A little background....
I was working at my Part Time job for an airline....My fellow 30 year old negative co-worker was complaining about life and he made a comment in which I responded...
Comment: I am an eagle scout.....
My answer: And what has that gotten you in life?
So I started to think....
What has CAP gotten me in life?
BTW...CAP helped me get my current job, but the quesiton still remains.......
What do you think?
Well there are two ways I can look at this. CAP has given me the opportunity to train to help people when they need it the most. Its helped me develop survival skills. On the other hand, it has introduced me to some people who are a good example of what you should and shouldn't be in the program. You have those who are dedicated to the program, and want to help make a difference in the lives of America's youth, and you have those who are in it just for themselves. I don't think I'm in it just for myself. I enjoy CAP, and I always put forth 110% in everything I do. That's what I've gotten out of CAP.
You might have asked what "hasn't it done for me".
I'm a better leader.
I've met some really great guys and gals.
I've gotten a chance to serve my community.
I get a chance to improve my teaching skills.
I've learned more about aviation.
I've learned more about survival.
I've learned more self reliance.
I've learned more team building skills.
I've learned.....have you seen a pattern yet?
CAP just like Eagle Scout (I'm one of those too) is not something you do to "get" anything like a pay check or a job or new car.
It is something that makes you into a better person is too any ways to count.
Kept me off the streets, off drugs
Offered me the opportunity to achieve things with my life I never thought possible
Got me out of a dysfunctional home for the majority of my teenage life
Has always given me something more to strive for always having some task to check off, or training to get or the like
Allowed me to develop leadership skills that I have used to earn my way into management
And the list goes on, but basically it has given me the chance to live a life I can be proud of
I spoke with a young gentleman this weekend. He said he went up for his job interview and it was between him and one other guy (Firefighter at gov't installation). The other guy had a couple years more experience, Paramedic vs his EMT, a higher HAZMAT.
As the interview progressed the Chief of the Dept got to the part of the application were it asked for volunteer service. He had put on there his CAP service (former Mitchell Cadet.) Well the Chief had long ago been a former Cadet himself.
Long story short, The guy I was speaking too got the job. In his personal opinion he believes he got that 62k a year job, solely based on his CAP experience.
I have to agree with Lordmonar. I've learned a heck of a lot about a heck of a lot of different things three years in. I've also had the opportunity to meet some excellent guys and girls (cadet and senior Officer alike) who have become fast and close friends. I guess that's why I keep forking over my $58 dollars a year.
I agree with all of you, CAP has taught me many many things, but when I quesitoned this negativity by this co-worker, I started to think just a little.
I have been in CAP for 5 years, and the things that many members have taught me are un-measurable.
The leadership that many officers have taught me are immensible.
We had our Wing Conference over this past weekend, and a comment was made by a squadron commander. "I see all of these members getting awards for their hard work, and I wondered why I haven't worked harder to be one of those people."
Makes me wanna work harder.......
Many good things, most positive. To summarize, I have an outlet to apply the leadership, managerial, and organizational skills I learned in the military (and also do something positive with my pilots license).
In return, CAP gives me a place to escape to (even if for only a few hours a week) and completely forget about the stresses that come with the privilege of serving in the military 24/7.
Messed up I agree, but thats what CAP has done for me.
Introduced me to what the military had to offer. Gave me one additional item to list on college/ Academy applications. Introduced me to the finest group of friends I could ever consider myself to be associated with.
PLUS I had my first "real" flight in a CAP plane. For a 14 year old kid, that was amazing.
Other than that, CAP has made me a better citizen, kept me focused on making better citizens out of the Cadets we are privileged to mentor.
