Public Affairs
- James Kalemis, Capt, CAP
- jkalemis@comcast.net
08/10/2009
08/07/2009
Encampment Day 7 - The End
Summer Encampment Air Operations
While the inclusion of cadet orientation rides in the Summer Encampment is well-established, this year’s effort added Incident Command System (ICS) principles. Veteran “Air Boss” Lt Col. Morrisette and his deputy Capt. Jeff Gustafson drew together ten pilots from eight squadrons across the wing, gliders, powered aircraft and support, to execute familiarization flights for cadets flying out of Springfield Airport. The implementation of ICS planning principles improves the coordination between the various schools and staff functions, optimizing the opportunities to introduce cadets to the excitement and challenge of aviation and Civil Air Patrol’s many missions for America. The pilots providing these flights volunteer their talent (and very often their vacation time) to share their aviation expertise with cadets. Without the support of the Air Force and the Wing, who generously support the cadet orientation flight program with resources to fly, and the kind assistance of two local fixed base operations, Landmark and Standard Aero, these flights would not be possible. Many thanks to our outstanding pilots: Lt. Col Norman Morrisette, Capt Jeff Gustafson, Capt Bill Helgersen, Capt Ron Diggs, Lt. Col J Herschelman, Lt Col Brian Porter, 1Lt Chuck Gillespie, Lt Col Weldon Oetken, Capt Walter Baird, and Maj Steve Snyder.
Advanced Training Squadron
Capt. John Wenzel
The Advanced Training Squadron, or ATS, is made up of cadets who have previously attended an encampment and want to improve their leadership and management skills. ATS cadets are thoroughly trained in proper wear of the uniform, drill and ceremonies, and the different types of leadership and management styles. One of the biggest benefits of completing ATS is that a graduate is guaranteed a staff position at next year’s encampment.
LtCol Flowers from Texas Wing, as well as Capt Wenzel and Lt Godar from Illinois Wing, are the senior member staff of ATS. These senior members have diverse backgrounds and interests which complement each other. Lt Col Flowers and Lt Godar largely focus on drill and ceremonies, room and uniform inspection, and leadership styles. Their military experience and membership in Honor Guard units back home make them ideal role models for the cadets. Capt Wenzel focuses more on the operational end, dealing with planning, adapting, and implementing programs. His job as a supervisor in the State Police has given him experience in these areas.
C/Capt Malmgrem and C/MSgt Guerrero are the cadet staff of ATS. They supervise the ATS cadets, offering advice and guidance. The other ATS cadets rotate through the flight commander positions within the squadron, practicing and enhancing their leadership and management skills.
Additionally, the ATS cadets went on a field trip to the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC). The SEOC is the command center used during emergency situations that occur in or around Illinois. The SEOC is not open to public tours, so the cadets were treated to a “behind the scenes” tour of how and where the state government functions in times of emergency.
For only the second time in Encampment history, there was an overnight bivouac. The ATS cadets and senior staff spent the night in the field training area of Camp Lincoln. Some slept in tents, some in their own makeshift shelters, and some (only the bravest!) out in the open “under the stars.” The senior staff, assisted by Army National Guard soldiers, taught classes on survival techniques, shelter construction, terrain familiarization, and field operations. Lt. Godar presented the cadets with a challenging “device disassembly” group leadership problem which was done in real time and under field conditions. As night fell, the cadets participated in a variation of a “capture the flag” game. The wide open spaces of the training area made for a challenging and exciting game. Everyone went to bed tired but pleased about the day’s activities.
The ATS cadets strive to be the best at encampment, not only in how they look or act, but in the decisions and plans that they make. Their training is more thorough and challenging than anything they have received before. I expect that we will see many of today’s ATS in the upcoming years as encampment cadet staff members.
Photos from today's events are on the Photo Page.
Reminder: The Pass in Review Graduation will be held at Camp
Lincoln, 1301 N MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL, Saturday, 10am.
Please do not go to any other location.
See you next year!
