Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
First Day, 26 July 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- Staff members, both cadet and adult, from across the state (and even a few from Kansas) began arriving late in the day on Friday, 25 July 2008, with the remaining few arriving early today.  Excitement was high as all were anticipating a long, strenuous, but ultimately very rewarding experience.

This year's summer encampment is the largest in memory with a total of 133 total participants representing five different Civil Air Patrol Wings (Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma) and two different CAP Regions (North Central Region and Southwest Region).  86 "basic attendees" (those who have not attended an encampment before), will be overseen by a total staff of 47 (23 cadet staff and 24 adult or "senior" staff).

Cadets are divided into six separate flights of fifteen members each and are overseen throughout the week by an experienced flight sergeant and flight commander.  Staying mainly within their flights, basic attendees will practice and perfect followership skills, military customs and courtesies, discipline and drill (marching), proper uniform wear, and hone early leadership skills.  Extensive classroom instruction will be supplemented with daily morning physical fitness testing as well as field activities including rappelling and helicopter orientation flights.  By the end of the week, all cadets will have also memorized the encampment's standard operating procedure (SOP) booklet.

For the second year in a row, summer encampment will be held at Camp Crowder Army National Guard Base just south of Neosho, Missouri, in the southwest corner of the state.  Originally known as Ft. Crowder, Camp Crowder was established in 1941 as the U.S. Army Signal Corps Training Center.  By 1943, the facility had grown to more than 42,000 acres and had trained thousands of soldiers. 

In the old "Dick Van Dyke Show", Camp Crowder is where characters Rob (Dick Van Dyke) and Laura Petrie (Mary Tyler Moore) met; Rob was a sergeant in Special Services and Laura was a USO dancer.  Both Van Dyke and the show's producer, Carl Reiner, were stationed at Camp Crowder. 

Younger folks may be more familiar with the comic strip "Beetle Bailey" by Mort Walker.  Walker, who trained here with the Signal Corps and later served in Italy during World War II, based his fictional Camp Swampy of his famous comic strip on Camp Crowder.  A graduate of both the University of Missouri – Columbia, and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Walker said of his time here, "Next thing I know, they sent me off to the signal corps in Camp Crowder, Missouri, where I had no ability whatsoever at mechanics.  Mainly, I drew posters for everyone telling them to stay awake and be sure they did their bit.  I was not learning an awful lot."

Our cadet staff, however, IS learning an awful lot!  Working day and night in preparation of the arrival tomorrow of the basic attendees, the cadet staff have completed their training and organization into two squadrons of three flights each, and perfected all needed procedures and plans.  Cadet commander, Cadet Colonel Nathan Scalia and cadet executive officer, Cadet First Lieutenant Joshua Carr, have led the way working hard to mold the cadet staff into an effective team.  Cadet support staff is also in place and working directly with their adult staff mentors in communications, logistics, and as the training officer.

This year's summer encampment staff is:

1st Squadron Cadet Staff:
Squadron Commander: Cadet Captain Kenna Egenberger
Squadron First Sergeant: Cadet Master Sergeant Lauren Faulkner
Alpha Flight Commander: Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Victoria Meister
Alpha Flight Sergeant: Cadet Master Sergeant Austin Hooper
Bravo Flight Commander: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Nick Rueve
Bravo Flight Sergeant: Cadet Staff Sergeant Jonathan Fox
Charlie Flight Commander: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Joseph Workman
Charlie Flight Sergeant: Cadet Master Sergeant Aaron Hooper

2nd Squadron Cadet Staff:
Squadron Commander: Cadet Captain Dani Gaitan
Squadron First Sergeant: Cadet Master Sergeant Clay Sakabu
Delta Flight Commander: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Dainec Stefan
Delta Flight Sergeant: Cadet Staff Sergeant Dennis Volkman
Echo Flight Commander: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Arielle Bohnert
Echo Flight Sergeant: Cadet Staff Sergeant Marlan Campbell
Foxtrot Flight Commander: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Mason Bruza
Foxtrot Flight Sergeant: Cadet Staff Sergeant Wyatt McHaffie

Cadet Support Staff:
Training Officer: Cadet First Lieutenant Shane Conaty
Logistics Officer: Cadet Master Sergeant Nick Smith
Communications Officer: Cadet Master Sergeant Robert Varwig

Accommodations are a significant improvement from last year's crowded two-story World War II era barracks.  Two brand new single-story barracks with an associated modern dining facility were recently completed.  The large open bay design provides separate space for each individual flight while also allowing each member within a flight to help each other clean and prepare for inspections.  And they are inspected daily, not just the cleanliness and organization of their bay, beds and lockers, but also their uniforms.

