Vermont

Vermont Wing Cadets Get a Taste of Flight During CAP Orientation Flights at Springfield’s Hartness State Airport

Kim Stevens

Cadets of Springfield’s Catamount Composite Squadron of the Vermont Wing, Civil Air Patrol got an exciting and fun experience with flight on a recent sunny day—actually putting their hands on the controls and (under close supervision of an experienced pilot) steering a Cessna aircraft through local skies.

Cadet Basic Matthew Wade of Catamount Composite Squadron getting ready for takeoff in his first CAP orientation flight at Hartness State Airport. Photo by Ms. Jeannie Wade.

Cadets participating in the flights included Cadet Staff Sergeant Jean Gagnon (Claremont, NH), Cadet Airman 1st Class Jack Myers (Norwich, VT), Cadet Basic Matthew Wade (Chester, VT), and Cadet Technical Sergeant Penn Linder Jr. (Westminster, VT)

‘Orientation flights are a fundamental element of every cadet’s career in the Civil Air Patrol, and for many their first time in a general aviation aircraft,” said Catamount Composite Squadron Commander Capt Jennifer Gagnon. “A great deal of attention is paid to help ensure these flights are safe, fun, and educational.

The flights sharpen each cadet’s sense of adventure as they get a firsthand, hands-on experience with powered flight that our cadets are unlikely to get anywhere else.”

CAP Mission: Pilot Capt John Compo, a member of the Wing’s Burlington Senior Squadron at Burlington International Airport (KBTV), was the pilot in command for the orientation flights. The cadets flew in the Wing’s fuel-efficient Cessna 182. Sorties were launched and recovered at Hartness State Airport (VSF), here in Springfield. 

Cadet orientation flights are combined with the Squadron’s ongoing aerospace education curriculum.  which includes both the history and science of flight. Subjects include how wings enable lift and “defeat” gravity; flight stability, and the overall physics of thrust, wing design; and of course, safety in flight and around aircraft on the ground. The wide variety of possible aviation careers is another important topic.

The cadet orientation flight program inspires with the thrill of flying. Civil Air Patrol cadets under age 18 are eligible for five flights in a powered aircraft (usually a single-engine Cessna), five flights in a glider aircraft, and an unlimited number of backseat flights when conditions allow. Orientation flying is always free to cadets.

Cadet Staff Sergeant Jean Gagnon of the Catamount Composite Squadron getting strapped in and ready for his first CAP orientation flight. Photo by CAP Capt Jennifer Gagnon.

CAP orientation flights enable participants to experience flight from the front seat of a CAP aircraft. In addition to experiencing flight, cadets received multiple briefings on CAP history, overviews of recent missions, as well as a “pilot’s eye” review of airport operations, charts, radio communications, and aeronautical decision making—all with an emphasis on safety.

According to a recent statement from CAP’s National Headquarters, CAP pilots flew 19,184 orientation flights for CAP, Air Force ROTC and Air Force Junior ROTC cadets in 2020.

Vermont Wing of the CAP Announces New Commander of Catamount Composite Squadron in Springfield

Kim Stevens

Captain Jennifer Gagnon has been promoted to Commander of the Vermont Wing’s Catamount Composite Squadron (VT-007), according to a statement by Col. Richard Beach, Commander of the Wing. 

Captain Jennifer Gagnon
Photo Credit: C/SSgt Jean Gagnon, Catamount Composite Squadron, Vermont Wing, Civil Air Patrol

“Capt Gagnon brings to the Civil Air Patrol an accomplished career in education, a clear commitment to Vermont and New England and a life-long love of learning, which makes her an ideal fit for the leadership of this growing command in our Wing,” said Col Beach. “Vermont Wing, cadets and senior members alike, is privileged to have Capt Gagnon as part of our leadership team.”

Capt Gagnon is a 5th grade math and science teacher at Maple Avenue Elementary School in Claremont, NH, and first started working with the Civil Air Patrol as an Aerospace Education Member (AEM) in January 2020. AEM status can be accessed by any teacher, she noted; AEMs can enjoy many free aerospace/STEM educational opportunities in CAP, ranging from a variety of curriculum materials and STEM Kits to participating in a teacher orientation flight aboard one of CAP’s Cessna aircraft at a local airport. Capt Gagnon has been the squadron Aerospace Education Officer and Deputy Commander of Cadets since joining CAP.

Capt Gagnon brings four educational degrees to her new command: Post University—Bachelor of Science in Equine Management; Vermont Technical College –Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology; Southern NH University—Bachelor of Arts in General Education with a concentration in Marketing; and Southern NH University — Masters of Elementary Education.

