T HE N EWSLETTER

OF THE

M C H ENRY C OUNTY C OMPOSITE S QUADRON

W OODSTOCK P ATROL
C IVIL A IR P ATROL - US A IR F ORCE A UXILIARY HTTP :// WWW . GROUP 22. NET / MCCS J ANUARY 2006

I NFORMATION Deadline for all submissions is the 25th of the preceding month. Email submissions to jkalemis@comcast.net or deliver a hardcopy. All photographs are by Lt. James Kalemis unless otherwise noted.

A NNUAL H OLIDAY A WARDS D INNER

2d Lt James Kalemis The McHenry County Composite Squadron held its annual Holiday Awards Banquet at the Woodstock VFW. It was an outstanding event with distinctive guests, promotions, and awards. Major Rhonda Anderson, Commander, opened the evening's festivities with a welcome note to the cadets and guests. The opening ceremonies included a special POW/MIA Table presented to the squadron as a gift by 2d Lt. Diane Workman. The POW/MIA Table had the same china served at the US Embassies with the Great Seal of the United States. It is a unique place setting that was special ordered and custom made for the squadron. No individual had ordered this china before and 2d Lt. Workman explained how so many people now know what the Civil Air Patrol is. Dinner for the evening was provided by 2d Lts. Diane Workman, Paul Ebanks, James Kalemis and 2d Lt. Kalemis mother. It was a combination of traditional holiday food with a flare of Greek fare. The Keynote Speaker was Chaplain Col. James Erickson, National Headquarters Chaplain Services. He gave an inspirational speech on leadership based on his experiences as pilot, doctor, and chaplain.
Continued...

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Continued

Colonel Maurice Givens, IL Wing Commander, made a note about the cadet email addresses he sees. "With cadets with emails like Mickey Mouse Rocks My Socks we know we're in good hands", remarked Col. Givens. The award presentations started with Cadet Maria Mangano and 2d Lt. James Kalemis, cadet and senior Aerospace Education Officers, accepting the Aerospace Education Excellence Award for the squadron. This was the third year in a row that the squadron has received this award. Recognition of Outstanding Contribution awards were presented to

cadets Steven DeCraene, Brian Freund, Emily Medina and Krystal Freund for their efforts as the 2005 Color Guard 1st Lt. Esther Medina for her outstanding work with testing and promotion boards 1st Lt. Doris Mangano for her outstanding work in organizing the Washington, DC, trip

Cadet Emily Medina for being the cadet with best customs and courtesies Cadet Ross Kohler as the most promising junior cadet.

Additional awards included

Cadet Jared Hendler as the Most Promising Cadet of 2005 Cadet Steven DeCraene as the Outstanding NCO of 2005 Cadet Maria Mangano as the Outstanding Cadet Officer of 2005 2d Lt. James Kalemis as the Outstanding Senior Officer of 2005

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Continued

Chaplain Col. James Erickson and Col. Maurice Givens presented Cadet Krystal Freund the Billy Mitchell Award. The General Billy Mitchell Award has existed since 1964. This award honors the late Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for America. The General Billy Mitchell Award is the second milestone which is earned after completing the first eight achievements of the cadet program. In addition, the cadet must pass an arduous 100 question examination testing leadership theory and aerospace topics. Since its inception over 30 years ago, over 42,000 cadets have earned this honor. Chaplain Col. James Erickson and Col. Maurice Givens presented Cadet Maria Mangano the Amelia Earhart Award. The Amelia Earhart Award has also existed since 1964. This award honors the late Amelia Earhart, aviatrix, advocate, and pioneer, who set many records for women aviators in aviation's infancy, and who was lost while attempting to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. The Amelia Earhart Award is third milestone which is earned after completing the first eleven achievements of the cadet program and receipt of the General Billy Mitchell Award. In addition, the cadet must pass an arduous 100 question examination testing aerospace topics, leadership theory and staff topics. Since its inception over 30 years ago, nearly 10,000 cadets have earned this prestigious award. Cadet Mangano was promoted to Cadet Captain with Chaplain Col. James Erickson, Col. Maurice Givens and her father, Mr. Tom Mangano, pinning her new epaulettes. 2d Lt. James Kalemis received the Commander's Commendation Award from Col. Maurice Givens and Maj. Rhonda Anderson. Last, but not least, Cadet Maria Mangano presented a bouquet of roses to Maj. Rhonda Anderson for her outstanding contribution as squadron commander. The evening ended with a raffle for the door prizes.

