Getting my CAP records back from former squadron CC

Started by The CyBorg is destroyed, November 13, 2015, 11:04:19 PM

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

The CyBorg is destroyed

I would like some advice on how to get my records from my squadron CC.

I've never been in the position before of having such an adversarial "relationship" with a CC, so any help would be appreciated.

I've copied the redacted text of a letter I've composed to send him by Certified Mail with return receipt.

Major ****** * ******
*** ************ ***
**********, ** *****-****

13 November, 2015

Dear Major ******:

Let this letter serve as a formal request for you to turn over all of my CAP records to me.

There are several ways that you may do this:

1. U.S. Certified Mail with return receipt.

2. Meet me in a neutral location to turn them over to me personally.  It would be disruptive for me to come to the Squadron meeting site to get them.  However, given your past refusal to meet with me in person while still a member of the unit to discuss the issues we had, I doubt you will want to do this.  But, who knows?

3. Have another Squadron member that you designate meet me at a neutral location to do same.

I have no desire for any quarrel with you.  In fact, I wish that things could have been different between us and that I could have remained a member of the Squadron and of CAP in general.  In fact, I would still be open to such dialogue but I fear that the point of no return for that has passed.

Therefore, I wish for my records to be returned to me as soon as possible, with as little rancour as possible.

Sincerely,



***** *****
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

Lord of the North

Just a few comments.  First the records you are seeking are not your property.  They are records which belong to the organization, CAP.  You do have the right to request a copy of these records as explained in CAPR 39-2 as shown below.
1-8. Inactive Records. Members who transfer, resign, retire or fail to renew may request their membership records from the unit. The unit should keep a copy of the former member's personnel record in the inactive file. Members whose membership is not renewed or terminated may request a copy of their membership records from the unit; however, the unit will retain the official records. Records not requested by former members will be removed from the unit's active file and arranged alphabetically in an inactive file. The unit is required to maintain records of former members for 5 years unless otherwise directed by Personnel and Member Actions (NHQ/DP). If not requested after the 5th year, records will be destroyed.
Good luck with your request.

LSThiker

Your letter is confrontational.  Make it more neutral.

The CyBorg is destroyed

OK, I didn't know that, partly because whenever I've left/transferred before, it has been on reasonably good terms (with one exception) and the CC has been good enough to just hand over my tattered pink Form 45.

In this case, however, given the bad blood that sorrowfully exists between the CC and I (which I never wanted), I had no idea how to approach it in a fairly respectful manner.

I know that I do not want to go to the Squadron site itself, because my presence would disrupt the unit's activities and I have no desire to do that.

As well, even though I am not subject to CAP discipline any more, I wanted to at least extend him some form of basic human courtesy by emphasising that I didn't want any kind of confrontational act.

But thanks, at least you gave me a framework to operate within.
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

The CyBorg is destroyed

#4
Quote from: LSThiker on November 13, 2015, 11:20:00 PM
Your letter is confrontational.  Make it more neutral.

I assume you refer to the line about refusing to meet with me while I was still a member.  That is not confrontational.  It happened and would probably be even worse now.  I don't want that to happen.

I did try to make it neutral...I could have made it a lot worse but I explicitly tried to avoid that.

This really is uncharted territory for me.  The only other time I left with any kind of "bad blood" (which was nowhere near this level of aggro) the unit Admin officer (whom I trained) met with me and turned my records over to me.  I also typed up a signed note saying I had received them, to try and tie up any kind of loose ends.
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

LSThiker

Quote from: CyBorg on November 13, 2015, 11:24:08 PM
Quote from: LSThiker on November 13, 2015, 11:20:00 PM
Your letter is confrontational.  Make it more neutral.

I assume you refer to the line about refusing to meet with me while I was still a member.  That is not confrontational.  It happened and would probably be even worse now.  I don't want that to happen.

I did try to make it neutral...I could have made it a lot worse but I explicitly tried to avoid that.

No not just that line, the whole letter.

Simply state the request without any of the extra "information".  What I mean by this:

Quote"However, given your past refusal to meet with me in person while still a member of the unit to discuss the issues we had, I doubt you will want to do this.  But, who knows?"
--Not necessary to state

Quote"Have another Squadron member that you designate meet me at a neutral location to do same."
--Simply state "Arrange a meeting between yourself, or if warranted a designee,"

Quote"I have no desire for any quarrel with you.  In fact, I wish that things could have been different between us and that I could have remained a member of the Squadron and of CAP in general.  In fact, I would still be open to such dialogue but I fear that the point of no return for that has passed."
--Not necessary as this is a formal request, not a personal communication.

