The Eagle Eye

Beverly Composite Squadron Massachusetts Wing Civil Air Patrol August 2007 Volume 1, Issue 6

Promotion News
C/MSGT Mercurio to C/SMSGT
Hamilton resident C/SMSgt Mercurio has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since September of 2003 and has held the positions of Flight Sergeant, Flight Commander, First Sergeant, and Cadet Commander in the Beverly Composite Squadron. He is a sophomore at Hamilton/Wenham Regional High School in Hamilton Massachusetts.

Cadet Graduates from Honor Guard Academy

Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Kelly Buck CAP, graduated Friday evening 20 July 2007 from the Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Special Activities Honor Guard Academy in Westminster Md. Cadets from 31 states across the country and Puerto Rico vie for admission to this highly coveted National Summer Cadet Activity of the Civil Air Patrols Youth program. In addition to her graduation certificate, Sergeant Buck was selected as the Honor and Pride cadet of her flight. This was also one of the largest graduating classes in the nine year history of the academy, graduating 14 cadets.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1 2 3 4 5 6 Promotions, Honor Guard Academy Honor Guard Academy Training, Honor Guard Academy, Q & A Promotions, ES, Deployed DCC, Logistics, New Members, Deadlines, Web Commander USCAP, Wreaths, Calendar

During Honor Guard graduation ceremonies the cadets provide VIP escort to all lady guests as well as US Air Force and CAP dignitaries. They post the colors, recite the Honor Guardsmen Creed, demonstrate the funeral element, and all five flights of cadets perform rifle drill presentations. Sergeant Buck said cadets get up at 5 AM, attend
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classes and drill practice all day. By the time lights out comes around at 10 PM weary cadets roll into their bunks without protest. She confesses that after being home less than 24 hours, she misses the Academy, the cadets, the camaraderie, the challenges, the sense of belonging to an elite group of CAP cadets. The Honor Guard Academy is a three year program consisting to two week training sessions each summer where cadets are taught four elements of being an Honor Guardsman. The four elements are Colors, Funeral, Ceremonial/Demonstration, and the Drama Element. Other topics for instruction may include, but are not limited to: Medal of Honor History and Recipients, The Art of Public Speaking, Proper Uniform Wear and Care. In the colors element the cadets are taught flag history, flag care, and flag customs and courtesies. They are also taught how to raise and lower the flag outdoors for all occasions, and how to post the flag at an indoor ceremony where other flags and banners might be present. In the funeral element the cadets are taught how to be pall bearers at military funerals and to render honors to the deceased and their families. They do not, however, participate in gun salutes as they are not licensed to carry firearms. In the Ceremonial/Demonstration, they are taught how to be VIP escorts, Provide Honor Cordons, perform ceremonial duties, and perform rifle drill demonstrations. During the academy each Flight of cadets create and choreograph their own unique drill routine which they perform at the graduation ceremony. These presentations are impressive as the first year cadets demonstrate the more basic moves in a rich and exciting display. The second year cadets demonstrate the more advanced maneuvers, and the graduating cadets put on the most advanced displays that include rifles flying through the air between cadets. The approximately 60 first year cadets are divided up into three flights, this year there was one all female flight. First year cadets are called White hats

because they wear a white HGA Ball caps as a part of their uniform of the day. The second year cadets usually numbering around twenty, wear blue ball caps and make up the fourth flight. The third year cadets numbering roughly 12 cadets make up the fifth flight, and wear red ball caps. Cadets completing the first year are awarded a Certificate of Completion, Honor Guard Academy, Basic Course, and are permitted to wear the silver honor guard cord on the blues uniform while performing Honor Guard Duties. Cadets completing the second year receive the Certificate of Completion, Intermediate Course, Honor Guard Academy, and cadets completing all three years are awarded Certificates of Graduation Honor Guard Academy. Graduates of the academy are allowed to wear the silver cord on their Blue uniforms at all times a cord is permitted. All cadets completing the two weeks are permitted to wear the NSCA Ribbon for the first year, and a clasp for each additional year of participation. Many of the graduating cadets are traditionally invited to return as Assistant Staff Instructors. We had such a good group we are hoping to have quite a few come back as instructors ( next year ) said LtCol Patricia Gaylin, Assistant Director HGA. She confided that she and LtCol Jett Mayhew, the Academy Director are already starting to work on the program for next year even as they are unpacking from this year. We always need senior members.. she hinted in a recent e-mail, pointing out that currently the adults who help out during the academy generally fill more than one role. Currently there are 4 HGA graduates in the Air Force Academy, 3 in Annapolis, and 2 in West Point. There are also have several HGA graduates serving in Afghanistan and Iraq in the different armed forces. Air Force Honor Guardsmen are on hand for the first week of the Honor Guard Academy and teach all levels of classes. Every year if at all possible they return for the graduation ceremony, and every year they are impressed with the cadets performance at the graduation.
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Training News
Dan Parsons 1Lt USCAP
PDO

more about CAP customs, core values, and communications. Case studies, discussion, and group assignments are integral facets of the SLS. Squadron Leadership Schools are administered at group or wing level and last from 12 to 16 classroom hours. Students completing SLS are awarded a certificate of completion and this training is noted on their permanent record.

