CAP Vector

Quarterly National Staff Update

January - March 2016
Maj Gen Joe Vazquez, National Commander and CEO
Mr. Don Rowland, Chief Operating Officer

Upcoming Key Dates

Legislative Day & Winter Command Council Meeting, Washington, DC 25-27 February 2016
National Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL 3-10 April 2016
National IG College, Atlanta/Peachtree City, GA 13-17 June 2016
National Conference, Nashville, TN 11-13 August 2016
AEROSPACE EDUCATION - [email protected]
Deputy Director for AE: Dr. Jeff Montgomery [email protected]
National AE: Lt Col Mike McArdle [email protected]
Home School Development: Lt Col Mike Fultz [email protected]
Curriculum Development Coordinator: Lt Col Randy Carlson [email protected]
Special Projects Coordinator: Lt Col Nick Ham [email protected]
Professional Development Coordinator: Lt Col E. J. Smith [email protected]
CAP STEM Kit Program: CAP continues to promote an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) subjects and careers to our CAP cadets and educator members students across the nation. Over
2,700 kit requests have been filled, impacting over 150,000 cadets & K-12 students. New STEM Kits:
Raspberry Pi, Weather Station, and Quad Copters will be available soon. For more information, application
instructions, and recipient lists, go to www.capmembers.com/stem-ed. Contact: [email protected].
Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) Program: ACE registration is still open for the 2015-2016
academic year. Participation has increased by over 20%; up to almost 17,000 students, 300 teachers in 110
schools, in 29 states. ACE is viewed as a great early introduction to the CAP cadet program. CAP
squadrons can help introduce the program to educators and schools and offer assistance in teaching
lessons and/or presenting end-of-program completion plaques and student certificates. Cadets can be
exceptional role models for these young people and CAP adults are excellent school mentors. For more
information, go to www.capmembers.com/ace. Contact: [email protected].
AFAs Aerospace/STEM Education Grants for CAP: The AFA continues to provide $250 grants in
alternating quarterly cycles to CAP units and educator members to help fund aerospace and STEM project
subjects and careers. For information, go to AEO and AEM grant links at www.capmembers.com/ae.
Contact: [email protected].
Aerospace Education Officer (AEO) Schools: Five successful AEO Schools were conducted in
2015; four regions (GLR, MER, NER, and PCR) and the National school. About 150 AEOs were
provided with education, training, resources, and AE Action Plan guidance to help them better accomplish
their AE responsibilities as an integral part of the overall CAP program. More information about the
schools can be found at www.capmembers.com/ae. Contact: [email protected].
CADET PROGRAMS - [email protected]
Deputy Director for Cadet Programs: Curt LaFond [email protected]
Cadet Programs Manager: Col Ned Lee [email protected]
Program Manager (Education Group): Joanna Lee [email protected]
Program Manager (Activities Group): Wendy Hamilton [email protected]
Office Manager: Donna Bass-Maraman [email protected]
Adult Ed. Coordinator: Lt Col Margarita Mesones [email protected]

Cadet Analytics Coordinator: Maj Tom Rehman [email protected]

