Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters - AEO Stories

Capt. Dave Wells, Tennessee Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:58:43 +0000

Capt. Dave Wells, of Tennessee Wing, enjoys giving astronomy and telescope presentations throughout his community as well as to cadets.

August 7, 2025

Meet Capt. Dave Wells, Internal Aerospace Education Officer for Tennessee Wing and Squadron Commander, Sunsphere Cadet Squadron in Knoxville, Tennessee. He first joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in 1975 because his two older brothers had joined the U.S. Air Force. He earned his Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet honor, and credits the organization for a positive impact on his life. "It gave me a sense of purpose, identity, and a sense of accomplishment as I progressed through the cadet program," he recalls. His specific area of interest in aerospace education is in the fields of space exploration and astronomy. "My earliest historical memory is of the Apollo 11 landing in July 1969," he says. He continues to share that passion for space with the cadets and families within his squadron and with the local community. "The excitement of kids - and their parents - when they see the craters on the Moon, or the moons of Jupiter, or the rings of Saturn for the first time is very rewarding to me," he says. This summer, Wells attended his first National Aerospace Education Officers School in Dayton, Ohio, where he also presented a session on the CAP STEM Kit telescope -- how to use them to teach astronomy both in the cadet squadron and in the local community. After a 30-year career working and training others in the insurance industry, this fall he will begin a new chapter in his aerospace educator journey: he will begin teaching a semester-long course on aerospace education at a local Catholic high school using the CAP textbook Aerospace: The Journey of Flight. We asked Capt. Wells some questions about his CAP journey and participation in the Aerospace Education program, and his answers follow.

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

I joined CAP as a cadet in 1975. My two older brothers had joined the Air Force, and that's how I found out about CAP. I grew up in a very poor family in Mississippi, and CAP really changed my life. It gave me a sense of purpose, identity, and a sense of accomplishment as I progressed through the cadet program.

Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

I was a cadet from 1975 to 1984, earning my Spaatz Award (#714) just before I turned 21. Although I became a senior member at that time, I was in college with a full academic load and working several jobs, and I didn't stay active. I returned to CAP in 1996 and served as Deputy Commander for Cadets at a local squadron for about five years. But due to the demands of family life and frequent travel for work, I had to step away again. I returned to CAP for the third time in August 2023, and I became the Aerospace Education Officer for the new Sunsphere Cadet Squadron in Knoxville, Tennessee. I am also the Group 1 Cadet Programs Officer.

How did your interest in aerospace education begin?

I've had a lifelong interest in space exploration and astronomy (I grew up near Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, and my earliest historical memory is of the Apollo 11 landing in July 1969). About five years ago, I bought my first telescope and joined a local amateur astronomy club. I soon became active in astronomy outreach, giving presentations at local libraries and participating in star parties, where we set up telescopes for people to view the stars, planets, and the Moon. The excitement of kids - and their parents - when they see the craters on the Moon, or the moons of Jupiter, or the rings of Saturn for the first time is very rewarding to me. It was my growing desire to teach others about astronomy that led me back to CAP. Because of my astronomy outreach efforts through CAP and my astronomy club, I was selected by NASA as a Solar System Ambassador to promote knowledge of astronomy and space exploration. There are over 1,200 Solar System Ambassadors throughout the country, and a number of them are CAP Aerospace Education Officers.

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol.

For over 30 years, I have been an insurance professional working for companies such as Travelers, Progressive, and Liberty Mutual. For the past seven years, I have been an agency growth coach with a national network of independent insurance agents. In my role, I help new agents establish their own agencies and advise them on business development, marketing, and sales to help them achieve success. I really enjoy the teaching aspect and mentoring role of my work.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education program area and encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

From the beginning of time, humans have looked up at the night sky with awe and wonder. Over the course of human history, we have made great strides in understanding the mysteries of the universe. With advances in science and technology, we are making amazing discoveries each year and seeing farther back into space, and time, than ever before. It is a new Golden Age of exploration and discovery. We are also actively planning to return humans to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, and within the next few decades we will likely send humans to Mars. Realistically, it may take us 20 to 25 years to develop the life-support technology that will enable us to reach the Red Planet and return safely back to Earth. But I often remind young cadets that when that day comes, they will likely be the same age as the Apollo astronauts were when they walked on the Moon. The first humans to walk on Mars are alive today - they just don't know that they will be the first to take the next leap onto another planet. The cadets today will be the generation that makes it happen. My goal is to ignite their imaginations, for it is their dreams and passion that will be the fuel to take us further into space.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

A couple of years ago, I had the idea to develop a day-long, Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX)-type STEM event at a local private middle school. The program is called STAR EX, and it is an exploration of space, telescopes, astronomy, and rocketry. We brought in university professors (one of whom is a NASA Solar System Ambassador), local amateur astronomers, Aerospace Education Members (AEMs), and even cadets to give short presentations on various topics followed by hands-on activities. We used telescopes to determine focal length and magnification of targets indoors, we observed sunspots with properly equipped solar telescopes, and we built and launched model rockets. The highlight of the program was having retired astronauts join us (the first year via Zoom call, the second year in person) to share their experiences in space. The program has been very successful, and other schools have contacted us to host it at their schools. It is also a great opportunity to showcase the cadet program, and we have recruited several new cadets as a result of their participation in STAR EX.

Please tell us about any Civil Air Patrol aerospace education programs you use internally and externally.

This past summer, I organized and led a summer aviation camp at a local community college. The FAA sponsors a program called the Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Academy, and the Tennessee Wing volunteered to conduct the program at a local community college that is starting an Airframe & Powerplant program this fall. We brought in several AEOs from other squadrons as well as Tennessee Wing staff and used many of the STEM kits such as the flight simulators (a huge hit with the students) and the air navigation kits including the E6B paper flight computers. We also brought in guest speakers from local aviation career fields -- including pilots, flight attendants, a representative from the local airport, the department head of the new A&P program, and even a retired Air Force major general (who serves as president of the local AFA chapter) -- who spoke to the students about various career opportunities. It was a great success, and about a third of the students have expressed interest in joining CAP.

You attended your first CAP National AEO school this summer. Tell us about the experience and how you found it beneficial.

This summer, I attended my first AEO School in Dayton, Ohio. It was a wonderful experience! I enjoyed meeting AEOs from around the country (including Hawaii), and learning from those with years of experience. I was honored to offer a presentation on using the STEM Kit telescopes both to teach cadets about astronomy as well as how to use them in aerospace outreach to the local community. Meeting with other AE professionals and learning about all of the aspects of the CAP aerospace education programs at the National AEO School really brought everything into sharp focus for me!

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

Aerospace Education is a very broad field -- from the skies to the stars and beyond! Whatever it is that sparks your curiosity or your interest, lead with that. Whether it's the history of flight, or the intricacies of weather, or the thrill of flying, or the sheer awe and wonder of looking at the stars - share your passion and you will light a spark in your cadets!

Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct outreach in schools (working with students and/or recruiting AEMs)?

Schools are eager for STEM resources, and they're very open to learn more about our AEM program. We find a lot of success in participating in school STEM nights and career festivals, sometimes bringing in cadets to help out. This not only promotes the resources we have to offer, but it also raises the profile of our cadet program. (It was our participation in such an event that led to the development of the STAR EX program).

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers in the AE program:

Recently one of our cadets mentioned that he hopes to eventually become an astrophysicist. He attributed this to my passion for astronomy and space exploration, and I was deeply touched. Our squadron motto is "Aim for the Stars," and I hope this becomes a personal motto for all of my cadets.

Is there anything else that we didn’t ask that you’d like to add for this spotlight on an AE Officer?

I am beginning a new chapter in my journey as an aerospace educator. This fall, I will begin teaching a semester-long course on Aerospace Education at our local Catholic high school, using the CAP textbook Aerospace: The Journey of Flight. My sons attended the school, and last year I approached the administration with the idea of offering the course (they offer a course on oceanography). They are excited about this new course, and the principal told me that he believes it will become very popular and demand will grow. Ad astra et ultra - To the stars and beyond!

Capt. Jud Ergle, Louisiana Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:27:27 +0000

Capt. Jud Ergle credits his CAP success as a Director of Aerospace Education for Louisiana Wing and a squadron commander in CAP to the partnership in CAP volunteer service that he has with his wife, Capt. Jo Lynn Ergle.

August 12, 2024

Meet Capt. Jud Ergle, Director of Aerospace Education (DAE) for Louisiana Wing and commander of the Alvin Callender Composite Squadron in New Orleans. He became a CAP member in 2018, and he and his wife, Capt. Jo Lynn Ergle, have worked together in the organization. It was his father who inspired an interest in aerospace. "My father was in the US Air Force and was an engineer working on the space race in the 1960s," he says. "His love for aerospace became a father and son hobby that gave me the desire to learn about aerospace."

Capt. Ergle was in attendance at the 2024 National Aerospace Education Officers School this past June and highly recommends the course. The school was held in Cocoa Beach, Florida, where many key space exploration events in the 1960s and beyond have occurred.

Also, this summer, he has been named the latest recipient of the National Frank G. Brewer Award for Aerospace Education, Senior Member Category. He will receive the award at CAP's National Conference in San Antonio, Texas, later this month.

When asked about his best experiences in CAP, Capt. Ergle mentions the cadets with whom he has worked. "The best experience in CAP is seeing the smile on a cadet’s face when we pin a new grade on them or when they get back from their first orientation flight. Also, when a cadet gets accepted into a National Cadet Special Activity or starts flight training -- that is my best CAP experience, and it happens over and over."

Outside of CAP, he has had a 21-year career with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) after being inspired to join that organization after the events of 9-11.

What keeps him in the aerospace education mission is seeing the benefits that AE gives to cadets. "... When I see a cadet get interested in aerospace and plan to have an aerospace career, it makes me very happy," he says. We asked him some questions on his CAP career and life outside CAP, and his answers follow.

What are your current duty positions with Civil Air Patrol?

I am the Louisiana Wing Director of Aerospace Education (DAE) and also the Squadron Commander for the Alvin Callender Composite Squadron in New Orleans.

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

In 2018, I was completing some research online, and the United States Air Force Auxiliary popped up. I clicked on it and read through the website and was sold.

How many years have you been in Civil Air Patrol? Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

Capt. Ergle takes a mission scanner flight with Maj. Malay Ghose-Hajra.

I’ve been in CAP for six years. I joined a squadron that was rebuilding, and we realized that Aerospace Education needed attention. Four members attended the National Aerospace Education Officer (AEO) School at Pensacola Naval Air Station. I have been to every National AEO School since, and Aerospace is the place I want to serve in Civil Air Patrol. A couple of years ago, the DAE position became available, and I decided to give it a try. Now, I know I am where I should be.

Please tell us about your aerospace education background and interest and include any awards and recognition you have received that you would like to mention.

