NASA $1,000 contest entries due today

Today is the day! Cadets, be sure to get your entries in today by email or regular mail with a 5 August postmark, for NASA's "Because it Flew" competition.

NASA and USA Today are giving away six $1,000 prizes to students ages 9-17 in the 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.

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!

Two days left to win $1,000 from NASA

The deadline is just days away! Cadets, be sure to get your entries in by this Friday, 5 August, for NASA's "Because it Flew" competition.

NASA and USA Today are giving away six $1,000 prizes to students ages 9-17 in the 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 no later than Friday.

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!

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.

-30-


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

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

Sq. 59 Cadet Solos at Flight Academy

Congratulations to C/2Lt Elisabeth Loyd of Hemet-Ryan Composite Sq. 59 who soloed early this week during the National Flight Academy - Powered Track in Nebraska!

Group 3 is now two-for-two with solos at this National Cadet Special Activity. On Monday, June 27, C/CMSgt Megan Roberson of Palm Springs Composite Sq. 11 also earned her solo wings at NFA-P Nebraska.

Group 3's two newest pilots return from the Academy on Thursday, June 30. Wish them clear skies and safe flying when you see them next.

Sq. 11 Cadet Solos at National Flight Academy

Congratulations to C/CMSgt Megan Roberson of Palm Springs Composite Sq. 11 who soloed on Monday, June 27, 2011 during the National Flight Academy - Powered Track in Nebraska! Way to go, Chief!

Sq. 59 Cadets graduate Basic Cadet School

Congrats to Cadets: Bishop Miller, Jazlin Miller, Sean Van Hise, Meghan Van Hise, Madison Hamilton, Kayle Ticas, T.J. Pritchard, Victoria Maner, and Ben Giancola, all from Hemet-Ryan Composite Sq. 59 who graduated from Basic Cadet School last weekend, June 17-19, 2011, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

-Sq. 59-

Sq. 31 Cadet of the Month Announced

C/Amn Jake Elledge was named Cadet of the Month for May 2011 at Billie LeClair Cadet Sq. 31 in Rialto. Congratulations!

Group 3 Cadets aim high at National Flight Academy

(16 JUNE, LINCOLN, Neb.) – Cadet 2^nd Lt. Elisabeth Loyd of Hemet-Ryan Composite Sq. 59 and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Megan Roberson of Palm Springs Composite Sq. 11 will learn more about flying powered aircraft this week at Civil Air Patrol’s National Flight Academy to be held June 16-30 in Camp Ashland, Neb.

The flight academy is specifically designed for cadets who want to learn to fly. Participants receive formal ground instruction and cockpit time with a certified flight instructor; the low instructor-to-student ratio provides opportunities for mentoring and individual attention. NFA also provides many participants the opportunity to solo.

The academy is one of 30 National Cadet Special Activities sponsored by 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, leadership fundamentals, citizenship and military courtesies – and to explore aerospace technology and aviation careers.

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 Loyd joined CAP in April 2008 and graduated from the California Wing Cadet Basic Encampment at Camp San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, Calif. later that year, in August. Cadet Loyd is an active participant in CAP and has staffed multiple airshows and represented her unit at the Inland Empire Group 3 Cadet Color Guard Competition held in February 2011. She earned the unit’s prestigious Gen. Billy Mitchell Award in May 2011, signifying completion of Phase II of the CAP cadet program. Only 15% of cadets reach this milestone.

Cadet Roberson joined CAP in September 2009. In less than two years of membership, she has served her unit as both Flight Sergeant and most recently as First Sergeant. She is a 2010 graduate of the California/Nevada Wing Joint Encampment held at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, Calif. Her personal decorations include the CAP Model Rocketry Badge and Veterans of Foreign Wars Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) of the Year Award. She is a two-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold presented by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Both cadets have seen squadron members graduate from the Nebraska-based National Flight Academy program over the last two years. In 2009, Cadet 1st Lt. Leandra Lee of Palm Springs Composite Sq. 11 earned her solo wings at the academy. Hemet-Ryan Composite Sq. 59's Cadet 1st Lt. Bryan Gooch graduated from the academy last year.

To be eligible to apply for a National Cadet Special Activity (NCSA) such as National Flight Academy, cadets must be graduates of the week-long cadet basic encampment training program. National Activities are announced in November each year and applications are due in January. Much like college, cadets wait until March each year to find out if they were selected for a program. Selections are based on four factors including age, milestone awards achieved, years in the organization, and number of NCSAs previously attended.