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POW/MIA T ABLE
Air Force Association of our comrades in arms who keep the faith and await their return. Remember A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate, if we do not bring them home. Remember There is salt on the plate, symbolic of the family's tears as hey wait and remember. The glasses are inverted. They cannot toast with us tonight , maybe tomorrow, if we remember. The red, white and blue ribbon is tied to the flower vase by a yellow ribbon that was worn by thousands who awaited their return. Remember The faded picture on the table is a reminder that they are missed very much and are remembered by their families. Remember. As we look upon this empty table, do not remember ghosts from the past, remember our comrades. The POW/MIA Ceremony is a dignified and solemn moment generally used in conjunction with the opening of a dinner function. There have been many different narratives written for the toast, but the symbolism is quite constant. Ladies and gentlemen, please direct your attention to the center of our gathering. You may have noticed the table set before you. It is filled with symbolism. I will explain. This table is set for our prisoners of war and those missing in action, from all wars. They are not with us today. Their chairs are empty, but saved for their hoped return. Let us remember their absence. Let us remember the United States Air Force, the United States Army, the United States Navy, the United States Marine Corps, the United States Coast Guard. Let us remember the men and women Prisoners of War from all branches of service that are too often forgotten. Let us remember them. The table cloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms, so that their children could remain free. Remember. The lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner alone, trying to stand up against his oppressors. Remember. The black ribbon on the candle reminds us of those who will not be coming home. Remember The single rose reminds us of the loved ones and families Remember those whom we depended on in battle. They depend on us to bring them home. Remember our friends. They are the ones we love -- who love life and freedom as we do. They will remember what we do. Please honor and remember them.

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R EMEMBERANCE T ABLE
2d Lt Diane Workman I have access to the same china as the President of the United States and all Heads of State from countries around the world. It was then that the china began to touch so many people. The lady next to me just stared as I requested the Great Seal and the young lady waiting on me told me her brother and two cousins were on active duty with the Navy and Marines. Every time I mentioned the china to someone they had a story about someone in their family who had been in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, or Desert Storm. The china was made by one person at Pickard, by hand, who applied the intricate 24-carat gold to the edges of each plate, the coffee cup, and saucer as well as the Great Seals. The ladies at BB&B called Pickard every week to check on the china and, three days before the ceremony, went to Pickard to hand deliver the china so nothing would happen during shipment. The BB&B ladies wrapped it with special care and asked to have a picture of the ceremony to see if it could be displayed on the BB&B website. Everyone in the store was talking about the china. The squadron now owns china that was hand made for them just them. It was not a part of a larger order it was made for MCCS. Most people in the U.S. never even know it exists or get to see it. Unless you are a guest of the U.S. Embassy, you would never know it either. This china, and all the other components of the Remembrance Table, is special special because they were made for you the MCCS cadets the best cadets in CAP. Thank You for the privilege to order this china, to participate in the squadron with you, and to provide the MCCS with something special for the Remembrance Ceremony that can be passed down from cadet to cadet.

I dont often get to participate in weekly squadron meetings, so last August when 2nd Lt. Kalemis and I were having dinner we talked about what to present to the squadron for Christmas; he suggested a Remembrance table. Of course I thought it was a great idea and then the search began. I wanted to find unique items for the table and began my search online for china but it had to be something special, very special. I discovered the Pickard China Co. from Antioch, Illinois. It turned out that Pickard makes china for Air Force One, all US Embassies, Blair house, and the White House. I discovered that they made a pattern for the US Embassies that would be perfect for the squadron. I wanted china that represented all military branches not only the Air Force and this china seemed perfect. So I emailed Pickard and told them about CAP and the MCCS cadets. I explained that I needed only one place setting, but it was for a special military ceremony to honor the missing. Pickard was glad to help out and suggested several retailers where I could purchase the china. I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond (BB&B). I stood at the Bridal Registry counter in the china section among other ladies contemplating gifts for brides to be. A young girl took my order as I explained I wanted a Pickard place setting with the Great Seal of the United States. What a tremendous moment to realize that I live in a country where

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C OMMANDER S C ORNER
Reflection upon 2005 makes me realize how important our CAP family is to me. I am so proud of the accomplishments of each one of you. This letter and the awards banquet speak highly of those of you who make the effort and succeed. It will soon be time to select a new cadet commander, we have the color guard getting ready for competition, we have new cadets to train, and we have senior member goals and sacrifices. To make and keep the squadron excellent is a sacrifice on all our parts, and together we can continue accomplish much. Let us continue to practice the golden rule, Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. As we sacrifice to assist with someone elses needs, we find that our own needs have been met as well. I challenge each one of you to put forth your best effort at CAP and in life throughout 2006. I look forward to working with you,

Major Rhonda Anderson

F ROM

THE

C ADET C OMMANDER
School in September. ES training took place during October. November was fundraising. And of course, in December, we had our Awards Banquet. What do all these events have in common? I know cadets participated in each and every one of them. Our squadron is by cadets, for cadets all the way. The cadet staff does an excellent job. But I can honestly say that if it werent for Major Rhonda Anderson and the outstanding senior staff she leads, none of us would be where we all are now. As you work through this next year, remember the senior staff and Major A, and give them an extra big thank you next time you see them.

