| July 27 |
| KUDOS - Members Complete ES Training |
| Congratulations to the following Group Five members who completed emergency services training for the following specialty achievements. Thank you for your support of the CAP emergency services mission. |
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| July 25 |
| News - Contest #2 Winning Photo |
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The winning photo for Group Five's quarterly contests was submitted by Lt. Col. Robert Kantor. The image shows a cadet reaching for the future and was made during a tour of MacDill AFB in June.
Group Five has established a Flickr account to host photo of Group 5 activities. This allows more members to enjoy the special moments and allow non-members to better appreciate the CAP mission. Next contest period ends September 30, 2010.
Please send your pictures to Group Five public affairs.
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| July 24 |
| Article: What will inspire tomorrow's rocket scientists? CNN.com |
| This article posted on the CNN web site asks an interesting question. It should be obvious that CAP programming is designed to provide an answer to this very question. When conducting a SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) as part of the situational analysis for establishing unit strategic goals, this is a good recommendation for listing under the external influence of OPPORTUNITIES. |
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| July 24 |
| Statistics: Part II of Aerospace Education Survey Results |
| The recent Aerospace Education survey included open-ended questions that allowed members to submitted comments. While only one-in-four members said they were willing to serve as an AEO, most respondents did have some opinion about how the pursuit of the AE mission could be improved. These response demonstrate the need for improved ongoing communication. In addition, they can be a good planning tool. |
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| July 18 |
| Statistics: Part I of Aerospace Education Survey Results |
| Group 5 has recently completed a survey of Aerospace Education activities among subordinates units. Major Lea Ann Curry, Group 5 Aerospace Education Officer, and Captain Jeff Carlson, Group 5 Public Affairs Officer, worked together to conduct the survey. The survey was designed to focus on senior member activity and was distributed by email to 450 senior and cadet members in Group 5. "Once again, Group 5 members stepped up to the plate and let us know how they view CAP activity..." |
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| July 11 |
| Statistics - Required Training Compliance By Unit |
| While today’s new members receive the majority of the required training, many members who have previously joined are lacking certain course completions. In an effort to insure all our members are properly training and briefed, and to continually monitor required training, unit commanders shall insure that members have completed the required post-Level I training. |
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| July 11 |
| Statistics: ES Resource Statistics June 2010 |
Group Five Emergency Services directorate released the quarterly resource statistics for subordinate units. In the second calendar quarter of 2010, our total resources gained three scanners, four observers, ten marshallers and lost two mission pilots. Eight UDF were added.
For Mission Base resources, three radio operators and five MSA were gained. Seven AOBD, one PSC, one OSC were lost.
Concerning NIMS qualifications there was a net gain of eleven ICS100, six ICS200, fourteen IS700.
There was a very positive response to the manner Group 5 SAREX training was handled this year due to budget constraints. The FY2011 training schedule is expected to ruin in the same manner. It is important that units provide training opportunities for task sign-off so that members can receive credit for mission experience during each SAREX. In addition, there are still areas which need much greater depth of resources if Group 5 is to be considered operational. Keep up the good work, keep up the training. |
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| July 3 |
| Info: Cadet Leadership Academy Orders Released |
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Group 5 Cadet Advisory Council will be hosting a Cadet Leadership Academy at the Gulf Middle School in Cape Coral, Florida on 13/14 Aug 2010. The goal of this activity is for cadets to learn. This is for all phases of the cadet program. Cadets in Phases III and IV will be instructing classes for cadet NCOs and cadet Airmen. The academy is to better inform cadets how to perform their duties for their given grade in the CAP Cadet Program.