National Staff College is the capstone course in professional development. Held annually at CAP National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol, NSC is designed for members who are, or will be, assuming positions of regional or national importance within CAP. NSC is taught by senior CAP leaders and USAF instructors from Air University, the curriculum challenges students in the areas of executive leadership, management, organizational behavior, and policy formulation. Much time is spent examining CAP's national-level operations. Students engage in seminar discussions, case studies, and exercises throughout the seven day course. Because of the graduate-level design of NSC, as well as its focus on national-level operations, attendance at National Staff College is restricted to those members who hold the grade of Major (or above), who have completed CAP's Region Staff College (or equivalent), and who have the endorsement of their wing commander. National Staff College for 2007 is scheduled for October 13 - 20, at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL, home of CAP's National Headquarters. OKAY, so you finished level one its about time you continued your education: After you have completed Level One, you are ready to move to Level Two. To complete this level and earn the Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Award, you will become technician rated in a specialty track (earning the leadership ribbon), and complete the "CAP Senior Officer Correspondence Course" (commonly called "ECI-13" for the old pamphlet number given to this course). See CAPR 50-17 for details on these requirements. You will also complete the Squadron Leadership School (SLS) which provides CAP's adult members with a basic understanding of CAP operations at the squadron level and how those operations affect CAP's national missions. Additionally, members learn

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Cadets can submit a CAP Form 31 in November or December to apply for a slot at the Honor Guard Academy. Applicants must be 15 years old, attended an encampment and receive approval at the squadron and wing level to attend. Cadets must be physically able to actively participate in drill, PT, march and stand at attention for moderate periods of time. For more information on the Academy visit the web site: http://www.caphga.org, or contact the NHGA Director, Lt Col Jett Mayhew, at director@caphga.org.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: When do I need to pick a NCSA activity? A: Approval deadline is 31 Dec 2007 Q: How do I find out more about the National Cadet Special Activities? A: http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5388 Q: Why are there only three questions this month? A: You forgot to send your questions to abuck@amgen.com

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Promotions continued from page 1

C/TSGT Scicchitano to C/MSGT

Danvers resident C/MSgt. Scicchitano has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol since July of 2006. Sergeant Scicchitano will be a sophomore at Danvers HS in the fall of 2007 where he is a member of the track team. Outside of school and Civil Air Patrol Sergeant Scicchitano enjoys extreme physical training, biking and gaming. Sergeant Scicchitano is the Flight Sergeant of the squadrons Eagle Flight

ES News
2LT Morrison USCAP

Beverly Pilot Dies in Western Massachusetts Crash

In the early morning hours of Sunday, July 9, two people were killed when their aircraft crashed into the town of Tyringham, MA. The aircraft, Piper Cherokee N5595J, was flying in adverse weather before the time of the crash. The two individuals on board were Gregg Hartley and Timothy Ladd, who were flying from Wiscassett, ME to Husdon, NY. Gregg was a respected member of the Beverly Airport community who owned a successful ship surveying business based in Boothbay, ME. Hartley and Ladd were making a routine business trip that was cut short by tragedy. Controllers from Boston ARTCC and Bradley TRACON had been advising the aircraft of the intensity of storms around them. The aircraft had been dodging thunderstorm cells for almost 50 miles when the pilot reported were getting into it pretty good here. Shortly thereafter, the controller witnessed the aircraft drop sharply from 6,000 feet and subsequently lost radar contact on the aircraft. The preliminary NTSB report determined the aircraft broke up in midair; the wreckage was spread over of a mile.

Congratulations to both C/SMsgt Mercurio and C/SMSGT Scicchitano

Deployed
Former Cadet Bev Squadron SGT. Aaron Cuscuna C-Trp 2-1 Cav FOB Warhorse APO AE09336 beantownlpc@yahoo.com Richalie Griffith USACE APO AE 09354

Gregg Hartley was a childhood friend of my uncle. Often, he would put my uncle to work on a big project where he trusted only his best friends. Hartley was a licensed pilot for 15 years and he died doing what he loved. It is because of events like this that I got involved in Civil Air Patrol Emergency Services. Cadets were given a taste of ELT search procedures last month. Emergency Services is not just about silencing orange or red boxes, it is about saving lives. The Emergency Services Staff hopes that you will consider getting rated in an ES Specialty to be of service in times of need.

Past Commander CCG Squadron

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From the Desk of the Deputy Commander for Cadets

Greg Carter, Maj. USCAP
DCC

Logstics
David Snow, Maj/CAP
Logstics Officer

Leadership Feedback. Civil Air Patrol outlines leadership expectations for the cadet program with in the Cadet Program Manual 52-16. The expectations are the leadership skills we want our cadets to develop during each of the four phases of the program. The expectations are progressive in that we do not expect Phase I cadets to perform or have the same abilities as a cadet within the other higher phases. As an example, a cadet in Phase I, we should be pleased if they show basic sense of responsibility in that they follow directions and arrive ready to learn, where a Phase IV cadet should be expected to be a self-starter and be able to complete major projects with little or no supervision. We, as adult members, can ensure that our cadets are developing their leadership skills by providing them with leadership feedback that is positive, constructive and specific. At least once (if not more) per Phase we can ensure this positive feedback through the use of the Cadet Leadership Feedback form 50. These forms are tailored to each Phase, and designed to facilitate a discussion about the cadets strengths and areas where they may need to improve upon. Some are born leaders, but in reality, most great leaders learn their skills from others. So let us all do our part and be positive, construction and specific leadership mentors to our cadets.

