Beech Tree News Network

The U.S. Air Force’s all volunteer Auxiliary, the Civil Air Patrol, provides rigorous education and training opportunities for its members enabling CAP to stand ready as a USAF Total Force partner.  Civil Air Patrol conducts 90% of inland search and rescue in the U.S. as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and other agencies and to effectively carry out the other missions of the organization.

 Additionally, CAP assists the U.S. Air Force with domestic homeland defense and disaster response. 

 Some of those in attendance at the Level 3 training served on Kentucky Wing aircrews that provided aerial photography and ground teams after recent tornado and flood damage ravaged parts of the state in consecutive years. 

Captain Greenman assisted in the tornado recovery at a point of distribution and was an Air Operations Branch Director organizing flight operations and maintaining the status board for sorties during the Eastern Kentucky Flooding.

 Level 3 training for senior CAP members focuses on developing the squadron and group level leaders who aspire to serve on staff or as a commander.  The training includes how to motivate and mentor diverse volunteers ages 12 and up, create effective teams, and understand the roles of the squadron commander.

Major Bryant teaches on the Squadron and the Mission and Public Affairs and Branding

All 11 attendees successfully completed the required 27 Education modules in Level 3.  Three members, having previously completed all other Level 3 requirements, are now eligible for the Loening Award: Chaplain Marvin Bryce (Northern Kentucky), 1st Lieutenant Marc Dragoo (Louisville), and Major James Oliver (Frankfort).

 Chaplain Bryce said, “As a former military member, this was an excellent refresher for leadership and delineated some of the differences between the military and Civil Air Patrol.”

Chief Master Sergeant Cory Felts instructs on Generational Management and Engagement

1st Lieutenant Dragoo said, “It feels good to be able to complete my Level 3 journey, meet other members in the Wing, and get ideas on best methods to take back to my squadron.” 

By planning and implementing this weekend’s training, course director, Captain Harvey Diven (Franklin) completed his Level 4 training and is now eligible for the Garber Award. Capt. Diven said, “We had great instructors who gave it their all and made this weekend a success.”

Major Sarah Belk completes her Master Rating in the Safety Officer Specialty track by instructing the Level 3 participants.

Major Sarah Belk (Russellville), Kentucky Wing’s Assistant Director of Professional Development, BG Senior Squadron Deputy Commander, and one of the course’s 5 instructors, completed her Master Rating in the Safety Officer Specialty Track.  CAP Specialty Tracks provide quality training and allow CAP members to perform US Air Force missions assigned to CAP.

 Other instructors include Lt. Col. Michael Bryant (Bowling Green), CAP’s Volunteer University Provost and KY Wing Director of Education and Training; Chief Master Sergeant Cory Felts (Bowling Green), Great Lakes Region Command Chief; and  Major Janet Bryant (Bowling Green), KY Wing Diversity Officer and Bowling Green Senior Squadron Commander. 

Senior Member Eric Mutchler (Northern KY) said this weekend’s training “Gave me a better sense of the challenges other squadrons face and what’s going on around the wing.”

 2nd Lieutenant Joan Brown (Louisville) said, “It was a good reminder of why I joined CAP–to intentionally live out Civil Air Patrol’s 4 Values: Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence in all we do, and Respect.”