T HE N EWSLETTER

OF THE

M C H ENRY C OUNTY C OMPOSITE S QUADRON

M C H ENRY C OUNTY P ATROL

C IVIL A IR P ATROL - US A IR F ORCE A UXILIARY HTTP :// WWW . GROUP 22. NET / MCCS A PRIL 2007

O RIENTATION R IDES
Orientation Rides are a fantastic way to learn about aviation and the basics of flight. Each cadet can receive at least 5 powered flights and 5 glider flights. See Lt.Kalemis or Lt. Kryscha to get scheduled.

I NFORMATION Deadline for all submissions is the 25th of the preceding month. Email submissions to jkalemis@comcast.net, editor or deliver a hardcopy. All photographs are by 1st Lt James Kalemis, 2nd Lt Paul Ebanks or Cadet Shelby McMahon unless otherwise noted.

Eleven cadets participated in the March Orientation Flights. The cadets having all the fun were Maria Mangano, Jared Hendler, Scott Hendler, Ross Kohler, Krystal Freund, Mike Chappel, Mike Kryscha, Jim Smith, David Langston, Harrison Wemple and Matthew Lazov.

Next Orientation Rides scheduled for April 15.

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Y ES M ATILDA , T HERE I S A R EASON

Lt Col Ken Anderson Believe it or not, there is some measure of reason behind the madness of the activity we at McHenry County Composite Squadron often find ourselves engaged in, called Leadership Exercise. It is perfectly natural that someone getting just a snapshot of such an exercise might question where is found the leadership lesson in having cadets crawl on the ground, or having cadets flapping their arms creating change in pressure, or blowing on a balloon for all they are worth. The truth of it is, I dont know, but I sure enjoy watching the cadets have a great time doing it. Seriously, as we move through various exercises that I often use to challenge cadets, inevitably there occurs a sequence of events through which the cadets move that present elements of a common theme in problem solving or competition that very much ties into leadership and group dynamics:

Cadets generally start with only partial attention given to the details of instructions offered, often jumping to their own conclusions about what the problem is and/or how to solve it (i.e. inattention, distracted anticipation). Cadets then launch into solving said challenge either singularly or with little collective thought (i.e. this is easy, I will be the first to solve it and be the hero, I already have the answer >> chaos).

As lack of immediate success rears its ugly head, and unanticipated difficulties thwart initial efforts, cadets step back to regroup, individually taking greater note of co-cadet advice and/or collectively recognizing the need for more thought and planning usually at the prompting of more seasoned cadets (leaders) who early on recognized the lack of progress and have quickly come to be dissatisfied amidst the chaos surrounding them (i.e. uh-oh, were toast, we havent a clue, this isnt so easy, we need better ideas).

Cadets then move as a group into a somewhat organized gaggle, invariably having the lead taken by someone unafraid to take charge and feeling an overwhelming desire to get it right (follow me boys, ergirls, too). Now the real thought and planning takes place and, if the leader is on the ball, he/she allows for input from any cadet having an idea, because rarely is the right answer forthcoming from a single person, but is often from a collective of cadets that spin all the potential solutions around in their head and from a dozen different perspectives quickly evaluate for likelihood of success (i.e. the best solutions are most often arrived at as group solutions). Best idea (s) get implemented and success usually follows (i.e. we all feel a part of the victory and/or we all share in the defeat, but in the end, we are a teamhugs all around).

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M ORAL L EADERSHIP C ORNER

Major Rhonda Anderson Before becoming the commander of MCCS, I served as a Moral Leadership Officer, most recently at the Lake in the Hills Squadron. Wearing the ML Officer shoes is a good fit for me. ML is a required topic for the cadets and I would like to provide some insight to parents and officers via this medium as well. National Headquarters Chaplaincy provides curriculum for this program. This past month we explored suicide. Research into suicide statistics reveal that McHenry County rates are lower than the nation (good news) and that the majority of suicide deaths in the County are middle aged men. Our discussion revolved around our own lives. Many of us have thought of suicide during our lifetime, which is not uncommon. One signal for danger, however, would be to have a plan to carry out the deed.

Warning Signs include:

Previous suicide attempts Alcohol and drug abuse Statements revealing a desire to die Sudden changes in behavior Prolonged depression Making final arrangements Giving away prized possessions Purchasing a gun or stockpiling pills

Regardless of the cause, the QPR Institute recommends the following action:

Question the person about suicide Persuade the person to get help Refer for help

The counselors at the McHenry County Crises line know how to deal with the issues, call 1-800-892-8900. Cadets appreciated the session. They indicated that suicide was a taboo topic that they had never discussed. Some mentioned friends who were having difficulty. It could be that you, or someone in your household, is experiencing difficulty. There is help. The crises line is a source of help and there are many clergy who are willing to assist as well. For a referral you may call me at 815-788-0737.

