The Evergreen Magazine

The EVERGREEN News

is the official publication of the Washington Wing, Civil Air Patrol and is published each spring and fall. It is published by a private firm and is in no way connected to the Department of the Air Force or the Civil Air Patrol Corporation. Opinions expressed by the publishers and writers are their own and are not to be considered of ficial expressions by the Civil Air Patrol. The appearance of adver tisements in this publication, in cluding supplements and inserts, does not constitute an endorse ment of the Civil Air Patrol or the Department of the Air Force.

WASHINGTON WING

Col. Brett Dolnick Commander

The EVERGREEN News

2nd Lt. Jeff Hagglund Editor-in-Chief Photographer Maj. Bethany Cox Managing Editor Capt. Andrew Kolstad Contributing Editor Photographer

Submission

15, 2023 August 15, 2023

Washington Wing, Civil Air Patrol United States Air Force Auxiliary 307 Pitsenbarger Blvd. Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington 98438

WAWG.CAP.GOV 253-982-7774

Cover Photo:

An F-15 Eagle prepares to receive fuel from a KC-135 tanker from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.

Photo courtesy Lt. Col. Clay Shepherd

commaNdER ’ s coRNER

by col. breTT Dolnick WashingTon Wing commanDer

Hello Washington Wing!

It has been more than 100 days since I assumed command of this amazing Wing and I wanted to share some of the incredible things you all have been doing. In August, I received a message that the Washington Wing had the BEST membership growth from March through July of all Wings with more than 1,000 members!!! We grew 6.36% and I couldn’t be more proud of ev erything you’ve accomplished! Congratulations!!!

You will read about many of our events in the following pages, but I cannot say enough how successful our cadet programs, emergency services and aerospace education programs have been.

Our cadet programs continue to thrive! This year we held Cascade Falcon en campment at Camp Rilea, for the first time, with an amazing group of staff and students. We received accolades from CAP-USAF, Pacific Region and the Washington and Oregon National Guards about what a great encampment this was.

More than 120 students graduated and another 95 gave of their valuable time to make it successful.

Desert Eagle National Flight Academy was held in Ephrata, Wash. with 21 flight students and 29 staff and CFIs. Everyone bore the heat of the east side for two weeks and nearly everyone was able to solo. What an accomplishment! Students spent time in flight, ground school and even using simulators to hone their skills.

Orientation rides continue throughout the Wing with more than 440 flights, almost one and a half times as many as we did last year, and there are still more to come! This year we had our first O-rides departing JBLM.

Our Emergency Ser vices members have been working hard to train and qual ify new ES crews while other members work to remain proficient. Active search missions require a lot of support from air crew to mission base, sUAS

Continued on page 17...

By Chaplin Lt. Col. Dave Franklin

On a cold wintery De cember day, just two days before Christ mas on 2014, Sen. (Lt. Col.) Jim Honeyford and I — Civil Air Patrol mission pilot, Lt. Col. Dave Franklin — were tasked with flying an Air Force mission to scan and photograph the low water levels of the Wana pum Lake in central Washington. The lake is formed by the Wanapum Dam on the mighty Columbia River in the center of Washington state. The low water levels were created by the two- inch crack in the dam, which was under repair, and making a great opportunity of observing and recording the ‘bottom of the lake.’

Years earlier, Honeyford served the Kittitas Valley in law enforcement and knew the area from his early years. The dam is also on the northeast border of the 15th Legislative District, which Honeyford represents. The frosty morning pro vided a thin layer of ice on the tops of the CAP plane wings which prevents good lift for the plane. Although it was a cold morning, the sun was shining which provided just enough heat to melt off the ice over a 90-min ute wait. Once the ice melted

off and a low battery was energized, our mission began to fly high over the Central Washing ton area which Jim knew well. While in flight to the dam, Honeyford asked a series of questions over a period of time concerning the slow cold start of the flying mission. He was pon

the process of seeking funding and making construction plans for a new CAP Emergency Ser vices Hangar, based in Yaki ma, next door to the McAllister Museum of Aviation.

In the Fall of 2015, almost a year after the frigid CAP mission was performed, the protective airplane hangar was con structed, dedicated, and named, “The Honeyford Hangar.”

