Outlived my usefulness?

[Pylon]

I can no longer take the CommComm serious anymore. I have seen way to many 1st Lt. with a basic red service ribbon and a silver clasp (or more) on their CommComm. I am sure some earned them fair and square, but I mean come on, 5 CommComm's for a person who has been in less than 5 years is a bit much unless they are superman (and I doubt it). For CommComm's its not what you do most of the time, its who you know.

Indeed; this is my 14th year in CAP, with 7 encampments as staff, a dozen duty assignments at squadron and above, color guard comp. escort, started a new squadron, secured over $15k in donations for one unit, and have luckily managed to avoid getting a CommComm or anything higher yet.  Gotta keep the streak going!  I'm aiming to get my 20 without any decorations. 

[titanII]

Indeed; this is my 14th year in CAP, with 7 encampments as staff, a dozen duty assignments at squadron and above, color guard comp. escort, started a new squadron, secured over $15k in donations for one unit, and have luckily managed to avoid getting a CommComm or anything higher yet.  Gotta keep the streak going!  I'm aiming to get my 20 without any decorations. 

You, Sir, deserve an award. Or at least a hug.

[Eclipse]

Seriously, you really have to work pretty hard to be that much of an asset and not be decorated at all.  If nothing else, encampment staff
is certainly "above and beyond your peers", so that should have been good for something.

I've always been pretty tight on decs in that you need to do more than "your job", but it certainly sounds as if you've done more than your share.

[The CyBorg is destroyed]

We'll see what the future holds, whether at my current unit or at another.

I think a huge part of the problem is just me, period...in the mostly-extrovert (or at least being able to act like one) culture of America, ranging from the glitz of Hollyweird to the Vince Lombardi assertion that "winning is the only thing," being an introvert is a bit of a handicap.  I was pretty much the same way in school when I was a kid.  CAP has enough of a split-off from the Air Force "pilots are everything" culture that those who fly our colourful little birds and get the Find ribbons get much of the acclaim and just get noticed more.

Like Popeye always said, "I yam what I yam."

[flyboy53]

We'll see what the future holds, whether at my current unit or at another.

I think a huge part of the problem is just me, period...in the mostly-extrovert (or at least being able to act like one) culture of America, ranging from the glitz of Hollyweird to the Vince Lombardi assertion that "winning is the only thing," being an introvert is a bit of a handicap.  I was pretty much the same way in school when I was a kid.  CAP has enough of a split-off from the Air Force "pilots are everything" culture that those who fly our colourful little birds and get the Find ribbons get much of the acclaim and just get noticed more.

Like Popeye always said, "I yam what I yam."

You aren't alone. Do yourself a favor and let someone know where you stand. If it has no bearing on the local unit, than move up to that level of assignment where you can make a difference again.

Ribbons and plaques are nice, promotions are OK but at some point that recognition isn't enough if you start to burn out from you duties. Besides, there are some people who collect that stuff, which diminishes the value for everyone else.

Unfortunately, I've also seen that with promotions, too.

It's common knowledge that in any volunteer organization 10 percent of the members do 100 percent of the work while the rest sit back and enjoy those efforts. Perhaps it's time to find something else to do or train for a different speciality....especially one that nobody else may be doing. Make use of your connections and network. You may be pleasantly surprised when you do.

Ultimately, the measure of your efforts is how you feel about yourself. Take pride in what you've done, even when it seems you aren't noticed. I think that happens most of the time because certain worker bees are taken for granted. The real measure is what happens when you leave that assignment for something new. Don't look back and fell no guilt if it falls apart.

[ironputts]

I am in my 21st year of CAP. I have taken one break due to military duty. Every year our unit shuts down during the summer for unit meetings. Our cadets attend all summer activities. Those two months revitalizes me and gives me a new perspective for the next year in the Fall. A break can be a copuple of weeks or longer. Like everyone here you just need to find the next perspective!

[RADIOMAN015]

How do you know if/when you've outlived your usefulness to CAP?

I've been with my current unit some years now, and served in several different duty positions; some I volunteered for and some I was assigned to.  My results have been mixed.

Could it be that there is no longer a place for me in CAP?

The key issue in ANY volunteer membership organization is do you personally feel that you are contributing to the organization   Are you happy going to the meetings and other activities or is it more like being in a job that you hate
Also other factors such as the relationship with others in the volunteer organization as well as the direction that the organization is taking (even at the local level) might affect your view on continued membership.

After answering these, I'd suggest you get another perspective by looking at the potential of joining another volunteer organization in your community.   The local Emergency Management Director might have a CERT team or just need some help in the office.  There's the American Red Cross Chapter, maybe the Salvation Army, or a multitude of non profit organizations looking for high quality volunteers.   BTW it doesn't even have to do with emergency services but could be strictly administrative in nature.  You know what your strengths and limitations are and most non profit organizations do have a place for quality volunteers.  CAP is NOT the only game in town :angel:
RM