Willie Composite Squadron is pleased to announce that a number of our cadets were able to participate in CAP summer programs. These programs are designed to help cadets develop leadership skills, investigate the aerospace sciences and related careers, and solidify their moral character.
The squadron had a number of cadets attend the annual Arizona Wing Encampment at Fort Huachuca Army Base. Encampment is a requirement for cadets who want to attend any of the other activities offered by CAP. At the Encampment cadets are presented with the five key traits of cadet life – the uniform, aerospace themes, opportunities to lead, challenge, and fun, all done in an intensive environment that moves cadets beyond their normal comfort zones for personal growth.
Among those attending Encampment as cadets, the squadron had three cadets who were selected to serve in staff positions. C/Capt Andrew Varnes served as the Commander of Squadron 27, C/2d Lt Tera Smeltzer served as Commander of Alpha Flight, and C/CMSgt Viet Zaengle served as Flight Sergeant of Bravo Flight.
C/1st Lt Jacob Kottraba attended the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course at Peterson AFB in Colorado. This course introduces cadets to the areas of satellite mission control, missile warning and operations, and space surveillance. The cadets also spent a day at the US Air Force Academy to learn about astronautical engineering. On their free day the cadets went to the top of Pikes Peak. Cadet Kottraba previously attended the Lone Star Emergency Services Academy where he earned a certification in ground search and rescue.
C/2d Lt Madalyn Fredman was one of three cadets from Arizona Wing selected to attend Cadet Officer School at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. This activity is patterned after the Air Force Squadron Officer School and features a variety of lectures combined with comprehensive writing and speaking assignments that teach cadets in a college-level leadership course.
Civil Air Patrol hosts dozens of activities across the country designed to help cadets prepare for life after high school. Activities include:
- Pararescue & Survival Orientation Course
- Civil Engineering Academy
- Cyber Defense Training Academy
- Aircraft Maintenance & Manufacturing Academy
- Power Flight Academies
- International Air Cadet Exchange
- Civic Leadership Academy
- Emergency Services Academies
- Engineering Technologies Academy
Additional information on these opportunities can be found at the National Cadet Special Activities site.