Summer Encampment Blog
Additional photos are on the Encampment Photo Page
The Encampment video has been posted HERE.
05 August 2011
Today the cadets had rank inspection in their blues uniform. Then they spent most of the afternoon practicing for the graduation tomorrow. After dinner they played different games in the gym. Tomorrow is the graduation at 10am!
Your TAC officers that supervised the flights throughout the Encampment.
The Encampment Photo
The Region Cadet Leadership School
04 August 2011
From Your Public Affairs Officer
Major James Kalemis
Yesterday we toured the Lincoln Tomb and Soldier Monuments at the Oak Ridge Cemetery. While waiting for the Tomb to open, we were surprised when we were handed the colors to raise at the Tomb. I had the distinct honor with Cadet Sabrina Pena and Cadet Alexander Beckland to raise the Colors at the Lincoln Tomb. Words can not describe the experience.
From Your
Encampment Commander
Captain Nina Rossini
My first encampment was in 1970 at Chenute Air Force Base. We used to wear fatigues back then! Since then I have been to over 20 encampments serving in various different positions. I have been to Marseilles, Volk, Great Lakes Naval Station and Camp Lincoln. This is my first year serving as Encampment Commander. I appreciate all the work the staff have done and appreciate the foundation they have all made that we can build on. I became commander because it was a new challenge and also proves that you are always learning. This year has been successful and the first formation was impressive due to the leadership of the staff starting drill early in the schedule. From that point on, I knew it was going to be a good encampment! Kudos to Camp Lincoln that have provided the facilities year after year and it’s always a pleasure working with them. Our Air Force Liaisons are also here working with us and provided instruction to the cadets. We have already started plans for next year.
We have 103 basic encampment cadets, 24 advanced training squadron and 9 cadets in the communications school. The region is also running a Region Cadet Leadership School during encampment and they have 9 cadets registered. Supporting all these cadets are 32 cadet staff members and 44 senior members.
I have seen a great improvement from the first day wondering what they are doing here to their graduation on Saturday with new friends for life. I want to thank the parents for their support and patience with getting the cadets to the encampment. Now is the fun portion of their training, starting with the Chinook CH-47 helicopter rides. See you next year in 2012!
From Your Cadet Executive Officer
Cadet Captain Robert Wlosek
Encampment is always the summer activity that I look forward to the most. I enjoy training cadets to become the future leaders of CAP and elsewhere. Even though as the Cadet Executive Officer this year, I did not work personally with the basic cadets, I still loved every minute that I was here.
As the C/XO, my job is to be in charge of the cadets assigned to the Support Staff. The Support Staff works behind the scenes to ensure that the encampment functions properly, for example by preparing the meals, inspecting the dorms, providing security for the encampment, and performing administrative tasks. Without them, it would be nearly impossible to even have an encampment. Because of the importance of the Support Staff, the C/XO need to be knowledgeable of his or her duties.
At last year’s encampment, I served as the Support Officer-in-Charge. My position last year was very similar to my current one. As Support OIC, I was able to become very familiar with the duties of the Support Staff. Knowing what the job is is important for a commander and the Support OIC position has fully prepared me for the challenges I face as the C/XO.
My experiences in CAP have given me many qualities necessary to succeed in the world, such as time management and leadership. As a rising senior in high school, those attributes have greatly helped me to succeed in my academic career. I also strongly believe that CAP has prepared for a future career as an Air Force Officer.
My Interviews
By Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Chandler Casey
From C/Amn Shane Hamman
Now that encampment is almost over, what will you miss the most?
I will miss drill because I kind of love it.
What was your favorite class so far?
The Air Force Class with SSgt Miedona.
How did you like the Air National Guard tour?
It was wonderful. I especially loved the engine test.
Do you plan on going to ATS or Comms next year?
ATS, because I want to be a flight sergeant.
From C/2nd Lt Mitchell Lemons, Foxtrot FC
What do you enjoy most from being a flight commander?
I enjoyed flight sergeants grow and basics
learning teamwork to become successful.
What position do you want to come back as?
If I could, it would be C/XO but that depends on if I go to college next year.
What did you want to get out of this experience?
That I have trained my basic and my flight sergeant to the best of my ability.
From Captain John Wenzel
What is your favorite part of being at this encampment?
Getting to see the people I have met before—it’s like a CAP reunion.
Now that this encampment is almost over, what will you miss the most?
I will miss the reaction of the cadets’ faces when they do something fun.
Why did you first come to encampment?
My son joined so I decided to try it out with him.
What knowledge would you like to pass on to other cadets?
Find something you are good at and excel at it.
From 1st SGT Patric Gendron
Why did you apply for 1st Sgt?
Because I wanted to work hands-on with people.
What is your favorite thing about encampment?
Getting to see people come here with a variety of personalities and skills and
seeing basic gain more knowledge and experience.
What position do you want to come back as?
A squadron commander so I can be in charge of a lot of people.
From C/Capt Khaled Baswari, ATS CC
Why did you apply for ATS Commander?
I loved the program and it is rewarding for its difficulties and I also wanted
to teach cadets.
What would you like to pass on to your ATS cadets?
Pay attention to detail and live the core values everyday of your life.
What will you come back as next year?
I would like to come back as SET Team because I have a trained eye for detail.
What is your favorite thing about being an ATS Commander?
I get to work with both trainees and NCO Staff. I also like pumping my cadets
with knowledge.
From C/SSgt Michael Cunningham
Now that this encampment is ending, what will you miss the most?
Doing CAP activities everyday.
What was your favorite class so far?
SSgt Miedona’s Air Force class.
How did you like the Air National Guard tour?
It was awesome. My favorite part was the jet engine test.
Region Cadet Leadership School
By Cadet Clint DeRoze
Today in RCLS we had a long, but rewarding day. We started out with working on some basic wilderness first aid after breakfast. We mostly worked on diagnosing and treating sudden injuries in a wilderness situation. This basically just meant that there were several cadets walking around with simulated splinted ankles and c-spine neck braces. Then our class taught the basic encampment cadets a series of group leadership projects (GLPs). We had a great time and I think the basic cadets did too. Communication School is coming into the RCLS classroom so we can watch "Guardian" for our movie night. This school is probably the best I've ever been to and I can't wait to see where I go from here.
03 August 2011
Region Cadet Leadership School
By Cadet Second Lieutenant Philip Krebs
Another fantastic day of RCLS started today with a leadership discussion and video clip before an outstanding breakfast. It consisted of a tasty egg dish with potato shreds in it, fruit, toast, cereal, and juice. After that we had a Basic Instructor Course and took a test to become certified basic instructors. Lots of thought probing debates arose from the class. Cadet Captain McFadden joined in the class for a little while and added an interesting dynamic to the session. All the cadets headed to a lunch of taco salad and fruit. It was delicious! After that we visited Abraham Lincoln’s tomb, the WWII memorial, the Vietnam War monument, and the Korean War memorial. It was a very surreal experience visiting the place where one of America’s greatest leaders is buried. Following that Major Hackett treated us RCLS cadets to ice cream in Springfield. When we got back to the Military Academy, we had a class about lightning safety and did some leadership activities. Now we are looking forward to more enriching experiences in the rest of the week and a great dinner. All in all, it was a great day with wonderful experiences!
From Your 1st SGT
By Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Patric Gendron
2007 was my first basic encampment. Like most cadets, I didn't know what I was getting into. My brother was my first sergeant at the encampment that year and he had high expectations of me. He was a role model to all the cadets and staff. He looked at me as an Airmen with the expectations of a Chief Master Sergeant. Though I wasn't very comfortable with being away from home, my brother always told me, "Just keep your head high, look straight forward and keep going. You'll get there." It was one of the roughest weeks of my life, but I did as my brother told me to and I succeeded.
Now, four years later, I follow in my brother's footsteps in being the first sergeant at the 2011 Illinois Wing Summer Encampment. Here my job is the people and everyone is my business. I dedicate my time and energy to their needs: health, moral, discipline, and welfare. I set the example by keeping my head high, looking straight forward, and keep on moving forward. I do this job to build strength and I build strength by strengthening my people. I stride towards the goal of this being a successful encampment.
One of my biggest duties is to work with the flight sergeants on training their flights. To do so, I overview each one of their actions making sure each order is done with purpose and professionalism. Because of the outstanding work that the flight sergeants have been doing, the 2011 basic and ATS cadets are doing outstanding. Every day is rough, beginning at 5AM and ending at 9PM, but I remind the cadets as my first sergeant once told me, "Just keep your head high, look straight forward, and keep going. You'll get there."