The hangar and its mission are still being utilized for its primary purpose of emergency services, aerospace education for the community and cadet programs for young people. The enclosed hangar continues to provide the protection from the elements to perform the CAP “Mission for America”.

dering how to prevent the long wait for emergency services to respond adequately to natural disasters and other emergency service relief. Jim was good at thinking through those needs and process action plans to resolve those issues. It was through that conversation in the air that Honeyford and I began

Thank you, Jim, for your often- unseen involvement and direction to serve our fellow man through your leadership as you served the CAP as the Washington State Legislative commander. Through this action in our region, Honeyford was selected as the United States legislator of the year for national Civil Air Patrol in 2012 (Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. David Chapman is the organization’s Washington wing deputy chaplain).

Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Dave Franklin

“Thank you for serving Eastern Washington so well”

Rep. Brad Klippert

AT 30,000 FEET

By C/2nd Lt. Caroline Shepherd

Strategic.

The 116th Air Refueling Squadron, mem bers of the Washington Air National Guard, and the Strategic Air Command, are vital to the defense of our country.

Beginning at 6:30am, Civil Air Patrol Eastern Group commander, Maj. Morris Hahn and Lt. Col. Clay Shepard took cadets and senior members, from five squadrons, to the 116th ARS briefing room.

During the briefing, guard members shared described different features of the KC-135 aircraft, its capabilities.

During the mission briefing, the cadet officer in charge, Cadet Lt. Col. Caroline Shepherd, was tasked with performing the safety brief and demon stration of supplemental oxygen masks specifically used on the KC-135R Stratotanker.

After reaching cruise altitude, passengers were allowed to explore the KC-135 aircraft. De spite minor turbulence during the flight, cadets and senior members remained excited about the mission.

En route over Eastern Idaho and Western Montana, the Stratotanker began to refuel the F-15E Strike Eagles. While “lowering the boom,” CAP members were given the opportunity to watch and photograph the midair refueling process, connecting, and disconnecting from other aircraft.

Nearly 30 cadets and senior members from the Eastern Group, Washington Wing participated. “This was an excellent experience like no other,” said C/2nd Lt. Benjamin Belino from the Columbia Basin Composite Squadron.

“I would recommend this activity to anyone who really enjoys living.” Lt. Col. Clay Shepherd of Eastern Group said, “This is one of those occa sions where our cadets have an opportunity to do something most people will never get to do.”

lEFt, lEFt, lEFt

FouRtEEN squadRoNs paRticipatE iN 20 milE Road maRcH

By Maj. Michael Moore

TheMcChord Composite Squadron’s 20-mile road march is an annual event where cadets and senior members march 20 miles over two days to test their endurance, build friendships, and raise awareness of Civil Air Patrol. This year’s road march included 60 members, repre senting 14 squadrons, from

across Washington Wing. Departing JBLM/McChord Field early Saturday morning, members carried not only the guidons of the partic ipating units but also a guidon belonging to the Air Force’s 446th Airlift Wing Operational Group. The 446th has been a massive supporter of CAP, providing C-17 flights and other activities for our members, and we owe a special thanks to

USAF Col Cynthia Welch for allowing CAP to carry her unit’s guidon on this road march. As they rotate through different leadership positions, cadets are provided an oppor tunity to guide the group based on maps and clues supplied along the way. This year’s marching route passed through Spanaway, Fredrickson, Gra ham, and Puyallup’s South Hill communities. Accompanied by specially marked support vehicles (and at one point even assisted by the Pierce Coun ty Sheriff’s Department), the marching group was under the constant watch of dedicated medical and safety person nel who helped mitigate traffic hazards and assisted with road crossings. They also supplied participants with ice-cold water, healthy snacks, and foods at

each stop along the route.

At the halfway point, members found themselves at Shady Acres Airport (3B8) just in time to help the airport celebrate a milestone birth day. Those 60 CAP members converged at the airport commemorating its 60th Birthday, where the residents of Shady Acres airport hosted a cookout and provided space for CAP to camp overnight. On Sunday morning, the community opened their kitchens to prepare a hearty breakfast for all, and CAP cadets didn’t hesitate to put their DFAC skills to use and assist with meal preparations.

Judy Scott, a lifelong airport resident whose father helped found the airport 60 years ago, welcomed CAP’s participation. She states that the airport community was very impressed with the cadets’ con duct and professionalism and is looking forward to having CAP visit again.

RiGHt lEFt!!!

