Nighthawk Squadron Newsletter-Civil Air Patrol

September Volume 1, Number 1

In This Issue
Civil Air Patrol Inspires Team Spirit CAP Quality Cadet Unit Nighthawks Schofield Earns Mitchell Award Glider Flight Academy Encampment Promotions Presidents Challenge CAP Fun Day in October Cadet Weekly Meeting Schedule Nighthawk Composite Squadron Week 1-PT-Wear Squadron tshirt and Black shorts Week 2-Emergency Services Wear BDUs

Civil Air Patrol Inspires Team Spirit

Written by C/SMSgt., Joseph Grant

One of the greatest benefits that the Civil Air Patrol can bestow on a cadet is a sense of team spirit. The sense that one is working with a group of people for a cause greater than ones self. Nighthawk Squadron is no exception. Our cadets worked together in 2011 and 2012 to become recognized as a Quality Cadet Unit. We have a distinguished Executive Staff who have worked to provide leadership trainings, drill days, and have helped to create a sense of high achievement and camaraderie. We have a strong team of cadets who all worked together to achieve this recognition. Being able to lead is only a small part of leadership. As a leader, one must learn how to work with others. Individuals form teams in the hope that Together Everyone Achieves More. (Taken from Learn to Lead).

When I think of personal examples of teamwork, I think about the opportunities I have had with Nighthawk and other squadrons spent gliding. There have been times that I have participated with Week 3-Character the group and provided ground support or provided training on Development/Leadership Wear BDUs hand signals. It is not always possible to actually be the person in Week 4- Aerospace the seat with the pilot. But when I think of each example, each of Education-Wear Blues those examples has helped others to be safe pilots and each of Week 5- Cadets Choice night those experiences will help me in the air when I am able to glide. Recently, a mentor asked me, Why is team spirit important? My answer to that is that the sum of the team is greater than each Dates to Remember: FALL CTEP/TLC individual person added together. We all need each other to Dates: 19 - 21 Oct grow, to be challenged and to raise ourselves to high standards. Fort Wolters, near Mineral According to our Learning to Lead curriculum, teams produce Wells, TX synergy, the idea that by working together they can achieve more than each individual could on their own. Winter Encampment
Dates: 26 - 31 Dec Fort Wolters, near Mineral Wells, TX

I feel very connected and also proud of Nighthawks designation as a Quality Cadet Unit. I congratulate you Nighthawk Squadron.

Winter Encampment Staff Day 25 Dec 2012

Nighthawk Squadron Recognized as a CAP Quality Cadet Unit

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Nighthawk Composite Squadron of Denton, Texas was selected as a 2011-12 CAP Quality Cadet Unit. Less than 200 of the 1,060 CAP units earned the distinction this year. Nighthawk cadets are one of only about 40 units who have earned the award all three years of the program. The Quality Cadet Unit award program is entirely objective and is given to those units who meet or exceed criteria in the following categories: adult leadership, aerospace education, cadet achievement, drug demand reduction participation, encampment, enrollment, growth, retention and participation in the cadet orientation flight program. Although units must meet at least five of the nine criteria, Nighthawk cadets were one of only 77 units nationwide who excelled in at least six areas.

Dates to Remember:

CAP Annual Banquet & Awards Ceremony, 8 December, Texas Womans University Fill the Boot Fundraiser, 15 &16 December
Executive Staff: Commander: Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel Bishop Deputy Commander: 2nd Lt. Jordan Caldwell Executive Officer: 2nd Lt. Teresa Schofield

Nighthawks Teresa Schofield earns Billy Mitchell Award

Written by C/SMSgt., Joseph Grant

Contact Me: porcupineaviator@yahoo.com Public Affairs Officer Joseph Grant, C/SMSgt

Dentons Nighthawk Squadron will be presented the Civil Air Patrols General William Billy Mitchell Award to Teresa Schofield, Chief Master Sergeant of Denton, Texas on September 28, 2012. The award presented honors the late Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for America. Considered the father of the United States Air Force, William Mitchell is famous for his visionary ideas on military strategy and the controversy that led to a demotion and eventual court-martial. When the United States entered World War I in 1917, Mitchell became the Air Officer for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), led by General of the Armies John J. Black Jack Pershing. The Civil Air Patrols Billy Mitchell Award has existed since 1964, which is earned after completing the first eight of the sixteen achievements of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. In addition, the cadet must pass a comprehensive 100-question examination testing leadership theory and aerospace topics.