My father was in the US Air Force and was an engineer working on the space race in the 1960s. His love for aerospace became a father and son hobby that gave me the desire to learn about aerospace. I have taken a lot of training through NASA's teacher education program and through NASA STEM, and I work hard to gain as much knowledge as possible to be better in my position as DAE.

Awards and Recognition:

The National Frank Brewer Award, Senior Member Category, 2024
Regional Commander's Commendation, 2023
Louisiana Wing Senior member of the Year, 2022
An exceptional Service Ribbon for work in Aerospace Education

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol. How long have you been in this field and why did you choose it?

After 9-11, I decided to join the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and serve as a Transportation Security Manager (TSM) and have been with the agency for 21 years. I really enjoy being a part of an outstanding counterintelligence agency and making sure all Americans have the freedom to travel safely.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth through Aerospace Education?

We have so many youth in Louisiana that could achieve more, and when I see a cadet get interested in aerospace and plan to have an aerospace career, it makes me very happy. The CAP STEM program is the best program for youth, and the cadets learn so much while having fun. I get so excited when a parent tells me that their cadet’s grades are getting better and their cadet now has an interest in math and science.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

The best experience in CAP is seeing the smile on a cadet’s face when we pin a new grade on them or when they get back from their first orientation flight. Also, when a cadet gets accepted into a National Cadet Special Activity or starts flight training -- that is my best CAP experience, and it happens over and over.

If you have not covered it, tell us about any Civil Air Patrol aerospace education programs you use internally and externally.

In Louisiana, we work hard to ensure our AEMs get their Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) flight, and we offer educational opportunities throughout the year to help educators learn to teach STEM better. The Louisiana Wing has gotten so many collaboration opportunities through our AEM program, and I found out that if you take care of your AEMs, they are the best advertisement for CAP. We have seen a few join as senior members, and they really help recruit cadets. Another program, the STEM kit program, brings a great educational tool to the squadrons that the cadets are not getting in school in many cases.

Please tell us about your experience at AEO School. Why did you attend? Would you recommend AEO School to others who have not attended?

I have attended every National AEO School since 2019, and each year I learn more and get great ideas to bring back to the squadron and wing. I recommend that every AEO should attend the National AEO School. You can’t get this knowledge anywhere else. I have made many great friends and have learned so much just talking to other AEOs. This is a must for all AEOs!

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

A new AEO should work hard to learn the programs and use your network to provide good aerospace experiences for your cadets. There are pilots, engineers and many people in STEM professions that are senior members that would love to speak to your squadron; so use them to bring AE alive in your squadron. Order STEM kits and use them as the STEM kits CAP offers are very fun and educational for the cadets. Collaborate with other AEOs to get great ideas and attend a National AEO School.

What is the best advice you have for recruiting AEMs?

Recruiting AEMs is easy, and many turn into senior members. This is one of the best programs in education and you just need to learn about the program and tell educators, librarians and any youth group who teaches STEM about it. Provide them classroom speakers, help them in any way you can and make sure they get their TOP flights, and they will recruit for you.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers:

Once, in my squadron we were doing a STEM project and the engineer who was doing the project with the cadets was sick on aerospace night. I knew we needed the engineer to do the project with them, but I tried to step in, and the cadets were able to complete the project without assistance. I asked them where they obtained the math and engineering skills to complete the project. They said they learned the skills in the squadron doing AE projects and using STEM kits. I didn’t realize how much cadets learn by doing STEM, but I know now. The cadets amaze me over and over, and what they are learning in CAP is changing their lives.

My success in Civil Air Patrol as a Squadron Commander and DAE is because my wife and I are partners in everything we do. She, Capt. Jo Lynn Ergle, has attended all the National AEO Schools with me and even though she won’t except an “official title” on the Louisiana Wing Aerospace Education Staff, she has worked so hard to support the Louisiana Wing Aerospace Education Mission and is a big reason why we are having the success we are having. She serves as the Wing Education and Training Officer and as a Wing Assistant Emergency Services Training Officer and has many positions in the squadron. We have had so much fun working together to make our wing and squadron successful in all we do.

Is there anything else that we didn’t ask that you’d like to add for this spotlight on an AE Officer? We want to tell your story.

In 2018 when we were trying to rebuild the Alvin Callender Composite Squadron, I was wondering why we were working so hard and then I saw how the cadets were growing and achieving success. Then I realized the importance of the Civil Air Patrol, and that is why my wife and I believe so much in CAP and are willing to work hard to ensure success. We didn't know much about CAP when we started but have worked hard and now CAP is our life's work. The only thing you need to be successful in CAP is a servant’s heart and a great work ethic.

Capt. Ergle says the most rewarding aspect of his CAP work is seeing the success of cadets.

Lt. Col. Floyd Miles Jr., Capt. Scottie Burge and Capt. Ergle work at the Joint Base New Orleans Air Show.

Col. Martha Morris, Southwest Region Commander, presents an award to Capt. Ergle at the Louisiana Wing Conference.

Capt. Shannon Babb, Rocky Mountain Region

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 11:36:43 +0000

Capt. Shannon Babb, RMR DCS/AE, is leading a Civil Air Patrol solar eclipse research project for the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse.

March 27, 2024

Meet Capt. Shannon Babb, the Rocky Mountain Region Deputy Chief of Staff for Aerospace Education (DCS/AE), who has been a CAP member for a decade. After serving in IT and Public Affairs, she moved to the Aerospace Education program to assist with external AE. Outside of Civil Air Patrol, she works as the curriculum/instructional specialist at Central Utah Water Conservancy District. "I am someone who is both a professional scientist and a professional educator," she says. "I use that combination of skills to help take complex topics and turn them into hands-on curriculum resources that can help communities engage STEM topics." One way she is specifically promoting STEM topics is as director of CAP's Solar Eclipse Mission in conjunction with the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse that will cross North America. The project, which also focused on the annular eclipse that occurred last October, actually started five years ago. "The seeds for the CAP Solar Eclipse Mission were planted in 2019, when I realized that an Annular Eclipse was going to cross the state of Utah." It developed into a mission for teams of CAP cadets to collaborate with more than 250 squadrons nationwide to create a data set -- that stretches across 7 time zones -- about the effects of a solar eclipse on weather and on VHF radio operations. "This was an opportunity for Civil Air Patrol to help make significant scientific discoveries during the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses," Capt. Babb says. An additional aspect of the mission works with NASA's Globe Eclipse Project to give teachers the chance to become citizen scientists. Find out more on the project here.

We asked Capt. Babb some questions about her career in CAP and the Solar Eclipse Mission, and her answers follow.

Please tell us about your duty positions.

Rocky Mountain Region Deputy Chief of Staff for Aerospace Education (DCS/AE)
CAP Solar Eclipse Mission Director

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

When I was younger, I had the opportunity to be a polar researcher [see pictures below]. When my time in the High Arctic came to an end, I missed the feeling of being part of a crew. One of the pilots that I had flown with in the Arctic had mentioned that they were a part of the Civil Air Patrol and spoken a little bit about CAP’s mission. It planted a seed, and I looked up the organization and found a squadron when I moved to back to the Lower 48…and the rest is history.

How many years have you been in Civil Air Patrol? Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

Capt. Babb briefs cadets on the solar eclipse mission.

I have been in Civil Air Patrol for a decade. My first position in Civil Air Patrol was as the squadron IT officer in the Cache Valley Composite Squadron, Utah Wing, because I was the only person who could figure out how to troubleshoot the projector. I was then pulled into the Public Affairs specialty, where I served both at the squadron and Wing levels.

After some time in that role, I was asked to lend a helping hand to Aerospace Education.

Rocky Mountain Region (RMR) was working on building its external AE program, and finding innovative ways to engage and teach teachers is what I do for my day job. While AE had not been my chosen specialty track up until that point, I often used my connections in the STEM education world to bring additional resources to CAP activities such as mobile planetariums, wind tunnels, and weather stations. So, it didn’t take me long to settle into the role of the Region External AE Officer. Then in January 2024 I transitioned into the role of RMR’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Aerospace Education.

Tell us about your aerospace education background (including awards and other accomplishments you'd like to mention) within and outside of CAP.

I am someone who is both a professional scientist and a professional educator. I am the curriculum/instructional specialist at Central Utah Water Conservancy District. I use that combination of skills to help take complex topics and turn them into hands-on curriculum resources that can help communities engage STEM topics. While working at Central Utah Water Conservancy District means that most of the curriculum that I write is about the Earth sciences, I enjoy having the opportunity to work with AE curriculum for use in Civil Air Patrol, such as the CAP Solar Eclipse Classroom data books, part of the CAP Solar Eclipse Mission.

Please briefly tell us how the national eclipse project came to be.

The seeds for the CAP Solar Eclipse Mission were planted in 2019, when I realized that an Annular Eclipse was going to cross the state of Utah. At first, the Mission was simply going to be a field training exercise designed to give CAP members the opportunity to travel to Richfield, Utah, to experience annularity…but as the planning continued through the pandemic years, it became clear that this mission could be so much more. This was an opportunity for Civil Air Patrol to help make significant scientific discoveries during the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses.

In the Spring of 2023, we started working with NASA’s Globe Observer program in earnest to create a mission that met three key requirements.

The mission could be performed by CAP members in the community where they live.
The mission could be performed regardless of the weather conditions. We didn’t want squadrons to spend weeks planning and training to collect data during the solar eclipse only to be rained out day of the eclipse.
The mission protocol had to be simple enough to be completed by 12-year-old cadets who had just gotten their Curry Award.

And that is how the CAP Solar Eclipse Mission was born. It was created because one member saw an opportunity to share a solar eclipse with others, worked to build a relationship with an external partner, and gathered a group of volunteers to create one of the largest AE missions in Civil Air Patrol history. More than 250 squadrons nationwide have registered for the program.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

There is no other mission in Civil Air Patrol that allows you to spark curiosity and cultivate joy the way that Aerospace Education does. When done right, AE not only gives cadets knowledge and skills that they can use for the future, but it hands them a literal universe of possibilities.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

I will admit, I never get tired of experiencing the Earth from above, but in particular I will never forget my very first CAP flight. It was a practice arial photography mission in an aircraft lovingly referred to as 28 Kilo. She is one of the oldest aircraft in the Civil Air Patrol fleet and I still smile every time I see her on the flight line.

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

Don’t underestimate the power of cadet AEOs. Cadets that volunteer for these positions often have deep enthusiasm and passion for Aerospace Education. They can be excellent co-instructors and I encourage you to get them involved in every phase of your AE program from planning through debriefing.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers:

One of my most memorable CAP AE anecdotes happened in the second wave of the pandemic. Squadrons were primarily meeting virtually, and the learning needs of many cadets were not being met. I was able to work with a colleague with the Utah National Guard Child and Youth Program to create a joint virtual engineering challenge. Over a month and a half, it was delightful to watch and mentor cadets in squadrons across the Utah Wing as they worked together in small groups to create a solution to each week’s engineering challenge. By the end of the challenge, we had not only built connections between our cadets but also with youth in the National Guard’s afterschool programs.

