San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

Forms

• CAP Form 31 California Wing
• Petition for Review (Nov 03).pdf

Posted by Vince at 7:22 AM | Permalink

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CadetStuff.org
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Posted by Vince at 11:00 PM | Permalink

When a prospective member first visits San Diego Cadet Squadron 144, that individual will be met by a member of the squadron staff. A prospective cadet member will be accompanied by a cadet staff member during the meeting and those interested in becoming senior member will be accompanied by an individual on the senior member staff.

The following individuals serve as staff members at the squadron:

SQUADRON SENIOR STAFF

• Squadron Commander - Maj Dennis Ammann
• Deputy Commander – Capt David Saavedra
• Medical / Aerospace Education Officer - LtCol (Dr.) Benjamin Aaron
• Communications Officer – 1Lt Jeff Cable
• Safety Officer – 1Lt Chris Natwick
• Administration / Personnel Officer – 1Lt Keith Jackson
• Advisor - Maj Daryl Newton
• Testing Officer - 1Lt Keith Jackson

SQUADRON CADET STAFF

• Cadet Commander - C/2Lt Peter Kler
• Cadet Executive Officer - C/2Lt Matthew Corey
• Cadet First Sergeant - C/TSgt Joseph Culver
• Cadet "A" Flight Commander - C/2Lt Chandra Murphy
• Cadet "A" Flight Sergeant - C/TSgt Brent Timm
• Cadet "B" Flight Commander - C/2Lt Douglas Saavedra
• Cadet "B" Flight Sergeant - C/SMSgt Spencer Beaulieu
• Cadet "C" Flight Commander - C/2Lt Joe Connolly
• Cadet "C" Flight Adviser - C/Capt Anastasha Freeman
• Color Guard Commander - C/TSgt Joshua Flewellen
• Cadet Projects NCO - C/SrA Harrison Coyne
• Cadet Recruiting NCO - C/Amn Jesse O'Keefe
• Cadet Security NCO - C/Amn Andrew Elsken
• Cadet Safety NCO - C/A1C Hannah Olson
• Cadet Emergency Services NCO - C/MSgt Alex Ramos

Posted by Vince at 10:30 PM | Permalink

Squadron Meeting Location
7288 Convoy Terrace
San Diego, CA 92111-7901
Map

Note: Please check the squadron calendar for the most current information about the meeting location.

General Contact
Commanding Officer
Maj Dennis Ammann
Cell Phone: (619) 247-2457
E-mail Address: dammann@tomhomgroup.com

Mailing Address
Civil Air Patrol
San Diego Cadet Squadron 144
P.O. Box 900183
San Diego, CA 92190-0183

Posted by Vince at 8:53 PM | Permalink

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is tasked with producing dynamic young Americans and Aerospace Leaders. We offer young men and women of ages 12-18 (may remain a cadet until 21st birthday) the challenge of a lifetime, through a program based on leadership training, flight training, search and rescue, and aerospace education. Cadets advance through the CAP Cadet Program by completing written tests and practical exams in leadership, physical fitness, and aerospace education, in addition to the ethical foundation set for them in our Moral Leadership program. As cadets advance in grade and rank they earn greater responsibility, and the rewards are commensurate with this advancement. All cadets begin as a Cadet Basic, and can promote as high as Cadet Colonel, given enough time and commitment on their part.

Leadership training in CAP is ongoing, in the form of Drill and Ceremonies, Teaching Techniques and Conflict Management, to name a few examples. What sets CAP's Leadership training apart from others, is that our cadets learn leadership through practical application and specially designed schools, which mirror Air Force Leadership Schools in nearly every way. Some of the school increments are Basic Cadet School, Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer School, and Cadet Officer Basic Course.

CAP cadets are also eligible for many scholarships that range from $500.00 to $5,000.00, or more. Many cadets find that membership in CAP made the difference in their successful nomination to the United States Air Force Academy, or other service academy. A large percentage of USAF Academy cadets began their journey as CAP cadets.

Among other benefits, CAP cadets are also eligible for national and international activities, such as International Air Cadet Exchange, Hawk Mountain Ranger School and National Ground Search and Rescue School. Along with all of these great opportunities, CAP Cadets who decide to enlist in the Air Force, and who have received the General Billy Mitchell Award, receive advanced pay grade (E-3) after Air Force Basic Training.

Without a doubt the most popular program in CAP for the cadets is the Flight Training Program offered at the squadron and national levels. CAP cadets are eligible for both powered and glider orientation flights, plus opportunities for ground school and flight training scholarships. CAP cadets can solo and even become private pilots in glider planes in this manner. National special activities specifically for flight training include our National Flight Academy Glider/Powered, Jacksonville Airline Academy, Aviation Challenge, and Space Camp.

The possibilities are endless, come and see why the CAP Cadet Program is truly "America's best-kept secret!"

Posted by Vince at 1:14 AM | Permalink

Los Alamitos, CA - Late last year, Maj Brian Billing, the former CO of Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 arranged for glider training flights with LtCol James Welliver, Operations Officer, Los Alamitos Glider Training Squadron 41. Once the date was scheduled, Maj Billing graciously invited San Diego Cadet Squadron 144 to accompany them. Quotas were assigned and cadets eagerly signed up from both squadrons. At 0830 hours, 22 January 2006 the following cadets reported to LtCol Welliver, at the Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center, Los Alamitos for glider training flights:

Squadron 47 Squadron 144

C/SSgt Justin Kay C/2Lt Bobby Coeur

C/A1C Mary West C/Amn Edward Roybal

C/SrAmn Brian Weisner C/Amn Anthony O’Donnell

C/AB Ryan Pedersen C/AB Douglas Saavedra

C/AB Tyler McGregor C/AB Nathaniel Porter


After check-in, both squadrons were seated for a safety brief by LtCol James Welliver. Topics covered were: active runways, aircraft safety, towrope entanglement/rope burns, glider ops, etc. After the safety brief, all personnel assembled in front of the two gliders for an orientation brief/walk around tour by Col Welliver. The older glider is a Schweizer SGS2-33 high wing/two seat with a glide radio of 23/1. The second newer glider is a Blanik L-23 with a glide radio of about 34/1 also a high wing/two seat but with a T-tail. Both are maintained in excellent condition and painted in CAP colors.

