Showing posts with label CADET. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CADET. Show all posts
26 March 2010
28 January 2010
Cadet: Audie Murphy
65 Years ago:
Jan. 26, 1945: U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Audie L. Murphy’s B Company, 15th Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division is positioned on the outskirts of Holtzwihr, France, when suddenly the company is attacked by six tanks and at least 250 snow-white camouflaged German infantrymen – members of the elite 2nd Gebirgsjaeger (Mountain Hunter) Division.
Murphy, the ranking officer (previous fighting had decimated the officer ranks), immediately orders his men to fall back. He remains forward on the command post telephone directing artillery fire against the enemy. When an officer on the other line asks how close the advancing enemy is to Murphy’s position. Murphy replies, “If you just hold the phone a minute, I’ll let you talk to one of the ba*&%$#s.”
According to his subsequent citation for the Medal of Honor, “With the enemy tanks abreast of his position, 2nd Lt. Murphy climbed on the burning tank destroyer [the tank destroyer located behind Murphy which had just taken a direct hit], which was in danger of blowing up at any moment, and employed its .50 caliber machine gun against the enemy. He was alone and exposed to German fire from three sides, but his deadly fire killed dozens of Germans and caused their infantry attack to waver.”
The fighting continues for at least an hour. Murphy is wounded. At one point the Germans close to within 10 yards of his position. When his ammunition is exhausted, Murphy leaps off the tank destroyer (the vehicle explodes shortly thereafter), limps and crawls back to his company, organizes a counterattack, and drives the remaining enemy from the field.
For his actions, Murphy is awarded the Medal of Honor. That and previous decorations make him one of the most-decorated American soldiers in history (He is widely recognized as “the most decorated American soldier of World War II.”).
Murphy becomes a post-war Hollywood film star, and is killed in a plane crash in 1971.
A list of Murphy's decorations:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device and First Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart with Second Oak Leaf Cluster
U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Presidential Unit Citation with First Oak Leaf Cluster
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France)
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Combat Infantry Badge
Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar
Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar
French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre
French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier
French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star
French Croix de Guerre with Palm
Medal of Liberated France
Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm
Jan. 26, 1945: U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Audie L. Murphy’s B Company, 15th Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division is positioned on the outskirts of Holtzwihr, France, when suddenly the company is attacked by six tanks and at least 250 snow-white camouflaged German infantrymen – members of the elite 2nd Gebirgsjaeger (Mountain Hunter) Division.
Murphy, the ranking officer (previous fighting had decimated the officer ranks), immediately orders his men to fall back. He remains forward on the command post telephone directing artillery fire against the enemy. When an officer on the other line asks how close the advancing enemy is to Murphy’s position. Murphy replies, “If you just hold the phone a minute, I’ll let you talk to one of the ba*&%$#s.”
According to his subsequent citation for the Medal of Honor, “With the enemy tanks abreast of his position, 2nd Lt. Murphy climbed on the burning tank destroyer [the tank destroyer located behind Murphy which had just taken a direct hit], which was in danger of blowing up at any moment, and employed its .50 caliber machine gun against the enemy. He was alone and exposed to German fire from three sides, but his deadly fire killed dozens of Germans and caused their infantry attack to waver.”
The fighting continues for at least an hour. Murphy is wounded. At one point the Germans close to within 10 yards of his position. When his ammunition is exhausted, Murphy leaps off the tank destroyer (the vehicle explodes shortly thereafter), limps and crawls back to his company, organizes a counterattack, and drives the remaining enemy from the field.
For his actions, Murphy is awarded the Medal of Honor. That and previous decorations make him one of the most-decorated American soldiers in history (He is widely recognized as “the most decorated American soldier of World War II.”).
Murphy becomes a post-war Hollywood film star, and is killed in a plane crash in 1971.
A list of Murphy's decorations:
Medal of Honor
Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star with First Oak Leaf Cluster
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device and First Oak Leaf Cluster
Purple Heart with Second Oak Leaf Cluster
U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal
Good Conduct Medal
Presidential Unit Citation with First Oak Leaf Cluster
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France)
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Combat Infantry Badge
Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar
Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar
French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre
French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier
French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star
French Croix de Guerre with Palm
Medal of Liberated France
Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm
15 August 2009
Cadet: PJOC 2008, 399th Video
This is a re-post from 2008, cause its good.