02 August 2011
Encampment gives cadets opportunities to train at all different levels and positions. In addition to the basic cadets, there are cadets that are flight sergeants, flight commanders, KP (Kitchen Patrol) staff, and even overnight security staff. "Every position is important, even the non-glorious ones," said Cadet Second Lieutenant Robert Kulp from Wisconsin Wing. The last few days was filled with classroom study and drill. Many of the sessions were very intense and tiresome, but the encampment environment gives all cadets the opportunity to excel. Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Andrew Rodriguez's favorite thing about encampment is "the general atmosphere and being pushed to your limits." Cadet Senior Airman Collin Schrader from Wisconsin Wing remarked that he liked "the fun atmosphere and roughness that makes us better cadets." Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Kaylan Duncan from Illinois likes being held accountable for everything his flight does. He is the Delta flight sergeant. Cadet Second Lieutenant Alex Hernandez from Illinois Wing said that what he most wants to get out his encampment experience is to be even more perfect. And isn't that what encampment training is all about.
- Article by Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Chandler Casey from Missouri Wing
Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Pitz gets promoted to Chief Master
Sergeant. Cadet Pitz was honor cadet at this year’s Honor Guard
Academy and was recently appointed as First Sergeant in her
Wisconsin squadron.
Region Cadet
Leadership School
By Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jenny Pitz
Today the morning started off with a filling breakfast of biscuits and gravy followed by a class of Public Affairs and Social Media. We had a class on CAP's uniform history with a debate on new uniforms. We had some fun giving impromptu speeches on good items. We took a short trip to the on-base PX for information on food items for our planning of an ES mission weekend camp-out. We ate "sloppy Joes" for lunch then filed into the auditorium for a briefing on how to behave and organize our flights for the upcoming O-Ride on a CH-47 Chinook. To simmer the growing excitement, Major Hicks played an inspirational video clip on cadet life in Civil Air Patrol. Of course he had to show us a few funny clips on the ever-intelligent criminals who knock themselves out while trying to break a bullet proof glass, and the "lawn chair performance" followed by a video of the ever-intelligent cop who was giving a class on gun safety and ends with shooting himself in the foot. We then drove to a field behind the facilities and waited for the Chinook to arrive. Everyone was buzzing with excitement when it landed! We ran up in groups of 35 and climbed aboard under the Crew Chief's instruction. One lucky cadet got to strap up and sit down on the open ramp looking down at the town below. We shot off straight up into the air, circled the capital building and town once, and then proceeded to land. It was a great way to end the day here at encampment!
01 August 2011
Today was the second full day of training here at Camp Lincoln. Cadets had an intense hour of barrack inspections conducted by the cadet staff. Extreme focus was placed on the details, even if things were half an inch off. Attention-to-detail is important because it builds discipline. Cadets then sat through five more hours of Air Force instruction, followed by a surprise visit from the National Guard Recruiting Office that provided an inflatable obstacle course for the cadets to have some fun. We had a visit from a former Illinois Wing cadet, now USAF Staff Sergeant James Godar. Godar is now serving as drill instructor at Lackland AFB. He instructed the Advanced Training Squadron cadets on drill and discussed with the Region Cadet Leadership School cadets on how he became the leader he is today. When cadets were asked about what they are learning here there was a common theme of not only learning drill and ceremonies, but also sharing that knowledge with other cadets. Cadet Master Sergeant Jennifer Janusz from Wisconsin Wing remarked, "Not only to improve my drill, but also my leadership of other cadets." Part of the learning experience at encampment is sharing that experience with others. Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Arianna Gonzalez said, "I want to bring my new ideas back to my home squadron in Houston, TX."
From Your Cadet Commander
Cadet Major Gabriel McDowell
Encampment comes with its fair share of ups and downs. This year marks my 11th encampment as a cadet, and my 9th consecutive Illinois Wing hosted summer encampment. I cannot believe that it has been 8 years since my first encampment. I remember it like it was yesterday... Going to classes, getting "yelled at," and learning about what encampment is. It was amazing!
After the first day of encampment, things got better... the food seemed to taste better, my flight sergeant seemed to be nicer, and everything just got so much more fun. By the end of the week, I had developed bonds with my flight-mates that are still as strong today, as they were in the summer of 2003. To me, this is the best part of the encampment... To see the cadets grow and mature from the first day of encampment, to their graduation day is the most rewarding feeling for me. It is honestly what keeps me coming back year after year.