The quality and quantity of the food this summer continues in the high standard of past years, with a twist.  This year, we have obtained the services of Technical Sergeant Charline O'Neill, an active duty U.S. Army culinary specialist, to prepare and serve all meals.  From what she's done in the past for CAP activities, we all know we're going to be in for a real treat!

So ends our first blog posting.  Tomorrow the basic cadets arrive and go through their initial "shake down" and separation into flights, as well as their first introduction to drill and military customs and courtesies. 

Tomorrow we will also spotlight the Encampment Commander, Lt. Col. John O'Neill, Jr.

Today's photographs can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentFirstDay72608?authkey=Qoppg5Nqdrk

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
Second Day, 27 July 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- By mid-morning the combined encampment staff were prepared for the arrival of the first "Basics" (basic attendees here at the encampment for the first time) for in-processing.  Fortified with a great lunch, and after morning Protestant services by Chaplain (Lieutenant Colonel) JoAnne Durham for those who wished to attend (cadets wishing Catholic Mass were transported to a local parish in Neosho the night before by Major Julie Oldham), all were in place for the first to arrive.

Basics began to arrive promptly at 1 p.m.  After a quick goodbye, they were separated from their parents and immediately immersed into the "encampment experience".  "No talking", "eyes forward", and "move quickly" were the new words for the day.  Cadets stood quietly at attention in the hallway before being called into the main room for their "shake down" inspection.  Each cadet's carefully packed bags were thoroughly inspected for any contraband (such as large knives, portable electronic devices, lighters or matches, cell phones, food or drink including candy, alarm clocks, etc.) to be held until the end of encampment.  Cadets driving themselves were required to turn in their car keys and not have access to their vehicles during the week.

Next was signing in and verification of contact information, required forms, and payment with the encampment administration officer.  Basics were also given their very important standard operating procedure (SOP) pamphlets, to be read whenever they had a free moment (such as whenever they weren't sleeping) and memorized before the end of encampment.

At the next table, Basics were issued their black encampment t-shirt and ballcap color coded for each individual Flight.  The final in-processing step was a visit with the encampment medical officer to review medications, allergies, and each cadet's health history.  All medications, except emergency medications such as inhalers for asthma, were turned in to his care for distribution throughout the week.

After completing the in-processing steps, each Basic reported to a group of First Sergeants for assignment to their Flights.  The introduction to military customs and courtesies, as well as uniformity, continued as each Basic learned the correct way to greet senior cadet non-commissioned officers, and how to stand in formation reading their SOP with their arm at the proper angle of 90 degrees.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on "Flight Familiarization" where each Basic was teamed with a battle buddy, met their Flight Commander and Flight Sergeant (who will oversee their training for the week), met their Flight's TAC Officer, and assigned a bunk and locker.  Military customs and courtesies were reviewed such as how and when to salute, how to address senior officers, and even how to request to go to the bathroom.  An introduction to drill (marching) was next.  Drill is a very important part of every day at encampment that teaches teamwork and self discipline.  Flights need to know how to form up and move as a unit, how to march to class and to the dining facility, and how to function as smaller units (elements) within the Flight.  The afternoon of instruction ended with the first of many inspections.  This first inspection usually identifies many areas that need improvement, both individually and for the entire Flight.  However, by the end of encampment, the cadets really shine!

After dinner, all cadets were welcomed by the Encampment Commander (Lieutenant Colonel O'Neill), Commandant of Cadets (Major Oldham), and Cadet Commander (Cadet Colonel Scalia), and received an introductory safety briefing by Major Eric Jensen which included a fire drill.   After returning to their barracks, lights out for the first day was at 9:30 pm.  Basics often find it hard to get a good night's sleep this first night due to the excitement of encampment and the newness of their bunk and barracks.  However, as cadets are challenged more and more over the next several days, falling asleep is often not a problem!

