Quote from: Paul Creed III on June 03, 2025, 10:27:23 AMCohort recruiting and unpublished start date policies are two very different things.

One is being upfront with start dates; the other is misleading, at best.

Agree here.

A unit conducting cohort is doing nothing different than the HS baseball team channelizing "new players" into the "start of the season," so to speak. You show up two weeks into the season looking to join the team, well, you're waiting till next season. Thats how it goes.

Most units join cadets in the fall and the spring in fairly clearly defined windows that are not congruent with the QCUA statistical windows, necessarily.  (Caveat: there are some units in some localties where their "fall," as in "just after the start of the school year," is very much in late August, which DOES cause some conflict with the end of the QCUA window. There's not much to be helped there, as you definitely want QCUA's annual reporting to end after summer encampment season and probably before "recruiting season" for the majority of the country.

This is why I recommend, no matter where you are, to wait until after 1 Sept to start your fall recruiting. Even if school starts in early August, slide that start date for recruiting/membership a few weeks to the right. That way there's no need to "game the system."

(mind you: WIWAC, under the old CAP-MAP system, my squadron commander would hold cadets back from milestone awards so that we could spread them out to maximize our score. If we needed, say, two Mitchells and two Earharts for the year to get the max score, and we already had two Mitchells, then some c/MSgt got told to hold off and "wait until after the reporting period" to take their Mitchell. Or he would just wait to sign off on the CAPF 59-1. It was.. annoying.. if you got caught in that bubble. I mean we were squadron of Merit/Distinction several times, so I think he knew how to game the system, but man..)

June 5, 2025

2nd Lt. Miguel  A. Tamez
Corpus Christi Composite Squadron
Texas Wing

Miguel Angel Tamez, 67, entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at McAllen Heart Hospital.

Miguel was preceded in death by his parents, Claudio and Ofelia Tamez; and two siblings, Elizandro and Hortencia Hunter.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria Tamez; his daughter, Felicia Lorraine Tamez; and three siblings: David Tamez, Mary Duckworth, and Claudio Tamez; and two half siblings, Melissa Hernandez and Eddie Tamez.

Miguel proudly served in the United States Navy for 24 years. A lifelong learner, he graduated from Donna High School and went on to earn his master's degree in environmental science from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He was passionate about aviation and was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol. Miguel dedicated his life to caring for his family and educating others. He taught science at Veterans Memorial High School in Corpus Christi, where he inspired countless students through his dedication and knowledge.

June 5, 2025

Lt. Col. Kevin Sanford
Shreveport Senior Squadron
Louisiana Wing

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Lee Sanford passed away at his home in Shreveport, Louisiana, on May 4, 2025, at the age of 72. Kevin was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on May 8, 1952, to Helen and James Sanford. He grew up in numerous cities in the South and the Midwest before moving to Fayetteville, AR, in 1963. A 1970 graduate of Fayetteville High School, Kevin attended the University of Arkansas and received a scholarship through the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps. He met Valerie J. Hatfield during his senior year and proposed on their fourth date. In May 1974, Kevin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as an armor officer. Kevin and Valerie were married at her parents' home in Fort Smith, AR, on May 19, 1974.

Kevin spent the next twenty-four years in the US Army before retiring on June 1, 1998. Kevin and his family were stationed in Kentucky, Germany, Kansas, Arkansas, Maryland, Louisiana, and Missouri during his career. Following his retirement, LTC Sanford moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, and taught Junior ROTC at Northwood High School and Woodlawn High School. After twenty years of service to the student cadets of Caddo Parish Schools, he retired on October 1, 2018.

