U. S.

Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Squadron 153 Charter #PCR- CA-345 May-Aug 2011 CA-345

WORDS FROM THE TOP

Squadron Commander Maj. Mark Wong
I wish to thank all of the senior members of SQ153 for their time, money, and commitment to the cadets and the Civil Air Patrol. Without the seniors, none of the events and activities would be possible. The seniors provide the form and structure to the unit, giving the cadets the safe environment necessary to practice leadership skills. Every senior member is valuable to us, and we each contribute in our own way. While Im sure every senior member wishes they could go to all of the squadrons events or attend encampment or Cadet Programs Conference, it just isnt possible. They have to balance their personal lives with their professional lives AND the Civil Air Patrol. This can become quite a challenge given all of the possible activities available in CAP!!

One More Roll by Cdr. Jerry Coffee, USN We toast our hearty comrades who have fallen from the skies, And were caught by Gods own hand to be with Him on High. To dwell among the soaring clouds theyve known so well before, From victory roll to tail chase, at heavens very door. As we fly among them there, were sure to hear their plea, To take care my friend, watch your six, & do one more roll for me. Rest in Peace, Chief Shope! Semper Vigilans!

Shope started his CAP adventure at 13 years old with Squadron 153, and later transferred to Squadron 56 in Fullerton. C/CMSgt Shopes passion for flying and community service will be missed by all.

Encampment
C/TSgt Colton Priest

A Sad Note
On July 23, 2011, Civil Air Patrol lost a great pilot. C/CMSgt Matthew Shope was killed when the small plane he was flying crashed near the Cleveland National Forest. C/CMSgt
Navigator, May August 2011

This summer five cadets from Squadron 153 went to the California and Nevada Wing encampment. The encampment was a week-long period of intense training that included activities such as rifle simulators, volleyball competitions, and the fan favorite orientation-rides in the Marine Corps CH-53 Super Stallions (A VERY BIG 25 million dollar

helicopter). I was placed in Lima Flight of the 120th Cadet Training Squadron and all of the members of our flight got together and helped each other out from day one. The first couple of days were very tough because we were not used to the stressful environment but around day three we figured out that if we were to work as a team instead of just individuals everything would be much easier. Using this teamwork helped us get through the week and lead to us passing the final inspection. I am glad I went to encampment and I hope to go back next year as a staff member.

Wow, where do I start Ok, Encampment was probably the toughest thing I have ever done, but the experience I gained from it is invaluable. Of course, not all of it was fun, but I do not regret going. The rigorous schedule and the constant need for perfection wore down on me, but then I realized that all this was put into place to give me more discipline, and it worked. Once I got over that, I started to have fun. Also, after the first few days, the fun stuff began. The first fun thing I remember was the obstacle course. The O-course also brought our flight together as a team. Later, we had a chance to use the Marines M-16 simulators. The M16s seemed exactly like the real thing when I fired it, with the kick and everything. Two days later, I had a chance to ride in a CH-53. Then we toured the Camp Pendleton airfield, and got to look at some pretty awesome helicopters. On Friday night, there was a dance, which was fun, but I was more

Encampment
C/A1C Benjamin Russell
C/SrA Benjamin Russell rides in a CH-53 helicopter at encampment Page 1 of 9

excited about the pizza and soda they had there. At the end of encampment, all of the cadets got to march in the graduation parade, which was a happy and sad moment, since we got to see our family again, but I had to leave the friends I had made during encampment. In my opinion, every cadet should attend encampment because of the experience you gain and the great opportunities.

Encampment
C/SSgt Jacob Van de Brake

Encampment was an amazing experience, and i suggest that everyone goes at least once in there life. The first few days there were hard because they were yelling a lot and it was just a stressful environment. Later in the week it will start to get a little more relaxed. There were a lot of things we did there. Everything that we did there consisted of these things. There was helicopter O-Rides, gun simulators, OCourse, Volleyball competition, Drill competition, a parade at the end, a group run, a lot of inspections, a dance, and a few other things I don'tremember the names of. It was a thrilling, fun, stressful, and great week there. If you ever go, be sure to try your hardest to get through it. Do not try to leave, and don't mess around. Just get out there and have fun. Good luck to all who are going to go next time.
Navigator, May August 2011

