Monthly e-newsletter of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, Arizona Wing, Civil Air Patrol 302

Lt. Col. Chas Buchanan, Squadron Commander

Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona

Full Throttle

Vol. 2, No. 5 January 2008

Color Guard takes 2nd in Wing

With a corps of new personnel assembled only five weeks earlier, the Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 Cadet Color Guard took second place overall, captured first place in three categories and was only a single point behind the winning team at the 2008 Arizona Wing Cadet Competition staged in early December at Luke Air Force Base. Color guard members are commander C/MSgt. Michael Padrick, C/SSgt. Kyle Corales, C/SrA Kegan Edmundson and C/Amn Steven Cothran. Noncompetition members are C/SSgt. Daniel Vogt, C/A1C David Matteson and C/Amn Ciaran Babcock. The color guards competitive results included first place-honors in the folInside Full Throttle lowing categories: C/SSgt. Daniel Vogt (center) honors his late grandfather dur Wing command change 2 ing Decembers Wreaths Across America at the National Me Written Holiday cheer 4 morial Cemetery of Arizona to honor veterans. He is joined by Getting to know 5 exam In fellow Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 Cadet Color An academy experience 6 addition to Guard members (from left) C/Amn Steven Cothran, C/MSgt. Promotions 8 the team Michael Padrick, C/SrA Kegan Edmundson and C/A1C David logging the Matteson. See story on page 3. (Photo by SMSgt. Del Rubi.) See the Quarterly Training Schedule (QTS) for upcomhighest ing events and contact infor- score overall, C/MSgt. Padrick recorded the highest individual marks in mation. Also, go to http:// the competition. azwg.us for the calendar of Mile run The color guard won this category, paced by C/Amn activities within the Civil Air Cothran winning the Fleet Foot Award. (Continued on page 3) Patrols Arizona Wing. Civil Air Patrol: More Than Meets The Skies Semper Vigilans (Always Vigilant)

New Wing commander to assume role Jan. 12

Col. (Select) John M. Eggen will assume duties as Arizona Wing commander of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) during a change of command ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Club Thunderbolt at Luke Air Force Base. Attire is CAP corporate or U.S. Air Force-style uniform; business casual is appropriate for civilians. Those attending are asked to RSVP by Thursday, Jan. 3, to Wing Headquarters 623/856-9964. After the ceremony, a lunch consisting of a club sandwich, dessert and beverage will be served, and Col. (Select) Eggen then will conduct his first commanders call. A check for $8 to cover the lunch must be sent when making reservations to Arizona Wing Headquarters, 7383 N. Litchfield Col. (Select) John Eggen, shown Road, Suite 1175, Luke AFB, AZ 85309-1175. speaking at Wreaths Across AmerCol. (Select) Eggen succeeds Maj. John Kruger, who has ica in December at the National served since September as interim Wing commander. Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, During his CAP career, Col. (Select) Eggen has served as the assumes duties as Arizona Wing national governmental affairs officer for CAP National Headquarcommander during ceremonies on ters, as Arizona Wing legislative liaison officer and as Group IV Saturday, Jan. 12, at Luke Air commander. Force Base.

Full Throttle
Full Throttle is the monthly e-newsletter for officers, cadets and friends of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, Arizona Wing, U.S. Civil Air Patrol. Its mission is to bolster communication with and among officers and cadets, enhance awareness of squadron activities, and share news and information about the squadron and its personnel. Story suggestions and submissions can be forwarded by the 15th of the month preceding publication to Capt. Jerry Porter, squadron public-affairs officer, at [email protected]. To guarantee receipt of the newsletter, readers should ensure their e-mail addresses and other contact information remain current with the squadron and on e-services at www.capnhq.gov. Vol. 2, No. 5 January 2008 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ National First-Place Co-WinnerNewsletters 2007 Maj. Howell Balsem CAP Exceptional Achievement Awards