“In taking on my roles in Catamount Composite Squadron, my goal is to promote not only lifelong learning but also elevation of the Squadron and shared experiences among our fellow Vermont Wing squadrons,” Capt Gagnon noted. “I seek to increase the experiences of the cadets and foster their love of Civil Air Patrol, aerospace education, and community service. I am looking forward to seeing what the next four years bring.”

CAP Vermont Wing Conducts Statewide Airborne and Ground Training

Kim Stevens

Photo above – CAP Vermont Wing’s Bennington Composite Squadron cadets and members participate in a pre-SAREX briefing before deploying for a ground team/airborne search and rescue exercise. Left to right- Front Row: C/SrA Sierra Brown; C/A1C Conner Randall; C/ MSgt Kale Bushee; 1st Lt. Charles “Chuck” Suss; 2nd Lt. Margaret Oceanna. Second Row: C/SrA Matthew Robinson; C/A1C Olivia Chase; Capt. Hal Friday; C/A1C Hailie “Frosty” Foster, and C/A1C Jocelyn Santos.

2nd/Lt Margaret Oceanna (left) and Mission Pilot and Bennington Composite Squadron Commander Capt Jonathan Mercer seen here in the Squadron’s Cessna 172. Lt Oceanna is CAP Vermont Wing’s first DAART (“Domestic Operations Awareness and Assessment Response Tool”} operator (aircrew). DAART is a new search and rescue technology: a resource used by many state and federal agencies as well as CAP to provide real-time imagery and direct communication between users and partners.

Cadets and senior members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) recently took advantage of clear skies and moderate spring temperatures to conduct a statewide Search and Rescue Exercise (‘SAREX”) which included airborne photography simulating airborne damage assessments and other search and rescue tasks.  CAP Vermont Wing cadets and senior members from Burlington, Montpelier/Barre, Rutland and Bennington squadrons participated, utilizing all three of the Wing’s fuel-efficient Cessna aircraft.

CAP Captain Peter Slocombe, vice commander of the CAP Vermont Wing, was the Incident Commander for the full day exercise.

Frequent statewide training is vital for CAP Vermont Wing’s readiness. Quick and safe deployments of the Wing’s members, proficient use of electronic and photographic assets, and coordination with critical state and national agencies greatly enhance the Wing’s response in times of emergency.

Vermont CAP Train for Winter Search and Rescue Skills with Vermont Army National Guard

Kim Stevens

Cadets and senior members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) along with members of the 172nd Cavalry Regiment (VT ARNG) came together for some cold weather training.  Vermont Wing members from both Rutland Composite Squadron and Bennington Composite Squadron were given a cold weather briefing that covered frostbite, dehydration, and general cold weather safety. The exercise took place in Willow Park, in Bennington, shortly after a severe ice storm in the area.

C/A1C Olivia Chase from the Bennington Composite Squadron of the Vermont Wing of the Civil Air Patrol recently participated in cold weather search and rescue training in Bennington’s Willow Park. Photo Credits: Captain Hal Friday, Vermont Wing, Civil Air Patrol.

Vermont Wing and Guard members spent the day practicing search and rescue techniques, emphasizing safe operations in cold weather conditions:  snowshoeing, sled pulling, erecting a cold weather tent, and preparing special cold weather M.R.E.s (Meals Ready to Eat) for lunch.  The exercise concluded with a review of lessons learned, as well as any needed operational and other improvements. 

Captain Jonathan Mercer, commander of the Bennington Composite Squadron, noted “This event was the latest of several successful joint exercises with Sergeant First Class Justus Keith and his colleagues from the Vermont Army National Guard. This was the first time our squadrons worked with the members of the 172nd Cavalry Regiment, and we are grateful for the leadership and skills they demonstrated to our cadets and senior members. Best of all, it was great to see the guardsmen and the cadets working and having fun together.”

Rutland Composite Squadron Promotes Five Cadets

Kim Stevens

Rutland Composite Squadron of the Vermont Wing of the Civil Air Patrol announced the promotions of five cadets: C/A1C Cayden Brown, C/SrA Bryce Connaughton, C/Msgt Weyland Larson, c/Msgt Benjamin Mead, and C/2dLt Eliana Sargent. The Squadron also recently announced promotion of C/2dLt Sargent as its new Cadet Commander, assuming the responsibility from C/2dLt Trevor Mackay.

