CAPblog

Texas Cadets Featured In Their Own Words

This is a series of journal entries written by Civil Air Patrol cadets, ages 12 to 15, during their time at Winter Encampment at Camp Swift.

They came later that day beginning at 1 p.m., creating a long line of uniformed young persons, each flanked by a bundle of belongings. They had brought everything they would need for the week. After saying their goodbyes to their families, they piled all their luggage to stand in line as they waited to sign in. When it was their turn at the in-processing desk, they presented their paperwork, and then went on to their assigned flight station. As they returned to the sunny day outside and retrieved their baggage, they started looking for their barracks building, which at times was difficult in the confusion of the moment. Soon, to their great relief, they would find the right place which would be "home" for the following five days, and find the bunks they would sleep in.

Tyler Morning Telegraph: Civil Air Patrol Cadets Trained At Winter Encampment

:: I like this. The paper essentially gave the Cadets a chance to create content, written in the form of a blog, but published in the newspaper. Good stuff.

Bravo Zulu to Lt. Davis and her staff, for putting out the story in an innovative way.

Ranger, fmr. Cadet Killed in Iraq

Military service was the path Sgt. Steven C. Ganczewski chose early in life, and his determination never wavered, even when his grades at Niagara Falls High School would have easily gained him admission to a good college.

“He got a lot of [resistance] from guidance counselors when he said he was joining the Army,” said his father, Mark. “They didn’t understand why someone with his potential would join the Army.”

Ganczewski wanted to be an Army Ranger, and it was in that role that he died. The Pentagon announced Sunday that the 22-year-old husband and father was killed during combat operations Friday in Balad, Iraq, making him the 32nd member of the military from Western New York killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When he left the service and returned to Niagara Falls, Ganczewski passed along his fascination with aircraft to his son, taking him to the air shows at the Niagara Falls air base.

During one of those visits, Steve Ganczewski saw a pamphlet for the Civil Air Patrol and, at age 12, he joined. By the time he left five years later, he was cadet commander.

“We knew pretty much right away that [the military] was what he wanted to do,” said high school friend A.J. Gelose. “He always had that drive. That was his dream.”

When he was 15 or 16, he attended a rescue course sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol. That, his father said, is when the military dream narrowed to the dream of being an Army Ranger. That also was about the time of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Mark Ganczewski remembers his son watching the coverage and saying, “Dad, we have to stop these people.”

The Buffalo News: Army Ranger from Niagara Falls, 22, killed in Iraq combat

There's more about his experience with CAP here.

:: Posting this note stings.

I consider CAP Cadets to be some of our best and brightest young people. I know the U.S. Army Rangers to be  some of the most elite Warfighters in the world. So it makes me very sad to hear of the loss of Sgt. Ganczewski.

My thoughts are with his young family, his fellow Rangers, and his friends.

Report from Our Squadron Open House

Our unit hosted our Open House last week.

We're content to count this as fulfilling the requirements of the National Open House Month. (NOHM) Actually, we had already planned to hold an Open House for Cadet Recruiting on 25 SEP anyways, before we even got the memo. (Yes, holding the event prior to October 1st counts, we checked. Just consider it leaning forward on our part.)

The snack tray pictured is what happens when you let loose a hyper high speed logistics officer on the project, and task as the SNACKO. Pretty simple really, just a cookie cutter and some free time... but it got lots of compliments...

She also made up a very nice lawn sign, vectoring folks into the correct driveway off the street. This was not some hand drawn silliness, this was a professionally made lawn sign. (...she knew a guy...)

Once we had them in the building, we locked the doors, and... just kidding...

We gave everyone about 20 minutes for the meet & greet. Most people don't have time to eat before a Squadron Meeting, so the snacks and beverages kept their stomachs from grumbling too much while we held our dog and pony show.

The first part was the Introduction to CAP... I couldn't find anything appropriate on CAP Channel. The best video introduction to the Cadet Program I could find was this one on YouTube. (just the first part) It was pixelated when I blew it up on screen, but the audience dug it.