Cadet Cyber Programs Coordinator: Maj Jacob Stauffer [email protected]
College & Flight Scholarship Coordinator: Lt Col Ron Hanson [email protected]
Drill & Ceremonies Training Coordinator: Lt Col Grace Edinboro [email protected]
Drug Demand Reduction: Lt Col Jett Mayhew [email protected]
Education & Testing Coordinator: Lt Col Valerie Brown [email protected]
Natl Cadet Special Activity Coord: Lt Col Raj Kothari [email protected]
Natl Cadet Advisory Council Advisor: Lt Col John Erickson [email protected]
Cadet Chair, NCAC: C/Col Klara Olcott [email protected]
Spaatz Association Liaison: Lt Col JD Ellis [email protected]
National Cadet Competition. NCC has resumed after a 1-year strategic pause and operating under a
new, holistic curriculum showcasing the full range of challenges in cadet life. Sixteen teams of six cadets
each competed at the national-level event at Maxwell AFB, Ala., from 28 December through 2 January.
http://www.capmembers.com/ncc.
National Cadet Special Activities. Flying, leadership skills, Air Force and STEM career exploration. All
NCSAs will be announced by Saturday, 9 January. Cadets have until 31 January to apply for primary
status. Latecomers may try for alternate status through the summer. Senior members are needed for most
activities as well. For more information, see http://www.capmembers.com/ncsa.
College & Flight Scholarships. More money is available than you realize! Members have until 15 January
to apply. Flight scholarships can serve cadets as young as age 15. Cadets who aspire to the USAF
Academy are urged to apply for CAPs USAFA Prep School appointment, which helps less-competitive
students eventually reach the Academy. Some college scholarships are available to seniors as well. For
more information, see http://www.capmembers.com/scholarships.
DCP Webinar. The National Cadet Team hosts bi-monthly webinars for Region and Wing DCPs. The next
webinar will focus on the Quality Cadet Unit Award, but DCPs may raise other topics as well. Two 60-minute
sessions are planned: Thursday, 19 January at 1200 hrs. Central, and Wednesday 20 January at 1900 hrs
Central. For more information, and to view past webinars, go to http://www.capmembers.com/DCPWebinar.
Cadet Encampment Assistance Program. CEAP (say, seep) will be available to support economically
disadvantaged cadets during the 2016 encampment season. Last year, although CEAP launched on shortnotice, it boosted encampment participation by 26%. Imagine how much stronger participation will be this
year with several months advance notice. We ask that wings begin planning now for a larger cadet corps.
Details will follow soon. If you have a spring 2016 encampment, please contact us ASAP.
Curry Blues Voucher. This program continues to assist new cadets in obtaining their blues uniform upon
earning the Curry. Service is very fast, with cadets receiving their uniforms 7 to 10 days after using their
voucher. Weve recently made two minor improvements to the program. First, the email that automatically
alerts cadets and parents to the voucher sends them to a special website where only Curry-authorized items
are displayed, thereby reducing the chance of confusion. Second, squadrons can monitor the voucher
program through eServices > Cadet Promotions > Reports > Curry Blues Voucher Report. For more
information, see http://www.capmembers.com/CurryBlues.
Cadet Physical Fitness Program. The cadet fitness program is being revised. More emphasis will be
placed on squadrons offering fitness activities, versus fitness testing. The test protocols themselves would
also come into alignment with the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which is used in thousands of
schools nation-wide. Test standards are being right-sized, too, which should help more youth make the
couch to cadet transition. Review the draft manual at http://www.capmembers.com/ProvingGrounds.
CHAPLAIN CORPS
Chief of CAP Chaplain Corps: Chap (Col) James Hughes - [email protected]
Chaplain Corps Administrator: Kenya Bogans [email protected]
Character Development Instructor Specialty Track: The CDI Specialty Track is presently in coordination.

DEVELOPMENT
Director of Development: Dr. Skip Dotherow [email protected]
Sixty five percent of people who donate to nonprofits do so because it makes them feel good to help other
people. Helping others is what CAP is all about, whether we are talking about a SAR, encampment or a
flight academy. You are making a difference, everyday. Have you thought about making a difference for
generations to come? For more information go to: www.capfoundation.com.
Studies suggest that tis better to give than to receive is not just an adage, but a scientific fact. Many
nonprofits rely on gifts from individuals to either fully or partially fund their missions. It is interesting to note
that a number of studies report that its not just recipients that benefit from charitable gifts. Charitable giving
also appears to be good for the health of the donor and the well-being of our communities.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Director of Government Relations: John Swain [email protected]
National Legislative Coordinator: Lt Colonel Gerald Marketos [email protected]
State Legislative Coordinator: Lt Colonel James Nova [email protected]
Special Projects Coordinator: Lt Colonel Lindsay Shipps [email protected]
Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Appropriations: Congress approved a total of $39.5M overall for CAP: $27.4M for
O&M, $10.4M for aircraft and $1.7M for vehicles. This increased funding over that contained in the
Presidents Budget was a result of CAP efforts at the wing and national levels in support of its 2015
legislative agenda.
Upcoming Legislative Day: Legislative Day will be Thursday, February 25, 2016. Wings should be
engaged now in making appointments. The primary agenda item will be ensuring adequate funding for
th
essential programs and missions in FY17 and highlighting CAPs 75 Anniversary year.
Training for Legislative Day: There will be two training courses the day before Legislative Day on
Wednesday, February 24, 2016. In the late afternoon there will be optional training for those new to
Legislative Day and others who want to increase their knowledge of how to conduct great meetings with
Congressmen and their staff. In the early evening there will be mandatory training providing the latest details
on Legislative Day and CAPs agenda.
Other Legislative Day Assistance: Commanders and Government Relations Advisors (GRA) are
reminded of important assistance available to them for Legislative Day meetings including providing a
national leader for high-level meetings, a CAP budget expert, one or more cadet ambassadors or a
photographer. Please contact the Director of Government Relations if there is a need for this or other kinds
of assistance.
th