:)
AS A CADET: I joined CAP in February of 1987. On June 5th of that same year, my father, a retired Navy Commander and USNA grad, was hit by a drunk driver. Paralyzed with brain damage, the roles in our lives reversed. I became a 14 year old care taker; a 14 year old man of the house. The next 4+ years were tough, but I made it. I not only survived, I excelled. I owe it to CAP. Major George Otto, a former Marine Major and Vietnam War Helo Pilot was our CC and or DCC throughout my cadet days. He didn't replace my dad, but he filled in one night a week and about one weekend a month. He led by example and showed me how to be a man.
AS A SENIOR MEMBER, A YOUNG SENIOR MEMBER: Cocky and ready to conquer the world, I was a young PFC when I became a senior after getting settled into my permanent duty station at Ft. Myer, VA. I joined National Capital Wing. An enlisted infantry dude by day and CAP officer by night, I had a lot to learn and some room to grow. Older but not old Lt Cols like Frank McConnell, Gordon McIntosh, Majors Brad Ahlskog and Derrill Ballenger, and a handful of others of all ranks. They treated me exactly the way I needed to be treated. They wouldn't let me be stupid and they wouldn't let me weak. They taught me the ins and outs of the cadet program from a senior's perspective. I learned more about ES, specifically ground ops, from these guys than I knew could be learned. They allowed me to advance in rank quickly, in minimal time in fact, but not without making sure I was ready, regardless of age. Trust me, they wouldn't have approved my promotions if they didn't think I could handle it. I made mistakes and the let me know, but more importantly, they made sure I learned something. After my time in the active army, all 3 of my jobs were made possible because of CAP. Other adult members who trusted me enough to recommend me for a position. Jobs for the intelligence community, a high profile protection detail, and now as a federal police officer.
I am where I am today because of CAP. I am confident that there are people where they are today because I was in CAP. I've made a difference in my life, the life of my family, the lives of others and in our community, state, and nation.
Hmmmm..... as a cadet in the late 80's in ILWG I got the chance to attend the IL Wing Flight Encampments and, foster my love of flying. That in turn developed into a 19 yr love of flying and, my current job as a airline pilot. Has done much for me at all. ::)
As a Cadet, CAP taught me that where you've been is not nearly as important as where you're headed. I learned that no matter where you are in life, you can always be more. Some people are natural leaders, some are natural followers, and that's okay. I learned that to get anything done requires paperwork, get used to it. I learned the art of telephone-tag. Above all, I learned that promoting fellow Cadets and seeing them be recognized for their achievements is its own reward.
As a Senior, CAP has given me friends of the highest caliber I never would have met anywhere else. I've learned that politics is just as distasteful as it sounds, I've learned that there are people who have forgotten more stuff than I could possibly learn in my lifetime, but I'm taking that as a challenge. I'm learning that the more I learn, the more I'm saying, "Okay, what next?"
<shrugs>
Nothing.
And hasn't let me do anything for *them*, either.
CAP has increased my stress level, given me grey hairs, and kept me awake at night.
And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I wish I could explain it better than that, but I'm sure several of you understand exactly what I'm saying.
I change my say to "CAP has given me a greater joy of eating donuts and drinking coffee". I like the fact that I can get fatter in 20 minutes withought even trying!
AMEN
Quote from: mikeylikey on November 12, 2007, 10:05:50 PM
I change my say to "CAP has given me a greater joy of eating donuts and drinking coffee". I like the fact that I can get fatter in 20 minutes withought even trying!
I see TPU in your future.....
Quote from: CadetProgramGuy on November 13, 2007, 03:28:04 AM
Quote from: mikeylikey on November 12, 2007, 10:05:50 PM
I change my say to "CAP has given me a greater joy of eating donuts and drinking coffee". I like the fact that I can get fatter in 20 minutes withought even trying!
I see TPU in your future.....
Piecing it together this month brother!
Dinnae go knockin' the Corporate Blues, laddie. Nae if ye ken wha's good fer ye.
Jack
CAP has taught me leadership. It has taught me teamwork. The short time I have been in CAP, I have learned how to make something out of my life. Thank you CAP for this outstanding opportunity. ;D
Chance to make a difference.
Training
New friends.