During the course of the week cadets also learned Before going to about the many other Encampment I had a limited activities that they are able to understanding of what to participate in, including expect. I expected it to be many National activities somewhat intense for the (such as Emergency Services like Hawk Mountain, Flight Encampments for gliders & powered aircraft, and more). Air Force personnel came and made presentations about potential opportunities for cadets interested in pursuing military and/or aerospace careers. New friendships were forged, fun activities like obstacle courses, model rocketry building and C/MSgt Colton Priest scales the launching, shooting 6-foot wall at encampment within the Marine M16, 9mm, & 50mm Basic Cadets, for them to learn more about CAP, learn practice simulators, O-rides Marine helicopters, about drill & ceremonies, in and for them to also be volleyball competitions, and involved in some fun more. All the things activities. Well I am glad to say that my expectations mentioned above were for the cadets, but we as senior were met and exceeded. After the first couple members were also able to of days passed I began to participate in many of the understand the concepts of activities as well. I as a the military design of senior member also learned a creating a stressful and lot about the CAP and my I would intense level and how doing role within it. recommend attendance to so creates an ability to to Cadet crunch a lot of learning into Encampment a short period of time, Basics, Cadet Officers, and teaching them to pay Senior Members. attention to details, and how to effectively work as a Encampment C/Amn Isabel Sigala team. I was privileged to For Cadet Staff members many leadership attend encampment during opportunities exist. CAP is the summer of 2011 because an excellent organization the generous Squadron 150 when it comes to young provided a scholarship. So people becoming great to thank them I would like to share my experience at leaders. encampment. Going there I

CAP Encampment 2011

1stLt Nathan Van De Brake

learned a lot in the one week I was there. There were classes about character building, air force careers, and emergency services. The class on Emergency Services was very interesting and has me wanting to pursue this in field. There were also a lot of teamwork building exercises, which taught me it is very important to work as a team to succeed and to get what you want. It also taught us how to handle pressure. There were a lot of things that were stressful and a little difficult to get through, but there were also fun activities too. There was a volleyball competition, drill competitions, we launched model rockets, and went on O-rides with the Marines. For the drill competition, we had a lot of practice which in turn made me much better prepared for my return and the drills with my own squadron. I met lots of different cadets and made new friends. Encampment was a great experience for me and I learned a great deal.

A Look Back
Maj Wayne Gould

It was a beautiful day in April of 1996. My Daughter and I attended an open house on base at Los Alamitos. In the military display area was a recruiting booth manned by members of Squadron 153. My daughter was attracted to all the activities and thought it might be fun to join. We attended the next three meetings and joined together. Little did I know that it would be the beginning of one of the most
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rewarding experiences of my life. The commander was Major Don Bragg (Now LtCol). He had a great staff and a fantastic cadet corps. In the beginning I felt like a fish out of water. I had so much to learn but coming from a Law Enforcement background I felt that maybe a specialty of communications would work for me. Right away I discovered that the more I did, the more I learned. I think in those early days I worked every air show and community event that came along. I learned much from the senior staff but interestingly enough I also learned even more from the cadet staff. I was one of the Vietnam era grown ups that did not get to serve in the military. I always felt that I had missed out on something. I think I have read about every book written about World War II. I was really enjoying the atmosphere of being on the historic base at Los Alamitos. What a great history there, including those 1800s military canon in front of the old HQ Building. In the next couple of years I attended schools at Beale Air Force Base, Los Angeles Air Force Base, March Field, and others. As my experience grew, so did my leadership skills. With a Squadron Motto of Trained To Lead how could it be any other way? Soon I found myself leading groups of cadets. I also watched cadets as they learned how to lead their peers. Major Bragg was a great leader and a great
Navigator, May August 2011

mentor. Under his command I learned how much can be gained by guiding and looking for every opportunity to train. I remember well the home squadron for the Compton Air Show sent a member to one of our meetings to ask for last minute help. I agreed to go up to help as did a half dozen cadets. We meet at the base