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| July 3 |
| Info: Cadet Leadership And Aerospace Tests Are Now Online |
| New leadership books, Learn to Lead MODULE 1 and MODULE 2, have been released to go along with the new online leadership tests. This material is designed for cadet airmen and NCOs. New materials for officers will be released in 2011. Cadets who joined CAP after 1 July 2010 will get these modules as part of their new cadet booklets. Cadets who joined before 1 July 10 have the option to use either the new or the old books. |
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| July 1 |
| NEWS: Group 5 Continues Growth Trend In Membership |
 
Group 5 has experienced a 15% growth in membership since 01 Jan 2010. FLWG has experienced a 6% growth in same time period. |
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| June 19 |
| News: Cadets Earn Flight Scholarship At Aviation Ground School |

Lt Col Richard Petrucci engages Florida Wing Commander Christian Moersch in a discussion of aeronautic principles during the Cadet Ground School held in Sarasota. (photo: Capt Bob Little) |
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| June |
| Info: Give Your Members A Great Start |
Every member deserves a "Great Start" to their experience in the Civil Air Patrol. These pamphlets help members and their mentors make the first year of membership engaging and include a sense of personal achievement. Units that use this material report greater retention rates and higher member satisfaction. Make certain your unit's members all have a great start. For more information, contact Group 5 Professional Development or Cadet Program.
Click on image for more information.
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| June 18 |
| Photo: Naples Cadets Visit MacDill AFB |

Naples Cadet Squadron at MacDill AFB on 16 June. (photo: Capt. Shane Huff, USAF)
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| June 13 |
| Photo: Naples Cadets At Rocketry Bivouac |

The Naples Cadet Squadron held a Model Rocketry Bivouac on 28-29 May 2010 at the Collier Country Model Aeronautical Club. Eleven cadets attended and launched their rockets. Dirk DeVille, Capt, CAP, Group 5 Cadet Programs Officer |
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| June 13 |
| Info: Now Is A Good Time to Review Unit Goals |

The Vision 2016 initiative calls for strategic planning at both a group and squadron level. The initiative was established in spring of 2009 and references the year that Civil Air Patrol will celebrate its upcoming 75th anniversary. Strategic plans typically focus on a five to seven year window. Having long-range goals helps to streamline the annual planning process where short-term objectives are set to guide efforts for the next twelve to eighteen months. A regular review of progress can call attention to the need for adjustments to the plan. Remember, the plan is not written in stone... |
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| June 12 |
| News: FY 2010 - A Period Of Success And Growth for Group Five |
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Group 5 started the current fiscal year with 511 members and has experienced nine consecutive months of growth. Since 01 October 2009, the membership has increased 15.5% and now totals 605. While the cadet ranks have swelled, less than 2% of the growth can be attributed to senior members. Another nine months at this rate of growth and the cadets will out-number the senior members in Group 5, a situation not seen in several years.
The growth in cadet numbers represents a challenge to keep the new member's interest during the formative period of a young cadet. Unit's across the Group are stepping up efforts to launch Aerospace Education projects such as radio-controlled aircraft and rocketry programs. Cadet Orientation pilots are working to maintain an adequate pace of orientation flights to ensure each cadet gets up in the air as soon as possible.
As always. cadet units rely on the support of the senior membership to maintain adequate levels of manpower
necessary for a robust cadet program. Contact a cadet unit near you and see what you can do to help.
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| June 7 |
| News: Group 5 Members Photograph Oil Spill For Government |
| Members of Marco Island Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol are flying photo missions to document the shape of Florida’s Gulf coast as a “before” snapshot in the event oil from the offshore Deepwater Horizon drill site reaches more of the state’s shores. |
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| May 31 |
| News: Aerospace Education In Group 5 Takes Off |
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| CAP member Bob Reiss assisted with putting the final touches on the unit’s RC flight trainer and conducting the initial flight tests. |
Great things are happening in Group Five with aerospace education. Model Rocketry programs are taking shape at several squadrons as well as projects to build and fly radio-controlled model aircraft.
The Collier Model Aeronautical Club recently hosted adult and cadet members of the Naples Cadet Squadron and the Marco Island Composite Squadron at their field in East Naples for a day of hands on aerospace education activity.
CAP members, Bob Reiss and Dirk DeVille supervised the launching of rockets and also took their hand at flying radio-controlled model airplanes. Bob, who is an adult leader with the Naples Cadet Squadron, is also a member and Director of the CMAC. He assisted with putting the final touches on the unit’s RC flight trainer and conducting the initial flight tests.
