NERPA505 Update

505 Greetings for the New Year! I hope everyone had a safe and fun New Year's Day. We are into our second year as a squadron and still having some growing pains. Thanks to Lt. Hagberg for guiding us through some challenging times last year, and to everyone else for their participaton and cooperation! There are many things each of us can do to help the squadron settle into growth and productivity as we begin 2009.

Congratulations to Evan Matheny for reaching the Charles Lindbergh Achievement and promotion to Cadet Master Sergeant! The Lindbergh Achievement is the second step of the Phase II Leadership phase.

(1) Let's challenge each other, cadets and senior members, to make regular progress on education and achievements. Cadets can make regular achievements about every 60 days with a little effort. It will take a little longer in the officer grades. Take advantage of training experiences at Squadron, Group, and Wing levels. When we have some cadets at officer levels we can start looking seriously at National events. Every cadet, regardless of age, should be shooting for the Billy Mitchell Achievement at a minimum. That is where greater opportunities, including scholarships, begin to open up. We need to have all active cadets and seniors qualified for at least Ground Team Member 3 by summer.
(2) Work on your skill at drill and ceremonies. We will likely have several opportunities to appear in parades during the year. Take your appearance and military bearing seriously. Look sharp. Wear a complete uniform at activities. Polish your courtesies toward peers and senior members. It is appropriate to address cadet and senior officers as Sir or Ma'am.
(3) Talk to everyone we meet about CAP -- friends, family, classmates, neighbors, etc. Carry some recruiting literature or business cards to distribute or leave in strategic locations. Don't be ashamed to let people know why you made a commitment to CAP membership and what you plan to achieve from it.
(4) Get involved in some community service activity and let it be known that you represent the CAP. Cadets and senior members can qualify for the CAP Community Service ribbon after completing 60 hours of verified community service.
(5) Attend and participate in as many squadron meetings as you possibly can. This will help you keep on track for achievements, keep your skills polished, and encourage your squadron. Invite someone to accompany you to every meeting that you attend.
(6) We have a tentative invitation to assist with the Warren County Winterfest on 24-25 January. Inform Lt. Matheny if you think you would like to help. Like last year, there might not be a lot to do but our public presence in uniform is a great advertisement for the squadron.
(7) This Tuesday is Mandatory Safety Briefing day and Testing day. The uniform of the day is BDUs. The safety briefing is necessary for all activities except clasroom. Written, drill and PT testing will be made available to those who desire them. Cadets who are qualified for an achievement should not miss a testing opportuinty. Remember that you can improve your scores by taking the practice tests on the following sites until you can pass them without failing: http://www.cadetstuff.org/archives/.html#

(for Leadership) and http://mdln.hws.edu/cap/modules/index.asp (for Aerospace Dimensions). Be sure to work on the Cadet Pledge and the Honor Code.
(8) CAP uniform items and acccessories can be ordered at the following: http://www.vanguardmil.com/ and http://www.thehock.com/ . It might be worth your time to check out some military surplus stores and Web sites as well.
(9) I hope everyone received the notification about Maj. Fleming's father being sent to a Pittsburg hospital after suffering injuries from a fall on the ice. Let's keep him and his family in our prayers. (Maj. Fleming is Group 6 Commander).
(10) Cadets who have questions can feel free to address them to C/MSgt. Evan Matheny at evan.cap505@gmail.com or C/SSgt. Jon Durnell at jondurnell@yahoo.com.

Semper Vigilans! See you Tuesday!

Randall F. Matheny, 2Lt.
Deputy Commander for Cadets
NERPA505
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