This year's summer encampment senior staff includes:

Encampment Commander: Lieutenant Colonel John O'Neill
Executive Officer: Major Troy Greenbank
Commandant of Cadets: Major Julie Oldham
Safety and Communications Officer: Major Eric Jensen
Medical Officer: Senior Member Robert Myers
Logistics Officer: First Lieutenant Art Sturgeon
Public Affairs Officer and Assistant Medical Officer: Major David Miller
Administration Officer: First Lieutenant Stacy Workman
Commander's Assistant: Master Sergeant Michael Mudry
Mess Sergeant: Technical Sergeant Charline O'Neill

First Squadron Tactical Officer: First Lieutenant Timothy Carr
Second Squadron Tactical Officer: First Lieutenant Jennifer Carr
Alpha Flight Tactical Officer: Second Lieutenant Don Cochran
Bravo Flight Tactical Officer: Second Lieutenant Mike Adkins
Charlie Flight Tactical Officer: First Lieutenant Sara Bohnert
Charlie Flight Assistant Tactical Officer: Senior Member Samantha Tobin
Delta Flight Tactical Officer: First Lieutenant Marcus Thornton
Delta Flight Assistant Tactical Officer: Senior Member Gayle Reifschnieder
Echo Flight Tactical Officer: First Lieutenant Timothy Mohr
Foxtrot Flight Tactical Officer: Captain Greg Medsker

Interesting Camp Crowder Facts: Camp Crowder is named for Major General Enoch H. Crowder, a native Missourian who was the author of the Selective Service Act of World War I (the draft), while serving as Provost Marshal General.

The weather today continued hot with highs in the low 90's with significant humidity and scattered light clouds.  The encampment safety officer, Major Jensen, keeps a close eye on the heat index (a measure of temperature and humidity resulting in a value closer to what the actual temperature feels like), checking several times each day, with outdoor cadet activity limited as the heat index rises.

Encampment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel John O'Neill, who recently retired from the U.S. Army as a Drill Sergeant with the rank of Sergeant First Class, brings a wealth of experience to his position.  As a youth, he completed the Civil Air Patrol cadet program attaining the prestigious General Carl A. Spaatz Award and rank of Cadet Colonel. Less than one half of one percent of all CAP cadets attain the Spaatz Award, with less than 1,800 being awarded since it was established in the early 1960's.  He has also completed the CAP senior member professional development program attaining the Gill Robb Wilson Award.  He has served in five CAP Wings: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, and Rhode Island.  While in Colorado, he served as the first cadet commander of the Air Academy Cadet Squadron at the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Past commander of the Ft. Leonard Wood Composite Squadron, he now serves as the Missouri Wing Director of Cadet Programs.  Married to U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Charline O'Neill, they enjoy their three grandchildren and their Pomeranian dog "Benjamin".

Tomorrow: A day in the life of a Basic, plus spotlight on the Commandant of Cadets, Major Julie Oldham.

Today's photographs can be found at: http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentSecondDay72708?authkey=71BRyEFNh-o

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
Third Day, 28 July 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- It is a long day, every day, for cadet Basics at encampment; however, it is a full day of exciting opportunities.  What follows is a typical day.

The day begins with reveille at 0530 hours (5:30 am).  Sleepy Basics are slow at first but quickly form up in their Flights in their PT (physical training) uniform of t-shirt, shorts, and running shoes.  Morning PT is every day and consists of stretching first, calisthenics, and then a short run.  This is followed by personal time where Basics can shower, straighten their bunks, clean and iron their uniforms, and generally prepare for the day as best they can.

Flights then form up and march to the dining facility for breakfast.  They line up in the serving line as a Flight, they sit as a Flight, they eat as a Flight, and they leave as a Flight.  All of this occurs with little to no talking while often reading their standard operating procedure (SOP) pamphlet (especially whenever they are standing in line, which is often).  This same procedure is followed for all meals. 

Activities throughout the day include classroom instruction on a variety of subjects including the history of flight, CAP National Cadet Special Activity program opportunities, the Missouri Wing cadet program, the role of the NCO, career opportunities in the U.S. Air Force, as well as many other exiting topics in leadership and aerospace education.  Activities outside of the classroom and in the field include drill (lots of drill, including complicated and coordinated movements), a compass course, static displays of aircraft on the ground, a forty foot rappelling tower, and (hopefully if the weather cooperates) helicopter orientation flights.