The RC model aircraft, which required assembly, was donated for the cadets by Dick Wakefield. Marco Island Commander, Lt Col Ray Rosenberg said a future investment for the radio controlled aircraft program will be a “buddy box”. This is a device that allows and experienced pilot to quickly take control of the model aircraft if necessary to avoid a crash.
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| May 31 |
| Info: FLWG Commander Outlines Minimum Required Training |
| The CAP experience brings many rewards through the commitment to volunteer service. In addition to the investment of time and personal resources, CAP members must put forth effort to complete training that shapes each member and increases the organization's capacity and capability to perform its mission. Florida Wing Commander outlines the minimum training requirements in this memo. |
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| May 27 |
| Info: Deadline for SER Staff College Rapidly Approaches |
| The 2010 Southeast Region Staff College is scheduled for July 4-9 in Knoxville, Tennessee. SERSC is a Civil Air Patrol Professional Development training school, prepares field grade officers (primarily Majors and Major selects) to assume leadership positions of higher responsibility within Civil Air Patrol.
SERSC provides students with in-depth studies of management, leadership, and communications skills essential to successful execution of command and staff skills. The emphasis is on the roles of the Region in relationship to National and the Wings.
Seminar discussions, case studies, and practical exercises are integral parts of the SERSC program. The college's academic environment stimulates and encourages free expression of ideas as well as independent, analytical, and creative thinking. For more information click here. Deadline for registration: 19 June, 2010. |
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| May 25 |
| Info: Cadet Programs Promotes Use of Great Start |
| Cadet Programs Officer Dirk DeVille said "All new cadets need thorough training to prepare them for life as a member of the Civil Air Patrol. The best way to do this is by putting them through the Great Start program (GSP). This program works and is the perfect tool to help busy squadron leaders". |
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| May 24 |
| Info: Memo - Pride In Appearance |
| "...please remember all uniforms must be worn properly and according to published written standards. These standards are not suggestions – if you are in doubt or unsure of the regulatory requirements for a particular uniform combination, don’t wear it until you find out the right answer – please don’t hesitate to ask your unit commander for guidance..." |
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| May 23 |
| News: Group Five Members Recognized At Region Conference |
| The 2010 Southeast Region Conference was held this past weekend in Peachtree, Georgia. Several members from the Group Five area were recognized for their service. Former Group 5 Deputy Commander Lt Col Richard Mellon was named SER Inspector General of the Year. Capt. Jeffrey Carlson was named SER Public Affairs Officer of the Year. Lt Col Marge Hannah and Lt Col Charlie Clement each received an Exceptional Service Award, and Lt Col Virginia Cullity received the Meritorious Service Award. Lt Col Cullity was the Conference Coordinator and received praise for a successful event. |
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| May 17 |
| News: Highlands County Squadron Supports Fly Day |
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Members from the Highlands County Senior Squadron joined with members of the Experimental Aircraft Association to conduct a Fly Day at the Sebring Airport on Saturday, May 14. The CAP members served as pilots, assisted with marshalling aircraft, provide information about the CAP Cadet Program, and helped made sure a good time was had by all.The activity was designed to promote interest in aviation among the area's youth.
Area youth and their parents were hosted to a flight in one of the general aviation aircraft provided by EAA. Most of the young aeronauts had never flown in a small plane before. They returned from the flight excited. Many of the children were able to see their homes and schools during their flights. Another day is being planned for the fall.