08/06/2009
Encampment Day 6
From the Cadet Executive Officer
C/Capt Scherer
I joined CAP in June of 2006. Back then I was referred to as Mini-me or the other Scherer. I was definitely not the sharpest cadet or even the smartest cadet, but I tried to do my best. I was obsessed and it was my goal to get the cadet commander position at my squadron. I aimed to improve my PT so I could pass it with flying colors. I ended up becoming the cadet commander of my squadron for a year and a half. This showed me that if I set my goals, I end up getting what I want.
I went to my first encampment, Spring Encampment in 2006. It was very interesting being only 13 and being my first time away from home. I had a lot of fun at the encampment and it made me excited to come back to more encampments in the future. After that encampment, I went to Summer Encampment as ATS and that made me go on to staff positions. I was a flight commander twice and it was the most rewarding experience I could have in CAP. I then became the Executive Officer at Spring Encampment 2008. That prepared me for the position of Executive Officer at Summer Encampment 2009. I wanted the position of Executive Officer at last year’s encampment but I instead got the position of Standards and Evaluations Team. I am happy that I got the position because in two years I will hold the position of Cadet Commander at the 2011 Summer encampment.
The position of Executive Officer is not a very well known position. The position, at times, does not give the credit that it deserves. The Executive Officer controls all of the behind-the-scenes activities that go on. They control the Support Staff. There are two sections of Support Staff, Operations and Logistics. Operations manages everything that goes on in the kitchen with Senior Member support. Logistics makes sure all O-Flights and paperwork gets done. Operations is managed by C/Msgt Barron and C/Msgt Garner. Logistics is managed by C/Tsgt Garner and C/Tsgt Rose. I provide guidance to these cadets to make sure that they get their jobs done. If not for this staff and the Executive Officer, the Encampment would not run. It may not seem like the most important job in the world but it has a lot of positives to becoming the Executive Officer.
CAP has taught me a lot of life lessons that I have needed to my civilian life. The knowledge I have gained from this event has helped me through many things in my life. I am grateful and happy that I have gotten the positions I have. I look forward to seeing many of these cadets returning to encampment to work under me as line staff or to go to Advanced Training Squadron. I am hoping for a great 2010 year when I will be Cadet Deputy commander.
Day 6 of the Encampment
All basic cadets visited the Air National Guard at the Springfield airport, where they observed F-16 engines being worked on and a demonstration by the firefighters. The basic cadets also had an aerial photo class with Capt. Wenzel, Moral Leadership with Capt. Gluntz, AE with Capt. Merrill, and Aerospace Careers with USAF Sgt Godar and Col. Larson. The First Responders Flight practiced backboarding, rapid extrication, and medical emergencies. The ATS Flight had a campout last night where they were joined by the National Guard personnel and spent an evening of camaraderie and games.
CAP-USAF Corner
Staff Sergeant Mike Miedona, USAFR
On behalf of the Illinois Wing CAP-USAF Liaison Office, I’d like to welcome all of the new members to the 2009 Illinois Summer Encampment. As a prior cadet, senior member, and now a member of the Unites States Air Force, I have seen the importance and benefits of encampments first hand. Every participant all the way down to the most junior cadet of the basic encampment has sacrificed something to be here. The good news is that the video games, caffeine, and your buddies will still be there when the encampment culminates. However the new friends, flying, and the training you received is far more beneficial and will last longer than any video games.
One week really is not that much time and every minute of every day was calculated into an extremely busy schedule. That being said, it is really easy to let the entire encampment pass you by without ever realizing all the sacrifices made by the senior members and cadet staff who make this encampment possible. Most spent their annual vacation time to be here. Weeks of preparation time was spent planning, keeping vehicles ready, and aircraft current to give some cadets their first Orientation Flight as well as staying ready to carry out CAP’s Emergency Services mission.
Lt Col Greer, Lt Col Hayes, and I are here representing the Air Force this week. One of the requirements for an encampment is ten hours of Air Force Instruction. The training and experiences learned at encampments as well as at the home units will follow and benefit you all through life, whether or not you choose to serve in the honorable profession of arms. Before you can learn to lead, you have to learn to follow. The problem solving, team work and communication skills learned and practiced are beneficial in all walks of life, not just military environments. Part of CAP requires Cadet as well as Senior Professional Development. Standing in formation, learning how to march, making a proper bunk, and sitting through classes is not always fun. That is why I’d like to invite this year’s members to return next year and apply for positions in the Advanced Training Squadron or staff. Take what you learned standing in those formations and sitting in those classrooms and utilize it as you instruct the future members of CAP.
