Lt. Johnny Rice says, “I’m 15 miles offshore out in the ocean North of coverage to make the ReadyOp (weekly communications) net. “
of Craig between killer whales and salmon fishing and have enough dedicated communicator if there ever was one!
Setting Up a Remote HF Communications System for “20 Seconds More”
by Lt. Col. Bryan Emerson
On Saturday afternoon, August 9, the Mobile Asset Team, consisting of Capt. Wayne Harrah, C/CMSgt Felix Siegfried , Lt. Col. Jerremie Siegfried and me, set up a remote high frequency radio station in Chistochina, Alaska. We were graciously given food and lodging by Capt. Richard Dennis and his wife, Judy, at their Red Eagle Lodge (http://redeaglelodge.net/).
The basic steps in establishing such a station are to clear the area for safety issues, open the Rapid Deployment kit, connect a long wire strung through a nearby tree to the antenna tuner, spread out ground radials and wire them to the tuner, plug in the power and microphone and, voila, you are ready to make your first call.
We divided ourselves into duty positions with C/Siegfried and me as alternating radio operators, Lt. Col. Siegfried as scribe and Capt. Harrah as teacher/guru/troubleshooter/forward-thinker.
We connected with several stations around the Wing but it was a lot of calling, waiting, writing and guessing where to go next. Private messaging in group through Trillion really helped us coordinate which frequencies to use, but we know not to rely on it if the grid were down.
Late the first evening we set up an identical second station, although it was connected to a two parallel wire folded dipole antenna, instead of the long wire and, to our amazement, the long wire performed better.
What did we learn? Don’t stop regular transmissions. Listen. Change channels. Understand how atmospheric conditions affect band effectiveness. Be careful to install antennas away from where people may walk. We are not the top of the food chain (bring bear spray just in case). Hydrate.
Please participate in the sequel exercise next March!
Photos courtesy of Lt. Col. Bryan Emerson: Capt. Wayne Harrah (opposite top), C/CMSgt Felix Siegfried and Lt. Col. Jerremie Siegfried (opposite bottom left).
Civil Air Patrol practices disaster response
Homer cadets and senior members were part of a statewide exercise last weekend.
By Delcenia Cosman • August 12, 2025
Homer News, https://www.homernews.com/ news/civil-air-patrol-practices-disaster-response/
Civil Air Patrol Cadet 1st Lt. Hugh Traugott (above right) works with Cadet Airman First Class Audrey Crocker (above left) during a statewide training exercise on disaster response on Aug. 9-10, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Senior Member Mariah Greenwald).
Homer’s Civil Air Patrol squadron took part in a statewide disaster response exercise this past weekend, joining CAP members in nearly 20 locations throughout Alaska and several states in the Lower 48.
Taking place Aug 9-10, this “significant” training event was part of the CAP Alaska Wing’s “Twenty Seconds More” exercise, a scenario based on a magnitude
7.1 earthquake that hit Anchorage in November 2018 and lasted for 30 seconds. The scenario imagines the impact on the Anchorage area if the earthquake had lasted 20 seconds longer and asks what disaster response would be necessary as a result.
According to a preliminary statement released by Lt. Col. Bryan Emerson, Public Affairs Officer for the Alaska Wing, the overall objective of the exercise was to better prepare the Civil Air Patrol in Alaska to respond to a variety of disasters, including catastrophic accidents, seismic activity and homeland security.
Last weekend, 57 CAP members took part in the exercise and practiced operating high frequency radios in multiple locations within the Alaska network, including Homer, Kenai, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Valdez, Chistochina, Juneau and Craig. According to Emerson, there was also one radio in operation in multiple other states, including Idaho, New Mexico, Iowa, Kansas, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Washington and Missouri.
Emerson also told told Homer News on Monday that Air Force representatives came out to observe the exercise and were “impressed.” The Civil Air Patrol is a U.S. Air Force auxiliary organization.
A follow-on exercise is currently scheduled for March 2026.
Senior Members Adam Greenwald (left) and Nathan Traugott work with Civil Air Patrol Homer Squadron cadets to prepare 24-hour mission packs for a disaster response exercise on Aug. 9-10, 2025, in Alaska. (Photo courtesy of Senior Member Mariah Greenwald).
Civil Air Patrol Homer Squadron Senior Member Jon Crocker takes part in the disaster response exercise that occurred Aug. 9-10, 2025, across the state of Alaska. (Photo courtesy of SM Jon Crocker).
Arctic Shield 2025
by Capt. Eric Choate
Capt Choate and 1st Lt Carrol arrived in Anchorage on July 6th via commercial airlines in support of the 2025 Arctic Shield mission. The Arctic Shield mission consists of transporting USCG inspectors to remote Alaskan villages so they may conduct inspections of fuel storage facilities, including spill con-
tainment plans. On July 7th, Choate and Carrol met with local CAP instructor pilots Ryan Porter and Chris Becker for local ops training and to practice gravel airport operations in the Anchorage area with landings at Goose Bay, Big Lake, Wasilla, and Palmer before returning to Lake Hood. On July 8th, Choate and Carrol departed Lake Hood in a Cessna 206, and Cessna 182 bound for Bethel. Due to weather and terrain, the
pair chose a route with a stop for fuel at Lake Iliamna. Between July 8th and July 12th, the pair transported USCG inspectors to the villages of Kalskag, Aniak, McGrath, Hooper Bay, Toksook Bay, Stebbins, and Pilot Station. Weather ranged from IFR, to MVFR to VFR with icing levels at eight to ten thousand feet daily. Thunderstorms remined north of the area of operations and winds were generally light to
moderate. Gravel strips were in good to excellent condition. A CAP issued starlink mini was used extensively for communication, obtaining weather briefings, and managing sorties. The starlink worked very well and proved invaluable both in Bethel and the remote villages. Choate and Carrol, returned to Anchorage on Sunday July 13th again via Lake Iliamna and the Lake Clark pass. (Photos this and next two pages courtesy of the author.)
CAP Interview of SM Chris Hixson
by Laura Emerson
Captain Chris Hixson was nominated by the Cadet Advisory Council to be featured in this magazine because of his generous commitment to Orientation Flights and mentoring for cadets. Over the past 5 years of his membership in CAP, volunteering at squadrons in SC, OK, and AK, Hixson has flown as many as 75 O-flights in a year with as many as 8 cadets in one day.
What do you do outside of CAP?
“I was commissioned in the Air Force from AFROTC at North Carolina State University in 2018. I then trained to become a C-17 pilot. It is the best job in the world and I was thrilled to be assigned to the best place in the world, Alaska, in 2024.”
Why did you join CAP?
“So many aspects of CAP are modeled on the Air Force, that it feels natural to volunteer. My wife initially recommended it because she had made it through her Spaatz achievement in CAP as a cadet. (She is now a USAF C-17 pilot in Alaska, too).
“I try to help cadets who are interested in the Air Force or civilian aviation explore various routes that they may not know about. Most cadet’s first idea about commissioning in the Air Force is the Air Force Academy, but another route is AFROTC, which is a better fit
for many cadets and just as likely to lead to a cockpit. You go to a normal college while doing meetings and PT on the side (much like CAP for ~5 hours a week; the rest of the time you are a normal student). Best of all, there is a “walk-on” option: You can simply enroll in AFROTC like any other class, no application necessary! You’ll compete for job selection within the USAF during your junior year and the day you get your diploma, you also get your commission. If a cadet wants to enlist, I suggest that two great enlisted career paths are air traffic control and drone operations. Both of these translate well into lucrative civilian jobs, too.
What impresses you about CAP?
The cadet program is very well thought out and consistent across the country. It provides so many opportunities and training to develop leadership, fitness, professional behavior, public speaking, and career advancement. It is especially beneficial to homeschoolers and cadets of families that move often. “
“As a pilot, I am very impressed with the CAP fleet. I have read that altogether, by the number of tails we would be in the top 10 airlines in the world. I am also impressed by the quality of the planes, with meticulous maintenance, records and USAF oversight. A & P mechanics I’ve spoken with are consistently impressed as well. All CAP pilots require 200hrs minimum experience before they can fly with cadets and
Cover photo courtesy of SM Hixson. Right: SM Chris Hixson gives O-rides to Birchwood Cadets Yelverton, Perry, and O. Morgan.
go through annual re-evaluation separate from the FAA. Parents and cadets should feel great confidence in our planes and pilots. ”
Tell me about the O-flights. “CAP has a syllabus designed for each cadet to take 5 flights before their 18th birthday. The first two flights cover the basics. On the third, we demonstrate maneuvers, like stalls and steep turns. We teach instruments and weather on the fourth and fifth rides. My preference is to take up two or three cadets at a time so I can double or triple everyone’s flight time. With two cadets, I can fly from Birchwood to Talkeetna and back. With three, I can fly from Birchwood to Seward to Kenai before com-
ing back. They see more and have more fun during these longer group flights.”
What general advice do you have for cadets?
From high school, to the Air Force, to the civilian world, what you get out of each phase of your life depends on how much you put into it. In the Air Force, we say that a lot comes down to “luck and timing,” but to me, luck is where preparation meets opportunity. You should always “control the controllables” like GPA, fitness, attitude and effort. That way, you are prepared to take full advantage of any opportunity and will never be left wondering “what if?”
(Continued...)
(Continued Hixson interview) I’m often asked by cadets if tough STEM courses and running laps translate to the cockpit. Honestly, they don’t directly, but they are indispensable for preparation for a career in aviation. What does translate
is the character and professionalism you approach tough things with. Getting to the cockpit, especially the cockpit of a military aircraft is an extremely challenging feat. Learning how to learn, to bounce back from failure and to challenge yourself is a life-long mindset that you start building in highschool. There is no shortcut to success. As the saying goes: “The best time to plant a tree was twen-
Interview with Cadets Morgan and Altman
by Laura Emerson
Cadets Alana Morgan and Genevieve Altman both joined CAP last year as high school juniors, for different reasons, but now they share a proud accomplishment: both earned their private pilot licenses this summer and have enrolled in college programs in aviation for this fall. Altman will attend Embry Riddle, and anticipates a career in civilian aviation. Morgan will attend UAA. Her goal is to become an Air Force search and rescue pilot.
What were your routes to CAP and aviation?
Altman admits that she was a bit of an outlier in CAP, because when she walked in the door she had zero in-
terest in flying. Rather, her enthusiasm was for aerospace and rocketry. Friends encouraged her to join because of the aerospace education component.
“But after my first O-ride, with Capt. Skyler Caldwell, I totally changed my mind,” she says with a smile. “I was determined to become a pilot, and one year later, I am, aided by the 10 hours of flight time with Lt Col Porter in the powered flight academy.”
By contrast, Morgan has been enthusiastic about flying since she was a young girl, despite having no pilots in the family. Her high school counselor encouraged her to consider CAP and transfer to the Career Tech High School in Palmer for its aviation education program. Each year, it trains 100 future aviation industry personnel. Morgan highly recommends this program to other CAP cadets.
When she started the program, she confesses that she couldn’t have told you want an aileron was. But over two semesters, the class thoroughly covered the FAA’s ground school curriculum, which is about a $300 savings for each student. To learn about air frames, Career Tech also offers a class that actually builds an airplane.
High School to Flight School scholarship
To gain flying experience, both cadets applied for and received the coveted
High School to Flight School scholarship https://www.highschooltoflightschool.org/scholarship-program which funds ground school, 50+ hours of flight training at Blue River Aviation in Palmer as well as all books, materials, the FAA exam and check ride. Morgan learned of it from one of her aviation teachers. Altman found it by perusing CAP’s E-services resources for cadets: : https://akwg.cap.gov/programs/cp/ scholarships.
What is the application process and training like?
The application period is in December, and requires a cover letter explaining the applicant’s commitment to aviation, a transcript with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and a letter of reference. Four students were selected. Ground school content is covered in 3 January weekends, attending 9-5, followed by the FAA exam. After that, three of the trainees received the flight scholarship, which is worth about $13,000 for 50 hours of flight time and additional ground instruction over 5 months.
The program requires that students pay 20% of the fee (so $2400) and match the number of flight hours with community volunteer hours, which do not have to be aviation related. Altman worked at a cat shelter and helped with Polaris Squadron’s Great Start welcoming training for new cadets. Morgan offered her services at a hospital and church.
What is the exam like for your private pilot’s license?
The Private Pilot Airplane knowledge test is a multiple-choice test administered at a testing center. The flight exam is oral and a check ride. The oral part involves a number of scenario questions, like, “What do you do if your engine is smoking and what might cause that? “How would this combination of weather factors affect your plans? “ “Your anti-collision lights are not working. Can you still fly?”
The checkride involves three or more landings, stalls, steep turns and slow flight. It lasts about an hour and you find out immediately afterward whether you have passed or not. Both cadets are now qualified to to fly planes that are in the single-engine land class, which encompasses Cessna 172s.
The future looks bright for these motivated, driven pilots. For many months, they juggled hours for school, flight training, volunteer requirements, and CAP commitments to pursue a goal that few high school students achieve.
May I convey my hearty congratulations to them both as well to as all the other hard working cadets who have pursued their private pilot licenses. Well done!
August 2025 Cadet Flight Training
Pipeline Update: Congrats to Cadets
Benedict & Bennett
New Cadet Pilots: On July 13, C/1st Lt
Keena Bennett of Lake Hood Squadron in Anchorage, passed her Private Pilot Certificate (PPC) checkride. Then on July 14, C/Lt Col Reagan Benedict passed his PPC checkride. Both cadets received their pilot certificates very shortly after turning 17 years old. Happy Birthday to Cadets Benedict & Bennett! This brings the total number of cadet pilots in Alaska Wing to 19!
C/Lt Col Reagan Benedict of Birchwood Squadron passed his checkride and earned his PPC at Blue River Aviation in Palmer, AK.
offered this opportunity nationwide in CAP through various colleges. To see what the experience was like for some in-residence students, follow this link: https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3813058/flight-academy/ Cadet Benedict also received funding through the 2025 Cadet Wings Program, receiving his instruction at Blue River Aviation in Palmer, Alaska.
ACT NOW: TAKE YOUR WRITTEN!
Are you interested in applying for FY 2026 Cadet Wings funding? The application window for 2026 Cadet Wings opened on July 1, 2025, and remains open until August 31, 2025, or until all funding is awarded, whichever happens first. So time is of the essence! Cadets born before September 10, 2009, who have their:
(1) student pilot certificate (available to all US citizens 13.5 and older regardless of flight training) and
As part of CAP’s 2025 Cadet Wings Program, Cadet Bennett attended an 8-week in-residence flight training in Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, Iowa. She is one of 8 cadets
(2) a Class 3 FAA Medical, who have (3) passed their FAA Airman Knowledge Test (aka “the written”), and who (4) have soloed in powered or glider aircraft are likely to be selected as Prospective Candidates. Last year, all 8 AKWG Prospective Candidates received funding worth up to $15,000. Cadets may have soloed in CAP aircraft or with a flight school or individual private instructor, so consider taking private instruction this summer if you want to qualify. If you know a cadet who has soloed or is planning to by the end of
August 2025, please encourage them to contact Alaska Cadet Wings Point of Contact Maj Karen Padgett at karen. padgett@akwg.cap.gov.
NEW AS OF 8/8/25! ACCELERATE
TO AVIATOR: If you were born before 9/30/09 (DOB subject to change--check for updates here: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/cadetinvest) and there is *no* chance you will solo & pass your written by 8/31/25, do the following ASAP (before 8/31/25)
C 1st Lt Keena Bennett of Lake Hood Squadron passed her checkride and earned her Private Pilot Certificate at Iowa Lakes Community College through CAPs Cadet Wings.
(1) get your Student Pilot Certificate and (2) Class 3 FAA Medical (3) type up a “flight plan” (statement about what flight school you’ll go to, flight school’s contact info, how you’ll schedule your training in Oct/Nov/Dec 2025 to solo by 12/31/25, and that you intent to apply for Cadet Wings in 2026) (4) ask someone (ideally a flight instructor) to write you a letter of recommendation and apply for the “Accelerate to Aviator Solo Award” in Cadet Invest. In eServices, go to Cadet Programs, CAP Cadet Invest, then from the red pulldown menu, choose “Apply for CadetInvest.” Choose the “Accelerate to Aviator” checkbox then complete all the tabs. Contact Maj Padgett at karen. padgett@akwg.cap.gov to quickly review your application before submitting. She will help you get squadron and wing approval.
PREPARE FOR NEXT SPRING
: Are you interested in applying for the FY 2026 AKWG flight academies? Cadets who were born before September 10, 2010, and have not soloed in a powered aircraft are eligible to apply by December 31, 2025. NEW
THIS YEAR
: Due to limited resources, only cadets who have passed the FAA written test, have their student pilot certificate, and have a Class 3 or better FAA medical *at the time of application* will be eligible for flight instruction. Your school year will be busy, so start your free-to-cadets
online Sporty’s ground school (or other ground school of your choice) NOW!!
Experienced cadets recommend going through the videos & quizzes in your first 17 hr of study. Then rewatch & quiz yourself on your challenging topics for another 17 hours. Then spend 17 hr taking Dauntless full-length practice tests. With a focused effort, most cadets can complete the preparation and score 90% or better on 3 or more Dauntless practice tests after spending a total of 51 focused hours learning
ground school and preparing for the test!
Advancing Your Flight Training: All Cadets can prepare for flight training by following these steps. If receiving instruction from CAP CFIs, cadets can more efficiently get up in the air if they have done these things ahead of time.
- Obtain Student pilot certificate (if 14 or older) & upload in Ops Quals
- FAA Medical (Class 3 or better), Upload in Ops Quals, and submit the upload for approval
- Register for Sporty’s Ground School. If you pass your FAA Knowledge Test, upload the results in Ops Quals. The ideal age to pass is 15 1/2 or, if you’re older, now.
- Request o-flights whenever possible
- Take/refresh Aircraft Ground Handling
in Absorb
- Take Aircrew Proficiency in Absorb (if the video won’t play, try a different device)
- Take Basic Risk Management in Absorb
- Complete Statement of Understanding in Ops Quals/Pilot/What Do I Need?/Solo Pilot-Airplane.
Lake Hood and Polaris Cadets Head
North for HF COMMS Training
By 1st Lt Jeremy Engeberg, Lake Hood Cadet Squadron
On Wednesday, August 6, members of the Lake Hood Cadet Squadron, joined by cadets from Polaris Squadron, departed Anchorage at 0900 for an eight hour road trip to Fairbanks. The purpose was clear: train in HF communications and learn to set up a field HF station in preparation for the upcoming “Twenty Seconds More” mission.
The trip north was filled with laughter, rounds of mobile charades, dad jokes, and joyful conversations. There were also quiet moments, naps, and plenty of appreciation for Alaska’s beauty. The highlight of the drive came when Denali appeared in her full glory, a sight that made the journey even more memorable.
Upon arrival in Fairbanks, we unpacked, greeted our CAP brothers and sisters, and enjoyed a quick meal before starting the first block of classroom training. Capt Wayne Harrah, a special guest visiting from the Iowa Wing, led the evening session. Known for making technical topics engaging, Capt Harrah kept cadets focused and interested in a subject that can often be dry. His active teaching style helped the cadets absorb concepts such as how antennas convert radio waves to electric current
and back, what makes a good antenna, and the differences between resonant and broadband antennas. The training went until 2200, and not a single cadet or senior member nodded off.
After training, we made a quick supply run to Fred Meyer for forgotten items. Since this trip required cadets to pay for their own meals, they quickly learned the real cost of eating out. One cadet noted, “It never seems expensive when Mom and Dad pay, but when I have to pay for it, it hurts.” That led to a decision to pool funds for a continental breakfast to save both time and money. What the cadets did not know was that Maj Karen Padgett, excited to see them traveling across the state to train and connect with other squadrons, had already decided to sponsor their breakfast. When they learned of her generosity, the cadets were both surprised and very grateful. Maj Padgett will be pleased to know they chose healthy options like fresh fruit and yogurt for their morning meal.
Thursday morning started with breakfast and more classroom training from Lt Col Freeman, who covered antenna types and configurations. The cadets learned about dipole and inverted V antennas, long wires, terminated folded dipoles, and how tuners and baluns improve performance. They discussed Near Vertical Incidence Skywave (NVIS) antennas for short range communica-
tion
After lunch, Col Linette Lahan, a special guest from the Kansas Wing, spoke about the roles of Mission Radio Operators (MROs) and Mission Staff Assistants (MSAs). Then Capt Harrah led the outdoor, hands-on training. Under bright Fairbanks sunshine, cadets set up a long wire antenna, installed a ground radial, configured an antenna tuner, and connected a folded dipole. They tested different frequencies and radio programming, making groundwave contact with C/CMSgt Siegfried at his home station. They even caught the faint signal of Hawaii’s WWVH time station, an exciting real-world example of HF propagation at work.
When the field work wrapped up, Capt Harrah reminded everyone to “do the dishes” — his metaphor for cleaning up and storing equipment properly. With brains full of new knowledge, cadets turned to local expert C/CMSgt Elizabeth Long for dinner recommendations. She suggested a “secret” local spot, and the cadets were very glad they followed her advice. If you really want to know the name of this Fairbanks gem, you will have to ask one of the cadets yourself.
The evening concluded with a walk through Pioneer Park, fresh air, and even a bit of playground fun. Back at the hangar, the group rotated through showers and watched some Sam Eck-
holm videos (look him up if you are looking for quality aerospace and defense content). Some claim snoring was heard from the senior member area, but no one has confirmed this.
Friday morning was quieter and slower, with plenty of breakfast leftovers to graze on while packing. After heartfelt goodbyes, we headed south. Many cadets said the drive home seemed faster, even though it took the same time. Shared experiences, new friendships, and a sense of accomplishment made the hours fly by.
This trip was about more than radios. It was about teamwork, leadership, and connecting with cadets from other squadrons. It was about gaining skills to support missions anywhere in Alaska, no matter the conditions.
Special thanks go to 1st Lt Tim Long and the Fairbanks Squadron for their outstanding hospitality, and to Lt Col Freeman for putting together this rare opportunity for training. And of course, Capt Harrah will likely be talked about for years to come by all who had the great fortune of attending his classroom.
Be sure to watch for the upcoming write up on “Twenty Seconds More,” the mission that took place just one day after we returned from Fairbanks where the cadets put their new skills to work.
Kenai Cadets Highlights
Major Jan Bobek
Every Monday 6:30 to 8:30 Kenai Cadets make Aerospace, Leadership, Health Fitness Zone/Safety, and Character Development Presentations.
The presentations are given with excellence in mind. Public speaking is a fear of most people. With that in mind cadets practice to alleviate fear. They are successful because they are determined. Confidence builds in Cadets the more they practice public speaking. This process stresses the CORE Values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect.
Cadets are always striving to advance in personal development. The Cadet Program supports the process of becoming the best person one can be. They even start to enjoy the process as proven by the results. When you conquer your fears, you become stronger and more confident that you can achieve anything!
Cadets get Orientation flights which keep them dedicated to the cadet program. A very high percentage of cadets become pilots. This may lead to a profession or a large part of their future lives. They study and work very hard in order to meet their life goals. They become safe pilots and join the military or make aviation their life’s
work. Flying is an integral part of the Cadet Program.
Cadets marched in the July 4 th Parade. They did an excellent job and community members were impressed with their precise marching. Family members celebrated afterwards at the Kenai Hangar.
Senior members are good cooks! We all appreciate that. Awards were given out and the community became closer. Parents were sharing how proud they are of their family members. It was a wonderful time of bringing community together.
Cadets worked very hard and passed many achievements recently. Curry Achievement: Kael Madsen. Achievement 2: Mahnavu Schwartz. Achievement 7: Joshua Lattin. Achievement: 12 Lydia Schwartz. We’re proud of their excellent effort to advance.
CAP began on December 1, 1941. Our founder, Gill Robb Wilson, thought that civilians could help the military. It became active right before the attack on Pearl Harbor. John F. Curry was the major general who commanded CAP.
Thousands of volunteers performed tasks that were needed. CAP pilots logged over 500,000 hours. They saved crash victims and looked for enemy subs. More than 150,000 volunteers
helped America. This included young people, women and senior citizens.
CAP still needs volunteers and our cadets and seniors are answering the call. Congress made CAP the auxiliary of the new US Air Force in 1948. Our cadets continue to make America strong. We are very proud of them.
Cadet Amelia Ries promotes
Arcturus Squadron
Written and photographed by C/MSgt
Vincent Estrada
Arcturus cadets have been able to keep very busy in the last month, with many great opportunities and lessons provided for cadets at every turn.
A recent topic which several cadets have been becoming more interested in lately is Cyberspace education, which effectively teaches our cadets the many aspects and components of computers, and on a larger scale, the internet. This topic is becoming continuously important as further advancements are made in technology, as such technology is being used more often in military exercises.
In several meetings, cadets practiced leadership exercises and some cadet NCOs assisted the newer cadets with their drill, promotion progression, and customs and courtesies. All the cadets of the Arcturus Squadron, whether newer or older, have shown considerable improvements over the last few months with progressively better drill, aerospace education, and general knowledge about the C.A.P itself.
Arcturus Cadets have been able to
participate in many great educational activities this year and have recently completed another. This year’s Summer Search and Rescue Exercise, or SAREX, took place on August 8-10, and was a great opportunity for the cadets that participated to learn Search and Rescue skills and techniques in a similar outdoors environment of Search and Rescue missions.
On promotion night, a few cadets accomplished their ranking requirements needed to promote.
Promotions:
C/SSgt Aron Flores to Cadet Technical Sergeant
C/TSgt Vincent Estrada to Cadet Master Sergeant
C/SMSgt Keegan Garvens to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant
C/Capt Thomas Buller to Cadet Super Captain
C/Capt Andrew Martin to Cadet Super Captain
Arcturus Squadron conducted an external Aerospace Education outreach in support of JBER Public Affairs on 24 July. Here, LTC Jim McCarthy discusses the Civil Air Patrol and career paths
available in aviation to a group of young visitors (participating in a summer learning program) from Wasilla's Knik Tribe.
Important Dates
Registration for Staff Training Weekends deadline
Register by 15 August 2025
Registration for Romeo Squadron
Opens with NCSA registration December 2025
HMRS Summer School 11–19 July 2026
Staff Training Weekend dates
6–7 September 2025
27–28 September 2025
18–19 October 2025
8–9 November 2025
Winter Operations Training Weekend 14–15 February 2026
7–8 March 2026
28–29 March 2026
17–19 April 2026
2–3 May 2026
For additional information, contact Lt Col Aaron LaMantia, HMRS Staff Training Director alamantia@capranger.org
Civil Air Patrol | Hawk Mountain Ranger School
Ranger Staff Training
Train to become a member of the Hawk Mountain Ranger School team
Confidence and Humility
by AKWG CDI Maj Karen Padgett
In the month of July this year, Character Development Instructors, Chaplains, and Squadron Commanders across the country have been leading lively discussions with cadets on the topic of Confidence. CAP’s Character Development (CD) curriculum defines confidence as “the assurance that comes from appreciating our skills, abilities, and gifts.” The curriculum goes on to state, “Confidence empowers leaders to achieve their goals and encourage others. Like many moral virtues, confidence is a mean between extremes. Overconfidence leads to arrogance. Too little confidence leads to low self-esteem.”
You have have seen the movie about Louis Zamporini titled Unbroken This month’s lesson includes a clip from that movie, a fun game with treats, a paper exercise, and some great quotes including “If you hear a voice within you say, ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Lest we become overconfident in July, the August topic is Humility. As the curriculum states, “Humility can be hard to define, but most of us know it when we see it. Humility is living in a way that respects the truth. Humility refines our perspective by allowing us to see ourselves as we are, to gratefully acknowledge the efforts of others, and to commit ourselves to our duties.” In this lesson, participants will consider examples of humble people and practice humble behaviors.
The CD topics are often timed to complement and play off of each other in this way. The lesson begins with a video clip about President Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address. As with all CD lessons, the topic introduction, often a video clip, is followed by a small group discussion, a large group discussion, a small group activity, and then a conclusion with the large group together. One of the quotes included in the conclusion of the lesson on humility is, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S.
Lewis
Arej you interested in looking at the lessons yourself? The CD curriculum is available to all members and, frankly, to the general public on the CAP public website (www.gocivilairpatrol.com). The easiest way to find the curriculum is to type the word “Values” into the search window on the public website. Or follow this link: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/library/character
Though the NHQ Chaplain Corps directs each month’s CD topic, parts of the curriculum could be used anytime to inspire goals in feedback reviews or as part of leadership lessons. All members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the 24 CD topics that rotate through a two-year cycle.
Character Development August Lesson
By. Maj. Julie G. Rivera Mercado
Humility is a complex and often misunderstood concept. It's not about thinking less of yourself, but rather about thinking of yourself less. It's a virtue that involves a modest view of one's importance.
Here are some key aspects of what we can say about humility:
❖ Humility Is Not a Sign of Low Self-Worth. It doesn’t involve self-deprecation. Rather, it encompasses a truthful and clear understanding of one’s abilities and flaws, without the need for frequent validation from others.
❖ It’s Acknowledging Your Boundaries. Embracing humility means realizing that you do not possess all the solutions. This willingness to acknowledge limits allows for learning from peers, accepting feedback, and recognizing your mistakes, which is crucial f or development.
❖ It Serves as a Basis for Other Qualities. Humility acts as a foundation for additional admirable attributes, including kindness, thankfulness, and insight. When you practice humility, you enhance your ability to connect with others and value what you pos sess.
❖ It Strengthens Connections. Individuals who exhibit humility tend to be more attentive and cooperative, without the compulsion to always prove they are correct. This trait makes them more relatable and easier to engage with.
❖ It Provides Internal Fortitude. Genuine humility liberates you from the burden of perfectionism. By acknowledging your imperfections and setting aside your pride, you discover real strength and a sense of tranquility.
❖ It’s A Shared Principle. Humility is a fundamental principle found in numerous cultures and faiths. It is frequently perceived as a means to achieve a more virtuous existence and attain inner calm, spanning traditions from Christianity to Buddhism and St oicism.
Overall, humility encompasses a well-rounded view of one's role in the universe. It reflects a quiet assurance that does not require boasting or loudness, facilitating deeper connections with ourselves, one another, and our surrounding environment.
From: Alaska Wing Education and Training Director
Regards Alaska Wing
New information from Education and Training:
Virtual office hours change
Starting in August, Office Hours change for every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 5 to 7.
Link to connect:
Time zone: America/Anchorage Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google. com/vzw-xnos-gtx
ing the ABSORB system.
Signed in to Eservices
Go to the menu
Online learning
Absorb LMS Catalog
Scroll down until you see Cadet Protection
Otherwise, next Wednesday, August 20th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., I will be offering the CPPT to all AKWG members who join this link, in a discussion exam format for the benefit of all.
Time zone: America/Anchorage
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google. com/vzw-xnos-gtx
If you have any questions or concerns about the CPPT, please click on the following link.
Cadet Protection Course
As you know, we are approaching the date of August 31st, the date on which the suspense date for the transition to an annual (12-month) renewal cycle of CPPT will begin.
Please refer to the table presented here, so you can be directed to the correct course or renewal.
I’ve included the steps you can take us-
Intermediate TLC - Online - August 30 - 8 to 5. (minimum of 15 students for the course to take place). More information in Registration zone. Required register. We are seeking a Director and Instructors.
Level 2 Part 2: Modules moderated in-person and online simultaneously. This course will be offered the week before the AKWG Conference in Anchorage, date and location to be determined.
Level 3: Modules moderated in-person and online simultaneously. This course will be offered the week after the AKWG Conference in Anchorage. Date and location to be determined.
If you need more information don’t hesitate to contact me.
Maj. Julie G. Rivera Mercado
julie.rivera@akwg.cap.gov Phone number 787-424-0560
Tail Section
Congratulations to all of the many members who worked hard over the past year to create our recent “20 Seconds More” scenario for CAP communicators. Lt. Michelle Bremer, Lt. Col. Kristin Freeman, and 2nd. Lt. Scott Novak ordered additional radios from National, trained communicators throughout the state in advance, publicized the program throughout the Wing and to public relations professionals. We learned a great deal that will help Alaskans in the event of a devastating earthquake or other natural disaster.
Lt Col Bryan Emerson, CAP
Publisher and Editor
Alaska Wing PAO BRYAN.EMERSON@ AKWG.CAP.GOV
1 (907) 795-5586 cel
This online publication is designed to attract, inform and motivate readers through photographs, text and stories. We see and feel the four core values in the faces and body language of the cadets and senior members portrayed herein. Submissions are accepted through the 10th of each month. Be safe and live our core values!
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