After that we went through a few of slides about the three missions, then a quick overview of the Cadet Program... I think the important thing here was that the presentation was tailored for this audience... prospective Cadets and their parents, most presentations about CAP that you can find on the Web are too broad. Remember, less is more here, keep focused. We wrapped the intro with the excellent video by Major Malachowski. (aka Thunderbird 3)

Next up was our Show & Tell. The plan was to taxi a CAP airplane up to the ramp and let folks crawl around it for a bit, but that got scrubbed do to some severe weather forecast for the area... So, we did show people examples of Ground Team gear, and one of our CFIs talked about how learning to fly is a big motivator for kids. Call it dropping back a few yards to punt.

For the tail end of the evening, we sent the proto-Cadets downstairs to do the Mine Field Teambuilding Exercise,(right out of the Great Start Booklet) lead by our Cadets. While the kids were doing that, I briefed the Parents Introduction. (also per the book)

We closed the evening with a quick Joint Q&A with everyone in the room.

It seemed like everyone enjoyed taking part, and we hope to see good turn out for Cadet Great Start: Week One.

October is CAP National Open House Month

Fall is historically our best time to recruit cadets. Therefore, CAP has proclaimed October as Civil Air Patrol’s “National Open House Month.”

We ask that every CAP cadet and composite squadron hold an open house in October and to report to National Headquarters your results.

To help make your efforts a success, CAP is sending every cadet and composite squadron a National Open House Kit.

This NOH Kit contains:

• Official memo
• "Start Here" guide 
• "Cadet Great Start" booklet 
• "Investing in America's Youth" leave-behind pieces
• "Excitement" posters   
• Sample "Parent's Guide"
• Sample DDR Red Ribbon
• Response Form

Our goal is to recruit 1,500 cadets during this National Open House campaign. Our challenge goal is to increase our cadet population by 10% during this campaign. As of 6 August 2007, this equates to 2,090 new cadets.

NHQ: National Open House

::  The mailing started last week. NOH kits should be showing up at units any day now.

Good luck. Good hunting.

One Sierra Hotel TDY

The last two weeks have been a blur. (maybe that because so much of that time has been spent in the left seat, hurtling though the air.)

I completed the Mission Pilot track at NESA's (aka "Band Camp") Mission Air Crew School the first week, and then did a quick turn right into my Wing's Summer Encampment, where they put me to work as a pilot, supporting the Cadet Orientation Flight program.

I was home for a day, but then took with guys from my squadron, to spend the day at the happiest place on earth Oshkosh!

To say I have a lot to catch up on would be an understatement.

I have lots of notes and photos to blog. I've made some great new friends along the way.

...stay tuned!

Plane Crashes, Cadet Rescues Injured Pilot

Mark Cole and his sister were driving on Route 2 this morning when they saw a plane heading toward Lee Airport that looked like it was coming in too high and too fast.

Suddenly, as it was turning, it went down.

Mark, 16, a county Fire Department volunteer and Civil Air Patrol member, drove to the Edgewater airport and found the soybean field where the plane had crashed. After jumping over a fence, he said, he helped pull the pilot out of the plane and called 911.

The pilot suffered potentially life-threatening head injuries and was flown by state police to the Shock-Trauma Center at University Hospital in Baltimore, said Lt. Frank Fennell, a county Fire Department spokesman. His condition wasn't available.

The Capital: Pilot injured as plane crashes in field near Edgewater airport

:: Well done Cadet!

UPDATE: Another news report takes the whole "forked-tail-doctor-killer" spin on the story. I've written about that too, but nobody seems to credit Cirrus for the fact that the guy survived the crash!

As I've written before, the BRS on a downed Cirrus presents yet another risk to responders who approach a crashed plane. No more than say the whole thing bursting into flames, but it is a risk that we need to educate everyone about.

Cadet Leadership Training at NAS Lemoore

While most teenagers are off relaxing and enjoying their winter break, a select group of cadets from all over California and Nevada came to the Lemoore Naval Air Station. They are taking part in a rare class about integrity and leadership.

