challenger 1 cadet squadron · challenger 1 cadet squadron bolling air force base / bishop ireton...

Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Volunteer Service

Semper Vigilans • Challenger One…Second to None

The cadets of Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron recently

attended the 2011 Joint Service Open House and

Air Show at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. Ca-

dets manned several stands over the course of the

weekend, to include both fundraising and recruiting

opportunities.

Many cadets enjoyed the Air Show, which was their

favorite part of working the event. Air performers

such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Army

Golden Knights were the star attractions of the

show. The static displays were also intriguing, with

many planes, jets, and helicopters dotting the area.

Cadets from other squadrons also worked the

show, providing a great image for the organiza-

tion.

All in all, the Air Show was enjoyable, exciting ,

and enlightening. The cadets look forward to

many more years of participation in such a great

event.

Cadets Attend JSOH Air Show

Recent Cadet Achievements

The Bishop Ireton Crew Team,

including many of Challenger’s

cadets, recently won another

Cindy Cole Cup. Cadets on the

crew team include C/MSgt Cait-

lin Lucas, C/SrA Abigail

Steinberger, C/SrA Lily Ramey,

and C/Amn Catherine Burgin.

The team also did well in the

recent Stotes regatta. Congratu-

lations to the cadets for their

athletic achievements.

•

C/Amn Melanie Blower and C/

SrA Catherine Addington were

recently elected officers in the

International Thespian Society

at Bishop Ireton High School.

Congratulations to the cadets

on their positions in this honor

society for the dramatic arts.

•

Congratulations to C/Amn Mi-

chael Andersen on his appoint-

ment to the United States Air

Force Academy.

Likewise, congratulations to C/

Amn Robert Beydler on his ap-

pointment to the United States

Naval Academy; C/SrA David

Soliotis on his acceptance to

the Virginia Military Institute;

and C/Amn Kevin Corcoran on

his acceptance to Virginia Poly-

technic Institute and State Uni-

versity (Virginia Tech). Finally,

congratulations to all of Chal-

lenger’s graduating seniors,

who have all done an excellent

job in academics and in the

cadet program.

Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron Bolling Air Force Base / Bishop Ireton High School

Recent Promotions:

C/CMSgt Ryan C. Lucas

C/SrA Catherine L. Addington

C/SrA Ryan R. McFadden

United States Air Force Auxiliary—Civil Air Patrol

Volume 1, Issue 3 - Spring 2011

About Us:

Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron is

a unit of the United States Air

Force Auxiliary – Civil Air Patrol.

We proudly serve our

community, state, and nation

as we are formed in aerospace

education, physical fitness and

moral leadership. We operate

out of Bolling Air Force Base (A-

Flight), Washington, DC and

Bishop Ireton High School (B-

Flight), Alexandria, Virginia.

Upcoming Events:

Become A Pilot Day: 18 June

2011

End of Term Party: 18 June

2011

Police Obstacle Course: 25

June 2011

Below, left: C/SrA Catherine Addington with a

U.S. Coast Guard helicopter

Below, right: C/Amn Melanie Blower on the Rus-

sian Volga-Dnepr plane



On Saturday, 16

April 2011,

C a d e t s a t -

tended a Basic

Water Survival

Training from

USMC Water

Survival Instruc-

tors at MCB

Quantico, VA.

The cadets

learned how to uses their

clothes as floatation de-

vices by tying knots in the

arms or legs of the garment and splashing air and water into the

rest of the clothing to make them buoyant. The instructors also

taught how this was possible with a backpack.

The cadets also

learned how to

remove a hel-

met, Kevlar vest,

and rifle in under

ten seconds,

while underwa-

ter.

Many of the ca-

dets enjoyed

learning how to

properly aban-

don ship with the

use of a 20 ft. high

platform. Some

cadets even over-

came their fear of

heights or their in-

ability to swim by

jumping off the low

or high dive, or pa-

tiently and calmly

working with the

sergeants to learn

basic swim strokes.

As a final exercise, the

cadets gathered in a circle

in the deep end of the pool and passed a 10 pound brick around,

trying to tread water and keep the brick above it. The cadets did this

for an astonishing twenty minutes before it was time to leave!

C/Amn Reese summed up, “The training was very exhilarating. I en-

joyed every moment of it. The high tower was breathtaking. It was a

great use of time, and team building.”

The USMC instructors were impressed by the maturity and level of

enthusiasm of the cadets, and have invited them back for future

training.

