Civil Air Patrol Magazine, Alaska Wing, March 2024

Civil Air Patrol

March 2024

Cadets

Birchwood Staff Training day

Photograph by 1st Lt Benedict

Program

Fairbanks

Six Fairbanks cadets from the 9th COS cadets experienced the joy of flight on February 24, 2024. Cadet Hunter Bernardini, C/A1C Micah Boyer, C/SrA William Frazier, and C/ A1C Felix Siegfried received their first Orientation Flights in a Cessna 206, and C/SSgt Tobias Grossglauser and C/

TSgt Hannah Long also participated for their second powered Orientation Flights. Weather and temperatures cooperated, allowing half-a-dozen flights during daylight hours under mostly clear skies. All of the cadets enjoyed themselves and are eagerly looking forward to more opportunities!

C/SSgt Tobias Grossglauser handles the controls of N19MJ while C/A1C Felix Siegfried takes in the view.

C/SrA William Frazier grins while piloting N19MJ as Cadet Hunter Bernardini and C/A1C Micah Boyer enjoy the ride in the back.

C/TSgt Hannah Long takes her second powered Orientation Flight very seriously.

C/A1C Felix Siegfried navigates near Clear Creek Butte south of Fairbanks in the February sunlight as C/SSgt Tobias Grossglauser listens in the back.

Cadet Hunter Bernardini navigates during his first powered orientation flight! C/A1C Micah Boyer and C/SrA William Frazier look on from the back seat.

C/A1C Micah Boyer displays high-visibility colors from the front seat as fellow cadets Hunter Bernardini and C/SrA William Frazier cheer him on.

Lake Hood

Those things save lives!

By: C/Capt Kai Halliburton

That was the first thing I thought when I saw 2 Air Force HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters take off and fly away.

In the month of February, the Lake Hood cadet squadron was lucky enough to tour a helicopter maintenance hangar on Joint-Base Elmendorf Richardson for our Aerospace Education meeting. While there Cadets were able to see these amazing machines up close, and learn a little about how they work, what they do, and some of the basic principles behind how they

are able to fly.

Our resident Aerospace Education Officer, 2d Lt Joseph Moon, was able to facilitate a tour of the maintenance hangar where he works on HH-60s. He started by talking to us about the role the helicopters he works on play in Alaska. It was fascinating to hear about how these helicopters are able to fly out and assist in search and rescue missions all over the state. With the help of its refueling probe, a modification specific to the Air Force models of H-60s, they are able to be deployed at ranges that few other military helicopters can reach.

Where the magic happens

Cadets and senior members of the Lake Hood Squadron lined up in one of the helicopter maintenance bays.

Photo taken by 2d Lt Joseph Moon

While there, Cadets also got the opportunity to look inside the engine bay of one of the helicopters as Lt Moon explained how each piece works together to fly. He explained the attention to detail the maintainers have to have, as one piece out of place can upset the balance of the whole helicopter. This “behind the scenes” view of the helicopter once again fascinated me, as the level of intricacy was far beyond what I could have imagined. It also gave a technical view of how the helicopter worked, later to be complimented by a short lesson on the physics behind how helicopters fly.

Near the end of the tour, Lt Moon gave a brief lesson on how helicopters are able to

fly. In addition to the same rules that fixedwing aircraft follow, helicopters face the challenge of “Flying the disc” as Lt Moon put it. He talked us through some of the struggles that come with the ability to fly like helicopters do. To summarize, once again I believe that he put it best, “every problem you fix causes 2 more problems.”

Exciting opportunities like this are some of the things that I love in CAP. Opportunities that are unique to Cadets to learn about fields that I am fascinated by. This month was full of opportunities to learn, as the Lake Hood Squadron continues to advance our education and training to be of service to our community, state, and nation.

Cadets and senior members of the Lake-Hood squadron line up in front of the hangar doors. Painted behind them are some of the mascots of the rescue Squadron.