Within CAP I have had many roles. I went on to become Squadron Commander after LtCol Bragg and discovered what a challenge command can be. It is also the greatest honor one can have in CAP. My Staff, both Senior and Cadet, were fantastic and I owe them all a great debt of gratitude. Currently I serve CAP in Colorado Wing as Inspector General for Group 3. My local squadron is Composite Squadron 179. We meet at the old Pueblo Army Air Corps base where they trained B24 Crews during WWII. It now serves as the Municipal Airport. I am proud to have been a member of Los Alamitos Cadet Squadron 153. It remains one of the best trained and led squadrons I have ever seen in CAP. Be proud and be a C/Amn Isabel Sigala waits in line at encampment for chow and piled FTXs from the beach to leader! into the squadron van. Upon Calico were so much fun. Self-Defense Class arriving at the air show, there The air shows where we C/AB Zane Rojas was one senior member and always seemed to end up On April 9th, a dozen cadets standing leading even when we were around with no idea what to not hosting, spoke to the Squadron 153 had a self do. I think I was a Captain power of our leadership defense class. The class was very instructional, fun, and at that point. The show skills. people were wondering what I have watched hands on. I enjoyed the class we were going to do. The many cadets enter CAP as and it seemed the rest of the Air Boss said to me Looks quiet, even meek, 12 year cadets did too. The class like you are the ranking olds and have watched them taught us new ways to member. You are now the grow and succeed. As I defend ourselves and our Air Show commander. Here write this I have two flying friends. The class lasted is what I need done fighters, one piloting a about two hours, but went by He gave me a list of monster C5, and lots that very fast. The instructor of jobs, I looked at my cadets. have gone on to become the class taught us some Who is ranking cadet? A NCOs. Many I still trade e- exercises to practice that will three striper from another mails with. One even went help us become stronger and aware of our squadron was top rank. I on to become your current more surroundings. During the told him you are now cadet squadron commander. I still commander. Pick your remember the night a group class, the instructor also second in command who will of us seniors made the taught us that we can't be First Sergeant. Divide decision to pick him as the always run from a fight, because sooner or later we your cadets, make a duty next Cadet Commander.
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roster of two flights and lets get to work. The reason I tell this story is that you never know when you are going to need the leadership skills you will gain as a member of CAP. Many of the things we did as a squadron I will never forget. Fourth of July fireworks show was, without a doubt, the hardest day of the year, every year. The

are all going to have responsibilities. This class was a great opportunity for sq 153 and I'm sure there will be plenty more.

My View of CAP
Capt Andrea Wong

Im coming up on ten years in Civil Air Patrol. Wow, does time fly when youre having fun!! I could sit here and tell you a bunch of stories I have lived in CAP some good, some not so much. But, the good far outweigh the bad. CAP has given me the opportunity to see young men and women develop into young adults. Seeing the cadets develop and grow, Ive learned that building leaders is easier said than done. It is not sufficient to send someone to a seminar or to give them a book on leadership to read. It requires skill and observation to figure out the type of training to give a cadet to help them to best develop their skills and abilities. In some cases, we sit back and allow the leadership potential raise itself up! CAP has shown me that there is a leader in every cadet that walks into our building. It is up to them if they are up for the challenge that the CAP Cadet Program has to offer. We, as senior members, often say to ourselves, Why? Why do I come and pay? I often ask myself that and I always come up with same answer: leaders are not born, theyre created. This creation process is a great change and can be, at times, stressful but what would life be without a little stress? When
Navigator, May August 2011

asked what his leader development strategy was, one notable leader said, You just have to let the cream rise to the top. In other words, we try to pick a strategy for each potential leader but its still up to each cadet to grab hold of the opportunities we provide and rise to the top! Im hoping for and expect the best from every one of you. I would also like to thank all of the parents and guardians of our cadets for giving me the opportunity to work with your child. Keep bringing them every Wednesday, Foxhunts, and all of the other events!

A Bloody Good Time

2dLt Tim Leach

Although we werent even there yet, my mind was already in the mountains above Big Bear. What I was

really didnt want to have to apologize to parents for scaring the CAP out of their kids! The plan was to have the cadets traverse a compass course on the way to finding a downed airplane. At the end of the course was me, the crash victim. The crash site needed to be found, secured, and the victim attended to. The cadets were split into three groups for the course and timed out so as to not overlap each other on the course. Major Wong seemed a little too happy to drive me out to the middle of nowhere, all but toss me and my blood out of the truck, and, as he sped away (I swear he was laughing), said he hoped the cadets would find me before the wildlife does. Now, even I know that most wild critters can smell real blood from miles away, but corn

