- 4 units involved in the planning, stag ing and execution of a 2-day event focused on basic GSAR operations, survival, and ICS Staff training
- Two Divisions, one headquartered in Birchwood and one in Kodiak demonstrated our distributed ops capability - Capt Stickel (regaining GTL) and Lt Fleeman led their 10 Kodiak cadets on a UDF-focused deployment via van - C/2d Lt Benedict earned his GTM2 qualification and led his element of 10 through a ramp check and then deployed into the terrain SW of BCV to DF and ELT and conduct visual searches
- 8 ICUT practical tests administered; ICUT qualifications completed for all
- 8 members from 3 squadrons accomplished all Fam, Prep and Advanced Training for UDF, GTM3 and GTM2 (they will wrap up IS and First aid back at their units to complete their qualification).
- Hawk Mountain Ranger School syllabus was used in addition to the NESA Task Guide, ensuring all 10 participants were proficient with Ranger Third Class tasks
including feldcraft, knots, mobility and survival task areas
Lessons Learned:
- AK VHF Radios worked very well in the fields-having the BCV base station allowed both Divisions to be in communication as well as communicate/track ground teams IVO BCV; try Ready Ops next SAREX
- Members should work with a sense of mission and urgency
- Members should bring appropriate/ tested equipment and keep track of personal gear
One book that I really enjoy reading is “Never Quit” by Jimmy Settle. “Never Quit” is about Jimmy Settle’s journey to become a special ops pararescue jumper in Alaska’s 212th Pararescue Unit. On his journey, he encountered a lot of challenges. Some of the challenges he faced included dealing with heart problems that almost ended his career before it had even started, failing dive school, getting shot in the head in Afghanistan, and
rescuing soldiers in all-out firefights. Settle’s life is littered with challenges that nearly ended his career. However, through determination and perse verance, he overcame the toughest of challenges. “Never Quit” quickly became one of my favorite books to read because of the story of determination and how Settle used determination to achieve his dream of being a pararescue jumper. This book helped instill determination in me and will continue to do so as I achieve my goals.
Alaska Wing Commander Colonel Kevin McClure and Birchwood Squadron Commander Major John Nealon attended promo tions night on Tuesday, October 25. Colonel McClure presented Birchwood Squadron with the QCUA ribbon for 2022. He and Major Nealon recognized recipients of Commander Commendations and they helped promote several cadets to their latest achievements. Of special note were our 4 newest cadets earning their Curry Awards (Cadets R. Noble, C. Noble, Mcatee, and Long), 2 ca dets earning the Wright Brother Award (Cadets H. Cole and Shelley), and 2 cadets earning their Billy Mitchell Awards (Cadets Connolly and Moehring). Congratulations to all who earned awards and/ or promoted! Well done Birchwood!
Birchwood cadets enjoyed the privilege of posting colors at the Alaska Veterans and Pioneers Home in Palmer on Veterans Day. The posting of colors opened a ceremony of speeches, songs, poems, and presentations honoring veterans. After the ceremony, the fourteen cadets in attendance had the chance to talk with residents of the home and some distinguished
guests including Senator Shelley Hughes. Senator Hughes shared that she is an honorary member of CAP and she encouraged the cadets to continue their cadet careers and take advantage of all that CAP offers. The event was a great experience and it was valuable practice for our color guard team ahead of the Alaska Wing Cadet Competition.
A couple weeks ago I headed to Anchor age. This is a 250 mile trip (one way) from my home on the Tok Cut-Off. I live in Chistochina at the north end of the Chistochina Airport (CZO). There I run a small lodging business, Red Eagle Lodge. I was on a Civil Air Patrol mission, actually a self-imposed mission to organize and acquire the makings for a table top display and to attend the MatSu Emergency Preparedness Expo. This day I was off by 0400hrs. That would get me into the Anchorage Bowl early, giving me most of the day for business.
The two day trip found me hitting some print shops, Merrill Field, a couple gas stations, grocery stores, a couple fast food places and of course the Expo which was held at the Menard Center in Wasilla.
