deer valley squadron - jan 2008

8/2/2019 Deer Valley Squadron - Jan 2008

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FullFull

ThrottleThrottleMonthly e-newsletter of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, Arizona Wing, Civil Air PatrolDeer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona

Lt. Col. Chas Buchanan, Squadron Commander Vol. 2, No. 5 January 2008

Civil Air Patrol: More Than Meets The Skies Semper Vigilans (Always Vigilant)Civil Air Patrol: More Than Meets The Skies Semper Vigilans (Always Vigilant)

Color Guard takes 2nd in WingWith a corps of new personnel as-

sembled only five weeks earlier, theDeer 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 commanderC/MSgt. Michael Padrick, C/SSgt.

Kyle Corales, C/SrA Kegan Edmund-son and C/Amn Steven Cothran. Non-competition 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 fol-lowingcategories: Written

exam In

addition tothe teamlogging thehighestscore overall, C/MSgt. Padrick recorded the highest individual marks inthe competition. Mile run The color guard won this category, paced by C/AmnCothran winning the Fleet Foot Award. (Continued on page 3)

InsideInsideFull ThrottleFull Throttle Wing command change 2 Holiday cheer 4 Getting to know 5

An academy experience 6Promotions 8See the Quarterly Training

Schedule (QTS) for upcom-ing events and contact infor-

mation. Also, go to http://

azwg.us for the calendar of

activities within the Civil AirPatrols Arizona Wing.

C/SSgt. Daniel Vogt (center) honors his late grandfather dur-

ing Decembers Wreaths Across America at the National Me-

morial Cemetery of Arizona to honor veterans. He is joined by

fellow Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 Cadet Color

Guard members (from left) C/Amn Steven Cothran, C/MSgt.Michael Padrick, C/SrA Kegan Edmundson and C/A1C David

Matteson. See story on page 3. (Photo by SMSgt. Del Rubi.)


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New Wing commander

to assume role Jan. 12Col. (Select) John M. Eggen will assume duties as ArizonaWing 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 cor-porate or U.S. Air Force-style uniform; business casual is appro-priate for civilians.

Those attending are asked to RSVP by Thursday, Jan. 3, toWing Headquarters 623/856-9964. After the ceremony, a lunchconsisting of a club sandwich, dessert and beverage will beserved, and Col. (Select) Eggen then will conduct his first com-manders call.

A check for $8 to cover the lunch must be sent when makingreservations to Arizona Wing Headquarters, 7383 N. LitchfieldRoad, Suite 1175, Luke AFB, AZ 85309-1175.

Col. (Select) Eggen succeeds Maj. John Kruger, who hasserved since September as interim Wing commander.

During his CAP career, Col. (Select) Eggen has served as thenational governmental affairs officer for CAP National Headquar-ters, as Arizona Wing legislative liaison officer and as Group IVcommander.

Mark your

calendar forupcoming

meetingsJan. 7 - Cadet meeting (BDUs)Jan. 9 - Senior meetingJan. 12 - Wing change of commandJan. 14 - Cadet meeting (BDUs)Jan. 16 - Senior staffJan. 21 - Cadet meeting (PT)

Jan. 23 - Senior meetingJan. 28 - Cadet meeting (Blues)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~Cadet meetings begin at 7 p.m. while sen-

ior meetings start at 7:30 p.m.BDUs - Battle dress uniformPT - Physical trainingBlues - Air Force dress uniform

Full Throttle January 2008 Page 2

Full ThrottleFull Throttleis the monthly e-newsletter for offi-

cers, cadets and friends of Deer Valley CompositeSquadron 302, Arizona Wing, U.S. Civil Air Patrol. Itsmission is to bolster communication with and amongofficers and cadets, enhance awareness of squadronactivities, and share news and information about thesquadron and its personnel.

Story suggestions and submissions can be for-warded by the 15th of the month preceding publica-tion toCapt. Jerry Porter,squadron public-affairsofficer, at [email protected].

To guarantee receipt of the newsletter, readers

should ensure their e-mail addresses and other con-tact information remain current with the squadronand on e-services at www.capnhq.gov.Vol. 2, No. 5 January 2008

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

National First-Place Co-WinnerNewsletters2007 Maj. Howell Balsem

CAP Exceptional Achievement Awards

Col. (Select) John Eggen, shown

speaking at Wreaths Across Amer-

ica in December at the National

Memorial Cemetery of Arizona,

assumes duties as Arizona Wing

commander during ceremonies on

Saturday, Jan. 12, at Luke Air

Force Base.


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Color guard team very special people(continued from page 1) Outdoor practice drill - Unfolding/refolding the U.S. flag with dignity and re-

spect.Second-place honors were attained by thesquadron color guard in the panel quiz andstandard drill, with the team finishing thirdin indoor practical drill and in-ranks inspec-tion.

We came together on Oct. 22 and spentmany training days and approximately 70hours in preparation for this competition,says SMSgt. Del Rubi, who advised thecadets along with Officer Mike Matteson.Each member put forth their best effortand dedicated themselves to their team-mates while gaining the respect of everymember of our squadron and the ArizonaWing. These cadets are very special peo-ple.

The Willie Composite Squadron 304 Ca-det Color Guard took first place overall andwill represent the Arizona Wing at the 2008Southwest Region Cadet Competition inMarch at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisi-ana.

Newspaper features cadet

laying wreath at graveDeer Valley Composite Squadron 302

C/SSgt. Daniel Vogt was featured as part

of the coverage of Wreaths Across Amer-

ica that appeared on page 1 of the Valley

& State section ofThe Arizona Republic

issue of Sunday, Dec. 16.

The newspaper included a photo of Cadet

Vogt laying the wreath at the grave of hisgrandfather, Birt Vogt, who served inWorld War II. The photo also shows mem-bers of the squadrons color guard honoringthe late veteran at his gravesite.

C/SSgt. Vogt related his pride in honoringhis grandfather and how he inspired the ca-det.


(Top photo): Squadron color guard members (from left)

C/SrA Kegan Edmundson, C/MSgt. Michael Padrick andC/Amn Steven Cothran march with the colors at Wreaths

Across America. (Bottom photo): Leading squadron cadets

during the ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery

of Arizona are (from left) C/Amn Steven Cothran, C/MSgt.

Michael Padrick (behind U.S. flag), C/SSgt. Daniel Vogt,C/SrA Kegan Edmundson and C/A1C David Matteson.


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Approximately 40 officers and guests of Deer Valley Compos-

ite Squadron 302 gathered for a Christmas party on Dec. 12 atDeer Valley Airport.

Attendees included:1) Capt. Robert Smith

and Officer KristineKamleiter, 2) (from

left) Nancy Huber,

Capt. Jack Huber andSheila Buchanan, 3)

Capt. Michael Rich, 4) Judy Manser and Capt. LesManser, 5) Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Chas Bu-

chanan and former Arizona Wing Commander Col.Gil Day, 6) Capt. Bill Rogers and 7) Capt. Bill Sanderand Maj. Bob Wirth.


Squadron members,

guests enjoy evening of holiday cheer

1

2

3

4

5

6

5

7


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Getting to knowPadrick advancing in grade, leadership


Having joined Deer Valley Composite

Squadron 302 just more than one year ago,

C/MSgt. Michael Padrick has advanced rap-

idly 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, CadetPadrick recorded the competitions highest indi-vidual score in the written examination.

Following are questions and answers to helpacquaint readers with this highly focused cadetnon-commissioned officer:

Q: When did you join CAP and the squadron? Cadet Padrick: I joined CAP and the squad-

ron in December 2006.Q: What led you to join the organization?

Cadet Padrick: I was introduced to CAP dur-ing my involvement in the Young Eagles Pro-gram at the Copperstate Air Show in 2006.

Q: What is your current squadron position? Cadet Padrick: I'm an orientation drill in-

structor and the color guard commander.Q: How has CAP helped you in your everyday

life? Cadet Padrick: CAP not only has strength-

ened my leadership ability but also has taughtme the importance of honoring those who haveor currently are serving this great country.

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 An-them, where Im a junior.

Q: Are you in any extra curricular activities at

school? Cadet Padrick: I'm involved in the National

Honor Society and serve once a week as ateacher's aide at Anthem Elementary School.

Q: What is your career ambition and what one

thing from CAP will help you to achieve it? Cadet Padrick: My career ambition is to

graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy

with a ma-jor in aero-space engi-neering andthen flyfighter jetsuntil theend of mymilitary ca-reer. CAPwill helpme to de-velop betterleadershipand organ-izationalskills.

Q: What advice do you have for new cadets? Cadet Padrick: It takes courage and perse-

verance to overcome your challenges and be-come successful. Work diligently towardachieving your goals, and ultimately yourdreams will become a reality.

Q: Who in the program do you consider to have

been the most instrumental in your advance-ment in CAP and why?

Cadet Padrick: All senior members and staffcadets who have inspired me to do my bestalways.

C/MSgt. Michael Padrick(Prior to most recent promotion)

08 orientation classes

for cadets begin Jan. 7A new six- to eight-week cadet orientation

class begins on the first Monday of each

month, with the first class of 2008 starting at

7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 7.

Encourage young people 12 to 21 to explorethe opportunities available as members of DeerValley Composite Squadron 302. Recruiter rib-bons are awarded to cadets who recruit two ormore members into the Civil Air Patrol.


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USAF freshman

CAP, squadron

really helpedto 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 hun-

dreds 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 ColoradoSprings, Colo.

The former cadet deputy commander forDeer Valley Composite Squadron 302 creditsthe training he received during more thanthree years as a CAP cadet and squadronmember to his acceptance and successful firstsemester at the prestigious military institution.

Today, the Chaparral High School graduate isa cadet fourth class (C4C), a designation thatearns himself and other academy freshmen refer-

ences such as 4 Degree, 4 Dig and Dooliefrom upperclassmen. Cadet Lennon is taking it instride.

During your freshman year, or 4 Degree year,it can be pretty tough, Cadet Lennon says.Youre always having to be the follower withfew to no privileges at times, but it comes withthe territory. Some of the upperclassmen are niceto the freshmen while others can be rather strict.

But learning to be a follower is crucial beforewe can step up as leaders because we have to un-

derstand what our enlisted followers are feeling.And, it provides 4 Degrees the ability to evaluateupperclassmen's leadership styles and to learnfrom their triumphs and mistakes.

Gaining entry to the academy was an ex-tremely competitive process, he explains, notinghe received nominations from two members ofArizonas congressional delegation one from

former U.S. Rep. J.D. Hayworth and the otherfrom U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl. A nine-memberUSAFA selection committee then reviews theapplications and narrows the selection to ap-

proximately 1,360 candidates for admission.Achieving an appointment is extremely com-

petitive, Cadet Lennon says. My GPA (gradepoint average) during high school was not stel-lar, nor was my class rank; however, the AirForce is not looking necessarily for the brighteststudents in the nation. Instead, it is looking forwell-rounded students to become good futureofficers.

My SAT scores, athletics and, most notably,my CAP involvement helped me to become that

officer candidate the Air Force is seeking. CAPproved to be an invaluable asset during the ap-plication process. Having attended Cadet OfficerSchool and serving as a Phase IV cadet in CAP,I got a brief glimpse of what being an Air Forceofficer is all about. That knowledge helped meimmensely during the numerous interviews.

(Continued on page 7)

As cadets of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 standin formation in the background, U.S. Air Force Acad-emy C4C Justin Lennon (center) visits with the squad-rons deputy commander for cadets, 1

stLt. Casey Young

(left), and SMSgt. Del Rubi about life at the academy.The freshman is the squadrons former cadet deputycommander.


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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 dep-

uty commander but also served as the squadroncadet executive officer and was a member of the2006 CAP National Champion Drill Team. Healso chaired the Arizona Wing Cadet AdvisoryCouncil (CAC), advising the Wing commanderand director of cadet programs in aspects relatingto Wing cadets. In addition, he represented allArizona cadets as the primary representative toCAPs 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 fresh-

men, were a bit clueless, but I kept my mouthshut and did what I was told. This is another as-pect where CAP helped to prepare me: Havingattended a basic encampment and staffed numer-ous others, I was aware of what basic trainingwas going to be like, and it helped me to getthrough.

I did not find Basic Cadet Training (BCT) tobe very difficult; it was just tiring and lengthy.

After BCT, the Class of 2011 became part of thecadet wing on Acceptance Day, and the academicyear started. It has proved rather difficult to bal-ance the academic, athletic and military require-ments placed upon a cadet during his life atUSAFA, but I have managed quite nicely.

Majoring in systems-engineering management(a combination of engineering and business), Ca-det Lennon is taking a core curriculum requiredduring the freshman and sophomore years beforetaking classes in his chosen major. His first-

semester courses were Introduction to Spanish,Calculus 1, World History, Introduction to Engi-neering and English along with Physical Devel-opment, which totaled 18 credit hours.

Studies during the winter term will includeSpanish 2, Calculus 2, Behavioral Science, Com-puter Science, Physics and Chemistry as well as

boxing. Begin-ning with thisnew term and

continuing untilhis senior year,his course loadwill consist of21 credit hourseach semester.During the sum-mers, his acad-emy activitieswill include sky-diving and de-

ploying to opera-tional U.S. AirForce bases.

The academics at the academy are extremelychallenging but the teacher availability and smallclass sizes allow students to succeed, CadetLennon says. They give you a foundation andall the tools required to succeed, so as long asyou apply yourself 100 percent, you will be ableto handle it.

There are intramurals, which have proven to

be pretty fun and a way to take your mind offother stressful situations. Staying in shape also isnot too difficult at an elevation of 7,500 feetonce you adapt. It took me a while, but now aworkout or two a week keeps me in good physi-cal 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 be-cause CAP has proved its benefits. Prior to in-processing, I knew how to make hospital cor-

ners, iron uniforms, shine shoes, march, salute,follow customs and courtesies, etc., which gaveme a huge head start and during the academicyear. I have adapted quite well.

So, balancing all those aspects along withplaying for the USAFA club hockey team, being

(Continued on page 8)

USAF AcademyC4C Justin Lennon


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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

A healthy attitude is contagious, but dont wait

to catch it from others. Be a carrier. Tom Stoppard

English playwright and Oscar-winning screenwriter

StudyStudy TestTest PromotePromote

Lennon credits CAP for preparationContinued from page 7)active in the student government at USAFA, and trying to have a little fun and a personal life getstaxing, 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 heli-copter 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 ison 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 Arizonawho he had befriended in CAP, including a senior, Aaron Bowens, and sophomores Eric Meyerand Zach Zimmerman, all of whom are former cadet commanders at Paradise Valley Cadet Squad-

ron 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 pre-

pare, Cadet Lennon concludes. I don't think I was too surprised by anything and have handled itall very well. Once again, CAP really helped to prepare me for the military aspect, which allows meto focus on academics and athletics.

4 cadets gain advancement in grade

deer valley squadron - jan 2008

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