Photo by Lt Joseph Moon

Kenai

By Maj. Jan Bobek

Every Monday 6:30 to 8:30 Kenai Cadets make Aerospace, Leadership, Safety/ HFZ, and Character Development Presentations. We’re proud of them because they always try to do their best. Every week all cadets learn something new to apply to their lives which has a pronounced effect on our community. Three new cadets received the Wingman Course from C/2nd Lt Luke Hillyer and

C/SSgt Noah Cole. The new cadets were Joshua Lattin, Declan Cobb and Ely Campbell. Being a Wingman is a very important job. It carries a lot of responsibility. Luke Hillyer and Noah Cole did an terrific job instilling information to the new cadets. It is important to support each other and always maintaining a environment of Safety.

CONG TULATIONS TO

Cadet Ely Campbell

Cadet Josh Lattin

Cadet Judah Henderson

Cadet Kyler Whitmore

Cadet Landen McGahan

Cadet Noah Cole

Cadets worked very hard and passed many achievements.

Curry award:

Kyler Whitmore

Joshua Lattin

Ely Campbell

Landen McGahan,

Declan Cobb

Judah Henderson

Achievement 2:

Titus Potvin

Drake Anthony

Tru Braun

Hadassah Schwartz.

Achievement 3: Victor Henderson, Jon Broussard.

Wright Brothers

Gianna Traugott.

Achievement 4: O’Ryan Jackson

Noah Cole.

Achievement 5: Zion Henderson

We are very proud of their efforts and hard work and consistent effort. Also two cadets received their first orientation flights. They are Drake Anthony and Landen McGahan. That was a wonderful experience.

O’Ryan Jackson

Clayton Greenwald

Hugh Traugott.

Achievement 8: Laif Rothenberger

Achievement 9: Lydia Schwartz.

Achievement 10: Lane Hillyer.

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.

Cadet Tru Braun

Cadet Victor Henderson

Cadet Zion Henderson

Polaris

Cadets of the Polaris Composite Squadron had the privilege of observing the timehonored tradition of the Change of Command ceremony. During this event, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Pittsenbargar

officially relinquished command to Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Burke. We express our sincere gratitude for the unwavering commitment of Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Pittsenbargar to the squadron,

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Pittsenbargar receives a final salute as cadet commander.

along with the exemplary leadership he provided to the staff under his command. As we embark upon the next chapter, we extend our best wishes to Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Burke and the new staff

under his purview. With his leadership, we anticipate reaching new heights as we aspire to elevate the squadron's achievements and the cadets within.

Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Burke receives a first salute as cadet commander

CONG TULATIONS TO

cadets Wilcox and Westbrook for promoting this month, fly high!

Birchwood

By Rick Benedict, 1st Lt, CAP

Birchwood Composite Squadron Cadet Program experienced another eventful month in February. Our cadets participated in various events at the Squadron, Wing, and Regional levels. Starting February out, a number of cadets participated in the wingwide SAREX at the Birchwood airport. Several cadets also participated in the AE Activity Day at the UAA Aviation Facility at Merrill Field. Cadet CMSgt Jack Parker represented the squadron at the AKWG's monthly Cadet Advisory Council (CAC) virtual meeting,

and C/Maj Reagan Benedict represented the AKWG as a regional representative at the monthly virtual Pacific Region CAC meeting. Cadet Major Reagan Benedict will attend the Pacific Region Conference in April as part of AKWG's CAC Regional Staff in Portland, Oregon. The AKWG CAC members will collaborate with other Regional CAC members to improve CAP. These cadets and others within the squadron are active in developing themselves and serving their community, state, and nation.

Cadets Shelley and Mitchell practicing public speaking at Birchwood Cadet Training Day

Photo by 1st Lt Rick Benedict

The squadron held a quarterly cadet staff training exercise attended by 17 squadron cadets. The squadron cadet officer corps shared their expertise with junior cadets in the following subject areas: drill and ceremonies, leadership, customs and courtesies, public speaking, PowerPoint presentation creation, email professionalism, and the proper wear of uniforms. The cadets got to enjoy pizza provided by the squadron finance committee. Thank you!

Cadet Commander Reagan Benedict initiated a new public speaking series titled “Great Leaders." Cadet Airman Evann

Haddock and C/1st Lt Taylor Moehring started the public speaking series by presenting Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. The idea behind this initiative is twofold: develop cadets' public speaking skills and hone in on the skills and talents of former great leaders.