Marchers then departed Shady Acres to complete the remainder of their 20-mile journey, and, after a brief stop for ice cream, the group reached the finish line at Thun Field, with a time of 29 hours and 58 minutes.

Since McChord’s first road march in 2006, this event has grown to become McChord Squadron’s premier summer activity, where cadets have a chance to challenge themselves and build friendships and mem ories that will last a lifetime.

Top: Cadets display the guidon’s carried during the 20 mile march.

Bottom: Members mid-march along a county highway.

Far Left: Cadets stand at rest, midway at Shady Acres Airport, the halfway point, and rest stop for the night.

Photos by Capt. Andrew Kolstad / Evergreen News

cRackiNG tHE codE

cadEts lEaRN cybER EducatioN

By C/CMSgt. Lucas Morrow

As we are witnessing the growth of the digital world, the ex pansion of the Internet and of social media, we have to worry about our critical infra structure and about protecting ourselves from cyber threats and cyber-attacks. According to Harvard University, there are 500,000 cybersecurity-related jobs open, and that number is increasing at a rapid rate. Cadets participating in the Cyber Education Training Program are building up skills to better protect themselves, but also to prepare for a potential professional future in this field. From Summer 2020 to Spring 2022, the CET team offered virtual training twice a month from September to June, and two week-long virtual Cyber Education Camps each summer.

During the Summer

2022, the CET program offered two in-person cyber education camps hosted at the Washington Wing HQ on JBLM. Cadets participating in the two Green Darner 3 Cyber Education

Camps have learned about many topics including Windows and Linux operating systems, cryptography, Cisco Networking, Python programming, and participated in cumulative mock

Above: Senior Member Robert Sims, a retired US Army colonel, speaks with cadets about cyber security during Green Darner program.

Sylvie Kacmarcik, received ac colades and praise from Unit ed States Air Force members and guest instructors for their professionalism and knowl edge. According to one U.S. Air Force Cyberspace officer, the cadets were more knowl edgeable regarding cyber than expected, education. Senior Member Robert Sims stressed the importance of his time as a Civil Air Patrol cadet on the development of his career as a U.S. Army Cyber Operations specialist and later as a Cyber Security specialist at Dell Tech nologies.

During both weeks, ca

Left: Cadets discuss computer components during cyber education week.

Above: Green Darner and unit guidons.

Below Left: An enigma machine used by Germany during World War II.

Photos Courtesy Green Darner Public Affairs.

dets participated in classes and training sessions from outside

ing Mr. Mike Koss, who pre sented a genuine World War II Enigma machine, and Colonel Thomas Pries who talked about Cyberspace Operations in the United States Air Force. Cadet Airman 1st Class Elliot Lay, who attended both camps, gave the camp recognition for having an excellent curricu lum: “The material was really enjoyable and new to me, so I learned a lot and made new friends while working in amazing facilities.”

In addition, the twicemonthly Cyber Education Training sessions during the

school year help cadets grow in their cyber careers, covering numerous topics such as Cy ber Security or Cyber Ethics. Cadets use these opportunities to study the Aerospace Dimensions – Module 7 on Cyber Security for their 8th achieve ment and for their Billy Mitchell aerospace tests, or to study the Aerospace Education Cyber Module to earn their Cadet Cyber Badge. Starting in Sep tember 2022, the WAWG CET team will provide in-person cyber security and computer science & engineering training on the first and the third Satur days of each month.

Willapa Harbor Airport

Walla Walla

aNd squadRoNs sEE NEW

Eastern Group

Change can be tough; it can also bring a fresh new per spective to any situation.

Recently promoted to Eastern Group commander, Maj. Morris Hahn transferred command of the Pangborn Composite Squadron, in Wenatchee, Wash., to Capt. Audra Keyanna. “Serving as squadron commander was very important to Maj. Hahn and he invested all of his energy into making it a success.” said Key anna.

Having served as Pangborn commander since December 2018, Hahn has held many other duty positions through

the Washington and California wings. Some of these positions include deputy commander, transportation officer, public af fairs officer, and logistics officer.

Pangborn Comp. Sq.

Joining Civil Air Patrol in 2019, alongside her son, Key anna brings a passion for youth with her.

As a certificated teacher and administrator, Keyanna brings unique skills with her that have helps when serving as deputy commander of cadets, personnel, and aerospace education officer.

