CAP Vector Quarterly National Staff Update April ... - CAP Members

CAP Vector Quarterly National Staff Update April - June 2015 Maj Gen Joe Vazquez, National Commander and CEO Mr. Don Rowland, Chief Operating Officer Upcoming Key Dates National Staff College: 24-30 May 2015, Maxwell AFB AL National Conference: 27-29 August 2015, Orlando FL AEROSPACE EDUCATION - [email protected] Deputy Director for AE: Dr. Jeff Montgomery – [email protected] National AE: Lt Col Mike McArdle – [email protected] Home School Development: Lt Col Mike Fultz – [email protected] CAP STEM Kit Program: CAP continues the initiative to promote an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects and careers to our CAP cadets and educator members’ students across the nation. Through CAP’s free STEM Kit program, CAP Unit AEOs, Educator Members and AFJROTC instructors can select from five kits to use and keep: astronomy, flight simulators, model & remote control airplanes, robotics, and rocketry. Collaboration with other youth groups is encouraged, especially amongst the CAP units. This is a great way to introduce students to CAP’s cadet and aerospace programs. Almost 1,600 kit requests have been filled, impacting over 90,000 cadets & K-12 students. CAP is waiting on additional funding in order to fill current kit requests. AEOs are encouraged to select a kit and order in eServices at CAP STEM Kits link. For more information, application instructions, and recipient lists, go to www.capmembers.com/stem-ed. Contact: [email protected]. Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) Program: Over 14,000 students in grades K-6 are enrolled in the 2014-2015 academic year ACE program under the tutelage of over 350 educators in 28 states across the nation. Viewed by CAP as a great early introduction to the CAP Cadet program, the ACE program needs YOUR help! CAP squadrons can help introduce the program to educators and schools and offer to assist in teaching lessons and/or presenting end-of-program completion plaques and student certificates. Cadets can be exceptional role models for these young people and CAP adults are excellent school mentors. For more information, go to www.capmembers.com/ace. Contact: [email protected]. AFA’s Aerospace/STEM Education Grants for CAP: The AFA continues to provide $250 grants in alternating quarterly cycles to CAP units and educator members to help fund aerospace and STEM project subjects and careers. For information, go to AEO and AEM grant links at www.capmembers.com/ae. Contact: [email protected]. Aerospace Education Officer (AEO) Schools: The national and four regional (GLR, MER, NER & PCR) AEO schools are scheduled for 2015. These schools provide education, training, resources, and AE Action Plan guidance to the attendees to help them better accomplish their AE responsibilities as an integral part of the overall CAP program. More information about the schools can be found at www.capmembers.com/ae. Contact: [email protected].

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CADET PROGRAMS - [email protected] Deputy Director for Cadet Programs: Curt LaFond – [email protected] National Cadet Programs: Lt Col Ned Lee – [email protected] National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC) Liaison: Lt Col John Erickson – [email protected] Drug Demand Reduction: Lt Col Jett Mayhew – [email protected] Home School Development: Lt Col Mike Fultz – [email protected] Cadet Protection Policy: Cadet Protection Policy training materials and courses are now available. The Cadet Protection Basic Course, Advanced Course and Wingman Course have been published. All adult members must complete the Cadet Protection Basic Course by 1 July 2015. See www.capmembers.com/cadetprotect for details. Curry Blues Voucher: The Free Cadet Uniform program for cadets is changing. Starting 1 June cadets who complete the Curry achievement will receive an email with a voucher for $100 to purchase the blues uniform from Vanguard. The current program through AAFES will end on 1 May. Learn more at www.capmembers.com/curryblues. Drill & Ceremonies: Cadet Programs is working on a new CAP Drill & Ceremonies Manual that will focus on CAP drill needs and clear up some ambiguous issues in AFMAN 36-2203. If you want to contribute to this process by editing content or providing feedback or ideas, please contact LtCol Grace Edinboro at [email protected]. Encampment: The Cadet Encampment Guide, lesson plans and other resources may be found on www.capmembers.com/encampment. Wing Directors of Cadet Programs may request printed copies by emailing [email protected] by 1 May. Provide the date of encampment, total number of cadets participating, and name / address for shipping. Handbooks will ship in May. National Character Day: It’s time to start planning for National Character Day! National Character Day is a wing-sponsored, half-day activity consisting of an academic element with exciting guest speakers and a hands-on Character Challenge. National Character Day is an opportunity for CAP to showcase our procharacter and anti-drug messages to cadets. September is the suggested time for the event, but it can be held in any month. A curriculum guide and other resources are available at www.capmembers.com/characterday. CHAPLAIN CORPS Chief of CAP Chaplain Corps: Chap (Col) James Hughes - [email protected] Chaplain Corps Administrator: Kenya Bogans – [email protected] Items in Process • • • •

CAPR 265-1 update – the new regulation has been published. Character Development Specialty Track rewrite is underway broadening the training of CDIs. IAW CAPR 52-16, unit commanders may continue to lead cadet character training while recruiting a chaplain or CDI to assist their unit. Mission Chaplain SQTR rewrite is underway – introducing a multi-level Mission Chaplain training program.

With the release of the new CAPR 265-1, the following will be the implementation process to introduce the new Character Development requirements: 1. A descriptive video detailing the changes. 2. A brief video focusing on the new requirements for CDIs and Character Development lessons. 3. Retraining of Region and Wing Chaplains at Chaplain Corps Region Staff Colleges to provide oversight. and guidance to the new requirements.