GVR and the 75 Anniversary: Commanders and GRAs should consider involving Members of Congress,
th
Governors and state agency officials in their 75 Anniversary activities during the year leading up to
December 1, 2016. This is an excellent time to highlight CAP with key officials during special anniversary
events, air shows and special capabilities demonstrations. Wings should also work with CAP Public Affairs
th
officers to obtain proclamations on the 75 by state governors or legislatures.
2016 Expectations: During the first half of 2016 the GVR program plans to add a specialty track and a
webpage on the NHQ website. Both items are intended to increase and improve training as well as to
provide useful resources for GRAs and wings nationwide.
HISTORY
Chief Historian: Col Frank Blazich, Jr., [email protected]
National Historian Emeritus: Col Len Blascovich, [email protected]
National Curator: Maj Jacob Gerstein, [email protected]
National Archivist: Capt Colleen McCormick, [email protected]
Director, Office of Outreach: Lt Col Sean Neal, [email protected]
National Historical Editor: Lt Col Richard Mulanax, [email protected]

CAP National Historical Journal Editor: Capt Kurt Efinger, [email protected]

Director, Oral History Program: Chaplain (Maj) Marvin Owen, [email protected]
Chief Historian: Approval secured from the commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) for
establishment of the Col Louisa S. Morse Center for Civil Air Patrol History. Commenced plans to move into
the facility in 2016. Worked with Capt Kurt Efinger of TNWG to complete design and production of six
graphic display panels for the 75th anniversary and years after on CAP history. These panels were first
displayed at NCWG conference. Work underway to have panels displayed in the Pentagon in 2016.
Approval for display of panels at National Museum of the U.S. Navy secured. Published with the graphic
design assistance of Lt Col Douglas Jessmer of OHWG two trifold pamphlets on 75 years of CAP and CAP
cadet history. Secured approval for the optional wear of the World War II pilot and observer wings for CY16.
National Curator and National Archivist: Acquisition efforts have focused on securing and preparing
artifacts in support of 75th anniversary displays. Planning continues for the move of all artifacts and
archives to the Morse Center at JBAB in 2016.
National Historical Editor and Journal Editor: Work on the eighth issue of the historical journal is
underway, with the seventh issue released in November.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Deputy Director of Information Technology: Joseph Hall, Jr. [email protected]
Information Technology Officer: Lt Col Bill Hughes [email protected]
Windows 10 Guidance on NHQ Field Issued Laptops: We are continuing the moratorium on the
Windows 10 install. At this time please notify your staff to not proceed with the upgrade to Windows 10 on
NHQ field issued laptops until we are able to test and work out any unforeseen issues that may occur with
our setup. As critical as our field laptops are we cant afford any unnecessary downtime to them. We want
to be sure most of the bugs have been worked out prior to the organization transition. We will provide further
updates once the organization is ready for the Windows 10 transition. For more information please contact
Shontica Padgett - [email protected]
CAP Websites In support of CAP branding initiative, HTML and WordPress website template have been
developed and are now available at
http://www.capmembers.com/cap_national_hq/public_affairs/branding_resource_guide/ .
For more information contact Joseph Hall at [email protected].
eServices applications now available:

Now Available - eServices 2.0 - eServices has been released for all to use. The home page has a new
look and has been reorganized and other pages will adopt a similar appearance over time. All members are
able to toggle back and forth using the new main page or staying with the current version.
The benefits of eServices 2.0 are as follows:
o
o
o
o
o

o
o

Improved organization of applications - Applications are now organized by functional area.