Cadets of the Rutland Composite Squadron were recently honored with promotions in recognition of their progress and hard work. From left to right: Cadet Commander C/2d Lt Eliana Sargent, C/MSgt Benjamin Mead, C/MSgt Weyland Larson, C/SrA Bryce Connaughton, and C/A1C Cayden Brown. For additional information, visit https://vtwg.cap.gov/.  
Photo Credit: 2nd Lt Joann Larson, Rutland Composite Squadron-Vermont Wing, Civil Air Patrol

Cadets earn promotions through testing in four general areas: Leadership, Drill, Aerospace Education, and Physical Fitness. 

The promotions were announced at a recent Squadron ceremony which included participation of five cadet commanders who had served over the past eight years. Vermont Wing Commander Richard Beach also participated.  Numerous friends and families of the cadets were also in attendance.

“The Squadron took great pride in welcoming back these past cadet commanders as we celebrated the accomplishments of our promoting cadets. Each of these former commanders have continued and grown their commitment to service, of their communities and nation: in the military, as a  a first responder, or as a civilian helping local charities,” said Squadron Commander Capt Alan Colvin.

“Service to our community is one of our core values. It is not very often a Squadron Commander gets the chance to see them all in the same room at once. Our cadets, past and present, inspire us all and continue to make their families and peers proud.”

Vermont Civil Air Patrol Officer Decorated for Hurricane Ida Disaster Relief Work

Kim Stevens

Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters has awarded 1st Lt Vincent Gonillo, of Vermont Wing, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the Disaster Relief Ribbon with “V” device for his work following the devastation that resulted from September’s Hurricane Ida.

1st Lt Vincent Gonillo

Lt Gonillo, who serves as Commanding Officer of Burlington Senior Squadron, was one of 150 CAP senior members nationwide to receive the award.

Hurricane Ida was considered one of the most destructive hurricanes to make landfall in the United States in several decades. Damage and fatalities extended from the Gulf Coast to the Northeastern United States, with Louisiana being especially hard hit. A total of 115 deaths have been attributed to Ida, including 95 in the United States. Property damage has been estimated to total $95 billion.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) relied upon CAP volunteers like Lt Gonillo, and others, to review thousands of photos taken across Louisiana to identify areas needing immediate support after Hurricane Ida. The volunteers ‘analyses allowed FEMA to put early emphasis on those areas for disaster services.

Awardees are authorized to wear the Disaster Relief Ribbon, with a silver “V” device, signifying participation in relief efforts for Presidential-declared disasters.

Lt Gonillo’s award was presented by Col. Ronald Olienyk, CAP National Deputy Director of Operations. In order to receive the award, CAP members had to complete at least 100 individual photo assessments. Lt Gonillo had completed 300 of these reviews.

“The Vermont Wing greatly appreciates the leadership and spirit of service demonstrated by Lt Gonillo following Hurricane Ida,” said Col. Richard Beach, commander of Vermont Wing. “His work demonstrated the best of how Vermont Wing and Civil Air Patrol nationwide serves our communities under extreme circumstances—even from a distance.”

Bennington Composite Squadron Recognizes First Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer for Leadership, Achievements

Kim Stevens

The Bennington Composite Squadron (VT-034) of the Vermont Wing, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), has promoted Cadet Kale Bushee to the rank of Cadet/Staff Sergeant. The recognition recognizes C/SSgt Bushee’s extraordinary performance in the newest squadron in the Vermont Wing and distinguishes him as the first Non-Commissioned Officer in that unit. CAP has an extensive cadet program nationwide, available to youth between 12 and 19 years of age.

Cadet Staff Sergeant Kale Bushee receives his new grade insignia, recognizing his leadership and promotion as Bennington Composite Squadron’s first Non-Commissioned Officer. Squadron commanders Capt Jonathan Mercer (left) and Capt Hal Friday perform the honors. Photo credit: CAP Senior Member Gail Robinson.

C/SSgt Bushee’s new rank follows comprehensive tests on leadership, physical fitness and drill performance. His promotion was awarded along with the Wright Brothers Award, the first of five milestone awards in the CAP cadet program. In addition to his cadet leadership duties, C/SSgt Bushee will receive training in professionalism, conflict resolution, stress management, and other skills,

“C/SSgt Kale Bushee epitomizes the Core Values we try to impart to all of our cadets and senior members. He leads by example and has emerged as a cadet who was taught, but now is one who teaches—a tremendous responsibility,” said Capt Hal Friday, Deputy Commander of Cadets in the Bennington Composite Squadron.

