NERPA505 Update

Hello from the ice cap on Quaker Ridge! I hope everyone is having a safe beginning to the New year. It is going to be bitter cold this week, so be sure to take proper precautions against frostbite and hypothermia. Dress in layers and limit the amount of skin exposed to the elements. Do not assume that if you are making a short trip, such as to the store, that you do not need to be properly prepared for cold weather. Most automobile accidents happen within 5 miles of home and there are other reasons you may find yourself exposed to the elements unexpectedly. Some excellent winter driving tips can be found at: http://www.dot.state.pa.us/PENNDOT/Districts/district6.nsf/winter_maint_tips?OpenForm . The squadron meeting will not be cancelled unless there is an active Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service. Nonetheless, use common sense when traveling. If you think it is unsafe to travel, don't!
Maj. Wedge, Group 6 Deputy Commander, has informed us that Maj. Fleming's father's condition is critical. Prayers have been requested for him and his family. HQ has also requested that no emails be sent to Maj. or Capt. Fleming for the time being, and that all messages to G6 HQ be directed to Maj. Wedge or Maj. Baker.

Please print this update and give it to your parents so they can be informed on our activities.

(1) Tuesday, 13 Jan 09, is Character Development emphasis night. Remember that cadets need to have logged at least one CD class per achievement in order to be promoted. C/SSgt. Jon Durnell will be presenting the lesson. The uniform of the day for cadets is Air Force style blues if you have them. If not, BDUs will suffice. Seniors may wear blues or the CAP alternate uniform.
(2) All of us need to be in a constant recruiting mode. Talk to everyone you 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. Remember that the cadet who recruits the most new members will receive a special prize of search and rescue equipment worth at least $20.00.
(3) Winter is a great time for all of us to make some progress on education and achievements. 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. We will regularly cover relevant material in class from either Leadership of Aerospace. The first Tuesday in each month has been reserved for testing, including drill and PT. Since cadets can be promoted every two months, it would be wise to plan your study so you can test on at least two elements, such as Leadership and PT, in the first month, and the remaining two elements, such as Aerospace and drill, is the second month. This would be a very light schedule and easily workable for every cadet. Testing will be made available on other days as time and circumstances allow.
(4) We have been invited to assist again this year with the Warren County Winterfest on 24-25 January. They are asking for four people on both days to help with the sled dog competitions 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. Only active cadets who have met monthly safety briefing requirements will be allowed to participate.
(5) Congratulations to Blake James for submitting his application for CAP membership! Welcome to the squadron!

Consult the squadron blog for past announcements and information. I will try to post a few new pictures regularly.

Semper Vigilans! See you Tuesday!
Randall F. Matheny, 2 Lt.
Deputy Commander for Cadets
NERPA505
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kb3mom