Mobile and Tablet friendly.
Search feature is now available to search for applications or documents on eServices.
Members now have the ability to be redirected to a frequently used application (e.g. Ops
Quals, O.R.M.S., etc.) when signing in.
Members can now customize their eServices main screen.
-Widgets
-How the navigation menu works
Video tutorials.
New Unit Statistics Chart.

We encourage all members to familiarize themselves with the new features in eServices 2.0, as there will be
future plans to retire eServices 1.0.

Now Available - Recommendation for Decoration CAPF 120 - The online Recommendation for
Decoration application (CAPF 120) will allow members to submit recommendations for those decorations
outlined in CAPR 39-3, section 8, through a paperless system. The application allows up to three supporting
documents to be uploaded and automatically notifies the commander and personnel officer at the next level
of awards awaiting consideration. Once the final approval is received, these decorations will now show in
the members eServices record. This module can also be used to submit nominations for the annual of the
year awards. Members may also use this application to submit documentation concerning decorations they
earned prior to the establishment of the online system. By checking the Historical Award checkbox and
attaching the supporting documentation, the appropriate approving authority can validate the decoration and
it will then show in the member's eServices record.
Any member can input an Award Recommendation. There is a justification section (text) as well as the
ability to upload three attachments, so this should cover the ability to add historical awards to someones
record. Commanders, Vice Commanders and Chief of Staff currently only have approval permissions. When
an award is inserted, if the inserter has approval permissions above the members/units scope it will bypass
the lower approvals and only go forward from there.
As for the awards committee, through the Web Security Administration (WSA) application the members of
the Awards Board can also be given access to view the application and review all award recommendations
that are pending. Our expectation would be the Wing Personnel Officer would notify the other members of
the Awards Board when there are recommendations to be reviewed and solicit their input. Once the Awards
Board has reviewed the pending information, the Chair would forward their recommendation to the
commander for consideration. The commander would make a decision and take the appropriate action in
the online awards application.

Commanders Dashboard Updates Provide additional metrics to better assist Commanders on

readiness and effectiveness of its resources. On-going.

INSPECTOR GENERAL [email protected]

Inspector General: Col Tom Kettel [email protected]
Inspector General - Inspections: Col Steve Miller [email protected]
Inspector General - Complaints: Col Jack Schupp [email protected]
Inspector General - Training: Lt Col Craig Gallagher [email protected]
The National IG College will be held in Atlanta/Peachtree City, GA on 13-17 June 2016
LOGISTICS
Director of Logistics: Gary Schneider [email protected]
CAP Fleet Manager: Larry Kauffman [email protected]
Logistics Manager: Major Jason Bailey [email protected]
Aircraft Fleet Modernization: The FY 15 aircraft buy is complete and consists of 17 G1000-equipped
Cessna 182Ts with avgas-fueled engines. Final delivery will begin immediately after the start of the new
calendar year. This year we were also able to fund a sensor system for one of the new aircraft. The
system consists of a side-mounted Cloud Cap TASE 400 sensor and Paravion operation station and
monitor mount. This system is similar to ones currently being used on Customs and Boarder Protection
aircraft.
Transportation: We have nearly completed delivery of 59 new 2016 vehicles to the field. The buy
consists of 12-passenger Chevrolet Express 3500 Vans, Ford Transit Connect 7-passenger wagons,
Dodge Ram pickups, Ford Explorers and Expeditions. All vans came equipped with rear view cameras
which will give our wings the option to operate without the backup alarm should they choose to do so.
However; should they prefer to add alarms to provide an extra margin of safety, NHQ will fund the cost of
alarms and installation. A future change to CAPR 77-1 will include guidance concerning the rear
camera/backup alarm option.

