38th Composite Squadron Trenton / Bar Harbor

March 2008
Editor: Lt Joyce Gaddis

Advancements:
Cadet Stefan Blanchard (top left) has been promoted to the grade of C/Capt. He will be presented the Earhart Award by Colonel Hayden with CAP National Commander Brig Gen Amy Courter in attendance at Maine Wings annual conference 29 March. Cadet Benjamin Souders (top right) and Cadet Hannah Pusey (bottom left) have earned their Goddard Award and were promoted to C/CMSgt. Cadet Andrew Babonis (bottom right) earned the Wright Brothers Award and was promoted to C/SSgt.

Cadet staff team building overnight. Pictured left to right: C/CMSgt Pusey, C/SSgt Babonis, C/Capt Blanchard and Squadron DCC Capt Bryant. C/CMSgt Souders is not shown in the picture. The cadet staff enjoyed a wintery night in Capt Bryants back yard, complete with a light snow fall and cold temperatures. They built their own shelters, practiced using a bow drill to start a fire, and cooked their own meals. The overnight experience gave Capt Bryant and the cadet staff a chance to test their equipment, sharpen their skills and make adjustments to their survival gear and techniques. Over all they gained a better understanding of how to function as a team and use the resources of their environment. C/Capt Blanchard said We skillfully created a fire with our bare hands and the ever helpful butane lighter, told campfire stories, practiced our culinary arts using MRE heaters, and for the most part survived the night. All in all it was a fun and exciting activity. Our deepest appreciation goes to the 75th Composite Squadron for hosting the Valentines Day mini-dining out 9 February. C/CMSgt Souders, C/SSgt Babonis and Lt Gaddis braved the weather and ventured to Machias to participate in this galore event. They enjoyed a fine meal, great fellowship with fellow CAP members and friends, spontaneous entertainment, and an overall fun time. Pictured right is C/CMSgt Souders rendition of Im a little tea pot. He was caught violating a rule of the mess. Thank you Chief, you are a good sport.

Congratulations to our most recent recipients of the Charles E. Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award: Lt Dana Maddocks and Lt Joyce Gaddis.

There has been some talk around the squadron about changing our squadron patch and maybe coming up with a mascot. Pictured below are our current squadron patch and ball cap which are available for $5 each. Some suggested names/mascots for our squadron have been: SEALS Search and rescue

Emergency Air and Land Services; Black Bears; Sea Hawks; Golden Eagles; and Acadians.
Please contact Lt Gaddis with your suggestions and any art work for a new patch.

National Honor Guard Academy: Congratulations to C/CMSgt Souders and C/SSgt Babonis. They have been selected to attend this years NCSA National Honor Guard Academy. Lt Gaddis has been selected as a staff member for this activity. They are preparing already!