National Commander Presents Wilson Awards

On Monday, May 30, 2011 in San Dimas, Calif., Majs. Cathy Neubauer and Karen Nahrstadt, senior members and Character Development Instructors at March Air Reserve Base Squadron 45, received the highest senior professional development award given by the Civil Air Patrol, the Gill Robb Wilson Award. They were presented the coveted awards by Regional Commander, Colonel Larry F. Myrick and National Commander Brigadier General Amy S. Courter at a reception held after the annual Gill Robb Wilson Memorial Event held at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Among the Guests in attendance was Reverend Jill Denison Paulson, a Presbyterian minister and the granddaughter of Gill Robb Wilson, the founder of the Civil Air Patrol. The special presentation was attended by over 200 CAP Officers and Cadets and guests.

The Gill Robb Wilson Award is Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) highest award for senior member professional development. It recognizes senior members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in the CAP. This award was first given in 1964 and honors the late Gill Robb Wilson. He is regarded as the founder of Civil Air Patrol, and served as Cap's first executive officer. As Cap's premiere award for senior member professional development, the Gill Robb Wilson Award should be presented by an Air Force or CAP general officer, an elected state or federal official, or other distinguished person.

When asked about the award, Nahrstadt who's husband, a CAP Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Jack R. Nahrstadt, now diseased, was also a recipient of the same award said, "I know that Jack would be proud of me."

Gill Robb Wilson (1893-1966) was an aviator and journalist born in Clarion County, Pa. A Presbyterian minister as well as an early private pilot, he advocated military preparedness and became New Jersey's director of aviation in 1930. He was the first executive officer of the Civil Air Patrol. During World War II he was a correspondent for the Herald Tribune.

Rev. Paulson, said that she was very proud of those Civil Air Patrol members who have achieved and received the Wilson award.

PHOTO: After the reception, 17 Wilson recipients including Majs. Neubaur and Nahrstadt gathered together in front of the California Wing Gill Robb Wilson plaque of honor for a picture with Rev. Paulson.

Capt. Robert Harris, PAO, Sq. 45

Aerospace Education School to be held at March ARB

Pacific Region Aerospace Education School
March Air Reserve Base, Riverside CA
July 30-Aug 2 with Aug 3 as an optional enrichment day

$50.00 Registration fee holds your slot.

You are invited to attend the Pacific Region Aerospace Education School. The purpose of this school is threefold: educate CAP AE leaders about their job requirements & the resources available to help them, share ideas which improve the AE program and provide AE enrichment experiences for the participants.

This is the year for you to attend. The school is designed for unit aerospace education officers but is open to all senior members and Mitchell cadets who want to become more involved with aerospace education. Some of the school topics include: the AE Mission, Responsibilities of the Unit AEO, Orientation Flights, Grant writing, AE for Seniors, AE for Cadets, External AE program, Awards, Robotics, Model building and a presentation from NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. In addition to the academic classes students will get to participate in several “hands on” activities which can be replicated at the local squadron, tour the AF Predator Drone facility, and meet a WWII Woman Airforce Service Pilot (WASP).

The AEO School runs Saturday thru Tuesday. Wednesday is an optional day for students. We have tentatively been slotted for an AF C17 refueling flight. This is subject to change based on AF training requirements. Students will also have the opportunity to visit the NASA JPL teacher center and pick up free AE lesson plans, posters and videos.

The AEO School costs $50.00 which includes all materials, Saturday barbeque dinner and the Tuesday luncheon. Lodging is available on March ARB for $39.00 per night. Additional information will be sent upon receipt of your registration. The AEO School will make arrangements to pick up students flying into Ontario (ONT) and Riverside (RAL) airports.

Deadline for application is June 30, 2011. Prepare two copies of CAPF 17. Submit one copy through proper CAP channels. Mail the second with your $50.00 registration fee (payable to Pacific Region CAP) to PACR AEO School, PO Box 6351, March ARB CA 92518-6351.

Questions? Contact School Director Virginia Nelson vmnelson@juno.com

Congratulations CLC Graduates

Eighteen senior members graduated from CAP's Corporate Learning Course (CLC) on 13 September 2009. The two-day professional development course was hosted by Group 3 at March ARB. Group 3 members are noted with squadron numbers.

Congratulations goes to CLC graduates:
Joe Alverio, Squadron 5
Ken Benner, Squadron 45
Peter Blisse
Alfred Buschek
Merri Lynn Casem, Squadron 45
Amnon Charash
Crystal Chatham, Squadron 11
Ivonne Felix
Alex Goude, Squadron 45
Robert Harris, Squadron 45
Eric Krause
Paula Mangum, CAWG
Chris Natwick, Squadron 144
Paul Saba, Squadron 29
Dennis Sheehan, Squadron 59
Kevin Shellman, Squadron 45
Michael Swift, Squadron 5
Mark Wong, Squadron 153

Thanks to CLC instructors:
Maj. Dan Hough (Sq. 59), Lt. Col. David Clyde (Sq. 5), Capt. Tom Hoekstra (Sq. 25), Maj. John Findley (Grp. 3), Maj. Ben Edwards (Sq. 5), Maj. Alex Ross (CAP-USAF), Lt. Col. Charles Wiest (CAWG), 1Lt Jeff Cable, Capt. Robert Noble, and 1Lt. Frank San Pedro (Sq. 25).