Saturday, Dec 17 Salvation Army Bell Ringing Spotsylvania Mall Entrance Saturday, January 14 Squadron Dining-out Awards Ball Fredericksburg Country Club

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2011 SUMMER NATIONAL CADET SPECIAL ACTIVITIES GRADUATES

HAWK MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE SCHOOL, Kempton, PA By C/CMSgt Gabriela Duncan, Eagle Flight Commander Hawk Mountain Ranger School was way more fun, challenging and rewarding than I thought it would be. I learned so much about leadership and teamwork that I had never really thought of before. I'd have to say my favorite part was our squadron survival hike and the morning PT. I'm not exactly one for PT (like, at all), but I really learned that if you stay motivated, work with your team and truly give 110%, you can go way past the limits you set for yourself. I definitely plan on going back next year! I highly recommend this activity to all motivated cadets, it's well worth it.
In picture from left to right: C/1stLt. Charles Hancock (Roanoke Composite Squadron), C/CMSgt. David Bell (Roanoke Composite Squadron), C/CMSgt. Jordan Shryer (Montgomery Composite Squadron), C/2ndLt. Charles Bell (Roanoke Composite Squadron), C/CMSgt. Gabriela Duncan (Fredericksburg Composite Squadron)

NATIONAL BLUE BERET, Oshkosh, WI By C/CMSgt Daniel Sylvia, Color Guard Commander After two weeks at National Blue Beret, I walked away with a lot of memories and skills that Ill remember for a lifetime. We were on the front lines at AirVenture, the largest air show in the country in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We started with two days of training in Flight Line Marshalling and getting prepared for the next week and a half. It began with the big Fly-In. We directed over 2,000 planes in the first two days. We also spent time searching for over-due aircraft, finding ELTs (electronic locator transmitter), and providing crowd control services for the air show. At one point, an F-16 had a system failure that caused it to overshoot the runway. Blue Beret cadets worked around the clock, keeping the crowd away from the crash site until it could be moved. When I arrived at NBB, I was assigned to Lima Flight. Throughout the two weeks, you only spend time with your flight. We became a band of brothers that worked together from sunrise to sunset. Leaving Blue Beret was like leaving a family. (C/1st Lt Xavier Campbell also attended NBB as well as Glider Flight Academy in Rome, GA.)

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HONOR GUARD ACADEMY, Westminster, MD By C/1st Lt Nathan Leon Guerrero, Former Cadet Commander

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If you thought Encampment was hard, Honor Guard Academy will be your Mt. Everest. At two weeks long, Honor Guard Academy (HGA) is one of the longest and toughest NCSAs that Cadets: CAP has to offer. Not only does it test your physical strength, Paul Eley, Jr., Georganna Grizzard, but your mental discipline as well. Students, unlike EncampShawna Mumma, Nikolas Rivera, ment, are divided into three hat colors: White (first year), Blue Nathan Sequeira, (second year), and Red (third year). Black hats, are Cadet and Senior staff who along with the USAF Honor Guard teach baSeniors: sic, intermediate and advanced levels of the academys four eleRyan Blanding, Beatrice Garrett ments. Exhibition Drill: Using Mark 1 Parade Rifles, Honor Guardsmen must coordinate precise movements and timing to create a fantastic display of Team work and Skill as they spin, flip, and toss rifles around the performance area, showing outstanding military bearing as rifles fly in front of their face. Colors: Our Nations Flag is a symbol of Power and Freedom throughout the world and must be treated as such. Honor Guardsmen practice for hours remaining motionless for extended periods of time to be able to perform any task that they are called upon for. Whether it is a parade or ceremony, the colors of our Nation will stay high and protected. Body Bearers: To those who give the ultimate sacrifice, we stand ready to give the highest honors. From guarding the casket to actually carrying it, Guardsmen are trained to lie to rest those who have fought for this country and our principles and to give the last respects to those who gave their all. Drug Demand Reduction: This element replaces the Honor Guard firing party, but is important all the same. . Drugs are everywhere on the street, in schools and even in your own house, DDR like other drug awareness programs, teaching our youth not only to say no, but what theyre saying no to. After the academy, you dont just stop all that youve practiced, you continue your training to become better and better each time, as the HGA motto says Not to set the standards C/1st Lt Nathan Leon Guerrero but to exceed them. If youre interested in ways you can do serve more in your Community, State and Nation, Honor Guard Academy may be the program youve been looking for.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

C/1st Lt Nathan Leon Guerrero served on staff at 2011 HGA as a Black Hat. (C/2d Lt Matthew Papandrea was a 2nd Year Blue Hat).