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| May 10 |
| Inf: CAP NHQ Announce PIO Training And New PAO Guide |
| CAP NHQ announced that Public Information Officer Training for crisis situations would be available at this year's National Emergency Services Academy (NESA) June 21-25 at the Camp Atterbury, Ind. NHQ also announced the release of the CAP Public Affairs Officer’s How to Guide. This is a downloadable publication which complements CAPR 190-1 by adding tips, tactics, links and best practices in an easy-to-read, practical format. |
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| May 05 |
| Info: Report Helps To Maintain Focus On Mentoring |
| ...a suggestion was made to add an accounting step to the existing mentoring program to ensure effectiveness. The commander of the Marco Island Composite squadron agreed to run a pilot-program... |
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| May 04 |
| Info: 32% of Group 5 Members Still Need To Complete EO Training |
 
In accordance with CAPR 36-1, the Civil Air Patrol Nondiscrimination Program requires that all members complete the Equal Opportunity (EO) training. The training is now included in the Level I training described in CAPR 50-17. Unfortunately almost one-third of Group Five members have yet to complete the required training. That's right, 32% of the Group Five membership need to complete the simple online training. This problem is easy to fix. All a member has to do is go to capmember.com/one and click on Equal Opportunity, view the slides and answer the question at the end. It will show up automatically on the member's NHQ record. Future entries such as promotions will be blocked if the EO training is not in our record. For more information, contact your unit Professional Development Officer. - Major Joe Wilkins, Group 5 PDO
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| May 02 |
| News: Cadets View Last Space Shuttle Night Launch |
| On April 9th, members from Lee County School’s cadet squadron attended the launch of the STS-131 shuttle mission from the Kennedy Space Center. The Civil Air Patrol members were the guest of National Atmospheric and Space Administration’s Director Charles Bolden. Historically, this was considered to be the last night launch for NASA’s shuttle mission. |
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| April 02 |
| News - Aerospace Education Survey To Be Emailed Soon |
| Keep your eyes on your email inbox for the latest Group Five survey. The next survey is seeking your feedback about aerospace education activity in Group Five. The questionnaire is short and will only take a couple of minutes to complete. Your comments are important. Getting your viewpoint helps to determine if information is being effectively communicated. You can help identify both success and areas in need of improvement. The surveys are an efficient way to establish two-way communication between leadership and the general membership. Your input is vital for establishing strategic objectives as part of the VISION 2016 planning process. |
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| April 02 |
| News - Contest #1 Winning Photo |
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The winning photo for Group Five's quarterly contests was submitted by Linda Alfonso. The photo is C/Amn David Alfonso in a solemn moment before wreath laying in honor of veterans. The image was made at the wreath-laying ceremony last December in Fort Myers.
Group Five has established a Flickr account to host photo of Group 5 activities. This allows more members to enjoy the special moments and allow non-members to better appreciate the CAP mission. Next contest period ends June 30, 2010.
Please send your pictures to Group Five public affairs. |
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| April 01 |
| Statistics - Membership Growth Trend Continues Slowly |
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Group Five has gained twenty cadets and lost two senior members since the beginning of 2010. This represents a 10.1% growth rate for cadets in one calendar-quarter. During the same period, FLWG gained 116 cadets (6.8%) and forty-nine senior members.
 
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| April 01 |
| Statistics - ES Resource Statistics March 2010 |
Group Five Emergency Services directorate released the quarterly resource statistics for subordinate units. In the first calendar quarter of 2010, our total resources gained six scanners, twelve observers, and lost one mission pilot and fourteen marshallers. Four UDF were added and one GTM2 and one GTM1 was lost.
For Mission Base resources, six radio operators were gained along with two GBD, four AOBD, one PSC, one OSC, and one IC3. Only one MSA was lost. Concerning NIMS qualifications there was a net gain of two ICS100, seven ICS200, eleven IS700, one ICS300, and one ICS400.
In general, the resources are continuing an upward trend. There are still areas which need much greater depth of resources. Keep up the good work, keep up the training. |
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| April 01 |
| KUDOS - Members Complete ES Training |
| Congratulations to the following Group Five members who completed emergency services training for the following specialty achievements. Thank you for your support of the CAP emergency services mission. |
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| March 21 |
| Info - Group 5 on Facebook |
| Group Five public affairs has launched a Facebook page. We invite you to become a fan. Group V News web page now includes a list of Facebook pages. (see right side column) |
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| March 20 |
| Info - Aviation Ground School Registration Opens |
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Group Five will once again hold its Aviation Ground School this June 13-19 at the Sarasota Military Academy. This year, the highly successful program will be open to senior members. The mission of the Aviation Ground School is to conduct a course of instruction that will prepare qualified CAP cadets/senior members to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Private Pilot Knowledge Test and prepare them to commence Private Pilot flight training. Upon completion of this school, and after approval from Florida Wing, the cadets will be allowed to initiate flight training in CAP aircraft.