Mark your calendar for upcoming meetings

Jan. 7 - Cadet meeting (BDUs) Jan. 9 - Senior meeting Jan. 12 - Wing change of command Jan. 14 - Cadet meeting (BDUs) Jan. 16 - Senior staff Jan. 21 - Cadet meeting (PT) Jan. 23 - Senior meeting Jan. 28 - Cadet meeting (Blues)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cadet meetings begin at 7 p.m. while senior meetings start at 7:30 p.m. BDUs - Battle dress uniform PT - Physical training Blues - Air Force dress uniform Page 2

Full Throttle

January 2008

 Color guard team very special people

(continued from page 1) Outdoor practice drill - Unfolding/ refolding the U.S. flag with dignity and respect. Second-place honors were attained by the squadron color guard in the panel quiz and standard drill, with the team finishing third in indoor practical drill and in-ranks inspection. We came together on Oct. 22 and spent many training days and approximately 70 hours in preparation for this competition, says SMSgt. Del Rubi, who advised the cadets along with Officer Mike Matteson. Each member put forth their best effort and dedicated themselves to their teammates while gaining the respect of every member of our squadron and the Arizona Wing. These cadets are very special people. (Top photo): Squadron color guard members (from left) The Willie Composite Squadron 304 CaC/SrA Kegan Edmundson, C/MSgt. Michael Padrick and det Color Guard took first place overall and C/Amn Steven Cothran march with the colors at Wreaths will represent the Arizona Wing at the 2008 Across America. (Bottom photo): Leading squadron cadets Southwest Region Cadet Competition in during the ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery March at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiof Arizona are (from left) C/Amn Steven Cothran, C/MSgt. ana. Michael Padrick (behind U.S. flag), C/SSgt. Daniel Vogt,
C/SrA Kegan Edmundson and C/A1C David Matteson.

Newspaper features cadet laying wreath at grave

Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 C/SSgt. Daniel Vogt was featured as part of the coverage of Wreaths Across America that appeared on page 1 of the Valley & State section of The Arizona Republic issue of Sunday, Dec. 16. The newspaper included a photo of Cadet Vogt laying the wreath at the grave of his grandfather, Birt Vogt, who served in World War II. The photo also shows members of the squadrons color guard honoring the late veteran at his gravesite. C/SSgt. Vogt related his pride in honoring his grandfather and how he inspired the cadet.

Full Throttle

January 2008

Page 3

Squadron members, guests enjoy evening of holiday cheer

Approximately 40 officers and guests of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 gathered for a Christmas party on Dec. 12 at Deer Valley Airport. Attendees included: 1) Capt. Robert Smith and Officer Kristine Kamleiter, 2) (from left) Nancy Huber, Capt. Jack Huber and 3 Sheila Buchanan, 3) Capt. Michael Rich, 4) Judy Manser and Capt. Les Manser, 5) Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Chas Buchanan and former Arizona Wing Commander Col. Gil Day, 6) Capt. Bill Rogers and 7) Capt. Bill Sander and Maj. Bob Wirth. 4

5 5
Full Throttle January 2008 Page 4

Getting to know

Padrick advancing in grade, leadership

with a major in aerospace engineering and then fly fighter jets until the end of my military career. CAP will help me to develop better Q: When did you join CAP and the squadron? leadership Cadet Padrick: I joined CAP and the squadand organron in December 2006. C/MSgt. Michael Padrick izational Q: What led you to join the organization? (Prior to most recent promotion) skills. Cadet Padrick: I was introduced to CAP durQ: What advice do you have for new cadets? ing my involvement in the Young Eagles Pro Cadet Padrick: It takes courage and persegram at the Copperstate Air Show in 2006. verance to overcome your challenges and beQ: What is your current squadron position? come successful. Work diligently toward Cadet Padrick: I'm an orientation drill inachieving your goals, and ultimately your structor and the color guard commander. dreams will become a reality. Q: How has CAP helped you in your everyday Q: Who in the program do you consider to have life? been the most instrumental in your advance Cadet Padrick: CAP not only has strengthment in CAP and why? ened my leadership ability but also has taught me the importance of honoring those who have Cadet Padrick: All senior members and staff cadets who have inspired me to do my best or currently are serving this great country. always. Q: In which community do you live and where do you attend school? Cadet Padrick: I live in Black Canyon City and attend Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, where Im a junior. A new six- to eight-week cadet orientation Q: Are you in any extra curricular activities at class begins on the first Monday of each school? month, with the first class of 2008 starting at Cadet Padrick: I'm involved in the National 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7. Honor Society and serve once a week as a Encourage young people 12 to 21 to explore teacher's aide at Anthem Elementary School. the opportunities available as members of Deer Q: What is your career ambition and what one Valley Composite Squadron 302. Recruiter ribthing from CAP will help you to achieve it? bons are awarded to cadets who recruit two or Cadet Padrick: My career ambition is to more members into the Civil Air Patrol. graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy Having joined Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 just more than one year ago, C/MSgt. Michael Padrick has advanced rapidly in grade while commanding the squadron cadet color guard that recently took second place overall in the 2008 Arizona Wing Cadet Competition. During that competition, Cadet Padrick recorded the competitions highest individual score in the written examination. Following are questions and answers to help acquaint readers with this highly focused cadet non-commissioned officer:

08 orientation classes for cadets begin Jan. 7

Full Throttle

January 2008

Page 5

USAF freshman

CAP, squadron really helped to prepare me

Like hundreds of thousands of students across the nation, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) C/Capt. Justin Lennon has completed his first semester of college. Unlike those hundreds of thousands of freshmen, he is one of only 1,300 members of the class of 2011 to have done so as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado As cadets of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 stand Springs, Colo. in formation in the background, U.S. Air Force AcadThe former cadet deputy commander for emy C4C Justin Lennon (center) visits with the squadDeer Valley Composite Squadron 302 credits rons deputy commander for cadets, 1st Lt. Casey Young (left), and SMSgt. Del Rubi about life at the academy. the training he received during more than The freshman is the squadrons former cadet deputy three years as a CAP cadet and squadron commander. member to his acceptance and successful first semester at the prestigious military institution. former U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth and the other Today, the Chaparral High School graduate is from U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl. A nine-member a cadet fourth class (C4C), a designation that USAFA selection committee then reviews the earns himself and other academy freshmen refer- applications and narrows the selection to apences such as 4 Degree, 4 Dig and Doolie proximately 1,360 candidates for admission. from upperclassmen. Cadet Lennon is taking it in Achieving an appointment is extremely comstride. petitive, Cadet Lennon says. My GPA (grade During your freshman year, or 4 Degree year, point average) during high school was not stelit can be pretty tough, Cadet Lennon says. lar, nor was my class rank; however, the Air Youre always having to be the follower with Force is not looking necessarily for the brightest few to no privileges at times, but it comes with students in the nation. Instead, it is looking for the territory. Some of the upperclassmen are nice well-rounded students to become good future to the freshmen while others can be rather strict. officers. But learning to be a follower is crucial before My SAT scores, athletics and, most notably, we can step up as leaders because we have to un- my CAP involvement helped me to become that derstand what our enlisted followers are feeling. officer candidate the Air Force is seeking. CAP And, it provides 4 Degrees the ability to evaluate proved to be an invaluable asset during the apupperclassmen's leadership styles and to learn plication process. Having attended Cadet Officer from their triumphs and mistakes. School and serving as a Phase IV cadet in CAP, Gaining entry to the academy was an exI got a brief glimpse of what being an Air Force tremely competitive process, he explains, noting officer is all about. That knowledge helped me he received nominations from two members of immensely during the numerous interviews. Arizonas congressional delegation one from (Continued on page 7) Full Throttle January 2008 Page 6