2dLt Tim Leach simulates injuries while cadets administer first aid (Big Bear FTX, June 2011)

planning on doing to the cadets is what legends are made of. Of course, it could also go terribly wrong. I

syrup????? Anyway, after about an hour of prepping, and keeping an eye on the surrounding forest (just in

case), I heard the first, faint sounds of my rescuers. A dragging blood trail led from the crash site up into a large boulder area where I was sprawled on the ground. Right about here is where my memory may blur between reality and corn syrup. Each group seemed a little taken aback when they found me, but after the initial shock wore off, they all started to settle into figuring out what to do. My wounds consisted of a compound fracture of the upper right ulna, a deep gash on the upper right thigh, and bleeding from one of my ears. I also had a human ear that I was holding onto like a favorite blankie, asking if they could find my wife. While going in and out of consciousness, I could tell that the cadets were really stepping up to help me out. They figured out which wound to tend to first, and how to keep me awake, talking and calm, and except for the one water-boarding experience, kept me well hydrated. After getting me situated, they were informed that help wasnt going to arrive until the next day and that they would need to hunker down and make shelter for themselves and myself. After the last group found me and tended to my wounds, the cadets came together and convinced me that I should lie down on the stretcher and let the them take turns carrying me out of the forest. Things went great for the first, oh twenty feet, until the canvas of the stretcher stopped stretching and started to
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shred. I will admit that being only about 23 inches off the ground was a little comforting, but when those 23 inches were above hard rocks and downed trees Id like to think of myself as a brave man, but I think I heard a little girl scream as they lay me down, hard. When all was said and done at the end of the exercise, the cadets really did a great job. Those with more training and experience helped the ones that werent as sure of what to do, and even though Major Wong gave his blessing to make em puke!, there didnt seem to be any major trauma to the cadets. And yes, I am already preparing for the next, great corn syrup experience.

human life. After the hike, we were taught traps and snares, skinning game, and evasion tactics. Before we left, we experienced a Change of Command ceremony accompanied by Sgt Leach's inspiring (?) trumpet performance. The Big Bear FTX was truly an exciting event that hooked me to the CAP lifestyle.

then we cooked it over an open fire. The remains were buried far away from our camp as to not attract animals. Overall it was a great learning experience.

Big Bear FTX

C/Amn Isabel Sigala

Big Bear FTX

C/Amn Raymond Ku

The Big Bear FTX was the first activity I went to in Civil Air Patrol. While the weekly meetings educated me about Civil Air Patrol and its programs, the FTX was the first event to really show me a glimpse of Civil Air Patrol in action. Instead of learning everything in theory, we were given the opportunities to practice our skills in a series of challenging, rewarding events. The long hike we took during the day taught us valuable skills in orienteering, health (Sgt Wilhelm would yell every 3 minutes to drink water), and teamwork. The hike ended with a twist, when we were presented with a realistic first-aid scenario and were challenged to react quickly and efficiently to save the
Navigator, May August 2011

In June of 2011, I participated in the FTX which was held in Big Bear. The drive there was a little long but in the end it was worth it. Luckily, when I got there, my tent After serving as the keynote speaker on proper methods for dressing & cleaning small game, our was rabbit became the main course. already set up but I helped other Big Bear FTX cadets with setting up their C/TSgt Daryl Leach tents. This was a mission as The Big Bear FTX all the light that was was a blast. I personally got available was our flashlights, to kill, skin, and then eat a but it taught us that rabbit. The rabbit was a Rex teamwork was very Rabbit and was slightly more important. difficult to kill. First we had The next morning to calm the rabbit and talk in we went on a hike and I nice tones before breaking its learned how to use a neck. Because these rabbits compass. At some point I were Rex Rabbits it took was able to lead our team to forever to break their necks the next coordinate which so we had to hold them down taught me to be very precise; and suffocate them as well. just a little off in the After the rabbit was dead I coordinates can really get squeezed down on its you lost! At the end I stomach to get the remaining experienced a change of waste out of the animal. command ceremony for the Next I chopped off its head first time. FTX gave me a and feet then let the blood chance to get to know the drain out. To skin the rabbit cadets better and let me feel I started at the neck and more in the squadron. worked down. Once I got to the stomach though I had to Big Bear FTX be careful not to puncture the C/SMSgt Andy Goodwin organs or the animal would This years Big Bear be no good. Once the skin FTX was definitely one of was off I gutted the rabbit

