Sirs and Ma'ams,

Captain Raymond Mucha here from McLean County Composite Squadron, IL240, in Bloomington.

We have been asked to assist with three separate but simultaneous events at the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington next weekend.

If any of your cadets or seniors are available, we would love to have them involved.

THE BULK OF THE EVENTS ARE SATURDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER, 0900-1700.

- Prairie Aviation Museum "Open Cockpit Day" where we would assist the public with looking at (and climbing into) fighter planes.

- EAA Young Eagles flights, where we would help escort people to and from the 3 EAA aircraft doing the flying for qualified youth

- EAA flights in the traveling 1929 Ford Tri-Motor. We would help guide people to the correct parking area and into the building.

The EAA has indicated that cadets who help would typically be offered a flight, either in the private aircraft or in the vintage Tri-Motor.  Flights are not guaranteed, but seem to happen 90% of the time.

Since we are hoping to have a large number or visitors from central Illinois, we are going to set up a table and have an "Open House."   We are now using the old terminal at the airport for our meetings.  This same area will be the HQ for the EAA events at this time.   As we may have visitors from other towns, you are welcome to submit any handouts or pamphlets, etc.

Uniform of the day is BDU or BLUES.   We can use people in both.

IN ADDITION TO SATURDAY, the Ford Tri-Motor will also be here Friday and Sunday.   It will be hard to find people those days, as most of us have school or work on Friday, while many will be spending time with family and church on Sunday.   Still, if there is ANY availability, the Tri-Motor people would love the assistance...and you would PROBABLY get a flight out of it.

TIMES?  CAP members could spend the day at a given activity, or they could move around.  The EAA has asked that, in the case of the Tri-Motor greeters/parkers, they would like to have 4 cadets at each of the following shifts:

FRI  9am - 1 pm     1pm - 5pm
SAT  9am - 1 pm     1pm - 5pm
SUN  9am - 1 pm     1pm - 5pm

This is an example of how schedules could be arranged.   Of course, we will gladly take any CAP member in uniform, for any task, for as long as they are able to assist.   Due to Cadet Protection, we do not want to leave cadets alone anywhere.

If you know members of the general public who might want to simply visit the airport for these events, please pass the word.


Thank you,

Captain Raymond Mucha

On September 22nd and 23rd, Our squadron will be participating in a number of exciting activities promoting aviation and aerospace.  Certain organizations have asked for our assistance so It is very important to establish as much participation for these events as possible.  The following events we will be assisting with are :



Sept. 22nd: Prairie Aviation Museum "Open Cockpit Day"  ( Volunteers will be needed to assist the museum staff at this event.)

Sept. 22nd: McLean County Composite Squadron "Open House" (We will conduct an open house in conjunction with the Open Cockpit Day to promote our organization and recruitment)

Sept. 22nd: EAA Young Eagles Flights ( The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8 - 17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers. )

Sept. 22nd-23rd: EAA Ford Tri-Motor presentation and introductory rides. (The EAA will be displaying their fully restored Ford Tri-Motor Aircraft.  The Ford Tri-Motor was the world’s first mass-produced airliner and is a true classic!  More information can be viewed at this link: The Ford Tri-Motor

Coordination for these events is currently under way and a firm schedule of times will be available very soon.  Please keep these dates in mind and consider participating, this is a great opportunity for everyone involved and should be very fun!

--

1st Lt. Tom Brown

Deputy Commander of Cadets / Assistant Unit Testing Officer

Civil Air Patrol - 

McLean County Composite Squadron 

Bloomington Illinois

"There are no secrets to success...it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.  - Gen. Colin Powell"

• Capt. Mucha
• Capt. Troyer
• C/2Lt. Lauzon
• C/SrA Breedlove
• C/Amn Rivera
• Volunteer EmmaLea Brown
• The Airport Authority Staff (for donating an array of cleaning tools!!)
  

When we received the go ahead to use our new location from the Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority, we were advised that the area had not been occupied in a while and that some cleaning would be needed.  Rising to the challenge, the above listed individuals provided a few hours of labor which allowed us to clean up most of the dust, spider webs, windows, floors, walls, carpets and more. A big thank you goes out to Capt. Troyer who provided us with an industrial sized shop vac and ladder which gave us a healthy advantage for the job at hand. While there can always be more cleaning and polishing accomplished, our new facility is looking a lot better than before.

New Furniture!

The next step in the improvement of our new Base of Operations is the addition of furniture and office supplies.  Once again, 2Lt. LaRose has taken on the task of securing valuable items that are necessary for our operations and he has informed me that an assortment of these items will available for us this Tuesday.  In order to properly transfer the new equipment from the donation point to our Base of Operations, 2Lt. LaRose has asked for assistance in this task.  Here is what is needed:

Date: Tuesday, August 21st,  2:00pm

What: Available Volunteers to help load furniture items at the donation point and then unload furniture items at our Base of Operations.