The above PJOC 2008 (Pararescue Orientation Course) video was produced by the Cadets of the 399th Composite Squadron, Danbury CT. Thanks to C/1Lt Ryan Chapman and C/2Lt Peter Foschi.
27 June 2009
Morale: Ironman
Hat tip to Black Five.
Dick and Rick Hoyt
"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life," Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an institution."
"But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain."
"Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain."
"Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!"
85 Triathalons later...
Dick and Rick Hoyt
"He'll be a vegetable the rest of his life," Dick says doctors told him and his wife, Judy, when Rick was nine months old. "Put him in an institution."
"But the Hoyts weren't buying it. They noticed the way Rick's eyes followed them around the room. When Rick was 11 they took him to the engineering department at Tufts University and asked if there was anything to help the boy communicate. "No way," Dick says he was told. "There's nothing going on in his brain."
"Tell him a joke," Dick countered. They did. Rick laughed. Turns out a lot was going on in his brain."
"Rigged up with a computer that allowed him to control the cursor by touching a switch with the side of his head, Rick was finally able to communicate. First words? "Go Bruins!"
85 Triathalons later...
25 June 2009
CTWG: Wing Rocket Comp!
20 June 2009
The Cadets of the Connecticut Wing mustered at the Gadbois Farm in Salem Connecticut for the third running of the Commander's Cup Rocketry Competition. Under the guidance of CATO, the statewide organization of amateur rocket enthusiasts, five squadrons vied for honors in three specified categories.
Novice entrants had to present kit built rockets exhibiting a theme representative of their squadron. The historical category required the building of a rocket chosen for its importance in the development of rocket vehicles. This entry had to be accompanied by a 500 word essay explaining the reason for the choice and details of the vehicle.
The last category required a scratch built rocket based upon a mythological or comic character. Historical entries included variations on the Atlas Manned Flight Booster, the North American X-15, and the Raytheon Patriot air defense missile.
The scratch built entries were built on the themes of Icarus, Batman, and Snoopy.
First place in cumulative scoring was taken by the Thames River Composite Squadron based at Groton- New London Airport. Running a close second were the Royal Charter Composite Squadron Cadets out of Hartford-Brainard Airport. The New Haven Minutemen, East Granby's 103rd, and Manchester also participated.
The winning team members and their cadet grades are 2nd Lt. Jonathan Scannell of Griswold, Chief Master Sgt. Alexis Wojtcuk of Norwich, Senior Master Sgts. Shawn East of Oakdale, and Abigail Wojtcuk of Norwich, Master Sergeant George Abbiati of Quaker Hill, Senior Airman Patrick Dougherty of Waterford, and Airmen Jennifer Johnson of Gales Ferry and Annabelle Orlando of New London.
The above article was provided by Major Stephen M. Rocketto, PAO for the Thames River Squadron.
CTWG: Stratford gets a Spatz!
Hanscom AFB Concord, MA
Stratford Cadet Joseph Kraynak recently tested for the General Carl A. Spaatz award, the highest achievement for a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol.
Cadet Kraynak ran the mile in fewer than 6:23 minutes. Within the allotted time, he had to complete two other parts of the physical test. He chose to do the Sit and Reach, which he passed, and then had to complete a set number of “Curl Ups” (like crunches) within sixty seconds. He accomplished this easily.
For the second part of the examination he had to write an essay on a topic given to him by National Headquarters. What the topic was or what he wrote is unknown, but he had to complete the essay within one hour, which he did.
After a break for lunch, and then he took his Aerospace test for which he had an hour. He finished early. The test was administered and graded on-line. He received a grade of 90%.
He took another short break and took the Leadership exam for which he had another hour. Again, he finished early. The exam was taken and graded on-line. He received a grade of 85%.
The essay he had written was then e-mailed to National Headquarters by Lt Col Isabelle (CTWG CAP-USAF Liaison) to be graded.
Final Notice: He passed!
So, for the first time in at least the last three years, Stratford has a Spatz winner and a new cadet Col.