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| March 20 |
| Info - NIMS Training Available in Group 5 |
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The following National Incident Management System (NIMS) training is schedule for the Group 5 area. visit floridadisaster.org for more information. When applying, use the name of FLWG Director-Emergency Service as supervisor. Currently this is Nick Simoncini.
http://www.floridadisaster.org/Trainingcalendar/index.asp
ICS 300 Intermediate ICS, Punta Gorda, Mar 30 – Apr 1
ICS 300 Intermediate ICS, Sarasota, Apr 5-7
ICS 400 Advanced ICS, Sarasota, Apr 7-9
G-290 Public Information Officer, Fort Myers, Apr 26-27
ICS 300 Intermediate ICS, Lake Placid, May 4-6
ICS 400 Advanced ICS, Lake Placid, May 11-12
ICS 300 Intermediate ICS, Sarasota, Aug 2-4
ICS 400 Advanced ICS, Sarasota, Apr 4-6
ICS 300 Intermediate ICS, Sebring, Nov 30- Dec2
ICS 400 Advanced ICS, Sebring, Dec 7-8
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| Mar 03 |
| Info - Sun-N-Fun Offers Opportunity For CAP Members |
| The nation's 2nd largest fly-in, air show, and industry tradeshow, SUN 'n FUN, at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport is fast approaching and Florida Wing Civil Air Patrol is a major source of aviation aware volunteers. Volunteering is a great way for our members to get their aviation fix close to home, meet new CAP members from around the Wing, and refresh or expand your training. |
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| Feb 28 |
| Info - Group Five Launches Flickr Photostream |
| Photos are a great way to tell a story. CAP has a great story to tell. Do you have a picture that tells a good story about your experience in CAP? Send your photos to Group Five Public Affairs. Every calendar quarter we will select the best submissions for special mention (see photo contest). Visit the 'new' online photo album to enjoy seeing snapshots of Group Five activities. |
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| Feb 21 |
| News - Group Five ES Personnel Participate in FLWG Cadet SAREX |
| Over fifty members of the Civil Air Patrol from across Florida participated this weekend in a search-and-rescue exercise. The event was scheduled as part of Florida Wing's preparation in advance of the upcoming observed evaluation conducted later this spring. |
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| Feb 09 |
| Info - Better Health: How To Train The Aging Brain (link to NY Times) |
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The question arises, can an old brain learn, and then remember what it learns? Put another way, is this a brain that should be in school? As it happens, yes. While it’s tempting to focus on the flaws in older brains, that inducement overlooks how capable they’ve become. Over the past several years, scientists have looked deeper into how brains age and confirmed that they continue to develop through and beyond middle age.
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| Feb 07 |
Group Five CLC Class of 2010  |
| Eighteen members graduated from the Group Five Corporate Learning Course host by the Marco Island Squadron on February 6-7. CLC is a management level course which exposes members to important principles of organizational leadership used by higher echelons to manage corporate resources. The course is one of the requirements for the Grover Loening Award earned upon completing Level III of the professional development pathway.
Back row L to R: George Vinson, John Dechellis, Lance Stahlman, Ron Stearns, Charles Campbell, David Armbrust, William Hansen, Peter D'Addio.
Middle row L to R: Judy Schiff, Edmund Walsak, Jim Picone, Jennifer Richards, Domingos DaSilva, Jesus Blanco, Lynn Graham, Francisco Paez, Lyle Odland.
Front row L to R: Joe Wilkins (Director), Ken Bardon, Lee Henderson, Ray Rosenberg, Margaret Campbell, Jeff Carlson.
Instructors not pictured: Jerry Angley, Raymond Bass, Ron Gordon, and Dave Walsh.
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