Nighthawks Caldwell and Grant attend the Texas Wing Glider Flight Academy
Written by C/SMSgt., Joseph Grant

The Texas Wing Cadet Glider Flight Academy (GFA) was held 8-14 July at the Soaring Club of Houston near Waller, TX. This year there were simultaneous academies for Advanced and Basic glider training. Both Deputy Commander Caldwell and I attended the Basic glider training. Both Deputy Commander Caldwell and I were able to glide and were also able to attain valuable ground training. The primary requirements for cadet students are: 1) CAP members in good standing, 2) hold the rank of C/SrA 3) be at least age 14 and, 4) have attended at least one cadet basic encampment. Please talk to either one of us if you have questions about the program.

Nighthawks Summer Season is highlighted by Encampment

Written by C/SMSgt., Joseph Grant

Civil Air Patrol encampments are a unique opportunity for young adults between the ages of 12 -21. To expand their leaderships skills and gain an early understanding of the military lifestyle. Over the course of a week, cadets are introduced to a variety of mental and physical challenges designed to reinforce the Civil Air Patrol values including integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. Successful completion of encampment is required for consideration of the Billy Mitchell Award and also opens up opportunities for cadets including special activities. One brag about summer encampment includes our own Cadet Personius who was selected as Honor Cadet. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Nighthawks September Promotions

Congratulations to the following cadets who were promoted in September! Audra Milbitz to Amn Tanner Woods to Amn Caleb Roessner to A1C Ryan Carter to SSgt Austin Alberts to TSgt Mathew Rowe to MSgt Austin Peralez to SMSgt Jordan Perlez to SMSgt Seth Peralez to SMSgt Teresa Schofield to 2Lt Katy Welch to 2Lt Ian Martinez to Amn

Nighthawks attend Texas Wing Airman Leadership School

Several cadets of the Denton Civil Air Patrol attended the Texas Wing Airman Leadership School (ALS) at Fort Wolters Training Site in Mineral Wells from Sept 14-16. ALS is a three-day leadership course for new or recent members of the CAP cadet program in which students from across the state learn basic drill and ceremonies, leadership theory, and the fundamentals of the cadet program-all in an intense bootcamp-style training environment. Seven Denton cadets served on staff, including the Cadet Commander of the event, C/1st LT. Daniel Bishop. Friday evening started out with in-processing for the thirty-plus students, after which the staff set the training tone and directed them to the classroom. The classroom curriculum consisted of briefings ranging from cadet programs topics like CAP history, proper uniform wear, and core values to leadership theory topics such as group dynamics, followership, and leadership styles. The students were given

tedious essay and speech writing assignments throughout the weekend, sometimes having very little time to complete them. Through this, the students learned vital skills such as time management and communication. Each morning began with an intense physical training regimen, after which all were served a hearty breakfast by Dentons C/MSgt Jordan Peralez and his mess staff. Training throughout the day consisted of more classes, assignments, and Air Forcestyle drill and ceremonies. After the students were exhausted and struggling to perform alone in the training environment, the cadet instructor corps led them in a series of team-building exercises and group leadership projects. By the end of the second day, the students had learned to work together and propogate team spirit to succeed. The graduation ceremony was held at the Weatherford College auditorium, where parents had the opportunity to see their children give their speeches and receive their certificates. Texas is one of the only CAP wings to offer this course. ALS is the first level in a series of schools that make up CTEPCadet Training and Education Program. The graduates may go on to attend the other four levels of CTEP, as well as the Winter Encampment-a week long program likened to basic training.

The Presidents Challenge to begin the first Monday in November

In an effort to improve fitness and PT scores, we will be participating in a PT challenge the first Monday in November. Cadets will have the opportunity to compete in the President's Challenge for PT. The National Award will be given to

cadets who complete the PT test at the 50 percentile, which corresponds to the Mitchell requirements. Cadets who exceed the 85% percentile will be awarded the Presidential Award. Cadets must complete all five PT categories (sit & reach, push ups, curl-ups, shuttle run and mile run) at either the 50 or 85 percentile for their age and gender (regardless of CAP grade) to qualify for the award. Cadets will be responsible for knowing what scores they must make in each category and should have these scores written on their arm on a small slip of paper they carry with them. You will have the opportunity to complete a practice test for these two awards when you complete your PT test on the first Monday in October. This will give you one month to adequately prepare for the President's Challenge and National Award. Certificates will be presented at the banquet for those who qualify.

October 28 is CAP Fun Day

The meeting on October 29th (fifth Monday) will be held at Pioneer Hall at TWU, the place where we do PT. We will be playing basketball, volleyball, and possibly other fun things like GLP's. The uniform will be PT, and we will be meeting at TWU at 6:30 (we will not be going to the hangar). We will be done at 8:30, so make sure your ride knows how to get there.