the most fun squadron activities we have had in a while. When I arrived on Friday afternoon, along with MAJ Wong, 1st Lt Schumacher, and C/Ssgt Van de Brake, we began pitching tents and setting up the camp. This was my first time going to the FTX early to set up and I encourage all of you to go up early at least once to try it. It is a lot of work pitching the tents but it is all worthwhile when you are able to roast a hot dog over the campfire and relax under the stars. My favorite activity of the FTX was the Compass Course and Land Navigation. I enjoyed reading the compass heading and finding the various waypoints. At the end of the FTX we had our Change of Command Ceremony. 1st Lt Schumacher was leaving and C/CMSgt Wilhelm was taking over. I enjoyed the ceremony and am sad to see 1st Lt Schumacher leave but we all must go sometime. Thank you to everyone who made this FTX possible and run smoothly (except KP).

NRA Rifle Bivouac

C/Amn Seibert von Fock

A couple of months ago I along with several other CAP cadets went to the Escondido Fish and Game administration to complete the NRA Basic Rifle Course. Once we arrived we set up our tents, ate, and then went to bed. The next morning we started the actual course. Throughout the course we learned the mechanic of rifles and how they work. In addition, we learned how to clean and care for our rifles. The best part of the course was when we were allowed
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to fire .22 rimfire bullets from either a rifle we brought from home or one of the rifles that we were allowed to borrow. We each got to shoot 20 bullets at four different targets from a bench rest position. After this we continued the class and learned a little more theory. Later in the day, we played capture the flag with the other squadrons. In the evening, we had a campfire competition. In this competition we were divided into several teams and were given a fire pit. We had a few minutes to gather firewood and kindling material and then had to start a campfire. The team who started the campfire first won the competition. After all campfires were lit we put them out except one and had a talent show. The next day we got ready to leave and drove back to Orange County.

lunch we went to the range and took turns shooting targets that were placed 25 yards away. It was well worth the drive to have fun shooting with the fellow cadets from all of Group 7. The next day, Sunday, we participated in more classroom activities and learned how to clean a rifle properly. After a short graduation ceremony we packed up and headed back to Los Alamitos. All of the cadets had a great time and I encourage all cadets to attend the next one of these activities. This just goes to show that you have to try new activities in CAP and not just be limited to our weekly meetings. Go and explore; CAP is much more fun outside of the squadron (but we still do a pretty good job too).

marksman certified in .22 rifles. At the end of the class there was a test. It was open book and the instructor led everybody through it so everyone made a 100% on the test. There was even a talent show Saturday evening. Over all, it was a great weekend and I look forward to excelling in the NRA program.

NRA Rifle Bivouac

C/TSgt Colton Priest

NRA Safety Class

C/MSgt Andy Goodwin

I attended the NRA Basic Rifle Safety Course on June 24-26th in Escondido, CA. I didnt really know what to suspect when we arrived late Friday evening. There were approximately forty cadets and twenty senior members at the activity. We had fun the next morning learning about the various components of the basic .22 caliber rifle. We learned different shooting positions and the way to shoot properly. After
Navigator, May August 2011

A couple of weeks ago squadron 46 hosted a rifle qualification course taught by a few NRA instructors. The course included classes about the anatomy of a rifle, gun safety, and some time at the shooting range. At the bivouac I fired my first ever bullets and it turns out I am a good shot. I had an absolute blast and I kept all of my shell casings. I plan on Rifle Class applying for the next bivouac C/CMSgt Daniel Clay The rifle class took the moment they start place at the Escondido Fish accepting applications. and Game where about 50 cadets took part in a safety A Different Perspective course for rifles. We learned 2dLt Jeffrey Smith about how to safely clean, After I moved to the operate, and shoot a rifle. Southern California area, I Over the course of the realized there was something weekend we became very missing but wondering what knowledgeable about our rife it could possibly be as it and we even became pro- eluded me for quite some