Kevin Sanford embodied the phrase "God, Country, Family." He was an avid history buff, kept up with politics and the issues of the day, and played a decent game of chess. He spent his retirement years having breakfast or lunch with his fellow retired JROTC cadre. He was also a member of the Senior Civil Air Patrol Shreveport Squadron. Kevin made memories with his family on numerous trips to battlefields, cemeteries, and national parks over the years. He loved a good story and enjoyed watching westerns, war movies, and anything where good triumphed over evil.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 50 years, Valerie Jean (Hatfield) Sanford. He leaves behind his daughter, Valerie (Patrick) Mullane of Rudy, AR; his grandson, Collin Jakob Manley of Fayetteville, AR, and his mother, Helen Imogene (Tollett) Sanford of Farmington, AR. He was preceded in death by his father, James Joseph Sanford.

June 5, 2025

Maj. Donald H. Morrison
Wing Headquarters Squadron
New Jersey Wing

No obituary

June 5, 2025

Lt. Col. Norman Greenberg
Headquarters
New York Wing

Greenberg - Norman, passed away on May 3, at the age of 94, after a long and rewarding life. Norman Greenberg was born on November 20, 1930, in Astoria, NY, to Samuel and Sadie Greenberg, where he grew up along with his sisters, Honey and Judy. He attended New York University and received his CPA before pursuing a career in accounting. He succeeded his father as the CEO of Samuel Greenberg and Company, and worked up until the age of 94. He was a dedicated member of the community, holding leadership positions during his service in the Civil Air Patrol, and at his local synagogue. Norman had a number of passions and hobbies including a love of planes, obtaining his pilot's license, and golfing. Norman and his wife, Itta, loved to travel together and were dedicated patrons of the arts. Norman's favorite place was Ixtapa, Mexico, where he and the extended family visited every December for 25 years. Norman is survived by his wife, Itta; children, Donna and Paul; his five grandchildren, Rachel, Jake, Leah, Max, and Rebecca; and his sister, Honey. He will be remembered for his love of exploring, commitment to the community and passion for life. Service has passed.

June 5, 2025

Lt. Col. Samuel L. Finklea III
Lexington Composite Squadron
South Carolina Wing

Samuel L. Finklea, III, born August 18, 1946, died very unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The oldest of four, he was the son of Samuel L. Finklea, Jr, and Mary Osborn Finklea.
Growing up in Columbia, he graduated from Lower Richland High School and then from Duke University where he studied physics. After taking a short break from school to enlist in the South Carolina Air National Guard, Sam completed his Master's degree and PHD in nuclear physics from the University of South Carolina. While working at the Department of Health and Environmental Control, he became frustrated with having to rely on lawyers to speak for him during legal cases, so he attended law school at USC while continuing to work full-time at DHEC and then moved to the DHEC legal department where he could combine both areas of expertise most effectively. Following his retirement from DHEC (over 50 years), he continued as an advisor developing plans and evaluating state response to widespread emergencies such as weather-related disasters, earthquakes, the COVID pandemic, etc.

In addition to his academic brilliance, Sam was interested and knowledgeable in many diverse topics, constantly surprising his family and colleagues and able to provide useful information at the most unexpected moments on the most astonishing range of subjects. "One eight hundred – call Sam" became a family joke since we said it so often. If Sam didn't know the answer, he knew where to find it quickly.

When the Air National Guard partnered with several eastern European countries to help develop military programs, Sam volunteered to deploy to Albania for six months. In addition to working with the Albanian Air Force, however, Sam also saw the need for and provided education and resources to help the Albanian government improve water processing and other environmental and legal issues.

Sam completed a successful career in the SCANG where his wide-spread expertise in many areas proved vital in developing, improving, and evaluating response to emergencies. In 2003, he retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserves as a Colonel.

Sam greatly enjoyed travel (especially to France and Pawley's Island beach), flying with the Civil Air Patrol (South Carolina Wing), working at the family-owned tree farm, running with the Columbian Hash House Harriers running club, experimenting with distilling and tasting wine, reading and learning, etc.