Our squadron's cadet aerospace officer, Cadet Major Mitchell Anderson, has been doing a great job teaching future cadet pilots how to obtain and read forecasted weather reports for flight planning. This is a crucial skill for any pilot, and senior member leadership is very pleased with his efforts so far. In addition,

Birchwood Character Development taught by DCC 1st Lt Benedict Photograph by C. SrA Haddock

Cadet Major Reagan Benedict conducted the squadron's monthly safety training, focusing on cold weather survival in preparation for the upcoming wing-wide SAREX. Cadet staff continued to meet virtually weekly to receive training and plan future events, such as the cadet training day held at the squadron on Sunday, February 25, 2024. Overall, the squadron is making great progress in developing its future leaders, largely thanks

to the hard work and dedication of its cadets and senior members.

On the recruitment and retention front, a cadet laser tag activity was conducted on our monthly PT night. The cadets enjoyed an hour of uninterrupted time pretending to blast their opposing teammates into oblivion with fake laser beams. The activity proved a success, with grins from ear-to-ear observed

C. Maj Anderson of inspecting C. SrA Andrews' uniform on Birchwood Aerospace night

Photograph by C. SrA Haddock

on cadets' faces by onlooking Senior Members. In addition, the squadron conducted a quarterly Great Start event on February 27th. A handful of prospective cadets attended and had the opportunity to participate in a Character Development class instructed by 1st Lt Rick Benedict.

And lastly, Birchwood Cadet Programs is

thrilled to announce that C/1st Lt Taylor Moehring has been selected as the new Deputy Cadet Commander. Cadet 1st Lt Moehring has served as a Flight Sergeant at the AKWG Encampment and as Flight Commander within the squadron. Congratulations to Cadet Moehring on this achievement

SM Kyle Zimmerman teaching on Leadership Expectations at Birchwood Cadet Training Day Photo by 1st Lt Rick Benedict

CAP Interview Cadet Tommy Clifton

By Laura Emerson

C/Maj Tommy Clifton joined CAP when he was 12 years old because family friends were members.

Currently a High School Junior who will graduate early, he has been accepted by UA- Fairbanks’ one year program for A& P Mechanics, as technical background for a career as a commercial pilot.

His home CAP unit, in Sitka, AK, has only five CAP cadets and four senior members, but they join other small units as part of the larger SE Alaska Composite Squadron, which links distant senior and cadet members who live on islands and road based communities along Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Clifton’s first Orientation flight, thanks to CAP Maj Andrew Coykendall, cinched Clifton’s aviation career goals. So it is no surprise that his favorite experiences in CAP have involved flying. Twice, he participated in Glider Academy at Clear Space Force Station, southwest of Fairbanks, where he enjoyed 30, 10 – 20 minute flights over ten days.

Through CAP’s financial aid for the Cadet Wings Program, he has saved thousands of dollars on flying lessons, thanks to the generous volunteer hours of CAP training pilots. Clifton’s check ride is scheduled for April 8, 2024. May the wind be at his back!

Clifton discovered many benefits of being a CAP cadet, even for those not pursuing an aviation or military career. Paramount among them is leadership development through many activities at squadron, Wing, and national events. Nationally, he attended a large summer encampment in Oregon (200 CAP cadets), where he joined a small coterie of 15 cadets who took advanced leadership training for non-commissioned officers. He subsequently became a cadet leader at two winter encampments in the Beaver State. Another event he loved was the National Blue Beret in Wisconsin where he participated in crowd control, ELT searches, logging landings, flight marshalling, and training other cadets. Within state, he applied for and became a Cadet leader at three summer encampments in Alaska.

For the Southeast Composite Wing, where he is the Cadet Commander, he designed and organized the Alaska Coastal Training Academy three times so far. Clifton’s recommendations to cadets and their parents are:

a) You will hear about activities and opportunities through your CAP email. Set it up early and check it often. You can also ask your squadron leader and other active cadets about upcoming activities. Research those that interest you.

b) Large group activities outside your squadron will enhance leadership skills and let you meet other motivated cadets.

c) If you attend Advanced Leadership training before becoming an encampment leader, you will be a better leader.

d) A good resource for financial aid to National Cadet Special Activities is https:// www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/cadetinvest

Cadet Maj Clifton credits CAP for helping him discover a personal passion, a career path, and the leadership skills that help him negotiate issues every day.