time. After much reflection, I realized that what was missing was nothing tangible. It was a feeling. A sense of philanthropy. Ive always had the need to give back to what has molded me into the adult that I am today. When I was younger, there was only one organization which filled this need. The Civil Air Patrol has always been in my thoughts as I recollect the successes in my life. Many of them can be attributed to the lessons I learned, and the experiences I had when I was a Cadet. Missouri was a fantastic state to grow up. Home town values along with a strong work ethic were a staple of life. I learned early on that like minded people always find a way to collaborate and work together for a common goal. To me, thats where I found Civil Air Patrol. Flying, Disaster Relief, Emergency Services, Achievements, and Camping were all staples of my career as a Cadet. I wanted the most out of Civil Air Patrol and it certainly delivered! While I was a Cadet, Search and Rescue (SAR) was the specialty of our squadron. Everyone was rated, and got as many chances as possible to participate in SAR missions. In addition to SAR missions, Disaster Recovery and Volunteerism were frequent events; we often participated in sandbagging against the Mississippi River flooding, Red Cross Blood Drives, and provided hospitality resources for various festivals around the
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Orientation flight on a CH-53 at encampment (Camp Pendleton, July 2011)

area. The need to give back was certainly filled. As an adult, I look back at those experiences and the life long friends that I made. When the missing piece hit me, Civil Air Patrol was the first thing that came to mine. The leadership qualities I learned as a Cadet has led to a fantastic career and friendships that I cherish. Now that I have been at CAP Squadron 153 for a few months, I cant help but see those same qualities in the Cadets. A sense of professionalism, honor, hard work, and teamwork is evident in the way they conduct themselves both in and out of uniform. This is mirrored by an equally impressive senior (adult) staff that will do anything for these Cadets. Its certainly a pleasure every Wednesday night to see this organization in action. Im looking forward to sharing my experiences as a Cadet and how they have helped me grow and an adult and an individual.

divided into two groups each existing of three people because we could not all fit inside the plane at the same time. Once inside the plane, one person was the co-pilot first while the other two were passengers. All Cadets and the pilot had to wear headphones with microphones to protect our ears from the loud sounds the propeller made and to communicate with each other. After we checked that the plane and its electronics were ready and flight safe the pilot took off. Once in the air the co-pilot was allowed to help fly the plane. From Los Alamitos we flew over the ocean and landed in Torrance. There we traded places giving one of the passengers the chance to copilot the plane. After we returned to Los Alamitos, we were still able to partake in glider flights. Overall, this was a valuable experience that not many people get to experience.

barrel rolls and loops. The airplane went so fast that it would be about 500 feet in front of its sound by the time the sound reached you. Overall, I had a blast and I plan on going to the air show next year.

Chino Air Show

C/CMSgt Daniel Clay

and we waited indoors to see if it would be canceled, but at about 12:00 the rain stopped, the sun came out, and the day resumed. The rest of the day was a bit soggy but everyone made it through the day without any problems. The show was outstanding and I encourage everyone to attend next year.

Chino Airshow 2011

C/TSgt Colton Priest

Orientation Flights
C/Amn S. Seibert von Fock

A while ago I and some other CAP Cadets were given the opportunity to take part in O-rides in a powered aircraft. The event happened on a Sunday where normally just gliders were flown. As usual, first the glider planes had to be cleaned and transported to the other side of the airfield. Once there we set up a little station to monitor the flights. After a while, a pilot came in a Cessna airplane. This was a small 4-seater (pilot, copilot, and two passengers) powered airplane. We were
Navigator, May August 2011

This year I had the privilege of going to Chino Airport to help out with this years Planes of Fame Air Show. I was the Logistics NCOIC and I also became a flight commander when Golf Flights Flight Commander needed to go participate in an emergency services operation. I met a lot of new friends and I had a lot of fun. Some of the Aircraft included the P-38, F-86 Saber, and the Air Force even brought an F-15 Eagle. Just watching the F-15 in flight was absolutely amazing. It did amazing vertical climbs as well as

The Chino Air Show was a phenomenal event. On the afternoon of our arrival I was greeted by the sound of an F-15 Strike Eagle 2 overhead practicing his maneuvers for the show. After all the cadets and staff were accounted for the event there were separate safety briefings for the cadets and staff that evening. The next day staff got up at about 5:00 and began the day. The main gate opened up at 6:30 that morning so before that time we needed to have opening formation, breakfast, and the first flights needed to get to where the people would be walking to the show. Our overall job that weekend was to keep people away from the planes. As a bonus, after a flight did their 2 hour shift, they got the rest of the day off to roam the air show. The next morning we woke up to rain so the show was put on hold