Typically, each day's schedule also includes "Flight Time" when individual Flights can work on team building skills, drill, unique chants when marching, or any other areas the flight commanders feel their Flights need to improve.  "Barracks Time" is time set aside for Flights to prepare for an inspection of their barracks.  Finally, "Retreat" is the last formation of the day when the entire encampment cadet cadre falls in by Flights and marches back to the cadet barracks.

After an additional period for personal time, the Basic's day ends typically at 2130 hours (9:30 pm) with lights out.  Lights out is later for flight sergeants and flight commanders, and even later for senior cadet staff.  Reveille the next morning at 0530 hours comes too early for many Basics!

Like the cadet flight staff, the cadet support staff also puts in long hours with equally important responsibilities for the success of the encampment but often with little recognition.  Cadet First Lieutenant Shane Conaty serves as the Cadet Duty (or Training) Officer responsible for classroom setups, the availability of any needed projectors, and any special projects.  Cadet Master Sergeant Robert Varwig serves as the Cadet Communications Officer responsible for issuing radios and maintaining the radio net.  Finally, Cadet Master Sergeant Nicholas Smith serves as the Cadet Logistics Officer responsible for supply, janitorial services, and making sure all have what they need.  These three cadets also help out in the mess hall when needed.  The summer encampment would not be a success without the behind-the-scenes hard work of these three cadets.

More Camp Crowder facts: The size of Camp Crowder during World War II is almost mind boggling, especially now sixty plus years later when little remains.  The few buildings remaining on base do not give a proper impression of its former glory.  352 buildings had to be build initially with more over the next several years.  The Camp had a Post Exchange (similar to a general store or department store) with twenty-two branches; three beauty parlors; two cafeterias for civilian workers in addition to numerous mess halls; a post newspaper with a circulation of 15,000; four service clubs (similar to civilian social clubs but separate for officers and enlisted personnel); six movie theaters; sixteen chapels with chaplains for each denomination; a large hospital with 15 infirmaries throughout the camp and three dental clinics; and a field house for athletic events that could seat 5,000.  The Camp also housed 2,000 Axis powers prisoners-of-war.

Commandant of Cadets, Major Julie Oldham, has participated in seven encampments as both a cadet and senior member.  Most recently, she served as the Commandant of Cadets for the 2006 Missouri Wing Summer Encampment held at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster, Missouri.  Like Encampment Commander Lt Col O'Neill, Maj Oldham also completed the CAP cadet program as a youth and attained the General Carl A. Spaatz Award.  She is the former Missouri Wing Director of Cadet Programs.  Currently, she serves as the Public Affairs Officer, Finance Officer, and Assistant Leadership Officer for the Springfield Regional Composite Squadron in Springfield, Missouri.  Maj Oldham works as an engineer for FedEx.  She enjoys the company of her dog "Starbuck".

Tomorrow: Apache Helicopter!, plus spotlight on the Cadet Commander, C/Col Nathan Scalia.

Today's photographs can be found at: http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentThirdDay72808?authkey=l5Oz3iko_TI

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
Fourth Day, 29 July 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- The absolute highlight for today was the AH-64 Apache helicopter static display!  Senior staff anxiously waited for continued good weather knowing how excited the cadets were to see such military hardware up close and personal.

The word soon came that the helicopter was in-bound and all were straining to hear the "thump thump" of helicopter blades.  Different from last summer's encampment, the Apache would land right on base near the CAP compound rather than at the nearby Neosho Airport (where Blackhawk helicopter orientation flights were given last year).  The cadet cadre was assembled and the Apache was soon in sight.  Flying in over our heads, it set down in a nearby field.  One by one, each individual Flight received their introduction to the helicopter as well as a lengthy question and answer period with the pilots, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Carter and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lee of the 1st Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment (Missouri Army National Guard), based at Whiteman Air Force Base.

The cadets were all ears and eyes as the pilots walked them through the different aspects of the aircraft including the 30mm cannon slung low below.  Questions ran the entire spectrum from questions on their training to flight characteristics of the helicopter (for example, they can fly backwards but prefer not to since they can't see where they're going).  Group photos were taken and then it was the next Flight's turn.

