Water survival training

Vol.1 Issue 4

Gazette
Semper Gumby

Gumby

September, 2008

By SM James C. Matthews

Cadets learn to make otation devices out of their BDUs.

Seniors and cadets from the Asheville Composite Squadron underwent water survival training at the Leila Patterson Center in Fletcher, North Carolina. Following the opening of the weekly Thursday night meeting on 7th August, cadets, along with several senior members and families, convoyed to the center, were the training was taught by Major Merlin Phillips. Beginning first with a swim test, Phillips demonstrated different techniques in which to keep from sinking. Methods, such as the survival bob and the back float were the first skills shown, all of which cadets and seniors alike, eagerly practiced. The most helpful skill set followed when Phillips demonstrated how to inflate a set of BDUs. The trainees quickly learned that both the BDU trousers and blouse can be used as effective flotation devices. Who knew, those BDU were not only a fashion statement, but a lifesaver too? Finally, the trainees learned the Reach/ Throw/Go mantra for water rescue. A total of 29 cadets and five senior members participated in the training, which taught different survival skills in an aquatic environment. After all the training, participants were allowed some play time and enjoyed the facilities that the group were so graciously allowed to use by the Seventh Day Adventist owned school. The squadron wishes to thank the school for use of their wonderful facilities.

Cadet Greene seems to be as happy as a bug in a rug.

Water survival training cont.

Play time for the participants.

Everybodys a crtitic.

Yet another solo from ight academy

Cadet Stephen Bloemsma preparing for his solo. Inset picture show an all wet Bloemsma after the big event.

Chaplains corner

In the previous issues of the Gumby Gazette we covered CAP Core Values of INTEGRITY and VOLUNTEER SERVICE. In this issue we will cover the core value EXCELLENCE. This core value reflects CAPs continuous effort to be the very best, and to consistently improve its humanitarian service to America. From our personal appearance to resource management, excellence must be the goal of all CAP members. What does excellence mean? To excel means to exceed or surpass, usually in some good quality or action; to be better than. Excellence is the state or quality of excelling; portraying a superior trait or quality. How do we obtain excellence? CAP is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force and is federally chartered by Congress as a non-profit corporation to perform certain duties for individual communities and for the nation. To accomplish its mission, CAP requires that its senior members be informed and actively trained in leadership, management, and functional tasks. This is accomplished through the Senior Member Professional Development Program and by implementation of published regulations that prescribes concepts, policies, and standards which governs all Civil Air Patrol procedures. These programs are designed by U.S. Air Force Standards and they require all CAP members to professionally represent our military and ourselves to our nation and communities in an excellent manner. These are the tools of excellence for all CAP units and members. Applying these tools to our service will help us

What are Moral Values?

obtain excellence in our performance. Our personal appearance also speaks loudly about the quality of performance in our duties to the people we serve. Being well-groomed assures that personal appearance will reflect credit upon ourselves and CAP.As representatives of the United States Air Force we are privileged to wear their uniforms. CAP members should wear all our uniforms proudly remembering the excellence of the service the USAF provides to all branches of our military and the people of our nation. CAP members are also called upon to excel in our moral living which is beginning to degenerate more than ever throughout the world we know. We must utilize every available resource to make ourselves aware that dishonest attempts to change our behavior will lead us to make wrong decisions. The mission of the CAP Chaplain Service promotes moral leadership, spiritual care, and character development through truth without teaching religious doctrines and theology. However, I believe we should be knowledgeable of the truth about all religions. Civil Air Patrols moral leadership is designed to foster discussion about moral standards and values in the framework of case study analysis. These case studies highlight foundational Core Values and provides a way to explore these values for truth. This program uses the method called FAPS which stands for Facts,Assumptions,Pro blems and Solutions. By design this method gives everyone the opportunity to search for real truthful meanings to lifes most important questions and to help solve problems that arise in almost all situations that may be encountered in CAP.

