“Tank simulators vs. confidence course! If you asked the cadets which activity was their favorite, they may be hard pressed to answer you.

What cadet has not grown up wanting to “drive a tank, and blow things up?” Very few we could imagine by the looks on these cadets faces. “How cool is this?” is a comment heard by many a cadet as they are able to take the control of these M2 Bradley and M1 Abram tank simulators.”

The above is an excerpt from an article in The Ripley Gazette, the Wisconsin Wing Encampment newsletter. Click on the link above to finish reading it and to see what else is news. Meet more the cadet staff that have been helping this week. Did you know that what they do is considered one of the four schools this week?

Eight days of encampment are about to come to a close and as this is written, honored guests as well as anxious parents are attending the banquet in Little Falls, MN. The long awaited awards ceremony is taking place where cadets will find out who has won Honor Flight of the week, as well as Honor Squadron, Honor Cadet and Staff, among other awards that are given.

The culmination of a hard week of work has come to a close. New friends have been made and new skills learned. From learning the basics in Wisconsin Basic Academy, learning leadership skills in Wisconsin Cadet Academy, studying manuals on the proper care and posting of the Colors in the Color Guard Academy, to putting those acquired leadership skills to practical use in the Wisconsin Staff School.

This past week it has been a pleasure working with these cadets, the future leadership of America.

Look for the last newsletter on the encampment website tomorrow along with the pictures of this evening’s banquet.

WOW, it is hard keeping up with the cadets. In spite of the occasional rain they have had, they have been very busy the last two days either out on the field or in classes.

Tuesday was a beautiful day for orientation flights. Cadets were treated to a half hour pre-flight session in which they helped prep the plane before they took off for their half hour  or more flight. According to my sources, only three cadets "didn't feel well" by the end of the flight. Considering the number of cadets who went up; this is not too bad. Unfortunately, some cadets were unable to receive their o'flights since the weather was less then cooperative rest of the week. 

The Wisconsin Cadet Academy and the Color Guard Academy were busy getting ready for the Pass in Review Parade which is held Friday afternoon. This is a big day for the cadets as they show off their skills and hard work that they have learned all week. 

After dinner, it was time for physical training (PT). It is very impressive watching over 100 cadets doing push ups in cadince. 

Wednesday was mostly classroom time again, though WCA had another trip to the confidence course for what is called Leadership Reaction Course. This is a hands on training activity in which the cadets must use their problem solving skills. If you want to be a leader, knowing how to problem solve is not an option.

We have an article in the newsletter which highlights three senior members who do a lot of work behind the scenes. I am sure that you will enjoy reading this article written by our assistant public affairs officer, 1st Lt Cindi Wachholz. Go ahead and click on the above "Encampment" link to see the newsletters that have been published to date and all pictures.

There is probably no description that anyone could give that would give you an accurate picture of the confidence course. For those of you who were fortunate to be at Camp Ripley last year, you knew what to expect. For some that were here, you were unable to participate due to being rained out on the day you were to attempt it. Fortunately this year, everyone was able to get through it as the weather cooperated beautifully.

The confidence course is one of those activities that is not only fun, but has many lessons that can be learned. Looking at some of the stations, one may hesitate in doing them, but you must muster up the courage to at least try. With some encouragement from fellow Civil Air Patrol members, you go for it and find that “yes, I can do this.”

1st Lt Wachholz was once again able to capture the moments of excitement and anticipation on the cadets faces. The following is her account of the morning, though it could apply to all day.

The morning began with a 0730 departure from the barracks to the Alpha Range at Camp Ripley. Today, the Cadets had the opportunity to tackle 24 obstacles in the team building event also known as a Confidence Course......

To read more, click on the Encampment tab above. Links to the photographs are found there also.

Stevens Point, WI.  There were mixed emotions at the August 10 meeting of the Stevens Point Composite Squadron.  The squadron celebrated the first milestone achievement of two cadets, while it said farewell to a member who has been instrumental in developing the cadet program at Stevens Point.