Sixteen year old Molly Hurt could be playing in her high school basketball tournament this week. But instead, she says, she couldn't miss these cadet classes offered once ever other year. They will help her become a naval officer. Molly Hurt is a Chief Master SGT in the cadets and she says, "They're important because they're part of the three core values of the Civil Air Patrol and especially the moral leadership we're learning about ethics and the reason why we should or shouldn't do things."

This week the Civil Air Patrol cadets are submersed in non-stop classes in management, communication and ethical decisions. George Ishikata, Commander, says, "Most of them come here because they want to learn about leadership because they want to become better citizens and they devote a lot of effort toward that end." Ishikata says this opportunity will change them forever. And the cadets' here on Wednesday were eager to learn.

ABC30.com: Teens Participate in Integrity and Leadership Class Over Vacation

:: With all the crappy press coverage CAP is getting these days, I felt it was important to share this news piece that ran recently.

CAP continues to serve our nation doing good work. Go read the article, and watch the news report.

It's a great reminder of what is right about CAP.

Gone West: Cadet Jacob Rueth

On Friday, December 1, 2006, Cadet Major Jacob E. Rueth tragically lost his life in an aircraft accident. The flight was non-CAP related.

C/Maj Rueth, 18, lived in Orland Park and was a member of the Lewis Composite Squadron in Group 2, Illinois Wing. He was a student at the University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Science. Fellow student Jacob Sundblad, (An Army ROTC Cadet who was working on his private pilot license) also lost his life in the accident. C/Maj Rueth was identified as the Pilot in Command.

Most recently C/Maj Rueth was an active member of the Illinois Wing/Great Lakes Region Cadet Competition Team. Lewis Composite Squadron Commander, 1st Lt Daniel Wynard stated, "I just received cadet Rueth's Commanders Commendation for his drill team participation a couple of days ago."

Chicago Sun-Times: Suburban teen, classmate die in Minn. air crash

:: Like Jacob, I started flying when I was a teen... I flew in college... Flying defined me too.

Back then, at that age when you feel invincible, at that age when you are convinced that you're immortal, I understood the gift and responsibility that flying was. I'm sure Jacob did.

Even then I  too was convinced that flying was the best thing I did, it was who I was, and if that that's how I ended, I would be OK with that.

Jacob's aircraft was found by a CAP Ground Team less than 2 miles from the Crookston airport.

My condolences to Jacob's family, friends, and fellow Cadets.

Blue skies Jacob. You will be missed. You will not be forgotten.

AOPA Flight Scholarships

Civil Air Patrol members will be able to earn a private pilot certificate with financial support from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

The association announced recently during its annual conference in Palm Springs, Calif., that it is providing $10,000 to cadets and senior members to complete their flight training.

"We're thrilled to encourage new young pilots," said Sharon Krager, the association's senior vice president of membership marketing. "Working with the Civil Air Patrol is a great way to reach prospective pilots."

Four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to two senior members and two cadets.

CAP News Online: Scholarships offered for CAP members seeking private pilot certificate.

Additionally, some digging around found some more info on AOPA's Expo site:

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association will provide an "AOPA Top Pilot" flight training scholarship to the top student pilot at each CAP National Flight Academy this year.

"AOPA wants to encourage these young people to continue flight training after their CAP summer flying program," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "We also want to support CAP's efforts to keep flying a part of the CAP cadet program."

CAP's new national program will conduct week-long introductory flight training courses at eight locations around the nation. CAP cadets accepted for the program will train towards their first solo at reduced cost.

At each location, CAP flight instructors will select one cadet as the best student pilot. The cadet will receive $500 in additional training at a flight school in his or her hometown.

The new CAP National Flight Academies will be held this year in Virginia, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Tennessee (powered flight) and Pennsylvania, Utah, Oregon and Georgia (glider flight).

