Civil Air Patrol
See the World: Alaskan Cadets & Senior Members at Summer 2024 Cadet Activities
by: 2024 AKWG Cadet Advisory Council staff
Dozens of Alaska Wing members traveled all throughout the Lower 48 this summer, attending a wide variety of CAP cadet activities.
The information in this article is also posted on the Alaska Wing website (https://akwg.cap.gov/programs/cp/ activities/ncsas/2024-ncsas) and on the Alaska Wing Facebook Page (https:// www.facebook.com/AlaskaCAP)
Before NHQ clears this webpage on about 10/15/24 to make way for next year’s activities, information on many of the activities can be found here: https://www.gocivilairpatrol. com/programs/cadets/activities/ national-cadet-special-activities/explore-the-ncsas?orderby=title&dir=asc
Also search Facebook and Google for the activity names, and peruse the photos here: https://photos.cap.gov/ National-Cadet-Special-Activities
Many of your colleagues have great insight and advice about the activities they attended!
AKWG Powered Flight Academy (Distributed): Alaska Wing hosted our third distributed flight academy. Distributed means cadets and flight instructors who live in the same vicinity are matched up. The instructors and students create their own flying schedules over the course of a several-month period. Participants in the 2024 AKWG Powered Flight Academy include Cadets Luke Cole, Dylan Clerc, Kai Halliburton (soloed!), Daniel Krol, Lydia Ori, Richard McCoy, Thomas Owens, Michael Porter, Ireland Selby, Activity Director Maj Ben Padgett, and other Senior Member Instructor Pilots including Lt Col Tom Palmer, Lt Col Brian Porter, Maj Larry Keil, Capt Dan Bradbury, Capt Cameron Martin, Capt Sky Caldwell, SM Justin Taber, SM Frank Scarabino, and SM Dale Eicher)
Cadet Officer School C/1st Lt Lane Hillyer, C/1st Lt Lydia Schwartz, and C/2d Lt Alexis Juergens (this magazine’s cover photo) attended the prestigious Cadet Officer School at
Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL. Cadet Hillyer says, “The thing I enjoyed the most about COS was the quality of the lectures that were given to us by all the guest speakers. A lot can be learned from somebody with experience. One thing I found challenging about COS was communicating with team members, especially in volleyball and Project X. I would definitely recommend COS to other cadets as the memories made are unforgettable, and the knowledge gained can be used throughout the rest of your life.”
Cyberspace Foundations Academy. C/CMSgt Riley Bridge from Arcturus Squadron was the first AKWG cadet to attend an in-person version of the Cyber Academy, held in San Antonio, TX. We hope she’ll help lead Alaska Wing into the realm of the Cyber world--such a great opportunity for career exploration! More photos are available here: https://photos.cap.gov/National-Cadet-Special-Activities/National-Cyber-Academy/Texas-Campus/2024/ Foundations-and-Networking/i-73b6khz/A? and https://www.
facebook.com/civilairpatrolcyber/ Details about the Cyber Academy can be found here: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/activities/national-cadet-special-activities/ explore-the-ncsas/civil-air-patrol-national-cyber-academy-tx It is one of the few NCSAs that accept 13-yearolds, so high-achieving younger cadets may want to find out more about this wave of the future!
E-TECH Robotics at US Air Force Academy, C/1st Lt Luke Hillyer says, “My favorite part was building all of the different kinds of robots and testing the limits of them. The most challenging part was paying attention to the lessons. My advice to others would be to give your full attention to the lessons because they will help you immensely.“
Hawk Mountain Ranger School
. C/ Lt Col Michael Porter attended his 3rd Hawk Mountain Ranger School. Hawk Mountain was not an NCSA this year, but keep your eyes open for it on the NCSA list for 2025. Alaska Wing Senior Members who also attended included Capt Lori Porter in the Medical Squadron and Lt Col Brian Porter as the Air Crew Survival Instructor.
Honor Guard Academy, C/CMSgt
Adam McArthur attended the MAR HGA this summer. He says, “One thing that I believe I enjoyed more than anyone in my flight was the level of perfection they demanded of us. I find
myself very committed to following the regulations to a T and that is what they had us do. All the instruction was right from the new manual and we had Stan/Eval grading and correcting when needed. The most challenging part of this NCSA for me was the humidity and the heat of South Carolina. My best advice for anyone going to HGA is to hydrate yourself well in advance before leaving, bring PT shoes that you can comfortably stand in for several hours, and be ready to forget any prior knowledge of color/honor guard because you will be taught from the new manual and not based on “Squadronisms” of past color/honor Guardsmen.”