Cadet Programs Conference

SFO Cynthia Martinez

There are many events that you can attend in Civil Air Patrol but I have to say that California Wings Cadet Programs Conference (CPC) is one of my favorites. It is one of my favorites for many reasons. My top reason is there are multiple classes to select from; you can take everything from Swing Dance Class to Color Guard Class. Another reason is you get to meet many people from all over the state. Meeting people from other squadrons is great because you get to share different customs, leading to new ideas for your squadron. Lastly but certainly not least is the banquet. Not only do you get to run around all weekend being social and learning new things, you also get a night of

(from left) Capt Andrea Wong, Maj Mark Wong, & SFO Cynthia Martinez at the CPC banquet. Page 7 of 9

entertainment. I believe that most people enjoy the banquet because you get to dress up in formal attire and enjoy a formal dinner with a night of dancing. CAP has many activities each with their specific goal. I believe CPC is one of the most relaxed activities and you are required to have the independence to choose a goal for yourself. I have attended CPC as a cadet and a senior and I have to say that they were two very unique experiences. As a senior member, you can participate in the seminars but it is meant for the cadets. This activity would not be possible if it were not for the hard working seniors. Most of the instructors are senior members who take the time to make classes so the cadets may have a variety choose from. I never realized how much work was put into this activity until I got to experience it as a senior.

Once again, I want to thank you for this once in a lifetime experience! I will try my best to return the investment you have made in me, and satisfy you with your choice of me. I will now pass on my experience to other cadets who have yet to go to encampment; training them to become better cadets also. Thank you for your generosity! Youre very welcome, C/SrA Russell and we hope you succeed in your goals!

Traits of Leadership
1stLt Steven Covarubias

Thank you
The letter printed below was sent from C/SrA Benjamin Russell to SQ153. Dear Squadron 153, I want to express my utmost appreciation to you form making my enrolment in the CAWG Encampment possible. I was thrilled when I learned that I was awarded the squadrons scholarship. Encampment gave me more training and knowledge of CAP then I ever could have imagined. Although not all of encampment was enjoyable, the discipline and mindset I learned and enacted at encampment certainly will benefit my CAP career.
Navigator, May August 2011

As a leader, you must possess certain traits in your personality. Traits will vary from person to person or leader from leader. As you continue to grow in life, you will come across many leaders. You will see that some leaders are better than others. In fact, most if not all of you will be leaders in your own right sometime in your lives. I will give you some leadership traits that I feel are most important to me and why they are so important. You may agree or disagree with my choices but I want you to list what leadership traits are most important to you and why. Like I mentioned before, you may be placed in a leadership position without notice or hesitation. Will you know how to act as a leader when the time comes? The primary trait I want to talk about is integrity. We know that integrity generally means that a person doing the right thing even when no one is around. Integrity could be intertwined with honesty and honor. I believe that a good

leader must maintain a high level of integrity. I believe that a leader must do everything right all the time. Im not saying that a leader has to be perfect and error free we are all human and we all make mistakes. It is ok to make mistakes it is how we learn. I mean that a leader must strive for excellence to the best of his or her ability through proper morals and ethics. An example of integrity is taking pride in yourself and your work. Whether you work for a retail store or somewhere in the government, you will have certain rules and guidelines that outline your job duties, responsibilities, and levels of expectations of performance. You maintain a level of integrity by taking pride in yourself by being a good worker such as always showing up to work on time, not missing too many working days, providing excellent customer service, working well with peers and supervisors, and conducting your business with minimal supervision. Your performance and integrity will shine through for others to see. If one day you are placed in a position to lead, you would want your staff to practice the same work ethic you practiced so your entire team will succeed. In order to accomplish that, you would need to maintain that high level of integrity to gather and maintain the respect of your team. You will also inspire your team to strive for excellence in their performances, thus improving the quality of your team members, yourself, and the

organization you represent as a whole.