Cadets Alex Beckland and Clayton Reid were awarded the Wright Brothers Award.  The award is accompanied by a promotion to Cadet Staff Sergeant, which begins their service as cadet non-commissioned officers.  Beckland, from Rosholt, joined CAP about one and a half years ago, and Reid, of Plainfield, has been a member for two and a half years. 

According to CAP National Headquarters, only one in four cadets earn the Wright Brothers Award.

Following the Wright Brothers Award presentations, Lt Col Kevin Lang was presented with the Meritorious Service Award by squadron Commander Maj Virginia Suarino.  This was the last meeting for Lt Col Lang, a physician, who will be leaving the area to pursue other career opportunities.

Lang is credited with the growth of the program from seven cadets in 2006 to its present complement of 24. As the cadet programs officer, he helped new cadets integrate smoothly into the program by developing new orientation materials to clarify the training and promotion requirements.

Lang played an active role in events such as Wreaths Across America.  He also coordinated several events that promoted CAP, including a local parents’ day to show off the cadets’ achievements.  His contributions included having a new banner made to add to the visibility of the color guard when they marched in parades.  He also increased the overall camaraderie in the squadron by starting an annual fall picnic.

Lang served in the U.S. Air Force for 14 years, followed by 8 years of active reserve.  He became involved in CAP through his son C/1Lt Steven Lang,

In addressing the cadets Maj Suarino stated, “Lt Col Lang’s dedication to CAP and the Stevens Point Cadets will leave a lasting mark that speaks of excellence in all you do.”

The Stevens Point Composite Squadron extends its thanks and best wishes to Lt Col Lang and his family. 

(Pictured, left to right, are: Maj Virginia Suarino, C/SSgt Alex Beckland, C/SSgt Clayton Reid, and Lt Col Kevin Lang.)

1st Lt Cindi Wachholz, the 2009 Wisconsin Wing Encampment Assistant Public Affairs Officer, gave us this account of Sunday's activities at Camp Ripley.

After learning how to make their beds, stow their gear, and prepare their uniforms (yesterday), all of the cadets participated in the Stand-By Inspections. Basic School Cadets, were also evaluated on their Drills.

The Wisconsin Wing Encampment's Medical Team is ready (and waiting) to help cadets, whether they need a band-aid or a pep talk. Medical includes: Maj Rognrud, Senior Member Fisher and 2d Lt Croel.

Today, the cadets in all three schools had a lot of classroom time. The Color Guard spent the morning learning etiquette and history of our flag.

After Basic Academy survived their first inspection, they spent time in Moral Leadership classes under the direction of Maj Schulz and Lt Croel.

After a studious (and slightly stressful) morning, the cadets were happy to be at chow!

Basic School was back to Drill and Ceremonies after lunch. The CGA was filling their time in the classroom learning Change of Command skills, taught by Capt Vriezen.

The WCA worked together in their afternoon Problem Solving class, taught by Lt Croel. Learning leadership skills means also learning to work together as a team.

To read more about the day's activities and see the pictures from the day, please click on the above "Encampment" tab.

As the first full day at Camp Ripley came to a close, the cadets were quickly becoming acclimated with their surroundings and their marching skills being worked on as they move from one area of the camp to the other. The weather has been less than ideal, but rest assured, relief is on the way.

Without giving too much away, we just want you to know that the cadets and staff are doing well. Yes - we want to keep you in suspense so you come back and read the evening newsletter, THE RIPLEY GAZETTE. Just click on the ENCAMPMENT link above and it will take you to the official Wisconsin Wing Encampment website. There is a separate link in the first article on that page for the daily pictures that are posted. Day 2's pictures are already up and ready for your viewing.

Most of the first day at camp is taken up with the necessary classes that we are required to have with the cadets. Safety is always top priority in everything that the Civil Air Patrol does. One may never eliminate all risk with activites, but it certainly helps prevent many common mistakes. You will be able to read more about the Operational Risk Management class in the newsletter.