One of the many important messages we instructed on was making smart decisions and keeping your options open. CAP membership does not require military service, but is a good way of keeping a door open. Gen. Billy Mitchell recipients who elect to enlist receive advancement to the grade of E-3. Future prospective officers who decide to go the ROTC route may receive advanced credit for their participation in encampments or check off a few more boxes on their ROTC or Air Force Academy applications. A full schedule of activities year round and CAP’s Drug Demand Reduction Program are just two of the many ways cadets can keep themselves off the streets and out of trouble.
While CAP is a para-military type environment, the benefit and training is universal. Promotion boards may be a scary thing for new cadets but it is excellent practice for interviews later on in life. As cadets advance and become Junior NCO’s they might be required to teach a class on proper uniform wear or customs & courtesies. The idea of teaching a class might be terrifying, however they’re receiving great practice at public speaking. Cadets who continue on in the program and slowly move up the ladder will receive even more beneficial training as they learn to lead - the civilian equivalent to a manager. One of the key aspects taught in leadership is the balance of being a good leader as well as a manager through proper utilization of your people.
So with that we wish everyone luck and good health in the year to come. We hope to see you all again next year. Until then, always remember the three U. S. Air Force Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All You Do!
Additional Photos from the day's events are on the Photo Page.
NOTE: The Pass in Review Graduation will be held at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL, Saturday, 10am. Please do not go to any other location.
08/05/2009
Encampment Day 5
From the Cadet Deputy Commander
By C/Capt McDowell
Six years ago as a basic in Echo flight I had a dream to be where I am today. I can still remember sitting in the hotel at Volk Field listening to an extremely scary colonel talk to us about hour our leaders came to be in the position they were in. He explained that in six years I could be the cadet commander. First, the Lt Col said that we had to move through the staff ranks. He explained that cadets had to start at flight staff positions, then the best staff members would move on to squadron commanders positions and above. From that point I had my mind set that I would command a summer encampment, so the first step for me was to go to ATS the next year. After ATS I went to staff, serving as Flight Sergeant at the 2005 Summer Encampment, and then serving as First Sergeant in the same year’s Spring Encampment. The following year I served the as a flight commander in 2006 Summer Encampment …see the pattern? I have served as a squadron commander, the ATS Lead Instructor, Deputy Commander of another encampment, and finally this year I can finally say that I am on the Executive Staff of the 2009 Summer Encampment.
Six years later it still works the same way, I will be the Cadet Commander next year. I can’t even begin to explain the amount of knowledge and leadership ability that I have gained from the eight encampments. And I am still learning so much! I challenge every one of the cadets here to strive to be in the position that I am in currently. The best cadets in the Wing go through encampment; the best of the best train them. I hope to see you all back here in 2010!
Encampment Day 5
We are now more than half way through the Encampment and the day was full of activities. Capt. Hicks continued the Group Leadership Problems and Capt. Wenzel had the basic flights launch their pop bottle rockets. Major Carol Hertel talked about Air Force careers while Lt Col Flowers talked about Drug Demand Reduction. The ATS cadets visited the State of Illinois Emergency Operations Center while the Communications School cadets visited the Sangamon County 911 Dispatch Center.
First Responders School
By the First Responders Flight
During PT, imagine a cadet stumbles to the ground and dislocates a knee. A week ago, we would have immediately call for help. Now, we are the help. Among splinting, trauma care, and CPR, there are several skills that we, the First Responders School flight, learn in order to provide care and assistance when needed.
In other First Aid and CPR classes, you train for real-life situations, but in First Responders School, we train in real-life situations. Under the supervision of our skilled health services providers, we have provided care for ill, injured, and homesick cadets. Cadets find themselves in the medical room at all hours of the day or night. The skills we are learning today may help to save a life someday, and it is because of this that we take pride in our leaders, training, and our work.