OPERATIONS, CISM, COMM, STAN EVAL, TRAINING and EMERGENCY SERVICES

Director: John Desmarais [email protected]
Chief, Aircraft Operations: Joe Piccotti [email protected]
Chief, Critical Incident Stress Management: Lt Col Tom Janisko - [email protected]
Chief, Communications: Malcolm Kyser [email protected]
Chief, National Operations Center: Terry Raymond [email protected]
Chief, Operations Support: Lt Col Pete Norris [email protected]
Manager, Special Capabilities: Chuck Mullin [email protected]
Chief, Training: Col Carlton Sumner [email protected]
Fly, Fly, Fly! Flying funds are released for use and CAP aircrews are highly encouraged to take full
advantage of these available resources for all flying activities without delay. As always, its recommended
that you coordinate with your wing POCs for training, cadet orientation flights and proficiency. The
resources are available now, so get out there and fly!
2016 Annual Operations Pre-Conference and Conference Learning Labs: It may seem like a long time
from now, but in a few short months well be in full swing planning the annual operations pre-conference and
conference sessions for the hundreds of members expected to participate in person or online. We want to
hear what you would like to see presented. A formal survey will be conducted this winter, but if anyone has
presentation ideas for the Operations Pre-Conference or our Learning Lab block during the main
conference, please send them to John Desmarais by 31 January 2016.
Aircraft Operations and Standardization/Evaluation: There is always a lot happening in our flying world,
and many updates are posted on the CAP Pilots web page at:
www.capmembers.com/emergency_services/aircraft_ops__staneval/
- Wing Maintenance Officers are no longer required to sign/certify CAP approved aircraft checklists effective
1 Dec 15. We have posted CAP-approved aircraft checklists reflecting this update, which eliminates
unnecessary wing certification actions. This change results from CAPs transition to nationally standardized
aircraft model checklist templates intended to enhance aircrew interoperability and standardization during
joint wing operations (e.g., multi-wing responses to large scale emergency service events). Members may
download the updated CAP aircraft checklists from the CAPmembers.com web site, located on the CAP
Pilots web page in the Aircraft Familiarization section or simply click here to go directly to the "NHQ
Approved Aircraft Checklists" web page.
- CAPM 60-1G is published. This relatively new CAP manual provides detailed glider program guidance. It
is posted on the NHQ Index, Regulations & Manuals web page, as well as on the CAP Pilots web page in
the Gliders section.
- The CAPF 5 & CAPF 5B flight evaluation instructions have been modified to expand the acceptable
options of flight review documentation pilots must provide to their check pilots prior to receiving a CAP
flight evaluation.
- Day-Prior & In-Cockpit briefing guidance for passengers is now posted on the CAP Pilots web page in the
Aircrew Professionalism section. This new briefing guidance was developed by the Aviators Model Code
of Conduct (AMCC) group of aviation professionalism experts.
- The online version of FAA Safety Briefing magazine is provided via web link on the CAP Pilots web page.
This publication provides relevant and timely General Aviation safety related information straight from the
FAAs team of professionals. The current issue focuses on night flying.
Critical Incident Stress Management: The CISM website has been integrated into the CAP NHQ website
and can now be found at:
http://www.capmembers.com/emergency_services/critical_incident_stress_management__cism/. We expect
to post more tools and resources there in the coming months. Please contact Lt Col Janisko if you have any
suggestions or ideas to enhance our web presence and help you with your CISM programs.
Communications:
- In November, CAP was approved to join the NORAD Tracks Santa program on Christmas Eve.
Concurrent with this approval from NORAD, the communications program revived its long tradition of a
special Christmas Eve Santa Track radio net

