Capt Julius Garrett, Commander

MER-VA-108

Spring 2011 Edition

FROM THE COMMANDERS DESK

Greetings Fredericksburg Composite Squadron members! I welcome you to the first Fredericksburg Composite Squadron newsletter. This new communication media will be used to keep members informed on the activities and progress of our unit. I also welcome the parents and guardians of our cadets to provide their e-mail address, so that they can also be informed of unit news. The past eighteen months of the unit have proven to be quite successful. As of April 16, 2011, the unit has grown to a total of 100 members, 59 cadets and 41 seniors. Thank you to all those who have worked diligently and tirelessly promoting the unit and making this happen. 2011 saw a change in both the cadet and senior staff. 1Lt Doug Clark served as the Deputy Commander for Cadets for three years. 1Lt Clark was a natural in that position and possessed a special quality for directing the cadet program and a big heart for the cadets. 1Lt Linda Tabb volunteered to take the baton as DCC from 1Lt Clark. Since then, she has done a superb job in advancing the cadet program and cadet staff.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, April 22 Lockheed Martin Fighter Demonstration Center Friday, April 29 Pentagon Tour Saturday, May 14 Air Traffic Control System Command Center Monday, May 30 National Memorial Day Parade, Washington, DC June 25-July 3 VA Wing Encampment Ft. Picket

1Lt Richard Leonard took the duty positions of Deputy Commander for Seniors and Finance Officer and assistant Communications Officer. In those positions, he has performed at a high level, taking the initiative in overseeing senior activities and meetings. He has established a Facebook group for our squadron and sees that pertinent information is distributed to the membership in a timely manner. He has volunteered to serve the unit in support of many activities and logistical manners. I salute all of those senior members who have given of their time unselfishly to promote CAP and support our cadets. You are not forgotten nor are you taken for granted. We know that these positions are voluntary and many times the only reward we see is the advancement of our cadets in CAP and in their personal lifes endeavors. As we continue to grow in size we will need more senior members involved. The more that are involved, the less each will have to do. I personally invite all those who have not been actively participating, to once again become active members. Respectfully, Julius Garrett, Capt CAP

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By Lisa Sylvia, VA-108 PAO Frank Matthews grew up in the backwoods of South Carolina. His family hunted not for sport but to put food on the table. They farmed their own food and traveled on red clay roads. His father dreamed that he would follow his steps and become a Presbyterian minister, but Frank wanted to be a musician. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Frank knew his father wouldnt let him enlist. It was his mother who signed the papers.

IWO JIMA VETERAN GIVES LIVING HISTORY LESSON

Frank told the cadets how different things were when he was their age. The impact of World War II had created many hardships in his community because of the shortage of supplies. They had to use ration cards for gas and shoes. These sacrifices for the war effort stopped normal teen activities. Basketball and baseball were canceled. They even canceled their prom. The cadets heard how Frank shared his piano playing talent with soldiers throughout his time in the corps. He showed a picture of the organ he played on his ship and on the beach of Iwo Jima during religious services. The cadets also heard about one of Franks pranks on his ship. I still havent forgiven the navy for the meals they served to me during the war, said Frank. The cafeteria on the ship had a sign on the wall that said Food Will Win the War. Frank and his friend got up one night and painted next to it yes, but how will we get the enemy to eat it? The cadets enjoyed his stories and humor.

SENIOR MEMBER PROMOTIONS

By Lt Col Liz Sydow, Professional Development Officer 1st Lt Sean Green, 1st Lt Linda Tabb 2nd Lt Shari Barber, 2nd Lt Melvin Jarrett, 2nd Lt Kimberly Kyle, 2nd Lt Brittany Stone, 2nd Lt Jason Stone Level One Training: Jackie Bratager, David Fairhurst, Curtis Padgett, Jeffrey Smith, Lisa Sylvia Congratulations!

Virginia Wing Cadet Encampment Staff Positions Filled With Our Own
Congratulations to the following cadets from our squadron who have been selected for staff positions at cadet encampment this summer: Squadron First Sergeants: C/CMSgt Matthew Papandrea, C/SMSgt Jairus Tabb Flight Sergeant: C/SSgt John Boelsche Standardization and Evaluation: C/TSgt Justine Strickland Administration: C/SMSgt Gabriela Duncan