Quote"Therefore, I wish for my records to be returned to me as soon as possible, with as little rancour as possible."
--This goes without saying.

Rather than finishing on that, suggest a date and a time to either meet or discuss this further.

Also, include a copy of the regulation in the letter.  Send the letter to the commander and his/her boss.  Present a professional request.  If the commander refuses, it makes you look in the better light and your commander in the bad light.

lordmonar

How about

"Can you please send me a copy of my records?"

Send a cc to the wing PO so if you get no joy you can start making a pain of yourself and you are letting wing know what's going on.   

Offer to pay for shipping offer to pay for copy service.  Even offer to get it copied and return the originals. 

No need to say you don't want a fight.   Professionals should not have to do that.  No need to threaten to go to higher headquarters, that is already assumed. 

Good luck. 
PATRICK M. HARRIS, SMSgt, CAP

SarDragon

Check out the bolded parts. IMHO, they are all confrontational or hostile, all or in part.
Quote from: CyBorg on November 13, 2015, 11:04:19 PM
Let this letter serve as a formal request for you to turn over all of my CAP records to me.

There are several ways that you may do this:

1. U.S. Certified Mail with return receipt.

2. Meet me in a neutral location to turn them over to me personally.  It would be disruptive for me to come to the Squadron meeting site to get them.  However, given your past refusal to meet with me in person while still a member of the unit to discuss the issues we had, I doubt you will want to do this.  But, who knows?

3. Have another Squadron member that you designate meet me at a neutral location to do same.

I have no desire for any quarrel with you.  In fact, I wish that things could have been different between us and that I could have remained a member of the Squadron and of CAP in general.  In fact, I would still be open to such dialogue but I fear that the point of no return for that has passed.

Therefore, I wish for my records to be returned to me as soon as possible, with as little rancour rancor possible.

This first one should read - This may be done in several ways. The "you" indicates that you are telling him what to do, not merely offering options. When having unfriendly conversations, avoid using "you". It's a subconscious hot button, and can be interpreted as finger-pointing.

The second one is bringing up prior hostilities, setting the tone for further belligerence.

Number three - same tune, different words.

And number four - twisting the knife again.

If someone sent me this letter, I would be inclined to just bin it, or, at best, send a short NFW note back, and be done with it.

Since your membership has lapsed, taking this to group, presuming you have one, or wing, is possible, but more difficult, and may or may not achieve the desired result.
Dave Bowles
Maj, CAP
AT1, USN Retired
50 Year Member
Mitchell Award (unnumbered)
C/WO, CAP, Ret

Capt Thompson

You could, of course, renew your membership and find another squadron, then let the PO of the new Squadron request your paperwork. You could also renew and transfer to the inactive Squadron until you decide what you want to do, in which case your files would be sent to Wing for safe keeping. Just a thought.

If you do send a letter, I agree with the others, keep is short and to the point and professional. Attach a copy of the reg, CC it to the next higher headquarters, and notate in the letter that it was CC'd to the next higher headquarters. All of the other stuff makes it look like you're asking for a fight, even though you stated several times (unnecessarily) that you're not.
Capt Matt Thompson
Deputy Commander for Cadets, Historian, Public Affairs Officer

Mitchell - 31 OCT 98 (#44670) Earhart - 1 OCT 00 (#11401)

The CyBorg is destroyed

Believe me, I have given ALL suggestions here a lot of thought.  As I said, this is uncharted territory for me and I based my letter on his past behaviour toward me.  I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt...UNTIL someone attempts to bully or shaft me.

I admit that I cannot be completely objective and detached from this as I would like...which is why I asked for former CAP colleagues' input.

Quote from: LSThiker on November 13, 2015, 11:30:54 PM
"However, given your past refusal to meet with me in person while still a member of the unit to discuss the issues we had, I doubt you will want to do this.  But, who knows?"
Not necessary to state

My motivation for putting that in was when I was still a member, I made several overtures to him to sit down and discuss our issues face-to-face.  He refused...the only time in my long CAP career that a CC has ever done that to me.  I was stunned.  The purpose of that sentence was to let him know I still remembered that but he could well have changed his mind now that some water has gone over the dam.

