Carroll Open House Showcases Civil Air Patrol Programs.

May 2015. Westminster, Md. Showcasing Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet, Aerospace and Emergency Services Programs, the Carroll Composite Squadron held an Open House May 12, 2015. Located in Westminster, Maryland, the Carroll Squadron welcomed over 100 people including community officials, legislators and many parents interested in CAP programs for their sons and daughters.

The evening began with a short program that included presentations by Cadets Captain (Capt) Jonathan Yerger and Chief Master Sergeant Britt Stiffler on “My CAP Experience.” Each outlined their goals and achievements related to their CAP membership and both gave high marks for their experiences.

Squadron Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) Frank Jarosinski welcomed everyone and took note of special guests; Carroll County Commissioners, Dennis Frazier and Richard Rothschild and attending on behalf of Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski, Ms. Julianna Albowicz. Ms. Albowicz honored the squadron with a senatorial Certificate of Recognition. Jarosinski presented the Commissioners and Ms. Albowicz a squadron certificate of appreciation acknowledging their support and commitment to CAP. Maryland Wing (MDWG) Administrator, LtCol Sherry McManus and Chief, MDWG Emergency Services and Plans, Major Michael Zabetikas also attended the event.

The open house provided the Carroll squadron the opportunity to showcase CAP programs and services and provide hands-on exhibits for visitors. These exhibits highlighted the effectiveness of squadron collaboration with community partners and encouraged a heightened public interest in CAP. Exhibits included presentations by:
• Communications Officer, 1st Lt Bryan Woryk,
• Pilots, Captain Dave Alexander, Major Pat Aaron and Captain Steve Vana
• Carroll squadron’s Emergency Services and Ground Control Officer Captain Coale Brown joined by Major Michael Zabetikas and the squadron’s safety officer, Captain Joseph Manning,
• Aerospace Instructor, 1st Lt Daniel Levin and Senior Member Henry Enders
• Recruitment Officer, 1st Lt James Kellogg.
• Public Affairs Office, Capt Alice Raatjes

Jarosinski expressed his appreciation to the squadron, and all who attended the event. “The Civil Air Patrol is comprised of volunteers serving their communities. Strong leadership skills, aerospace training, physical fitness, character development and emergency services are all part of our mission. However, the collaboration with community partners is critical to the success of our mission. Our volunteers come from all walks of life; there is a place in CAP for anyone who has the desire to serve their community and the ‘Mission for America.’ We hope that those who attended the Open House will ‘spread the word’ and help us grow in numbers to better serve our community and our nation.”

Visitors milled through the various exhibits, interacted with cadets and senior members and many expressed a new found understanding of CAP. “The dedication and support of each and every CAP member,” said Capt Alice Raatjes, squadron public affairs officer, “contributes to the success of this event and of our squadron’s mission. We join with CAP members from across the nation in a commitment to serve America.”

During the squadron formation, Cadet Captain Olivia Persing was promoted and awarded the Amelia Earhart Award. Both Commissioner Frazier and Rothschild accompanied by Jarosinski joined in the promotion ceremony. This award honors the late Amelia Earhart, aviatrix, advocate and pioneer, who set many records for women aviators in aviation’s infancy, and who was lost while attempting to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe.

This structured Cadet Program is divided into 16 segments, called achievements, involving study and performance in the five program areas. Upon completion of each achievement, the cadet earns increased responsibility, decorations, awards, eligibility for national and international special activities and opportunities for both flight and academic scholarships. The second milestone of the Cadet Program is the Amelia Earhart Award, which is earned after the receipt of the General Billy Mitchell Award and the completion of the first 11 achievements of the Cadet Program. In addition, the cadet must pass a comprehensive 100-question examination covering aerospace topics, leadership theory and staff duties.

The Carroll Composite Squadron meets 7 p.m. Tuesday evenings at the Hilltop Assembly of God Church Hall at 30 North Cranberry Road in Westminster, Maryland. Prospective cadets, ages 12-18, and their parents are always welcome. Adults seeking mentoring opportunities are invited as well. For more information, email carrollcomposite@yahoo.com or visit www.carrollcap.org. You can also follow the squadron on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capcarrollcomposite.

Nearly 1,600 CAP members serve in Maryland. Last year wing members flew 13 search and rescue missions. The wing was credited with five finds and one life saved. Maryland Wing flew 32 missions for the State of Maryland. Members flew 2,106 hours in all mission categories. Volunteers contributed services estimated at 4.6 million dollars. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing at www.mdcap.org or follow the wing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandWingCivilAirPatrol.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 60,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs about 85 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 70 lives annually. Its unpaid professionals also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 25,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. Performing missions for America for over 70 years, CAP will receive the Congressional Gold Medal in 2015 in honor of the heroic efforts of its World War II veterans. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com, www.capvolunteernow.com and www.capgoldmedal.com for more information.

By Capt. Alice Raatjes, Public Affairs Officer Carroll Composite Squadron. Photo credit: Capt. Alice Raatjes and 2ndLt Carol Scanlan.

Photos:

Photo 1: Capt Alice Raatjes welcomes guests to the Carroll’s 2015 Open House.

Photo 2: Juliana Albowicz presents a senatorial recognition on behalf of Senator Barbara Mikulski to squadron commander, LtCol Frank Jarosinski.

Photo 3: Carroll County Commissioners Richard Rothschild and Dennis Frazier joined LtCol Frank Jarosinski and Cadet Commander Captain Aaron Scanlan in congratulating newly promoted Cadet Captain Olivia Persing upon her receipt of the Amelia Earhart award.

Photo 4: Carroll’s Mission Pilots (R-L) Major Pat Aaron, Captains Dave Alexander and Steve Vana.

Photo 5: Members of the Westminster Community attended Carroll’s Open House and were provided access to information, exhibits and personal discussion with squadron staff and cadets.