A Safety Note
Col Bob Alex Asst. Natl. Safety Officer

The best prevention for heat injuries, is to call off activities on very hot and humid days. Local weather stations and military bases often provide valuable information on when it could be hazardous to conduct strenuous activities outdoors. These warnings are generally based on wet-bulb globe thermometer readings and should be very carefully taken into account by activity directors. This is extremely important to the risk management process. Sometimes it can take up to two weeks for the human body to totally acclimatize to changes in heat/humidity. This needs to be taken into account. Once acclimatized, the body begins to sweat earlier and the sodium content of sweat lessens...all part of the natural process to keep the body cooler. Activity leaders should encourage participants to stay hydrated. They should drink 16 to 20 ounces of water or sports drink two hours before, and again a half hour after participating in strenuous activities. Participants should also drink 8 ounces every twenty minutes. Sports drinks help provide needed sodium that the body loses by sweating. Heat cramps are the first signs of trouble. Cramps of the muscles, arms, legs, or abdomen are to be taken very seriously. Participants with these
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symptoms should be removed from activities immediately. They should sit in a cool, shaded place, and drink sodium-containing fluids. Heat Fainting is a more serious sign of heat trouble. A person experiencing heat fainting should be taken to an airCommanders conditioned room, hydrated, Commendation Award and carefully watched. This person should not be allowed C/1stLt Kristofer to participate in similar Schumacher activities until the following day. CAP Achievement Award Heat Exhaustion is the next most serious sign of heat injury. The participant Maj Mark Wong sweats heavily, might be 1stLt Nathan VanDeBrake nauseated, breathes rapidly, C/1stLt Kristofer Schumacher has a fast pulse, and low C/CMSgt Anistasha Wilhelm blood pressure. They is apt Red Service Award to be confused. This person is dehydrated, and sodium depleted. They should be 1stLt Nathan VanDeBrake quickly taken to an air- C/CMSgt Daniel Clay (2nd award) conditioned room. Activity C/SMSgt Andy Goodwin leaders should consider C/TSgt Jacob VanDeBrake loosening outer layers of clothing and constricting Community Service Award items (belts, boots, shoes) and elevate the members C/MSgt Colton Priest legs. Administering of fluids C/A1C Nicholas Pio containing sodium is essential. If this person is Encampment Ribbon not responding to this treatment in a short time Maj Mark Wong (14th award) (less than five minutes), they 1stLt Nathan VanDeBrake should be taken to a hospital. nd Heat Stroke is the C/CMSgt A. Wilhelm (2 award) C/MSgt Colton Priest most serious heat injury. All C/TSgt Jacob VanDeBrake of the signs above are C/SrA Benjamin Russell present, but the skin can be C/Amn Isabel Sigala dry. The person is groggy or unresponsive. This person Recently Promoted! should be taken to an Seniors: emergency room by 1stLt Tommy Goodwin ambulance immediately. 1stLt Robert Matthews 2dLt Jeffrey Smith It is my hope that SFO Cynthia Martinez this information is read by many of our members, and that perhaps it may save a life.
Navigator, May August 2011

Coming
SQ153 Events
September 2011 Foxhunt Cadet Staff Training October 2011 Foxhunt Cadet Staff Training NCOS Wings, Wheels, & Rotors Squadron Halloween Party November 2011 Foxhunt Desert FTX Cadet Staff Training December 2011 Foxhunt Cadet Staff Training Squadron Holiday Party

Cadets:
C/2dLt Devon Butler C/CMSgt Anistasha Wilhelm C/CMSgt Daniel Clay C/SMSgt Andy Goodwin C/MSgt Colton Priest C/TSgt Jacob VanDeBrake C/SrA Benjamin Russell C/A1C Nicholas Benson C/A1C Logan Luevano C/Amn Rashid Tauqir C/Amn Thomas Graham C/Amn Christopher Kunz C/Amn Raymond Ku C/Amn Alex Salazar C/Amn Isabel Sigala C/Amn Jacob Cole C/Amn Madeline Carlson

Cadet of the Month

April 2011 C/A1C Nicholas Benson May 2011 C/A1C Benjamin Russell June 2011 C/Amn S. Seibert von Fock July 2011 C/A1C Benjamin Russell August 2011 To Be Announced

Model Rocketry Badge

C/MSgt Andy Goodwin C/A1C Nicholas Pio

Past
SQ153 Events
May 2011 Foxhunt AEX Model Rocketry Cadet Staff Training June 2011 Foxhunt AEX Big Bear FTX Cadet Staff Training July 2011 Foxhunt AEX Cadet Staff Training 4th of July Squadron Pool Party August 2011 Foxhunt AEX

Be sure to check out our website:

capsq153.org
It has a calendar!
Navigator May-Aug 2011 Publication produced by CAP Squadron 153 Maj Mark Wong Publisher/Editor
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