Is there anything else that we didn’t ask that you’d like to add for this spotlight on an AE Officer/Assistant AE Officer? We want to tell your story.

You do not need to be an aviation, cyber, or space expert to be a good AEO. All you need is the willingness to be curious, a thirst to learn new things, and the willingness to ask a lot of questions.

Capt. Babb was a polar researcher before joining CAP.

2nd Lt. Christine Klein - Florida Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:50:35 +0000

2nd Lt. Christine Klein, AEO at Homestead Air Reserve Base Cadet Squadron, receives the Technician Rating in Aerospace Education, presented by Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Brian E Crane.

December 14, 2023

Meet 2nd Lt. Christine Klein, Aerospace Education Officer (AEO) for Homestead Air Reserve Base Cadet Squadron in Homestead, Florida. She joined CAP in June 2022 in support of her son, a cadet. "The program stole my heart as I witnessed the dedication, transformation and endless opportunities," she says, "not just for my own son and his fellow cadets, but for all that were involved." Though she has been a member for less than two years, she has enthusiastically embraced her service in CAP. "With the unwavering support, inspiration and mentorship from our squadron leaders," she says, "I was encouraged and motivated not only to teach within our squadron, but also to utilize the educational outreach programs of other entities and collaborate on the combined mission to further deepen the knowledge and understanding of aerospace education." This past spring, Klein and the squadron volunteered at Homestead ‘Wings Over Miami” Air Show. "How fantastic to meet so many amazing professional individuals and new families, to see some cool aircraft, to educate people on what we do, but ‘best’ of all, to see all of us come together as a team!" she says. A former kindergarten teacher whose family shares a passion for astronomy and space, she naturally gravitated toward the aerospace education mission of CAP. "The Aerospace Education mission speaks to me deeply, simply because of the broad spectrum of topics and the myriad of activities that can be incorporated," she says. "It is the most rewarding teaching endeavor I have been part of," she says. We asked her some questions about her CAP involvement, and her answers follow.

Please list your duty positions within your squadron:

Aerospace Education and Activities Officer, Homestead Air Reserve Base Cadet Squadron

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

My journey with Civil Air Patrol started, as for many, supporting my own son, who became a cadet in 2021, in his ambitious goals to learn about aviation, aerospace and hopefully join the United States Air Force

2d Lt Klein enjoys helping cadets experience the wonder of flight, whether in one of CAP's powered airplanes, or in a glider, as seen here.

The program stole my heart as I witnessed the dedication, transformation and endless opportunities, not just for my own son and his fellow cadets, but for all that were involved. Besides, we had found a new family within our squadron and haven’t looked back since.

How many years have you been in Civil Air Patrol? Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

It wasn’t long until I realized just how much CAP impacted our family, the possibilities it presented for teaching and inspiring future generations and the potential it held for so many others to do the same.

In June of 2022 I became an official senior member and my family’s shared passion for astronomy and space, naturally led me to seek out the AEO path.

With the unwavering support, inspiration and mentorship from our squadron leaders, I was encouraged and motivated not only to teach within our squadron, but also to utilize the educational outreach programs of other entities and collaborate on the combined mission to further deepen the knowledge and understanding of Aerospace Education.

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol. How long have you been in this field, and why did you choose it?

Ever since I met my kindergarten teacher, I knew I wanted to be a teacher myself, and upon receiving my professional education in Germany and graduating with a degree in Early Childhood Education, my journey took me across the Atlantic to start a new life here in the U.S.

My official teaching career gave way to our homeschool life 11 years ago, and I currently teach my ninth- and first-grader.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

The Aerospace Education mission speaks to me deeply, simply because of the broad spectrum of topics and the myriad of activities that can be incorporated. It can unlock the potential in all of us, but especially our youth, to choose paths that they may otherwise never consider taking. It brings the possibility of becoming an astronaut, a pilot, an engineer or cyber defense specialist etc., within reach and gives them a road map to pursue and follow these dreams.

It is the most rewarding teaching endeavor I have been part of. Seeing the enthusiasm and excitement on Rocketry Launch Day, to learn and build together on STEM Day, or to see the pride of our CyberPatriot Team being rewarded for all their hard work, is unmatched.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

Well, that’s a truly difficult question…I will have to settle on two. They stand out the most.

First was going on field trips with our cadets to delve into astronomy. We received a Celestial Navigation Class and Night Sky Viewing Opportunity from The Southern Cross Astronomical Society, and we visited The Astro Science Center at Florida International University, where we received a tour of the center’s control room and learned about remote controlled telescopes. Our tour guide was the Astro Physicist Dr. Jim Webb, who also gave a talk on “How to Greet an Alien”.

Second was volunteering at the Homestead ‘Wings Over Miami” Air Show this past spring. It was two very long, very hot days for our squadron, but truly incredible! How fantastic to meet so many amazing professional individuals and new families, to see some cool aircraft, to educate people on what we do, but ‘best’ of all, to see all of us come together as a team!

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

It’s crucial to get to know your cadets, what their goals and dreams are and where their interests lie. It will help set the tone for the activities you will focus on, incorporate and/or other curricular activities you can offer.

Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct outreach in schools (working with students and/or recruiting AEMs)?

Reach out to teachers and tutors you already know. Offer short informative sessions at your local homeschool CO-OPs, libraries, astronomy clubs, rocketry club, etc. They are a great place to start. Most of them are involved in the community already. They are well-connected to teacher circles and can help connect you as well. They may also have individuals or outreach programs that can help you internally by giving talks and courses to your squadron.

Reach out to local universities and colleges. Many of their departments, such as Physics, Aeronautics, Engineering, etc. have outreach programs, days or activities.

Engage your own cadets. Encourage them to have an informative talk about CAP at their own school. This will not only raise awareness but also help with public speaking skills.

Is there anything else that we did not ask that you would like to mention?

Positive influence and inspiration can happen at any time in one’s life. We may be the giver or the receiver. Either way, we ought to be flexible when teaching and patient when learning!

AEO Klein assists a cadet with a model rocket build.

Lt. Klein's husband, Vince, and son Lukas are both also CAP members. Also pictured is son Ari, who is not yet old enough to be a cadet.

Lt. Col. Jean-Marie Nixon, Delaware Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:17:15 +0000

Photo by Lt. Venkat Pillarisetty

Lt. Col. Jean-Marie Nixon, Delaware Wing DAE, listens as Cadet Senior Airman Sabri Alan Abdul-Ahad of the Delaware Air National Guard Base Cadet Squadron points out a feature of the Mars habitat model he helped design.

November 20, 2023

Meet Lt. Col. Jean-Marie Nixon, Delaware Director of Aerospace Education (DAE). She joined CAP in 2011 to assist her late husband, Lt. Col. Patrick Nixon, with the Arizona squadron in which he was a commander. Originally only believing she would be a Civil Air Patrol member for a short while, she recalls with a laugh, she has served in many areas since that time. She is master rated in seven specialty tracks. With a career path including having a master's degree in psychology and working in child protective services, she began learning more about Aerospace Education along with the cadets she was helping in that first squadron. Growing up, she had discovered aerospace education from her father, who while in the Army was in charge of the NATO helicopters and then later, helicopters in Vietnam. "My father loved aviation," she says. "He taught both my sister (CAP AEM Cynthia Ann Sowers of Pennsylvania) and me about life through flying." Her current duty positions include roles in Operation Pulse Lift blood drive, character development and chaplain support along with aerospace education. "I enjoy working with others in CAP and hope to inspire a love of aviation in people of all ages," she says of her AE work. "The youth are the future – their time is right around the corner." We asked her some questions about her career in Civil Air Patrol, and her answers follow.

Please tell us about your duty positions.

Delaware Wing DAE
Delaware Wing Character Development Instructor (CDI)
Former Texas DAE and Drug Demand Reduction Administrator (DDRA)
Former Arizona Wing DDRA
Operation Pulse Lift Mission Trainer, Chaplain Support Specialist – Disaster Support

Please tell us any descriptive information about your wing that you’d like to share.

Delaware Wing has a rich history. Delaware was the home of the second CAP base, Coastal Patrol Base #2 at the Rehoboth Airport.

During WW II, using private aircraft, "Flying Minutemen" patrolled the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware beaches for German submarines. Coastal Patrol Base #2 aircrews flew the first-ever coastal patrol mission for Civil Air Patrol on March 5, 1942. Delaware was the first state; also known as the Diamond State. It is the home of seven terrific squadrons (in addition to the Legislative Squadron):

DE-004 Brandywine Cadet Squadron
DE-008 Delaware Air National Guard Cadet Squadron
DE-006 Dover Composite Squadron
DE-019 Coastal Base 2 Memorial Composite Squadron
DE-020 North Chesapeake Cadet Squadron
DE-022 New Castle Senior Squadron
DE-025 Middletown Cadet Squadron
DE-099 Delaware Legislative Squadron (State Legislators and Staff Only)

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

My late husband, Lt. Col. Patrick E. Nixon, recruited me (he is featured in the CAP Volunteer Fall 2023 magazine, (Gone West (Page 54), Final Salute). He was the CC of SWR-AZ-107, Verde Valley Composite Squadron, and he needed assistance – I did not want to join CAP, but I always “had his back” – I joined CAP, became a member of the Arizona Wing, and that was the start of my CAP career.

How many years have you been in Civil Air Patrol? Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

I joined in 2011 to assist my husband with the squadron – I told my husband I would give him one year (haha -- and here I am still). I would have never believed it back then if someone had told me I would end up all over the country in different duty assignments. I started out as the Health Services Officer, Administration and Personnel Officer. I became the Deputy Commander of Cadets (DCC), Professional Development Officer (PDO), CDI, AEO and Emergency Services Training Officer. I have seven specialty tracks (including the three missions: AE, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services) and am Master rated in all seven. I was recently put in the Command Track – I hold a Senior rating.

As the DCC, I was responsible for the training and education of the cadets. As the PDO, I was responsible for the senior members’

Lt. Col Patrick Nixon and Lt. Col. Jean-Marie Nixon with their granddaughter at an air show..

professional development. For the cadets, I started "study buddy" sessions – this would take place once or twice a month in addition to the squadron meetings and the Saturday Fun Activity. During FY 2016, we participated in Arizona Sci-tech festival in Cottonwood, Arizona. In 2017, SWR-AZ-107 participated with I-Doodle/NASA Cubes in Space (this was well before the High-Altitude Balloon (HAB) challenge; we sent lima beans (Project Bean Stalk) on a rocket off of Wallops Island and a weather balloon from New Mexico. The cadets and senior members enjoyed participating with multiple airshows throughout Arizona. We visited the Challenger Center in Peoria, Arizona, built rockets and other STEM kits, and participated in CyberPatriot, Wreaths Across America, etc. I was the Lead Tactical (TAC) officer for the National Cadet Special Activity -- Cyber Defense Training Academy held at Lackland AFB. I also attended National Emergency Services Academy (NESA) and eventually became an instructor at NESA for Incident Command School - Chaplain Emergency Services Support (ICS-ChESS).