A Day in Air Operations
Air operations began the day with all hands working to shelter CAP aircraft in hangars, graciously provided by Standard Aero. After the severe weather passed, cadets were given the opportunity to “slip the surly bonds” with encampment orientation pilots. By the time flight operations closed, eighteen cadets flew in our CAP Cessna aircraft (six glider and twelve single-engine airplanes), experiencing the challenge and excitement of aviation with first hand, “yoke and rudder” experience. We used 370 gallons of aviation fuel to fly these sorties so far. Feedback from cadets has been very positive. Your air ops professionals are looking forward to more flying tomorrow. Semper Vigilans!
Encampment Participants
Major Carol Hertel
TEAMWORK is the core of every successful encampment. This year’s Illinois Wing Summer Encampment is no exception. Cadets and officers from the following regions are represented: Great Lakes (187), Southwest (9), and Rocky Mountain (1) regions this year. The Communication School consists of 9 cadets from Illinois and Indiana. The First Responders Flight has 6 cadets, also from Illinois and Indiana. ATS has 23, all from Great Lakes Region. The Wings of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Colorado, Kentucky, and Wisconsin are represented.
Photos from the day's events are on the Photo Page.
NOTE: The Pass in Review Graduation will be held at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL, Saturday, 10am. Please do not go to any other location.
08/04/2009
Encampment Day 4
From Your Cadet Commander
C/Lt Col Steven DeCraene
Five years ago I sat in an auditorium listening to the encampment cadet commander speak. I still remember thinking…wow, one day I will do that job. My first encampment motivated me more than any other activity I had been to before. After Summer Encampment 2004, I went to Spring Encampment 2005 as a Flight Sergeant, Summer Encampment 2005 on Support Staff, 2006 as a Flight Commander, 2007 as Squadron 10 commander, and 2008 as the Deputy Commander. After an encampment that has truly been five years in the making, I am so excited to see a vision that I have helped create into a successful encampment.
We have a great group of cadet staff this year. The cadet staff came to train for one weekend a month before encampment, and then continued to prepare until encampment on their own. Countless meetings, phone calls, and emails all went into making this encampment a success. Our staff is not only very dedicated, but also skilled and talented. They have a willingness to make this encampment better, and only that ambition can truly affect the experience a basic cadet has at encampment.
This is a bittersweet encampment for me. I have anticipated this encampment for so long, and soon it will be over. This will be my last encampment as a cadet. And as much fun as this encampment is, I keep realizing all the “lasts” that I am having. I am, very excited to finish this encampment strong, and move on to new endeavors.
The primary goal of any good cadet staff should be properly training basic cadets. This staff is meeting those expectations, and beginning to raise the bar even higher. I look forward to a great Pass-in-Review ceremony, where these 100 basic cadets can show off their hard work and weeklong dedication to their parents. The excitement in the air of graduation day is priceless. That sense of accomplishment when you know these cadets experienced something they have never done before is what drives cadet staff to return year after year. And eventually aspire to hold the position of Encampment Cadet Commander.
The Fourth Day of Encampment
Tuesday started with a severe thunderstorm - air operations halted and all activities were moved inside. But the sun shone in the afternoon and the cadets got to fly! Capt. Hicks helped the cadets through some group leadership problems. Capt Wenzel help he cadets build bottle rockets. Cadets were coerced through peer pressure to tackle the inflatable obstacle course under an atmosphere of friendly competition. Additional classroom activities included Moral Leadership by Capt. Gluntz, Cadet Promotions by Lt Col. Flowers, and Aerospace Education by Capt. Merrill.
Welcome from Public Affairs
Capt. James Kalemis
Since you are reading this, you are already following the Encampment Daily blog. This was an idea I had for last year’s Summer Encampment and it has been very successful. The blog has dozens of people reading it every day. Parents are looking at the photos of their cadets and keeping up with what events are occurring every day.
I am the Great Lakes Region Cadet Activities Officer and participate in several activities during year. In addition to Summer Encampment, I am the PAO of the National Cadet Competition, a judge at the Region Cadet Competition, teach Training Leaders of Cadets in several wings and have been a squadron commander. Doing Public Affairs is why I joined CAP and something I enjoy doing very much. This year I have the assistance of Lt Col. Paul Hertel, ILWG Deputy Public Affairs Officer. Lt Col Hertel related that he got into Public Affairs in his first unit after rejoining CAP in 1991.
