NERPA505 Update

Greetings, 505! I hope everyone is enjoying the great weather we've been blessed with. You can be sure it won't last. The time to get ready for seasonal challenges is now. Take a little time to be sure you are ready for winter weather, good tires on your vehicle, house and vehicle winterized. Good safety practices start with preparation. ORM (Operational Risk Management) works as well at home as it does in CAP operations!

(1) Opening formation @ 18:45; Safety Briefing @ 19:00; testing for those needing tested 19:15; Color Guard Standard Drill / Basic Drill all others. (From Capt. Hagberg.)

The uniform of the day is BDUs.

We are going to be visited on Tuesday by the Pennsylvania CAP/USAF Liaison Officer. Please plan to be at the meeting, because it is a rarity that we will have the privilege of being visited by someone so high up in our organization. He has asked for a special time to speak to our cadets. Please plan to take advantage of this great opportunity! His email message follows below. I have highlighted his message for cadets.

Subject: State Director PA505 Visit 1 Dec

I'd like to review the Survey Audit checklist with the appropriate personnel on 30 Nov, this will be a most friendly survey audit. I have attached a checklist of what I want to review with the Squadron. Please prepare, but do not fret. Do the best you can, I will help fix things that need it.

I would like to talk 30 minutes to an hour with the cadets: AE discussion of the ocean of air we call the atmosphere & the Cadet Program.

Thank you for all that you do for the Squadron, the Wing, and Civil Air Patrol.

//SIGNED//

BRUCE A. BERNER, GS-12

State Director CAP-USAF Liaison

--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

Note from Chaplain Matheny

It is my prayer for each of you that you enjoy a blessed and safe Thanksgiving!  We have many things to be thankful for, not the least of which is the opportunity to serve our communities, state, and nation.  It is great to be part of an organization that appreciates the blessings and responsibilities of citizenship, and demonstrates that appreciation in selfless service to others, year round, often without recognition or gratitude.  The blessing of "Volunteer Service" is that we do what we do, not just because it is needed, but because it is good and right to do it.  Our "pay" is the satisfaction of understanding and appreciating what too many people never learn, that "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

I am thankful for every one of you, who selflessly dedicate time, resources, and talent to improving yourselves so you can serve others better, and for all the families who unselfishly support you in your service!  Its great to be a part of CAP, not just because of the work we share, but also because of the great volunteers that we share it with!

I will be out of town Wed. 25 Nov. through Sat. 28 Nov.  I can be reached via cell phone or email if necessary.  Many blessings for the Season!

Chaplain Matheny
--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

NERPA505 Update

Greetings, 505!  I hope everyone had a great week and an even better weekend!

Captain Hagberg escorted C/MSgt. Matheny, C/SSgt. Hagberg, C/SrA Matheny and C/A1C Peterson to a Cadet Competition Training Weekend sponsored by the Nittany Composite Squadron, State College.  The training was offered to stir interest in forming Color Guards and drill teams for cadet competition.  The Nittany squadron placed first in the wing and third in the North East Region in 2008.  C/CMSgt. Matheny stated that a lot of things they had not completely understood were clarified, and that the trip was a great learning experience overall.  Pictures will be posted if they are made available.

(1) Tuesday is Aerospace Education emphasis.  The uniform of the day is BDUs.  We will also work on the Redstone Level of the CAP Model Rocketry Program.
(2) SM SSgt. Atwood will not be available for testing.
(3) Tuesday, 1 Dec. is the 68th birthday of the Civil Air Patrol.  In honor of CAP's birthday, we are planning to set up an informational display on 5 Dec. at the Warren Mall.  Cadets, and/or family members, please let Ch. Matheny know if you can be available to man the display, and what time you will be available.  It would be nice if we could man the display from at least 1000 to 2000 hours.
(4) Are you planning ahead for our first Squadron Dinner on 12 Dec. from 1800 to 2000 hours (6 to 8 pm)?  Everyone will be given a "take home" letter on Tuesday night.  We will plan to have a pot-luck style dinner, so each family will be asked to bring at least two dishes to share.  Refreshments, dinner rolls, and condiments will be provided.  Please let Ch. Matheny know by no later than 1 Dec., earlier if possible, how many of your family plans to attend.  There will be an awards and recognition ceremony after the meal.
(5) Last, but not least, this is a great time of year to talk to friends and family members about joining CAP in 2010.  Talk it up!  Be proud of who you are and of what you do in CAP!

  Semper Vigilans!  

See you Tuesday!

--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

Group Six Conference News Story

A news report and a short video of the Group Six Conference can viewed on the WYTV Web site - click here. The news release sent to the Warren Times Observer can be read by clicking here.
--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

NERPA505 Update

Greetings, 505 & friends! Its been a beautiful fall week. I hope you've enjoyed it is much as I have! Thanks to everyone from the squadron who supported our open House on 10 Nov. We were honored with a visit from Majors Gary and Shelley Fleming, Maj. Chuck Wedge, Capt. James Longon, and 1 Lt. Dick Schutter. We only had one family visit from the community, but we appreciate their interest in the squadron.

Thanks to Cadets Daniel Hagberg, Evan and Collin Matheny for accompanying Ch. Capt. Matheny to the Veteran's Day assembly at Gen. Joseph Warren Park on 11 Nov. The cadets were honored to be asked by the Master of Ceremonies to assist the local US Navy recruiter in raising the Colors. They did a great job, and were complimented by many bystanders.