In-Residence Flight Training.
C/Capt Andrew Martin is the first Alaska Wing cadet selected for in-residence flight training. He is living with other CAP and JROTC cadets at Walla Walla University in Washington for 8 weeks, receiving intensive ground school, other academic, and hands-on flight training. He has already soloed and passed his FAA written exam. Congratulations, C/ Capt Martin!
Johnson Glider Flight Academy, Mattoon, IL. After attending the Alaska Wing Glider Flight Academy, C/SMSgt Lars Mellerstig went on to help staff the Illinois Wing Glider Flight Academy at Johnson Flight Academy. He was joined by his dad, Capt Jason Mellerstig.
National Blue Beret. Nearly every year, a handful of Alaska Wing members helps staff the Osh Kosh, Wisconsin Air Show as part of the National Blue Beret NCSA. This year, Alaska was proudly represented by 2d Lt Mackenzie Caldwell, C/Maj Mitchell Anderson, and C/Capt Kai Halliburton.
NVWG Encampment. C/2d Lt Lydia Ori staffed the Nevada Wing Encampment this summer. She served as Cadet Officer in Charge of Public Affairs. Great job representing Alaska Wing, Lt Ori!
Space Operations Academy, Peterson, AFB CO: CAP hosts two Space Operations Academies most summers, one near Patrick Space Force Base in Florida and one near Peterson Space Force Base. This summer, C/2d Lt Keena Bennett attended the Space Operations Academy in Colorado. To see the many amazing activities and tours, go to this Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/spaceforceoperationsacademy
SUPT, Columbus, AFB, MO: C/Maj
Reagan Benedict has this to say about SUPT: One of the biggest benefits of the whole activity is the time spent learning from and training with real Air Force pilots and UPT students. We’re learning the same material as them, in the same style as they are, and the studying really pays off when you’re being tested by the students. It’s impressive when UPT students are being tested alongside our cadets, and those cadets know more from a week of studying than the students do from the academy and college ROTC.
Arguably the best part of the entire activity is spending the week becoming better pilots with your friends and fellow cadets. Early in the activity cadets are divided into two squadrons, and this allows for some mild competition, which puts many students on their A-Game early on. The light-hearted rivalry that exists allows for bonding and serious friendships with your fellow cadets. Callsigns, inside jokes, and
drop-night assignments all make the training that much more fun and valuable.
The most challenging part of SUPTFC is the knowledge requirements and their training applications. On day one, every student is expected to know their T-6 Texan II Boldface & Operations Limitations by heart and be able to recite that knowledge at a moment’s notice, both verbally and on paper. While there are certainly many other challenges cadets will face at the activity, the knowledge work and testing are the requirements that are weighted most heavily when applied to your overall score.
If you decide to attend SUPT-FC as a cadet, there are definitely some things you should know. For starters, it pays off very early in the week to have your knowledge work completely memorized and known by heart. Seeing as one of the graduation requirements is to pass the Boldface & Operations Limitations test with a perfect score at least once, it is highly preferable to get it done early in the week. Secondly, have a good understanding of the activity you’re applying for. SUPT-FC is by no means an easy activity to graduate from. Going into the training you need to have a determined mindset and the willingness to work hard for often as much as 14 hours a day. Attending the activity means you need to be ready to
work for your wings, and to let nothing stand in your way on the path to perfection. Lastly, demonstrating leadership and discipline throughout the activity greatly increases your chances of graduating with honors in addition to your SUPT-FC wings.
UTWG Glider Flight Academy. C/2d Lt Luke Cole was one of a very small percentage of cadets nationwide selected for a National Glider Flight Academy. He applied to more than 10 flight academies and was selected for the Utah Wing Glider Flight Academy. Not only did he attend, but he soloed! Because he had also previously passed his FAA written test, he is now in the running for prestigious Cadet Wings funding towards his Private Pilot Certificate. We wish him luck in the selection process!
WAWG GSAR (Ground Search & Rescue) School: C/2d Lt Hillyer of Kenai and C/CMSgt Adam Greenwald of Homer attended Washington Wing’s Ground Search & Rescue School. If you scroll through the Washington Wing Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/wawgcap), look for the orange ball caps!
Coming up: Aviation Business Academy this month, PCR Region Cadet Competition (28 Aug to 1 Sep) and by September, we hope to announce a couple new cadets receiving their Private Pilot’s Certificates!
Cadet Advisory Council
by C/Maj Reagan Benedict
Happy August Everyone!
I hope all of you have had wonderful summers, and have gotten outdoors or even traveled out of state to see
new places! With school starting again soon, we’re nearing the end of summer vacation. The Alaska Wing CAC has certainly been busy these past few months, and we have gathered photos from some of our staff’s vacations to share with all of you. Enjoy!
Cadet Benedict prepares for his first winch launch in a glider
Echo Flight at National Blue Beret 2024
Cadet Taylor and Lt. Col McIntyre launching rockets at the ball pit
Cadet Traugott played baseball for Homer and had a successful season
Cadet Traugott went to Glider Academy as an orientation
Cadet Taylor on
C/Capt Andrew Martin: Alaska Wing’s
Newest Cadet Pilot
By Capt Karen Padgett
Congratulations to C/Capt Andrew Martin of Arcturus Squadron in Anchorage. On 8/8/24, he passed his FAA checkride to become the next Alaska Wing Cadet to earn his Private Pilot Certificate. C/ Capt Martin is the fifth Alaska Wing cadet in 2024 to earn his PPC through the CAP Cadet Wings Program.
Martin was selected for the Cadet Wings in-residence flight training program and has been living and learning at Walla Walla University in Washington since June 26 of this year.
As Martin states, “The biggest advantage to in-residence flight training is that you don’t get a chance for regression because you’re always flying.”
He says the solo cross-country training was his favorite part.
His advice to other cadets is to not underestimate the time commitment. He says it took a lot of work and dedication to finish as soon as he did--just 7 weeks into the 8-week program.
See more information about the program here: https://www.airuniversity. af.edu/Holm-Center/AFJROTC/Display/ Article/3154508/flight-academy/
Though the program is run through AFJROTC, CAP cadets to *not* need to
be
Even if you have *not* yet soloed and passed your FAA written test, you may still be considered for In-Residence or Residential flight training funding through Cadet Wings.
For cadets interested in applying for the In-residence or Residential Cadet Wings funding, you must turn 17 before the Summer in-residence/residential programs begin (ie born before 6/1/08 for the Summer 2025 program).
Apply for Cadet Wings in eServices as soon as possible and before the 9/14/24 deadline.
Be sure to enter the earliest Summer 2025 date (ideally before 6/22/25) in Tab 4 of the Cadet Wings application Discuss with your parents your readiness for spending 4 to 8 weeks away from home, and consider what your other summer commitments are.
Prepare your aviation resume and flight training plan to upload. Ask anyone you’ve flown or discussed aviation with to write you a recommendation letter, and ask a Senior Member to complete a Ray Navigator Agreement on your behalf.
Read the Cadet Wings Guide carefully, focusing on pages 13, 33, and 34 (https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6043_7B02E937DF565.pdf).
Arcturus Squadron
By C/SSgt Seamus Davidson
During this last month, the Arcturus Squadron has worked diligently on drill, character development, and key skills. Over the month the new NCOs have been practicing leadership through drill. They were working with the newer cadets by providing commands and teaching them the basics of drill. C/CMSgt Jonathan Maierson led a teaching session in leadership, where he taught the differences between being a follower and a leader. He brought in a lot of his own CAP experience.
Current cadets and prospective cadets also had time in the flight simulator. They discussed the different techniques of flying.
The squadron SAREX provided the cadets with experience in camping in the woods to support a rescue mission, training for what a rescue mission would be like, and communication skills. The cadets were able to talk to aircraft to help coordinate their exercise. The cadets were able to apply their skills: maps and compasses, bearings, leadership, survival skills, and first aid.
The Arcturus cadets supported the JBER Airshow this year. They helped man the STEM and static air displays. During this time they talked to the public about what CAP is and what it does. The STEM group helped younger children learn about rocketry by using stomp rockets.
During the promotion ceremony:
- Cadet Thomas Buller was promoted to C/2dLt
- Cadets who earned the AEX certificate were presented with their award. The squadron also received as a whole the AEX certificate.