Quote from: LSThiker on November 13, 2015, 11:30:54 PM
Quote"Therefore, I wish for my records to be returned to me as soon as possible, with as little rancour as possible."
--This goes without saying.

In 99% of circumstances, I would agree.  However, this man's behaviour still honestly perplexes me and I added that sentence to say that I just want it to be done and over with, without any further ag.  I could easily envision him berating me in person, which I do not want and which I would not take.  My ideal situation would be for him/his designee to just say "here are your records."  I would say "thank you," and that would be the end of it, case closed, finis.

Quote from: LSThiker on November 13, 2015, 11:30:54 PM
Rather than finishing on that, suggest a date and a time to either meet or discuss this further.

Again I would agree, but given his refusal to meet with me while still under his command, and how that still perplexes me, I would consider his wanting to discuss anything with me to be most unlikely.

Quote from: LSThiker on November 13, 2015, 11:30:54 PM
Also, include a copy of the regulation in the letter.  Send the letter to the commander and his/her boss.  Present a professional request.  If the commander refuses, it makes you look in the better light and your commander in the bad light.

Sending the regulation is indeed a good idea and fits with my past Admin experience.  However, there is nothing in the regs saying he has to honour it, especially given I am no longer a member.

Thank you for your assistance and suggestion.

Quote from: lordmonar on November 13, 2015, 11:36:04 PM
How about "Can you please send me a copy of my records?"

That I can accept - short and simple.

Quote from: lordmonar on November 13, 2015, 11:36:04 PM
Send a cc to the wing PO so if you get no joy you can start making a pain of yourself and you are letting wing know what's going on.   

Mixed reactions to that.

First of all, I need no assistance in making a pain of myself...that's just kind of part of me when my back's to the wall or I perceive I'm getting fed Bravo Sierra.  I'm not saying that's a good thing, but it is a part of me.

I do not know, but I doubt, that anyone at Wing would be inclined to help me...as most of you know, when I was a member, very few at Wing even knew who I was, and I believe they would be less motivated now that I am no longer a member.  I could be wrong about that but that is my gut instinct.

Quote from: lordmonar on November 13, 2015, 11:36:04 PM
Offer to pay for shipping offer to pay for copy service.  Even offer to get it copied and return the originals. 

Non-concur.  I'm on a fixed income and this guy is some sort of Mr Wizard with more income in a month than I've probably ever seen in my life.

Quote from: lordmonar on November 13, 2015, 11:36:04 PM
No need to say you don't want a fight.   Professionals should not have to do that. 

Correct.  However, this person is not terribly professional; at least he hasn't been to me.  The Group Commander even acknowledged that.

Quote from: lordmonar on November 13, 2015, 11:36:04 PM
No need to threaten to go to higher headquarters, that is already assumed. 

Did I make such a threat?  It didn't enter my mind, simply because I doubt higher headquarters would care.  Anyway, I don't make threats...my dad taught me growing up "don't threaten to do something you're not prepared to follow through on, because someone may well call you on it."

Quote from: lordmonar on November 13, 2015, 11:36:04 PM
Good luck. 

And thank you for your insight and suggestion.

Quote from: SarDragon on November 13, 2015, 11:45:20 PM
Check out the bolded parts. IMHO, they are all confrontational or hostile, all or in part.

I don't dispute what you are saying...they weren't intended to be, but I cannot deny the anger and confusion I still have toward the situation, which prevents me from being as objective as I should be.  I don't always view "confrontational" as a bad thing; it's saved my LIFE a few times.

Quote from: SarDragon on November 13, 2015, 11:45:20 PM
This first one should read - This may be done in several ways. The "you" indicates that you are telling him what to do, not merely offering options. When having unfriendly conversations, avoid using "you". It's a subconscious hot button, and can be interpreted as finger-pointing.

I know all about "you" and "I" statements from my university psychology courses and in most cases I would agree.

I sincerely was offering him options that would give him an "out" on having to see this person that for some reason he loathes so badly.

Quote from: SarDragon on November 13, 2015, 11:45:20 PM
The second one is bringing up prior hostilities, setting the tone for further belligerence.

Again, I don't deny that there was anger, but mostly confusion, on my part on him refusing to meet with me.

Quote from: SarDragon on November 13, 2015, 11:45:20 PM
And number four - twisting the knife again.

Except in this case I was not the one who first planted the knife...but again, point taken.

Quote from: SarDragon on November 13, 2015, 11:45:20 PM
If someone sent me this letter, I would be inclined to just bin it, or, at best, send a short NFW note back, and be done with it.

And both you and he well might.  Normally, in the vast majority of cases, I would be more cordial and respectful.  However, in this case I have no respect for a person in a position of command who refused to meet with a subordinate, and now since he has no power of command over me, I honestly doubt he would have the intestinal fortitude FOR a face-to-face meeting, which is why I gave him other options.

Quote from: SarDragon on November 13, 2015, 11:45:20 PM
Since your membership has lapsed, taking this to group, presuming you have one, or wing, is possible, but more difficult, and may or may not achieve the desired result.

Wing would probably be thoroughly ineffective.

Group might be an option, since I did have a fairly cordial relationship with both the Group Commander and Deputy Commander.  However, I honestly do not know how much they could do.

Thank you as well for your insights.

Quote from: 1st Lt Thompson on November 13, 2015, 11:57:06 PM
You could, of course, renew your membership and find another squadron, then let the PO of the new Squadron request your paperwork. You could also renew and transfer to the inactive Squadron until you decide what you want to do, in which case your files would be sent to Wing for safe keeping. Just a thought.

Another squadron would not be an option, because there are none within reasonable driving distance.   Financially, and with an old 1997 car, I cannot make a 50-mile drive every week, especially with winter coming up here in the Frozen North.

I did actually think of the inactive squadron option.  I may give that some more thought.

Quote from: 1st Lt Thompson on November 13, 2015, 11:57:06 PM
If you do send a letter, I agree with the others, keep is short and to the point and professional. Attach a copy of the reg, CC it to the next higher headquarters, and notate in the letter that it was CC'd to the next higher headquarters. All of the other stuff makes it look like you're asking for a fight, even though you stated several times (unnecessarily) that you're not.

I can see how it could come across that way, though on the (extremely rare) occasions I HAVE looked for a fight, I say so.  I don't hide things between the lines, at least not intentionally.  If I say I'm going to kick your arse (though I haven't said that since I was a kid), that's exactly how I put it.

Your point is food for thought.

ALL of you who have answered this admittedly-troublesome former member, and have done it without sarcasm or insult (veiled or open) have been a shot in the arm for me.  I will definitely revamp the letter and post the new one for further insight.

Exiled from GLR-MI-011

ZigZag911

One more thought: have you discussed your issues with an IG, chaplain or the next echelon CC?

If not, might be worth considering.

lordmonar

Quote from: ZigZag911 on November 15, 2015, 03:45:44 AM
One more thought: have you discussed your issues with an IG, chaplain or the next echelon CC?

If not, might be worth considering.
Unfortunately.....as a non-member he has no standing towards the IG.

Having said that....really it should be as simple as "can I get a copy of my records" and then if no joy an E-mail to the wing "They won't give me a copy of my records".

Bad blood happens.   That's life.   But we can try to keep it professional. 
PATRICK M. HARRIS, SMSgt, CAP

The CyBorg is destroyed

Major ****** * ******
*** ************
**********, ** *****-****

13 November, 2015

Dear Major ******:

IAW CAPR 39-2, let this letter serve as a formal request for you to turn over all of my CAP records to me.

My preferences are as follows:

1. U.S. Certified Mail with return receipt.

2. Meet me in a neutral location to turn them over to me personally.  I believe it would be disruptive for me to come to the Squadron meeting site to get them.

3. Have another Squadron member that you designate meet me at a neutral location to do same.

In the cases of options 2 and 3, I will give you or your representative a signed receipt indicating that I have received the records.

*****, I honestly wish things could have been different and that I could still be a member of both the unit and CAP.

Sincerely,



***** ******

CC: Lt Col ****** *****, CC Group ***
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

The CyBorg is destroyed

Quote from: ZigZag911 on November 15, 2015, 03:45:44 AM
One more thought: have you discussed your issues with an IG, chaplain or the next echelon CC?

If not, might be worth considering.

Sergeant Harris is right - as a nonmember I have no legal standing within the CAP.

I have never trusted the IG process; I used it once before and it got turned on me.

My unit did not have a Chaplain and there were very few at Wing - none of which I knew.

Thank you anyway.
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

Capt Thompson

Quote from: CyBorg on November 15, 2015, 05:50:56 AM
IAW CAPR 39-2, let this letter serve as a formal request for you to turn over all of my CAP records to me.

IAW CAPR 39-2, let this letter serve as a formal request for a copy of my CAP records.

Slightly less confrontational, and again, he's under no obligation to "turn over all of your records" but is obliged to give you copies.

Other than that one sentence, I see nothing wrong with the letter. As one other person suggested in the other thread, maybe have an option 4, where you agree to have them copied at your expense and then return them.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

Capt Matt Thompson
Deputy Commander for Cadets, Historian, Public Affairs Officer

Mitchell - 31 OCT 98 (#44670) Earhart - 1 OCT 00 (#11401)

PHall

Dump that last sentence. Bringing up past issues will not help you here.

JeffDG

No sense making 2 and 3 separate.

2. I can meet you or your designee to collect the records personally.

Garibaldi

Dear Major __________,

Please provide me with a copy of my Civil Air Patrol files. I will meet either with you or your appointed designee at an off-site location, or you may mail them to me at my address of record.

Sincerely,

________________

In a nutshell, that's all that really needs to be said.
Still a major after all these years.
ES dude, leadership ossifer, publik affaires
Opinionated and wrong 99% of the time about all things

PHall

Quote from: Garibaldi on November 15, 2015, 10:49:27 PM
Dear Major __________,

Please provide me with a copy of my Civil Air Patrol files. I will meet either with you or your appointed designee at an off-site location, or you may mail them to me at my address of record.

Sincerely,

________________

In a nutshell, that's all that really needs to be said.

+1

Short, sweet and to the point.

CAPAPRN

What PHall said. Don't get my dander up, or I might feel I have to get IG guidance, and there is no time frame in the regulation for complying with your request. The regulations are like the Force in Star Wars- they can be used for Good, or for the Dark Side. 
Capt. Carol A Whelan CAP CTWG,
CTWG Asst. Director of Communications
CTWG Director of Admin & Personnel
Commander NER-CT-004
DCS CTWG 2015 Encampment

ZigZag911

Quote from: lordmonar on November 15, 2015, 03:51:52 AM
Quote from: ZigZag911 on November 15, 2015, 03:45:44 AM
One more thought: have you discussed your issues with an IG, chaplain or the next echelon CC?

If not, might be worth considering.
Unfortunately.....as a non-member he has no standing towards the IG.

Having said that....really it should be as simple as "can I get a copy of my records" and then if no joy an E-mail to the wing "They won't give me a copy of my records".

Bad blood happens.   That's life.   But we can try to keep it professional.

Per CAPR 123-2, para 1d, "CAP IGs receive and process complaints from any source (including anonymous)..."

This does represent a change in procedure in the latest version of the regulation; you are correct that previously, as a non-member (former member) he would have lacked standing...but not today.

However, I was actually thinking more about the IG or chaplain as someone experienced in resolving these disputes informally...I was not suggesting a formal complaint.

Fubar

Don't let your emotions get the best of you (usually easier said than done). There's no need for explanations or side commentary, just list exactly what you want. A copy of your records.

QuoteDear xxx,

I am requesting a copy of my CAP personnel file. Please advise the most convenient date, time, and location for me to obtain a copy of the file from you.

Sincerely yours,

SuperFunGuy

The CyBorg is destroyed

Quote from: CAPAPRN on November 16, 2015, 04:31:03 AM
What PHall said. Don't get my dander up, or I might feel I have to get IG guidance, and there is no time frame in the regulation for complying with your request. The regulations are like the Force in Star Wars- they can be used for Good, or for the Dark Side.

It is odd that you would say that.

Normally I am very quiet and reserved, some would say placid...a former girlfriend's father asked if I ever spoke in words longer than two syllables.

However, when I do get angry, and it takes a lot to light my fuse, and even longer to extinguish it, my wife says "I see your eyes getting yellow...when does the blue lightning from the fingertips start?"  Even so, I rarely raise my voice.  It is often more unsettling for a quiet person to become angry through "slow burn" than for someone who easily flies off the handle and starts shouting.  I hardly ever shout.

My former CC has seemed to be the type to anger quickly.  Of course, when I was under his command I took every measure I could to not anger him.  Now it doesn't bother me how angry he gets or if he wants to condemn me and my ancestors back 500 years because I've faced worse.  Nonetheless, I really would prefer not to see him face-to-face because knowing him as I do, he could possibly use the occasion to insult me, which would be an immature and unwise course of action.  There are other people in the unit who I had a far better relationship with (including the now-former CC, who was CC when I joined) who could bring the records, exchange brief pleasantries and have the business concluded.