In the summer of 2017, I went to Texas Wing for the CAP National Conference (this was during Hurricane Harvey.) There I met Lt. Valeri Moczygemba of SWR-TX-187, AKA Alamo Composite Squadron – we met in a TLC (cadet training) class. She was very warm and welcoming and invited me to attend a local meeting. In Nov 2017, I left Arizona Wing and went to Texas Wing. Both my parents lived in San Antonio (where I was born and raised); they were very ill, and I went to provide for their care. I eventually transferred to the Texas Wing and was the AEO, CDI, ESTO, and DCS for the squadron. During the time with Alamo Squadron, we worked on the first High-Altitude Balloon Challenge. I was appointed Texas Wing AEO during the time of COVID-19. During this time, I initiated a Wing-wide cadet competition to help keep the cadets engaged. It was a Mars Rover Challenge. The cadets throughout the TXWG built rovers out of pasta, and the winner was the recipient of a spaghetti dinner for the squadron.

My time spent with the TXWG had some difficulties due to my parents’ poor health – my mother died in 2018 (just a couple of weeks after I was scheduled to attend National Staff College (NSC) at Maxwell AFB – I did not attend NSC); my father died in 2020. The members of the SWR-TX-187 were the most wonderful people during this time.

In 2021, Operation Pulse Lift (Civil Air Patrol's blood drive) became more active with the Armed Services Blood Program at both Dyess AFB and Lackland AFB. The squadron members rose to the challenge. Eventually, more Blood Donor Centers were established, and this is a very vital and dynamic program.

I have worked with Operation Pulse Lift since 2017 and have assisted with Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and Delaware wings (from one side of the country to the other).

In 2021, my husband’s illness required the need for us to relocate to be closer to family in Delaware. We moved to Delaware during Thanksgiving week 2021. I eventually transferred to the Delaware Wing in 2022. I became the AEO for MAR-DE-006, Dover Composite Squadron. Later that summer (2022), there was a Wing Change of Command, and the new WGCC Col. Robert Hotchkiss appointed me Delaware Wing AEO. This was a bit of a challenge due to my husband’s deteriorating condition (he died of service-connected disabilities on June 5, 2023). However, the AEOs of the Delaware Wing (fine, dedicated CAP members) were ready and willing to carry out the AE Mission. We have held multiple AE Activity Days; held AEO workshops; provided AE seminars for wing conference; worked on STEM kits, HAB, CyberPatriot, and rockets; visited the KC10 Simulator at Joint Base McGuire Dix in New Jersey; and assisted with Thunder over Dover (the Dover AFB Airshow) and Wings and Wheels (the Georgetown (GED) Air and Car show. The AEOs are all committed to the AE program and continue to work on their specialty tracks, as well as work with the cadets and senior members.

This past FY23, every Delaware Wing squadron has earned the AEX Award, as well as the AE Achievement Award. I am so very happy for all the squadrons and proud of every AEO. [Read more about the Delaware Wing's activities in CAP's Volunteer Fall 2023 magazine.]

Is there anything else about your aerospace education background that you'd like to mention?

I learned about AE alongside the cadets of that first squadron – SWR-AZ-107 (I had no formal AE education prior to CAP). Prior to CAP, I knew a little about aviation from my father, who while in the Army was in charge of the NATO helicopters and then later, helicopters in Vietnam. He worked on the flight line at Kelly AFB in San Antonio and eventually transferred to the C5A Galaxy. He traveled far and wide as a civilian working for Military Airlift Command. He eventually worked at the Pentagon under the Presidency of Ronald Reagan.
My father loved aviation. He taught both my sister (CAP AEM Cynthia Ann Sowers of PA) and me about life through flying. She wrote this about our father after he died in 2020:

Flying -- Our Dad taught us to Fly
Not only in Airplanes but in Life!
He would swing us on swings and say Hold On tight.❤️
He would show us planes and tell us the names of planes as if they were Birds!

That’s a cardinal, he would say as he pointed to a bright red bird.
That’s a B-52 Bomber, he would say at the Kelly or Randolph Air Shows.

He’d fly kites with us and take us to Air Shows.

He would tell us the importance of a $2 part.
And how if that didn’t work it could bring that plane down (no matter how pretty it looked)

He would teach us how to pay attention to details and how Ice on the Wings could bring a plane down.

How landing gear and getting those wheels up was precise timing.

To listen for the sounds of different planes. To know the difference from fighter jets to commercial airlines.

Why did he do that? Teaching us about Life.

My first book report in school was on Amelia Earhart.

I think he was more excited than me.

He was a great storyteller; the Bermuda Triangle came to life as he spoke of

Planes getting lost in it.

Don’t get lost in life girls! Check all systems and have an emergency exit.

But Fly -- Find Your Wings and Fly

Soar.

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol. How long have you been in this field, and why did you choose it?

I have had multiple career paths – I worked in hospitality and in various retail establishments. Additionally, I have worked for both the State of Delaware and Arizona in Child Protective Services (both as an investigator and family crisis therapist). I have a master’s degree in psychology and another degree in addictions counseling. I was in charge of the Tutoring Center at Delaware Technical and Community College (Terry Campus). I have worked for the City of Sedona (Department of Parks and Rec) as a water aerobics instructor, ZUMBA instructor, and face painter. I worked for Curves for Women (fitness/gym) as a ZUMBA instructor, Yoga instructor, certified fitness coach, and boxing trainer (I am certified by the Cleveland Clinic). I owned my own business, “Turn the Other Cheek” facepainting, providing facepainting for many events throughout Arizona and Texas.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in this area?

I serve at the pleasure of the DEWG Commander, as do we all. I enjoy working with others in CAP and hope to inspire a love of aviation in people of all ages. The youth are the future – their time is right around the corner. It’s thrilling to see them excited about AE. A particularly nice aspect of AE is that it is such a “wide umbrella”. It encompasses everything from AE history (Wright Brothers, Tuskegee, the Doolittle raid, Women in Aviation, the Pardo Push) to cyber, STEM, and HAB. There is something for everyone.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

There are so many – I would have to say working with others and building the relationships – watching others grow and develop to their potential. I also enjoy seeing others enjoy what they're doing and knowing we are providing a service and helping members in the community. I enjoy being part of Operation Pulse Lift. I especially enjoy working with other members of the Chaplain Corps.

Tell us about any other Civil Air Patrol aerospace education programs you use internally and externally.

The other AEOs and I have utilized STEM kits, cyber programs and the High-Altitude Balloon Challenge. We have participated in the 2017 solar eclipse and are participating in this FY 24 solar eclipse. We have recruited AEMs, worked with AEMs, and organized Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) Flights. Everyone works the AE program diligently. As such, they have earned the Aerospace Education Excellence Award and the AE Achievement Award. I encourage all senior members to earn the Yeager Award.

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

Listen to them and involve them – find out what they like – some squadrons like STEM or cyber or rockets, etc. Encourage them to pursue their training and development. Let them help develop the squadron goals (SMART); give them duty assignments and responsibilities. Follow up with them – this is not controlling; this is empowering.

Tell them what needs to be done, but don’t tell them how to do it – let them surprise you with their creativity and ingenuity. This is the place for them to learn and most importantly to make mistakes – they will learn more from their mistakes than their successes.

Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct outreach in schools (working with students and/or recruiting AEMs)?

This is a tough one – it’s often hard to get into schools (at least that has been my experience). Find an AEO who wants to be the external officer and work with them. Keep working at community, events and let the community know about CAP. Hopefully, eventually it will lead to Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) participants and more AEMs.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers.

There are so many – I especially enjoy working with the very young (when possible). The first- and second-graders love the foam gliders and spinners.

Is there anything else that we didn’t ask that you’d like to add for this spotlight on an AE Officer? We want to tell your story.

I am also a member of the Marine Corps League, Central Delaware Detachment #768, and the Delaware Veterans Post #2.

Additionally, I am the author of two books:

The Raid on Oschersleben (the story of my uncle and father -- John T. Mills and Earl V. Mills -- and the WWII raid over Oschersleben, Germany)
Pursuing the Mistress (a play on the word 'master's' in master's degree), a collection of thoughts and essays I wrote while working toward my master's degree.

Both are available on Amazon.

At top: Delaware Wing cadets participate in an AE activity. At center: Col. Nixon is pictured with Bishop Thomas Douglas of Delaware State University Alumni Association, Florida 'Sunshine' Alumni Chapter for the university's Aviation program, at the October 2022 Dedication Ceremony of Little Florence at Delaware Airpark. At bottom: She is presenting at an external outreach event at a high school.

Maj. Ramon Roman, Puerto Rico Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:40:05 +0000

Maj. Ramon Roman, Puerto Rico Wing DAE, first joined CAP as a cadet in the 1980s.

August 22, 2023

Meet Maj. Ramon Roman, Director of Aerospace Education (DAE) for the Puerto Rico Wing. He began his Civil Air Patrol career in 1982 as a cadet. He joined again after his children became cadets in 2014 so that he could share family time in CAP with them. "I’ve always loved the idea of flying; so, I became a mission’s scanner and educated the cadets on our AE program," he says. "That’s when my passion for AE started. The idea of flight and space was something that had to be shared with our youth and community." Maj. Roman is a combat veteran having served as an infantry soldier from 1988 to 1996 with the U.S. Army and deployed to Desert Shield/Desert Storm in November 1990 to May 1991. As a civilian, he was a health and safety inspector in industrial and construction sites. He built a health and safety consulting company and retired in 2012 from the company. At age 8, he was inspired by the TV show "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," which sparked his interest in aviation, but he was not able to become a pilot. "I did not have the resources or the right mentors to achieve my dream of becoming a pilot; so that is when I decided to be a mentor for those youth who have the dream." he says. "Now, I have the means to help them reach their dreams, and it’s all here in CAP." We asked him some questions about his CAP career and his answers follow.

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

I started in CAP in 1982 as a cadet when we had an AE curriculum in high school in Puerto Rico's department of education. In 2014 -- when my son joined and, later on, my daughter -- I joined CAP again because I wanted to do activities to share with them my time as a father.

Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

When I was a cadet, my interest was to be a pilot, but at that time it was something difficult to achieve; so I dedicated myself to emergency service and trained and worked in search and rescue missions during hurricanes and storms that hit our island. Unfortunately, there’s no records of my membership because all documents were lost in floodings, and my family moved so many times that they were lost during that time.