C/SSgt Bushee is a sophomore at Mount Anthony Union High School, where he is a nominee for the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar, a national program that seeks to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service, and innovation. He was Bennington Composite Squadron’s first CAC representative at VT Wing and remains the alternate in that position. C/SSgt Bushee aspires to a career in law enforcement.

Senior Burlington CAP Squadron Promotes Experienced Pilot, USAF Veteran

Kim Stevens

The Burlington Senior Squadron VT-002, for volunteers 19 and up, of the Vermont Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), announced the promotion of Senior Member Anthony “Tony” Derderian to the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Anthony “Tony” Derderian
Photo – Vermont Wing, CAP

“1st Lt Derderian’s promotion is a recognition of his commitment to the Civil Air Patrol since his teen years, valued service to our nation as well as an extensive career in military, commercial and general aviation,” said 1st Lt Vincent Gonillo, commander of the Burlington Senior Squadron. “1st Lt Derderian’s passion for aviation, service, and his ongoing career in CAP has already brought a great deal to the performance and ambition of our squadron, and the Wing.”

1st Lt Derderian joined CAP in 1976 as a middle school student, in the cadet program of the New Britain (CT) Cadet Squadron. 

 “After my first orientation flight, said Lt Derderian, “I was hooked on flying. After progressing through the cadet ranks and earning the Amelia Earhart award, I received a solo scholarship and went on to earn my private pilot’s license at 17. CAP continued to expose me to other aviation interests, including gliders and seaplanes which I continue to fly to this day.” All CAP cadets receive five orientation flights in powered aircraft and gliders, respectively.

Derderian continued: “After my enlistment in the USAF and several years as a crew member in the E3A AWACS, I used my GI Bill to finish college while I worked as a flight instructor, flew skydivers, towed banners, and charter flights. I was hired at Business Express, Delta Commuter and a few years later UPS, where I have been for over thirty years.”

1st Lt Derderian has accrued over 17,000 flight hours in numerous airframes, including the B-727, B-747, B-757, B-767, A-300 and currently the MD-11.  He plans for his second CAP career include gaining certification as a CAP mission pilot, providing orientation flights for cadets, and conducting aerospace education programming for his fellow Vermonters and CAP colleagues. Lt Derderian currently serves Burlington Senior Squadron as an assistant aerospace education officer and assistant Wing Stan/Eval officer.

Norwich University Air Force ROTC and Vermont CAP Cadets Fly with Vermont and New York Wings of the Civil Air Patrol

Kim Stevens

Photo above – Capt. Joseph Bosley from Vermont Wing’s Capital Composite Squadron talking with AFROTC cadets, in preparation for their orientation flights.  

Thanks to the collaboration of pilots and support personnel from both New York and Vermont Wings of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a number of cadets from Air Force ROTC Detachment 867 at Vermont’s Norwich University were recently able to participate in a series of orientation flights over Vermont. The two Wings conducted a record 36 hours of flight time over a day and a half; and fulfilled a critical CAP mission of stimulating interest in aerospace among younger Americans.  

Capt. Jonathan Mercer of the Vermont Wing briefing AFROTC cadets Vanessa Magulas and Sonny Koa Rosales.

A total 34 Norwich University AFROTC cadets, and two from CAP, participated in the orientation flights.

The sorties were based out of Vermont Wing’s Capital Composite Squadron at Edward F. Knapp State Airport here. The airport is near Norwich University, which is located in Northfield, Vt. The Norwich University detachment of the AFROTC is commanded by USAF Col Mark Ceiro.

Captain Joseph Bosley, Commander of the Capital Composite Squadron, noted: “The hard work by both Vermont and the New York Wing resulted in one of the biggest airborne exercises in our Wing’s history. The AFROTC cadets greatly appreciated their experience in the hands of our NYWG and VTWG CAP pilots, and I think both Wings benefitted from a gratifying, educational experience.”

Orientation flights, which are also available to CAP cadets, enable participants to experience flight from the front seat of a CAP aircraft. In addition to experiencing flight, cadets received multiple briefings on CAP history, overviews of recent missions, as well as a “pilot’s eye” review of airport operations, charts, radio communications, and aeronautical decision making—all with an emphasis on safety.

