Ascension Composite once again represented on CAC

It's been a while but Ascension Composite squadron is once again represented on the Wing Cadet Advisory Council (CAC.) Two cadets were selected based on a combination of experience and enthusiasm in the Cadet Program. Cadet MSgt Pardue will serve as primary delegate and Cadet Airman 1st Class Tressitt will serve as alternate. Both will attend meetings monthly. The role of the Primary delegate is to report activity within our squadron to the CAC and to take notes and report back to our cadets, information provided at the meeting. The CAC delegates also bring issues of concern to the Wing Deputy Commander and as a group, the council works to address and make suggestions on how to address these issues. Because in normal situations, the delegates attend these meetings alone (the Squadron DCC only attend when invited) it is the delegates primary responsibility to take good notes and relay information back and forth on behalf of his/her squadron. The CAC Alternate attends meetings but has no voting power unless the primary delegate is not present. However, since the alternate must be prepared to step in at a moments notice, the two delegates must be in constant communication and knowledgeable of all issues being discussed.

At his first meeting, our primary delegate C/MSgt Pardue was tapped to act as recorder for the meeting.

I was proud of the representation by both cadets and I was particularly impressed when C/MSgt Pardue arrived and immediately updated Cadet Tressitt's uniform with the Red Shoulder Cord which signifies his official position on the CAC. I applaud his forethought and preparation as well as leadership in ensuring his cadets are properly recognized.

We look forward to hearing the report from the Sergeant at our next meeting.

Ascension Composite Squadron had a full weekend of Memorial Days Services and acts of appreciation for our nations fallen military service men and women, their families and the veterans who served with them.

On Saturday, May 29, 2010, Lt Col Phillip Collins, Captain Mark Attuso, 2d Lt Lydia Pike and SM Brandi Covington were accompanied by Cadet MSgt Pardue, C/A1C Pike, Delbasty, Kelley, Tressit, C/Basics Ravey and Kallenberger, all of Ascension Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. The squadron travelled to Port Hudson National Cemetery and spent the morning working alongside members of the Istrouma Area Boy Scouts to place over 14, 000 flags on the grave sites. What initially seemed like a daunting task took less than 2 hours with the number of people there to help.

On Monday, May 31, 2010, the squadron attended the Memorial Day Services at the USS Kidd museum but not before stopping at Sunrise Assisted Living to visit with the residents, many of whom are veterans and wives of veterans who served in the WWII era. Cadets Pardue, Blank, Delbasty, Kelley, Berry, Tressitt and Ravey, along with Lieutenant Pike, SM Carl Ravey and Ms. Tasheka Dorsey were on hand and Cadets Delbasty on piano and Blank on guitar shared some songs. The short time there was truly appreciated by the residents and several cadets inquired about going back.

After leaving the assisted living center, the group headed downtown to meet up with Lt Col Collins. The cadets assisted in many ways: 2 posted outside the door, opening the door as people entered the building and others greeting visitors with programs, a small thank you note provided by wreaths Across America attached to a mini-letter from our cadets and squadron. Each guest also received a poppy flower. Traditionally worn on Memorial Day, the poppy flower represents eternal sleep.

Once again, the cadets of the Ascension Squadron have represented the squadron, Wing and Civil Air Patrol as a whole with honor and received much thanks from those in attendance and from the staff of the museum. Congratulations Cadets!