My last CAP meeting in Arkansas

[Garibaldi]

It was very low key for me, but people kept making a big deal about how much the ES program had improved, how many kids had shown an interest in ground team. I had a meeting with the CC and DCS about the standing of the ES program and they had a few questions that I addressed to their satisfaction.

I hoped I left things better than I found them. But I got an email not 20 minutes ago that really hit me where I live.

"Dear  Major Estes.


I am sad to hear you are leaving us.You have been a tremendous inspiration to me it is because of you and the training you have given me that I have decided to become a fireman.You will never know how greatly you have effected my life.
                                         Thank you.ps I ran strait home and took the test you told me to take."

I can't even find the words. 

[abdsp51]

 :clap: And that is what it's all about!!!!  :clap:

[Private Investigator]

Garibaldi, you moving? I am sure any Wing will benefit from your service   :clap:

[Walkman]

Bravo Zulu!

[Stonewall]

It was very low key for me, but people kept making a big deal about how much the ES program had improved, how many kids had shown an interest in ground team. I had a meeting with the CC and DCS about the standing of the ES program and they had a few questions that I addressed to their satisfaction.

I hoped I left things better than I found them. But I got an email not 20 minutes ago that really hit me where I live.

"Dear  Major Estes.


I am sad to hear you are leaving us.You have been a tremendous inspiration to me it is because of you and the training you have given me that I have decided to become a fireman.You will never know how greatly you have effected my life.
                                         Thank you.ps I ran strait home and took the test you told me to take."

I can't even find the words. 

Kevin,

This is Awesome! 

You'll be moving about 6 hours from me and I'm hoping our paths will cross.  I go TDY to Dobbins ARB a couple times a year with the Guard so there's an opportunity.  Also, I'd like to participate in Sandy Springs' "Frostbite" exercise next year.  Hope to see you then, too.

A week or so ago I posted a pic on my FB page of me promoting a cadet to C/2d Lt (Mitchell) in like 2000 in the field at Ft. Belvoir during our annual WINTEX (Winter Exercise).  He recently became a FB friend and responded to the pic by saying something along the lines of "you were a great leader and inspiration."  He has been a professional fireman/paramdic for 5+ years now. 

The cool part is, he's not the only one.  Just today I wished a former cadet happy birthday.  I "raised" him since he joined in 1994 at age 12, until he left for West Point in 2001.  Now he's a Special Forces Captain. 

It's so awesome when it happens and it's usually unexpected.  But this is your reward.  It's not the commander's commendation or cool badges, it's realizing the affect you have on young men and women down the road.

[johnnyb47]

Well done.
:clap:

[Simplex]

Hooah!!

Congrats, sir!

[Pylon]

It's amazing how just one note like that every few years makes up for all the BS, hardships, administrivia, and stress CAP can bring, making it all worth it. Isn't it?

Those types of notes are the best paycheck we could ever hope for in Cadet Programs.  I keep a few treasured notes along those same lines, from my time as a Deputy Commander for Cadets.  That was the most rewarding duty assignment I've ever had, hands down.

[Cool Mace]

Excellent work!!  :clap:

This is exactly what it is all about! Training tomorrows leaders is one of the greatest feelings someone can have. To see cadets grow into themselves, and you knowing you are part of the reason they are the way they are is tremendous!

[Garibaldi]

The funniest thing about it was when we pulled up his 101 card to check on something, his picture hadn't been updated since he was a C/Basic. I'd commented on how young he looked. He looks like a solid, squared away young man now, ready for his future. I'm very proud to have been a part of his maturation process.

They always say that if you can touch one life, then it was all worthwhile. It's true. I'm as proud of this as I am of anything I've ever done in CAP. It makes up for all the BS, paperwork, and hard times.

[Private Investigator]

Roger that   :clap:

[RRLE]

Roger that

Please, don't ever use that expression, it makes you sound like a rube. Only worse would be "over and out, good buddy".

[Stonewall]

Roger that

Please, don't ever use that expression, it makes you sound like a rube.

It may not be proper radio etiquette IAW 100-1, but it's generally accepted in common usage; mostly in face-to-face interaction, but sometimes via radio.

25 years in CAP and 20 years in the military, I've probably heard it on a daily basis.

Although not proper, it is common, and I doubt anyone outside of the Comms Clan would take notice or care.

[Pylon]

25 years in CAP and 20 years in the military, I've probably heard it on a daily basis.

Ditto to that.  I hear "Roger that" in the Marines quite often.

[SarDragon]

I learned it from Army, Navy, and Marine pilots, so it must be OK. 

I've never heard the Comm folks get upset when I've used it, and I've been in the Comm arena for about 10 years now. 

[bosshawk]

The term is quite often used in aviation, both civil and military: nothing wrong with it as far as I can see.  I have likely been using it for over 50 years and have never had a corrective retort.  Who is this guy from CAP telling us to stop using it?  It generally means"received your message and understand".

[a2capt]

C. W. McCALL - RatchetJaw (1977)

[West MI-CAP-Ret]

Roger that!  Don't dare use it on the rt, but military folks use it as an exclamation, but its closest example would be when you hear something the preacher says something you like, you say Amen!

Once upon a time, when we fought with piston engine planes and M-1 Grands, our phonetic alphabet started out with "Apple. Baker, Charlie..." And you used Roger That to let the person know you understood or agreed.  Folks still use it around operations and ready rooms, etc. today.  At Aviation Resource Training 3 lvl upgrade training in Biloxi, MS, I learned never to say roger that, or over-and-out for that matter. :-)

[Stonewall]

The appropriate use of "roger" is simply...ROGER.

You may say:  "Roger, over."  Or, "Roger, out."  Technically, "roger that" is not appropriate by some(ones) measure, but I don't care, nor does 99% of society/military/CAP.

"Wilco that" doesn't sound as cool, but that, too, could be used.  However, I often use "wilco, over" or "wilco, out".

Can you say "topic drift".

/sorry

[johnnyb47]

As a REAL comms guy I would like to inform you that you are ALL wrong.
.-.
That's the correct response.

Now lets all move along.