Where: The Donation Point is yet to be determined...

if interested, please send 2Lt. LaRose an email at j.larose@mcleancountycap.org for more info!

Additional items needed by the Squadron

After moving into our new Base of Operations, we have begun to notice a few things that we are in need of.  Our Squadron and it's growth can benefit largely from donated items by local businesses and individuals.  We will gladly accept any donations of the following items new or used:

• Large garbage cans (we currently have none and find that a few would really be useful for cleaning and upkeep purposes)
• Cleaning supplies: Mop, Mop Bucket Brooms and Dust Pans.

Parking at the new facility

We do not want to interfere with the daily operation of our neighbors...CJ's Restaurant.  In order to avoid this we ask that all squadron members and visitors utilize the North Western portion of our available parking lot.  This will allow CJ's customers full access to the available parking spots closest to the restaurant....and give us all a little exercise!  If you are unsure where our parking location is...ask!

Upcoming Events

Ridgeview Color Guard presentation on August 24th at 1800hrs at Ridgeview High School in Colfax. 

Cadets that are tasked with this event have been notified and are set to go.  This is a great way to gain some exposure for our Squadron.  If anyone would like to attend this event to see our Color Guard members in action please contact either myself (t.brown@mcleancountycap.org) or C/2Lt. Lauzon (i.lauzon@mcleancountycap.org) for details!

Labor Day Parade on Sept. 3rd at 0900 in Downtown Bloomington on the corner of Front and Center. 

Cadets are to wear their Blues uniform or if you don't have Blues...please wear black and whites (nice white button down shirt with black slacks and black dress shoes).  Senior Members are also asked to wear their blues uniform or alternate uniform combination. We will be meeting on the corner of Front and Center and the parade will end at Miller Park.

The annual Labor day parade specifics are as follows:

• Meeting Location: The corner of Front and Center in Downtown Bloomington
• Meeting Time: 0900
• Parade Start Time: 1000
• Parade Ending Location: Miller Park
• UoD: Blues or Black and Whites

Open Cockpit Day / Possible Open House

The Prairie Aviation Museum is hosting another Open Cockpit Day and we have been asked to attend and supply support for this event.  This Open Cockpit Day will feature additional activities compared to previous Open Cockpit Days with EAA Young Eagles and Image Air supplying introductory flights for eligible individuals during this event.

 Along with this event, our Squadron is looking at the possibility of coordinating an Open House to showcase our organization to the public and promote recruitment.  If we have enough volunteers for this event we can probably create two groups.  One group can assist with the Open Cockpit Day while the other group can represent our squadron at our terminal while directing the general public to both events.  This will be discussed more in the near future.

The specifics of the Open Cockpit Day are as follows:

• Event Date: Sep. 22
  
• Time: 1000hrs - 1600hrs
• UoD: To be determined

And Lastly...don't forget...we are quickly approaching the end of the year and that means our Squadron Banquet will be here soon...Keep that in mind! 

Have a great week!

Through a generous agreement from the Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority and Board of Representatives, we have been allowed to use a portion of Airport Authority property to host our Civil Air Patrol meetings.  The property is the old airport departure and arrival terminal which has since been replaced by a new and improved terminal which was built across the way.  This new meeting place provides us a great opportunity to grow our squadron and provides us an excellent venue with heat, air conditioning and storage space.  Please take a look at the slide show below to take a virtual tour of our new facility.

 

Squadron Senior Member support is needed for this event and is greatly appreciated. If you would like to volunteer please contact me : T.Brown@mcleancountycap.org

While not mandatory, cadets are encouraged to come out and support our Color Guard members if interested.


The Color Guard Members will be meeting on Aug. 24th, 1800hrs at Ridgeview High School (see map)

Hope to see you there!

--
"There are no secrets to success...it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.  - Gen. Colin Powell"

Weekly Squadron Update

___________________________________

Upcoming Meeting -

This Tuesdays meeting will be held at MCCS headquarters.  The focus of this weeks meeting will be Safety and Character Development.  UoD is BDU's or if you do not have BDU's please wear Black & Whites (black slacks, black shoes and white button down shirt with collar.)

___________________________________

Clean up of new facilities -

We are currently trying to coordinate a day to do some general cleaning and upkeep of our new facilities.  A specific date and time will be agreed upon at our next meeting but the target date for this is Saturday Aug. 18th between 0900 and 1200.  This activity is optional but it is encouraged that we try to get as many members to attend as we can.  The uniform of the day will be conservative civilian attire.  It has been mentioned that cleaning supplies (brooms, mops, vaccum cleaner etc) MIGHT be available from the Airport Authority.  I will try to coordinate the use of these items but if anyone has access to additional supplies, it would probably help us out.  If everyone wanted to contribute 5 dollars we can coordinate Little Caesars for lunch.  Please be prepared to announce your availability for this activity at this Tuesdays meeting.

___________________________________

Labor Day Parade -

The annual Labor Day parade is just around the corner and it is a great opportunity to promote our organization.   

