Connecticut Wing Conference

[dcnelson]

The Best Kept Secret
By 2d LT David Nelson - CTWG PAO

The world has changed and so has CAP's Mission.  This was the prevailing theme for the Connecticut Wing Conference held at the Bradley International Airport Sheraton on October 21st.  Right at the top of the ceremonies Wing Commander Colonel Cassandra Huchko drove home the point that Civil Air Patrol was the "Best Kept Secret" in the U.S. arsenal ready to adapt to a changing world and take on any mission thrust in its path.  During her "State of the Wing" address Commander Huchko touched on the importance of Connecticut's role throughout the year and how our Wing is adapting to our nation and state's changing needs.
 
Despite adverse weather conditions Wing flew over 278 hours per aircraft for a total of 1392 hours. Cadet Orientation, Counter Drug, and Long Island Sound Patrol Flights were all part of the mix.  In addition Cadet Flight Training hours are up more than 100% with 2 cadets receiving their private license.

The proudest moment of the afternoon session had to be the presentation of Disaster Relief Ribbons to Air Crews, Ground Teams, and Staff for their efforts and assistance in dealing with Hurricane Irene and its aftermath.  Our training paid off as the hard work and dedication of all involved has helped make Civil Air Patrol the go to organization when FEMA, SEEMA and other agencies need to get assets in the air and boots on the ground quickly to respond to a disaster.  With over 61,000 members nationwide Civil Air Patrol is often the best and most affordable option for states and municipalities.
 
The afternoon sessions provided a peak at CAP's future role and the arsenal of new technology available to meet that challenge.  LT Col. Paul Ghiron's presentation focused on the view from Region and CAP's role in cutting edge programs like GIIEP (Geospatial Information Interoperable Exploration Portable) as well as the training needed to bring our members up to speed.
 
With Air Reconnaissance rapidly becoming our most important mission, Wing Director of Emergency Services Major Michael Heath conducted a workshop on how to use existing technology like the Nikon D-90 to produce a better product for our customers.   Equipped with the latest GPS technology we can now provide high resolution Air Recon pictures with Latitude, Longitude, Altitude and Direction all embedded in the photograph.
 
Cadets are the Next Great Generation

When night fell the stars came out for the Connecticut Wing Awards Dinner including our guest of honor Major General James M. Skiff who gave us an in depth view of the changing role of our military during his 44 years of service to his country.  His comment that "Cadets are the Next Great Generation" touched us all.

A hush came over the room when Master of Ceremonies Major Jeff Travers read the details of Captain Lenny Kimball's heroic efforts during an in-flight emergency when he and his crew experienced an on board electrical fire during a recent training mission.  His professionalism and quick thinking helped avert a potential disaster bringing his aircraft and crew to a safe landing at Oxford Airport in Waterbury.
 
Without question the highlight of the evening was Commander Huchko's presentation of the Connecticut Wing and National Cadet of the Year awards to the parents of Cadet Col Ryan Chapman.  Ryan is in his first year after an early appointment to the West Point Military Academy and was presented with his award on campus.  Commanding two squadrons he set a wing record for the number of cadets simultaneously receiving the Billy Mitchell Award.  In addition under his leadership the 399th won the Squadron of Merit for the best Cadet Program in the Wing.
 
As the festivities wound to a close Colonel Huchko told the audience the last award was the toughest to decide.  Everyone cheered when Colonel Lloyd R. Sturges was presented with both the Commanders Award as well as the Connecticut Wing Staff Officer of the Year for 2011.
 
As we all walked out of the hall it was clear that the Connecticut Wing Conference was a huge success.  I think we all came away with a renewed sense of pride and commitment to the "Best Kept Secret in the U.S." – Civil Air Patrol. 

[cap235629]

your Wing COMMANDER is a COLONEL. The two terms are NOT interchangeable.

[CAPOfficer]

Wonderful Article, thanks for reporting!

[RADIOMAN015]

The Best Kept Secret
By 2d LT David Nelson - CTWG PAO

The world has changed and so has CAP's Mission.  This was the prevailing theme for the Connecticut Wing Conference held at the Bradley International Airport Sheraton on October 21st. 

As we all walked out of the hall it was clear that the Connecticut Wing Conference was a huge success.  I think we all came away with a renewed sense of pride and commitment to the "Best Kept Secret in the U.S." – Civil Air Patrol.

And it looks like as far as google news searches go -- you were very successful IN KEEPING IT A SECRET    Did you get ANY local TV or newspaper coverage
RM

[futura]

I was there for both the wing commander's reception at the New England Air Museum and the Conference at the Bradley Sheraton. Lt Nelson, great recap of the conference highlights!