At 1000 hours the gliders were towed to the east end of the active runway by CAP vehicles with cadets assisting by holding up each wing tip off the ground. With everything set up on the western end of the cross-runway area, the first glider was hooked up to a CAP tow plane at 1100 hours. Cadet C/AB Douglas Saavedra, Sq. 144 had the honor of being the first one up. All cadets that weighed in the lightest were first in order to utilize a weight pack to adjust the center of gravity in the gliders. The CAP tow plane is a Maule MT-7 hangared at Long Beach Airport piloted by LtCol Jose Chizmadia. Each cadet along with their certified flight instructor (glider) (CFI(G)) were towed to an altitude of 2,000 feet and released for a ten-minute ride back to the launch point. Although there was a slight smog layer, cadets could see Catalina Island to the west and Disneyland to the east. They were taught how to turn and bank and set up for landing. If cadets brought flight logbooks, they could log their glider time and have it signed by their respective CFI(G). Another opportunity for the cadets to fly were rides in the tow plane when the CAP training pilots finished their check-rides. Capt Dave Bowden gave an "E" ticket ride to Cadet Bobby Coeur, Sq. 144, which was a little more “enlightening” then the regular training flights.

A few quotes from the flyers:

“I thought the day was absolutely outstanding. Aside from getting a chance to fly, it allowed Squadron 47 to intermingle with other squadrons, and also gave the cadets within our squadron an excellent opportunity to bond in a fun and relaxed environment. Having never personally flown an unpowered aircraft, the flying itself met and exceeded my expectations. The towed takeoff was a bit more challenging than I had previously imagined, but once the line was released I felt even more free and relaxed than in a powered aircraft, not having to worry about half as many things (throttle, flaps, mix, etc.). I almost never get a chance to go off on weekend activities anymore, but I am definitely glad I went on this one and could easily do it again.” C/SrAmn Brian Wiesner, Sq. 47

“My experience at the Glider O-Flights was amazing. I enjoyed wing watching, flying in the Maul, and of course flying in the gliders. The quietness of just sailing in the glider with no noise of a prop was magnificent. I strongly encourage anyone who is considering to go next time to jump on the opportunity. It is a great experience!" C/SSgt Justin David Kay, Sq. 47

“Everything about the day including my flight was great. I enjoyed watching some of the other cadets in our squadron learning banking maneuvers. I didn’t realize that even on the ground it was important to have the plane positioned properly but I learned it quickly when the wind picked up and changed directions when we needed to move the plane.” C/Amn Anthony O’Donnell, Sq. 144

“Flying the gliders was a moving experience. Smooth and easy, the way flying is supposed to be. Soaring, swoops and climbs, two G turns, and not an engine to be heard, it is nothing but relaxing." C/AB Nathaniel Porter, Sq. 144

“Glider flying is a great experience for first-time flyers. The feeling of unpowered flight is extremely empowering.” C/AB Edward Roybal, Sq. 144

Later at 1300 hours, a mini air show was held by three F/A-18 Hornets courtesy of the U.S. Navy. These “fast movers” started their rollout on the western end of the runway and were airborne, gear up, adjacent to the CAP glider staging area about 100’ above. No jet noise, only the sound of freedom! What a show! They returned shortly for landing and at the end of the day repeated the show as they left for parts unknown. Outstanding opportunity to see these jets in action.

At 1530 hours Maj Dee O’Sargent, Comm Officer, Sq. 47 took the last glider flight up and stated, “I thoroughly enjoyed, and was excited about the glider flight day. Just very pleased to see that the cadets who participated received an excellent introduction to many aspects of glider flying. They not only flew in the glider, on the controls, but also learned what it takes to safely prepare a glider for flight, wing walking, attaching the tether, positioning the glider for towing, and how to handle a glider on the ground, during wind gusts. CAP is giving our cadets many excellent opportunities in AE.” All other personnel helped stow the gear in the CAP vehicles for transportation back to Sq. 41 HQs.

The cadets thanked our hosts, Los Alamitos Glider Training Squadron 41; Commanding Officer, 1Lt Donald Myhra, Operations Officer LtCol James Welliver, Glider Pilots, Captains Greg Myers, Dave Bowden, Ron Hodge, Dave Widrig, and LtCol Chizmadia, along with ground team members 1Lt Guenter Schier and 1Lt Bob Littlefield.

The cadets received an excellent introduction to glider flight by actual hands on training. LtCol Welliver is well known for providing safe/efficient glider training operations these many years. Maj Billing is also recognized for coordinating this combined squadron activity. Working together like this provides camaraderie and builds friendships – a win-win experience for all.

Posted by Vince at 8:38 PM | Permalink

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a nonprofit, benevolent corporation. It is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Congress chartered CAP to perform certain duties for individual communities and for the nation. That charter helped establish the three-part mission that includes emergency services, aerospace education, and the cadet program. To accomplish its mission, CAP requires an informed, active senior membership trained in leadership, management, and functional tasks. The CAP Senior Member Training Program prepares members to serve their units, their communities, and their nation. All new senior members must complete Level One Orientation as soon as possible after receiving their membership from National Headquarters.

Posted by Vince at 1:19 AM | Permalink

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Posted by Vince at 2:24 AM | Permalink