After almost two hours on the ground, the Apache departed amid the cheers of the cadets, circled over the drill area and flew home.  Elated but tired, the cadets moved on to their next activity.

After lunch, Lieutenant Colonel Scott Harvey, U.S. Air Force Reserve and CAP North Central Liaison Region Reserve Forces Director for Kansas and Missouri, discussed his military career as a KC-135 tanker navigator and the structure and purpose of the U.S. Air Force and how CAP fits into that structure.

A long standing tradition was continued today when Delta Flight was awarded the first Honor Flight streamer of the encampment.  Delta Flight is commanded by Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Dainec Stefan and assisted by Cadet Staff Sergeant Dennis Volkman as Flight Sergeant.  Both cadets are from the Springfield Regional Composite Squadron.  This daily recognition goes to the Flight that exhibits outstanding characteristics including: punctuality to all activities, enthusiasm including high morale and esprit de corps, drill performance, uniform appearance, customs and courtesies, SOP knowledge, and teamwork.  A new Honor Flight is chosen each day.  It could be a different Flight or the same one if their performance remains outstanding.

A local Neosho, Missouri, native holds a unique place in aviation history; in fact, the local airport is named for him: Neosho-Hugh Robinson Airport.  Hugh Armstrong Robinson was a contemporary of the Wright Brothers and lead engineer for aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss.  He is credited with the first air/sea rescue, the first medical flight, development of the tail hook for landing aircraft on ships, development of a successful method of bombing targets on the ground, and development of an early aircraft, the "Curtiss Pusher". 

Cadet Commander, Cadet Colonel Nathan Scalia, is a member of the nearby Kansas Wing, specifically with the New Century Composite Squadron based in Gardner, Kansas.  Like Encampment Commander Lt Col O'Neill and Commandant of Cadets Maj Oldham, C/Col Scalia has completed the rigorous sixteen-step CAP cadet program and received the General Carl A. Spaatz Award only very recently; in fact, less than a month ago.  He is also the 2008 Kansas Wing Cadet Officer of the Year.  A graduate of Olathe Northwest High School, he is currently attending Johnson County Community College majoring in psychology and pre-med with plans for attending medical school.

Tomorrow: First Inspection!, plus spotlight on the Cadet Executive Officer, C/1st Lt. Joshua Carr.

Today's photographs can be found at: http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentFourthDay72908?authkey=Dg-ywbb9P3w

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
Fifth Day, 30 July 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- Wednesday started out cooler and overcast with light showers.  The cooler weather was a welcome change by all.  However, heavy showers hit late in the afternoon and the high humidity continued overnight.

Today's highpoint was the preliminary barracks inspection by the Cadet Executive Officer, Cadet First Lieutenant Joshua Carr.  What makes it preliminary is that it precedes the formal official barracks inspection by Commandant of Cadets Maj Oldham tomorrow.  Although this is not the official inspection, it is still formal and requires hours of preparation, both individually and by the entire Flight.  Everything has to be done a certain way uniformly to a set standard for all cadets and all flights -- uniforms hung, clothes folded and placed in lockers, sheet edges folded back from the edge of the mattress, the infamous hospital corners on bed sheets, and even the pillows have to be folded a certain way.  Individual inspections are even more stringently inspected with uniform correct and ironed, patches measured for correct distance from seams, shoes and belt buckles shined, and personal grooming correct.  Tomorrow's formal barracks inspection counts towards the final encampment Honor Flight award.

Classroom work today included teambuilding, World War II aviation history, the role of the non-commissioned officer, and a viewing and discussion of the World War II movie, "12 O'Clock High" with Gregory Peck, which compared different leadership styles.

CAP Missouri Wing Commander Colonel John Mais and State Director Lieutenant Colonel Rich Almeida, U.S. Air Force retired, flew into Neosho-Hugh Robinson Airport late in the day to visit the encampment headquarters and staff.  They also spent time visiting with several cadets and touring the encampment facilities before flying out several hours later.

Today's Honor Flight was Echo Flight under the command of Cadet Second Lieutenant Arielle Bohnert and Flight Sergeant Cadet Staff Sergeant Marlan Campbell.