Aerospace

Education

AKWG Aerospace Education took part again this year in Ravenwood Elementary's Family STEM Night event on 6 March 2024 in Eagle River. Students and parents tried their hands on CAP flight simulators, built straw rockets with varying paper weights to see how weight matters in flight, and created motor rotors. Event support was provided from Birchwood Composite Squadron members Capt. Sonya Hood and C/A1C Wood as well as

AKWG Commander Col Derk MacPherson and Director of Aerospace Education 1st Lt Lynda MacPherson. Alaska Wing provided three flight simulators and paper airplane and rotor activities for students.

Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education outreach program supports schools throughout Alaska with classroom presentations, aerospace and STEM activities, STEM nights, and more.

It was a good time had by all and the young people who came had fun with the activities. There was a good turnout of vendors at Ravenwood too, the whole school was full of STEM businesses, nonprofits and volunteer organizations and there was an equally awesome crowd from the community present at the event.

Lynda MacPherson

AK Civil Air Patrol Director of Aerospace Education & STEM

Sonya R. Hood, Capt., Civil Air Patrol

Public Affairs Officer

Birchwood Squadron

AKWG AEX training with Kenai Squadron

AKWG Commander Col Derk MacPherson and Lt Lynda MacPherson battled the weather and drove down to work with Kenai squadron and Homer flight cadets on 11 March to achieve their Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) Achievement. Twenty four cadets in total took part in

the event utilizing CAP STEM kits and Aerospace activities. Cadets worked in groups to create a moving moon rover powered with SPHERO Spark+ bots and Renewable Energy STEM kits. This simple activity brought together space, engineering, and coding skills.

To complete the challenge the cadets raced their moon rovers through an obstacle course to cross the finish line. Also on the evenings agenda the cadets used more creative engineering skills and constructed index card towers for both height and sustaining weight. Next, creative thinking was used utilizing one piece of paper the cadets were challenged to see who could develop the longest chain with only the sheet of paper, tape and scissors for supplies. For fun, cadets put their math skills together and completed the Milky Way challenge puzzle for winning of course, what else but a Mini Milky Way candy bar.

To finish out the evening was building a robotic end effector and constructing a pocket solar system. All of the evenings activities (except the moon rover) were completed using simple items commonly found at home. STEM education and learning should never cost a lot of money. Now the cadets are able to take the lessons they learned and go out in the community to teach those younger then same lessons they learned.

Lynda MacPherson

AK Civil Air Patrol Director of Aerospace Education & STEM

National Aerospace Education Officer of the Year 2020

Homeschool field trip to Birchwood Hangar

We had a wonderful field trip at CAP!

Captain Bill was very patient and informative with all the kids we had that day. He explained everything the kids asked him about and took the time to explain things to the parents who had questions. Thank you for being so flexible with our group. I will be in contact with you about future field trips.

Teresa Rimbert

Emergency

Services

Operation DENALI '24

By: C/Lt Col Michael J. Porter

On 9 February 2024, 18 members from Fairbanks, Polaris, Arcturus and Birchwood Composite squadrons, joined by AKWG staff members in-person and by remote, signed into the fifth annual Alaska Wing Winter Bivouac and Arctic Survival Search and rescue exercise (SAREX). After presenting their credentials to the mission staff and an extensive check of their gear, these senior members and cadets tackled essential familiarization and prep classes to advance their skills.

Honed over the years by squadron TLPs, Cadets use their problem-solving skills to overcome an obstacle with teamwork and ingenuity

After a hearty sleep in the warmth of Birchwood Composite Squadron hangar, the group assembled for their morning ops brief and awaited the Team Leader’s call of “Packs Up!” Before first light, these teams ventured into the Alaskan forest beyond the airport boundary. Their first challenge was to get the team equipment sleds and themselves over a 5-foot fence halfburied in the snow. “Siege ladders forward” came the call down the line, and the well-prepared quartermaster passed up 2 ladders to the front of the column. Senior members looked on as the cadets quickly built a stable snow and ladder ramp to get all personnel and equipment over the snowy obstacle. Compass azimuth checks accomplished, the team broke trail to the chosen campsite.

The team members organized themselves and set about building a functioning bare-bones Incident Command Post. They spent the day digging out a trench system through the 5-foot snow drifts, reminiscent the extensive networks at the Somme, gathering firewood for the long night ahead, and preparing warm shelters for the forecasted 15-degree weather.

All of their previous training came to the fore as the squads worked together to clear the central fire pit, starting the lifepreserving fire with only natural materials and survival fire-starting methods.

As shoveling continued, VHF net radio checks were performed to ensure the deployed personnel were in the loop with command and control (Communications

Unit Leader Lt Col Bryan Emerson and Air Branch Director Lt Col Al Senese) as aircrews prepared for their individual missions.

Back in the field, the squads paired up to build their 2-person shelters using the foxhole design, laying freshly cut pine boughs on the floor for insulation and a tarp overhead to retain some warmth.

Cadets Bennett, Barnett and Bridge constructing their cozy “home away from home”

Then the call came to drop everything and prepare to vector aircraft by radio and “pop smoke” to identify a simulated Drop Zone/Helicopter Landing Zone to the airborne crews. After a demo by Lt Col Brian “Irish” Porter, Cadet Smoot took the radio. “CAP 50-33, Turn Left… Stop Turn. Turn Right…Stop Turn,” directed Cadet Smoot, providing the Mission Pilot Lt Col Thomas “Polo” Palmer and Mission Observer Senior Member Daniel

Bradbury guidance to bring their aircraft to the ground team’s position “3, 2, 1 MARK!” Cadet Porter popped the lanyard of the maritime orange smoke flare, and the simulated DZ/LZ was marked by billowing florescent orange smoke that drifted with the wind. “Visual,” called the aircraft, along with wing rocks, letting everyone know the crew had the team and the DZ/LZ in sight.

Ground Team members hunt the skies for the inbound aircraft as Colonel Porter steers the crew by radio -Photo by Mr. Nate Healy, CAP-USAF

“And that’s why you always point pyro technics away from yourself and the group.”

– C/Lt Col Porter

The instructors covered more signaling techniques as the aircrew departed for their next task. After a short break, a second crew was calling for vectors, and Cadet Wilcox brought them right to the target.

Mission Pilot Lt Matt Nedom, Mission Observer Nate Martin and Scanner Jason Johnston took the opportunity to execute air-to-ground signaling before departing on a ELT search in the Mat Su valley.

Cadets Smoot and Wilcox vector CAP crews overhead

Having watched the ground teams and air crew in action, “Great teamwork – and where else can young people learn these life-saving skills but here in Alaskan CAP,” noted CAP-USAF Lt Col Nate Healy. After a hot meal, the team settled in for the long night. Major Wendy “9” Sanders provided

first-responder training and expertise, keeping a watchful eye on all participants to ensure the health and safety of the team – even surprising the survivalists with hot chocolate before “lights out.”

Major “9” Sanders reviewing cold weather injury prevention and treatment with team members as night falls at the campsite

In two-person teams, cadets held watch throughout the night, making sure the fire was fueled and ready in case a cadet or senior member needed to warm themselves up. “It was great to see everyone make new friends on fire watch,” noted Ground Team Leader trainee MSgt Kurt “Woody” Woodward, while toasting a S’More over the flames.

And as the first glow of “false dawn” crept over the meadow, and the familiar notes of “Reveille” jostled those snoozing in their snowy caves. The team got on its feet to prepare for the capstone exercise of the morning. Taking stock near the fire, Cadet Bennett concluded “We slept well in our snow condo.”

After a quick breakfast by the fire, the cadets tore down their shelters, returned the camp to its original state and redeployed back to the Birchwood hanger, all under the cover of early morning darkness. Once the group

was at the hanger and accounted for, Incident Commander Lt Col Sammons briefed the SAREX scenario -splitting the group into 2 teams to search for an ELT on the airport.

