2013 - XVIII

Cascade Falcon XVIII

2013

Be sure to check out the Facebook link to the left to see more pictures of the staff and basics of Cascade Falcon XVIII.

The cadets have completed the first day of encampment! In processing, the introduction to their flight and squadron staff (and to each other), the basic introductions of how to fall into formation, how to drill, and how to move from place to place. The cadets also heard about some of the exciting things to look forward to this week, and in their CAP careers after encampment. The commander's word to the cadets - strive for excellence, and you will be able to achieve great things. Excellent job cadets, now on to day 2!

Pictures from Day 1 -

The second day of encampment was filled with training. The cadets were up at 5:00 for PT, and then taught how to fall in with the rest of their team into the encampment morning formation. After breakfast and church services, the cadets had a visit from the Coast Guard and a core values presentation by Chaplain Zimmerman.

Throughout the day, the cadets have been drilling, saluting, making bunks, folding socks, studying SOP's and learning a lot. The week has been challenging so far for all of them, but the perseverance and hard work will pay off when they finish the graduation parade next weekend.

Way to go cadets, you are making us all very proud!

Pictures from Day 2 -

The third day of encampment was a busy day with tours of the Western Air Defense Sector on McChord Field, a tour of the Army aviation facilities on Gray Field, Fort Lewis, and another tour of the Olympia airport and surrounding maintenance and helicopter facilities. For Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the squadrons will be rotating through these tours, so check back each day to see more pictures posted as the cadets check out these fun tours.

The cadets also had classes about Air Force careers from USAF SSgt Eric Gregory, an Aerospace Education and careers class from Major Russ Garlow, the WA Wing AE Officer and a class about the heritage and organization of CAP from senior member David Peterson. The day was capped off with a class on core values by Chaplain David Zimmerman.

Day 4 of Encampment -

The cadets visited the facilities on McChord, Fort Lewis and Olympia airport for the second day, day five is the final day for tours as the three squadrons have been taking shifts visiting each location per day. Another highlight of the day was a tour of the Army Sustainment Brigade on Fort Lewis, where the Army has the ability to troubleshoot, repair and fabricate many of the items that would otherwise take lots of money and time to replace through another source. This included a machine and welding shop, towing vehicles, weapons diagnostics and repair, and electrical equipment troubleshooting.

The cadets had a great time, and have now made it halfway through the encampment. We expect the motivation and teamwork between cadets to start increasing dramatically today as they have formed the vital relationships with their flight members that allow them to work together to accomplish their goals.

Days 6 and 7 -

The days have been filled with many activities, hard to upload pictures of everything!

Day six was a visit to the Army Airfield, Gray Field, on Fort Lewis Main. The cadets were able to see repairs taking place and the operations on the flight line. Imagine sitting in a Blackhawk Helicopter, watching a Chinook and another Blackhawk take off and land just a couple hundred feet away!

Day 7 -

One of the most fun and motivating days of encampment - the Obstacle Course!

The physical activity is a blast of course, but the best part of this day is hearing the cadets cheering on the members of their team and taking the initiative to help anyone, without even being instructed to do so! Not only do they help their flight, but you can often hear motivational yells across the course from one flight of cadets cheering on another flight.

Remember to check out the Facebook Photo Albums to see a TON more awesome pictures from the PAO staff!

What a fun day!