This year is bitter-sweet though. As much as I love coming to encamp as a cadet, this will be my last cadet activity. Unfortunately, I "age-out" of the cadet program in September and will no longer be able to continue coming back as a cadet. Right now, I plan on retuning as a senior member next year to the encampment so that I can help give another cadet the amazing experience that I have had over the past 11 encampments!
From your Cadet Deputy Commander
Cadet Captain Dennis McFadden
This is my fifth year at an encampment and this year is nothing like the rest.
Being on cadet staff is fun but also very challenging. It’s a position in which
you will learn a lot about responsibility and teamwork and build leadership
skills for the future.
I am currently in the Naval ROTC program on a full scholarship for $180,000 at
the Illinois Institute of Technology where I study Chemical Engineering. Before
going to the school I had a ten day orientation where I went through a “mock”
boot camp. I remember how I would be yelled at for not moving fast enough and
for taking too long making my bunk and everything just like here at encampment.
Recently I had the privilege of going on active duty with the Navy and go TDY to
San Diego where I did a one month orientation with the Navy and got to see the
different things I can do as an officer in the Navy. There I spent a week with
the Surface Community and spent a day and a half on the USS Pelilu (LHA-5), a
ship normally used to carry Marines overseas. It was basically a baby aircraft
carrier. Then I spent a week with the Submarine Community and went underway on
the USS Maine (SSBN-371). There I toured a nuclear submarine and got to take the
Conn and look out the periscope and see a bunch of other interesting things.
Next, I spent a week with the aviation community and got to get an orientation
ride in a T-34C and SH-60. Finally, I spent a week getting yelled at by Marines
and, I got the chance to shoot an M-16A4, M-240B, A203 grenade launcher, and an
AT-4 anti-tank rocket launcher training round. I also got to watch a
demonstration from the Marines where they shot off some mortars and a SMAW,
which is a rocket launcher.
After college I plan to become a fighter pilot in the Navy and go serve my
country proudly until the Navy tells me to get out. I plan to go my 20 plus
years in the Navy and serve as long as I can. To me there is nothing better than
serving and defending the United States against all enemies foreign and
domestic.
Region Cadet Leadership School
By Cadet Second Lieutenant Alexander Schultze
It's day three of encampment and things are really starting to get moving. RCLS began the day with a short PT session and enjoyed a hearty breakfast in the dining facility. After breakfast, the RCLS cadets continued to work in groups on projects and papers assigned during the previous day including planning an ES weekend and creating a calendar with a month's worth of meetings. As the group continued to work, the members recalled the four stages of group interaction that they had learned during one of Major Hackett's classes. The morning ended with a relay competition on the National Guard obstacle course.
Lunch consisted of barbequed chicken, cole slaw, jell-o, and fruit. After lunch, the cadets prepared to work on their projects, but instead received a welcome surprise from SSgt. Godar, a former Eaker cadet and an active duty USAF drill instructor. SSgt. Godar informed the cadets of the Air Force way of teaching drill and his previous experiences as a flight medical technician. He also described his experiences in CAP and how they made him into the leader he is today. As the day drew to a close, the cadets of the Great Lakes Region Cadet Leadership School prepared for the continuation of the week and for the many exciting opportunities that awaited them.
31 July 2011
Today was the first official day of training. The cadets had a full day of Air Force instruction and drill and ceremonies. Additionally, 8 cadets had orientation flights out of Springfield Capital Airport. The weather is hot which is curtailing some outdoor activities. Cadet Airman Jacob Krause from Wisconsin Wing remarked, "I loved doing KP (kitchen patrol) because it means less time doing drill." The main purpose of encampment is to train cadets to become followers and leaders. "I'm here because I want to help train and lead younger cadets in the cadet program, " says Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Katrina Girod from Texas Wing.
- Article by Cadet Second Lieutenant Samuel Koranda, Wisconsin WingFrom the Safety Officer
Major John Brendel
Greetings from Summer Encampment! Safe operation is the first goal of any encampment. Safety oversight from command and the safety staff is a constant job. But the most important asset in staying safe is our cadets themselves. I am not the only safety officer. Everyone at the encampment is a safety officer! The cadets and staff are trained to act in a safe manner at all times. All are briefed in safety and all receive training in the safety decision making process. This is called Operational Risk Management or more simply ORM. This is a six step process that most people don’t realize that they are doing it all the time. It is a process where you identify any potential risks, decide how these risks can affect operations, analyze the risks, find ways to control risks, implement the risk control, and finally review how well it works. Everyone does this without thinking about it. Our safety training helps increase each the safety awareness of each individual.