Overachievers may be devastated by a failure, underachievers may feel unwanted, and those suffering peer pressure or peer exclusion may feel hopeless. Chemical imbalances can also be the culprit.

I NFORMATION T ECHNOLOGY S PECIALTY T RACK

National Headquarters has released the new Information Technology Specialty Track. The pamphlet specifying the duties of the Information Technology Officer, CAPP 227, can be downloaded from http://level2.cap.gov/documents/P227.pdf The Open-book quiz is available online. And E-Services has been updated to allow assignment of this new specialty. If you are interested in pursuing the Information Technology Specialty, download and read the pamphlet, and then please see Capt Corey Stohlquist or 1st Lt James Kalemis.

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I A M A V OLUNTEER
By Major (Dr.) David A. Miller, Commander, Group II, Missouri Wing Im a physician and I joined CAP not to further my trade in the healing arts, but to serve my community and country. To put my enthusiasm, selflessness, and considerable personal and financial energy to work for good causes. I looked over CAP for a full month before joining. Looked the web site up and down, checked out local units, googled multiple CAP topics, even bought and read Aerospace: The Journey of Flight before joining (yep, Yeager award was my first accomplishment). Looking over what CAP did impressed me. I wanted to join to help out. And I liked the cadet programs where I felt I could be a good role model and mentor to cadets while also imparting some good health advice that might stick. Did I join to be a trauma-rama hotshot at crash sites? No. Am I here for the bling and prestige (you know we go right to Captain as a licensed physician, then Major after only a year )? Nope, already have that as a doctor. Am I here for the big bucks? Yeah, right. Im here as a volunteer to help any way I can. Thats probably the main reason any health professional joins CAP. Yes, we know we cant practice medicine (the regs are pretty clear on that), but there are so many other reasons for being a part of this organization. And many more things medical officers and health services officers can do for your squadron and members. Many topics have already been discussed where Health Services Officers (HSO) are an asset to CAP. Health and Safety briefings being a very important one. Ive done them on color-blindness, hypoxia, smoking, meningitis vaccine (recommended for our young adults), lightning strike injuries, blood borne pathogens, etc. Sure they can be done by others. I hope I bring more experience and insight to them rather than a layperson doing a canned PowerPoint presentation. And our role as advisors is not an insignificant one. Probably one of the most important. Extreme environment advise, can Johnny do PFT with that ankle injury, reviewing all medical forms and informing the squadron commander about what possible problems may lay ahead during the upcoming activity or weekend event, drug interactions, which meds will make Johnny dehydrate faster out on the parade ground, whos blood sugar needs to maintained, illicit drug information, etc. HSO interaction with cadets and participation in the cadet program is probably where HSO types can do the most good in CAP. And as many of you know, we instituted a volunteer senior member physical fitness program in the Missouri Wing last year (GetMOCAPfit). Im a Group Commander. Im a Wing R&R Officer, Assistant Wing Med Officer, and Assistant Wing PAO. Was awarded last years Wing PAO of the Year for Missouri. Ive got specialty ratings in six specialties, none of which are health services. Yes, I know that none of these duties are as a medical officer (well, the Asst. Wing MO is, of course) but what if I hadnt joined? Medical types bring much enthusiasm in with them, they truly want to reach out and help others. My continuing accomplishments are a direct outcropping of this phenomenon. We have such a retention problem in this organization already, why are we trying to make it worse?

Editors note: The context of Major Millers post was a debate on the usefulness of professionals in CAP squadrons, specifically, health care professionals. Major Millers post was so dead-on that I got permission to reprint it. It applies equally, not only to all professionals, but to all volunteers. Volunteers donate the most valuable resource to CAP, their time. If that time is spent providing medical advice, providing legal advice, flying cadets, driving cadets to an event, or participating in an event as a Senior Member, it is all priceless. Do not let anyone imply otherwise. - Lt. Kalemis.