As squadron command er, Keyanna aims to grow the cadet and senior membership, while continuing to meet the individual needs of each cadet in the squadron.

Southwest Group

Hard working and with a servant’s heart, Maj. Victoria Wonser took on even more responsibilities when she was recently promoted to Southwest Group commander.

C-17 rides, the McChord Road March and even the uniform drive to help offset costs for both cadets and senior mem bers just beginning their adven tures with CAP.

Commander’s Corner

... continued from page 2

and ground teams as well, to name a few.

All of this is possible be cause of the amazing work you all do!

Additional work completed by emergency services crews include low level military training route surveys. These six-hour missions include a mission pilot, mission observer and aerial photographer. They document any new or unchart ed obstructions which could be significant safety hazards to the airmen flying these routes.

Above: Maj. Morris Hahn, presenting a citation and medal award.

Photo courtesy Capt. Audra Keyanna

While serving McChord Comp. Sq., Wonser has been the professional development officer, public affairs officer, deputy commander and com mander.

The desire to help others is quite evident through her leadership while organizing many different events, including

New opportunities include an ongoing partnership with Washington Emergency Management. We have follow up meetings to see how CAP can assist the state with emergency management functions. In fact, we got agreement to put a permanent seat for CAP in the state Emergency Operations Center!

I hope you can see there are a tremendous number of ways in which you can par ticipate, learn, and have fun! I hope to see you at the next activity!

GROUND saR

A RESOUNDING SUCCESS WiTH HiGH GRADUATION

sO OTHeRs MAY LIVE

By Maj. Brian Watson

The Washington Wing Commander, Col. Brett Dolnick commented, “With temperatures in the Tacoma area soaring, these members (cadet AND senior students!) learned about ground team tactics and operations.” Over 1,100 Ground Team Member (GTM) and Urban Direction Finding (UDF) tasks are on the record.

The Academy met its mission “Using CAP and SAR organization’s competency requirements to develop partic ipant’s core skills, knowledge and experience necessary to provide Wing Commanders with personnel assets capa-

ble of operating in the SAR environment.” Twenty-eight students and twelve staff from three wings participated in the Academy as a part of both the Basic and Advanced curriculum. Members of the California and Nevada Wings joined members from every corner of the Wash ington Wing to expand their skills and experience in GSAR. Maj. Bryan Watson, the Academy Director, explains, “The GSAR Academy is one of the training tools used by the WAWG Emergency Services Officer to train personnel of the CAP. It is the only 9-day school aimed at training GSAR skills in the WAWG. Other tools include the Field Emergency Services Training (FEST), Washington

All Missions Academy (WAMA), SAREXs and unit training. All these activities support WAWG’s GSAR re sponse capability.”

The Academy’s Basic curriculum cen tered on the tasks necessary for GTM 3 while the Advanced curriculum trained GTM 2, GTM 1, and GTL subjects. Individual evaluations met and exceeded the require ments in the GTM/UDF Task Guide. Hands on, written and oral evaluations administered by Skills Evaluator Training (SET) qualified staff ensured each student had the required knowledge of the subject matter.

In addition to the GTM/ UDF curriculum, students partic ipated in leadership and person al development activities in cluding rappelling presented by the Washington Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, drown proofing with the Joint Base Lewis McChord Soldier Field Pool team, and helicopter operations supported by the 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion. Nicole Dono hue and Zane, a Snohomish

Photo courtesy GSAR Academy Public Affairs

County volunteer search dog team, provided hands-on experience for the students accomplishing a search resulting in finding a target.

The students learned how to cooperate with the team in a wooded search environment.

All Academy personnel accomplished an all-day twopart CAPSTONE mission that included long distance navigation and ground search followed by an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) search cul minating on an actual airfield. In conjunction with a success ful ELT search, the Academy coordinated with the WAWG Operations staff to accomplish ground team direction from the air and coordinated ground to air signals.

The Academy culminated with a graduation ceremony overseen by the Washington Wing Commander, Col. Brett Dolnick. “Getting to talk to our graduating students, their families, and hand out certificates was a highlight for me!”

Top: Students ‘hot load’ a victim into a UH-60, reducing the time it takes to receive advanced medical care.

Above: Cadets secure a survivor into a rescue litter, preparing them for a safe extraction.

