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Commander's Message

Commander's Message

The last calendar year, and in fact the last several years, have been hard on everyone across the globe, let alone our local area. But I am confident we can continue to grow and succeed in our Civil Air Patrol mission and community service in 2023. I am confident in saying it will be a great year. And all of you helping our squadron each week, encouraging your cadets each week, and volunteering time each week will be a part of that success. I am confident in all of you.

We saw a lot of great goals accomplished the past year, so let me just summarize a few: 

  • Quality Cadet Unit Award for the second year in a row
  • Almost doubled growth in squadron size, both cadet and senior member
  • Custody unit of a CAP Cessna 172 aircraft
  • Multiple cadets attending and adults volunteering at INWG Summer Encampment
  • Several outreach events such as Model Rocketry at Gus Grissom Days
  • Many community activites like the 4th of July Parade and Runway Day
  • Continued weekly meetings packed with fun, learning, comaraderie, and personal growth

There is so much more to this story, but that just hits the highlights. And as I said above, we owe a great deal of thanks to our volunteers, parents, doners, and active members. There is not a single person involved with the Ravens that makes this a success - it takes all of us.

As we look ahead to 2023, let's remember this success and look forward to what it will take to continue that trend. 

  • Stronger cadet senior staff alongside adult Cadet Programs leadership/activities/testing officers
  • Increased usage of STEM kits, such as Engineering Tomorrow and other CAP kits
  • More UDF qualifications, Wright Brothers achievements, and Model Rocketry Badges for newer cadets
  • Streamlined new cadet program to get new cadets to Curry, GES, and Wright Brothers more promptly
  • Two fully-qualified Mission Air Crews + more orientation pilots = more cadet flights
  • Increased usage of communications and emergency services training/equipment as well as attendance at NESA
  • Continued participation in local events and community service projects

Again, I am just scratching the surface with what we have discussed as a squadron and begun to put efforts into recently.

Civil Air Patrol has so much to offer and, while we cannot do it all in one unit, we can take advantage of much of it with our increased volunteers and members. I have said this at meetings and on planning calls, but we will need help from all senior members, parents, and cadet staff to make things happen and to make it fun for all members. You may have a more focused interest in Civil Air Patrol, and that's ok. Just know that we could use your help in many different areas if you have some time to lend.

I want to reiterate that I am extremely confident in our members and families. And I truly believe that the Monroe County Composite Squadron will continue to be a beacon of volunteers serving our community, saving lives, and shaping futures in 2023. I hope to see you all soon, God Bless!

 

1st Lt Chris England

Chris England was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana, went to and worked at Indiana University, and has worked in IT for over 25 years. He is currently a Lecturer for the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Chris has been married to his lovely wife, Stacy, for 14 years and they have two wonderful daughters.

 

Chris joined CAP in 2019, with a growing interest in emergency services and communications. He loves helping the squadron out in any way he can and hopes his experience and training in IT as well as emergency response will aid everyone in the group. As Squadron Commander, he hopes to continue the squadron's excellence in cadet programs and aerospace education, as well as to increase and develop members at all ages and levels.

 

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