Sam is survived by his long-time significant and beloved companion, Charlotte M. McCreary; his brother, Dr. Harry O. Finklea (Liz) of Morgantown, WV; his sisters, Janet F. Noble (Dick) of Hopkins, SC, and Jacqueline F. Finklea (Glen Adams) of Columbia; nieces, Sarah Finklea (Stephen Glicken), Mamie Adams and Jannie Adams; step-nephew, Rick Noble (Kim); great-nephews, (Rowan Adams, Thomas Glicken, William Glicken, Jackson Noble); great-nieces, Maisie Glicken, Cleo Toland, Imogene Toland, and Katie Noble. He was predeceased by his parents and by his niece, Katie Toland (John).

June 5, 2025

Col. John Henry Felix
Maryknoll Cadet Squadron
Hawaii Wing

Felix, John Henry
Birth date:Jun 14, 1930 - Death date:May 5, 2025

Services are pending with Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary.

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June 5, 2025

Lt. Col. Andre A. Ferland
Headquarters
New Jersey Wing

Andre A. Ferland, age 67, of Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away on May 17, 2025.

He was the beloved husband of Marianne (née Tice), and a devoted father to Michel Ferland, Suzanne Ferland, and Danielle Malavarca. He is also survived by his sister, Sylvie Neal, and four cherished grandchildren.

Andre proudly served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol and worked as an engineer for Defense Engineering USA. He was also an active member of the Outdoor Club of South Jersey, reflecting his love of nature and community involvement.

June 5, 2025

Cadet Tech. Sgt. Merrick J. Dunn
Homestead Air Reserve Base Cadet Squadron
Florida Wing

No obituary

Special Note:
Florida Wing, Civil Air Patrol's Post

May 8 at 11:16 AM  ·

Members, Families, and Friends of the Homestead ARB Cadet Squadron -
 
We received the tragic news that one of our members, Cadet Technical Sergeant Merrick Dunn, died as a result of an automobile accident in Tavernier, Florida on May 5, 2025. As a member of our squadron for nearly a year now, Merrick was always a pleasure to be around.  Courteous and polite, he was a quick learner who rapidly rose through the ranks and graduated from the Florida Wing Winter Encampment in January.
 
He came to CAP as the guest of a friend and he in turn brought several more friends to join us.  Throughout his time in CAP, Merrick was an active and engaged cadet who was friendly and welcoming to all around, serving as an Element Leader and helping to mentor junior cadets for several months after being promoted to the noncommissioned officer ranks. We will all miss him dearly.

Please keep the Dunn family in your prayers and on your mind as they navigate this difficult time as best they can.  We will let you know when we hear about arrangements for services and any other opportunities to support Merrick's family. With a heavy heart and in deepest sympathy,

Lt. Col. Brian E. Crane, CAP
Commander, Homestead Air Reserve Base Cadet Squadron
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

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June 5, 2025

Lt. Col. William D. Brew
Henderson Composite Squadron
Nevada Wing

William Daniel Brew, age 102, of Henderson, Nevada, died May 13,at his home in Henderson, Nevada. Bill was born in Shelley Idaho March 18, 1923 to Daniel and Lila Kiholm Brew. He graduated with his BA from the University of Utah in Accounting and Finance and from Golden Gate University with an MBA in Taxes. He served in the Army Air Corp as a Bombardier in the South Pacific Campaign and retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Major.

William married Alma Aurelia Barman on September 1 1948.

He worked for the Western Pacific Railroad Company from 1942 to 1983, with leave of absences for military service (1943-1946) and University of Utah (1946-1950. Progressed to company positions of Corporate secretary - Treasurer -Director of Taxes - Director of Internal Auditing. He directed Company Property Taxes, Sales Taxes,and Corporate Insurance. He held the title of Certified Internal Auditor.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints He served as a Bishop of a ward in Redwood City California. He also served a mission for the church with his wife in New Jersey.

Bill served in the Boy Scouts Of America for many years. He was a scoutmaster and a commissioner, but really enjoyed helping the boys get merit badges.

For over 30 years he volunteered in the Civil Air Patrol flying search and rescue missions. He was a member of the Henderson Composite Squadron, NV065 at the Henderson Executive Airport.

Bill will be deeply missed by his 5 children, 16 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma, in 2014.