Photos courtesy GSAR Public Affairs

CadeTs Take

By 2nd Lt. Jeff Hagglund

Hot,

dry, and nearly perfect.

Variable weather conditions are among the many considerations a pilot has when making a gono-go decision. In Ephrata, Wash., home of Desert Eagle National Flight Academy, gives students and instructors stable, but warm weather to teach the basics of flight. The location for Desert Eagle

allows for the stable weather to remove one variable to safety. The 13-day annual flight academy, held at Camp Robert L. Boucher was a temporary home to six powered aircraft and two gliders for cadet students to learn basic skills such as coordinated turns, stalls, slow flight, and take off and landings. One crucial task taught to every aspiring pilot is to embrace the checklist.

On the second day of

lessons, C/CMSgt. Jadon Jantz asked, “Is there a checklist for the checklist?”

As the commander of Desert Eagle, Col. David Maxwell recruited an outstanding team of senior members, many of whom were part-time volunteers to ensure the multiday event went smoothly. Among the many dedicated volunteers, two certified flight instructors-glider and four certified flight instructors served as instructors for the

From zero experience, to solo flight, cadets spend 12 days learning about powered and glider flight.

FLIG

13 single-engine airplane and eight glider students. Preparing for the flight Academy is demanding. Once selected to attend, students must ensure they have completed several different courses through CAP online learning, obtain a student pilot certificate and third class medical for powered flight students. Taking the course seriously, cadets are

not permitted access to their personal electronic devices for most of the 13 days. With a break in the action, cadets can call family, friends and catch up on social media. “Yes, I’m looking at Snapchat on my iPad,” said C/CMSgt. Luna Matte on the fifth day of the academy. Students kept both airplanes and gliders busy over the 13 days. Powered flights totaled

121 cadet training sorties, amounting to 129.8 flight hours. All these hours, when documented correctly in a cadet’s logbook, count towards the required 40 flight hours needed to apply for a private pilot certificate. When the dust settled, eight glider students and 13 powered students earned their solo wings.

Glider and powered airplanes were both used at Desert Falcon National Flight Academy Photos courtesy Desert Falcon Flight Academy Public Affairs

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1-800-723-7770

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boarding

By 2nd Lt. Jeff Hagglund

Ellie Edwards woke up terrified.

The thought of flying in a large military cargo aircraft loomed over the cadet from the Arlington Composite Squadron. “It was great,” she said after a two- and half-hour excursion in a C-17. “I made a lot of amazing memories.”

Edwards was one of 49 cadets and senior members of various squadrons throughout the Washington Wing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to experience flying on the iconic plane on May 26 at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM).

The day began with a briefing from Lt. Col. John Burnett and the flight crew, including MSgt. Joe Zinnecker, one of the two load masters on the flight.

“Years ago, I was you,” Zinnecker, who attended Cascade Falcon 4 Encampment in 1999, said during the briefing. “I was a cadet once and loved the experience.”

Aircraft commander Maj. Emily Brand of the 97th Airlift Squadron then took questions from the cadets, including the planned route of flight, weather, and aircraft characteristics. The flight plan took the cadets from JBLM east over the Cascade

mountains to Yakima, northeast to Spokane and east into Montana. The pilots then banked right to begin the return route towards Pendleton, Oregon, the Tri-Cities and finally back to JBLM. Before departure, the cadets embraced the opportunity to walk around the aircraft, both outside and inside while asking questions with Burnett and Zin necker.

The senior most cadet, C/Lt. Col. Tatiana Sparks of the Bellingham Composite Squad ron buckled up in the jump seat behind Brand. Earning a nomina tion to the United States Air Force Academy, she is hoping to return

Cadets climb aboard a C-17 cargo aircraft to experience the thrill of flight, some flying for their very first time.

2nd Lt. Jeff Hagglund / Evergreen News

Right: C/2nd Lt. Jack Warwick looks out the aft port door window while aboard the C-17.

to JBLM after flight training to fly C-17’s herself.

“Getting to see the airplane in flight” was a highlight of the trip, Sparks said. “Meeting (other) cadets from around the wing (was) pretty cool, not much has been going on because of COVID.”

The C-17 Globemaster III has been the workhorse of the Air Force since 1995. As a multi- mis sion capable platform, the Globemaster has commonly performed medical evacuations, troop trans port and airdrops, and tactical and strategic airlift operations.

