Mattson named Sq. 31 commander

Congratulations to Capt. Chris Mattson who accepted command of Rialto's Billie L. LeClaire Cadet Squadron 31 this month.

Capt. Mattson also serves as the Inland Empire Group 3 Director of Operations. His personal decorations include the Benjamin O. Davis and Grover C. Loening professional development awards as well as the General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Aerospace Award. He holds a master rating in the Logistics and Finance specialty tracks and technician ratings in both Safety and Cadet Programs. He is a graduate of Squadron Leadership School, Corporate Learning Course, and the Unit Commanders Course.

NASA to give youth six $1,000 prizes

NASA and USA Today are giving away six $1,000 prizes to students ages 9-17 in the "Because it Flew" art competition. To enter, students submit a piece of original art depicting the space shuttle's impact humanity during its 30-year career. Entrants also submit a 250-word essay.

Complete entries must be submitted via email or postal mail postmarked by 5 August, 2011.

For more information, check out the competition's website at the link below.
http://usatodayeducate.com/wordpress/index.php/because-it-flew-competition

This is not a CAP contest and is open to youth nationwide.

Good luck cadets!

LOCAL TEEN HONES LEADERSHIP SKILLS AT PREMIER CIVIL AIR PATROL COURSE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cadet Zack Lynch graduates from Cadet Officer School

(VICTORVILLE, CA) – Cadet Maj. Zack Lynch of Voyager Composite Squadron 120 in Victorville, CA, graduated from the Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Officer School, one of the top professional development opportunities available to youth. Cadets compete for selection, and only the top 15 percent of cadets nationwide are invited to attend. The course was held July 9-19, 2011, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., home of the Air University and professional military education for the U.S. Air Force.

While at the school cadets have a unique opportunity to learn about the Air Force, airpower history, leadership, teamwork, communication skills and problem solving. Patterned after the U.S. Air Force Squadron Officer School, Cadet Officer School is an academically challenging program combining lectures, seminars and hands-on training. Cadets practice what they learn through a series of writing and speaking assignments that will culminate with a group project that tests their ability to overcome obstacles through planning and teamwork.

This leadership opportunity is one of 30 National Cadet Special Activities sponsored by the CAP this summer. These activities allow cadets to hone their skills in a variety of areas, including search and rescue, flight and emergency services, science, citizenship and military courtesies, and to explore aerospace technology and aviation careers. Over 1,000 youth participate in CAP-sponsored summer activities annually.

Through its cadet program, CAP builds strong citizens for the future by providing leadership training, technical education, scholarships and career education to young men and women ages 12 to 20.

Cadet Maj. Lynch has been a CAP cadet since November 2007. In nearly four years of membership, Cadet Lynch has attended three week-long cadet summer encampments, including two as a staff member. He in an active member of the Cadet Advisory Council and has represented his unit, group, and wing at each level. His personal decorations include the Amelia Earhart Award presented for completion of Phase III of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program; this award is earned by an estimated 15% of CAP cadets. Cadet Lynch is also a recipient of the General Billy Mitchell Award and Wright Brothers milestone awards. He has been presented the Civil Air Patrol Achievement Award in addition to a Commanders Commendation Award.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 61,000 members nationwide. CAP, in its Air Force role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 112 lives in fiscal year 2010. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the more than 25,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for 68 years.

Inland Empire Group 3 consists of ten individual squadrons geographically dispersed throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Group 3’s membership is comprised of cadets ages 12-20 and adult members 18 and older. For more information about Civil Air Patrol in the Inland Empire are, phone (877) 504-1316 or visit us online at gp3.cawg.cap.gov or www.GoCivilAirPatrol.com.

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CONTACT INFORMATION:
LOCAL
Crystal Housman, Capt., Civil Air Patrol
Public Affairs Officer
Inland Empire Group 3
(760) 485-0832
group3pao@gmail.com

NATIONAL
Julie DeBardelaben
Deputy Director Public Affairs
Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters
W: (877) 227-9142 Ext. 250
C: (334) 868-0198
jdebardelaben@capnhq.gov

Sq. 25 Cadet Recounts UBWC Experience

"I Challenge YOU!"
By Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Jon A.P. Henderson
Cable Composite Squadron 25 (PCR-CA-193)

Summertime in Civil Air Patrol is synonymous with Encampment- just about every cadet in California wing, even nationwide anticipates the biggest event in the Summer, which some regard as the only Summer activity open to all cadets. Not anymore.