Using historical analysis, the CAP estimates that out of all the cadets who join the Civil Air Patrol (CAP):
15% will achieve the Mitchell Award (C/2nd Lt)
5% will achieve the Earhart Award (C/Captain)
2% will receive the Eaker (C/Lt Col), and only
0.16% cadets per year will obtain the Spaatz Award (C/Colonel).
That means, that on average, out of every 1,000 cadets who join CAP, only 5 will ever achieve the Spaatz during their service as cadets.
Cadet Col Kraynak, was feted on 18 June and soon after left for the cadet summer program at the United States Air Force Academy, where he hopes to qualify for medical school and eventually become a surgeon.
The above information was supplied by Lt Col David B. Oestreicher the Squadron Commander of the Stratford Eagles - CT022
Stratford Cadet Joseph Kraynak recently tested for the General Carl A. Spaatz award, the highest achievement for a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol.
Cadet Kraynak ran the mile in fewer than 6:23 minutes. Within the allotted time, he had to complete two other parts of the physical test. He chose to do the Sit and Reach, which he passed, and then had to complete a set number of “Curl Ups” (like crunches) within sixty seconds. He accomplished this easily.
For the second part of the examination he had to write an essay on a topic given to him by National Headquarters. What the topic was or what he wrote is unknown, but he had to complete the essay within one hour, which he did.
After a break for lunch, and then he took his Aerospace test for which he had an hour. He finished early. The test was administered and graded on-line. He received a grade of 90%.
He took another short break and took the Leadership exam for which he had another hour. Again, he finished early. The exam was taken and graded on-line. He received a grade of 85%.
The essay he had written was then e-mailed to National Headquarters by Lt Col Isabelle (CTWG CAP-USAF Liaison) to be graded.
Final Notice: He passed!
So, for the first time in at least the last three years, Stratford has a Spatz winner and a new cadet Col.
Using historical analysis, the CAP estimates that out of all the cadets who join the Civil Air Patrol (CAP):
15% will achieve the Mitchell Award (C/2nd Lt)
5% will achieve the Earhart Award (C/Captain)
2% will receive the Eaker (C/Lt Col), and only
0.16% cadets per year will obtain the Spaatz Award (C/Colonel).
That means, that on average, out of every 1,000 cadets who join CAP, only 5 will ever achieve the Spaatz during their service as cadets.
Cadet Col Kraynak, was feted on 18 June and soon after left for the cadet summer program at the United States Air Force Academy, where he hopes to qualify for medical school and eventually become a surgeon.
The above information was supplied by Lt Col David B. Oestreicher the Squadron Commander of the Stratford Eagles - CT022
21 April 2009
Cadet: Worlds largest model rocket
On Saturday, April 25, the Saturn V, the rocket that sent men to the moon 40 years ago, will once again lift off from U.S. soil and soar over the Atlantic.
Only this time, it won't be quite real. Rather, what's going up will be the largest model rocket ever built — a one-tenth scale, 36-foot-tall, fully working replica of the Saturn V.
Its nine rocket engines will provide 8,000 pounds of thrust to lift it between 3,000 and 4,000 feet above its launching point in Price, Md.
Once it reaches its zenith, it'll separate into three sections, each of which will parachute back to the ground.
The entire project is the work of Steve Eves, 50, an Ohio man who's been dreaming of building his own Saturn V for nearly 15 years.
More here...
13 February 2009
CAP: Civil Leadership Academy 2009
Twenty-four of Civil Air Patrol's top cadets from across the nation are gaining a head start in their public service careers by participating in one of the nation's leading civic education activities, the Civic Leadership Academy, from February 21-28in Washington, DC.
The CLA, an academically intense, interactive study of US government in action, provides participants the opportunity to grow as citizens and young leaders through lessons in persuasive leadership, federal government, public service careers and American heritage.
"Civic Leadership Academy provides cadets an unrivaled opportunity to gain a well-rounded understanding of leadership, public service and the principles that guides our nation. This activity empowers our cadets to apply those principles in their own lives and to be thoughtful participants in our nation's future," said CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CLA's founding director.
In addition to a blend of field trips, lectures, seminars and assigned readings from historic and modern sources., the cadets will visit the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Judiciary Building, the State Department, Arlington National Cemetery, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pentagon, legislative offices and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, as well as World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Lincoln memorials. They will also encounter VIP speakers onsite who will provide insights designed to deepen their understanding of government in action. Their CLA tasks will culminate with a final project – a presentation on their CLA experience they will give to their peers in their home squadrons.