- CAP acquired more HF/ALE radios from year-end FY 2015 money. DOK will be seeking HF employment
plans from wings and regions for distribution of these radios.
- Testing is proceeding on an HF email system for sending mission data files via radio. CAPs testing has
resulted in discovery of needed firmware changes. The system is being engineered to allow transmission of
mission data to and from areas where there is no commercial communications infrastructure or the
infrastructure has failed or been destroyed.
- The Triblade Net is receiving daily check-ins from an average of 100-110 HF stations. Both AFNORTH
and NORTHCOM are pursuing plans to use CAPs Triblade net for survivable command and control
communications.
- The rebuilt national ALE net (Net 9) has been active since 1 October and is responding to calls. At least
one national Triblade station is on duty at all times. Further expansion to two on-duty stations is in progress.
- Region communication plans are due 10 January. Wing plans are due 10 April. For the first time, DOK
has provided wings with a template for a standardized plan structure.
- Rewritten CAPR 100-1 and 100-3 are pending release.
Operations Support:
- National Emergency Services Academy (NESA): The 2016 NESA will be held from the 9 23 July. More
information about NESA is being made available at www.nesa.cap.gov. Registration is available in eservices.
- Hundreds of personnel participated in webinars held last quarter. Because of the interest generated we
are planning to host more this winter:
13 January 2000 Central National Radar Analysis Team Training for Incident Staff Members presented
by Lt Col John Henderson - https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3381153657855024385
17 February 2000 Central FEMA Corps: Taking your cadet experience to the next level presented by
Katrina Mathis (Assistant Director of Recruitment and Partnerships, AmeriCorps NCCC) and
David Nelson (CAP and FEMA Corps Alum and FEMA Staff)
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/638826522646896385
16 March 2000 Central The Future of the CAP Communications Program presented by Malcolm Kyser
and the NHQ Communications Team https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2671098944242050049
6 April 2000 Central FY17 Flying Plan Training for Wing and Region Staff Officers Colonel Carlton
Sumner https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7504905002553512450
More information on planned Operations Training Webinars as well as downloads of past webinars is
available online at:
http://www.capmembers.com/emergency_services/operations_support/education_and_training/operationstraining-webinars/.
Surrogate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) Green Flag Operations:
- CAPs participation in Green Flag Operations at Green Flag East (Alexandria LA) and Green Flag West
(Las Vegas NV) will continue in FY16. 7 exercises of 10-14 days are planned at each location from Jan-Sep
16.
- Crew training for Green Flag qualified applicants is tentatively planned for June of 2016. Members wishing
to apply can contact Chuck Mullin at NHQ: [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - [email protected]; [email protected]
Chief of PD: Bobbie Tourville [email protected]
PD Manager: Col Bryan Cooper [email protected]
eLearning Program Manager: Ron Olienyk [email protected]
eLearning Staff Assistant: Col Stan Skrabut -- [email protected]
2016 National Staff College: Dates for National Staff College are 3-10 April 2015. The Director for the
2016 National Staff College is Colonel Jean Desmarais ([email protected]). Registration will open
in January.

2016 Region Staff Colleges: Regions should send their 2016 Region Staff College information to Bobbie
Tourville when dates are finalized so that they can receive funding. Please send RSC date, location,
directors name, and notional schedule or flyer according to local region administrative policies. Regions will
receive $1500 to help defray costs. For more information, please contact Bobbie at [email protected].
Mentoring Video All-Call: We need your help developing short video skits showing proper mentoring
techniques and best practices. These videos will help to support lessons plans such as the new "Becoming
a Better Mentor" lesson just released for the Unit Commanders Course, as well as throughout the
professional development program. Videos are due to National Headquarters Professional Development not
later than 28 February 2016. When you are ready to submit, please contact Bobbie Tourville at
[email protected] or Ron Olienyk at [email protected] by e-mail and they will give you the
"dropbox" link and permission for release instructions.
Webinars: Webinars are an effective way for all areas in the headquarters to share information
interactively. You will begin to see webinars scheduled for individual areas in the headquarters with the
webinar being posted on the Learning Management System for those who were unable to attend. Take a
look, you may find something that interests you whether you are a commander or someone who just
joined. If you have any questions, contact Ron Olienyk at [email protected].
National Online Unit Commanders Course: National Headquarters will be Beta testing an online Unit
Commanders Course in the coming months with the first open course being available in the late Spring.
Registration will be automated with approval being required through your chain of command. Registration
will be accomplished through eServices and the Online Learning link. The link should be available by late
January to sign up and get on the waiting list. For more information, contact Ron Olienyk at
[email protected].
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Senior Director: John Salvador [email protected]
Deputy Director for Public Affairs: Julie DeBardelaben [email protected]
Public Affairs Manager: Lt Col Steven Solomon [email protected]
Marketing and Social Media Manager: Lt. Col. Paul Cianciolo [email protected]
Assistant Public Affairs/Marketing/Social Media Manager: Lt. Col. Joe Winter [email protected]
Social Media: A recap of top social media content each month can be viewed at
https://storify.com/CivilAirPatrol/social2015. The daily reach of how many people see the national CAP
Facebook content has increased 50%, and the number of people who saw our most engaging Facebook
content increased 85%. The number of people following the national CAP Twitter channel has increased
8%, and the amount of people engaging with us on Twitter increased 16%.
Media Coverage: An end-of-the year review of Civil air Patrol news clips for Fiscal Year 2015 reveals an
outstanding year in terms of media coverage. A record 21,401 online, print and broadcast stories mentioning
CAP were generated in FY15, reaching an audience of 571 million. Compared with the year before (10,070
stories; 206 million audience), thats an increase of a whopping 112 percent! News about CAP was
remarkably consistent throughout the year, highlighted by the Congressional Gold Medal presentation in
December 2014 and the Washington state plane crash search in July 2015.
75th Anniversary: Civil Air Patrol officially launches its 75th anniversary celebration when the CAP
Command Council meets for Legislative Day and its annual winter meeting Feb. 25-27 in Arlington, Va. The
anniversary launch includes a reception with invited VIP guests.
RECRUITING AND RETENTION
National Recruiting & Retention Manager: Darin Ninness [email protected]
Asst Chief, Personnel & Member Actions: Marie Vogt [email protected]
th