However, point(s) taken, but paying for copies is a non-starter.  I am on a fixed income and he has a very high-paying job.  He can afford it.

Redux:

Dear Major ******:

IAW CAPR 39-2 I request any and all of my CAP records, or copies thereof.

My request is that you forward them to my home address via Certified Mail with Return Receipt.

However, I will meet with you or someone you designate in an off-site public location, and I will provide a signed receipt for your records.

Respectfully,



***** ******

CC: Lt Col ****** *****, CC Group ***
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

SMWOG

""However, point(s) taken, but paying for copies is a non-starter.  I am on a fixed income and he has a very high-paying job.  He can afford it.""

Please dont take this the wrong way but If you want a hard copy of your record you should have to pay for it.
You make the assumption  that the commander has a high paying job so he can pay for it. The commander pays his annual dues like every onne else, you come off sounding like people who make more income should pay for something you want because you make less. I would suggest asking for a e copy of your record emailed to you. If you wanted a copy of a police report or medical pcr from EMS because by law you are entitled  to those records if they pretain  to you,you would have to pay for the copies.

I hope you get your record. Thanks for your service to CAP,its aways disappointing  to see members leave.

THRAWN

Quote from: Fubar on November 16, 2015, 06:19:31 AM
Don't let your emotions get the best of you (usually easier said than done). There's no need for explanations or side commentary, just list exactly what you want. A copy of your records.

QuoteDear xxx,

I am requesting a copy of my CAP personnel file. Please advise the most convenient date, time, and location for me to obtain a copy of the file from you.

Sincerely yours,

SuperFunGuy

Bingo. If you need to copy the group commander, do it. This is a one sentence request.

Mods, why are there two threads on this?
Strup-"Belligerent....at times...."
AFRCC SMC 10-97
NSS ISC 05-00
USAF SOS 2000
USAF ACSC 2011
US NWC 2016
USMC CSCDEP 2023

LSThiker

Quote from: CyBorg on November 16, 2015, 08:59:20 AM
{snip}However, point(s) taken, but paying for copies is a non-starter.  I am on a fixed income and he has a very high-paying job.  He can afford it.

CyBorg, you are becoming defensive.  You are trying to rationalize a particular position and attitude.  Frankly, I do not know if it is justified or not, but truthfully, it does not matter.  You are making a request for a copy of your CAP records at your own expensive.

Go with what Garibaldi wrote or make a slightly different approach.  I would take a slightly different approach than that, but it is up to you.



Dear Major __________,

I request a copy of my Civil Air Patrol membership record in accordance with CAPR 39-2, Section 1-8.  You may mail a copy to my home of record via Certified Mail.  Or, if you prefer, I am willing to meet you, or an appointed designee, for a copy of my records.  Please contact me via [email or phone] to setup a date, location, and time. 

Sincerely,



CC:  Lt Col *****, XX Group Commander

CAPAPRN

I really think the copy fee is not an issue. I have a copier at the squadron, and paper is cheap. I think the redo on the letter is much better, and if anything I would leave the "IAW 39-2" out. I am sure the commander already knows 39-2, and quoting regs to people, in general, never really is the start of a friendly conversation. As I stated, bringing up the regs leaves you open to the "Dark Force" regs. CyBorg- thank-you for the PM, please see my reply. I hope we can find you a cyber home. We have done it with a lot of people.
Capt. Carol A Whelan CAP CTWG,
CTWG Asst. Director of Communications
CTWG Director of Admin & Personnel
Commander NER-CT-004
DCS CTWG 2015 Encampment

MIKE

Provided you were not terminated or non-renewed for cause, you should be able to receive the original documents IAW CAPR 39-2.
Mike Johnston

Storm Chaser

That's correct. CAPR 39-2, Para 1-8 states, "Members who transfer, resign, retire or fail to renew may request their membership records from the unit. The unit should keep a copy of the former member's personnel record in the inactive file."