Cadets Receive Basic Water Survival Training from Marines

Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron

The USS Barry, decommissioned in 1982 and now a museum ship, has

served in the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. She is a

Forrest Sherman-class destroyer of the United States Navy and was

launched in 1955.

Tour of U.S.S. Barry and Navy Yard Museum

On 7 May 2011, the cadets visited the display ship USS Barry and

followed the tour guided by squadron commander Capt. Lucas.

Capt. Lucas, having served in the Navy with Explosive Ordnance

Disposal, described to the cadets what life on a ship is like.

The cadets also learned proper boarding procedures for a military

ship, which include military courtesies not necessarily familiar to

the other services. Afterwards, the cadets visited the museum at

the Navy Yard.

The cadets line up for instructions

regarding water survival situations.

Cadets practice using backpacks as

flotation devices.

Cadets use the high dive as a simulation for

jumping ship.

Left: The cadets gather around the

table in the “Officer’s Wardroom “ on

the USS Barry.

Right: Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron

salutes a group of Honor Flight veter-

ans visiting the museum at the Wash-

ington Navy Yard after a tour of the USS Barry.



Cadets Attend Marine Parade

Volume 1, Issue 3 - Spring 2011

On Friday, 6 May 2011, cadets and their families attended the

United States Marine Corps Evening Parade. This one hour and

fifteen minute performance showcased the extraordinary talents of

“The President’s Own” Marine band, "The Commandant's Own,"

The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the emotion-

ally moving Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon.

C/SrA David Souliotis commented that “The Marine Corps parade

was an incredible experience for all who attended. The Barracks at

8th and I are very historic, and the band, the drum and bugle corps,

and the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon put on a

great show and gave everyone an appreciation for the military.”

Cadet Honor Guard Lays Wreath at National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial

On 15 May 2011, the Cadet Honor Guard of Challenger 1 Cadet

Squadron placed a wreath at the National Law Enforcement Officers’

Memorial during National Police Week.

The ceremony was in honor of the law enforcement officers who had

given their lives this year, the names of whom were read aloud by C/

MSgt Caitlin Lucas while C/SrA David Souliotis and C/SrA Ryan

McFadden kept vigil.

C/CMSgt Ryan Lucas, C/SrA Abigail Steinberger, and C/SrA Lily

Ramey laid the wreath, and C/SrA Steinberger offered a police offi-

cer’s prayer.

The wreath laying was a perfect example of what the cadet honor

guard strives to accomplish in their mission with Challenger 1 Cadet

Squadron: honor those who serve, and the country with which they

serve. This is often in the form of color guard or in support to the Air

Force community, but the cadets agree that it finds its most profound

manifestation in remembering the fallen.

Cadets Support Bishop Ireton High School Community

On 9 April 2011, members of Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron helped at

the Bishop Ireton High School PTO Clean-Up. As a partner organiza-

tion of Bishop Ireton, Challenger 1 Cadet Squadron often gives back

to the community that has been such a gracious host for B-Flight.

C/Amn Melanie Blower participates in the Bishop Ireton High School PTO Clean-Up

Left to right: C/SrA Lily Ramey, C/SrA Abigail Steinberger, C/CMSgt Ryan Lucas,

C/SrA David Souliotis (not visible), and C/SrA Ryan McFadden carry out the wreath

laying ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial.



Our Newsletter

Pleast direct queries, suggestions, and

information to the personnel listed at

left.

For more news, please check our squadron website,

dc060.mytroop.us, regularly.

To contribute news stories, cadet achievements, or

photos from recent events, please send them by

email to the Cadet Public Affairs Officer, C/Amn

Melanie Blower, or Assistant Cadet Public Affairs

Officer, C/SrA Catherine L. Addington, at

[email protected].

This newsletter was compiled by C/Amn Melanie

Blower and C/SrA Catherine Addington.

Squadron Commander: Capt. Steven Lucas, CAP

Cadet Public Affairs Officer: C/Amn Melanie

Blower, CAP

Assistant Cadet Public Affairs Officer: C/SrA Cath-

erine Addington, CAP

Squadron Public Affairs Contact Information:

[email protected]

Cadets Having Fun!

Top left: C/SrA David Souliotis and C/

CMSgt Ryan Lucas on the bridge of the

USS Barry.

Top right: C/Amn Melanie Blower enjoys

training with the Marines.

Center right: C/AB Eric Borio gives a

thumbs up to the Basic Water Survival.

Bottom left: C/SrA Ryan McFadden is “in

charge” at the Navy Museum.

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