"We hope every cadet works extra hard this summer to be the best student pilot at their flight academy and perhaps win a scholarship for more flying back home," said AOPA senior vice president Drew Steketee, AOPA's liaison with the Civil Air Patrol.

The $4,000 in special scholarships is part of AOPA's overall support for the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that flies 85% of inland U.S. air search and rescue missions for the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and trains generations of aviation-minded youth.

AOPA also provides support to regional CAP flight training encampments around the nation.

CAP cadets who participate in any flying-oriented CAP summer program receive a "Future Pilot Kit" from AOPA with valuable information and training publications, free of charge, to advance their interest in becoming a pilot.

:: AOPA is the only other aviation organization that I'm currently a member of, (R.I.P. Friends of Meigs) and I always encourage anyone who flies, or is even learning to fly, to join. (Heck, you might just win an airplane.)

They do great work, and it's really nice to see them supporting CAP. It's a great investment, since I can't think of a better place to convert non-pilots into pilots!

Reading the two press releases above confused me. Are there two scholarship programs? Are they the same one?

One thing that has bothered me since re-joining CAP, is how Flight Encampment has wussed out to become a place where you "pre-solo." (I have yet to figure out what the hell that means.)

When I attended a Wing Flight Encampment (2 weeks after my 16th birthday) the goal was to solo AT the encampment, if you were ready. A big show was made of cutting off the shirttails of Cadets that has soloed. Many went home after a week with solo wings on their chests.

These days it seems like soloing at encampment is actively discouraged. Yuck.

The AOPA scholarships fill the gap nicely, Cadets could take that money and use it to accrue whatever flight time they need to get to the solo, maybe even log some time toward the rest of their ticket. Good stuff.

You can find information on how to apply for the scholarships here. (Thanks Knowledgebase!)

I recommend NIN for the first award.

Gone West: Cadet Madison Dillingham

The family of Madison Dillingham gathered at her Sabattus home Wednesday night but it was to plan her funeral, not to celebrate the holiday.

"It's going to be tough. It's going to be a hard holiday," said Seth Roberts, Madison's father. "We usually have so much to be thankful for. Now we just miss her so much."

Dillingham, 18, and in her first year of college, died late Tuesday after a head-on car crash in Minot. She was an honors student, a member of the Civil Air Patrol and a gifted athlete. She was also, according to her driver's license, an organ donor.

The teen, who has no history of accidents or motor vehicle violations, was pronounced dead at a Lewiston hospital shortly before midnight after the 1998 Ford Contour she was driving collided with another car on Jackson Hill Road at 6:15 p.m.

"Madison was the perfect balance of tenacity, passion, fun, beauty and sprit," said 17-year-old Katherine Knight of Raymond, a close friend of the teenager. "She was loved by all in the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet, a leader and a best friend. She was a teacher, a commander, a mentor, an example of everything right in life. I missed her so much when she went off to college, now we all just have to miss her a little bit longer."

Madison graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at Oak Hill High School in Wales, where she was enrolled her senior year. Before that, she was at Windham High School, where she earned the Billy Mitchell Award, the Amelia Earhart Award and the Scholar-Athlete Award.

Others who knew Madison's commitment to academics and to her future made similar comments. Scott Higgins, her commander at the CAP, said Madison joined the group when she was 12 years old and excelled over the years.

"She came in a shy, timid little girl and left a lady," he said. "She was a very caring person. She was on her way to a great career, a great life."

SunJournal.com: 'It's going to be a hard holiday'

:: Cadet Dillingham's ultimate goal was to become a Army Blackhawk  pilot, according to her unit's April newsletter. (PDF) She had just completed her 6th year in the program, served as the Cadet Commander of the Augusta-Gardiner Composite Squadron, and had been recognized with the Air Force Association Award.

As I write this on Thanksgiving day, it is somehow even more poignant, and I'm again reminded how in an instant, we can loose even the best of the best. When I sit down to the holiday dinner with my wife and child, I'll think of her, her family, and her wingmates.

Godspeed Madi.