Wearing my Civil Air Patrol baseball cap, surprisingly prompted several inquiries. First, I was queried by a young lady who has started flight training at Mer rill Field. She wanted to know, what it would take to join CAP and how to contact a squadron. Next, while at Costco’s Buck Fifty Café I was again queried about CAP. Actually, the Café at Costco
is no longer referred to as The Buck Fifty Café, although one can still buy an item for $1.50. That is the Foot-Long Hot Dog with soda, a great value. Any how, while sitting there eating, a young man sat down and asked me about CAP and what it does. His interest was general in nature.
The next day found me at the Menard Center in Wasilla. Again, I was wearing that same CAP baseball cap. Making my rounds through the floor exhibits, I stopped at the Boy Scout display. There I pondered my many years’ experience in Scouting. Then one of the adult leaders, noting the CAP hat came over and expressed his interest in joining. He wanted a unit close by his home in Wasilla. I shared options with him and continued my perusal at the show. Wow, I’m thinking, I certainly learned something. The old saying, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day” rings true. Visibility promotes interest. Actions as simple as wearing a CAP hat can and will grow Civil Air Patrol!
Photo: Tok Composite Squadron Cadets posting the Colors at the Tok School Veterans Ceremony on11 November.
The Lake Hood/Polaris joint squadron had a very exciting month. The October 4th Emergency Services meeting was busy. First, cadets began ICUT and GES training. They also learn to use a litter carry to enhance their first aid skills. Finally, they had a class on cold weather injuries and how to treat them, a valuable skill for Alaska. Before the October 11th Aerospace meeting started, there was an open house for prospective cadets. This meeting had an informative presentation on planes and helicopters.
The October 18th PT meeting took place at the Dome and was a physical challenge. After they arrived, cadets split up into groups and started doing PT tests. Many cadets are passing their tests. During this meeting, they had a relay race which was a challenge after running a mile. Running a relay helped the cadets get in shape. The October 25th character develop ment meeting was a fantastic meeting with many ranks received. Ranking up this month was C/Amn Foster, C/A1C Johansen, C/SMSgt Bennett, C/SMSgt Ori, and C/Maj Porter. Several cadets and senior members received the commander’s commendation award. C/ Lt Col Annika Zeismer, C/1st Lt Sigge Mellerstig, C/Maj Michael Porter, C/
CMSgt Dylan Pittsenbarger, and C/CMSgt Kai Halliburton were the cadets to earn this award for their encampment and/or glider academy achievements. Capt (Doctor) Nine Sanders and 2d Lt Joseph Moon were the senior members to earn this award for their work at Encampment. Dr Sanders also received the Wing Cadet Programs Officer of the Year award. In addition, 2d Lt Karen Halliburton received an achievement award for her encampment-related work. During flight time, the cadets were getting much better at drill.
There was a fantastic character development class on heroism by Capt Padgett with a story about Lt Michael P. Murphy. When that was done, there
was an extremely creative speech on learning from failure by C/CMsgt Kai Halliburton. There was also a promotion push this month that allowed cadets the opportunity to pass tests and receive ranks faster. Tryouts were held for the cadet competition team, and a quality team was chosen. This was a productive month for the joint Lake Hood/Polaris squadron.
Col McClure attended the November 1st meeting and presented Lake Hood Squadron with one of the three Aero space Achievement Awards in Alaska Wing.
Wing Commander Col Kevin McClure presents Lake Hood Squadron’s Aerosapce Achievement Award to Cadet Commander C Lt Sigge Mellerstig.
Col Irish Porter and Capt Karen Padgett congratulate newlyminted C Maj Michael Porter by pounding on his shoulder boards and attaching his Region CAC shoulder cord.
At the end of the presentation, pot luck dinner we had all the CAP members present line up in front of the DHC2.
Change of Command Ceremony Drill test, C 2d Lt Martin. C CMSgt Justus. C TSgt Zuber. C SrA Redford. Oct 2022. Arcturus Cadets having their change of Command and Drill Test.
with cadets, C TSgt Therrien, C CMSgt Justus and Senior member 2d Lt. Justus.
Colonel Porter, Colonel Western and I joined the senior members and cadets of AK-11 this past Sunday to conduct ES/Comms training and Orientation Flights.