So what makes a Public Affairs section successful? The comments from parents and staff that can’t wait to read next day’s post is one indication. And today we got a phone call from USAF Capt. Jeremy Learned, a KC-135 pilot stationed in the Middle East, letting us know he is following the Blog. Capt. Learned is a Spaatz Cadet of the Jefferson County Composite Squadron, an Air Force Academy graduate, and a Summer Encampment Honor cadet. He is currently responsible for the Middle East refueling activities.
The Communications School
Lt Col Ted E. Lohr
We are the “Voice of Command”. Our fifth annual “Comm School” started with nine cadet students and six officer instructors. We started out the week by setting up two VHF radios for encampment operations manned by the advanced cadets. Basic cadets attended A-CUT radio operator class.
During the week our students will cover communications safety, VHF and HF radio operations, antenna mast construction, introduction to simple basic electronics, formalization with CAP communications equipment, introduction to SDIS (Satellite Digital Imaging System), IMU (Incident Management Utility), introduction to and history of the GPS (Global Positioning System), and much more. The basic cadets learn Mission Radio Operator skills while the advanced section study to be Communications Unit Leaders. Both classroom training and practical applications round out the training.
After the duty day is over, amateur (HAM) radio classes are conducted for those that are interested. Technician Class is the entry level license. For those that already have a Ham license, you can study for an upgrade to your license to General Class (the second level) up to Extra Class, the top level.
We monitored the severe weather on Tuesday for the Encampment using several weather programs and websites. Our facility lost power and was on auxiliary power for several hours in the morning. Cadets continue to monitor radio traffic form 0645 through 2000 hours each day and coordinate communications for the encampment.
Tomorrow we will take a field trip tour to the Sangamon County 911 Communications Center in Springfield. By the end of the week all students will be provided the tools to be radio operators and Comm Unit Leaders. We will have a safe and fun week.
Comm School Staff
Schools Branch Director: Major Jim Bartel
Comm School Commander: Major Jerry Scherer
Lead Instructor: Major Dave Pieck
Instructors: Major Tod Whitmore, 1st Lt Bill Ponall, and Lt Col Ted Lohr
Additional photos are located on the Photo Page.
NOTE: The Pass in Review Graduation will be held at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL, Saturday, 10am. Please do not go to any other location.
08/03/2009
Encampment Day 3
From Your 1st Sergeant
C/CMSgt Tamara Jones
Welcome to the Encampment, cadets. I will be your 1st Sergeant for the Encampment. I wanted you to know a little more about me. I have been in CAP for over three years and I have been to three encampments. This is my first time being a 1st Sergeant at an encampment, but I have been 1st Sergeant in other activities.
My expectations are set extremely high for this Encampment. I want nothing less than the best from you all! This week will not be easy, but if you listen to instructions, it will help you through. You need to listen, watch, and learn so that you can be future leaders. That is the goal for the Encampment. Make me proud!
The Third Day of Encampment
Monday was a very busy day - something you will hear me saying every day this week. The day started with bunk inspection, a task I am sure most cadets do not look forward to. Air Force instruction continued with USAF Lt Cols. Greer and Hayes describing airplane history and capabilities. Lt Col Hayes brought USAF parachutes, helmets, and survival gear for the cadets to play with. Then we got a surprise visit from Brigadier General James Schroeder who is the Chief of Staff of the Illinois Air National Guard. He described how he was a CAP cadet and how that influenced his career and life. If that was not exciting enough, the cadets witnessed a re-enlistment ceremony as SSgt Mike Miedonna, a former CAP cadet, took the oath administered by Lt Col Hayes. Capt. Wenzel gave a slide presentation on bottle rocketry in preparation of shooting the bottle rockets tomorrow. The Communications School activated two VHF, one HF and one FM antenna. They made first contact with the KYWG net, completed the MRO taskings, and started the basic electronics classes. The First Responders School practiced patient assessment skills, CPR, taking blood pressure, use of defibrillators, and airway management.