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CADET SPOTLIGHTS
By 1st Lt Linda Tabb, Deputy Cadet Commander (DCC) Flying High!!! The following cadets from our squadron competed and were accepted for NCSA (National Cadet Special Activities) for the 2011 summer. Congratulations Cadets! C/2dLt Xavier Campbell received a Green Light from the Virginia Wing to be at the top of the slotting system for acceptance to a 2011 NCSA. He is attending Glider Flight Academy in Rome, GA, July 8-16, 2011, and is currently an alternate for National Blue Beret. Every wing in the nation has an opportunity to recommend its highest qualified applicants with a green light. The Virginia Wing Selection Board interviews all candidates individually to provide their recommendations to each National Activity Director. All other cadets applying to an NCSA are evaluated based on age, longevity in the cadet program, promotion achievements and number of prior national activities. Xavier is one of 7 cadets in Virginia with this honor. C/SMSgt Gabriela Duncan is attending Hawk Mountain Search and Rescue School in Kempton, PA, July 9-17, 2011. Cadet CommanderC/1st Lt Nathan Leon Guerrero has been selected to be a staff member for Honor Guard Academy in Westminster, MD, July 10-23, 2011. C/CMSgt Matthew Papandrea is returning for his second attendance at Honor Guard Academy in Westminster, MD July 10-23, 2011. C/MSgt Rachel Sydow is attending Powered Flight Academy in Blackstone, VA July 2-10, 2011. C/SMSgt Daniel Sylvia is attending National Blue Beret in Oshkosh, WI, July 19-Aug 2, 2011. C/SMSgt Jairus Tabb is attending Civil Engineering Familiarization Course at Tyndall AFB in Florida, July 17-23, 2011. In order to be eligible for an NCSA you must first attend a Cadet Encampment. For additional information go to: www.ncsas.com

CADET PROMOTIONS
Congratulations to the following cadets who have promoted in the past 90 days: Gen J F Curry (Achievement 1) C/Amn Garrett M Horne C/Amn Nicholas M Swann C/Amn David M Turbyfill Gen Hap Arnold (Achievement 2) C/A1C Allison M Eley Mary Feik (Achievement 3) C/SrA Jonathan K Veldhuyzen

MilestoneWright Brothers Award Phase I Completion C/SSgt Alexander Thompson

Capt Eddie Rickenbacker (Achievement 4) C/TSgt John A Boelsche

Milestone Billy Mitchell Award, Phase II Completion C/2dLt Joseph Tharp

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Citizens Serving Communities... WILDERNESS BATTLEFIELD PARK CLEAN-UP DAY

Cadets and cadre spend a Saturday morning assisting with the preservation and clean-up of nearby Civil War national park. Below: C/Amn Turbyfill, C/SMSgt Sylvia and Cadre Roberson. Left Picture: (LtoR.) C/A1C Eley, C/Ivory, C/Veldhuyzen, C/Amn Swann, C/Vandevander, C/Amn Eley.

TWO OF OUR CADETS GRADUATE FROM GSAR COLLEGE AT FT. PICKET

C/SMSgt Daniel Sylvia and C/2d Lt Xavier Campbell both attended the Ground Search and Rescue College at Ft. Pickett. The college offered Virginia Department of Emergency Management courses in Search Team Member certification for VDEM and CAP GTM levels 1, 2 & 3. The training took place over two weekends, March 11-13, 2011, and April 8-10, 2011. Look for their GTM patches they are now eligible to wear.

Congratulations!

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...Above and Beyond

C/SMSgt/Duncan helps lift injured C/Amn Swann.

A tour of the mobile Incident Command Center.

JOINT SAR TRAINING MISSION

Cadets and Senior Members train with the Stafford County Sherriff Office Search and Rescue Team, Stafford Fire and Rescue and Dogs East. The day started with classroom instruction on land navigation utilizing map and compass and techniques for securing and transporting patients. The training mission took place on wooded property at the Vulcan Rock Quarry. Squadron members joined three different ground teams to search quadrants for a missing father and son.

The teams are briefed

...father and son are found!

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SENIOR MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

By SM/Lisa Sylvia, PAO

1st Lt Richard J. Leonard, isnt just

our Deputy Commander for Seniors. He is our very own CSI, Law and Order, NCIS guy. One of the least talked about perks of being a CAP Cadet Vandevander and C/Amn Sylvia join 1st Lt Richard Leonard member is the opportuon a ground team training search. nity to work with extremely talented people who have excelled in their careers. These members bring our squadron the professionalism and expertise that elevate everyones experiences through association and mentorship. 1st Lt Leonard has accompanied cadets on numerous events. What the cadets dont know about him is that he has achieved medals in the U.S. Air Force, the Maryland Air National Guard and the District of Columbia Air National Guard. He also served Virginia for 31 years in law enforcement with both the Prince William County Sherriffs Office and the Stafford County Sherriffs Office. He has extensive experience with administration, criminal investigations, emergency management and strategic planning. Our very own Gibbs was Virginias Homicide Investigator of the Year in 1999. He also received a lifetime achievement award for his service to our states D.A.R.E. program. He was the founder and producer of the air show DARE show at Mannassas Regional Airport. 1st Lt Leonard was instrumental in arranging our involvement in the Stafford County Sherriffs Office Joint SAR Training Mission. Thank you 1st Lt Leonard!

CADET COMMANDERS CORNER

By C/1st Lt Nathan Leon Guerrero

Double Time, Double Check.

If you're running late to a meeting, don't forget to go over your Uniform twice before you leave to make sure you didn't forget anything. Its always advised to have everything prepared beforehand to prevent any last minute mistakes, but for those days where you only have enough time to get home and change into your uniform and go, don't forget to check your Cover, Insignia, Collar, Belt, Socks and Shoes. Take the extra minute to inspect yourself, and you'll be ready every time.