 Academy freshman learns balance

Continued from page 6) During his years as a squadron member, Cadet Lennon not only rose to his position as cadet deputy commander but also served as the squadron cadet executive officer and was a member of the 2006 CAP National Champion Drill Team. He also chaired the Arizona Wing Cadet Advisory Council (CAC), advising the Wing commander and director of cadet programs in aspects relating to Wing cadets. In addition, he represented all Arizona cadets as the primary representative to CAPs Southwest Region CAC. Arriving at the USAFA during the summer, Cadet Lennon says his first impression of life as a freshman was rather overwhelming. He continues, I, along with all the other freshmen, were a bit clueless, but I kept my mouth shut and did what I was told. This is another aspect where CAP helped to prepare me: Having attended a basic encampment and staffed numerous others, I was aware of what basic training was going to be like, and it helped me to get through. I did not find Basic Cadet Training (BCT) to be very difficult; it was just tiring and lengthy. After BCT, the Class of 2011 became part of the cadet wing on Acceptance Day, and the academic year started. It has proved rather difficult to balance the academic, athletic and military requirements placed upon a cadet during his life at USAFA, but I have managed quite nicely. Majoring in systems-engineering management (a combination of engineering and business), Cadet Lennon is taking a core curriculum required during the freshman and sophomore years before taking classes in his chosen major. His firstsemester courses were Introduction to Spanish, Calculus 1, World History, Introduction to Engineering and English along with Physical Development, which totaled 18 credit hours. Studies during the winter term will include Spanish 2, Calculus 2, Behavioral Science, Computer Science, Physics and Chemistry as well as Full Throttle boxing. Beginning with this new term and continuing until his senior year, his course load will consist of 21 credit hours each semester. During the summers, his academy activities will include skydiving and deUSAF Academy ploying to operaC4C Justin Lennon tional U.S. Air Force bases. The academics at the academy are extremely challenging but the teacher availability and small class sizes allow students to succeed, Cadet Lennon says. They give you a foundation and all the tools required to succeed, so as long as you apply yourself 100 percent, you will be able to handle it. There are intramurals, which have proven to be pretty fun and a way to take your mind off other stressful situations. Staying in shape also is not too difficult at an elevation of 7,500 feet once you adapt. It took me a while, but now a workout or two a week keeps me in good physical condition. He continues, Lastly is the military aspect, which is easy for some and difficult for others. For me, it has proven rather easy, once again because CAP has proved its benefits. Prior to inprocessing, I knew how to make hospital corners, iron uniforms, shine shoes, march, salute, follow customs and courtesies, etc., which gave me a huge head start and during the academic year. I have adapted quite well. So, balancing all those aspects along with playing for the USAFA club hockey team, being (Continued on page 8) Page 7

January 2008

 Lennon credits CAP for preparation

Continued from page 7) active in the student government at USAFA, and trying to have a little fun and a personal life gets taxing, but I get tons of opportunities I never would find at another school. One week I would be taking tests and writing papers. When the weekend rolled around, I was riding in a Blackhawk helicopter and shooting M-16s. It has proven to be well worth it and will only get better. After he graduates from USAFA in 2011, Cadet Lennon wants to become a pilot. Should I get my desired job I will go on what is called casual status, where I will work doing random jobs for an operational flying squadron as I wait my turn for Undergraduate Pilot Training. (UPT), Cadet Lennon says. My stepbrother graduated from USAFA with the Class of 2007 and is on casual status with an F-15 squadron at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida awaiting his turn for UPT. He was the one who got me interested in attending USAFA. Since arriving at the academy, Cadet Lennon has connected with several cadets from Arizona who he had befriended in CAP, including a senior, Aaron Bowens, and sophomores Eric Meyer and Zach Zimmerman, all of whom are former cadet commanders at Paradise Valley Cadet Squadron 310. Approximately 10 percent of USAFA graduates have been CAP members. I knew a lot of current and previous cadets coming in to USAFA, and that helped me to prepare, Cadet Lennon concludes. I don't think I was too surprised by anything and have handled it all very well. Once again, CAP really helped to prepare me for the military aspect, which allows me to focus on academics and athletics.

4 cadets gain advancement in grade

Congratulations are extended to the following four cadet members of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 who have earned grade advancements through their concentrated studies and perseverance: To Cadet Master Sergeant: Michael Padrick To Cadet Staff Sergeant: Alexander Patocs and Daniel Vogt To Cadet Senior Airman: Zachary Dieman

Study

Test

Promote

A healthy attitude is contagious, but dont wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.
Tom Stoppard English playwright and Oscar-winning screenwriter
Full Throttle January 2008 Page 8