Then, in 2014 my son saw a CAP squadron and asked me if he could join. I told him "Yes" and that I’ll join, but on a different squadron to avoid my intervention with his growth in the organization. Little did I know that I was going to become his unit commander in a matter of days. So, my estimated time as a CAP member I’ll say has been approximately 15 years in total.

Maj. Roman aspires to help cadets reach their aviation dreams.

When I was squadron commander, I had the duty position as AEO officer. I’ve always loved the idea of flying; so, I became a mission’s scanner and educated the cadets on our AE program. That’s when my passion for AE started. The idea of flight and space was something that had to be shared with our youth and community. For the past 9 years, I’ve been AEO, and now I’m the current Director of Aerospace Education (DAE) for Puerto Rico Wing. At the time in Puerto Rico [July 2023], we have membership of 28 units with 598 cadets and 372 senior members and are growing.

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol. How long have you been in this field and why did you choose it?

I’m a combat veteran -- joined the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier, served for 8 years and was deployed to Desert Shield that later became Desert Storm. My civilian job was health and safety inspector in industrial and construction sites. I built a health and safety consulting company and retired in 2012.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

When I was 8 years old, there was a TV show called "Buck Rodgers in the 25th Century." His story was that he went to space in the '70s and returned many years later. That’s when I began to dream of becoming a pilot. I did not have the resources or the right mentors to achieve my dream of becoming a pilot. So, that is when I decided to be a mentor for those youth who have the dream. Now I have the means to help them reach their dreams, and it’s all here in CAP. Mentoring in the AE area will wake up the interest in all youth who are exposed to everything the AE program has to offer -- not only in becoming a pilot but in a lot of other careers. One of my main functions as a DAE is mentoring, not only my future successor, but also other seniors and cadets. I’m the now, they are the future, and the future must be brighter than the now.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

My best experience in CAP has been to see how children and young people develop through the years, become leaders, facing their fears and setbacks at such an early age. In short, they are an inspiration, and I am very proud to know that I have been part of their growth and interpersonal development.

Please tell us about the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education programs that you use internally and externally.

From the year 2017 to the school year 2022-2023, I’ve applied for the AEX (Aerospace Education Excellence) Program award in my time as AEO for the Arecibo Cadet Squadron (SER-PR-034) and successfully acquired the award for my unit during that time. Also, every year we applied for different STEM kits and completed courses with our cadets. For past years as an AEO, I’ve been working on a squadron level with the AEX program, making the award part of our annual AE tasks including at least two STEM kits per calendar year.

Now, as Puerto Rico Wing DAE, it is my duty to continue to promote and make sure that squadrons take advantage of all the AE programs have to offer them and the community.

Please tell us about your experience attending 2023 National AEO School. Why did you attend? Would you recommend AEO School to others who have not attended?

The best decision that I have made in the time that I’ve been in the Civil Air Patrol was to attend the National Aerospace Education Officers School. It was a rewarding experience, both educational and connecting with other officers in the nation. Attending the National AEO School should be a goal for all Civil Air Patrol AEOs since the knowledge acquired there will help them perform an excellent job in the AE program.

The experiences shared by veterans in the AEO position gave us new ideas that will allow us to carry out our work in the squadrons and wings with confidence and excellence. That is why I strongly recommend that all AEOs attend this school. I am extremely grateful to the organizers of the school, as well as to all the officers who participated, for their sacrifices and dedication to such a prestigious organization and Aerospace Education Program.

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

First, don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help when needed. Prepare yourself when teaching a class, do the research, and make it as fun as possible for the cadets. We have a lot of tools available to make the class a great learning experience.

Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct outreach in schools (working with students and/or recruiting AEMs)?

Reach out to your district department of education and school directors to allow you time to hold workshops on the AEM program in their schools. Ask your cadets to request their school information, like the director’s name, office number and address. With this information, you have a way to contact the school and schedule an appointment to do a workshop for recruitment.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers:

One of the most rewarding experiences that I had was, one day I was giving a class in encampment and in the distance, I saw this active-duty officer walking in my direction, then stand in front of me at attention and salute. At that moment, I didn’t recognize him until I saw his last name. He said, "Thank you, sir, for all that you did for me -- the knowledge and advice. It helped me be the officer and the man that I am today." At that moment my tears came out, and the pride I felt for the success of this young soldier -- to see from where he came and where he is at now -- was reward enough for me.

Maj. Roman works on a hands-on activity at National AEO School in Cocoa Beach, Florida, this past June. He said attending the school was one of his best decisions in CAP, and he would recommend the event for any AEO.

Maj. Shelley Potts - Texas Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:40:49 +0000

Maj. Shelley Potts, AEO for Bell County Composite Squadron in Temple, Texas, participates in a Space Camp activity.

July 17, 2023

Meet Maj. Shelley Potts, Aerospace Education Officer (AEO) for SWR-TX-403, Bell County Composite Squadron in Temple, Texas. Her CAP journey began as an Aerospace Education Member (AEM) five years ago. She has been a teacher since 1993 and worked at a NASA Explorer School, taught science, STEM, robotics, gifted and talented, and students K-12. "Teaching space exploration was just a natural step for me," she says. "As a kid I would watch the astronauts doing spacewalks and Space Shuttle launches on NASA TV. My favorite teachers always taught science." She also credits the Honeywell Educators Space Academy Space Camp experience at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for making her a self-described "NASA Nerd." Earlier this summer Maj. Potts visited the Space Coast (not her first visit) for the 2023 CAP National AEO School at Patrick Space Force Base, Kennedy Space Center, and Cape Canaveral. She says she "thoroughly enjoyed" the event, the 20th CAP National AEO School. "I also made new contacts with other AEOs, whom I will definitely be contacting for their expertise areas," she says. Aerospace Education is just one of the areas she serves in CAP. "Last summer, I had my first find with our emergency services ground team." We asked her some questions about her CAP and teaching careers. Her complete answers follow:

Tell us about your current squadron and duty positions.

Squadron participates in Moon Day 2021.

I am Aerospace Education Officer, Finance Officer, Charter Member and Emergency Service Ground Team member of SWR-TX-403 Bell County Composite Squadron.

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

I was recruited to be an AEM after hearing about it from fellow teachers and seeing a Civil Air Patrol booth at a teacher’s conference. After getting the flight simulator STEM kit, I realized there was still a lot I had not learned about flying. I was heavy into learning about space exploration, but still had a lot to learn about flying planes.

At the time. I was working in a middle school near what is now called Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) Army Base. Every year they have a special day to honor Veterans. At the ceremony, a Civil Air Patrol cadet played "Taps." This surprised me as the nearest squadron met over 40 minutes away, and I had never met a cadet with Civil Air Patrol.

I quickly sought the cadet out after the ceremony and met his father, who was a captain with Civil Air Patrol. The two of them were working on starting a squadron in the community with the blessing of the commander of their squadron. I was invited to a meeting that happened to be within 10 minutes of my house. I found a group of about six people. They were quickly impressed with my knowledge of space exploration and quickly invited me to teach Aerospace Education and become the Aerospace Education Officer of what would become the new squadron.

How many years have you been in the Civil Air Patrol?
I have been in Civil Air Patrol for five years. I joined July 4, 2018, as an AEM.

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol. How long have you been in this field and why did you choose it?

I have taken a new position this fall working with the special education department for Temple Independent School District in Temple, Texas, as an educational diagnostician. Diagnosticians evaluate educational needs of students and assess cognitive and academic needs. I have been a teacher since 1993, and I have worked at a NASA Explorer School, taught Science, STEM, robotics, gifted and talented, and students K-12. I think teaching called to me because it was a way for me to express my love for learning. I love the chance to join in and be a big kid and learn along with my students and cadets. Teaching space exploration was just a natural step for me. As a kid, I would watch the astronauts doing spacewalks and Space Shuttle launches on NASA TV. My favorite teachers always taught science.

Tell us about your aerospace education background that you'd like to include (education/awards/etc.) within and outside of CAP.

I am a Honeywell Educator Space Academy (HESA) Teacher (2017) at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. This program sincerely changed my life and launched the spark that has also changed others' lives through me. I attended with 200 other outstanding educators from around the world. I consider these teachers lifelong friends and some of the best teachers in the world. This inspired me and was the spark that made me the NASA Nerd I am today. In 2018, I went back to Huntsville, Alabama, for Advanced Educator Space Academy.

I also attended a workshop with Bill Yucuis [an AFA StellarXplorers developer] at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on StellarXplorers. Later Bill and I taught workshops at both the Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC) and the Space Port Area Conference for Educators at Kennedy Space Center. My middle school students formed a team in 2018 and usually performed in the top 50% of high school students.

In 2019, I was honored again, by the Texas Space Grant Consortium and joined the Summer Lift-off Legacy of Apollo. I was also selected to attend Air Camp for Educators in Dayton, Ohio, and sponsored by United Airlines. Air Camp is an experience similar to Space Camp for flight in which the history of the Wright Brothers and the National Air Force Museum play a major part.
The following fall my middle schoolers decided to compete in the ROADS on Mars competition through the Northwest Earth and Science Pipeline, which is a virtual NASA center for the Northwest part of the United States. That year I had three teams competing. My middle schoolers won one of the challenges called “Search for Past Life.” [Maj. Potts suggests checking out the center's website here.]

I think many aerospace educators forget that STEM education should include all sciences including biology. As space travel expands, our astronauts will need food and they will also be searching for evidence of life both past and present.

I have taught teachers at Johnson Space Center a total of three times and Kennedy Space Center once. I have also volunteered as a judge for multiple robotics competitions and helped judge high school intern applications for the Texas Space Grant Consortium.

Last summer, I had my first find with our emergency services ground team. An Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) was reported going off in our area. We found both the transmitter and a missing aircraft that had failed to check back in after a cross-country flight.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

Rockets! I was lured in by the opportunity to do more rocketry! LOL! My favorite days always involve rocketry. I launched my first rocket with a NASA engineer at Johnson Space Center at a Space Exploration Educators Conference (SEEC). I was hooked.

Seriously though, I love working as an AEO because the cadets are interested in learning and are so polite. I love introducing them to STEM careers. You never know what they will surprise you with later. I will never forget one cadet was interested in becoming an astrogeologist after completing the NASA blue marble lesson in a meeting.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

In July 2019, CAP Aerospace Education had a national video competition. My cadets put on an award-winning performance! We all pulled together to make a video that told the story of the first landing on the Moon. Our astronaut in the capsule was placed on one of those upside-down back stretchers and was literally facing the ceiling and shaken for the launch scene. We even got a HAZMAT suit and a green screen for our astronaut to make him look like he was bouncing on the Moon -- he jumped on couch cushions. We ended up coming in 2nd place, but our cadets really understood the significance of the Moon landing by the time we were finished and had a great time, too.