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Safety Officer
2nd Lt Gregory Brown

Drug Demand Reduction

1st Lt Ann Campbell, DDR Officer

Online Safety Education

Cadets and Senior Members are required to complete monthly online safety tests at: www.capmembers.com In the website, log into Eservices and look on the left column list of My Favorites under CAP Utilities. At the bottom you will find Online Safety Education. If you do not complete monthly online safety testing, you will not be allowed to participate in meetings or activities and will be removed from Eservices access. Semper Vigilans

DDR Vision for CAP: To be a leading

force in Americas drug demand reduction strategy through the development of tomorrows leaders in volunteer community service for a drug-free world. There is great information about our DDR program online. Take some time to look through the education and promotion suggestions and bring your ideas to 1st Lt Campbell. We are looking for opportunities to bring our drug free message to our community.

BETTER THINGS TO DO THAN DRUGS

Aerospace Education Did You See It?

In March, we received an important heads-up from our Aerospace Education Officer, 1st Lt David Floyd. He emailed squadron members to look to the sky on Tuesday night, March 8th at 7:24 pm for a unique opportunity. We were able to see, with the naked eye, the space shuttle Discovery and the International Space Station flying across the clear and starry sky for about four minutes. It was a rare celestial event. Both were brightly visible as individual points of reflected sunlight. The Discovery and ISS had separated for the last time and remained in formation orbiting together.

Recruitment Corner
2nd Lt Shari Barber, Recruitment & Retention Officer

100 Squadron Members!

The Fredericksburg Composite Squadron has reached over 100 members for the first time since it was chartered. Keep spreading the word about our integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect. We have been VA Wing Squadron of the Year before and we can do it again. To help our efforts, we have excellent recruiting flyers and posters. You can assist the squadron by getting permission from your school and workplaces to display and distribute our materials. 2nd Lt Barber or SM/Lisa Sylvia, Public Affairs Officer, have these items for your use. Squadron Fact: We have cadet members who attend 17 different middle and high schools in the Fredericksburg area.

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SQUADRON PATCH CONTEST The Fredericksburg Composite Squadron needs a patch!

Deadline: Thursday Squadron Meeting, May 12, 2011 Bring in your design to any meeting before the deadline. Sample squadron patches:

THURSDAY MEETINGS 6:30pm9:00pm

City of Fredericksburg Seal, Coat of Arms & Flag:

MEETING LOCATION: Virginia National Guard Armory 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg VA (Senior meetings on 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month)
FREDERICKSBURG COMPOSITE SQUADRON MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY MOTTO: Famam extendimus factis (We extend fame by deeds) SYMBOLISMS: The two feathers are taken from the Badge of the Prince of Wales to memorialize Prince Frederick, the eldest son of King George II of England, for whom the City of Fredericksburg was named. The feathers are gold for the glory with which Fredericksburg has honored its proud heritage. The small red shield with a golden Crown of Charlemagne is taken from the arms of the Royal House of Hanover in commemoration of the naming of the early streets of the City for members of that royal family. The background of the shield is silver (white symbolizes silver), representing the idealism and sacrifice of our Revolutionary War, in recognition of the many patriots which the City of Fredericksburg furnished to that cause. The blue saltire is from the Battle Flag of the Confederate Army, as a memorial to Fredericksburgs epic role in the War Between the States. The crest is based upon the crest of George Washington, which is a golden coronet with a raven issuing there from. Washingtons crest has been differenced by replacing the raven with a Cardinal, the official state bird of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Citys crest honors both George Washington, its son,and Virginia, its mother. The griffin is a fabulous beast which is half eagle and half lion. In these arms it represents the illustrious heritage of Fredericksburgs proud British Colonial past and its great American role of the past, present and future.

24 Cascade Ln Fredericksburg VA 22406-4224

SQUADRON COMMANDER Capt. Julius Garrett 540-752-0363 mr_jwg@verizon.net DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR CADETS 1st Lt Linda Tabb 757-880-4216 latabb@comcast.net DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR SENIORS 1st Lt Richard Leonard 540-408-3149 pwcpig116@comcast.net CADET COMMANDER C/1st Lt Nathan Leon Guerrero 540-623-5562 longlivecap@yahoo.com PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lisa Sylvia 540-207-5028 lisamariesylvia@verizon.net

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

By 1st Lt Rebekah Fulton, Personnel Officer Cadets: Adam Allison, Peter Allison, Michael Berkely, C/2d Lt Xavier Campbell, Elliott Fairhurst, Elise Ivory, Derick Lyon, Brian Mead, Jerrod Price, Nigel Smith, Nikita Smith, C/MSgt Rachel Sydow, Joshua Turbyfill, Ian Woods Seniors: Jackie Bratager, 1st Lt Ann Campbell, 1st Lt Sean Green, Lt Col Liz Sydow, Lisa Sylvia, Robert Wardrop, Brandon White