The Commandant of Cadets
Capt. Ray Hicks
Howdy - I am your Commandant Capt Ray Hicks. I am from Texas Wing and have been a member of Civil Air Patrol since 1998. I joined as a cadet when I was 15, and have been very active since. As a cadet I earned my Billy Mitchell Award and was a member of the Color Guard that won 3rd place at National Cadet Competition. I staffed two encampments and was cadet commander of my squadron. Since becoming a senior member, I was fortunate enough to get a job working will a middle school initiative teaching Civil Air Patrol. I have been doing that for 6 years. I enjoy teaching young cadets the In's-and-Out’s of leadership. Encampments are just another time for me to continue doing what I love.
Today I would like to take a little time to explain what I do here at encampment. I basically ensure that the cadet side of encampment is run correctly. You may be asking yourself what this entails: I help the cadet staff come up with the plans and policies that they chose to implement at encampment. I mentor the cadet commander and his executive staff on the daily decisions they make. In addition to this role I also am responsible for ensuring that the encampment is run according to CAPM 52-16, the Cadet Program Manual. It is a very demanding job, but it is also one of the most rewarding.
Although we have only been training for two days here at Camp Lincoln, I like what I see. Mistakes are being made, but also being corrected the correct way. The basic cadets are being receptive to the instructions, and are working efficiently with one another. Cadets need to continue to work hard, and listen to the instructions from their cadet staff.
My expectations for each of the cadets here at this encampment are simple. Listen and Learn! For most of the cadets this will be their first major challenge they have faced in their lives. Cadets are, for the first time, being taken out of their comfort zone and forced to meet a standard. For some, this will seem like an insurmountable task. However, our job as staff is to help motivate and educate. I have absolutely no doubt that our staff will give these cadets the best possible experience. By the end of encampment, these cadets will have overcome the trails and pain that is encampment.
My hope is that as the cadets get into their vehicles and drive away from Camp Lincoln, they will gain a greater since of self-confidence and self-fulfillment. Each of these qualities will be required for the greater challenge called life.
Additional photos are on the Photo Page.
08/02/2009
Encampment Day 2
Sunday’s activities included Air Force instruction, glider and powered flights for the basic cadets. The Air Force instruction, led by USAF Lt Col. Brian Greer, discussed CAP’s mission, the relationship between USAF and CAP, and Chain of Command. The Communications school hoisted an antenna and a 40’ mast, in addition to working on Advanced Communications User Skills and Amateur Radio classes. The First Responders School discussed Critical Incident Stress Management. Today was the first day of flight operations and it was a beautiful sunny day! Flight operations will continue till the end of the week giving every cadet a powered or glider flight. The day ended with physical training.
Operations Section
Lt Col. Randy Mitchell
This year we are attempting to utilize the Incident Command System (ICS) to plan and schedule the Encampment. Many of our members are familiar with ICS from working in Emergency Services. However, the ICS is adaptable for special events as well as emergency management. Each day of the Encampment the Operations unit will be generating an Incident Action Plan containing essential information and schedules for the next day.
One of the advantages of the ICS is that it can be adapted to any large activity like the Encampment. The organization tables and templates can be downloaded as templates and adapted for whatever activity is being planned. Hopefully we can successfully adapt ICS for the Encampment, then our participants will take the take the idea of using ICS back to their units and use it to plan local activities such as ES training, airshows, parades, etc. This will get everyone familiar with ICS and build our credibility with the emergency management community.
The first day of Encampment is always hectic and confusing. Information and problems are coming at you faster than you can process. You know where everyone is until you need them, and then they are nowhere to be found. Add to this the stress of trying to implement a new planning process, the workload become heavier for everyone. Luckily, this year I am being assisted by 1st Lt. Melinda Mathis from Texas Wing and C/TSgt Alex Rose, who have become indispensible to keeping up with our workload.
Hopefully, the Encampment will continue to use the ICS program for years to come and it won’t be necessary to reinvent the wheel every year.
From The Deputy Commander
Capt. Ron Gwaltney
Here I am, back at another Summer Encampment , This is my sixth since I rejoined CAP in 2003. I have made both Spring and Summer encampments and I really enjoy them. I was a cadet back in the 1970's (oops showing my age) and I am now the Squadron Commander of the Rockford Composite Squadron in Rockford IL. This was the squadron I was a cadet in years ago. I am also a U.S. Air Force Security Police Officer veteran.