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2011 NCSA GRADUATES CONTD

POWERED FLIGHT ACADEMY, Blackstone, Va By C/SMSgt Rachel Sydow, New Cadet Trainer I joined Civil Air Patrol to learn how to fly so attending National Flight Academy was a dream come true. I learned a lot both in the airplane and on the ground. We flew about two hours a day and spent three to four hours in ground school. I got to meet a lot of amazing pilots and got to interact with many great cadets from all over the east coast. There were 24 cadets in attendance, 23 of which stayed throughout the entire academy, and 11 of which soloed. I did not get a chance to FLIGHTLINE solo, but this opportunity helped jumpstart my flight training. This academy helped teach me a lot of responsibility, but it also required a lot of dedication and hard work on the part of each and every cadet. I definitely recommend considering attending this NCSA whether you intend to fly in the future or not, because it is a great program for any young person to experience. CIVIL ENGINEERING FAMILIARIZATION COURSE, Tyndall AFB, FL By C/CMSgt Jairus Tabb, First Sergeant The Air Force Civil Engineering Academy focused on construction. During my time there, I built a tent that could house 10 airmen, turned mud into drinkable water, built a runway, studied improvised explosive devices and explosive ordnance disposal, worked on generators, and was issued a replica M-4. Also, we were taught by real Air Force instructors. This NCSA is particularly different from others, because it is more laid back and there is no cadet staff. My favorite part of the week was our combat training day! We learned tactical defenses and ambushed the Senior Members with water guns and balloons! However, after being in the heat and dirt, the highlight of the week was going out to eat and swimming in Panama Beach, FL. The overall experience gave me an enhanced view of what happens before troops are deployed. Without a doubt, the Air Force Civil Engineers are needed as much as troops. In order to be eligible for a NCSA you must first attend a Cadet Encampment. For additional information go to: www.ncsas.com (or talk to these cadets).

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WINTER NCSAS HAVE BEEN POSTED

The winter national activities have been posted to www.ncsas.com. The two activities that are offered this year are the Civics Leadership Academy (25 Feb to 3 Mar) and the National Character and Leadership Symposium (22-25 Feb). Applications will be accepted through 15 October. CLA is for cadets interested in politics and careers in public service. Cadets participate in behind-the scenes tours and briefings at the Capitol, Supreme Court, State Department, Pentagon, CIA, FBI, Arlington, and more. Cadets must possess the Mitchell Award at time of application, be at least 16 years old by 20 Feb 12, and be in Physical Fitness Category I. Seniors may also apply NLT 15 Jan to be a legislative escort serving only on 1 March. For more information, see www.capmembers.com/civics. NCLS is an activity sponsored by the USAF Academy that provides cadets the opportunity to engage in dialogue with visiting undergraduate university student leaders from across the country in seminars and discussions designated to enhance their own understanding of the importance and challenges of sound moral character and leadership. Cadets must be at least 18 years old by 31 Dec 11, be enrolled full-time in college, possess the Earhart Award at time of application, and possess a GPA of 3.3 or higher. For more information, see www.capmembers.com/ncls.

ARE YOU WEARING YOUR RED SERVICE RIBBON?

By Lt Col Liz Sydow, Professional Development Officer
bronze

CAP recognizes length of service for cadet and senior members with two or more years in the program. CAPR 39-3 outlines the requirements:

clasp

21.b. Red Service Ribbon. Awarded at the end of 2 years (as a cadet or senior member in good standing). (1). First Bronze Clasp. Awarded at the end of 3 additional years (total of 5 years). (2). Additional Bronze Clasps. One additional bronze clasp will be awarded for each additional 5 years of service. A maximum of three bronze clasps (denoting 15 years of service) will be worn. (3). Longevity Device. A metal number, denoting years of service, awarded at the end of 20 years and in increments of 5 years thereafter. The longevity device is worn centered on the red service ribbon and the bronze clasps are no longer worn. To apply for the ribbon or clasp/device: 19. Administration Procedures for Award of Activity and Service Ribbons. The individual member is responsible for preparing and submitting to the unit commander CAP Form 2a, Request for and Approval of Personnel Actions, when the requirements for an activity or service ribbon have been completed. CAP Form 2a is available at http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/capf002a_AE99078390D30.doc. Complete sections I and III. In section VI list date joined. Member signs and adds their information as Requestor. We will have a box at the sign-in table for turning in forms. Members must be current in monthly Safety and Seniors must have completed Equal Opportunity Training in order for the award to be processed. Both classes are short and can be done online in eServices (Online Safety Training and CAP On-line Courses and Exams). Once the award is approved, the member is responsible for purchasing their ribbon. The squadron will have a limited supply of ribbons for sale or you can order through Vanguard.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Capt Jeffrey Smith

