Morale: Memorial Day

Today, we honor those who choose to act in service to others before fulfilling the needs of self. Today, we remember those who fell and are reminded that those who have served and continue to serve have earned our respect.

Henry V

CTWG: Cadet turned Senior Gives High School Grad Presentation about Joining CAP

SM Kyle Johnson & Lt Col Carl Stidsen, Project Mentor

SM Kyle Johnson, a Public Affairs Staff Assistant assigned to Connecticut Wing Headquarters, recently presented his capstone graduation project to the Town of Bolton. His professional level project had three simultaneous goals, document the process of becoming a CAP Senior Member Flight Officer, a Public Affairs Officer and work toward a rating as an Air Crew Mission Scanner. His project is substantially complete on all levels. His final presentation was regarded as highly successful by CAP members and Bolton natives alike.

Johnson joined the CT Wing as a 17 year old cadet, the only and possibly first cadet ever assigned to Wing staff. It was recognized, because of his advanced age (17 1/2) and the short September to May project time period his introduction to CAP and eventual development into a senior member Flight Officer would not fit into the normal cadet program. He was given a slot as a staff assistant in Public Affairs while the particulars were worked out.

To maximize available resources and meet the tight time frame, Wing PA proposed that his project be coupled with a conceptual school recruiting project developing a presentation that would target advanced age high school students. The target audience, the normally hard to reach students age 17-18 whom often do not have an interest in the cadet program due to their age. However, to graduate high school these students are required to perform some sort of community service and often have a strong personal interest in building up professional level experience for inclusion on college applications and future job resumes. PA framed the service before self concept into a single question, “If you have to do community service anyway, would you rather do it raking leaves or by being an active part of a 700 member team helping to watch over and protect 3.5 million of your neighbors, friends and family?”

The concept of tapping into a potential pool of “Professional Flight Officer Staff Assistants” was considered. This concept was aimed at attracting new members that would be available to CAP’s wing and squadron staffs, helping existing senior members get more done while minimizing the chances of “senior member burn out”. An additional point was considered, if new senior members were aggressively sought after in the 17-18 year age bracket, would this early indoctrination increase senior member retention over the longer term? All good questions to consider.

After receiving an OK to kick off the project (staying within regulations) from Connecticut Wing Commander, Col Cassandra Huchko, (then CT Wing Chief of Staff), Lt Col Carl Stidsen volunteered as the official project mentor. Lt Col Stidsen, a pilot and the CT Wing Inspector General carefully monitored cadet Johnson’s progression through the Curry Basics, taught him drill and after attaining age 18, Senior Member Level 1 and Mission Scanner basics.

At Wing Headquarters Johnson patiently waited for his 18th birthday while remaining ranked as a cadet basic. During this time he served as an “intern” and trained in basic PAO responsibilities. He actively wrote and blogged articles and practiced event and aerial photography. As a senior member, he continues to serve in this role today while he progresses toward full APAO status and completes his Mission Scanner training flights. He has completed Senior Member Level 1 and is waiting out his time in grade before promotion to SM Flight Officer. Of great importance to the overall success of his project, the entire CT Wing staff treated him as an adult and as a professional from day one on.

Assessing the possible long term outcomes of his project, SM Johnson believes that every late age high school student in America represents an enormous “senior member” marketing target for CAP. Simply put, everyone wins in a conceptual “Flight Officer Training” scenario. The trainees receive and surpass their required community service hours while they simultaneously build up real life, professional job experience targeted at their areas of career interest. The school gets credit for all the community service hours and will graduate students better prepared to engage new challenges. CAP takes advantage of a potentially massive pool of previously untapped work resources and encourages long term membership. Lastly, America benefits through the efforts of highly motivated young adults that understand the meaning and the responsibilities associated with concept of “Service before self”.

Addendum 1: Connecticut Department of Education (similar to 22 other states)

“The Capstone Experience is a culminating activity that provides a way for students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they acquired during their secondary school years of education. It engages students in a project/experience that focuses on an interest, career path or academic pursuit that synthesizes classroom study and real world perspective. High school students are asked to demonstrate their ability to apply key knowledge and skills by planning, completing and presenting a culminating project linked to one or more area of personal interest and the individual's Student Success Plan.

The capstone experience may include an in-depth project, reflective portfolio, community service and/or internship. As part of the experience, the student will demonstrate research, communication and technology skills including additional relevant 21st century skills.

CTWG: Silver City O Flights

Article to follow....

CTWG: Southington Awards Photos

Some shots from Connecticut's Southington Squadron awards.

Morale: Its almost Airshow Season!

CTWG: Past 169th Cadet Commander Deploys

Former cadet commander of the 169th Composite Squadron, 1Lt Alison Gawlinski USAF has recently deployed to Iraq. Allison is a graduate of the U. S. Air Force Academy, class of 2007.

