DALLAS-Neither   rain, sleet, snow or dark of night could keep cadets of the southwest regional winter encampment   of the Civil Air Patrol from appearing for their  graduation  muster.  Temperatures were in the mid thirties for graduation day.  The same bone chilling   temperatures that became part of the every day routine cadets had to look forward to each morning.  The traditional “Pass in Review” was cancelled because of the inclement weather.

Cadets spent six days of grueling basic training at Fort  Wolters  Mineral  Wells Texas 26-31 December 2012.  Major Fletcher Sharp was the senior commander of the encampment   which is held annually,  between  Christmas and New Year’s.  Major Sharp commented  “ that even though cadet participation was lighter than usual for a winter encampment,  they made up for it, with enthusiasm  and participation in scheduled activities”,

In addition to learning the courtesies and customs of the service, cadets are brought up to date on career opportunities   in the military and civil aviation.   The cadets are also exposed to drug deterrent programs which were conducted by Chaplin   Lt Col   Gordon   Rourk.  There were over 250 cadets and senior   members who participated in the encampment. 

 CSr/A  Ahmed Ghuznavi  of  Foxtrot  flight  was  named “Honor Cadet of  the  77th  TCTS of the encampment.   Foxtrot flight was also named winner  of the unit Drill competition and  selected as outstanding  “Warrior Flight”.   CSr/A  Ahmed  Ghuznavi  is a member of  Group III, 391st Composite Squadron based at Dallas Love Field.  Lt Col Bob Sides, 391st Squadron Commander, noted  “he was most gratified by the selection of  CSr/A  Ghuznavi  as outstanding cadet,  as he extended his and the squadrons  congratulations for a job well done”.  Lt Col Russell Miller exclaimed  “ Great Job Airman Ghuznavi.  Thank you for representing Group III in a most positive manner”. 

   

The Texas Wing of Civil Air Patrol,  is commanded by Colonel Brooks  Cima.

                                                    

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more tha 61,000 members nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft.  CAP, in its Air Force Auxiliary role. Performs 90 percent of all continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the

AFRCC with saving 54 lives in fiscal year 2011.  Its’ volunteers also perform Homeland Security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies to nearly 27,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs.

CAP received the World Peace Prize in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for 70 years.  Congress has nominated the service to receive the Congressional Medal in recognition of its’ wartime service.  CAP also participated in Wreathes across American, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U. S. Military veterans. Visit www.gociviliaairpatrol.com or www.capvolunteernow.com for more information.

                                                                           -30-

For more information contact: 1st Lt. Robert R. Bruton CAP 
                                            Public Affairs Officer 
                                            391st Composite Squadron 
                                            Group III Texas Wing 
                                            Civil Air Patrol 
                                            Dallas (817) 685 9658 or pao@capdallas.org