Tell us about how you use Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education programs internally and externally.

The classes I taught in school benefited from STEM kits, Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE), and the Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX) program. When I taught elementary students, they loved the aerospace lessons on the days before holidays. STEM kits were often a reward for students who finished their work successfully and early.

I often use STEM kits such as renewable energy for engineering challenges for my cadets. It is not unusual for me to do a quick lesson, followed by reminding my cadets of the engineering process. It is important to remind them that they are a team and mistakes are how they learn and how they will improve. They are then given a time limit and told to build according to the instruction manual first and then improve it. The meeting is then completed with a final competition before dismissal.

Please tell us about your experience at the 2023 National AEO School on the Space Coast in Florida.

This was my first National AEO School. I had attended the Rocky Mountain Regional AEO School virtually during COVID. My commander had tried to talk me into going to the National AEO school in the past. I had been to Kennedy Space Center in the past and had a firm grip on my duties as an AEO officer. I really didn’t expect to learn or see much more, but I was ready for another summer adventure. I try to do something space related every summer. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the National AEO School. I also made new contacts with other AEOs, whom I will definitely be contacting for their expertise areas.

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

• Start by teaching something you love. Make sure that the majority of the time is spent by the cadets doing an activity. Don’t give the cadets all the answers. Let them make mistakes. The results of the activity shouldn’t all look the same. Make sure you keep it fun!

• Contact local museums and club experts such as astronomy, RC planes, and model rocketry. Many of these organizations would love to do activities with or for your cadets.

• I wish someone had suggested doing a Rocketry Academy when I first started. It is also easier to work on the Rocketry badge in two days than trying to spread it out. We had our first Rocket Academy this year and had better results than spreading the Rocketry badge over months.

• Don’t be afraid to learn new things! A lot of things advertised for teachers allow AEOs to participate. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Check into resources like your state’s Space Grant Consortium and the NASA express newsletter (https://www.nasa.gov/stem/express ).

Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct outreach in schools (working with students and/or recruiting AEMs)?

First, remember school is not the same as when you went to school. Every school district is different, and every state is different. Many schools will not allow the public in at all. It is a safety issue. If you know someone in the school, ask them for advice first. A lot of people are overworked in the schools. Don’t be offended if they don’t get back to you when you make requests, just check back again at a time that might be less busy.
There is a lot of pressure in many schools concerning test scores; so many teachers will not consider volunteers or presenters. Instead of requesting to come in on a regular basis to volunteer to teach, consider volunteering to come on the last day before the holiday or during the last two weeks of school. Ask in advance as most schools do background checks. If you want to volunteer to tutor struggling students using the school curriculum, you will probably be met with open arms.
If you want to recruit AEMs, it is best to talk to them outside of school hours. Places to find AEMs include teacher conferences (check online) and teacher stores. Most schools conduct professional development before school starts. Think about doing welcome back goody bags for the staff. Even dessert to just say thank you will get you in the door. (Hint: call ahead and make sure the staff will be there and find out numbers.) Entry year teachers often start before the other teachers.
If you want to lead professional development for teachers, contact your state education department/agency and find out what the process is for giving teachers credit or professional development hours. Teachers are required to complete professional development hours every year, and many would be interested in doing something different from the norm like aerospace education. Find out who schedules and arranges professional development in the district. Sometimes, they are willing to give you time and space if you are willing to do it on their already scheduled professional development days.
Many schools are adding Career Technology Education (CTE) classes (which may go by a different title in your state). These are elective classes, and these teachers may be more open to CAP opportunities than other teachers. Some schools are even offering drone certifications!
Also consider looking for home school groups and fairs. Home school families are usually interested in CAP for social and physical education (PT) cadet opportunities, but also can lead to potential AEMs.
Don’t forget to talk to your local librarian and museum curators. Libraries and museums have been adding STEM for patrons. I recruited a museum curator who was looking for STEM grant opportunities.
STEM and Science Fairs are also often held at colleges, museums, city parks, and Boy Scout/Girl Scout events. Check your local community event posting or inquire with the group school organizers for outreach AE opportunities. I always take STEM kits for the public to play with and learn from.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers.

Civil Air Patrol brings out the best in everyone. I’ve seen troubled kids who were in the principal’s office often become stellar cadets and students boasting “CAP was their life!” and recruiting friends to join competitions and CAP.

I also had the honor of cheering on a cadet earning his private pilot’s license through the WINGS program.

I’m also very proud of my own son, a former cadet. He is going to the University of Huntsville Alabama and majoring in Engineering Technology. He is also currently doing an internship with EOS, one of the top 3D printing companies in the world, doing research and development. They also make 3D printing materials for almost every aerospace company in the world. I usually tell people that I had hoped he would get a job with one of the aerospace companies. Instead, he contracts with all of them.

Is there anything else that we didn’t ask that you’d like to add for this spotlight on an AE Officer? We want to tell your story.

Don’t be afraid to use social media. You can find out about events in your area, challenges, and opportunities to benefit your cadets. You can also use it to advertise your events and recruit AEMs. Become a member of teacher groups, parent groups, and NASA groups on Facebook.


Cadets work on solar moon rover project, left, and visit a middle school for its STEM day, right.

Lt. Col. Gary A. Dahlke, Florida Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:26:00 +0000

Lt. Col. Gary Dahlke, assistant DAE for Florida Wing, has had an interest in space since he was young. That interest developed into a long career in aerospace, including work on the NASA Space Shuttle solid rocket booster program.

May 24, 2023

Meet. Lt. Col. Gary A. Dahlke, Assistant Director of Aerospace Education for Florida Wing. Col. Dahlke joined Civil Air Patrol in 2002 after having been asked to give a guest presentation to CAP cadets at Patrick Air Force Base. He has been involved with that same National Cadet Special Activity (now called Space Operations Academy at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida), for nearly 20 years, having served as director for several years during that time. He has been interested in aerospace since he was a young boy. "I distinctly remember CBS live news reports of the Gemini IV space mission and continued to follow developments in spaceflight from that point on," he says. That interest led to a lifelong career in aerospace including work on the NASA Space Shuttle solid rocket booster program. "Thinking back to the summer of 1965, I could have never imagined a career that was so deeply involved in such amazing technology," he says. If you've participated in CAP's popular Model Rocketry Program, you have referenced his work. Col. Dahlke has written and edited CAP's Model Rocketry and Advanced Model Rocketry modules. He also has written and edited several chapters in CAP's textbook Aerospace: The Journey of Flight and Aerospace Dimensions Modules 4, 5 and 6. In 2015, he was presented with the prestigious NASA Inspire Award for his work sharing the story of space exploration with student and community groups throughout the Southeast. He was recently presented with the Certificate of Volunteer Excellence for service to the USAF community, having volunteered for more than 30 years and logging hundreds of hours each year, some of which was in his capacity as a Civil Air Patrol member. In addition to directing cadets during the NCSA at Florida's Space Coast, Col. Dahlke also has served on the staff of the National Aerospace Education Officers School, currently held in Cocoa Beach, arranging field trips at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral and serving as the tour guide on those trips. He knows that the aerospace field is a big draw for youth and cadets as well as adults, but he sees it as much more. "The 'coolness' factor is what often attracts youth interest," he says, "but beyond that, I see it as a worthwhile effort." We asked Col. Dahlke some questions about his aerospace career within and outside of CAP. His answers follow.

(In addition, click here to see a video interview from the 2021 Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida.)

How and when did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

I served eight years of active-duty U.S. Air Force and four years AF Reserve, and I knew virtually nothing of CAP during that time. In 2002, I was asked by NASA to give a presentation to CAP cadets who were participating in the Air Force Space Command Familiarization NCSA that was being held at Patrick AFB. I was so impressed by the cadets’ sharp appearance and attentiveness that I inquired about the organization and joined later that year. I joined with the express intent of serving in Aerospace Education but later earned qualifications in Cadet Programs and Emergency Services as well.

Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

I serve as Assistant Director of Aerospace Education for Florida Wing. My full list of CAP assignments:

October 2002 to August 2015: Squadron Aerospace Education Officer
July 2004 to August 2012: Group Aerospace Education Officer
June 2005 to November 2008: Squadron Commander
June 2007 to April 2015: Wing Deputy Director of Aerospace Education
April 2015 to January 2020: Wing Director of Aerospace Education
September 2016 to present: Rocketry Programs Coordinator, NHQ
January 2020 to present: Wing Assistant Director of Aerospace Education

Tell us about your aerospace experience background and any awards, accomplishments and recognition that you'd like to include, within and outside of CAP.

Lt. Col. Dahlke received the Certificate of Volunteer Excellence for service to the USAF community in April 2023.

While in the Air Force, I served nearly eight years on active duty in the fields of Ballistic Missile Maintenance and Command and Control. I also have more than four years of active participation in the Air Force Reserve. I received the Air Force Achievement Medal for meritorious service and numerous other military decorations. I was recently presented with the Certificate of Volunteer Excellence for service to the USAF community, having volunteered for more than 30 years and logging hundreds of hours each year, some of which was in my capacity as a Civil Air Patrol member. I also serve on the staff at the CAP National AEO School and have been appointed Rocketry Programs Coordinator at National Headquarters. For the school, I arrange and present tours at Kennedy Space Center as well as arranging and coordinating other activities. I am co-author of the CAP textbook Aerospace: The Journey of Flight, as well as numerous other CAP publications, including the Rocketry modules and several modules in the Aerospace Dimensions series. I was awarded the Total Quality Management Team Award for my work on the Titan IV program for the Air Force, and the Kennedy Space Center Continuous Improvement Team Award for work on the Space Shuttle’s solid rocket boosters. In 2015, I was presented the prestigious NASA Inspire Award for my work in sharing the story of space exploration with student and community groups throughout the Southeastern United States. In addition, I am the author of two published technical papers by the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies.

CAP Recognition

Distinguished Service Medal, for recognized leadership in support of the Space Operations Academy NCSA, 2016
Exceptional Service Award, 2017, 2021
Frank G. Brewer Award, Senior Member, Category II, Florida Wing, 2013
Jeanne M Holm Aerospace Education Officer of The Year (Southeast Region), 2013
A two-time recipient of Florida Wing Aerospace Education Circle of Excellence Award, 2007, 2010

Education

1988: Associate of Applied Science, Community College of the Air Force
1989: Bachelor of Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
2000: Master of Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

How long have you been in the aerospace field, and why did you choose it?

I grew up in southwest Florida near the town of Ft. Myers. I developed an interest in spaceflight during the summer break between second and third grades. I distinctly remember CBS live news reports of the Gemini IV space mission and continued to follow developments in spaceflight from that point on. In fourth grade I wrote an essay on my career interests and focused entirely on space exploration. In junior high I had the opportunity to meet Neil Armstrong at a Chamber of Commerce function that recognized his achievement of being the first person to walk on the Moon. It's hard to describe how profound that moment was and the effect that it had on me in wanting to pursue a career in the Space Program.