Any expense incurred making copies for the unit to retain are covered by the unit, not the former member. That said, there's no requirement for a unit to send these by "Certified Mail with Return Receipt" or for squadron members to meet you at "an off-site location" to hand them over. While your former squadron commander may agree to your request, he may very well ask you to stop by the squadron to pick up your personnel records. It doesn't matter if "he has a very high-paying job", he's not required to incur in any personal expense to accommodate your request.

If you want him to be accommodating, then I recommend you follow the advice given and write a request that doesn't seem combative or defensive. Just plainly and politely make your request. If you don't want to talk to him, then approach the squadron personnel officer or deputy commander instead. Good luck!

The CyBorg is destroyed

Quote from: MIKE on November 16, 2015, 07:39:17 PM
Provided you were not terminated or non-renewed for cause, you should be able to receive the original documents IAW CAPR 39-2.

I resigned.

Quote from: Storm Chaser on November 16, 2015, 09:02:30 PM
Any expense incurred making copies for the unit to retain are covered by the unit, not the former member. That said, there's no requirement for a unit to send these by "Certified Mail with Return Receipt" or for squadron members to meet you at "an off-site location" to hand them over.

The certified mail with return receipt is a CYA move for both me and the unit, which is why I would provide them with a signed receipt should it need to be done in person.

Quote from: Storm Chaser on November 16, 2015, 09:02:30 PM
While your former squadron commander may agree to your request, he may very well ask you to stop by the squadron to pick up your personnel records. It doesn't matter if "he has a very high-paying job", he's not required to incur in any personal expense to accommodate your request.

Actually, I am probably incurring more "personal expense" than he would be.

The meeting site is roughly 15 miles from my HOR, in another city.  He lives in the same city a few blocks from the meeting site.  There are several service stations, restaurants, schools, etc. within five minutes of the meeting site.  Any would be acceptable to me.

The fact is that I trust this guy about as far as I could throw a C-130.  He has already refused to meet with me face-to-face when I was still a member; I have never had a squadron commander do that in 20+ years in-and-out of CAP.  That tells me several things about his character or lack thereof.

I will not meet him now where there are no witnesses.  I could easily see him now trying to berate, insult, etc. me, which is something I do not, and will not, tolerate.  In my experience, most are far less likely to do that when there are other eyes and ears.  It is not that I could not stop him were he to exhibit such behaviour; I could quite easily, but that would open up issues that I have no desire to go through.  My aim is to not give the situation the chance to arise.

Quote from: Storm Chaser on November 16, 2015, 09:02:30 PM
If you want him to be accommodating, then I recommend you follow the advice given and write a request that doesn't seem combative or defensive. Just plainly and politely make your request. If you don't want to talk to him, then approach the squadron personnel officer or deputy commander instead. Good luck!

Any perception of defensiveness/combativeness (and I will not lie and say it is not there) comes from the fact that there is such negativity from both sides, arising from the fact that I do not trust him and that he would not have the common human courtesy to communicate with me.  I went over his head to Group; they were sympathetic but said there was really nothing to be done.  I also know that Group CC talked to Wing CC about it...that cannot have disposed him to view me in any more of a favourable light.  Actually, I really do not care what he thinks of me, and actually he could keep all the CAP related material.  However, my file contains a copy of my military discharge papers (NGB 22), and he has no right to those.  Those came from my State Military Department/Adjutant General and are unrelated to CAP.

I would actually prefer that someone else from the unit do the handover; there are people there whom I have no reason to distrust and who I believe would do it decently and professionally.

If he wants to make an issue of it based on his feelings toward me (and I understand from my meeting with Group CC that I am not likely to be on his Christmas card list either, which is neither here nor there from my perspective) over a process that should take at most 10 minutes, when I am trying to minimise any potential problems beforehand...then all I can really say is such conduct does not reflect well on him or on CAP.
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

The CyBorg is destroyed

Quote from: CAPAPRN on November 16, 2015, 04:58:11 PM
CyBorg- thank-you for the PM, please see my reply. I hope we can find you a cyber home. We have done it with a lot of people.

PM within the next 24.
Exiled from GLR-MI-011

Storm Chaser


Quote from: CyBorg on November 18, 2015, 03:27:37 AM
Quote from: CAPAPRN on November 16, 2015, 04:58:11 PM
CyBorg- thank-you for the PM, please see my reply. I hope we can find you a cyber home. We have done it with a lot of people.

PM within the next 24.

Most of my group staff works from home. And while I try to meet with staff officers as often as possible, many of our meetings are done through teleconference. You should definitely explore that option.