I MPORTANT D ATES
01 Apr - 1st launch date for our model rockets 13 Apr - Alden Hebron Trade Fair recruiting booth 14 Apr - ES Day, Galt 15 Apr - O F L I G H T S, Galt 13-15 Apr - ILWG Spring Encampment Week 1 20-22 Apr - ILWG Spring Encampment Week 2 4-6 May - GLR Cadet Competition, Wright-Patt AFB, Dayton, OH 4-6 May - Air Force Evaluated SAREX, Marion 19 May - ES Day, Galt 20 May - O F L I G H T S, Galt 19-20 May - SLS/CLC, Great Lakes Naval Station

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P ROMOTIONS

SM Fred Hyzny

2d Lt

SMSgt Ethan Peterman

CMSgt

T EAM A MERICA R OCKETRY C HALLENGE

1st Lt James Kalemis Team America Rocketry Challenge is the worlds largest model rocket contest started as a one-time celebration of the centennial of flight. The challenge is to design, build and launch a one-stage model rocket that will reach an altitude of exactly 850 feet while staying aloft for exactly 45 seconds. The single raw egg payload must then be brought back to the ground unbroken. The entire competition, including the design and building of the rocket, must be done by the cadets. The mentors have limited involvement. Over 700 teams enlisted for the competition and the top 100 teams will compete at the finals in Virginia. Teams are mostly made up of students from high schools. Last year we put forth a team consisting of cadets from five squadrons. The cadets were Joshua Sloan, Ross Kohler, Emily Medina, Ethan Peterman, Ryan Tschosik, Jake Benz, Stephen Gibbs, Clint Greenlee, Brian Peters, and Sabryna Peters. The challenges were many. Weather cancelled many of our practice flights and diminished our patience out in the cold for others. Faulty motors created fireworks of some rockets. Strong winds caused one rocket to end up half a mile away! Then there were design challenges. I thought you did that caused eyes to roll one day at the launch pad when lack of a motor ring caused the motor to lodge into the body tube. Measure twice, cut once reared its ugly head. Unfortunately we ran out of time and we will not be able to qualify for the finals. But the journey was very exciting. The team members learned a lot of good lessons. From working as a time under pressure to rocketry fundamentals. Each cadet will take back something from the experience that will make them better team players, better analysts, or better scientists. This was a great start for next year!

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S ENIOR S TAFF
Commander .... 1Lt James Kalemis Advisor to the Commander .. 2Lt Lupe Lopez Deputy Commander Cadets . Capt Esther Medina Leadership Officer .... LtCol Ken Anderson Capt James Smith Moral Leadership Officer .. Major Rhonda Anderson Medical Officer....Dr. Mackie Snebold Nurse Officer ... Capt Doris Mangano Safety .... 2Lt Mike McMahon Administration/Personnel.... Capt Sharon Freund Aerospace Education ...... 1Lt Bob Kryscha Cadet Programs ...2Lt Paul Ebanks 1Lt Diane Workman 2Lt Fred Hyzny Communications...2Lt John Peterman Finance .... Capt Doris Mangano Supply ...... 2Lt Kevin Stebbins Public Affairs & Marketing .... Capt Doris Mangano Emergency Services .... Capt Corey Stohlquist 2Lt Lupe Lopez Flight Release Officer .. Capt Mordechai Levin Standardization/Evaluation Officer Capt Mordechai Levin Professional Development .. Capt Corey Stohlquist Transportation Officer ...2Lt Fred Hyzny Capt Corey Stohlquist Newsletter Editors ..1Lt Diane Workman Major Rhonda Anderson

C ADET S TAFF
Cadet Commander .... Capt Steven DeCraene Advisor to the Commander . LtCol Maria Mangano Executive Officer ..... 2Lt Emily Medina First Sergeant ..... SMSgt Ross Kohler Flight Commander ..... 1Lt Krystal Freund Flight Commander ... CMSgt Ethan Peterman Flight Sergeant .. CMSgt Brian Freund Aerospace Education Officer . Major Maria Mangano Emergency Services .. CMSgt Ethan Peterman Training Officer .... Major Maria Mangano Recruiting/PT Officer ........ 1Lt Jared Hendler Public Affairs .... SSgt Shelby McMahon Color Guard Commander .... SMSgt Scott Hendler

CAP-USAF CAP-RAP Capt Kris Klein kleinkm@hotmail.com

E VENTS C ALENDAR WWW .GROUP22.NET/MCCS/ EVENTS . DOC

W EBSITES
McHenry County Composite Squadron http://www.group22.net/mccs Illinois Wing News Blog http://ilcapnews.blogs.com Group 22 CAP http://www.group22.net Illinois Wing CAP http://www.ilcap.org Great Lakes Region CAP http://glr.cap.gov/files/index.html National Headquarters CAP http://www.cap.gov

C ONTACT I NFORMATION
53 Hummingbird Ln, Streamwood, IL 60107 (847) 668-3109 jkalemis@comcast.net

M EETING I NFORMATION
Tuesdays 6:45pm9:15pm Galt Airport 5112 Greenwood Road, E6-7 Greenwood, IL 60097