CAP First Astronaut

[John Bryan]

In the most recent CAP Volunteer there is a lot of coverage of Col Eric Boe being the 1st CAP member to be an astronaut.

My question is whatever happened to Major (Dr) Carol Belt, the Air Force Weather Officer who was a CAP cadet who was selected as an astronaut. The old CAP News covered the selection but I cannot find her on NASA's list of current or former astronauts.

Anyone know what happened?

[CASH172]

Not sure if you'll see the wanted section right away but Ctrl + F her name to find it if you can't. 

http://books.google.com/books?id=VL5TSg2Ut3cC&pg=PA235&lpg=PA235&dq=carol+belt+nasa&source=bl&ots=cPM3fU6z3N&sig=O_V-0A5bD6QkdTBGj69MaXBSfoU&hl=en&ei=tg_dSbrkLdTMlQeZ0rH2DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

[AlphaSigOU]

To be more clear about it, Col Boe (actually SM Boe) is the first active CAP member to fly in space.

There are former cadets (such as Frank Borman) who have flown in space.

[John Bryan]

Living 5 minutes from the Borman Expressway I should have remembered him too. Funny thing about that, he was born in Indiana so we take credit for him but he was raised out west and was never a member of INWG as far as I can tell. I think UTWG but not sure.

Major Belt was a cadet....seems she was selected but never flew.

So thats 3 selected for space and 2 that have flown for sure.......anyone know of other former members who have flown in space?

[John Bryan]

To be more clear about it, Col Boe (actually SM Boe) is the first active CAP member to fly in space.

There are former cadets (such as Frank Borman) who have flown in space.

As for Col Boe ....its SM / CAP and COL/USAF....I think we should address him as COL.

[AlphaSigOU]

And I would agree 100%.

Our squadron has Rich Graham (Col USAF Ret/Lt Col CAP), former commander of the 9th SRW at Beale and Habu author extraordinaire! (/shameless plug  ) And to me, his first name is 'Colonel'.

[flyguy06]

Is he a COL or a Lt Col?

[Pylon]

Is he a COL or a Lt Col?

USAF Colonel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_A._Boe

[Flying Pig]

He would be a CAP LTC if he submitted the paperwork.

[flyguy06]

No,I just thought he was a Lt Col. He looks young to be a full bird. Or maybe being in the Guard I am used to seeing old COL's. 

[CadetProgramGuy]

Think he'd qualify for an exemption to get the CAP Col.?

[flyguy06]

Ummm No.   

[Flying Pig]

Col in CAP is a position.  I have a retired Col in my Sq. who is a CAP LTC.

[DBlair]

I'm curious why he is referred to as a CAP SM (Suggesting a SMWOG), but he was a Spaatz Cadet (obviously making him a CAP Captain) and an AF Colonel (obviously making him a CAP LtCol). Did he just rejoin CAP or something and is waiting for his promotion paperwork to go through?

[Pylon]

I'm curious why he is referred to as a CAP SM (Suggesting a SMWOG), but he was a Spaatz Cadet (obviously making him a CAP Captain) and an AF Colonel (obviously making him a CAP LtCol). Did he just rejoin CAP or something and is waiting for his promotion paperwork to go through?

Those promotions aren't automatic.  A CAPF 2 needs to be submitted requesting the promotion and the approving authority for that grade (Group for Captain, Wing for Lt Col) needs to approve it.    If they haven't had a promotion requested or approved, the member remains a SM.

[MIKE]

Despite what people think promotions are not automatic or a given regardless of your eligibility... note I did not say entitlement, for them.  Maybe he choses to just be an SM... or never got the CAPF 2 through channels.

Just because you have the Spaatz or are a commissioned officer, doesn't mean the approving authority can't turn it down either.  It says may, not will for a reason.  CAP might better better off if commanders didn't just assume otherwise.

Edit:  Beaten by the boss man.

[pixelwonk]

I'm curious why he is referred to as a CAP SM (Suggesting a SMWOG), but he was a Spaatz Cadet (obviously making him a CAP Captain) and an AF Colonel (obviously making him a CAP LtCol). Did he just rejoin CAP or something and is waiting for his promotion paperwork to go through?

other folks are wondering the same thing.

[Gunner C]

I'm curious why he is referred to as a CAP SM (Suggesting a SMWOG), but he was a Spaatz Cadet (obviously making him a CAP Captain) and an AF Colonel (obviously making him a CAP LtCol). Did he just rejoin CAP or something and is waiting for his promotion paperwork to go through?

other folks are wondering the same thing.

I would have written sooner, but it took me five minutes to quit laughing.  Rock, paper, scissors . . . 

[MIKE]

lol at the pic in the background.  Got the Cpt. Price burns going on. 

[Ricochet13]

other folks are wondering the same thing.

Oh!!!!   That's a good one!   Guess being an Astronaut kind of says it all.   :clap:  Good for him!