Cadet Executive Officer, Cadet First Lieutenant Joshua Carr, is the cadet commander of the Springfield Regional Composite Squadron in Springfield, Missouri.  He will start 9th Grade this year and enjoys fencing and playing the french horn.  He plans on attending the U.S. Air Force Academy or West Point and pursuing a career as an officer in the military.

Tomorrow: Rappelling!, plus spotlight on the Encampment Executive Officer Major Troy Greenbank.

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
Sixth Day, 31 July 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- Overnight showers brought in cooler weather but also heavy fog that slowly cleared throughout the morning.  Today was going to be a full day for the cadets with rappelling in the morning and the formal barracks inspection by the Commandant of Cadets in the afternoon.  Excitement was running high for all of the cadets!

However, the weather presented a possible problem with rappelling.  It wasn't the fog (which was lifting) but the moisture on the forty-foot rappelling tower that could be a safety issue.  But before long word was received from the rappelling instructors that the morning was a "go"!

The rappelling instructors were Ron Gilbert and Bryce Langley from the Neosho High School JROTC program, Rob Griffiths from the McDonald County High School Army JROTC program, and Spencer Kelso, former US Army.  Several of these instructors assisted with rappelling during last year's summer encampment, the first to be held at Camp Crowder.

First up were the cadets of First Squadron: Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie Flights.  After a humorous demonstration on the rappelling wall by 2nd Lt. Don Cochran on the safety of rappelling and how belaying (a belayer controls the ropes from below) can "lock up" a rappeller and keep them from falling (he tried to fall but couldn't), each Flight received individual instruction on how to put on the rappelling harness properly and how to rappel.  Helmets were distributed and fitted properly and then it was up the steps of the tower to the top.  Once at the top, each cadet received further instruction and then the moment of truth – stepping out on the edge of the tower forty feet up with nothing but two ropes to hold you! 

As the day continued to clear, the view from the top of the rappelling tower was exceptional.  The entire encampment compound was visible: both barracks, the dining facility and the headquarters building.  You could also see nearby Crowder College. 

Stepping off the edge of the tower, cadets braced their feet flat against the tower's wooden wall and took a leap of faith.  Slowly walking down the wall for a few feet, each cadet stopped to release the ropes with one hand to demonstrate to their instructors (and to themselves) that they were safely belayed and would not fall – none did.  From there the fun continued as they rappelled down the rest of the tower (some faster than others).  "It looks easier in the movies," said one cadet with a big grin.

Besides rappelling, the tower also offered a "zip line" simulating a fast descent from the skid of a helicopter where cadets in harness stepped off into nothing to hang briefly before quickly descended down two ropes to the ground forty feet below.  Fast and exciting, this was just as popular as the traditional rappelling method.  "It's easy, all you do is just fall," one cadet was overheard shouting encouragement to his hesitant flight buddy above.

After completing the tower, First Squadron formed up and moved on to the next event on the day's schedule.  Second Squadron soon arrived and the cadets of Delta, Echo, and Foxtrot Flights repeated the same process.  All cadets got a chance to rappel, some more than once.

When Second Squadron had finished, several of the senior staff took their turns going down the rappelling wall, including the two Spaatz winners Cadet Colonel Nathan Scalia and Major Julie Oldham.

In addition to rappelling, Lieutenant Colonel O'Neill introduced the cadets to model rocketry.  Several rockets were launched and recovered to the enjoyment of all.

After an exciting morning, it was all "spit and polish" for the afternoon formal barracks inspections by Major Oldham.  The preliminary inspection by the Cadet Executive Officer the day before prepared all cadets for what was expected and required, and much time was devoted by each Flight to make sure they were ready.  Points from the barracks inspection count towards the final encampment Honor Flight award.

Ending the day was a character development presentation by Chaplain (Major) Cook, a member of the Ft. Leonard Wood Composite Squadron.

Today's Honor Flight was Alpha Flight under the command of Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Victoria Meister and Flight Sergeant Cadet Master Sergeant Austin Hooper.