This year looks to be a great year for the encampment. But, we need to be aware of the overall situation. Late July and early August tends to be the warmest time of the year. We stress the importance of keeping hydrated and are very careful to limit our time outdoors. Fortunately, we have a state of the art training facility with good air conditioning! By working together, we should all have a positive encampment experience.
It is my pleasure to serve as YOUR safety officer!
From the Commandant of Cadets
By Major Ray Hicks
I have had the pleasure of attending Illinois Wing Encampment 6 times in my CAP
career. My first time was in 2004 as a 2Lt, and was the lead instructor for ATS.
I came back in 2007 and 2008 again as lead instructor for ATS. In 2009 I was
asked to step up and become the Commandant of Cadets and have held that position
since then. I have witnessed the ILWG Encampment grow into a great success over
that time and become one of my most favored activities to attend. Even though in
order for me to get to the encampment I have to drive over 900 miles from Texas,
it is totally worth it. The success goes to the great cadets and seniors that
make up the Illinois Wing, and all others that have visited from around the
country. I have also brought back knowledge and stories to my home unit in
Houston, TX and every year I get a group of cadets begging for the chance to be
a part of this great activity. I believe this go to show how great of a program
you can put on here in Illinois. Although I have enjoyed every minute of my time
at these encampments this unfortunately will be my last. It is time for me to
make some personal life decisions and these choices will take away much of my
free time that I give to Civil Air Patrol. My hope is that one day in the future
time will allow me to return to this activity and see how it continues to grow
in the right direction. Before I leave I would like to share with these cadets
at this encampment some final thoughts:
Cadets, while you are in CAP continuously try and improve yourselves. Never
accept answers like “well that’s how we have always done it” or “so and so told
me to do it this way.” You should always use your regulations and knowledge to
do the right thing. Integrity is paramount, and respect for you and others is
equally important. Finally, remember that the decisions that you make now, or
the patterns of behavior you start now will affect you later down the road.
Think smart, act smart, and life should treat you well. Good luck, and hope to
see you all in the future.
Region Cadet Leadership School
By Cadet Second Lieutenant Ezekiel Mathur
The second day of the RCLS program started with a bang. The RCLS class, a group
of nine cadets from six different squadrons, were experiencing the morning-time
here at Camp Lincoln. After room preparation, we went outside for the daily
briefing.
After breakfast, we went to the classroom for our first mission - getting to
know each other. We answered interesting questions about ourselves and had a
good laugh listening to some of the hilarious answers. After we were finished we
had a fascinating class by Major Hackett about all of the Core Values and its
practical application. Before the class ended we were surprised by a loud fire
alarm that sounded - it was a fire-drill time! We all calmly, but urgently,
walked outside. Forming up in our respective groups, we were all addressed by
Major Brendel who spoke to us on matters of safety.
Lunch was next in our day, and just as always, the food was above par. There
were noodles, peaches, jell-o, pork sandwiches, and my fellow RCLS cadets'
nutritional favorite - salad with just a smidge of ranch dressing. We ate till
our hearts content, and then went back upstairs to our Wilderness First Aid
class. We broke into two teams and strained our brains in a fun PVC-centered GLP
(Group Leadership Project).
Before long, we were presented with the opportunity of meeting a famous wrestler
by the name of Koffee, a native of Ghana. He told us about his life story and
his amazing triumphs of gaining success even though his environment was
contradictory. He allowed for autographs and picture taking. Army Office
Sergeant Snyder took the photos of the cadets with Koffee. Memorable moments,
eternally saved - hats off to you Sergeant!
Our day ended with more wilderness instruction - a full day, well spent.
Inprocessing Day
The ILWG/WIWG Summer Encampment will be held at Camp Lincoln in Springfield IL on 30 July - 6 August 2011. Return here on the night of 30 July to see daily articles, photos and videos brought to you by the PAO team.
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Brought to you by the PAO team of 2nd Lt Emily Gaviria and Major James Kalemis