I did not feel I had developed the academic discipline in high school to the point where I felt I could succeed in college, so I decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, specifically choosing the ballistic

In junior high school, Gary Dahlke got the chance to meet astronaut Neil Armstrong, a moment that helped inspire Dahlke's career in the space program.

missile career field due to the similarities between those missiles and space launch vehicles. Little did I know that the missile training program I would enter had one of the most demanding schools in the Air Force. For Air Force enlisted positions, they are mainly interested in aptitude for high technology positions. If one has the aptitude, they have ways of instilling discipline if it is not currently present in the individual! The training environment was exactly what I needed — to the point that I was recognized as a student leader (a recognition I received in basic training as well). Upon graduation from technical school, I was assigned to the 351 Strategic Missile Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, where 150 Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) were kept on alert to retaliate against a nuclear attack on the United States. In 1982 I transferred to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, which had a dual mission of training A-10 pilots for Tactical Air Command and maintaining 18 Titan II missiles on alert status for Strategic Air Command.

Back in 1980, I started taking evening college classes in the hopes of eventually earning a bachelor's degree. By 1983, I came to the realization that it would take me forever to earn a degree at the rate of 1-2 classes per semester, so I made the decision to separate from active duty and attend school full time. I stayed in the Tucson area and enrolled in a degree program that was offered by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which held classes and had a resident center on Davis-Monthan. In 1988, I was preparing to return to active duty and had a completed OTS application ready to go when I was informed that the Air Force had suspended OTS admissions due to an officer overage. I reacted by immediately sending applications to every aerospace company I could think of and was shortly hired by Martin-Marietta Astronautics Group in Denver, Colorado (now part of Lockheed-Martin). Martin was developing the new Titan IV launch vehicle for the Air Force, and I was assigned to the Payload Integration Group as a Systems Engineer. I worked on that program for four years until Martin suffered a massive layoff due to several government contract cancellations (the nature of the aerospace business). I moved to the Cape Canaveral area in Florida in the hopes of securing a job with one of the many aerospace companies supporting launch operations at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral.

I was soon hired by Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion, which was involved in refurbishing the reusable solid rocket boosters (SRB) for the Space Shuttle. I worked several assignments within the SRB element before transferring to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, in 2000 to help train Space Shuttle astronauts for their missions. In 2002, I transferred back to Kennedy Space Center, working in Ground Operations Engineering for the Space Shuttle Orbiter and continued in that position to the conclusion of the program, having helped prepare each orbiter vehicle for its final trip into outer space.

After the shuttle program, I was hired by NASA to support a program called Rocket University, which trained NASA engineers on small rocket projects. During this time, I also did contract work for Honeywell Aerospace in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to support various college engineering projects throughout the island. In 2021, I was hired on to the faculty of the University of Central Florida to oversee rocket-based Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering design projects for seniors. Thinking back to the summer of 1965, I could have never imagined a career that was so deeply involved in such amazing technology.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

Aerospace is one of the most highly technical (and visually impressive) of the engineering disciplines — ESPECIALLY that sub element that involves spaceflight. Recent developments have virtually guaranteed a viable industry for the foreseeable future. The “coolness” factor is what often attracts youth interest, but beyond that, I see it as a worthwhile effort.

We have talked about many of your CAP Aerospace Education contributions. Are there any other special projects you'd like to mention?

In addition to those mentioned, I developed the Spaceflight Orientation Course for AEOs in Florida Wing. The course has served as the basis for activities now incorporated in the National AEO School. Also, I mentored cadets that built and flew the first (known) successful supersonic rocket project (this was detailed in a 2013 issue of CAP's Volunteer magazine and is included in CAP's Model Rocketry booklet).

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

This has been a continually recurring experience with the space-focused NCSA in Florida. Time and again I see cadets get bitten by the “space bug” when they have related that they know exactly what they want to do for a career as a result of their participation.

Tell us about any Civil Air Patrol aerospace education programs you use internally or externally.

Internally, it would be the rocketry, and to a lesser degree, the astronomy—STEM kits. For more on external AE, I refer you to a video link on what I do at the annual Sun 'n Fun Expo in Lakeland, Florida. I also volunteer at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum as a CAP volunteer, where I introduce visitors to the extraordinary artifact collection and explain some of the history of America's early space program.

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

You gotta want to do this. If you are “just filling a slot,” you will not be effective. Cadets can recognize if you are sincere or not. If the genuine interest is there, CAP has the tools to help you succeed.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets.

I once had a cadet ask me if the rocket I brought in as a visual aid could fly supersonic — and having that question morph into the (now history-making) squadron supersonic rocket project, when I mentored cadets on building the supersonic rocket.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us that we didn't ask?

I am a life member of the Air Force Association and actively involved with the National Association of Rocketry. In my spare time, I enjoy participating in amateur astronomy and flying large-scale high-power rockets.

Above, Lt. Col. Dahlke guides cadets at the Atlantis Exhibit at Kennedy Space Center. Below, he leads cadets at a rocket launch.

Lt. Col. Mary Albright, Minnesota Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:43:36 +0000

Lt. Col. Mary Albright, AEO of NCR-MN-021, enjoys leading cadets in the StellarXplorers competition. She is also Director of Cadet Programs for Minnesota Wing.

January 24, 2023

Meet Lt. Col. Mary Albright, Aerospace Education Officer with Anoka County Composite Squadron (NCR-MN-021) in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. She is also Minnesota Wing Director of Cadet Programs along with holding other duty positions within the squadron. She found Civil Air Patrol when her daughter mentioned an interest in astronomy and flying more than 12 years ago. And her daughter's involvement led to her own involvement. She started as a testing officer, but soon began wearing several "duty hats," she recalls. After a cadet leadership role as Deputy Commander for Cadets, she took on responsibility in AE. "Aerospace Education and STEM are so important – especially with interactive learning classes. So, I wanted to take a more active role integrating these two areas -- Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education -- together for the greatest impact." She enjoys leading the cadets in StellarXplorers and CyberPatriot competitions, Air and Space Forces Association's national STEM competitions. With the Anoka County squadron, she has established a culture in which the cadets are encouraged to be innovative, and it has paid off. "Some of our most recent cutting-edge achievements include fielding a team for the High-Altitude Balloon Challenge and being selected as one of the few teams worldwide to participate in the Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone (GLEE) organized by the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. Through GLEE, we are programming a LunaSat that will be on a future Lunar space mission." We asked her some questions about her career in Civil Air Patrol, and her answers follow.

Tell us about your duty positions with CAP.

Duty positions with Anoka County Composite Squadron NCR-MN-021: Aerospace Education Officer, Deputy Commander for Cadets, Assistant Education & Training Officer and Assistant Public Affairs Officer. I am also the Minnesota Wing Director of Cadet Programs.

Tell us about your squadron.

Anoka County Composite Squadron has the largest cadet program in the North Central Region, currently at 94 cadets on the roster. We are based in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities in Minnesota but have cadet members that drive from as far as 35 miles to participate in our unit. In particular, we are leaders in all things Aerospace Education and STEM.

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

I didn’t intend to join as a senior member. We were looking for something for my daughter to be involved in and nothing was really clicking. We tried Girl Scouts and 4H. When I asked her what she was interested in, she said, “I don’t know. Maybe astronomy and flying?” I thought, “Great, where do

Lt. Col. Albright has been a CAP member since 2010.

we even find out who does that stuff.”

Then one of my son’s friends mentioned he was joining the Navy Sea Cadets. In my head, I connected the dots this way: “The Navy has sea cadets … in Minnesota. I wonder if the Air Force has something?” Googling resulted in this thing called the Civil Air Patrol, and as luck would have it, there was a squadron 3 miles from us. We went, and she loved it.

Like all 13-year-olds, they have to be driven everywhere. So, I drove and stayed at the meeting. As I was watching the unit at that time, I felt like they could use me. So, I went up to the commander at the time and said, “I think you need me. I’d like to be your Deputy Commander for Cadets.” She said I could join and start out with something easy like Testing Officer. So, I joined and that was over 12 years ago.

How many years have you been in Civil Air Patrol? Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

I joined Civil Air Patrol in October 2010. I started as Testing Officer, but soon after, I became one that wears many duty hats. I became the Deputy Commander for Cadets and then after the first tour, I served as Professional Development (now Education & Training) Officer. I was asked to return to the Deputy Commander for Cadets to reboot the program. I added in the Aerospace Education Officer position because I knew to have a robust Cadet Program, we need to have more interactive and engaging content. Aerospace Education and STEM are so important – especially with interactive learning classes. So, I wanted to take a more active role integrating these two areas -- Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education -- together for the greatest impact.

Around that same time, I had cadets asking if they could have a CyberPatriot team. I told the most persistent that if he got four cadets together, I’d form a team. Anoka is in its 10th year with CyberPatriot.

I heard about StellarXplorers and was very excited! I love Star Wars and Star Trek. I’m an equal opportunity space geek. And by getting in on the first few years of StellarX, I thought we could have a chance at being National Finalists. Who doesn’t want to have that kind of fun? I shared that with the cadets, and they jumped right in. Anoka has been National Semifinalists six consecutive years. And for StellarXplorers V, we were National Finalists.

My position on Civil Air Patrol and trying new things for our cadets is, unless the cadets suggest something dangerous, I’m probably going to say "YES." Giving them that freedom to suggest new ideas has led to many of the innovations Anoka has experienced and achieved.

Some of our most recent cutting-edge achievements include fielding a team for the High-Altitude Balloon Challenge and being selected as one of the few teams worldwide to participate in the Great Lunar Expedition for Everyone (GLEE) organized by the Colorado Space Grant Consortium. Through GLEE, we are programming a LunaSat that will be on a future Lunar space mission.

Because we had been so successful, in 2021, I was asked to assume the role of Minnesota Wing Director of Cadet Programs. One of my goals was to raise awareness about STEM competitions and badge programs. Minnesota Wing had 14 teams compete in CyberPatriot this year, and we hosted two STEM Badge days to help cadets earn hours.

Is there anything else about your aerospace education background (including awards and recognition) that you'd like to include, within and outside of CAP.

I studied Geological Engineering in college but have been a multi-passionate entrepreneur most of my working career. I’m a past NASA JPL Solar System Ambassador and have been selected for multiple launch and media events with NASA Social. I’m a recipient of the Air & Space Forces Association Award for senior members. I hold a Master Rating in the Aerospace Education Specialty Track with CAP. I’m the founder and board chair of the Starbird Association, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes aerospace education and STEM in the state of Minnesota.

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol. How long have you been in this field and why did you choose it?