By C/TSgt Nicholas Leake, Cadet PAO I recently had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Captain Jeffrey Smith. I caught up with Capt. Smith at Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg where he was getting ready to take several cadets on an O Flight. Orientation Flights are a series of five flights that are designed to introduce the cadet to the basics. The cadet is able to participate in preflight planning and a preflight inspection, before getting hands on experience operating the aircraft in flight. The program allows for the cadets to observe other cadets flying (by sitting in the back seat of the aircraft) as well being able to fly to different airports. Capt. Smith lives in Stafford, VA with his wife and 2 year old daughter. He moved to Stafford from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida about a year and a half ago. His love of flying began when he was in college working at a local airport. SENIOR MEMBER There was a flight school on the field and he convinced one of ACHIEVEMENTS the flight instructors to take him up for a flight. It was after that By Lt Col Liz Sydow, first flight that he knew he wanted to become a pilot. He earned Professional Development Officer his private pilot certificate in February 2001. He learned about the CAP organization from a friend at Promotions: work who is a member of the Civil Air Patrol. After speaking 2d Lt Lisa Sylvia, 1Lt Agata Thompson, with her about her involvement he realized that joining the CAP Capt Richard Leonard would be a great way to fly as well as contribute to the community. Capt. Smith joined the Fredericksburg Squadron in March Specialty Ratings: 2011. Although he has not yet participated in a Search and ResPersonnel Technician1Lt R. Fulton cue (SAR) Mission with the CAP, he is very interested in beFinance TechnicianLt Col Liz Sydow coming qualified to fly and participate in SAR missions. He is Finance Sr. RatingCapt Leonard currently working on becoming a qualified mission scanner. Prof. Dev. MasterLt Col Liz Sydow Capt. Smith offers the following advice to cadets interCadet Programs Technicians: ested in becoming a pilot: Being a cadet in the CAP and taking 1Lt Agata Thompson, 1Lt Linda Tabb, advantage of the orientation flights is a great way to start! A 1Lt Tyler Floyd cadet can take formal flight instruction from a local flight school at any age, but cannot obtain a student pilot certificate Professional Development: until they are at least 16 years old (for airplanes). If the cadet is Level I not ready for formal instruction, I would recommend the cadet SM Brandon White read and study some of the aeronautical information that is available. A good place to start would be the Airplane Flying Officer Basic Course Handbook or the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical KnowlSM Carmen Rutigliano edge. These can be purchased, or downloaded from the FAA website at: http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/ Training Leaders of Cadets: handbooks_manuals/aviation/ Lt Col Liz Sydow, 1Lt Linda Tabb, 1Lt Agata Thompson, 1Lt Tyler Floyd, Next time you see Captain Smith be sure to ask him 1Lt Maria Leon Guerrero about his flight with the bees!

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Flight Commanders receive their guidons.

THE FIRST TIME GOERS GUIDE TO ENCAMPMENT

By C/TSgt Jacob Barber, Cadet PAO At Virginia Wing Cadet Encampment (ENC) you will be tested physically, mentally, and emotionally. Encampment is a lot of work, but if you are dedicated, and hard working, you will have just as much fun as you do work.

When you arrive at ENC you are immediately ushered into an old hangar, where you check in. Once you check in, you are given an SOP, then you will be driven to your barracks and rushed in to set up your home away from home for the next nine days. After all the setup is complete, you are marched to the theater where you are given a briefing, an introduction, and your flight is given its guidon. The next morning was a shock. You are jolted out of sleep with yelling and whistles, rushed outside, and into formation. Once your are done with PT it's off to the showers then breakfast. After the days activities, which could be: LRC, confidence course, repelling, pugil stick fighting, simulators, APFT, or pass in review practice, you are given dinner, possibly another shower, and evening activities, then bedtime. THINGS TO KNOW SOP: Your guide to ENC that outlines the rules and facts you need to know. LRC: (Leadership Reaction Course) An obstacle course with a wet, and a dry side. Don't fall in the water it is very gross. Honor Flight: The flight that did the best in Cleanliness, SOP trivia, and overall bearing. Barracks: Your home away from home, and where you sleep. Pass in Review: The Graduating parade and drill ceremony. AFPT: The Air Force's style of PT. More push ups, running, and sweat. Confidence Course: An obstacle course that involves jumping, crawling, climbing, swinging. Emergen-C: A little packet of powder with a very strong taste. Leadership Reaction Course