-Capt. Crystal Housman

PAO, Inland Empire Group 3

Sq. 20 Cadet Receives Commendation

Cadet Chief Master Sgt Tyler Saba of Chino Cadet Squadron 20 was awarded the Civil Air Patrol Commander’s Commendation for Inland Empire Group 3 Ground Team Member of the year, and was nominated for California Wing Ground Team member of the year.

Ground team members participate in search and rescue operations and perform lifesaving actions when they locate survivors of crashed aircraft. According to her father, Paul Saba, who is also a Civil Air Patrol Captain, Cadet Saba’s Commendation states: “This honor rarely is bestowed upon a cadet and is a reflection of her dedication and service to the Emergency Services mission of the Civil Air Patrol.”

Cadet Saba is a Ground Team Member-1, Civil Air Patrol’s highest Ground Team Member qualification rating available for cadets, and has participated in many search and rescue operations during the past year, including personally locating two crashed aircraft with her team. At the age of 15 Cadet Saba shows great leadership, and this award is well deserved. Congratulations C/CMSgt Saba, job well done!

PHOTO: C/CMSgt Tyler Saba is presented her Commander's Commendation by Inland Empire Group 3 Operations Officer, Capt. Chris Mattson.

1Lt Michelle Black, PAO, Chino Cadet Squadron 20

Applications due today for Hemet Airshow!

Cadets and Seniors are needed Sat., June 11, 2011 for the Hemet-Ryan Airshow at Squadron 59's home airport! Performers include:

• A-10 West Demonstration Team
• Golden Stars Skydiving Team
• Tim Decker
• U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight
• Melissa Aerobatics

Send your CAWG Form 150s to pticas@squadron59.org TODAY! 7 June! All hands needed!

Click here for activity flyer and more details!
http://tinyurl.com/3tpujpb

Flight Scholarship Deadline Sunday!

REMINDER: The Lewis Flight Scholarship deadline is this Sunday, May 1, 2011. The scholarship is being offered by the Pacific Region HQ.

The Flight Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Colonel Edwin W. Lewis, a 56-year member of Civil Air Patrol. At the time of his death he was the Director of Operations for the Pacific Region, Civil Air Patrol. He was a “pilot’s pilot” with vast knowledge of aviation from Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog’s to Boeing 747s.

The purpose of the scholarship is to introduce a Civil Air Patrol Cadet to the wonders of flight. The funds from this scholarship will be used only for initial aviation flight training and no other purpose. The amount of the scholarship is determined each year. It has been $1,000 for the past two years.

The deadline for applying for this scholarship each year is May 1. If you are interested, please print out a copy of the application form and follow the directions.

The application can be found on PCR's website, here --

http://pcr.cap.gov/cadet%20programs.html

Flight Scholarship Deadline This Week!

REMINDER: The Lewis Flight Scholarship deadline is this Sunday, May 1, 2011. The scholarship is being offered by the Pacific Region HQ.

The Flight Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Colonel Edwin W. Lewis, a 56-year member of Civil Air Patrol. At the time of his death he was the Director of Operations for the Pacific Region, Civil Air Patrol. He was a “pilot’s pilot” with vast knowledge of aviation from Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog’s to Boeing 747s.

The purpose of the scholarship is to introduce a Civil Air Patrol Cadet to the wonders of flight. The funds from this scholarship will be used only for initial aviation flight training and no other purpose. The amount of the scholarship is determined each year. It has been $1,000 for the past two years.

The deadline for applying for this scholarship each year is May 1. If you are interested, please print out a copy of the application form and follow the directions.

The application can be found on PCR's website, here --

http://pcr.cap.gov/cadet%20programs.html

Flight Scholarship Deadline May 1

Cadets can earn money to pursue flying through the Col. Edwin W. Lewis, Jr. Flight Scholarship being offered by the Pacific Region HQ.

The Flight Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Colonel Edwin W. Lewis, a 56-year member of Civil Air Patrol. At the time of his death he was the Director of Operations for the Pacific Region, Civil Air Patrol. He was a “pilot’s pilot” with vast knowledge of aviation from Cessna 0-1 Bird Dog’s to Boeing 747s.

The purpose of the scholarship is to introduce a Civil Air Patrol Cadet to the wonders of flight. The funds from this scholarship will be used only for initial aviation flight training and no other purpose. The amount of the scholarship is determined each year. It has been $1,000 for the past two years.

The deadline for applying for this scholarship each year is May 1. If you are interested, please print out a copy of the application form and follow the directions.

The application can be found on PCR's website, here --

http://pcr.cap.gov/cadet%20programs.html