Only recently has a new event stepped into the spotlight of California- that is the Ultimate Bear and Wings Challenge, a weekend of Summer fun and friendly competition which names the winning squadron champion of the California Wing. The first ever was held June 24-26, with a turnout of eight competing teams each respectively represented by four cadets and a senior member escort.

The first day kicked off with in-processing and a detailed explanation of the upcoming weekend. Day two was the premier day of the Challenge, starting with physical trials ranging from the classic 100-meter sprint and a specially-designed agility course on the ground, to an underwater brick-toss and other aquatic contests in a swimming pool.

The grand finale came on day three with a cumulative team Aerospace test, a UDF compass course, and a group leadership reaction course. When all was said and done, the champion named, every participant unanimously agreed that the event was extremely successful, and highly entertaining.

Cable Composite Squadron 25 team member Cadet Senior Airman Desirae Grumbine, when asked about her views on the UBWC, gave a very common affirmation of its success, "... the experience as a whole was amazing, and I look forward to competing next year."

All competition aside, the social interactions at UBWC were also regarded as positive. "I really got to know everyone,” said fellow team member Cadet Technical Sgt. Dylan Keetle, "...and I can't wait until next year!"

While the whole event was outstanding fun, the Author, however, does not want to "spill the beans" about the specific activities. But, to find out about them one only needs to sign up for next year's Ultimate Bear and Wings Challenge.

Photo caption: The inaugural Ultimate Bear and Wings Challenge competitors and staff are photographed as a group during the competition at Vandenberg Air Force Base. (Photo by Eve Higgins, courtesy CAWG Cadet Programs)

Win $1,000 in NASA contest

NASA and USA Today are giving away six $1,000 prizes to students ages 9-17 in the "Because it Flew" art competition. To enter, students submit a piece of original art depicting the space shuttle's impact humanity during its 30-year career. Entrants also submit a 250-word essay.

Complete entries must be submitted via email or postal mail postmarked by 5 August, 2011.

For more information, check out the competition's website at the link below.
http://usatodayeducate.com/wordpress/index.php/because-it-flew-competition

This is not a CAP contest and is open to youth nationwide.

Good luck cadets!

Nasa contest deadline Aug. 5

NASA and USA Today are giving away six $1,000 prizes to students ages 9-17 in the "Because it Flew" art competition. To enter, students submit a piece of original art depicting the space shuttle's impact humanity during its 30-year career. Entrants also submit a 250-word essay.

Complete entries must be submitted via email or postal mail postmarked by 5 August, 2011.

For more information, check out the competition's website at the link below.
http://usatodayeducate.com/wordpress/index.php/because-it-flew-competition

This is not a CAP contest and is open to youth nationwide.

Good luck cadets!

Glider Academy underway with Sq. 11 cadet

Palm Springs Sq. 11 Cadet 1Lt Ashley Mayo is one of 24 cadets currently in Rome, Georgia attending the National Flight Academy, Glider program. The Rome News-Tribune newspaper today ran two articles featuring the academy. NFA-G Rome is Mayo's second National Flight Academy. She graduated from NFA-G in Colorado where she earned Cadet Pre-Solo Wings in 2009. Cadets attending glider academy for a second year may have the opportunity to solo.

Glider Academy Under Way at Airport by Daniel Bell, Staff Writer
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ORIGINAL ARTICLE

slideshow

The 24 Civil Air Patrol cadets participating in the National Flight Academy glider training at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport aren’t simply going up there and floating around, said retired Air Force Major Gen. George Harrison, one of the instructors and former director of the program.

There is a lot of classroom work, homework, and prerequisite work too, and that’s assuming one is even accepted into the program. About 150 people applied for the academy in Rome, one of only three such training programs in the country.

“You can imagine a 14-year-old trying to fly an airplane using trigonometry. It’s kind of tough,” said Harrison.

Woodrow Shepherd, the Southeast Regional Glider activity director, said the cadets, ranging from 14 to 17 years old, have to do a lot of reading before arriving in Rome, and then have to do a lot more reading once they’re here. They start with flights early in the morning, he said, then hit the classroom, then more flying, then more coursework.

Those cadets who are participating in their second academy will have the chance to fly solo before the week’s end, and the really advanced students may even earn a glider license and be able to take up passengers.