Confidence Course

ADVICE: Listen to staff. Eat all the food. Stay dry. (It is tempting to fall in the LRC). Keep your Camelback in the shade and keep it full. Get in the shade to stay cold. Keep your bunk area clean as a whistle. Stay hydrated and full of Emergen-C. Photos from: Cadet Gazette Newsletter Congratulations to Encampment 2011 cadets! You met the challenge and completed the mission!
Cadet Staff: C/SMSgt Boelsche, C/CMSgt Duncan, C/2dLt Papandrea, C/CMSgt Strickland, C/CMSgt Tabb Cadet Basics: C/SSgt Barber, C/A1C Horne, C/Amn Kyle, C/Amn Lyon, C/A1C Mead, C/SrA Padgett, C/A1C Roberson, C/TSgt Strickland, C/A1C Swann, C/A1C Sylvia, C/SrA Turbyfill, C/SrA Vandevander, C/SrA Woods

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CADET COMMANDERS CORNER

By C/2d Lt Rachel Boelsche

SCOTTISH GAMES
By 1Lt Linda Tabb, Deputy Commander for Cadets

One of the Civil Air Patrols core values is Volunteer Service which is about selflessness. Communication is Key! In other words, its the difference between giving As we move out of summer and into fall, we all and taking. From September 3 to 4 (Labor Day have changes in our schedule. School, fall athletics, or weekend) the following cadets and senior members even work can claim chunks of your time. Its natural gave above and beyond by parking over 7,000 cars to be busier at some points in the year than others, and at the Scottish Games. I would like to express my I am certainly proud of the many accomplishments our genuine appreciation to the following: cadets experience in the world outside of CAP. The squadron will always supports these pursuits, but we C/SSgt Jacob Barber, 2Lt. Shari Barber, always hope Civil Air Patrol still plays an important C/SMSgt John Boelsche, C/CMSgt Gabriela role in your lives. Its worth it to give CAP those couDuncan, C/B Georganna Grizzard, C/SMSgt Daniel ple of hours every Thursday! Montanero, C/TSgt Rebecca Montanero, If you do find yourself becoming busy with C/TSgt John Strickland, C/CMSgt Justine other things, dont freak out. School always comes beStrickland, C/A1C Luke Strickland, fore CAP, and sometimes its necessary to prioritize Lt Col Elizabeth Sydow, C/SMSgt Rachel Sydow, your activities. Just be sure to stay in touch. If you C/CMSgt Daniel Sylvia, 2Lt Lisa Sylvia, need to take some time off, let your chain of command 2Lt Garland Tabb, C/CMSgt J. Selena Tabb, know. Pay attention to the e-mails, and be sure to sign C/SrA Michael Vandevander, C/A1C Nikyla up if theres an activity you can commit to. No matter Wardrop, C/A1C Elias Wesbrock. how busy life gets, never overlook the importance of communication. We dont want you to miss out on the Volunteers aren't paid, not because they are many unique and rewarding opportunities Civil Air worthless, but because they are priceless. Patrol has to offer just because you didnt take two Anonymous minutes to log into your e-mail account!

Thank You!

CADET ORIENTATION FLIGHTS (O-RIDES)

Congratulations to our cadets who took to the skies with Capt Smith this summer: C/SrA David Turbyfill, C/SrA Joshua Turbyfill, C/SrA Michael Vandevander. Photos by C/TSgt Nicholas Leake, Cadet PAO. Capt Smith goes over the pre-flight checklist with the cadets.