Each Ground Team had its turn to search the ramp, and both teams emerged victorious, locating the Emergency Locator Transmitters (beacons) set out for them to hunt. Due to their hard work, and the hard work of Lt Col Steve Sammons, Lt Col Brian “Irish” Porter, Lt Col Tom “Polo” Palmer, Lt Col Al Senese, Lt Col Bryan Emerson, Maj Wendy “Nine” Sanders, 2d Lt Matt Nedom, MSgt Kurt “Woody” Woodward, C/Maj Benedict, C/CMSgt Bennett, and C/MSgt Burke, AKWG was able to advance the training of 5 Aircrew, requalify a CUL and AOBD, gain 12 new

GTM 3s (who have completed more than half of their GTM2 requirements), 2 new GTM 1s, 1 new GTL and 1 new IC3. “I always learn something new whenever we do this. Looking forward to our next SAREX,” remarked newly minted GTM1 C/ SSgt Wilcox who led his team in the field and has qualified for his Senior Ground Team qualification badge. This has been one of Alaska Wing’s smoothest and most successful winter bivouacs due to the skill and dedication of its participants and the hard work from cadet and senior member staff.

Ground Team Alfa use triangulation while hunting an ELT, part of their final testing for the SAREX

Back in History

History

In January of 1963, a fire completely destroyed the Seward Community Civic Center. Located in the building were the records and supplies of the Seward Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. Not one item was salvaged – lost were the complete Z01 files, drop chutes, medical supplies, sleeping bags, rations, and foul weathergear belonging to the squadron. Considering the many manhours spent gathering all of these supplies, not to mention the time spent compiling the records, it was a loss felt greatly by the members of the newly r3eacticated Seward

Squadron.

But hard luck was soon replaced by joy. The Squadron received from the Alaska Wing their much sought after Stinson L-5, the hangar was completely rebuilt, and last but not least, after many back-breaking hours of volunteer labor the twenty-seven members,the Operations Building was finished. The dedication of the building was to have been the 4th of April, when all of Seward celebrated the “All-American City” Award. Many dignitaries from Alaska Wing, Polaris Group, and

other Squadrons were to be present when the Seward Squadron dedicated its hangar and building, and many of the hard-working members of the Squadron were to receive their promotions and advancements. But it was not meant to be …

On the evening of March 27th at 6 p.m., a seismic wave wiped out the

Operations Building, the hangar and the new L-5, and destroyed all twelve aircraft on the Seward Strip. Eight of the demolished aircraft belonged to the members of the Seward Squadron. The loss was staggering and the members felt defeated – but in the wake of the quake and tidal wave, there was much work to do.

The following morning supplies began to arrive from Anchorage and the airfield had to be controlled. Squadron Commander Leonard A. “Lenny” Gilliland proceeded to set things up in an orderly fashion. He dispatched the cargo from the many C-123’s, Army Otters and Civil Air Patrol Beavers from Anchorage and Kenai Squadrons. Seward was hard hit and needed these supplies badly. Lenny coordinated with the Seward Airport Manager to get the loading apron cleared, with the FAA to get an emergency control tower set up, and with Civil Defense Headquarters in Anchorage and Seward to see that the correct supplies were received and dispatched to the proper emergency stations set up in Seward and elsewhere on the

Kenai Peninsula. Work proceeded around the clock for the first few days. But tragedy was still to be the byword of the Seward Squadron. On Tuesday, April 28, exactly one month and one day since the second tragedy, Seward’s Commander Gilliland was killed in a helicopter crash near Whittier. Thinking of his squadron to the end, he was believed to be enroute to Alaska Wing Headquarters in Anchorage to plead for aircraft for the Seward Squadron.

Yes, the Seward Squadron has lost its leader, its aircraft, its hangar, but not its spirit. Lenny’s wife requested that, instead of flowers, donations be sent for the rebuilding of the Seward Civil Air Patrol’s Headquarters Building.

"The 5 Tabs" aka Creating Your Own Training Plan

by Capt Karen Padgett, AKWG Asst Director of Education & Training

Are you ready to complete the next level of your CAP education and training?

Open these 5 tabs on your computer to determine what you need to do next and make some progress! ETO's can use these steps to develop training plans for people in their squadron.