Seven members of 505 attended the Group 6 Conference and Banquet on 14 Nov., including Captains Hagberg and Matheny, C/CMSgt. Matheny, C/TSgt. Durnell, C/SSgt. Hagberg, C/SrA Matheny, and C/A1C Peterson. Capt. Hagberg's wife, Kitty, also attended. Cadet Durnell was honored by the Group Commander Shelley Fleming, and PAWG Vice Commander Gary Fleming for his service to CAP and for his enlistment in the US Navy. Durnell will depart for Buffalo, NY, to be inducted on 17 Nov. Cadet Hagberg received his Wright Brothers award, and was presented a citation from the State House of Representatives signed by State Rep. Kathy Rapp. Capt. Hagberg accepted a citation for an excellent safety record in 2009 on behalf of the squadron. He also received a squadron commander's award for his service to CAP this past year. Chaplain Capt. Matheny was awarded the Grover Leoning Award for successfully completing senior member professional development Level III, and was honored to receive the Group 6 Chaplain of the Year Award. Some photos will be posted on the squadron blog.

(1) Tuesday is Aerospace Education night. The uniform of the day is BDUs, sleeves rolled down. Ch. Matheny will also offer a Character Development class, since the one scheduled for last week was canceled due to the open house.
(2) The birthday of the Civil Air Patrol is 1 Dec. The squadron has been given an opportunity to set up an informational display at the Warren Mall on 5 Dec. in honor of CAP's birthday. I hope we can take advantage of the opportunity and put on a good show for the squadron for the seasonal shoppers. If we have enough participation, we will man the display from 1000 to 2100 hrs. Anyone, senior members, cadets, or family, who can be available to help, please notify Ch. Matheny as soon as possible.
(3) Please let me know if you can support a squadron pot-luck dinner on the evening of 12 Dec. So far, I have heard from only one family who can attend, and from one individual who said that he cannot attend. If we get at least 90 % percent participation, we should expect at least 20 people, including parents and siblings of cadets. If 12 Dec. won't work, please make a suggestion of a better date. Let's try to make our first squadron dinner a good one!

Semper Vigilans!

See you Tuesday!


--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

Scholarships & National Activities

Just a reminder for cadets (and seniors under certain limited circumstances) of the great opportunities offered by CAP to those who work the program and advance their "training and education rapidly."

Over $350,000 dollars in college scholarships with CAP partner institutions this year: Click Here.  A long list of national special activities for qualifying cadets:  Click Here.  Not to mention a wealth of Wing activities and opportunities.  The best way to get the most out of CAP is to take advantage of opportunities.  If you don't, you can be sure that someone else will!

--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

NERPA505 Update

Greetings, 505!  I hope everyone is having a great weekend and that you're escaping the flu.  Tuesday is our Open House.  I don't know what kind of turn out we can expect, since I've heard that most of our schools have been hit pretty hard with flu cases, but let's be there and put on a good event anyway!  The Open House is from 1830 to 2030 hrs.

(1) Make it a point Monday to invite as many people as you can to the Open House.  If you, or your parents are able to provide transportation, offer your friends a ride!
(2) Take some extra time to make sure your uniform and personal appearance are in order.  We already know that first impressions make lasting impressions, so we want to be at our best!
(3) If you bring guests, pay attention to them.  Introduce them around.  If you see a guest who is not getting any attention, give them some!  Be ready to answer questions and offer information.  The displays that will be set up will help answer most of the questions that people might have.

We hope to see everyone on our roster there!  Be proud of who you are and of what you do in CAP!

  Semper Vigilans!  

See you Tuesday!

--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

NERPA505 Update Addition - Uniform

The uniform of the day for Tuesday, 3 Nov., is BDUs, sleeves down.

--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom

NERPA505 Update

Greetings, 505!  Hope everyone is getting geared up for the Open House coming up on 10 Nov.!  There will be a stack of Open House invitations at the Tuesday night meeting.  I want to encourage everyone, senior members and cadets, to pick up a hand full and distribute them to as many people as you can.  Talk it up!  I have heard it said several times that Civil Air Patrol is the best kept secret in the USA!  Let's not let that be the case in Warren County.  Let's get the word out!

Capt. Hagberg has arranged for C/CSgt. Matheny and C/SSgt. Hagberg to visit State Rep. Kathy Rapp's office on Monday afternoon to represent the squadron.  They'll thank Rep. Rapp for her support of CAP and answer questions about the squadron.

(1) Tuesday is Safety Briefing and testing night, pending the availability of SSgt. Atwood, our current testing officer.  Per National HQ directive, no member can be active in CAP activities who has not taken and passed the Basic ORM material at http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/safety/orm.cfm.  Senior members who participate in any cadet activities must also take the Intermediate course.
(2) Group 6 is still accepting registrations for the conference and banquet on 14 Nov.  Registration form are available at the squadron meeting.  Last minute planners can also register at the conference, but it will cost them an extra $5.00 per registration.  Anyone who needs a ride contact Capt. Hagberg or Matheny.  I plan to drive to the conference on the morning of the 14th and return to Warren after the banquet that evening.
(3) Over the past 2 weeks I have made school visits to Beatty, WAHS and Eisenhower.  Please encourage anyone you may know from our school district to visit our open house on 10 Nov.  Come on Tuesday night armed with some ideas on how to make our open house interesting and informative!

  Semper Vigilans!  

See you Tuesday!

--
Randall F. Matheny, Chaplain (Capt.)
PAWG Dep. Ch. (West), Group 6
Civil Air Patrol
--
kb3mom