News Archive

Step one...

December 21, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — For those who would like to see the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter for themselves, here’s what to do:

Find a spot with an unobstructed view of the sky, such as a field or park. Jupiter and Saturn are bright, so they can be seen even from most cities.

An hour after sunset, look to the southwestern sky. Jupiter will look like a bright star and be easily visible. Saturn will be slightly fainter and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter until December 21, when Jupiter will overtake it and they will reverse positions in the sky.

The planets can be seen with the unaided eye, but if you have binoculars or a small telescope, you may be able to see Jupiter’s four large moons orbiting the giant planet. Engage with us!

 

Another glimpse

December 19, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — More from Wreaths Across America at Pine Grove Cemetary. Engage with us!

 

Serving by remembering their service

December 19, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Come rain or snow our squadron is willing to help our community and honor our community members! Engage with us!

 

In the news

December 19, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — "They soar into the desert skies, piloting some of the most sophisticated aircraft the world has ever seen. They have an innate understanding of high-performance aircraft and are always pushing the boundaries on performance.

They are the small cadre of flight test pilots who graduate from the US Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS) at Edwards Air Force Base in California -- and this year they include a group of five women, a record number." Read more. Engage with us!

 

What snow day?

December 17, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — The great thing about virtual meetings is snow isn't a problem! A full house of smiles and learning tonight! Join us every Wednesday evening for good times! Engage with us!

 

Dedication

December 16, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Excellence is one of our core values. Sometimes that manifests in the professionalism we conduct ourselves with when participating in search and rescue missions and sometimes it's putting in extra time on a weekend to proctor a PT for a cadet promotion. Thank you Captain Rolfe for all you do! Engage with us!

Virtual fieldtrip around the globe

December 14, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Thank you to the Westminster Astronomical Society, Inc.(WASI) for allowing our squadron to join your speaker event. Also thank you Kirsten Banks you were an awesome speaker! "The history of astronomy runs deep in Australian culture with the longest living culture in the world. Aboriginal peoples have intimately studied the skies for tens of thousands of years and have included the movements of the stars and planets in their cultural star lore. Kirsten Banks, a Wiradjuri astrophysicist, shared some incredible uses of the stars by her ancestors and the different perspectives of the sky that Aboriginal peoples recognise in Australia." For those who may have missed her, here is a bit more about her here Engage with us!

 

End of an era

December 8, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Sad news to report today. He will continue to inspire generations of aerospace enthusiasts. Engage with us!

 

Birds are good partners in aerospace education

December 2, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — A full house tonight! And even a few pet appearances as we learned about the importance of feedback and professional development opportunities! Engage with us!

 

Give thanks

November 26, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We're thankful all of you are part of our family! Happy Thanksgiving! Engage with us!

 

Just a little update

November 25, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Capt Laura Smith-Velazquez Commander of Mount Airy Composite Squadron is working on her CAP Form 5 (checkride), flying this past week with Lt Col Tony Vallillo so she can train as a Mission Pilot for Search and Rescue. She completed her Mission Observer qualification which is right seat mission command responcibilities earlier this year on her birthday and yesterday completed her first flight for her Aerial Photography qualification with instructor Richard Marko. This set the stage for these next steps in volunteering. "I am very excited to fly with great CAP pilots who are dedicated to professionalism and excellence!" Engage with us!

 

Hello hello

November 25, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Tonight we discussed the importance of communication (at all levels! ) and went over some of the steps for obtaining specialty qualifications (communication about goals should start as early as possible!). Everyone is definitely going to be in the loop from now on! Engage with us!

 

Reminder

November 21, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Due to government guidance, our squadron day has been moved online. Please message us if you are interested in participating in a squadron meeting. Engage with us!

 

Launch!

November 17, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Hope you all were able to catch the launch this weekend. If not, here is a neat Live tour of SpaceX Dragon. Engage with us!

 

Wing recognition

November 14, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We're into the afternoon sessions and still going strong with this year's Maryland Wing Conference! We even got to see our members recognized from Wright Brothers to Spaatz to senior members! Engage with us!

Hurry before it's too late!

November 11, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Reminder: Today is the last day to sign up for the Maryland Wing Conference! Check in with us!

 

Online thank yous

November 11, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Today also marks the opening of the National Native American Veterans Memorial. Visit the virtual opening ceremony and online exhibits no matter the weather! Engage with us!

 

Thank you!

November 11, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We are always proud of our members, and on this day we are especially proud of the veterans among us. Thank you for all you do for us! Engage with us!

 

Keeping on keeping on

November 3, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Voyager Probe is still going! NASA's Deep Space Network allows Earth-bound scientists to communicate with spacecraft and rovers across the solar system. The network consists of three huge telescopes located in the US, Spain and Australia. Engage with us!

 

Like we said...it's not that we do it for the food/candy

October 31, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Join us out at the Mt Airy Candy Crawl! We'll be here all day! Engage with us!

 

Promotions!

October 28, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Promotions night! We also had a bit of festivity and caught a glimpse of our transportation officer hard at work and socially conscientious! Engage with us!

Getting together

October 22, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Senior Member Program in full swing with our new Volunteer University. Capt Winters and Capt Smith-Velazquez met today and reviewed the new Professional Levels pages in e-Services and reviewed each SMs personal goals. Then we took a walk for some exercise! Over the next quarter we will meet with each SM to help provide resources, mentoring, and to make sure they get as much out of CAP as they give to our squadron. We appreciate each and every one of you! Engage with us!

 

Action on the ground and in space!

October 22, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — As it turns out ES training can be applied to space exploration too! Join us every Wednesday evening to learn about finding the lost and discovering the unknown (and learn about flying from your fellow cadets too)! Engage with us!

 

Watch live!

October 20, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Watch NASA live TV as they sample asteroid Bennu Engage with us!

 

Pika Pursuit

October 18, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We had a big day of Ground Team and Urban Direction Finding training today! We got so much done and rescued "someone" too! Thank you so much to College Park Composite Squadron for hosting today! Engage with us!

 

Final salute

October 17, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We had the honor of participating in the funeral of former Mt Airy Composite Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Judith McLellan. She touched many lives during her years in Civil Air Patrol and will be deeply missed. We are grateful for the legacy she helped build for us. Engage with us!

 

PT live

October 14, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Things got a bit intense at PT. But that's okay we still had enough energy to do some ICUT training afterwards! Engage with us!

 

Real talk

October 7, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We talked about suicide prevention today. It's a heavy subject, but know that in Civil Air Patrol you always have a wingman looking out for you and ready to listen. Engage with us!

 

It's not that we're doing it for the food...

October 4, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Finished off a busy week with cook duty. We were happy to help out (and get a chance to have Mission BBQ)! We were also fortunate enough get a peek behind the scenes. You never know what opportunities will arise in CAP! Engage with us!

 

Lift off!

September 30, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — A little rocketry and star fighting. Join us Wednesday nights for all the fun! Engage with us!

 

I'm leaving on a trail way. Don't know when I'll be back again.

September 20, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Officially hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail and touched a few clouds today! Engage with us!

Prepare yourself

September 24, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — The Arsenal of Democracy flyover is tomorrow! If you can't make it to DC you can catch the live stream here! Engage with us!

 

T minus...a bit more

September 23, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Woohoo! More rocketry! More presentations! More promotions! It's great to be together and get so much accomplished even if we're apart. Be sure and join us every Wednesday to start on your path of achievement! Engage with us!

 

T minus...

September 16, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We're off to a good start with rocketry and self-improvement this week! For those wanting to get a start on the stage tests you can find the study material here. Engage with us!

 

Learning and discovering

September 13, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Had a great time yesterday learning skills to better serve our community in case the need for search and rescuing arises! While we were really busy learning we did find a few interesting things along the way... Engage with us!

 

On this day...

September 11, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — On this day nineteen years ago Civil Air Patrol flew one of its most important photo missions. Engage with us.

 

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night

September 9, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Who needs a traditional classroom set up to teach? We sure don't! Just a bit of enthusiasm and willingness to learn! Engage with us!

Reporting live from the air

September 6, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — It was a lovely day for bay patrol. And even better to see everyone enjoying it safely! Be advised, motor traffic over the bridges is...well...as you might expect. >D Engage with us!

Leaving the nest

August 31, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — In addition to earning his Mitchell Award C/ 2nd Lt Madsen also recently earned his glider solo wings. Future pilot in the making! Engage with us!

 

Catching up

August 26, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We had a VERY busy promotions night catching up on all the promotions our cadets have been racking up over the last few months including C/ 2nd Lt Madsen’s Mitchell Award! We are so proud of our cadets (and our senior members) for their continual dedication to their personal development! Engage with us!

Coding cadets

August 19, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — One of the great things about Civil Air Patrol is the horizons of what you can learn are so much wider than you might expect. For tonight's Aerospace lesson we started learning about coding in Python! Join us online every Wednesday night to see just how much there is to explore! Engage with us!

 

Favorite day of the year

August 19, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Engage with us!

 

Conference conclusion

August 15, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Wow, and that's a wrap for the Civil Air Patrol 2020 National Conference (Well, almost...now to watch all the sessions we couldn't before ^.~)! Engage with us!

 

Conference craziness

August 15, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We’re well into day two of the national conference and it’s still so hard to pick which session to attend! But don’t worry, you can watch the recordings of the sessions you missed! Engage with us!

 

National Conference from the comfort of home

August 14, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Technology is awesome! We can still be engaged and connect with each other while we are apart. Be sure and check out the CAP National Conference if you haven’t already! Engage with us!

 

In the flow

August 12, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Working on risk management for senior members and SDAs for cadets this week. Keeping busy online every Wednesday night! Engage with us!

 

Helping locally

July 23, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — The Mt Airy Composite Squadron joins in the spirit of community support and continues the CAP tradition of civic service. The familiar faces may be masked, but the work speaks volumes. Thank you all for giving of your time and energy. Engage with us!

 

EA-yay!

July 22, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Don't forget this week is EAA Spirit of Aviation Week! Join in on the fun online if you haven't already. Engage with us!

 

Family achievements

July 22, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We got more practice in presentation and leadership skills this week and had a chance to give our congratulations to the Buzzard family before they start off on new adventures! The Buzzards have been a pillar of the squadron for years! Check out some of those bragging rights! Thank you again for all your years of hard work and we wish you the best in all your future endeavors! Engage with us!

 

One good reason to be attached to your phone

July 15, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Tonight's emergency services lesson was on utilizing phone alerts. One of the first steps in a successful mission is getting information out to the team. Join us Wednesday nights to learn more about how to be part of the Civil Air Patrol emergency services mission! Engage with us!

Buckle Up

July 8, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Wow, what a great time to get into aerospace! The final frontier is out there on the horizon! Engage with us!

Happy birthday to you...

July 4, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Happy Birthday, America! Engage with us!

 

Helping locals

July 3, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Today's mission: Assisting with Baltimore-Towson food distribution point! Engage with us!

Drop and give me 50

July 1, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We had some technical issues but that didn’t keep us from some PT and talking about heroism. Hero's are made every day! Engage with us!

Get after it

June 24, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — What an awesome night! Our cadets take demonstrate personal responsibility and leadership when it comes to their personal development. Congratulations all! Engage with us!

PPE

June 17, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Learning about personal protection for emergency services. Stay safe out there everyone! Engage with us!

Goal: Space

June 10, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Learning aerospace education and goal setting meet in a talk about SpaceX. Achieving your dreams is just one small step at a time! Engage with us!

Achievements

May 27, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We're very excited to announce not only do we have a promotion for one cadet but a Mitchell Award for another! We're so proud our cadets keep moving forward no matter the circumstances! Engage with us!

Senior send off

May 27, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Congratulations to the graduating aviators of 2020! And an extra special congratulations to Cadets Buzzard and Grasley! We've had the great fortune of working with the two of you and wish the best for you in your futures! Engage with us!

 

Remember

May 25, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Always remember. Engage with us!

 

Senior flights

May 20, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Many schools are finishing the 2020 academic year without the traditional festivities, but AOPA is doing something about it. If you know any graduating aviators submit their photos to AOPA for recognition! Engage with us!

 

Horizons of all kinds

May 20, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Perhaps you've taken up walking or hiking in the last few weeks. Or maybe you've been following the fly-overs across the country. Whichever category you're in Civil Air Patrol has training for you! Join us online every Wednesday to expand your horizons! Engage with us!

CPT. It's PT, but cyber.

May 6, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Another great meeting on the books! We checked in on our fitness goals and we're seeing gains! Keep up the good work! Engage with us!

 

Fifth week fun

April 29, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — For our fifth week we had a great mix of learning a bit of aerospace with Jeopardy and learning a bit about our fellow airmen with some show and tell. Safe to say the winning presentation was the DCS World flight simulator DCS World flight demo! Engage with us!

Racking up awards

April 22, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Our cadets are still going strong! Not just in their presenting skills but in their promoting. We're going to have a stack of awards to hand out once we get back to our regular meetings! Major Strong You'll have to visit us again! Engage with us!

 

Can do!

April 17, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Our motto is, "Can do!" and we continue to do as we help pack medical supplies aiding in the efforts against coronavirus. Engage with us!

 

Remote ES

April 15, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Today's remote meeting was on emergency services. Do you want to help look for emergency locator transmitters in aircraft and watercraft or search for missing hikers? Read on to find out how you serve your community through Civil Air Patrol! Engage with us!

 

Rocket man

December 18, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Learning about the foundations of rocketry is so interesting. Especially seeing how people envisioned the future! Contact us if you would like to join our weekly meetings online! Engage with us!

 

On the road

April 4, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Our very own Capt Laura Smith-Velazquez and 2nd Lt Mulhern got a chance to lend a hand with CAP's COVID-19 response by packing and transporting medical supplies to local hospitals working with the Department of Health and Human Services. Every little bit helps! Engage with us!

 

Cyber promotions

March 25, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Just because you can't meet in person doesn't mean you can't meet and get things done! We had a great night of learning about cyber security and even had a batch of promotions! Congratulations to all of our cadets for your hard work and continuing dedication! Engage with us!

 

Bits, bytes and cadets

March 18, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — First official virtual meeting on the books! CAP of the 21st century!Engage with us!

 

Usernames and passwords

March 17, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Reminder: Mt Airy Composite Squadron is hosting virtual meetings during our normal meeting time. If you have not received an invite, double check your email then contact your chain of command. See you there! Engage with us!

 

Welcome to the Matrix

March 15, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — No CAP meetings in person? No problem! Mt. Airy Composite Squadron just had a great test run of our virtual meeting set up! Semper gumby! Engage with us!

 

Ready, set, pace yourself

March 4, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Wow! Another great night of PT. Special congratulations to Cadet Snyder who reached 96 on the pacer run and Cadet Madsen for 59 push ups! Keep up the good work! Engage with us!

Staying strong with promotions

February 26, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We had a special guest for tonight's promotions! Maj. John Strong presented three different special awards to our members commending their dedication to service through Civil Air Patrol. What a great compliment to our leadership presentation on the importance of volunteering! Engage with us!

 

Airfield trip

February 22, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We had a great time with Mavericks R/C Flying Club today! It was a little windy but we still got to fly a lot of different aircraft! Engage with us!

 

Q&D

February 19, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Questions, answers and drill! All in a night's work with CAP. If you have questions about joining we're happy to have you visit us every Wednesday night for answers! Learn more about what we're doing!

 

Colors renewed

February 12, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — We're so excited to have new color guard equipment! We're getting closer to having a new way to serve our community! Engage with us!

Keeping the blood flowing

February 6 18, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — It was kinda chilly last night, but we warmed things up with a little circuit training! Fire up you Wednesday night's by join us (Don't worry PT is only once a month)! Run with us!

Interdiscplinary fun

January 31, 2020 – Damascus, Md. — Thank you so much to all the great people at Han Mi Martial Arts for giving us an introductory demo of Gracie Jiu-Jutsu, Taekwondo, and Kendo. You all really made our fifth week activity a blast! And an extra special thank you to C/MSgt Jumagbas of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol for helping out with the Taekwondo portion!! Check in with us!

Making plans

January 27, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — For members participating in our 5th week activity please meet at the VFW parking lot Wednesday evening. If you had a change and can now attend please bring your permission form too! Engage in with us!

 

A special thanks

January 27, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — C/Capt Buzzard wants to thank Maryland Wing, Civil Air Patrol and Mt Airy Composite Squadron for introducing her to flight; Hot Air Balloon, Glider and Powered, fixed wing! She takes with her the servant leadership and desire to give back to community and country. Engage with us!

 

Searching high and low

January 26, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Capt Rolfe taking a bearing off of Cadet Rolfe's shoulder while Cadet Rolfe uses UDF equipment to hone in on the signal. Thanks to the Commander for sending this in from the the field! Track with us!

The family that promotes together

January 22, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Congratulations to all our members promoting tonight! Especially to our family double promotion! We were also very lucky to have Major Ralph talk to us about CAP's sUAS mission. Get in on our all the cool activities we're doing by joining us every Wednesday! Engage with us!

Hot off the press

December 15, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Getting reports the squadron made the front page of the Mt Airy Messenger today. Keep an eye out! Engage with us!

 

Business as usual

January 15, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Full house tonight! But we're always happy to have more so join us every Wednesday night! Engage with us!

 

Future planning

January 8, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Deciding what emergency service qualifications to focus on is so difficult...can't we just do them all!? Engage with us!

 

Taking flight

January 2, 2020 – Frederick, Md. — Cadet Captain Raegan Buzzard achieves first solo in her quest for a private pilot's certificate. A Ray Aviation Scholarship recipient, through EAA Chapter 524, Buzzard flew at Frederick Municipal Airport with Bravo Flight Training School. Her desire for flight was nurtured with Maryland Wing Civil Air Patrol and fostered through the various opportunities offered through the National Cadet Special Activities. Engage with us!

 

First flight of the year

January 2, 2020 – Mount Airy, Md. — Off to a great start this year with some aircraft safety and ultimate pidgeon (the frisbee only lasted two minutes)! Join us throughout the rest of 2020 for more learning and fun! Engage with us.

To all a good night

December 24, 2019 – Mount Airy, Md. — Reminder: No meeting this week. Merry Christmas all! Engage with us!

 

Nesting lessons

December 18, 2019 – Mount Airy, Md. — What a great way to end 2019! An etymology lesson from Major Strong inside of a lesson on human factors, cadets mentoring each other, and a promotion! Thank you to everyone for a great year! Engage with us!

 

The red nose helps with tracking

December 18, 2019 — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, NORAD tracks everything that flies in and around North America in defense of our homelands. On Dec. 24, we have the very special mission of also tracking Santa.
NORAD has been tracking Santa since 1955 when a young child accidently dialed the unlisted phone number of the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, believing she was calling Santa Claus after seeing a promotion in a local newspaper.

Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup, the commander on duty that night, was quick to realize a mistake had been made, and assured the youngster that CONAD would guarantee Santa a safe journey from the North Pole.

Thus a tradition was born that rolled over to NORAD when it was formed in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has dutifully reported Santa's location on Dec. 24 to millions across the globe.

Thanks to the services and resources generously provided by numerous corporate contributors and volunteers, NORAD Tracks Santa has persevered for more than 60 years.

Though the program began due to a misdialed number, NORAD Tracks Santa has flourished and is recognized as one of the Department of Defense's largest community outreach programs.

Each year, the NORAD Tracks Santa Web Site receives nearly fifteen million unique visitors from more than 200 countries and territories around the world. Volunteers receive more than 130,000 calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline from children around the globe. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, NORAD tracks everything that flies in and around North America in defense of our homelands. On Dec. 24, we have the very special mission of also tracking Santa. Follow him! Engage with us.

 

Wreaths Across America 2019 - caught by the Sun

December 15, 2019 – Mount Airy, Md. — Carroll County Times caught a glimpse of us during Wreaths Across America in Mt Airy! Read the story. Engage with us!

 

Wreaths Across America 2019

December 14, 2019 – Mount Airy, Md. — Today we had the honor of participating in the inaugural Wreaths Across America ceremony at Pine Grove Chapel and Cemetary in Mt. Airy. Thank you to the over 300 community members who helped honor the 290 veterans resting at Pine Grove. Engage with us.

 

Guest speaker and a bit of flying

December 11, 2019 – Mount Airy, Md. — Thanks to our wonderful guest speaker Ray Gamero (a former cadet!) we had a great time learning a bit about careers in aviation and flying small UAS! The cadets picked up pretty quickly and even tried landing on a target. Join us every Wednesday for more great activities! Engage with us!

 

Mt Airy Composite Squadron recognized in Maryland Wing outstanding members for 2019 awards event

December 7, 2019 – MIDDLE RIVER, Md. — Second Lieutenant Dave Mulhern is recognized as Maryland Wing Safety Officer of the year. Mt. Airy Composite Squadron is recognized as one of fifteen Quality Cadet Units. Read the full article on the Maryland Wing website.

 

Mt Airy CAP cadets attend 175th Communications Flight change of command

By Captain Nathan Rolfe, Deputy Commander for Cadets

November 18, 2019 — Cadet Staff Sergeant Micah Mulhern and Cadet Airman First Class Alexander Rolfe joined Captain Nathan Rolfe, Mt. Airy Composite Squadron Deputy Commander for Cadets, for the 175th Communications Flight change of command. Many senior officers from Maryland Air National Guard (MDANG), to include Brigadier General Johnson, Commander of the 175th Wing, were on site. The Cadets were able to meet Major Joe Winter, USAF (Col Winter, CAP, MD Wing Commander) who was also in attendance.

After some active networking with other Civil Air Patrol and Air National Guard attendees, Captain Rolfe and the cadets swung by the pilots' lounge for a chance to take pictures of the planes. One of the pilots was kind enough to take them out to the flight line and gave an impromptu tour of the aircraft. He briefed the cadets on many of the features and capabilities of the A-10, ending with an opportunity for each cadet to take a close look at the cockpit. He also spoke a little about his personal path to being an A-10 pilot and gave some solid advice and mentoring to the cadets.

 

Mt. Airy cadet follows father’s footsteps and earns Mitchell Award

By 1st Lt Elizabeth Linares, Public Affairs Officer

October 28, 2019 – MOUNT AIRY, Md. — Cadet Second Lieutenant Dylan Marty of the Mount Airy Composite Squadron, a unit in Civil Air Patrol’s Maryland Wing, earned the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award, following his father, who earned the same award 33 years ago. Pursuing integrity, excellence, service and respect cadets dedicate themselves to strong character development and C/2nd Lt. Marty is no exception. During this past year, Marty has vigorously participated in program activities while going above and beyond in performance of weekly leadership duties within the squadron. He also has participated in numerous other squadron supported activities. These have included, in part, quarterly squadron hiking trips, Memorial Day parade and festivities in the Nation’s Capital, and laying wreaths upon veteran gravesites at the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., in conjunction with CAP’s annual Wreaths Across America ceremonies. Most impressively, Marty volunteered for and was deployed with fellow squadron members to assist in relief efforts for victims of Hurricane Florence in North Carolina.

Continuing his upward trajectory, Marty attended and graduated from a week-long encampment activity. Pursuing the achievement of strong leadership, Marty passed the comprehensive leadership and aerospace exams to earn the prestigious Gen. Billy Mitchell Achievement Award, which was presented in an August ceremony. This accomplishment, in addition to new academic scholarship opportunities, is recognized by the U.S. Air Force with eligibility for promotion to E-3 upon enlistment.

The Mitchell award was established in 1964 in honor of Brig. Gen. William “Billy” Mitchell for his contributions to aviation both in and out of the cockpit. During World War I, Mitchell served as a combat airman earning recognition for his courage and leadership from both the American military as well as foreign allies. After returning to America, Mitchell spent the rest of his life advocating the development of aviation for use in the American military. Today he is commonly referred to as the, “Father of the United States Air Force.”

In the 55 years since the award’s institution, fewer than 71,000 awards have been issued. Mount Airy Composite Squadron and its members are proud to be a part of a family’s tradition of excellence.

The squadron provides encouragement and support to cadets as they learn principles of leadership character development and fitness while pushing new limits in the promotion of aerospace and cyber technology. Civil Air Patrol youth program core values help transform young men and women into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders.

 

2019 Summer CAP fun

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

August 4, 2019

“The time will come when Winter will ask you what you were doing all Summer. “ – Henry Clay

Summer 2019. Mt Airy, MD, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets spread their wings and travel to CAP sponsored events across the country. Mt Airy Composite Squadron, a unit of the Maryland Wing (MDWG) Civil Air Patrol, is honored to have a cadet cadre that performs the squadron’s “Can Do” motto, they learn and they lead. The Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders; many astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists first explored their careers through CAP. 

Civil Air Patrol’s path to leadership begins with encampment. Encampment is a full immersion, military-style, training environment that inspires cadets to learn aerospace sciences and related careers, commit to a habit of regular exercise, solidify their moral character and develop leadership skills. It is an intensive environment that challenges cadets to move beyond their normal comfort zones and fosters personal growth. Encampments provide cadets with opportunities to participate in team building exercises, orientation flights, leadership courses and emergency services training. Self-confidence and personal pride are some of the benefits in completing the weeklong activity. Cadets must attend an encampment to qualify for access to CAP’s National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA) Programs. 

NCSA programs are national programs that require cadets to qualify through a nationwide selection process. Beyond the core CAP cadet program curriculum, cadets have opportunities to follow their own interests and explore potential careers. The higher a cadet advances in cadet grade, the greater ranges of opportunities become available. NCSA’s provide cadets with hands-on experience, opportunities to develop and practice skills under the guidance of experienced CAP senior members and certified pilot instructors

Mt Airy Cadet Airman First Class (C/A1C) Alexander Rolfe, Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) Conner McGarrah and Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSgt) Micah Mulhern participated in the West Virginia Wing, Encampment. Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMSgt) Dimitry Madsen participated in the Tri-Wing Encampment, serving Maryland, Delaware and National Capitol.  These young men completed their first encampment and are eager to sign on for more challenges and adventure.

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant (C/CMSgt) Dylan Marty returned to the West Virginia Wing Encampment as a Cadet Flight Sergeant. Cadet Captain (C/Capt) Raegan Buzzard returned to the National Flight Academy – Great Lakes Region (NFA-GLR) in Oshkosh Wisconsin as cadet liaison. Last, and definitely not least, Cadet Captain (C/Capt) Aurora Albertson returned to Hawk Mountain Search and Rescue School for staff training, attended Glider Encampment at Eastern Soaring Center in West Virginia and joins the Wyoming Wing Encampment as Flight Commander.

These cadets have spent their summer honing their leadership skills, pursuing personal growth and career interests. They lead the way as tomorrow’s aerospace leaders and look forward to potential opportunities and challenges. Cadet Captain Raegan Buzzard’s favorite quote to any cadet or potential cadet is,  “If I can do it, so can you!”

A Night of recognition and achievement at Mt Airy Composite Squadron

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

March 18, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron, a unit within the Maryland Wing (MDWG) of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) celebrated a night of promotion and awards on 27 February 2019 at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy, Maryland.Major John Strong, Group 1 Commander, MDWG, officiated the ceremony as the squadron and its members celebrated another milestone award. Three cadets, three phases achieved within the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and all recipients are success stories.

Cadet Raegan Buzzard began her journey with CAP, the official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, while living in Germany with her family. Five years and five commanders later, she has experienced leadership and flight academies, staffed CAP sponsored activities, developed self-confidence and proven her ability to lead. Cadet Buzzard is the recipient of the 18469^thAmelia Earhart Award since the award’s inception in 1964. She is promoted to the grade of cadet captain and is challenged to lead and serve junior-ranking cadets. This milestone marks the completion of Phase III of CAP cadet program and she begins her journey in Phase IV, the executive phase. Furthermore, cadets earning the Amelia Earhart award become eligible to represent the United States in the International Air Cadet Exchange. Much like the aviatrix the award was named after, cadet Buzzard is pursuing a career as a pilot and engineer. Her words of encouragement were “If I can do it, so can you.” She firmly believes that everyone can succeed. The Amelia Earhart Award honors an aviatrix, writer, and champion for civil rights who set many records in aviation’s infancy before her famous disappearance during her attempt to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. 

Cadet Aurora Albertson is one of the squadron’s youngest super achievers. She completed Phase II, the leadership phase, of CAP’s cadet program and received the General Billy Mitchell Award within two years of joining Civil Air Patrol. Cadet Albertson promotes in grade to first lieutenant as she progresses through Phase III, the command phase. Not having narrowed down her career path, she embraces everything CAP has to offer; emergency services, ground team qualifications, powered and non-powered flight, rocketry and staff positions at CAP sponsored activities.

Cadet Alexander Rolfe joined Mt Airy Composite squadron about the same time that cadet Albertson achieved her General Billy Mitchell Award. Currently the squadron’s youngest cadet, he is proving to be another success story in the making. Cadet Rolfe promoted to the grade of airman first class, completing the second achievement within Phase I, the learning phase, of the cadet program. Although still in middle school, cadet Rolfe already shows an avid interest and talent in robotics, aviation design, engineering and coding. 

The General Billy Mitchell Award has existed since 1964. This award honors the late General Billy Mitchell, an aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent air force for America.

2019 Feb – Snow day cancellation

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

February 20, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron met at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy Chapter. The regularly scheduled meeting for the third Wednesday of the month, would have focused on emergency services training, however, was canceled due to inclement weather. SNOW!

 

2019 Feb – Aerospace

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

February 13, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron met at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy Chapter. The regularly scheduled meeting for the second Wednesday of the month focused on aerospace education. This evening the squadron reviewed the aerodynamics of an airplane; form and function of a wing, the science behind the camber of the wing. Following the lesson, seniors and cadets were challenged to create a variety of paper airplanes and measure the distance of travel for each design.

 

2019 Feb – Physical Fitness

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

February 6, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron met at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy Chapter. The regularly scheduled meeting for the first Wednesday of the month focused physical fitness training. Senior members delivered a busy and engaging night. 

Mr. Mulhern started the evening with a safety brief and discussion. The discussion focused on texting and phone addiction; safety issues while driving, walking, working, or in classroom. Mr. Milliner followed Mr. Mulhern’s discussion with an exploration on character development; the evening’s topic was excellence. Last, but not least, Captain Rolfe began the physical fitness portion of the night. The cadets explored plyometric exercises. Using gravity and personal body weight to provide resistance, the cadets were encouraged to vary hand and leg placement to exercise different muscles within the same muscle group. They were encouraged to try this at home in their personal routines. 

 

2019 January Promotions

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

January 23, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron met at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy Chapter. The regularly scheduled meeting for the fourth Wednesday of the month focused leadership training, awards and promotion. There is no holding these dynamic cadets back. They continue to forge ahead; learning, leading and accomplishing their next advancement. Congratulations to the following:

• Conner McGarrah – Cadet Senior Airman
• Conner Snyder – Cadet Master Sergeant
• Dimitry Madsen – Cadet Senior Master Sergeant

 

2019 January Emergency Services

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

January 16, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron met at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy Chapter. The regularly scheduled meeting for the third Wednesday of the month focused emergency services training. Captain Rolfe continues to mentor and build the emergency services team at Mt Airy Composite squadron. Seniors and cadets continue to participate in the Maryland Wing pathways program and bring back questions and need for additional practice. This evening’s venue included safety and first aid.

 

2019 January Aerospace Night

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

January 9, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron met at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy Chapter. The regularly scheduled meeting for the second Wednesday of the month focused on aerospace education.  The International Space Station discussion continues from last month. NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and beyond was also a topic of conversation. The thrust of the aerospace topic was in the international cooperation, modular design and, most importantly, the proximity of creative work done here in Maryland. Thinking outside the box is not a new concept. The fact that people are actually pursuing their interests and getting results is a reason to celebrate and emulate.  The evening was concluded with the completion of an International Space Station model.

 

2019 January Physical Fitness

By 1st Lt Mary Alvarado, Public Affairs Officer

January 2, 2019

Mt Airy Composite Squadron met at the Izaak Walton League of America, Mt Airy Chapter. The regularly scheduled meeting for the first Wednesday of the month focused physical fitness training, safety and character development.

Physical fitness training (PT) began with a safety pre-check. Cadets were encouraged to check the vicinity for vehicles, obstacles and surface conditions. Warm-up exercises and stretches were conducted with a focus on form. A mile run and relays finished off the PT segment of the night’s events.

The safety focus was vehicle preparedness. The AAA Guide to Personal Safety was used as a model for discussion. The problem prevention checklist was especially helpful; safety equipment and supplies will be assembled for the Civil Air Patrol vehicle. Be prepared.

Senior member Lee Milliner prepared a lesson plan on the topic of integrity. Using Civil Air Patrol’s new Values for Living 2.0 character curriculum, he facilitated the lesson that is designed to instill the virtues of ethical leadership in cadets. Each lesson comes with a video resource. The video was followed with interactive questions and answers.

Cadets led flight-time, a review on customs/courtesies and emergency services checklist. These concluded the evening activities. So much to do . . . so little time!