1. Your Professional Level:

2. Summary Sheets

3. AXIS Modules

4. VIR Calendar

5. Member Search Report

Tab 1. Your Professional Level: Log into eServices. From the main menu in the upper left, Go to Professional Development then Professional Levels. Click on the blue Professional Levels link. Make sure your CAPID has autofilled, then click on the "Select Level" pulldown menu. Choose the lowest level that does *not* have a green "Approved" status at the top.

Scroll down, looking at the right side of all the dark blue bars for any incomplete Groups of modules or tasks. If everything appears complete, hit "Submit" in the bottom left and ask your Unit Commander to approve your level completion.

Congratulations! Your reward is that you may now begin work on your next level!

Tab 2. Summary Sheets: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/ed-training If some modules are incomplete, this is where you go to find out whether you can complete the modules on your own in AXIS or if they are moderated modules you need to complete with a VolU instructor. Go to gocivilairpatrol.com-->Members-->Education & Training. Choose the link for the level you're working on. Scroll down until you see the blue link called "Link to Level X Module Summary Sheet." Use this as a checklist for the modules as you complete them. Compare to the complete & incomplete items shown in Tab 1 above.

Tab 3. AXIS Modules. Log into eServices. Go to the main menu then online learning then "AXIS/Learning Management System." When the link to AXIS loads, click on it. Look in the AXIS column headings or menus for any modules that start with "LX"' where X is the level you're working on. Work through the modules from the Tab 2 Summary Sheet that you still need to complete that say just "quiz" in the 2nd column.

If the 2nd column says anything more than "quiz," it is a *moderated* modules, and you need to complete it with a VolU Instructor.

Tab 4. VIR Calendar: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/ed-training/virtual-inresidence-program To take the moderated modules, go to the VIR Calendar. Follow the instructions on this page *very* closely to register for any moderated modules you need. Note that times listed in the VIR calendar are *Eastern* time zone!

To search the VIR calendar for the moderated modules you need, I recommend going to the "agenda" view of the calendar (upper right), scrolling down repeatedly to load all pages, then using Ctrl-F to search for a keyword of the class you need.

Tab 5. Member Search Report. As you progress through your training, you can confirm your eServices record is updated by periodically checking your Member Search Report. In eServices, click on the main menu then administration then "Member Search." To see your entire record on one screen, click the blue "Member Search Report" link below your photo.

Good luck! We hope this helps more Alaska Senior Members advance their education and training and work toward higher ranks. Most importantly, you will know more about how CAP operates and how you can be most productive in your CAP work!

Capt Karen L Padgett

Alaska Wing Director of Cadet Programs

Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary Pick.Click.Give to Alaska CAP Cadet Programs (M) 907.350.8533

karen.padgett@akwg.cap.gov GoCivilAirPatrol.com

THE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION (MAC) PROJECT BRIEF

As part of Civil Air Patrol’s transformation, developing a more robust marketing effort and improving brand management are import growth initiatives. It is essential to update CAP’s web strategy to help manage the brand, attract members and donors, and mitigate security risks. The web strategy being launched has been reviewed and approved by CAP Senior Advisory Group (CSAG). MAC will make it as easy as possible to help make websites compliant.

The challenge is to bring approximately 1,000 subordinate websites into a cohesive brand strategy as One CAP telling the same brand story accurately, while reducing workload on the people or teams managing websites.

The Alaska Wing has already received its new website template and has begun work to bring much of the content from the existing website as is permissible under the new template guidelines. Once wing website updates are completed, all unit/squadron websites will either:

• Be migrated to the new SiteViz template, with a link to the appropriate squadron page on the new wing website, or

• Noncompliant websites will need to be taken offline immediately.

One of the missions is to correct: content that is years old, omitting flagship programs, correct broken links, poor site performance and possible security risks. The Air Force Auxiliary was recently added to the home page at airforce.com the Air force Website. It attracts 1.3M visitors per month. This will lead to a landing page with CAP content and links to GoCivilAirPatrol.com

The project will be executed in four phases based on the amount of work required for compliance. Alaska Wing is in Phase 3. We must have the updates completed by May 22, 2024. MAC will review the website beginning June 6, 2024, with the new website in production by June 23, 2024.

