Cadets James Jolin, Christopher Palmer and Trevor Charles all received their “first stripe” on their way to success in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.
The cadets received their insignia for their new grade, cadet airman, at a recent meeting hosted by Ed Myrick at the Effingham Emergency Management Agency facility on Courthouse Road. The squadron also received an overview of EEMA and how the Civil Air Patrol may be able to assist in the time of disaster within the community.
Cadet Airmen Jolin, Palmer and Charles were joined by Cadet 2nd Lt. Aaron Abbs as they traveled to the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, host of the 2014 Georgia Wing Cadet Encampment. While this was the first encampment for the new cadet airmen, it was Abbs’ third experience at encampment.
Abbs previously attended as a “basic” or first-year cadet and subsequently served in the medical corps on his second encampment. This year, Abbs served in the communication support role, where he was able to obtain his Intermediate Communication User Training certification while helping oversee the P25 radios on loan from the Marines for the activity.
Cadets participated in various training while attending encampment, including marksmanship with carbon dioxide-powered M9 replicas, obstacle course, rappelling and other skills and leadership activities.
Upon returning, cadets reported “we marched everywhere we went,” “the food was good, especially breakfast,” and “we were tired of drinking water” as they were required to empty their canteens multiple times each day to combat dehydration.
As part of the development in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, cadets are required to attend at least one encampment prior to receiving their Gen. Billy Mitchell Achievement. The CAP cadet program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership.
Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others.
Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The Effingham Cadet Squadron meets Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at 226 Goshen Rd., building 200.
For more information, visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.capvolunteernow.com, or contact Jeff Lariscy at (912) 682-0154.