I remember my first Summer Encampment as a senior. It was taking a step back into my history, everything I thought I forgot, uniforms, drill and customs and courtesies, all came back real fast. I also had the old feeling of honor and pride of being back in a Air Force uniform.
I have been a TAC Officer, Chief TAC Officer , ATS TAC Officer and now Deputy Commander of the Encampment. My job is helping the day-to-day things to get done and am the buffer between the seniors and the Encampment Commander. When you get into the running of the Encampment, you work with some of the finest human beings I have ever worked with. I work directly under Major Kelly Robertson. It not like working with a boss - it is like working with a close friend who is fun, but means business when it has to get done. We take our CAP service very seriously and yes, we lead by example. I feel it is what the Cadets and new Seniors expect of us. We hope that we pass this down the chain of command to all of our members.
One of the great things about working with these people it is not about money or power—it is the voluntarism that built this great country. I have worked with CAP Officers from Texas, Wisconsin ,Ohio and Indiana . We have all become close friend over the years and make new ones every year., even Capt. Hicks from Texas Wing. I don't know if I will ever have as many encampments under my belt as Lt. Col Weiland, but I will be here as long as I can.
I hope that all the cadets and senior enjoy this encampment as much as I do. I hope you will learn from every minute you spend here and take the team work, Leadership and pride back to your everyday life's.
And Remember, SEMPER VI.
Additional photos are on the Photo Page.
08/01/2009
Encampment Day 1
From the Encampment Commander
Greetings from the 2009 Illinois Wing Summer Encampment! Another year of planning and preparation is now being put into motion. Execution of the encampment is underway. For the cadets it is the end of day one, for some of the senior staff, its day two or three. Whatever day it is, it is the Summer Encampment.
If encampments have a theme, this years theme would be to “Set the bar high, and Exceed Expectations!”. Our goal is to set the bar high so that the cadets will reach above and beyond their current level in the Cadet Program. For the basic cadet, it is to learn the basic concepts of the program, to learn team work, drill, customs and courtesies and wear of the uniform. It is also to learn more about the Air Force, Civil Air Patrol and Aerospace.
For the ATS, Communications and Medical Training Flight cadets, it is to learn leadership and technical skills to help improve and grow the Cadet Program at the local level and be contributors to their Squadrons, Groups and Wings. We also will emphasize wearing the uniform correctly and with pride and to use the skills they learn responsibly and effectively.
For the 50 adult members in attendance, setting the bar high means transferring their specialized knowledge to advance the Cadet Program, the Encampment and in the hearts and minds of the Cadets. They will also set the example by wearing the uniform correctly, adhering to the customs and courtesies, and teaching skills by advising and counseling through classes and methods that grow the cadets character.
So to the Cadets and Seniors of the Summer Encampment, I say “Set The Bar High” and then move the bar higher as you strive to improve yourself and your units when you return home. To the parents of the cadets, thank you for entrusting us with your cadet for the week so that they may raise the bar in their own life. To the spouses of our senior members, I say thank you for allowing your loved ones to come and teach and impart their skills and knowledge on the cadets we have here this year.
Look for the change in your cadet when they come home and continue to encourage your cadet to set the bar higher!
The First Day of Encampment
The first day of the Summer Encampment was mainly the check-in process for the cadets. The cadets had their CAPID validated, their belongings inspected, their meds were appropriated, and then received their flight assignments.
Major Kelly Robertson, the Encampment Commander, welcomed the cadets. He explained the Chain of Command., Customs and Courtesies, Encampment expectations, and stressed a safe Encampment to all.
The Health Services Officer, Capt. Joe Hackett, demonstrated that drinking water is critical to one’s well being. He also explained the procedure of acquiring the medications, and how to receive medical or counseling help if needed.
The Safety Officers, LtCol. Bryan and Capt. Mitchell, explained bunk safety, extra care of moving between floors and in crowded hallways, and safety should be a priority in everyone’s mind.
Photos of day one's activities are located on the Photo Page.