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VA-108 CYBERPATRIOT TEAM PREPARING FOR COMPETITION

By 2d Lt Lisa Sylvia, PAOCyberpatriot Coach The squadrons Cyberpatriot Team is preparing for competition. All cadets are welcome to join our practice sessions to see what it is all about. All practice and competition sessions will be at Coach Sylvias home, 2706 Francis Ct, Fredericksburg VA 22408. Transportation to and from is on your own. Contact Coach Sylvia for schedule information: 540-2075028. The team mentor, Ujaval Patel, is an AFROTC cadet getting his masters in software engineering. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in computer science. He resides in King George. Our registered team members are: C/SSgt Jacob Barber, C/2d Lt Luke Clark, C/TSgt Nick Leake, C/TSgt John Strickland, C/A1C Luke Strickland, C/CMSgt Daniel Sylvia. CADET PROMOTIONS GO TEAM! Congratulations to the following cadets who have CADET SPOTLIGHT promoted in the past 90 days: By 2d Lt Lisa Sylvia, Public Affairs Officer John Curry (Achievement 1) C/2dLt MATTHEW PAPANDREA EARNS C/Amn Jeremiah Browne MITCHELL AWARD. Gen Hap Arnold (Achievement 2) C/2dLt. Papandrea, a Civil Air Patrol member C/A1C Brian Meade, C/A1C Conor Roberson, since March 2009, is a freshman at Mountain C/A1C Nicholas Swann, C/A1C James Lopes View High School. He is enrolled in the marching band and will be swimming for the Wildcats. Mary Feik (Achievement 3) C/2dLt. Papandrea has been a competitive swimC/SrA Ian Woods, C/SrA Michael Vandevander, mer for 7 years and most recently swam for the C/SrA Joshua Turbyfill, C/SrA Garrett Horne Quantico Sharks. Eddie Rickenbacker (Achievement 4) C/2dLt. Papandrea attended the Civil Air Patrol C/TSgt Rebecca Montanaro, C/TSgt John Strickland National Honor Guard Academy in Westminster, MD two years in a row. Last year he was Charles Lindburgh (Achievement 5) awarded Honor Cadet and this year he was awarded Honor and Pride Cadet. Jimmy Doolittle (Achievement 6) C/SMSgt John Boelsche, C/SMSgt Daniel Montanaro C/2dLt. Papandrea attended the Virginia Wing Encampment the last three summers. He attended Robert Goddard (Achievement 7) the wing encampment as a basic in 2009. In 2010 C/CMSgt Justine Strickland and 2011, he attended the encampment as a Flight Sergeant and a First Sergeant respectfully. ServMilestoneBilly Mitchell Award ing on the encampment staff at the state level is a Phase II Completion, The Leadership Phase high honor. He currently serves the FredericksC/2d Lt Matthew Papandrea burg Composite Squadron as the Falcon Flight Commander.

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WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

By Lt Col Liz Sydow, Finance Officer To be killed in war is not the worst that can happen. To be lost is not the worst that can happen to be forgotten is the worst." -Pierre Claeyssens (1909-2003) We have the opportunity to make sure those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom are not forgotten by participating in Wreaths Across America. Wreaths Across America is a non-profit organization with a mission to help America remember and honor its veterans by placing wreaths on gravesites in the National Cemeteries every December. We support the program by taking wreath orders and by participating in the wreath laying ceremony at Quantico National Cemetery. This year the ceremony will be Dec 10th. The squadron is taking orders for wreaths and challenging all members to sell at least three wreaths to help meet our goal of selling 200. Wreaths are $15 each and order forms are available at the meetings. A copy is also on the Yahoo site. The goal of three is NOT a quota--no one will be checking up. Instead, we will be tracking our overall progress as a squadron. You can talk to family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, businesses...many people want to honor our veterans but don't have the opportunity. Orders must be turned in by Nov 17th to the squadron or placed online by Nov 28th. We earn $5 for each wreath order sold by the squadron. As an added incentive, any squadron member who sells at least five wreaths will get a free ticket to the squadron Dining Out on Jan 14th, a military dinner followed by a dance. Because there is no way to track online orders against an individual seller, only orders turned in to the squadron with cash or check will count towards this incentive. More information on Wreaths Across America is available at http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/remember/

THURSDAY MEETINGS 6:30pm9:00pm MEETING LOCATION:

Virginia National Guard Armory 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg VA (Senior meetings on 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month) MAILING ADDRESS: Fredericksburg Composite Squadron 24 Cascade Ln Fredericksburg VA 22406-4224 SQUADRON COMMANDER Capt Julius Garrett 540-752-0363 mr_jwg@verizon.net DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR CADETS 1st Lt Linda Tabb 757-880-4216 latabb@comcast.net DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR SENIORS Capt Richard Leonard 540-408-3149 pwcpig116@comcast.net CADET COMMANDER C/2dLt Rachel Boelsche 540-834-0155 cadetboelsche@yahoo.com RECRUITMENT & RETENTION OFFICER 2d Lt Shari Barber 540-373-5215 billfarber@yahoo.com PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER 2d Lt Lisa Sylvia 540-207-5028 lisamariesylvia@verizon.net