This last month there was a change of command ceremony, where C/2dLt James Shook handed off cadet commander to C/2dLt Thomas Buller
Due to the number of Tuesdays in the month, the squadron had a fun night in the final week. During this time cadets played board games, and charades, and just had fun.
Pictures:
SAREX taken by SM Elise Shook
Thunderbird taken by SM Elise Shook
Remaining pictures by SM Davidson
Growth and Development in the Lake Hood Squadron
By C/Capt Halliburton
In the month of July, the Lake Hood Squadron continued to train and excel. With several Cadets going to NCSA or participating in other exciting activities, such as the National High Altitude Balloon Challenge, Lake Hood Cadets could be found all over Alaska and the United States.
Cadets have been making steady progress in the High Altitude Balloon Challenge, where they have the opportunity to send an aerospace related experiment up to the edge of space. The participating cadets have been hard at work making a video about their experiment to be submitted for the challenge, and are looking forward to the results after the 10 August launch date.
Additionally in July, 3 cadets from the Lake Hood Squadron achieved major milestones in their cadet careers. Cadets Bennett and Owens achieved the rank of 2d Lieutenant and were presented with their Mitchell award, and C/Capt Wegemer was presented with her Earhart award. Congratulations to all 3 of you for continuing your education and training.
Finally, August marks the beginning of a new Cadet staff term at the Lake Hood Squadron, with the Change of Command ceremony being held during the 30 July meeting. The Lake Hood Squadron thanks C/Capt Wegemer for all her hard work in making an outstanding term, and welcomes the incoming commander, C/2d Lt Engeberg. Good luck!
C Capt Wegemer being presented her Earhart award from 1st Lt Engeberg
from
Freshly Promoted C 2d Lt Bennett being presented with her Mitchell award from 1st Lt Engeberg
C 2d Lt Engeberg being presented with his Mitchell award
1st Lt Engeberg
Emergency Radio Communications
Exercise, Sept 28
By Lt Col Kristin Freeman
Imagine if an earthquake hit Alaska and we lost all outside communication – no power, no internet, no cell phones. Would you like to learn how to still communicate using radio waves that bounce off the Earth’s atmosphere?
We have an exciting opportunity for all of you to participate in the upcoming Communication Exercise (COMEX) on Saturday, September 28.
Why Participate?
1. Develop Professional Skills: Radio communications are important in aviation, maritime, emergency services, military operations, law enforcement, firefighting, towing, trucking, engineering, technical fields (like IT and telecom), and off-road sports.
2. ICUT Qualifications: You can earn ICUT (Introductory Communications User Training) certification.
3. Rapid Deployment Package (RDP): We will utilize a Rapid Deployment Package (RDP), which is a high-tech setup used for quickly establishing communication for short and long distances in various environments. Imagine your radio signal bouncing off the atmosphere and back down to another part of the world where someone else can pick it up and respond! Cadets can get involved with hands-on setup if interested.
4. Communication Exercise Opportunities: You will have opportunities to participate in communication exercises to sharpen your skills and win prizes for your group. Senior members will offer support on site
and virtually.
5. Excellence and Leadership: This COMEX is a fun competition within Alaska and we have invited out of state Wings, too. Squadrons have several ways to earn points as they demonstrate communications excellence and leadership.
How to Participate:
Duration: The exercise will last 6 hours, but individuals can participate for less if they choose. Members that participate the whole time will win challenge coins.
HF Radio: This year’s exercise will be conducted almost entirely on HF radio. If your squadron lacks one, the Wing has three to loan out. If you want to reserve one, need help setting it up, or have any other questions, contact Lt Col Kristin Freeman (480550@akwg.cap.gov) or Lt Col Bryan Emerson, Director of Communications (see magazine org chart). The equipment is an HF station kit in a 40-pound case with a radio, a microphone, a tuner, cabling, and a wire antenna. The only thing that you need to provide is power, and it’s not fussy. You can plug it into a wall outlet, connect it to a generator, or even connect it to a car battery.
Who Can Participate:
In addition to cadets who want to learn to set up and operate radios (as Mission Radio Operators and Communications Unit leaders), other senior and cadet participants are welcome, too. For example, a Safety Officer/trainee, Mission Staff Assistant trainees, PAO/trainee, and a chaplain or CDI. If you decide to provide meals or snacks (unfortunately, the mission has no funding, so the wing can’t pay for that), include a Logistics Officer.