The annual Labor day parade specifics are as follows:

• Meeting Location: The corner of Front and Center in Downtown Bloomington
• Meeting Time: 0900
• Parade Start Time: 1000
• Parade Ending Location: Miller Park
• UoD: Blues or Black and Whites

___________________________________

Open Cockpit Day / Possible Open House -

The Prairie Aviation Museum is hosting another Open Cockpit Day and we have been asked to attend and supply support for this event.  This Open Cockpit Day will feature additional activities compared to previous Open Cockpit Days with EAA Young Eagles and Image Air supplying introductory flights for eligible individuals during this event.

 Along with this event, our Squadron is looking at the possibility of coordinating an Open House to showcase our organization to the public and promote recruitment.  If we have enough volunteers for this event we can probably create two groups.  One group can assist with the Open Cockpit Day while the other group can represent our squadron at our terminal while directing the general public to both events.  This will be discussed more in the near future.

The specifics of the Open Cockpit Day are as follows:

• Event Date: Sep. 22
  
• Time: 1000hrs - 1600hrs
• UoD: To be determined
  

___________________________________

As always we appreciate everything you do and continue the outstanding work!

--
"There are no secrets to success...it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.  - Gen. Colin Powell"

 New Location -

We are currently approved to use the old Central Illinois Regional Airport Terminal located at 2901 E Empire St in Bloomington for our regular Tuesday meetings.  As of right now this location is secured and coordination with Airport Operations is required for access.  This is subject to change in the future and access options will be discussed.  Any use of this new facility and parking lot area MUST be coordinated first with our Senior Member representatives Capt. Mucha or 1Lt. Peterson. They will in turn coordinate access with Airport Operations on your behalf.  This is a great resource provided to our squadron and we want to make sure we are not abusing the privilege.

First Tuesday / Physical Fitness -

This Tuesday marks our first meeting of the month which means we will be conducting physical fitness testing. Cadets please bring proper PT gear to the meeting.  This will be the first time we are conducting CPFT in our new area (the parking lot directly in front of the Platinum Jet Center).  This area is adjacent to a large active parking lot that services CJ's Restaurant.  With this in mind, it is very important that we remain aware of our surroundings and active traffic.

Labor Day Parade -

The annual Labor Day Parade will be held on Monday Sept. 3rd.  The uniform for this parade is the Blues uniform or alternate Black and White if you do not have Blues, please have your uniform in top shape and presentable.  The meeting location and time is being discussed and will be announced shortly.

Cadet Staff Meeting -

C/2Lt Lauzon has requested that all cadet staff members meet this Tuesday at 1700 for a Staff Meeting.  I will be on hand to fulfill the Senior Member requirement for this meeting.  If you are not sure if you should be attending, contact your chain of command for direction.

Agenda for this Tuesday -

Mandatory Cadet Staff meeting: 5:00 – 6:00

Logistics setup and opening formations prep: 6:00 – 6:30

Opening formations: 6:30 – 6:55

Testing, drill testing, and drill: 6:55 – 7:25

Break: 7:25 – 7:30

CPFT Prep: 7:30 – 7:35

CPFT: 7:35 – 8:35

Element Leader Time: 8:35 – 8:45

Oaths / Cleanup: 8:45 – 9:00


Thank You for all you do!


--
"There are no secrets to success...it is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.  - Gen. Colin Powell"

Every summer, cadets gather at numerous activities all over the country.  This year we had a number of cadets represent the McLean County Composite Squadron at different activities including Illinois Wing Spring and Summer Encampments, National Blue Beret and the National Emergency Services Academy.  Below are some pictures from this years activities.

Join us in a “Mission to Mars” with the McLean County Civil Air Patrol!

 

As you may have already heard, we will be participating in a simulated space mission to Mars through the Challenger Learning Center on 9 June 2012.   Resulting from the hard work of 1st Lt. Peterson and a generous grant from the  Air Force Association, the only cost to cadets will be a box lunch from Avanti’s.  To insure you don’t get left behind and a seat is reserved on the rocket, you MUST let your CHAIN OF COMMAND know 2 items:

1.       Are you able to attend Saturday 9 June 2012 between 08:45 and 13:00?

2.       Do you want to have a lunch ordered for you?

It will be your responsibility to be dropped off no later than 0845 hrs on 9 June, and be picked up at 1300 hrs (Map for Challenger Learning Center attached).  If you have any questions, please see Lt. Peterson or Lt. Brown.

The mission of the Challenger Learning Center is to inspire generations to accomplish things that may at first appear impossible. Our primary goals include:

• provide hands-on, real world interactive educational experiences to students of all ages throughout central Illinois.
• conduct simulated missions for school groups as a culminating experience to an interdisciplinary classroom curriculum.
• improve the quality of Illinois education by providing state-of-the-art training and professional development opportunities and curriculum resources for classroom teachers.
• increase student interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers by raising awareness of opportunities in those fields.