Major Troy Greenbank serves as the Encampment Executive Officer.  In that capacity, he oversees all senior support staff, including: Administration, Chaplain,
Communications, Finance, Logistics, Medical, Public Affairs, Safety, Transportation, and Mess Sergeant.  A former cadet, he has been a member of CAP for thirteen years and currently serves as the Professional Development Officer, Assistant Emergency Services Officer, and Assistant Aerospace Education of the Springfield Regional Composite Squadron in Springfield, Missouri.  Major Greenbank is also the Group V Emergency Services Officer and former Group V Deputy Commander.  He has completed the CAP senior member professional development program and has received the Gill Robb Wilson Award.  A former marine and army reservist, he works as a dispatcher for Missouri State University in Springfield, where he is also in graduate school working on his second master's degree in criminology (his first master's degree was in administrative studies).

Tomorrow: Huey helicopter orientation flights and the Banquet!

Today's photographs can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentSixthDay73108?authkey=nBoCJUF7eDE

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
Seventh Day, 1 August 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- The last full day of encampment started out hot but clear.  It was going to be a hot day with a heat warning in the afternoon.  But no excessive heat could dampen the cadet's excitement – the Huey was coming!

Today's main event was the highlight of the entire encampment: Huey helicopter orientation flights.  Only five Vietnam-era Huey helicopters are still flying; and two are in Springfield, Missouri (this helicopter was build originally in 1974).  This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the senior staff breathed a silent sigh of relief when the weather remained clear and the word was soon passed that the Huey was in-bound.  And there it was!  Coming in low along the tree line, the Huey circled the assembled cadets once and then settled down in a nearby field.

The entire cadet cadre formed a half circle around the helicopter to receive instruction on how to board, how to exit, and how to secure the seatbelts.  The Missouri National Guard crew consisted of a Chief Warrant Officer pilot, a full Colonel as copilot, and a crew chief flight sergeant.  Very quickly, it was time to fly.  The cadet cadre split into their two squadrons with First Squadron flying first while Second Squadron's Flights performed their drill competition maneuvers on the nearby drill pad (hoping their constant practicing would shine during the competition where points would go towards the overall encampment Honor Flight award). 

The Huey could only hold eight passengers, so each Flight was split into two elements that flew separately one after the other.  The helicopter flew a total of fourteen flights overall, flying all cadets (including the cadet staff) as well as several senior members on the last flight.  The day remained hot but everyone kept well hydrated and waited in the shade of a nearby building.  The big smiles and high-fives when the cadets were back on the ground was a clear indication that the orientation flights were a big success!  The cadets were now part of aviation history.

The rest of the day consisted of several interesting classes, including an Introduction to the U.S. Army by Second Lieutenant Don Cochran (an active duty Drill Sergeant at nearby Ft. Leonard Wood), a discussion of encampment staff opportunities by Major Oldham, the Omnimax movie "Red Flag", and a unique presentation on the evolution of the U.S. Air Force uniform by Master Sergeant Mike Mudry (Assistant to the Encampment Commander) using actual uniforms from his own personal collection as modeled by members of the cadet staff.  The afternoon's final event was a traditional question-and-answer "Quiz Bowl" where Flights competed for Honor Flight award points.

After changing into their "blues" (the more formal U.S. Air Force uniform), the cadets arrived by Flight at the dining facility for the evening's Banquet.  Mess Sergeant Charline O'Neill and staff prepared a wonderful meal of steak and shrimp, baked potato, and veggies.  Desert consisted of a large chocolate and vanilla sheet cake that disappeared rather quickly.

The head table consisted of Colonel John Mais, Missouri Wing Commander; Lieutenant Colonel John O'Neill, Encampment Commander; Major Troy Greenbank, Encampment Executive Officer; Major Julie Oldham, Commandant of Cadets; and Cadet Colonel Nathan Scalia, Cadet Commander.  Honored guests were Russell and Kay Hively of the local Neosho Daily News newspaper.  The evening's emcee was Cadet First Lieutenant Joshua Carr, Cadet Executive Officer. 

Col Mais, Lt Col O'Neill, and C/Col Scalia all spoke congratulating the cadets on their accomplishments throughout the week, as well as reminding each cadet to take their knowledge gained during the encampment back to their individual squadrons.  C/Col Scalia also encouraged the cadets to return next year as cadet staff, indicating his desire to return next year as a Tactical Officer. 

The Banquet concluded with several awards.  First were two traditional awards from the encampment medical staff: the Star Patient Award went to Cadet Judah Smith for "illness or injury above the call of duty" and the Medical Honor Flight Award went to Alpha Flight whose members were seen the least by the medical staff.

