Cadets from the SRQ Composite Squadron traveled to the Silver Flag Training area at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, FL for the Florida Wing Winter Encampment during the last week of December.  The seven cadets joined the three hundred cadets from across the state of Florida to spend the week learning about aerospace, teamwork, military customs and courtesies, and the many opportunities available to Civil Air Patrol cadets.

The week began on the Sunday after Christmas Day with in-processing.  This is where the cadets were given their study materials along with their housing and flight assignments.  From Monday through Thursday, their days were filled with drill practice, physical fitness activities, classes in aerospace, discussions on the core values of CAP, and other cadet program activities.

During the week, cadets worked on teamwork.  One event had the cadet team members helping each other conquer an obstacle course, while one member of each team carried an egg.  Cadets also had an opportunity to tour of the Silver Flag stations and learn more about civil engineering careers.  On the tour, active duty Air Force personnel escorted each group of cadets through different work areas and talked to the cadets about the type of work involved with different duty assignments.  The cadets learned about fire training, construction of utility and electrical systems, power generation, and how the structures used overseas are designed to protect our troops.

One of the many highlights of the week was a trip to Tyndall AFB where the cadets toured the Air Operations Center, got up close to the F-22, ate lunch at the base dining facility, and had a hands-on experience with the F-15 flight simulators. Friday was a capstone event with a physical fitness challenge and comprehensive testing that included; basic CAP knowledge, drill, and inspections.  The evening was topped off with the Dining-In ceremony held at Tyndall AFB.  The next day, a graduation Pass-in-Review was held on Saturday morning, which completed the encampment.

The seven cadets attending from FL044 were; C/CMSgt Timothy Downs, C/SrA Frank Galambos, C/SrA Priscila Galambos, C/Amn Steven Laporte, C/MSgt Aaron Myers, C/MSgt Thomas Myers, and C/CMSgt Erin McNulty. It was a great week with many valuable experiences that are part of a successful cadet career. Congratulations to all who attended!