Yet another cadet that took part in Asheville Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Composite Squadrons first flight academy this past Spring has soloed. Second Lieutenant Stephen Bloemsma of Hendersonville became the fourth cadet from the flight academy to take to the skies alone after completing his training. Bloemsma achieving his Solo Wings on August 3. Cadet Bloemsma was prepared to solo in late April, but unfortunately had to wait until his 16th birthday on August 3rd to complete the important milestone. There to witnessing this major event from the ramp area at Asheville were his entire family along with CAP Flight Instructor Lt Col Ray Davis. Bloemsma is also the squadrons cadet commander and joins Cadet 2 Lt. Nicholas Padleckas, Cadet 2 Lt. Rob Lollar and Cadet 2 Lt. Jason Nadle who soloed earlier this year. The effort is to train the next generation of Civil Air Patrol pilots by giving the cadets an inexpensive

opportunity to start working toward their private pilots license. The academy began back in February of this year when the Asheville Composite Squadron conducted a local version of the CAPs National Powered Flight Academy with seven cadets participating. What normally takes 10 days of concentrated instruction during the summer Flight Academies was spread over the month of February due to school and work schedules of those involved. All cadets received 10 hours of flight training toward their private pilots license and 22 hours of ground school instruction following the National Flight Academy Training Course Outline. Cadet Bloemsma plans take his achievement and continue working toward his Private Pilot license, but will have to wait again until August 2009 for completion. Just remember cadet, Good things come to those who wait.

CAP looks to participate in Wreath Across America

2008 will mark the 17th anniversary of Worcester Wreath Company donating Maine wreaths to adorn the headstones of our Nations veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to 10,000 wreaths destined for Virginia, Worcester Wreath will again donate 7 ceremonial wreaths to over nearly 300 State and National cemeteries across the Country. Wreath-laying ceremonies will be coordinated in 24 foreign cemeteries and aboard naval ships in all 7 seas. In response to the many voices who wanted to share in the project, the non-profit Wreaths Across America organization was formed (EIN: 20-8362270) to expand the program by offering supporters the opportunity to sponsor a wreath. Our goal is to honor veterans graves at each of the over 286 participating locations in 2008 and to honor every veteran during the holidays. Sponsorships are $15 each. Proceeds place a wreath at one of the participating cemeteries, help support our fundraising partners, educational and veterans services outreach. There is no stipulation of sponsorship for participation in these activities. We welcome all to join us. Wreaths Across America as an organization was formed to promote and coordinate sponsorship of wreaths for the other national and state cemeteries that have shown a desire to emulate the Arlington wreathlaying event. If you would like to participate or help bring sponsored wreaths to your local community, please contact Lt.Barbara Bow. Schedule of Events Sunday, December 7th, 2008 Start of Worlds Longest Veterans Parade from Maine to participating locations all across the Country Monday, December 8th State House wreathlaying ceremonies in all 50 States and Puerto Rico Saturday December 13th, 12:00 noon (EST) Simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies at over 286 locations all across the World. For more information visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org or call 207483-2039.

Asheville CAP Commander wants full court press on Wreath Program

Ltc. Bob Bauer, commander of the Asheville Composite Squadron has asked that all senior members particpate in the Wreaths Across America program by purchasing at least one wreath. Cost of the wreaths are $15.00 and members can get get more information from Lt. Barbara Bow.

Houston makes to lieutenant

Asheville Squadron Commander Ltc. Bob Bauer helps Maureen Houston with the new lieutenants epaulets. Cadet Joseph Houston became an officer last month as he made the rank of Second Lieutenant. Houston is an Asheville resident and a student at A.C.Reynolds. He has been a member of the Asheville CAP Squadron for the last year and a half. Asked how it felt to make lieutenant, Houston said, Excellent! Houston is the seventh cadet officer of 2008 and the ninth since November of 2007.

Semper Gumby!