Cadet Maria Mangano Having just a few days left in 2005, I took time to reflect on the past year for MCCS. It has been a good year for the squadron. We have accomplished many things. In January we participated in the Ice Bowl. February brought a change in cadet commanders and cadet staff. Color Guard competition was held in March, and cadets and seniors participated in Spring Encampment in April. The Memorial Day parade was held in May. June held much anticipation for our Washington DC trip, and during the end of the month we rode the train to DC! Summer Encampment and National Cadet Special Activities occurred in July. King of the Rock competition was in August, followed by NCO Academy and Basic Cadet

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A MERICAN F LAGS P RESENTATION

2d Lt James Kalemis George Lesch, past Commander of the Huntley American Legion, gave a short history and presentation of historic American Flags at the Woodstock Library.

The Grand Union Flag 1775 is the first true U.S. Flag.

On August 16, 1777 the "Green Mountain Boys" fought under General Stark at the Battle of Bennington using this Green Mountain Boys Flag.

The Gadsden Flag was first used by Commodore Esek Hopkins, the first Commander in Chief of the New Continental Fleet, when his ships put to sea for the first time in February, 1776.

The Bennington flag flew over the military stores in Bennington, Vermont, on August 16, 1777.

The Betsy Ross flag was adopted June 14, 1777 (Flag Day).

The Guiford Courthouse Flag, flown Marcg 15, 1781, is an example of the lack in uniformity in American flags during the Revolutionary period as each group chose what flag to be used as its standard.

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S ENIOR S TAFF
Commander ... Major Rhonda Anderson Deputy Commander Seniors . 2Lt James Kalemis Deputy Commander Cadets . Major Kenneth Anderson Medical Officer ... 1Lt Doris Mangano Safety .... 2Lt Mike McMahon Administration .... 1Lt Sharon Freund Aerospace Education ... 2Lt James Kalemis Cadet Programs ... 1Lt Esther Medina 2Lt Paul Ebanks 2Lt Diane Workman Communications . SM John Peterman Finance ...... 1Lt Doris Mangano Logistics .. 1Lt Esther Medina MIS/IT .... 2Lt Estera Corcoran Public Affairs & Marketing .. 1Lt Doris Mangano 2Lt James Kalemis Emergency Services ..... 2Lt James Kalemis Personnel ....... 1Lt Sharon Freund Professional Development ... Open Moral Leadership Officer . 2Lt Mike McMahon Orientation Flights ... 2Lt James Kalemis Newsletter Editor .... 2Lt James Kalemis Assistant Editor .... 2Lt Diane Workman

C ADET S TAFF
Cadet Commander .. Capt Maria Mangano Executive Officer . 2d Lt Krystal Freund First Sergeant .. SMSgt Emily Medina Flight Commander .... CMSgt Steven DeCraene Romeo Flight Sergeant SrA Shelby McMahon Zulu Flight Sergeant ... SSgt Jared Hendler Administrative Officer ..... 2d Lt Krystal Freund Aerospace Education Officer ... Capt Maria Mangano Emergency Services CMSgt Steven DeCraene Communication Officer 2d Lt Krystal Freund PT Officer ..... TSgt Jared Hendler Logistics Officer .. 2d Lt Krystal Freund Color Guard Commander .... SMSgt Emily Medina

E VENTS
January 14 January 14 January 21 February 18 NCSA Review Boards, Lewis University SAREX, Dupage Airport NCSA Review Boards, Springfield SAREX, Group 22 SAREX, Peoria

CAP-USAF Liaison TSgt Kenneth Roth (847) 688-5810 email: kroth1@owc.net

March 24

W EBSITES
McHenry County Composite Squadron http://www.group22.net/mccs Illinois Wing News Blog http://ilcapnews.blogs.com Group 22 CAP http://www.group22.net Illinois Wing CAP http://www.ilcap.org Great Lakes Region CAP http://glr.cap.gov/files/index.html National Headquarters CAP http://www.cap.gov

C ONTACT I NFORMATION
3806 Spy Glass Ridge Road Crystal Lake, IL 60012 (815) 788 0737

M EETING I NFORMATION
Tuesdays 6:309:00pm Illinois National Guard Armory 1301 Sunset Ridge Rd Woodstock, IL 60098