Communications competency is crucial in emergencies and in many other careers. Join us!
UNIT/FLIGHT COMMANDERS
Alaska Wing Staff emails
Maj Martin Krebs
Capt Christopher Becker
Lt Col Stuart Goering
532355@akwg.cap.gov ig@akwg.cap.gov
cfiaviator@protonmail.com se@akwg.cap.gov
stuart.goering@akwg.cap.gov ja@akwg.cap.gov
Capt Samantha (Reux) Stearns reux.stearns@akwg.cap.gov gr@akwg.cap.gov
2d Lt Elizabeth Justus
Lt Col Stephen Sammons
Lt Col Brian Porter
Lt Col Bryan Emerson
Capt Lt Lynda MacPherson
Capt Karen Padgett
2d Lt Elizath Justus
SM Michael Inman
Maj Caleb Newville
Capt Terrance (Terry) Aldridge
Maj Kevin Bottjen
1st Lt Mary Stella
elizabeth.justus@akwg.cap.gov
stephen.sammons@akwg.cap.gov cs@akwg.cap.gov
brian.porter@akwg.cap.gov do@akwg.cap.gov
bryan.emerson@akwg.cap.gov dc@akwg.cap.gov
lynda.macpherson@akwg.cap.gov ae@akwg.cap.gov
karen.padgett@akwg.cap.gov cp@akwg.cap.gov
elizabeth.justus@akwg.cap.gov recruiting@akwg.cap.gov
michael.inman@akwg.cap.gov lgm@akwg.cap.gov
caleb.newville@akwg.cap.gov it@akwg.cap.gov
terry.aldridge@akwg.cap.gov fm@akwg.cap.gov
kevin.bottjen@akwg.cap.gov hc@akwg.cap.gov
mary.stella@akwg.cap.gov da@akwg.cap.gov
Lt Col Bryan Emerson bryan.emerson@akwg.cap.gov pa@akwg.cap.gov
Feel free to write your fellow members with questions and comments.
WING VACANCIES
https://akwg.cap.gov/about/wing-vacancies
Assistant Public Affairs Officer - Public Relations, Digital
Engagement and Creative Services
Wing Command NCO
Wing NCO Advisor
Director of Personnel
Director of Development
Logistics Officer
Wing Historian
Health Services Officer
Inspector General
Plans and Programs Officer
Kenai Cadets Highlights
by Major Jan Bobek
Every Monday 6:30 to 8:30 Kenai Cadets make Aerospace, Leadership, Safety/HFZ, and Character Development Presentations.
The presentations are well-planned, delivered, and received. Recently two former Kenai Cadets made presentations about their military service. Joseph Schwartz and Layne Todd are still on ships serving America. We continue to be very proud of them. They also stated that being a CAP Cadet helped them prepare for their service. Everyone, keep on working hard in the Cadet Program. It opens up many good things to do for our country.
Cadets are continually getting Orientation flights. They are appreciative of the opportunity. Weather has been good for flying.
Cadets worked very hard and passed many achievements. Curry Award: Jack Vance. Achievement 3: Alexis Taylor. Achievement 9: Laif Rothenberger. Achievement 11: Lydia Schwartz. We are very proud of their efforts and hard work and amazing effort.
We’re proud to have cadets in our Squadron. All cadets are working hard, setting a good example in our community and supporting each other in continuing to practice the Core Values. The world is a much better place with these young cadets in it.
by Lt. Mary Stella
Please enjoy this lengthy submission from Alaska Wing’s publication in 1968. As you the State ($75,000), USAF ($75,000) and local sources ($90,000).
you can see, we had 21 squadrons in three Groups and had received funding from
Tail Section
Save the date: The Alaska Wing Annual Conference will be held from November 8 through 10.
Historical archives point to the start of the Alaska Wing in about 1949. In this edition, we highlighted some of the thinking that went into its development and leadership. It has a rich and varied history of accomplishments and successes.
What great and exciting places cadets went this summer! Let’s dig deep for scholarships to send off more cadets next year.
This online publication is designed to attract, inform and motivate readers through photographs, 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. Submissions are accepted through the 10th of each month. Be safe and live our core values!
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 cel
Capt. Julie G. Rivera, CAP Co-Editor
Alaska Wing PAO Assistant 617596@AKWG.CAP.GOV
1 (787) 424-0560