Individual Honor Cadet Awards for each Flight were: Cadet Senior Airman Eric Workman, Alpha Flight; Cadet Master Sergeant Kara Reifschneider, Bravo Flight; Cadet Airman Ethan Farr, Charlie Flight; Cadet Technical Sergeant Ashley Cornett, Delta Flight; Cadet Airman First Class Jonah Beadles, Echo Flight; and Cadet Master Sergeant Lucian Myers, Foxtrot Flight.

The Lion Heart Award went to Cadet Airman Jeremy Held.  This award, first given in 2006, is given to the cadet who is the most enthusiastic, that tries the hardest and shows the greatest motivation at all times.

The Most Improved Cadet Award went Cadet Airman First Class Jesse LeClair.  This award recognizes the cadet that impresses the staff with great improvements during the course of the encampment.

The Honor Cadet Award went to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Nathan Hassett.  This award recognizes the cadet that has done exceptionally well during encampment and has proven him/herself as a good follower with a positive attitude, great self discipline, and a team attitude.  They have exceptional attention to detail.

The Top Cadet Staff Member Award went to Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Lauren Faulkner, First Squadron's First Sergeant.  This award recognizes the cadet staff member who has shown outstanding excellence in the job capacity assigned.  He/she has fulfilled his/her role in an exceptional manner, is dependable and reliable and a great example for all the cadets.

Finally, the Top Senior Staff Member Award went to Technical Sergeant Charline O'Neill, Mess Sergeant.  This award recognizes the senior staff member who has shown exceptional dedication and the encampment simply would not have occurred without him/her.

Today's Honor Flight was Foxtrot Flight under the command of Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Mason Bruza and Flight Sergeant Cadet Staff Sergeant Wyatt McHaffie.

Tomorrow: Graduation and the announcement of the encampment Honor Flight!

Today's photographs can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentSeventhDay8108?authkey=NZK2DtquSO8

[DrDave]

Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment Daily Blog
Last Day, 2 August 2008
By Encampment PAO Staff

CAMP CROWDER, MISSOURI -- It's hard to believe that today is the last day of encampment.  The cadets and Flights have shown incredible improvement over eight short days.  The arrived as individuals and now depart as integral members of a team, as members of their Flights.

It was another hot day with another heat warning for the afternoon.

The morning consisted of cleaning and packing.  Each room of every building had to be vacated and cleaned, including all bathrooms and shower areas.  Each Flight moved their gear to the dining facility, which would be the last building vacated, and then reported to their cleaning duty assignment.  Senior staff cleared out the headquarters building and logistical supplies.  In a few short hours everything was accomplished.  Then each Flight began to form up and prepare for the graduation exercise after checking out with the administration and medical staff (where they received any contraband held during the encampment, any medicines, and their certificates for completing the encampment).

Meanwhile, family members from across the state, and from surrounding states, began to arrive – proud of their cadet and anxious to catch a glimpse of them.  Almost one hundred family members made the encampment graduation a special event.

At the appointed hour, the cadet cadre formed up as Flights and marched from the dining facility to the drill pad where their families waited.  Guidons fluttered in the breeze, cameras clicked, and cadets marched in step.  With all six Flights standing at attention, the order to deblouse because of the heat index came from the Camp Crowder medical personnel observing the graduation.  Because of the heat, the graduation ceremony was shortened and the cadet cadre returned to the dining facility to check out with their Tactical Officers.

In the relative cool of the dining facility, Delta Flight was announced as the overall encampment Honor Flight!

Caps were signed, hugs given, email addresses exchanged, and goodbyes offered; and then cadets quickly left with their parents.  Next to go were the squadrons who traveled together in their CAP vans.  Last to go were the senior staff.  And just like that, the Missouri Wing 2008 Summer Encampment was over. 

Today's photographs can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentLastDay8208?authkey=L8Hlrbr5Go8

[DrDave]

The following photograph links were inadvertantly left out of Fifth Day's blog:

Cadet Staff photographs can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentCadetStaff?authkey=MErq4zsL-uM

Senior Staff photographs can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mocappix/MOWGEncampmentSeniorStaff?authkey=zfKVYHTwY6E