WING VACANCIES

Assistant Public Affairs Officer - Public Relations, Digital Engagement and Creative Services

• Works with Public Affairs Officer to provide oversight across AKWG units and staff to ensure a CAP-compliant and active social media presence.

• Provides units and staff education.

• Training to develop and sustain relevant social media activities.

• Advises the commander, staff and members as required on CAP social media policy.

Wing NCO Advisor

• Participate in the decision-making process, as appropriate, on technical, operational and organizational issues.

• Work closely with their wing’s command NCO.

• Perform other duties as directed by the wing commander.

• Encourage NCO mentorship of cadets and junior officer CAP members.

Wing Command NCO

• Participate in the decision-making process, as appropriate, on technical, operational and organizational issues.

• Advise the Wing Commander for dress and personal appearance items affecting CAP members and specifically NCOs.

• Serve as a representative of the Wing Commander.

• Serves on award and recognition selection committees.

Alaska Wing Staff emails

Capt Brandon Anderson brandon.anderson@akwg.cap.gov ig@akwg.cap.gov

Capt Donald (DJ) Burand dj.burand@akwg.cap.gov se@akwg.cap.gov

Lt Col Stuart Goering 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 elizabeth.justus@akwg.cap.gov

Lt Col Stephen Sammons stephen.sammons@akwg.cap.gov cs@akwg.cap.gov

Lt Col Brian Porter brian.porter@akwg.cap.gov do@akwg.cap.gov

Lt Col Bryan Emerson bryan.emerson@akwg.cap.gov dc@akwg.cap.gov

1st Lt Lynda MacPherson lynda.macpherson@akwg.cap.gov ae@akwg.cap.gov

Maj Donald Duff donald.duff@akwg.cap.gov pd@akwg.cap.gov

Capt Karen Padgett karen.padgett@akwg.cap.gov cp@akwg.cap.gov

2d Lt Clint Justus clint.justus@akwg.cap.gov lg@akwg.cap.gov

Maj Donald Duff donald.duff@akwg.cap.gov dp@akwg.cap.gov

2d Lt Elizath Justus elizabeth.justus@akwg.cap.gov recruiting@akwg.cap.gov

SM Michael Inman michael.inman@akwg.cap.gov lgm@akwg.cap.gov

Maj Caleb Newville caleb.newville@akwg.cap.gov it@akwg.cap.gov

Capt Terrance (Terry) Aldridge terry.aldridge@akwg.cap.gov fm@akwg.cap.gov

2d Lt Clint Justus clint.justus@akwg.cap.gov xp@akwg.cap.gov

Maj Kevin Bottjen kevin.bottjen@akwg.cap.gov hc@akwg.cap.gov

1st Lt Mary Stella mary.stella@akwg.cap.gov ho@akwg.cap.gov

Lt Col Robert Thomas robert.thomas@akwg.cap.gov hs@akwg.cap.gov

1st Lt Mary Stella mary.stella@akwg.cap.gov da@akwg.cap.gov

Lt Col Bryan Emerson bryan.emerson@akwg.cap.gov pa@akwg.cap.gov

If you have room, feel free to write your fellow members with questions and comments.

Photo by: Capt. J. Rivera

Temperatures are rising, days are getting longer and the snow is starting to melt! Look at and learn from the experiences of C/Maj Clifton in this edition as he is a role model of what to do right - for all of us. Congratulations to Kenai, Lake Hood, Polaris, Fairbanks and Birchwood squadrons for all of their recent cadet awards and training sessions. We hope that you enjoyed seeing a small part of CAP’s response to the 1964 earthquake. Are you planning attend the PCR/ORWG conference in April? April is when Alaskans harvest birch sap run and begin their next winter’s firewood harvest. What are you preparing for?

Alaska Wing PAO, DC

BRYAN.EMERSON@AKWG.CAP.GOV

1 (907) 795-5586 cell

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!

https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaCAP

Alaska Wing PAO Assistant

617596@AKWG.CAP.GOV

1 (787) 424-0560

Lt Col Bryan Emerson, CAP Publisher and Editor

Capt. Julie G. Rivera, CAP Co-Editor