As the flight crossed the Cascades and Rockies, many of the cadets enjoyed sudden changes in flight. With only a handful of windows in the cargo area, climbs and turns were difficult to expect and turbulence was even more surprising than typical.

“I found it interesting that the cadets enjoyed the turbulence,” said Maj. Michael Moore, the national recruiting and retention manager for CAP.

The sudden changes in altitude presented a “great opportunity for additional learning,” Moore

The “cadets were curious, professional and a joy to be around. (The) combat off-load was a memory to last a lifetime, as was the flight to better weather,” Maj. Justin Clark said about departing the overcast skies of JBLM to seek more favorable weather east of the Cascades.

Many of the cadets talked about learning about the loadmas ters job, seeing the flight deck and the distance traveled in such a short amount of time.

Seeing the joy and excite ment was worth the weeks of logis tics planning and coordination by Maj. Victoria Wonser, Southwest Group commander, and her team of CAP senior members.

added. Cadets experimented with bottle flips and jumping while expe riencing less than one G, causing perceived momentarily weightlessness, real life experience that can not be felt or read from a textbook. Weeks of coordination and hard work made the event a success.

“Big thanks for Maj. Won ser for advocating for this event to take place,” Senior Member Casey Johnson said. “The best part was to see how thrilled the cadets were to be able to participate and share their own passions and aspira tions.”

Opposite Page: Group photo inside the C-17 cargo bay, looking toward the rear of the aircraft.

Top left: Two cadets talk with the pilots, while in flight over Eastern Washington

“The cadets were curious, professional and a joy to be around”

Maj. Justin Clark

2nd Lt. Jeff Hagglund / Evergreen News

Capt. Andrew Kolstad / Evergreen News

Darrel

FREE uNiFoRms

By Maj. Michael Moore

Changeis hard, for most.

As the Air Force regulation change, the combat uniforms change over time as well. The Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) found their way to the back of airman’s closets and was no longer authorized to wear after April 1, 2021. Replacing the ABUs are the Op erational Camouflage Pattern, including a new two-piece flight suit.

Helping airman clean out their closets and keeping the old, unwanted, and sometimes well-loved ABU’s, the McChord Composite Squadron leaders capitalized on the changeover by placing a large ABU collection box on Barnes Ave, one of the most heavily traveled streets on Joint Base Lewis McChord.

Maj. Michael Moore, national recruiting, and retention manager, build a weatherproof

enclosure measuring three feet deep, four feet tall and eight feet wide. Large enough to hope fully fill with a few donations. In stead, the first donations came within ten minutes of being set into place. In fact, the donation bin was filled so often, it was emptied every two-three days. To date, more than 36,000 pounds of all uniform types have been donated. It has taken a team of volunteers to sort through the ABU’s, dress blues, boots, shoes, cold weath er gear and even Gore-Tex ABU jackets and pants were included in the donations. Maj. Victoria Wonser (Southwest Group commander), Capt. Andrew Kolstad (Southwest Group) and CMSgt. Thomas Beavers (McChord Squadron) continues to sort through the donations, removing unusable or serviceable uniforms. En couraging the program volun teers, new and hardly used garments were found in the mix.

The overall goal of the program was to collect some free uniforms, help members save some money and keep ABU’s with life remaining out of the landfill. Squadrons throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho have saved thousands of dollars on uniforms.

Above: Cadets pose during fleet week in their ABU uniforms. (Capt. Andrew Kolstad / Evergreen News)

Below: The uniform donation box built by Maj. Michael Moore

tHaNk you

By 2nd Lt. Jeff Hagglund

Coming together.

For the first time as a wing since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Washington Wing conference showcased the incredible work done by members of the wing, held a change of command ceremony, and presented cadet and senior members with awards and promotions.

Serving as Washington Wing commander for the past four years, Col. Shelly Norman began her tenure as the first female wing commander for Washington. Leading the wing through difficult, unprecedented times, Norman worked to keep the wing operational, and open.

Due to state and national mandates, meetings were closed to in person,

activities were canceled, and events postponed. Leadership within the wing worked to find new ways to meet such as online meetings, and even outside at local parks.

Beginning his CAP career as a cadet in 1985, Washington is the fourth wing Col. Brett Dolnick has served in, he said in an introduction email. “I’ve been very impressed with the Washing Wing members I’ve met and look forward to getting to know a lot more of you,” Dolnick continued.