I founded a boutique consulting practice in 2009. I am a fractional director of operations supporting micro and small business owners by leveraging technology to help them run their businesses efficiently. I also provide individual and team coaching in personal branding, leadership and communications as one of less than 60 Certified Fascinate Coaches worldwide.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

Aerospace Education and STEM is exciting. I studied engineering in the 1990s, and even then, there was a shortage in the STEM space. It’s 2023 and we still don’t have enough young people learning in these careers – careers that are vital to society now and the future. I spend time and energy in this mission because I know it’s fun and exciting. Not everyone gets that enthusiasm at home or school. I try to share the opportunities and excitement to help cadets see what’s possible and that Aerospace Education and STEM are in their reach. Everything is figureoutable! If you can dream it, you can do it! Removing those barriers of fear, that it’s “too hard” is important. My goal and vision have always been to make it fun and interactive so the cadets will have fun, too.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

Outside of seeing my own cadet earn the Spaatz Award, the most impactful experience I had was representing CAP as an IACE escort to New Zealand. Being able to interact with Air Cadet programs from other countries was amazing.

Anoka's Facebook page posts chronicle many of your squadron's achievements and activities. Can you please describe some of the favorite activities of the cadets over your time as AEO?

So many options!

Aerospace Lock In and Amazing Space Race. My cadet and I created a series of obstacles called the Amazing Space Race (modeled after the reality show). Teams of 2 solved aerospace and aviation challenges in stations in a competition format.
Field trips to Jackson Observatory with Astronomer Ron Schmit. Learning about the starscape and using the gravity well model. We have a great relationship with Ron, and he always loves having our group.
Hydraulic Engineer STEM Kit. The best STEM Kit ever! Cadets love this and it’s incredibly interactive
Rocketry Badge Program. Cadets love to learn about, build and launch rockets! Families love to watch the launches. It makes for a fun event!
StellarXplorers competition season. I love this competition. The entire season, the cadets on the team really get to know each other and have fun during the really tough and brain-draining competitions. I’m a huge proponent of helping more youth exploring space industry careers. This program deserves more spotlight time than it receives.
Goddard Rocket Golf Course. Cadets make Goddard Rockets out of pipe foam insulation. We set up “golf holes” with hula hoops around the building and then in foursomes, the cadets went to each hole and tried to hit a “hole in one.” Each hole also had a fun rocket fact posted by the “tee.”

Tell us about any other Civil Air Patrol aerospace education programs you use internally and externally.

Rocketry Badge Program
STEM Badge Program
Cyber Badge Program
We always apply for and complete AEX every year.

If you are doing what you are supposed to be doing with the Cadet Program, AEX is simply documenting and reporting your work.

In the last fiscal year, Anoka was an AE Unit of Excellence

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

Jump in and be enthusiastic! If you have an AE savvy cadet that can teach classes, utilize that cadet. If you don’t, be that person that jumps in to have interactive classes to build excitement for AE and STEM. You don’t have to know everything; be willing to do the work and find the right resources to be successful.

Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct outreach in schools (working with students and/or recruiting AEMs)?

Everyone’s communities are different. I’ve had the most success connecting with middle school leadership to have an info table during Back-to-School open house nights.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers:

The first time we used the Hydraulic Engineering STEM kit was incredibly exhilarating. The cadets were working in small groups, building these machines, and the energy was off the charts. It was the very first STEM kit I ever requested for our cadets. They loved every minute of it. I feel it truly cemented our unit’s yen for more STEM that exists to this day.


Anoka County Composite Squadron cadets participate in AE activities.

Maj Janice Podgurski, Arkansas Wing

vsmith@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:10:23 +0000

Maj. Janice Podgurski is the Arkansas Wing Deputy Director of Education and Fort Smith Composite Squadron Commander.

October 20, 2022

Meet Maj. Janice Podgurski, Arkansas Wing Deputy Director of Aerospace Education and Fort Smith Composite Squadron Commander. She joined CAP in 2018 after family members had joined. Since her CAP beginnings, she has been interested in aerospace education, and she is a multiple-time award winner for her aerospace contributions. She is a retired high school math teacher with years of experience in a number of fields, including finance, bookkeeping and accounting prior to teaching. Maj. Podgurski hopes her story shows others that the path to volunteering in aerospace education is there for those who may have limited aerospace experience but who feel called to help in AE. She's always known she wanted to teach. "In AE with CAP, I get to teach cadets, and I get to teach teachers (through our many workshops), and the AEM outreach," she says. "I also get to interact with the community, schools, and other youth organizations here in Fort Smith." Now that she is retired from teaching, she is going back to earn her Bachelor's in Math along with a very busy CAP schedule. She's had a number of memorable experiences in CAP so far, but some stand out. "Every time I see a light bulb blink on above a child's head, that is all the reward I need," she says. We asked her some questions about her career and her Civil Air Patrol journey. Her answers follow.

What are your current duty positions?

I serve as Fort Smith Composite Squadron Commander, Arkansas Wing Deputy Director of Aerospace Education, and Arkansas Wing Diversity Officer.

How did you get involved in Civil Air Patrol?

When my son turned 12, my husband and he joined CAP. They were having so much fun that my daughter joined a year later. And though I enjoyed my alone, quiet time, I became intrigued with the AE mission of CAP. After doing some research, I decided that CAP is where my desire to teach would be most beneficial.

How many years have you been in the Civil Air Patrol? Tell us about your CAP career path that led to your current role.

I joined CAP in January 2018 -- so right around 4.5 years. I knew immediately that I wanted to be the AEO. I was named AEO as well as Finance Officer. It was my pushing Maj. Garrick St. Pierre (Arkansas Wing Director of AE), especially in the area of Aerospace Education Members (AEMs), that led him to ask me to be a part of his team at Wing. In November 2020, in the midst of COVID-19, I was asked by the Arkansas Wing Commander, Col. Robert M. Allison III, to become the Commander of the Fort Smith Composite Squadron.

Is there anything else about your aerospace education background that you'd like to include (education/awards/etc.) within and outside of CAP?

My aerospace education background is actually limited. I have a Non-Traditional License to teach High School Math, but other than that, no background. I hope this will inspire others to step into this area if they feel called to do so.

Awards and achievements:

Achieved my Level 5 Executive Leadership Phase in March 2021
Completed the Yeager Award in March 2018
Received the Maj Gen Jeanne M. Holm Aerospace Education Officer of the Year award for Arkansas in 2019 and 2021, and at region for 2019
Received the Frank G. Brewer Award for AEO in Arkansas, 2019, 2020 and 2021

Tell us about your career outside of Civil Air Patrol. How long have you been in this field and why did you choose it?

I graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor's of Business Administration, majoring in marketing and management. Shortly before graduation, I decided that math was really my desire, but finished, with a plan to return some day. My careers have varied over the past 30 years -- accounting, bookkeeping, finance, insurance, auditing, office management, HR and payroll. But never quite feeling fulfilled, I left all that behind. I enrolled in the Non-Traditional Licensure program here in Arkansas and set out to teach math at the high school level. I taught math for 7 years, at three different schools. My husband, who moved to Arkansas for me, got a full-time recruiting position for the Arkansas National Guard, and I had my choice of locations: Conway, Little Rock, and Fort Smith. For numerous reasons, I chose Fort Smith. When we got here, my husband, MSgt. Gary Podgurski, said, "just retire"... so I did. Now, I don't have a lot of time on my hands due to my CAP hats, but I am going back to school for that Bachelor's in Math.

Within CAP, why do you work in the Aerospace Education mission area? Why do you encourage youth in the Aerospace Education area?

I have always felt that I was supposed to teach -- just never knew what, where, or who. In AE with CAP, I get to teach cadets, and I get to teach teachers (through our many workshops), and the AEM outreach. I also get to interact with the community, schools, and other youth organizations here in Fort Smith. In Arkansas, there are not a lot of opportunities for kids in the smaller, low economic areas. Getting to watch those in my purview

Maj. Podgurski enjoyed the 2022 National AEO School, held on the Space Coast.

grow into mature, responsible, contributing members of society is what it's all about for me.

What is the best CAP experience you have had since joining the organization?

I really can't say there is a best, but top of the list was the National AEO School this past summer in Cocoa Beach [Florida]. Getting to meet all the people in the AE department that I've been working with for years, getting to meet several of the AEOs from across the country that I've seen in passing Zoom meetings, visiting all the great sights, experiences, and people in Florida at Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. AND getting to speak in front of everyone (I hate doing that) made me feel like what I am doing is the right thing, and where I'm doing it is the right place.

Tell us about any other Civil Air Patrol aerospace education programs you use internally and externally.

We incorporate TOP flights into all of our workshops, getting teachers in the air is such a good feeling. We complete the AEX every single year. Squadrons are doing this work anyway; they should submit and get credit for it. I incorporate STEM kits in all of my workshops. I take a few that easily invite hands-on participation (such as Robotics, Build and Learn Geometry Blocks and AngLegs) with me when I present at booths and conferences. Giving hands-on demonstrations of the STEM kits is super advertising and a big draw for cadets and teachers alike.

What is the best advice you have for a new AE Officer working with cadets?

Start with something that you are interested in, something that you want to learn, and then have fun. If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Don't be afraid to ask ... your Commander can't say yes if you don't give her a chance. Yes, you can take those kids on field trips. Yes, you can have guest speakers. Yes, YOU CAN. Utilize your cadets; take them when you go to classrooms, or conferences. Let them pick the STEM kit they are interested in. Let them lead it -- they are there to learn to be leaders. Let them in that controlled environment where mistakes are OK. Ask for help, and don't limit that to your Wing. There are so many outstanding sites from other Wing AEOs that you can "steal" from, (yes, I said "steal.) We post stuff online to help you, use it!

Do you have any suggestions for how to conduct outreach in schools (working with students and recruiting AEMs)?

This one is tough. Getting into schools is difficult. Be persistent. Reach out to the AEMs you already have and offer to come do an activity with/for them. There is an AEM listings report in eServices that you can run for your Wing, (download it in CSV). You can sort it by zip code and focus on those in your area. KEEP asking. I have found that if I send a quarterly update email out to the AEMs of all the things I've found of interest that are coming up, they start looking for that email and reach out to me.

Please tell an anecdote of a rewarding experience working with cadets and/or students or teachers:

Major St. Pierre tells people that I am his right arm. This is very rewarding when others tell me that he's said this to them. My Charleston teachers, Sabrina Ketter and Missy Stubblefield, keep inviting us back. Another rewarding experience is getting invites from my former cadets when they graduate college, or the Academy. Every time I see a light bulb blink on above a child's head, that is all the reward I need.

Is there anything else that we didn’t ask that you’d like to add for this spotlight on an AE Officer? We want to tell your story.

In my opinion, there is no job better in CAP than the AEO. As an AEO we touch so many more people in our community than any other position. Don't be afraid to keep trying. It's worth it.

Maj. Podgurski enjoys working with AEMs at workshops and in schools.