More here...
The CLA, an academically intense, interactive study of US government in action, provides participants the opportunity to grow as citizens and young leaders through lessons in persuasive leadership, federal government, public service careers and American heritage.
"Civic Leadership Academy provides cadets an unrivaled opportunity to gain a well-rounded understanding of leadership, public service and the principles that guides our nation. This activity empowers our cadets to apply those principles in their own lives and to be thoughtful participants in our nation's future," said CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CLA's founding director.
In addition to a blend of field trips, lectures, seminars and assigned readings from historic and modern sources., the cadets will visit the US Capitol, the Supreme Court, the Judiciary Building, the State Department, Arlington National Cemetery, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pentagon, legislative offices and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, as well as World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Lincoln memorials. They will also encounter VIP speakers onsite who will provide insights designed to deepen their understanding of government in action. Their CLA tasks will culminate with a final project – a presentation on their CLA experience they will give to their peers in their home squadrons.
More here...
11 February 2009
CTWG: 399th Photos!
Some more photos from the 399ths combined 5 Mitchells, Change of Cadet Command and State Congressional Citation night.
31 January 2009
Cadet: PJOC 2008
The Air force PJs have popped up a lot on Always Vigilant in January. In keeping with that theme, we'll close the month out with just one more.
The above PJOC 2008(Pararescue Orientation Course) video was produced by the Cadets of the 399th Composite Squadron, Danbury CT. Thanks to C/1Lt Ryan Chapman and C/2Lt Peter Foschi.
The above PJOC 2008(Pararescue Orientation Course) video was produced by the Cadets of the 399th Composite Squadron, Danbury CT. Thanks to C/1Lt Ryan Chapman and C/2Lt Peter Foschi.
20 January 2009
CTWG: 399th Mitchell Awards
The 399th Composite Squadron of Danbury, CT is holding an awards ceremony on Tuesday, January 27th at 7:30PM.
At least 4 cadets will receive the Mitchell Award.
Additionally, a change of Cadet Command will occur.
Invited dignitaries include: Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, State Senator Mike McLachlan, State Representatives Jan Giegler and MaryAnn Carson.
If anyone has any information on the most CT cadets to ever receive the Mitchell in one night, please leave a comment below.
CTWG Public Affairs
At least 4 cadets will receive the Mitchell Award.
Additionally, a change of Cadet Command will occur.
Invited dignitaries include: Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, State Senator Mike McLachlan, State Representatives Jan Giegler and MaryAnn Carson.
If anyone has any information on the most CT cadets to ever receive the Mitchell in one night, please leave a comment below.
CTWG Public Affairs
10 January 2009
21 December 2008
CAP: Gerogia Squadron Named CAP Squadron of Distinction 2008
The Peachtree City-Falcon Field Composite Squadron has been named the nation’s premier Civil Air Patrol (CAP) squadron.
The unit has won the 2008 National Squadron of Distinction Award for outstanding accomplishments in the cadet program.
Southeast Region Commander Col James Rushing; Georgia Wing Commander
Col James Hughes; and Group III Commander Lt Col Joe Knight Jr. were on hand at a recent meeting to present the squadron with this prestigious award.
Also in attendance were U.S. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland and Georgia State Senator Ronnie Chance. The Congressman and Senator presented squadron member Cadet Captain Aaron Pendleton with the Amelia Earhart Award. The Earhart Award is the third highest award a cadet may earn in CAP. Cadets must meet stringent leadership, academic, and physical fitness requirements, and also pass an arduous 100 question comprehensive exam to merit this award.
More here...
The unit has won the 2008 National Squadron of Distinction Award for outstanding accomplishments in the cadet program.
Southeast Region Commander Col James Rushing; Georgia Wing Commander
Col James Hughes; and Group III Commander Lt Col Joe Knight Jr. were on hand at a recent meeting to present the squadron with this prestigious award.
Also in attendance were U.S. Congressman Lynn Westmoreland and Georgia State Senator Ronnie Chance. The Congressman and Senator presented squadron member Cadet Captain Aaron Pendleton with the Amelia Earhart Award. The Earhart Award is the third highest award a cadet may earn in CAP. Cadets must meet stringent leadership, academic, and physical fitness requirements, and also pass an arduous 100 question comprehensive exam to merit this award.