While together, as a wing, promotions, honors, and awards were given to numerous individuals who continue to make the wing successful. Norman presented End of Tour awards and Commander Commendations to numerous individuals, including department heads who assisted Norman during her command. One such award, the

meritorious service award, was presented to Chaplain Lt. Col. William Adam, Lt. Col. Keith Butler, Lt. Col. Jamie Treat, Lt. Col. Keith Weber, and Capt. Victoria Wonser. Soon after being presented the meritorious award, Wonser, commander of the Southwest Group, was then promoted to the rank of major. Also receiving recognition were Maj. Ralph Black, Lt. Col. Patrick Courtney, and Lt. Col. Dick Heiz, who received exceptional service awards. Members from around the wing were also recognized and given annual “member of the year” awards. Both cadets and senior members were able to be honored for hard work and dedication in different departments. One individual, 1st. Lt. Veronica Ho, from Paine Field Comp. Sq., received the Brewer Memorial Aerospace for senior members.

“Thank you for the Brewer Memorial award! WAWG’s numerous successful Cyber activities are made possible by the knowledgeable and dedicated seniors and cadets of the Cyber Education Training team,” said Ho, of receiving the distinction.

washington wing spring conference hosts change of command ceremony, awards presentations

“it is an honor and my pleasure to work with these wonderful people”

1st Lt. Veronica ho

C

ASCADE FALCON

E NCAMPMENT XXV

Cadets learn advanced skills during the 25th annual encampment, working towards advancement.

By Lt. Col. Tim Kelley

Like a phoenix rising from the flames, Cascade Fal con returned in 2022. From a new location, the planning, lead ership, and dedication of staff and cadre ensured the same outstanding encampment experience Cascade Falcon is known for. More than 200 cadets and senior members from the Washington Wing, and one cadet from as far away as the National Capitol Wing (Washington, DC), descended on Camp Rilea, Ore.

Beginning on July 1st with pre-encampment activities, the staff and cadre used the time to prepare and make final adjustments to plans, logistics and complete training, waiting for the student’s arrival on July 3rd. After registration, the fun began with total immersion of

Top: All eight flights and cadet cadre assemble on the parade deck at Camp Rilea during Cascade Falcon XXV.

Above: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant performs a bunk inspection during Cascade Falcon encampment.

Photos courtesy Cascade Falcon Public Affairs

Cadets learn procedures, have uniform inspections, develop advanced computer skills, and help each other during Cascade Falcon encampment. Military customs are taught while making new friends is also a highlight of the week.

Photos courtesy of Cascade Falcon Public Affairs.

Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) military style leadership programs including drill and ceremonies, encampment chain of com mand, leadership exercises, and living CAP core values.

Throughout the week, visitors and guests included Washington Army and Air Na tional Guardsman who empha sized opportunities as officers and enlisted personnel in the military. Possibly areas of spe cialties include aviation, intel ligence and cyber operations, security forces, and tactical air control. A highlight for encampment attendees were orientation flights from US Army aviation

crews, giving hands-on exposure in a heavy lifting, CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Opportunities for cadets to challenge themselves were plentiful throughout the week. Under the watchful eyes of certi fied Air National Guard rappel masters, cadets descended from a 65-foot tower. With grit and teamwork, cadets also completed a military confidence course with more physical ob stacles.

A highlight of the week was “the crucible,” final testing and inspections of all that was taught throughout the encamp ment, competing for individual

and team awards.

Cascade Falcon XXV concluded on July 10th with a military pass in review. This year, the reviewing officer was the Washington Wing commander, Col. Brett Dolnick.

After a challenging week of classes, testing and fun, cadets were reunited with their families and headed home. Each cadet gained new skills and abilities to share with their home units and advance in the cadet program.

Looking to next year, Cascade Falcon will once again return to Camp Rilea in 2023!

Our Pilots, Staff, Management, and Employees Strongly Support the Washington Civil Air Patrol. Thanks, Keep up the Good Work!

We are proud to salute the many fine efforts of the men and women who are part of the Civil Air patrol, in their lifesaving missions. “Thanks And Good luck!

Serving the area with pride and integrity.

Compliments of a friend...

Supporting the men, women, and young cadets of the Washington Civil Air Patrol for their hard work and dedication towards saving lives. Thank you for keeping our skies safe!