Capt. Bosley cited the following CAP officers for their support and professionalism:

  • Administrative Officers: Capt. Kelli Sutton-Bosley, Capital Composite Squadron; 1st Lt Vince Gonillo, Commander, Burlington Senior Squadron
  • Safety Officer: 2nd Lt Ron Mitchell, Burlington Senior Squadron
  • Transportation Officer: 2nd Lt Dan Boone, Capital Composite Squadron
  • Vermont Wing Pilots: Capt. Tom Ferranti, Capital Composite Squadron; Capt. Jonathan Mercer, Bennington Composite Squadron
  • Flight Release Officer: Col Esther Abrams, Vermont Wing
  • New York Wing Pilots: Lt Col Brian Benedict, Northeast Region; Capt. Roger Teck, Schenectady Composite Squadron; Capt. Eric Chan, Long Island Group.
New York Wing Pilot Capt Eric Chan and Norwich University AFROTC cadets in the cockpit of a New York Wing Cessna 182.

Orientation flights are made available to AFROTC cadets in order to motivate and stimulate the cadet’s interest in and knowledge of aviation and aerospace activities to help stimulate their interest in and knowledge of aviation and aerospace activities. AFROTC/AFJROTC has determined that the use of CAP services under the Air Force – CAP Cooperative Agreement to provide orientation flights to its cadets is in the best interest of the United States and an economical and efficient way to conduct this mission.

According to a recent statement from CAP’s National Headquarters, CAP pilots flew 19,184 orientation flights for CAP, Air Force ROTC and Air Force Junior ROTC cadets in 2020.

Vermont Wing of Civil Air Patrol Launches New Cadet Squadron in Bennington

Kim Stevens

The Bennington Squadron of the Vermont Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has inaugurated a new cadet program, creating new opportunities for local area youth interested in community service, aerospace and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, and development of leadership and other skills. The new program was launched to meet strong local interest and included seven students from both Mount Anthony Union High School and Burr and Burton Academy, of Bennington and Manchester, respectively.

Vermont Wing Vice Commander, Major Richard Beach, welcomes cadets to the newly formed Bennington Composite Squadron at William H. Morse State Airport, at their swearing-in ceremony. From left to right: Cadet Andrea Kaufer, Cadet Bryce Prouty, Cadet Alivia Stewart, Cadet James Marsden, Cadet Aidan Mirchandani, Cadet Dominic Kelly, Cadet Kale Bushee, and Beach.

The squadron, based at William H. Morse State Airport, is now known as the Bennington Composite Squadron. The new name reflects the squadron’s combined membership of both adult members, and cadets – both male and female – aged between 14 and 18 years.

In attendance were the cadets’ friends and families; the Vermont Wing deputy commander, Major Richard Beach; the Bennington Composite Squadron commander, Captain Jonathan Mercer; the squadron deputy commander, First Lieutenant Brian Doxsee; the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets, Captain Hal Friday; the Vermont Wing director of cadet programs, Captain Kelli Bosley; the Vermont Wing director of education and training, Captain Joe Bosley; and forty-year member of the Civil Air Patrol and former Vermont Wing Commander, Colonel Esther Abrams.

Captain Mercer, Captain Friday and Major Beach welcomed the cadets and their families, then each spoke briefly about the history and purpose of the Civil Air Patrol and specifically about the cadet program and its importance to the Vermont Wing, Bennington, and their fellow Vermonters.

Captain Friday observed: “This ceremony follows a challenging and troubling year. These young men and women before you today took a look at this world and asked for more. More challenge. More responsibility. More opportunity to serve. More opportunity to shine. The stated mission of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is to develop America’s leaders for tomorrow. And make no mistake: these young people are the leaders of tomorrow. I have seen it already, in just two weeks of working with them. These are leaders.

Cadets – I look forward to training with each and every one of you. We will make each other better. I have very high expectations…and I know you will deliver.”

Squadron Commander Captain Mercer said: “I am sure you know that Captain Friday and I, your parents and family, and everyone in the Vermont Wing is hoping that you will all do really well in the CAP and make us proud. What I hope is that the things you do in the CAP make you proud and give you the self-confidence and self-respect to feel that nothing is beyond your reach.”

The new cadets responded in kind.

Cadet element leader Andrea Kaufer said that “I feel really excited for what is to come in the cadet program and I cannot wait to do something bigger in my community. Every time I put on the uniform, I get a surge of pride in myself for joining this program, but also for doing something my dad – who has since passed – also participated in when he was in high school.”

Cadet Andrew Marsden added: “The Civil Air Patrol cadet program“…has been an experience like no other. I can already tell that great things will come out of this program.”

The new Bennington cadets will be able to participate in educational programs that include flight training in gliders and the Wing’s fuel-efficient Cessna aircraft; cyber defense operations; numerous leadership and character development opportunities; and training for search-and-rescue, disaster relief, and airborne photography operations. CAP also offers multiple scholarship opportunities and military-related benefits for interested cadets.