Attached are pictures are of her final training in Wyoming.

Post courtesy of Maj Chris Kelling, CTWG and her father, Edward Gawlinski

Curr Events: Real Car bomb in Times Square

Recently we were all reminded by CAP we live in a target rich environment for terrorism. Reminder two... CBS video here...

Police said an SUV found parked on 45th Street was loaded with explosives, smoking and moments from blowing up when an alert t-shirt vendor noticed something wasn't right and alerted a mounted police officer.

That officer evacuated the block and called for reinforcements.

"We avoided what could have been a very deadly event," Mayor Bloomberg said.

"Firefighters, emergency service officers and the bomb squad responded and the bomb squad confirmed that the suspicious vehicle did indeed contain an explosive device," Bloomberg said.

Packed inside the dark green Nissan Pathfinder were three propane tanks, consumer-grade fireworks, two full five-gallon gasoline containers, two clocks, some electrical wire, and a metal gun locker.

The vehicle was abandoned with its engine on and hazard lights flashing, but police don't yet know who was driving it.

"We're in the process of identifying additional cameras which may have captured images of the vehicle and more important, people seen driving or leaving the vehicle," said NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly.

Police immediately shut down Times Square, canceled Broadway shows, evacuated the Marriott Marquis, and ushered thousands of people outside the barriers.

Bloomberg said the bomb scare is another reminder that New York is a terrorist target and everyone has to be vigilant.

"Message, New Yorkers, is what we've been saying for an awful long time. Terrorists around the world who feel threatened by the freedoms that we have in this country and want to take those freedoms away from us always focus on the symbol of those freedoms, and that is New York City," Bloomberg said.

Aero: Apache in Iraq

A new friend of CTWG PA (adopted through Soldiers Angels) and past CAP 1Lt pilot from AZ sends these photos of life in Iraq as a Crew Chief on an Apache Longbow Crew.

Aero: Secret space plane blasts off

The United States Air Force's secretive X-37B robotic space plane blasted off from Florida late Thursday on a mystery mission shrouded in secrecy for the U.S. military.

The unmanned military Orbital Test Vehicle 1 (OTV-1) – also known as the X-37B – lifted off at 7:52 p.m. EDT (2352 GMT) atop an Atlas 5 rocket on a mission that is expected to take months testing new spacecraft technologies.

The X-37B is a reusable robotic space plane built by Boeing Phantom Works. Its mission is being carried out under the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office with participation by NASA. More here....

Key objectives of the space plane's first flight include demonstration and validation of guidance, navigation and control systems – including a "do-it-itself" autonomous re-entry and landing at California's Vandenberg Air Force Base with neighboring Edwards Air Force Base as a backup.

The X-37B is the first vehicle since NASA's space shuttles with the ability to return experiments to Earth for further inspection and analysis, Air Force officials said. [X-37B spacecraft photos.]

Morale: Stratford Wings and Wheels

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Wings & Wheels

May 29 - 30, 2010 Vintage Aircraft and Collector Cars
May 31, 2010 "Memorial Day Classics" Collector Car Show

Food, Fun and Family Activities All Three Days!

SAFETY: Aviation accident rate declines in the U.S.

Hat tip to NOTF.

With fewer people flying, the number of aviation accidents was down across the U.S., according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The number of general aviation accidents in the U.S. declined 6% in 2009 to 1,474 accidents, compared to 1,566 the year before. However, the accident rate increased in 2009 to 7.20 per 100,000 flight hours, up from 6.86 in 2008.

USAF: New COIN aircraft around the services

NAVY Version

An Embrauer EMB-314 Super Tucano used by the Navy for trials as part of the classified "Imminent Fury" program to develop tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platform to support Special Operations personnel

USAF Version

Earlier this week, Hawker Beechcraft tested a beefed up version of its venerable T-6 Trainer single prop it plans to compete in the LAAR fly-off expected this summer. Designated the AT-6, the two-seater features a new 1600 horse power Pratt & Whitney engine that will give the aircraft a larger weapons and electronic surveillance load out. Read more here...

CTWG: Mission Impossible - Find the EPIRB...

Reporting and photos supplied by Maj Chris Kelling, CAP.

Not all missions are easy. In this case, the EPIRB recovery mission was exactly like looking for a needle in a haystack. The EPIRB from a recently scrapped boat was finally found after chasing a mysterious signal with both air and ground teams. Factors contributing to the complexity of the search included its location in an industrial area, inside a metal building and under tons of scrap.

Of note, we would like to issue a special thanks to the local workers who carefully used the excavator to dig through the scrap until the seniors and cadets could accomplish the recovery and silence the signal.

