Civil Air Patrol Graduates Cadets

Cadets representing the squadrons in Rhode Island, as well as members from Alabama, New York, and Vermont assembled at Camp Varnum in Narragansett to take part in the Rhode Island Wing Annual Spring Encampment (April 16-22).

During the week-long event, cadets worked through team building exercises, customs and courtesies, as well as Aerospace Education, daily physical training and orientation flights in Civil Air Patrol aircraft. In addition, Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) seminars and demonstrations, and Black Hawk helicopter rides provided by the RI Army National Guard were on the schedule.

When asked about the annual event, Encampment Commander Lt. Col. William Stranahan said, "The purpose of the week is to help them build on teamwork and leadership in CAP’s three congressionally mandated missions of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.” Stranahan called encampment a "challenging experience" because it requires self-discipline and learned independence.

While watching the graduating class march from their barracks around the parade grounds one final time, Erick Heroux, father of Cadet Airman Jacob Heroux remarked, "We're very proud, and he chose to attend this encampment on his own accord," he said. "He joined CAP close to a year ago and we've seen a great change in him, including the physical training."

When asked about her experience at the encampment, Cadet Second Lieutenant Abigail Williams enjoyed it so much last year, she came back this year as an officer for the week-long program, said “I really enjoyed working with all the cadets and the activities we did," she said. "The skills we learn, we can bring back to our squadrons, such as the teamwork we learn through the obstacle course and I had the opportunity to learn about how things run from another point of view."

Also, participating this year for his first time was the RI Wing Director of Communications, Senior Member, 2nd Lt. Charlie Sutton, who shared his observations about the cadets and their achievements, "It was awesome to see them set their goals and not only meet them but exceed them and see how happy they were to do that" he said.

To qualify for advancement in rank and responsibility in the CAP program, cadets are required to attend and graduate at least one basic encampment.

The week-long training event presents the five key traits of cadet life – the uniform, aerospace themes, opportunities to lead, challenge, and fun in an intensive environment that moves cadets beyond their normal comfort zones for personal growth. Through activities such as obstacle courses and the like, encampments encourage safe, calculated risk-taking in a safe environment. To develop their resilience, cadets may encounter momentary setbacks toward their personal and team goals during the carefully designed activities. Adult guidance and encouragement from fellow cadets ensures a supportive environment.

Encampment showcases the CAP Cadet Program’s regimented, Air Force-styled training model in a positive, age-appropriate manner consistent with CAP and Air Force traditions. Encampments operate at a higher level of intensity in respect to the military aspects of cadet life than virtually any other cadet activity.

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Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force, which consists of regular Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, along with Air Force retired military and civilian employees. CAP, in its Total Force role, operates a fleet of 550 aircraft and performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average f 78 lives annually. Civil Air Patrol’s 56,000 members nationwide also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Its members additionally play a
leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet program. Performing missions for America for the past 75 years, CAP received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 in honor of the heroic efforts of its World War II veterans. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com for more information.