The cadets come from as far away as California and Maryland, as do the instructors and some of the equipment, because Rome’s academy is the best, said Shepherd. He attributed the success of the program to airport officials for working so hard, to Berry College for providing a great place to stay and eat, and to the quality of instruction.

The point of the academy, explained Harrison, is to stress the importance of leadership and education and to either fuel or ignite a love of flight.

“What I really care about is if they get turned on by science, if they get turned on by technology, and if they do something with their lives,” he said.

The academy continues at the airport and in the skies above Armuchee through next week and will wrap up Friday with a banquet at Berry College.

Read more:

Airport Glider Academy Starts Today by Kim Sloan, Staff Writer
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ORIGINAL ARTICLE

USA Today, NASA create STEM activities

NASA and USA Today have teamed up to create a set of STEM-based activities appropriate for youth ages 9-17. The national standards-based activities align with CAP's Aerospace Education mission and promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Activity packets can be downloaded online, for free, at the link below:
http://usatodayeducate.com/wordpress/index.php/because-it-flew-activities/

The activities were created in conjunction with the "Because it Flew" art competition commemorating the space shuttle's storied 30-year career. To enter the contest, youth ages 9-17 submit a piece of original artwork symbolizing the shuttle's impact and a 250-word essay explaining their art. Complete entries may be submitted through email or postal mail, postmarked by 5 August 2011.

While created in conjunction with one another, the STEM activity curriculum and space shuttle art competition are independent of one another. Youth do not have to participate in the STEM activities in order to enter the art contest.

For more information and entry applications for the "Because it Flew" space shuttle art contest, visit the link below...
http://usatodayeducate.com/wordpress/index.php/because-it-flew-competition

NASA hosts shuttle art contest, prize money

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA), and USA TODAY Education are pleased to invite students and educators to participate in a free innovative arts integration educational program that introduces students grades 4-12 (ages 9-17) to the impact of the NASA Space Shuttle Program on our planet and people.

“Because It Flew” (BIF) is designed as an engaging and informative project that commemorates the 30-year history of the Space Shuttle program and the lasting value of scientific discoveries and technological advances that emerged because it flew. The goal is to engage students, their families and communities in understanding the historical significance of 30 years of innovation, exploration, education and sacrifice that will define NASA’s Space Shuttle era.

In early May 2011, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) introduced its newly released landmark report, Re-Investing in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools. The report observes that arts integration within Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education contributes to increases in test scores, student/teacher morale, and attendance. “Because It Flew” supports educational reform efforts in arts integration advocated in this landmark report. “Because It Flew” consists of two elements: optional educational activities and the NASA Space Shuttle Art Competition.

The educational activities include four modules that engage and introduce students to the history of NASA Space Shuttle missions. These activities incorporate NASA eClipsTM, an award winning online K-12 STEM education program that provides short, relevant educational video segments that are designed to inform and inspire students to see real-world connections with STEM education. The activities are aligned with national standards and support efforts to integrate science, technology, engineering, and math with language arts. They can easily be adapted to both formal and informal educational settings. Completion of these activities is not a requirement for submitting an art competition entry, but enhances student understanding.

In the second BIF component, students are invited to use the knowledge gained through this educational initiative to create original graphic artwork that symbolizes the impact of NASA Space Shuttle missions on the world and/or our future. They will then write a 250- word persuasive essay to explain their submission in the national competition. An expert panel of artists will review submissions and the top six entries in two age brackets (9-13 and 14-17) will receive cash prizes, a private mentoring session with accomplished USA TODAY graphic artist, Robert Ahrens, and a certificate of accomplishment.

The submission deadline for the NASA Space Shuttle Art Competition is August 5, 2011. The free activities and competition guidelines for BIF are available at www.usatodayeducate.com/becauseitflew.

This initiative builds upon the successful Sight/Insight and No Boundaries design challenges developed by USA TODAY Education and NASA and the RealWorld- InWorld Engineering Design Challenge developed by NASA, NIA, USA TODAY Education and LearniT-TeachiT.

Original release date: 6 June 2011

Contact:
Timothy Allen
National Institute of Aerospace, Hampton, Va.
757-325-6723
timothy.allen@nianet.org

Rachel Kraft
NASA Johnson Space Center
281-792-7690
rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov