History of Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138

(PCR-CA-292) Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary

1 Jan 31 Dec 2011

Narrative
Introduction
Since February 1967, Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138 has served the communities immediately East of the City of Los Angeles with a highly successful cadet program. The squadron is justifiably proud of its long record of success in the community, in Los Angeles County Group 1, in California Wing and Civil Air Patrol.

Meetings
From 1982 to 2010, Los Angeles Cadet Squadron met at the Marine Corps Reserve Training Center in Pico Rivera. In late 2010, at the invitation of Pastor Antonio Lopez, Squadron 138 moved its meetings to St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Norwalk. It wasnt until early Spring 2011 that wed fully moved in and felt truly comfortable in our new surroundings.

Membership
We gained two adult members during 2011. More impressively, the number of our active cadet members almost doubled. In large part, this was due to the enthusiastic efforts if Laura and Harrison Perez, parents of Cadet Edward Rosales, who placed CAP flyers at libraries and teen centers throughout our squadron area.

Appointments
Senior Member Anthony Lopez was appointed a Civil Air Patrol Chaplain.

Promotions
Senior Member Erick Castillo was promoted to Second Lieutenant. Senior Member Anthony Lopez was promoted to Captain.

Awards
In July, Los Angeles County Group 1 selected Lt Col Gamila Mherian as the Cadet Programs Officer of the Year. Along with the honor, she was presented the Civil Air Patrol Commanders Commendation. In December, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Nicole Franklin distinguished herself by earning the General Billy Mitchell Award, first milestone award in the CAP Cadet Program. Group 1 Commander, Lt Col John Jay, presented the award certificate and promoted her to Cadet Second Lieutenant. In CAPs professional development program, 2nd Lt Erick Castillo earned the Benjamin Davis Award. Lieutenant Castillo also earned the General Chuck Yeager Aerospace Award.

At the Wing Conference in August, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Wiest was presented a Meritorious Service Award for his service to California Wing for the period 7 November 2007 to 27 August 2011. Lieutenant Colonels Wiest and Gamile Mherian were awarded Civil Air Patrols Meritorious Service Award for their multi-year support of the International Air Cadet Exchange, helping meet and escort both CAP and international cadets during their stay in Washington, DC.

Activities
Continuing a 44-year tradition, Squadron 138 maintained its extremely busy and varied activities program during 2011 (see 2011 Calendar), participating in 34 extra-curricular activities in addition to the regular weekly meetings. These extracurricular activities supplemented the training conducted at squadron meetings, and included orientation flights (both power and glider), aerospace field trips, leadership training, emergency services training, community service projects, as well as fun and social activities. A high percentage of the active officers and cadets regularly participated in these activities. Squadron 138 continues to be active in the local community. Once again, the squadron color guard presented colors at the opening ceremony of the annual KidsDay in Downey, and Fiestas Patrias in Santa Fe Springs. Members again joined in the annual Veterans Day ceremony sponsored by the Allied Veterans Council, at Library Park in Monrovia. Again this year, they fully supported the Memorial Day Tribute at Live Oak Memorial Park in Monrovia. Master of Ceremonies was Lt Col Wiest and officers and cadets participated in the ceremony. Lieutenant Colonel Wiest also served as Project Officer and Master of Ceremonies for the annual Gill Robb Wilson Memorial Ceremony at Forest Lawn Covina Hills.

Conclusion
Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138 continues to offer its members and the surrounding communities a well-structured, challenging and exciting program, designed to develop young men and women who wil be an asset to our community and nation. Its officers and cadets have set and maintain high standards of appearance, conduct, positive attitude and active participation at all levels.

2011 Calendar
7-9 January 19 January Academy of Model Aeronautics Expo, Ontario Convention Center (1 Sq 138 officer set up information display and helped staff booth) San Diego Air and Space Museum Tour

28-30 January 27 February 19-31 March 10 April

Basic Cadet School, Camp Pendleton (5 Sq 138 cadets attended, and 1 officer instructed) Squadron Leadership School, Vandenberg AFB (1 Sq 138 officer attended as student, 1 officer instructed) Pacific Region Staff College, Nellis AFB (1 Sq 138 officer on staff) Group 1 Aerospace Day, JFTB Los Alamitos

16 April

Orientation Flights, Santa Monica Airport

30 April 14 May

ACUT/MRO Class, JFTB Los Alamitos KidsDay, Furman Park Downey (Squadron color guard presented the colors during the opening ceremony, members staffed a Penny Carnival game booth, food booth, and CAP

information booth) 15 May Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Annual Open House, La Caada

28 May 30 May

Set up for Memorial Day Tribute, Live Oak Memorial Park, Monrovia (Squadron members joined others to help place small American flags on graves of veterans) Memorial Day Tribute, Live Oak Memorial Park, Monrovia (1 Sq 138 officer served as Master of Ceremonies, and squadron members assisted by handing out programs and helping present memorial wreaths) Gill Robb Memorial Ceremony (1 Sq 138 officer served as Master of Ceremonies, and squadron members participated in the graveside memorial) Squadron Fun Night: Lasertag, Long Beach International Air Cadet Exchange, Washington DC (2 Sq 138 officers served on staff)

30 May 29 June 14-23 July

24 July

Squadron Beach Party for visiting IACE cadets and escorts, Bolsa Chica State Beach

27 July 30 July 25-28 August 31 August 16 September

Downey Summer Concert, Furman Park (Sq 138 color guard presented colors to open concert) Group 1 Awards Banquet, Proud Bird Restaurant, Los Angeles (4 Sq 138 members attended) California Wing Conference, Oakland Hilton (2 Sq 138 officers served on staff) Squadron Fun Night: Golf n Stuff, Downey (see flyer below) Fiestas Patrias, Santa Fe Springs Civic Center (Sq 138 color guard presented colors at opening ceremony)

17-18 September 24 September 13-23 October 23 October 26 October

Unit Commanders Course, March ARB (1 Sq 138 officer served on staff) Squadron hike to Eaton Canyon National Staff College, Maxwell AFB (2 Sq 138 officers served on staff) Wings, Wheels and Rotors, JFTB Los Alamitos (1 Sq 138 member participated) Squadron 153 Halloween Party, JFTB Los Alamitos (10 Sq 138 members participated

11 November

Veterans Day Tribute, Library Park, Monrovia (8 Sq 138 participated, passing out programs, assisting the placement of the memorial wreath; 1 officer spoke during ceremony)

30 November 7 December 14 December 17 December

Squadron Movie Night and Pot Luck Dinner Subordinate Unit Inspection Squadron Christmas Party, Spaghetti Factory, Fullerton Christmas Pantry, St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Norwalk (Squadron members helped hand out food baskets and Christmas presents)

Los Angles Cadet Squadron 138

Civil Air Patrol - U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
Safety
Lt Col Charles Wiest
Capt Frank Quinonez

Commander
Advisor

Capt Teresa Franklin

Cadet Safety C/CMSgt N. Franklin

Deputy Commander
Capt Teresa Franklin

Aerospace Education
CH (Capt) Antonio Lopez

Chaplain

2nd Lt Erick Castillo

Cadet Programs
Leadership Lt Col G. Mherian

Adminstration Finance
Lt Col Charles Wiest

Professional Dev.
Test Control Capt Teresa Franklin Test Administrator Lt Col G. Mherian

Logistics
Capt Frank Quinonez

Personnel
Lt Col Gamila Mherian

Public Affairs
Lt Col Charles Wiest Recruiting Officer 2nd Lt Erick Castillo

Lt Col G. Mherian

Lt Col Gamila Mherian

Cadet Commander
C/CMSgt Nicole Franklin
1 January 2011

Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138

Squadron 138s Motto: Ad Astra Per Aspera To Strive for the Stars Squadron 138s Vision: One team striving together for aerospace leadership
One We are individuals; each member brings worth to Civil Air Patrol and deserves our support and respect. Team Our team is made up of many individuals; each member has his part to play on our team. We have a shared destiny; we will succeed or fail together. We succeed in a climate that inspires trust, respect, pride, teamwork and quality performance. Striving We strive for a culture of continuous improvement. This directly echoes our squadron motto, and implies excellence and reaching for our highest goals and aspirations. Together The more we can pull together, share knowledge, the stronger we will be. Every member has a stake in our mission and its outcome. Aerospace We were created as an aviation organization. Air is our middle name. Aerospace is our future. Leadership We are here to lead, to be the best, nothing less. Leaders are committed to our goals, strive for excellence and exemplify CAPs Core Values.

Squadron 138s Mission:

We will directly support our community by providing dynamic young men and women who will be an asset to our community and nation. We will accomplish this by offering a positive, regularly scheduled, well-structured, stimulating and challenging training program in leadership, aerospace, character development and physical fitness.

Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138 Awards

2009 2008 2007 2005 2004 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1995 1995 1995 1994 1994 1994 1994 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1987 1983 1982 1982 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1978 Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year California Wing Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year California Wing Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 1 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Civil Air Patrol Unit Citation Group 15 Color Guard American Legion Outstanding Squadron Award for California Wing Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Pacific Region Color Guard California Wing Color Guard California Wing Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Color Guard Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year California Wing Outstanding Cadet Squadron Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Group 15 Cadet Squadron of the Year Civil Air Patrol Unit Citation California Wing Outstanding Cadet Squadron Group 15 Outstanding Cadet Squadron Group 15 Outstanding Cadet Squadron Group 15 Outstanding Training Squadron California Wing Outstanding Cadet Squadron Pacific Region Drill Team California Wing Drill Team

Cadets Meet WWII Hero Lt Col Charles Wiest, CAP 714-402-5157, cwiest@verizon.net On November 11, members of Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138 attended the annual Veterans Day Observance held at Monrovias Library Park. Following the ceremony, members had the unexpected honor to meet a WWII hero, Mitsuru Mitz Kunihiro, who served in the 422nd Regimental Combat Team. Kunihiro spoke only briefly during the hour-long tribute to veterans. After the ceremony, he spoke quietly with a long line of local residents, and proudly posed with his recently presented Congressional Gold Medal. On 5 October 2010, the Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the 100th Infantry Battalion and Nisei serving in the Military Intelligence Service. Over 14,000 Japanese Americans served in the units during WWII, which earned eight Presidential Unit Citations and over 18,000 individual awards, including 21 Medals of Honor. Since 1935, the Allied Veterans Council of the Upper San Gabriel Valley has conducted the ceremony to honor all veterans. This year, over 250 local residents and veterans representing all branches of the armed forces attended the ceremony. Attending the ceremony were Lt Col Charles Wiest, Lt Col Gamila Mherian, 2nd Lt Erick Castillo, C/CMSgt Nicole Franklin, Cadet Airmen David Castro and Edward Rosales, and Cadets Jennifer Garcia, Renee Morales and Anthony Romo.

Saturday, 15 May 2011

8:00 AM 5:00 PM

Furman Park

10419 Rives Avenue, Downey

Please come support Squadron 138 and have a fun day!

Attire: Squadron 138 T-shirt & baseball cap 8:00 AM - Squadron 138 members meet at Furman Park Unload vehicles on Rives Avenue Set up food booth Set up model rocket launch area 11:30-1:30 launch model rockets 12:30 PM presentation of colors at opening ceremony 4:00 PM - clean up and pack equipment 5:00 PM - dismissed

Food booth Picnic Shelter #2 (center of park) Model Rocket Launch baseball diamond (west side of park) Penny Carnival booth northwest side of park
Directions:
From San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605), exit at Florence Avenue West on Florence Avenue Turn left (South) on Rives Avenue first street past Paramount Blvd. Report to the picnic shelter for your assignment!

Los Angeles Cadet Squadron 138

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

6:30-8:00 PM

Fun Night!
The Power House Entertainment Center
7589 Carson Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90808
(across from Edwards Cinemas)

featuring PowerTag, the fast action hi-tech lasertag game and over 130 interactive video games!

Long Beach Towne Center

Directions to the Long Beach Towne Center:

South on I-605 Freeway Take Carson Blvd. exit Turn right on Carson Turn left at first traffic signal into shopping center Bear left around circle to center of shopping center

Sunday, 24 July 2011

Canada - Ghana - South Korea
Contact Capt. Teresa Franklin - 562-923-6465 Laura Perez - 562-822-0429

Reservations are required!

Squadron 138 Fun Night

join us for fun and food on

Wednesday 31 August 2011

6:30 9:00 PM

Cost: $10 for cadets, $18 for adults

6:30 PM: dinner (2 slides of pepperoni pizza, 12 oz soda & ice cream cup) 7:00 - 9:00 PM: unlimited use of all rides and Mini-golf Attire: Squadron 138 T-shirt and jeans

Golf N' Stuff Family Fun Center

10555 E. Firestone Blvd. Norwalk, CA 90650
Directions: Exit the 605 Freeway at Firestone Go West on Firestone Golf N Stuff is a half block, on the right

Reservations are required! You must call Monday night.

Call Captain Teresa Franklin at 562-900-4694 or Lt Col Gamile Mherian at 714-270-4360

Wednesday, 14 December 2011

We invite you and your family to join us for good food and good friends as we bring to a close another year full of accomplishments and celebration.

$5 per person
Appropriate holiday attire Please confirm your reservation no later than 12 December Lt Col Gamile Mheian at 714-379-8528 or 714-270-4360