Here are the results:
- SM Barry qualified as CAP Instructor Pilot/Cadet Orientation Pilot, accomplished 30 percent of MP tasks (includ ing air-to-ground coordination with Ground Team in the field using signal fire, mirror signalling and vectors over radio);
- 6 Kenai cadets qualified as UDF, over 50 percent GTM3 complete; ICUT practical training accomplished; -5 O-Flts accomplished for AK-11 cadets (3 by Colonel Western and 2 by Captain Howard);
-Recurrency training for 2 Kenai aircrews, led by seasoned MP’s Captain Howard and Major Knackstedt; - Colonel Porter and Colonel Western accomplished one A12 Profile 7 (Instrument) each during the relo legs.
Lessons Learned:
- AK VHF Radios worked very well in the field-having the ENA base station allowed real-time command and control to tailor the exercise to meet training objectives; try Ready Ops next SAREX; - Members should bring appropriate/ tested equipment to the field and keep track of personal gear; be ready for extended cold-weather ops.
I appreciated all the awesome support and the hard work (and donuts/pulled pork sandwiches provided by AK-11) put in by Colonel Western as well as SM Klaben’s team-and especially Major Bobek and the Kenai cadets!
Valdez composite squadron held a promotion ceremony on November 8th. Three cadets earned their Billy Mitchell award. The newest cadets to reach this milestone in around 25 years for the Valdez squadron.
LCDR Bryson Jacobs the Executive Officer from the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit in Valdez was an invited guest to present the awards. BONUS, he is a former C/2d Lt from CAWG 47th Skyhawk Composite Squadron,
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
He congratulated the cadets on their achievement and shared some experiences and insights with all the cadets present and encouraged them to not ‘rest on their laurels’ and continue to learn and advance in the program.
Thank you LCDR Jacobs for presenting.
Congratulations Cadets! Keep going!
Completing Level 2 Part 1 by AKWG Assistant Professional Development (Education & Training) Officer Capt Karen Padgett
For new CAP Senior Members, Level 2 Part 1 is required to become a 2d Lt, to receive professional and mission skills-related promotions, and to get Technician ratings in specialty tracks.
Most of the modules can be complet ed in AXIS. However, 2-3 of the modules must be moderated. Until more squadrons have VolU instructors (see previous newsletter articles on how to become a VolU instrutor), the current recommended method to complete those modules in AKWG is as follows:
Register for a scheduled online class, called VIR (Virtual in-Residence). The link to the calendar is on this page: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/ members/ed-training/virtual-in-residence-program
Note that the calendar lists time in Eastern Standard Time. The virtual platform used for your class depends on the instructor teaching the class.
NHQ encourages every squadron to have at least one VolU instructor. For more information on becoming a VolU instructor, follow this link: https://www. gocivilairpatrol.com/members/ed-training/volu-main
References:
The best source of information for advancing your Education & Training is on the www.gocivilairpatrol.com public website. Click on “Members” then “Education and Training,” then the Level you are working on, VolU, or VIR.
CAPR 40-1, CAP Senior Member Education & Training Program (https:// www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/ cms/R_401_2DBE51D881DDE.pdf)
CAPR 60-2, Cadet Protection Program (https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R_602_7BA77F9A739A6.pdf)
by Capt Karen L Padgett, AKWG Director of Cadet Programs (DCP), Capts Kristina Schmidt & Ed Stickel, AKWG Asst DCPs
As always, a lot is happening in the Alaska Wing Cadet Program!
CadetInvest Deadline 12/30/22: ALL Alaska cadets are urged to take 10 minutes and apply for CadetINVE$T. Our goal this year is for 200 cadets to apply. Last year, many cadets decided to attend summer activities or receive flight instruction but had missed the CadetInvest deadline. CadetInvest closes 12/30/22, long before cadets know their summer plans. So hedge your bets and apply early. Go here for Alaska-specific information & updates on CadetINVEST: https://akwg.cap.gov/programs/cp/ scholarships/cadetinvest
More info on CadetInvest can be found here: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/ programs/cadets/cadetinvest
Cadet Advisory Council (CAC): Find out who the CAC representative & alternate are in your squadron! If there isn’t one, consider serving as the voice of your squadron! The new CAC year began 10/1/22, and cadets can still be appointed as reps. We are happy to announce that the Alaska Wing Chair for FY23 is C/2d Lt Michael Krol. Wing Recorder is C/2d Lt Thomas Clifton. Pacific Region Rep is C/Capt Michael Porter. FY22 CAC information here: https://akwg.cap.gov/ programs/cp/cac Cadet officers interested in serving as Vice Chair and Re-
gion Alternate can contact SM Advisors Maj John Bittle (208341@akwg.cap.gov) and SM Colin Pawletzki (594266@akwg. cap.gov). To represent your squadron, talk to your Deputy Commander for Cadets (DCC).
Pick.Click.Give: Civil Air Patrol Alaska Wing Cadet Programs is now a recipient for your generous Pick.Click.Give donations directly from your PFDs. When you apply for your PFD 1/1/23-3/31/23, you can choose to donate to “Civil Air Patrol AKWG Cadet Programs” through Pick.Click.Give. Please also encourage your friends, neighbors, and relatives to donate to Cadet Programs when they apply for their PFDs. To see our profile, click here: https://www.pickclickgive. org/index.cfm/pfdorgs.info/Civil-Air-Patrol-AKWG-Cadet-Programs
Save the Dates:
• 2022 Cadet Competition: Virtual events Sat 11/25/22 & in-person events Sat 12/3/22. If you are in terested in serving as a judge, marshal, or other support, either virtually or in-person, please contact Activity Director: Capt Ed Stickel at 209357@akwg.cap.gov ASAP. Details including a briefing are available here as plans develop: https:// akwg.cap.gov/programs/cp/activi ties/22cc
• AKWG Flight Academies 12/31/22 Deadline to apply. Cadets, parents, and DCCs, look for the 10/13/22
email announcing how to register. To give yourself the best chances for selection, REMEMBER: (1) IACRA, (2) MedExpress, (3) Ground School.
• 10/1/22-12/30/22: Registration for CadetINVEST—The earlier cadets register, the more we can help them with their applications. If you are interested in receiving CAP flight training, it is particularly important that you register so that you are eligible for national funding. Even if you don’t think you’ll attend a summer activity, you can register now to learn how CadetInvest works. It may take you only about 10 minutes.
• 12/1/22-1/15/23: Registration for Summer NCSAs—Over the next few weeks, National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) will begin to be posted here: https://www. gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/activities/national-cadet-special-activities Many NCSAs have their own Facebook pages and websites. See the table at the bot tom of this webpage: https://akwg. cap.gov/programs/cp/activities/ ncsas
• 1/7/23—Raptor Day at JBER for CAP cadets. Keep your eyes open for announcements
• 1/1/23-3/1/23—Apply for PFD & consider choosing CAP Cadet Pro grams through Pick.Click.Give
• Spring 2023 AKWG CAP Ground
School Keep your eyes open for announcements
• 3/1/23-5/15/23: Alaska Wing Distributed Powered Flight Academy (Activity Director Maj Ben Padgett).
• 5/26/23-6/4/23: Alaska Wing Glider Flight Academy (Activity Director Col Tom “Polo” Palmer)
• June 18-24, 2023: Alaska Wing Encampment (Encampment Com mander Col Brian “Irish” Porter) Cadet Cadre/Staff start Thur 6/15/23. Application to serve as cadet staff open soon!
• June-August 2023: NCSAs at vari ous US locations
• August 17-20, 2023: CAP National Conference in Bellevue, WA
Resources:
Alaska Wing YouTube Channel : https:// www.youtube.com/@alaskacap
Alaska Wing Cadet Programs Webpages: https://akwg.cap.gov/programs/cp
To prepare to apply for flight academies:
(1) IACRA: Apply for your IACRA number: https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/ SelectRoles.aspx
(2) MedXpress: Get your Class 3 (or better) Medical. Start with MedXPress: https://medxpress.faa.gov/ medxpress/
(3) Take Ground School (AKWG planning to offer in-person/virtual classes starting Feb or Mar 2023)
The Alaska Wing conducted various exercises to prepare its members for the cold weath er ahead including fire making, land navigation in light snow and appropriate gear selection. Winter means the return to night flying for many CAP pilots, especially as we saw here in Fairbanks.
This online publication is designed to attract, inform and motivate readers through pho tos, text and stories. We see and feel the four core values in the faces and body language of the cadets and senior members portrayed herein.
Volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Lt Col Bryan Emerson, CAP Publisher and Editor
Alaska Wing PAO, DC
Bryan.emerson@akwg.Cap.gov, 1 (907) 795-5586 cell
If you would like to propose any content by the 15th of each month or provide feedback then please contact me.