CTWG: Connecticut's 801st Cadet Squadron at the State Capital

The New Fairfield cadets participating in this even included, Matthew Busse, Robert Byers, Michael Carneiro, Erica Cellamare, James Colella, James Coppola, Bettymarie Crea, Julianna Davis, Benjamin Dodds, James Froehlich, Joseph Gephart, Michael Hess, Anthony Iacovelli, Ashley Keenan, Chris Lucsky, Christopher Martin, Justin Menke, Jeffrey Plate, Ronald Poore, Daniel Schosser, Brian Wyckoff and Ryan Chapman.




Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell recently presented the General Ira C. Eaker Award to Cadet Ryan Chapman, a junior and commander of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadet program at New Fairfield High School. The General Ira C. Eaker Award, which denotes successful completion of all achievements of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, is one of the highest honors in the cadet program. The award was named in honor of the late Air Force General Ira C. Eaker, aviation pioneer, career military officer, and one of the chief architects and visionaries of the US Air Force. In conjunction with the award, Cadet Chapman was also promoted to the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, making him one of the highest ranking CAP cadets in the State of Connecticut.

Cadet Chapman joined CAP as a cadet when he was 13 years old and has been active in the program for the past 4 years. During this time, Chapman has earned numerous emergency services qualifications and has graduated from three Search and Rescue courses, including the team leader course. Chapman trained with the Air Force's elite Pararescuemen (PJs), Special Operations operatives trained to recover downed pilots in combat. Ryan has also earned his wings by graduating from the CAP Glider Academy where he learned to fly gliders. Cadet Chapman was elected as the primary Connecticut representative for the Northeast Region Cadet Advisory Council, a council of CAP cadets representing each state in the Northeast with the mandate of improving the cadet program.

Over the past year, Cadet Chapman was the Cadet Commander of not one squadron cadet program, but two cadet programs simultaneously. As the Cadet Commander of the 399th Composite Squadron (CT-042) at the Danbury Municipal Airport, Chapman’s leadership contributed to a doubling of active cadets in the squadron and the unit earning the Squadron of Merit for the best cadet program in Connecticut Wing for 2009. Cadet Chapman also led the 399th ground team that was credited with finding a distress signal emanating from a fishing vessel on Long Island Sound.

As the Cadet Commander of the 801st Cadet Squadron (CT-801) at New Fairfield High School, Cadet Chapman helped recruit the first cadre of cadets and establish the first school-based cadet program in the State of Connecticut. Although initially established as a flight in 2009, CT-801 has grown to 26 members and was chartered as a cadet squadron in January 2010 signifying the increased membership of the program. Cadet Chapman has been the key to getting this new school-based cadet program started and moving forward as all other members of CT-801, both cadets and teachers, were new CAP members in 2009 when the cadet program was formed.

Information & Photos supplied by Maj Ken Chapman, Commander New Fairfield High School's 801st Cadet Squadron, CAP

CTWG: New Fairfield Honored at the CT State Capital

Maj Ken Chapman, Commander 801st Cadet Squadron, New Fairfield, CT

Hartford, CT: On April 7, the floor of the Connecticut House of Representatives was full of excitement as the cadets of New Fairfield High School were honored as the first school-based Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Program in the State of Connecticut. The cadets were welcomed to the State Capitol by Representative MaryAnn Carson, Representative Jan Giegler and Senator Mike McLachlan, all of whom are honorary members of Civil Air Patrol holding the rank of Major.

As the cadets stood at attention on the floor of the State House of Representatives, several Representatives gave accolades including Representative Graziani who stated that "these cadets are role models" and thanked the cadets for "giving both to their community and state" as members of Civil Air Patrol. The cadets received a standing round of applause from the entire House of Representatives.

The cadets were given the VIP treatment during their visit to the Capitol which included a tour of the Capitol Building, the opportunity to explore the Senate Chamber, discussions with their representatives and an awards ceremony with Governor Jodi Rell in her personal office.

The following cadets participated in the event: Robert Byers, Michael Carneiro, Erica Cellamare, James Colella, James Coppola, Bettymarie Crea, Julianna Davis, Benjamin Dodds, James Froehlich, Joseph Gephart, Michael Hess, Anthony Iacovelli, Ashley Keenan, Chris Lucsky, Christopher Martin, Justin Menke, Jeffrey Plate, Daniel Schosser, Brian Wyckoff and Ryan Chapman. Accompanying the cadets were Assistant Principal & CAP Captain Mike Chapleau, Assistant Principal & CAP Captain Scott Rohwedder, CAP Senior Member Chris Keenan, Vice Chairman of the Board of Education & CAP Major Ken Chapman, and New Fairfield Selectman Susan Chapman.

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet program at New Fairfield High School has been an overwhelming success with the program expected to double in size next year with over 40 students expressing interested in participating in the program for the 2010-2011 school year.

USAF: Cyber journalism, 30 Days in Afghanistan

Two Airmen traveled Afghanistan for 30 days and video blogged the trip, day by day. For what is really going on, go here...