Rodriguez To Lead CAP's Diversity Efforts
Lt. Col. Juan Rodriguez of the Puerto Rico Wing is CAP's new national diversity officer.

In making the announcement, National Commander and CEO Maj. Gen. Mark Smith said, “Lt. Col. Rodriguez has already been in the business of contributing to this effort. As the Southeast Region’s diversity officer and national deputy diversity officer, he has worked diligently with others to make sure CAP is available to a broad range of people, and that everyone — our cadets and our adult members — have the opportunity to be successful in their volunteer experience.”

Rodriguez is eager to lead the effort. “I am humbled, honored and excited to serve as national diversity officer,” he said. “I will continue working with the national staff, region and wing diversity officers in implementing processes, providing training opportunities, increasing awareness and expanding strategic partnerships that result in a more diverse, inclusive and equitable organization for all.”
FAA Issues Safety Briefing on Vaccinations
Federal Aviation Administration medical officer Dr. Leo Hattrup discusses COVID-19 vaccinations for pilots in the latest FAA Safety Briefing, published April 29. Hattrup, a CAP lieutenant colonel who's also the National Capital Wing medical officer, has extensive knowledge of the topic. His briefing will be of interest to everyone in the aviation community, particularly CAP pilots.

While advising that all pilots consider vaccination, Hattrup points out that the FAA does require that those who do can't fly for 48 hours after receiving their vaccine. Once that time has passed, pilots can return to the skies but are still encouraged to follow the “new normal” practices of wearing a mask and social distancing.
2 More Cadets Earn 'Wings' Through CAP Program
Two more CAP cadets have earned their Federal Aviation Administration private pilot certificates through the Air Force-funded Cadet Wings program:

  • Cadet Maj. Justin McDonald (top left) of the Florida Wing is the 80th Cadet Wings candidate to receive his certificate. He is a member of the Venice Cadet Squadron.

  • Cadet Lt. Col. James Manning Jr. (right) of the Virginia Wing is the 81st Cadet Wings candidate to receive his certificate. He belongs to the Southside Composite Squadron, based in Chesterfield.
39 Graduate from Chaplain Corps Staff College
The North Central Region-Rocky Mountain Region Chaplain Corps Staff College met virtually April 19-22, with key training featuring an update of regulations for CAP chaplains and character development instructors. The college also completed the foundational classes that prepare them to serve members.

Thirty-nine participants graduated from the professional development course, directed by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Dan Hudson. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Don Mikitta and Chaplain (Maj.) David Knight joined with Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Eno to host the college.

Cols. Regena Aye, Jeffrey Johnson and John O’Neill and Lt. Col. Brenda Reed provided instruction. Members from the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Southwest regions also participated.
NHQ News
National Commander Provides Retention Tips

National Headquarters' Marketing & Strategic Communications team is reprising National Commander/CEO Maj. Gen. Mark Smith’s Recruiting and Retention Series from 2018.

Smith's  “A Healthy Squadron Climate,” part of the second half of his 2018 series, is featured today.
Updated COVID Policy on Multi-Day or Overnight Activities Allows More Flexibility to Attend
The recently updated multi-day or overnight activities risk management policy letter posted on the COVID-19 information page is great news for CAP members.

Not only does it allow more flexibility for hosting units to run multi-day and overnight activities, but it also affords members more opportunities to attend activities if the member is fully vaccinated, has proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of travel, or chooses to self-quarantine for 14 days before an activity and has no COVID-19 symptoms.

For those planning activities, a 19-minute training video highlights some of the changes to this policy letter.
Applications Taken For Upcoming BoG Vacancy
Applications are now being taken for the Board of Governors vacancy to be created when Col. Dale Newell's Member-at-Large term ends Aug. 27. The deadline for applying for the vacancy is midnight May 15, Central time.
 
The board's four members-at-large serve three-year terms. CAP members may nominate themselves to fill these positions as they're vacated.
 
Minimum requirements are:
  • Senior member in good standing.
  • CAP grade of chief master sergeant or officer grade of major or above.
  • Paul E. Garber Award (Level IV).
  • At least five years' CAP membership.
Support CAP When You Shop for Mother's Day
Shoppers who have designated Civil Air Patrol as their charity have raised more than $23,000 to support CAP’s national cadet scholarship program.
“This Week in CAP History” concerns the Virginia Wing and its efforts to shape the lives of local youth through emergency services training.
 
Pictured: (from left) Cadet Sgt. Francis Zaborowski, 1st Lt. George Wilmouth, Cadet Sgt. John Van Breemen and Maj. Allan Thorn monitor communications and relay information to support operations during a training exercise at Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport. Members simulated flight during a storm, an aircraft search and a ground rescue search.
 
Read the original article, published in Staunton's The News Leader.
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