Its a new year, and 2016 will be a banner year for CAP as we celebrate the 75 Anniversary. Recruiting
officers and commanders should be planning for spring recruiting events now. Dont wait until 2 weeks
before to schedule your open house or recruiting event. Start now and map out your year. When are your
open house events? When are your community events?

Look for more information in the coming weeks on the Recruiting and Retention Blog:
http://www.capmembers.com/cap_national_hq/recruiting_and_retention/
SAFETY
Chief of Safety: George Vogt [email protected]
Assistant Chief of Safety: Col Robert Castle - [email protected]
New Look for Safety on eServices: Keep an eye out for Safetys new look in eServices. We are
renaming the old SMS page to the Safety Information and Reporting System (SIRS). This is more in
keeping with what the page is really for, and it wont be confused with our new business-like approach to
Safety, the Safety Management System, adapted from the FAA and Air Force models. The SIRS webpage
will also have a new look, be easier to use, and provide the opportunity for more upgrades in the future. It
should be going live by mid-January. Take a look, let us know what you think, and offer your suggestions.
Check Out the Beacon: The monthly Beacon newsletter is being used to communicate a lot of safety
information. Commanders, Safety Officers, and all members are expected to read it to keep abreast of the
latest changes to the Safety program, and to get helpful ideas for making unit safety programs better. Are
you a safety officer having trouble coming up with new briefing topics? The Beacon is full of good
discussion topics each month.
Activity Safety Officers: If you are going to be an Activity Safety Officer this year, expect to get some
more guidance on how to perform your duties. Were trying to standardize how Activity Safety Officers are
involved in the planning, the day-to-day events, and the after-event review of the activity so all activities can
share the safety lessons learned at our events. As a start, take a close look at page 5 of 62-1 (para 3.h.,
Activity Safety Officer Responsibilities). Make sure youre accomplishing all those tasks, including the RM
analyses, the RM worksheets, the pre-activity and sub-activity safety briefings, and the RM refreshers for
staff and participants. Well be putting out some more guidance to help as our activity and encampment
season gets into full swing.
SPAATZ ASSOCIATION
Vice President, The Spaatz Association: Lt Col JD Ellis [email protected]
Annual Dinner is near! The next Spaatz Association Annual Awards Dinner is set for Saturday, 27
February 2016 in Arlington, VA. Registration details and additional information will be provided soon!
TSA Leadership Grants: More than $30,000 is available to individuals, squadrons, groups, wings, regions,
or national-level programs that support cadet leadership development. Grants are awarded quarterly.
Deadlines for applications are 31 January, 30 April, 31 July, and 31 October. For more information, visit
https://spaatzassociation.wordpress.com/.
Commanders, we need your help! TSA maintains contact information for all Spaatz and Falcon Award
recipients, even after they leave the Civil Air Patrol. Unfortunately, more than 2/3 of all recipients are
considered "lost" in our database. If you know a Spaatz or Falcon award recipient, please ask them to visit
https://spaatzassociation.wordpress.com/ and complete our online Information Update Form.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Chief of Plans: Paul Gloyd [email protected]
Chief of Strategic Planning: Col Brooks Cima [email protected]
Strategic Plan Development: The Board of Governors approved the CAP 2016-2020
Strategic Plan at their December meeting. This plan commenced on 1 January 2016.
Members can download the plan from CAPs strategic planning web page at
http://www.capmembers.com/strategic_planning/.