More here...
19 December 2008
17 December 2008
CADET: Kit up! Boot Lace Trick
This lacing pattern is virtually guaranteed to get rid of lace bite. It's called the 2-1-3 pattern. Try it!
Remember, lacing up outboard over inboard is the Marine way, and God, we all do love the Marines!
10 December 2008
OSINT: The kids are alright
Book Review from Dr. Tom Barnett, Strategic Planner and past Professor at the United States Naval War College. WWW.Thomaspmbarnett.com
BOOKS AND ARTS: "The net generation: The kids are alright; Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World, by Don Tapscott (McGraw-Hill)
“Young people today are "accused of being unread, bad at communicating, socially inept, shameless, dishonest, workshy, narcissistic and indifferent to the needs of others."
I have a lot of complaints about my kids, especially my two teenagers, but most of those don't apply, I will say.
Tapscott says this generation is "smarter, quicker and more tolerant of diversity" as well. They "care strongly about justice, and are actively trying to improve society."
Gladwell, in his new book, Outliers, says 10,000 hours, or roughly ten years of effort, is required to become a true master of something. Based on my growth as a writer and public speaker, I would say that sounds absolutely correct: it's a solid decade of constant practice to get good. There are no shortcuts.
Well, the Net Gens have put in roughly 20k hours on the Internet and 10k on videogames.
I will attest to both with my kids, who rarely watch broadcast TV--except Fox on Sunday nights.
The eight norms identified:
1) value freedom and choice in everything
2) love to customize and personalize
3) scrutinize everything
4) demand integrity and openness, especially in purchases and life decisions
5) want entertainment in their work and education and social life
6) love to collaborate
7) expect everything to happen fast
8) expect constant innovation
Hmm. I think America will do fine with that oddly ambitious bunch.
Just give them their Facebook at work and augment their lack of reference-capable education (weak on facts) and accept their nice focus and optimism regarding families.”
BOOKS AND ARTS: "The net generation: The kids are alright; Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World, by Don Tapscott (McGraw-Hill)
“Young people today are "accused of being unread, bad at communicating, socially inept, shameless, dishonest, workshy, narcissistic and indifferent to the needs of others."
I have a lot of complaints about my kids, especially my two teenagers, but most of those don't apply, I will say.
Tapscott says this generation is "smarter, quicker and more tolerant of diversity" as well. They "care strongly about justice, and are actively trying to improve society."
Gladwell, in his new book, Outliers, says 10,000 hours, or roughly ten years of effort, is required to become a true master of something. Based on my growth as a writer and public speaker, I would say that sounds absolutely correct: it's a solid decade of constant practice to get good. There are no shortcuts.
Well, the Net Gens have put in roughly 20k hours on the Internet and 10k on videogames.
I will attest to both with my kids, who rarely watch broadcast TV--except Fox on Sunday nights.
The eight norms identified:
1) value freedom and choice in everything
2) love to customize and personalize
3) scrutinize everything
4) demand integrity and openness, especially in purchases and life decisions
5) want entertainment in their work and education and social life
6) love to collaborate
7) expect everything to happen fast
8) expect constant innovation
Hmm. I think America will do fine with that oddly ambitious bunch.
Just give them their Facebook at work and augment their lack of reference-capable education (weak on facts) and accept their nice focus and optimism regarding families.”
09 December 2008
AEROSPACE: Gaming Technology and Training
This screenshot shows flight simulation software created by Air Force researchers who leveraged existing commercial gaming software to demonstrate an alternative way to quickly deliver a low-cost, realistic simulation program with genuine training effectiveness. Researchers integrated the graphics-rich commercial package with high-fidelity real-world aircraft models.
Gaming R&D
by John Schutte
711th Human Performance Wing
12/8/2008 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Air Force Research Laboratory's researchers at Mesa, Ariz., unveiled the technological potential of its gaming research and development project publicly Dec. 1 during the 2008 Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando, Fla.
Members of the 711th Human Performance Wing's Warfighter Readiness Research Division blended commercial gaming technology with military-specific databases that demonstrated quicker, less expensive ways to develop the next generation of tools for interactive military training.
More here...
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