From the Logistics Corner, AS a squadron we have had some good times and so really tough times. When all looks bleak, we need to pull together as a squadron. Roll up our sleeves and do what really needs to be done. We're not just a squadron, but something more. We're family with a mission. It's time to find a new location where we can grow and prosper in. A building or even a plane doesn't make us a squadron, it's how will we pull together and support each other. We still need to be ready, to perform "Missions for America". There is a lot of support for us coming from Wing and the days ahead you'll find out, a lot of people support us and will help in anyways they can. As Logistics Officer for Beverly Composite Squadron, the most important concern I have at this moment is to find where we'll be able to keep our supplies safe, dry, and secure. In the coming weeks, I'll be doing a complete inventory and make arraignments to transfer supplies to new locations. For those of you who have personal property at the squadron, make sure you have your property labeled. Any equipment not labeled will be considered property of MAWG.

WEB PLACES
CADET WEB PAGES http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NER-MA-019 http://hs.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2263391099 Senior Web Pages http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BVYCOMP/ OFFICIAL WEB SITE http://bvycap.homesite.net/

New Members
Welcome to: Cadet Ian Johnston, Rockport MA Cadet Chad Soper, Beverly MA
SM Andrew A Moynihan, South Hamilton

Eagle Eye Deadlines

Columns 2 September 2007 AEO, DCS, DCC, ESO, Safety Officer, Professional Development Officer, and the Squadron Commander. News stories 5 September 2007 Promotions, Missions etc.

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MEMORANDUM FOR ALL CAP MEMBERS FROM: CAP/CC SUBJECT: A Message on Professional Conduct: Self Discipline Reflects Our Pride in Service to America 1. This December, Civil Air Patrol will celebrate its 66th year of service to our great nation. Since CAPs inception in 1941, our members have been willing to risk their lives to ensure the safety and welfare of our fellow citizens---some members have paid the ultimate price. Today, our organization stands proud of its long and enduring record of service to our country. 2. With the foregoing in mind, it is truly disheartening to me to have to send a reminder to you about avoiding unprofessional conduct in all matters pertaining to CAP. Recently, I learned of some webbased activities (e-mail, video, blog, etc.), coupled with an alleged hazing incident, that caused me and other CAP leaders some concern. Whereas I realize that these activities are the work of a very few of our members, and that the great majority of our members are truly dedicated, I am compelled as your commander to advise you to always maintain the utmost professional discipline that has been the hallmark of CAPs service to the public for many years. 3. If you are in doubt about whether your conduct is proper, apply the CAP Core Values reasoning process which follows: Does your conduct exemplify Integrity, the spirit of Volunteerism, Excellence in performance, and an attitude of mutual Respect? If what you are doing, or thinking of doing, doesnt meet these standards, then dont do it. Its that simple. However, if you do, I am obligated to tell you that if you persist in conduct that is deliberately unprofessional and hinders our mission accomplishment, CAP will employ appropriate remedial measures. Our legacy of service to America deserves no less. 4. Many of my communications with the CAP membership involve sending accolades and thanks for a job well done. I truly enjoy doing that. I dislike sending letters like this. So, in closing, let me return to a positive note and sincerely thank you for all you do as devoted and respected volunteers.

Wreaths Across America

CAP has teamed up with the Wreaths across America program as a two fold project. We raise money for the program so more wreaths can be laid out over the holidays on the graves of veterans. We will also get some funds for the Squadron for every sponsor we sign up. An officer will be appointed shortly who will be our Wreath Coordinator but before that happens you should start thinking of where you might sell some sponsorships. For more information on the program visit the Web Link: http://www.capchannel.com/wreaths_across_ameri ca and get yourself ready to hit the ground running.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
11 AUG FLYING DAY TO BENEFIT CYSTIC FIBROSES

MEETING CALENDAR
15 AUGUST 2007 UNIFORM: BDU CADETS: ES SENIORS: STAFF MEETING, 22 AUGUST 2007 UNIFORM: BLUES CADETS: LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND REVIEW BOARDS SENIORS: 29 AUGUST 2007 UNIFORM: CIVILIAN CADETS: SENIOR - CADET NIGHT SENIORS: SENIOR - CADET NIGHT 5 SEPTEMBER 2007 UNIFORM: BLUES CADETS: AE, MORAL LEADERSHIP, PROMOTIONS SENIORS: ALL: SAFETY BRIEFING

ANTONIO J. PINEDA Major General, CAP Commander

12 SEPTEMBER 2007 UNIFORM: BDU CADETS: PT SENIORS: ALL: SAFETY BRIEFING

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