June 26 - July 3, 2010

The 2010 Wisconsin Wing Encampment has officially come to a close. The final copy of The Volk Daily Herald is now posted on the website and pictures will soon be added to the Wisconsin Wing Encampment Facebook page.

It was a great encampment and by all accounts so far, the cadets learned a lot and improved in their leadership skills, not to mention they also exceeded their own personal goals. As evidenced by the photos that soon will be posted, they enjoyed themselves during the week-long encampment. Getting up at the crack of dawn, making their beds, keeping their rooms neat and tidy, and the continual flow of classes did not dampen their spirits nor did it deter them from doing their best.

We are proud of each and every one of them as they all grew in their own way during the week. They were challenged in many facets, and they faced those challenges head on and overcame the obstacles that they thought were there. Fears were put aside and the "can do" attitude was prevalent among the cadets. Giving up was not an option and many discovered that they really could fly a plane, climb a wall, cross a pool of water without falling in, or simply find their target in a heavily wooded area and make it back out again. Teamwork was the main goal this week and they learned it well.

We had record numbers in attendance at the Pass in Review parade and banquet, and though the caterer was a little late, the food was worth the wait. In the end, it gave the cadets who worked so hard one last chance to talk with the many new friends that they made during the week; friends that they will no doubt keep for a very long time.

Thank you to all who worked so hard to make this year's encampment a safe, fun, and educational week for the cadets. Your sacrifice did not go un-noticed and it was greatly appreciated.

To all of you parents, thank you for allowing your cadet to spend the week with us as we endeavored to teach them leadership skills and teamwork. Your cadet was a pleasure to work with and their potential to be leaders is exciting to see. We look forward to seeing each of them meet their personal goals as they continue to press forward in CAP.

It is hard to believe that this week is almost over. The cadets have been having a blast from all accounts from what the public affairs department has heard. From judging the pictures and all the smiling faces on them, they most certainly have enjoyed the week of activities.

They have worked hard and today are the final preparations for the big day – GRADUATION! Seeing all of those cadets in their blues is very impressive.

Due to the hectic pace of the week, and the fun time we have had taking pictures of your cadets, we have not had the chance to post many photos on line. There will be no newsletter on Friday, July 2. The final newsletter will be posted on line. We will start posting more pictures on the Facebook page. We sincerely appreciate your patience in this matter.

Please remember that if you have not already signed up for coming to the graduation and/or banquet, your name is not on the list to get on the base. The deadline unfortunately has passed and only those vehicles and names listed will be allowed on base by the Volk Field Security.

The banquet has filled to capacity. Even those attending the parade and graduation that DID NOT sign up for the banquet, unfortunately will have to leave the base for dinner.

Please keep in mind that this is a military base, therefore you must follow the directions that were sent out earlier, and please DO NOT wander around the base. Security will stop you.

Graduation ceremonies will kick off with the Pass in Review at 1430 and conclude with the banquet, beginning at 1900.

All parents/family/guests should arrive at Volk Field NO EARLIER THAN 1345. You will report to building 432 (see the attached map) and park in its parking lot. You will be directed from there.

(Map Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=43.923986,-90.261526&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=15&sll=43.92819,-90.264187&sspn=0.023799,0.055575&ie=UTF8&z=15 )

The rest of the base is OFF LIMITS to visitors. Please help us maintain use of this fantastic base by not straying from this visitors area!


Our reviewing officer and special banquet guest will be Brigadier General John McCoy, Wisconsin's Assistant Adjutant General-Air and Commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.


The tentative schedule for Friday, 2 July is as follows (note, this is somewhat of a change from what some of you may have been told on the phone or in e-mail already):

Pass in Review: 1430 (2:30 pm), by the baseball diamond
Graduation: 1530 (3:30 pm), in the Conference and Lodging Center
Special Parents/Family Presentation: 1700 (5:00 pm), at the Dining Hall
Banquet: seating at 1830 (6:30 pm), at the Conference and Lodging Center

Events will conclude by approximately 2130.

Those parents that have arranged for early pick-up of their cadets will be able to do so at this time. Note: any parents that request early pick up on the day of the banquet may have to wait until their cadet is able to pack his/her belongings. Additionally, there may be an additional wait if any contraband was confiscated at the beginning of the Encampment.

Final Note:
We are accepting NO FURTHER banquet registrations at this time. Response has been absolutely fantastic, with over 100 family and friends that have already registered (a record)!!!

The cadets have been kept busy with a lot of firsts. Waking up at 0530, inspection, marching, and orientation flights where all part of the cadets day.

Classes for color guard included learning how to fold a flag and what each of the folds represents. The history of the American flag, as well as speaking about cadet competition and flag etiquette. Their first revielle was in the evening giving them the opportunity to put those skills to use.

Basics were taught military bearing when in a Civil Air Patrol uniform and in formation. Learning how to take proper care of that uniform is a must along with learning the regulations that go along with how to wear the BDU's and blues uniform.

Wisconsin Cadet Academy focused on leadership and starting with proper writing style and core values. The chain of command is one that can be intimidating unless you understand the logic behind it. Learning that chain of command is extremely important in Civil Air Patrol. Capt. Dave Vriezen, who is also helping with the Color Guard Academy, was on hand to talk to the cadets about the proper respect for the American Flag.

The cadet staff is kept busy with teaching some classes and assisting some of the senior members with their responsibilities. When they get a chance, they have been taking some photos as well that will get put up on Facebook with the next couple of weeks.

You can read more and see a few of the pictures in the newsletter, which has a link to the left of this article.

Plans are well underway for the Parent Day at Volk Field on Friday. We will try and have that information put up by noon on Tuesday. Technical difficulties have hampered some of the public affairs attempts to get information out there, so please be patient and keep you eye on the website.

We know you are all anxious to see the pictures, and we are excited to get them up for you. Your cadets look great in them, and we hope to post more in the next day or so.