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DEVELOPMENT Director of Development: Dr. Skip Dotherow – [email protected] Cadet Program Endowment Fund Donations: Make your online shopping earn donations to CAP! Your online shopping purchases can earn free donations to CAP’s Cadet Program Endowment Fund. Visit www.ziggedy.com, www.igive.com, and/or www.amazonsmile.com and select Civil Air Patrol as your cause. For more information, contact the Development Office @ [email protected] or [email protected].

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Chief Financial Officer: Susan Easter – [email protected] WEX Pay™ Expands Minor Maintenance Program Options. WEX Pay™ was recently added to the WEX credit cards for minor vehicle maintenance. WEX Pay™ provides a onetime use MasterCard number at the time of purchase for vendors who do not accept WEX or who do accept the cards but cannot process ours (generally a point-of-sale software or employee training issue). The vendor must be willing to take a few minutes to make the phone call and provide information including your WEX card account number, driver ID, vehicle number, etc. This is the system the General Services Administration (GSA) uses for the Federal Government’s vehicle fleet so many vendors are already very familiar with it. The WEX Pay™ flyer explains in more detail. Use of WEX Pay™ is meant only as a backup option. WEX accepting locations who can process our cards normally should still be used whenever possible. WEX Pay™ charges will be included in your monthly invoice and billing detail and reporting remains the same. Contact Jeanne Stone with questions – [email protected]. FY14 Audit Status: CAP’s FY14 audit has recently been completed and will be presented to the Board of Governors for final acceptance in April. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Director of Government Relations: John Swain – [email protected] National Legislative Officer: Lt Colonel Gerald Marketos – [email protected] State Legislative Officer: Lt Colonel James Nova – [email protected] Special Projects Officer: Lt Colonel Lindsay Shipps – [email protected] CAP Congressional Gold Medal (CGM): Wings nationwide continue to present replica medals to CAP World War II veterans and families who could not attend the December 2014 ceremony. Many wings have very successfully involved Members of Congress and the press at local ceremonies to honor our veterans and to tell their stories to the public. Those still planning ceremonies are urged to also involve Members of Congress and the press as much as possible. 2015 Legislative Day: Initial indications are very positive for this year’s Legislative Day with over 445 meetings scheduled and over 70 offices requesting CAP appropriations information—both record highs. Despite bad weather, most meetings were held and they occurred at a most critical moment as the appropriations process was well ahead of the schedule seen in recent years. In fact, many offices had appropriations deadlines less than a week later.

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Summer Conference: Expect two Government Relations (GVR) activities at this year’s summer conference: •

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A one-day course—Learning Government Relations, The Art and the Science—on Thursday for wing and squadron leaders, government relations advisors, public affairs officers and others who expect to work with legislators or government officials. A GVR Learning Lab for everyone on Friday or Saturday with updates on CAP’s budget, legislative agenda and new programs including a GVR specialty track.

Government Relations Specialty Track: Planning is underway for a GVR specialty track designed to provide Government Relations Advisors and others a roadmap to specific training and knowledge to help them do their assignments better. Suggestions and comments about this proposal can be submitted to any GVR staff member. Expect to hear more soon. HISTORY Chief Historian: Col Frank Blazich, Jr., [email protected] National Historian Emeritus: Col Len Blascovich, [email protected] Assistant Chief Historian: Lt Col Phil Saleet, [email protected] National Curator: Maj Jacob Gerstein, [email protected] National Archivist: Capt Colleen McCormick, [email protected] Director, Office of Outreach: Lt Col Sean Neal, [email protected] National Historical Editor: Lt Col Richard Mulanax, [email protected] Director, Oral History Program: Chaplain (Maj) Marvin Owen, [email protected] Chief Historian: Met with the USAF Chief Historian during Winter Command Council 2015 in Washington, DC. The USAF History and Museums Program is currently investigating the possibility of having the CAP National Archives and Historical Collection relocated to USAF facilities in the Washington, DC area. Discussions are commencing with the National Museum of the USAF regarding a CAP 75th anniversary museum display, as well as a permanent display. Vanguard is finalizing work on CAP World War II insignia for re-enacting work. Continuing to assist wings with CAP Congressional Gold Medal award presentations. Working with National Archivist and National Curator to storyboard, draft, and install a new CAP history exhibit at National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB. Assistant Chief Historian: Assisted with the final rewrite of CAPR 210-1. Assisting with the final draft of CAPR 210-3. Currently in the final planning stages for a Coastal Patrol Base 21 display at the Maritime Museum in Beaufort, NC. National Historian Emeritus: Working on an in-depth monograph on the history of the CAP ribbons 19432014. Continuing work on CAP ribbon technical specifications at the behest of the National Uniform Committee. Actively gathering data on the history of the USAF general officers and colonels that led CAP as national commanders from 1947 to 1975 when CAP changed the Constitution and Bylaws establishing the volunteer national commander position. National Curator and National Archivist: Created “Through the Decades: Snapshots of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program”, and historical display for The Spaatz Association Mid-Winter Dinner, with an accompanying online exhibit. Provided a briefing for a relationship-building meeting with USAF/HO, during the recent Command Council Meeting. Revising CAPR 210-3. National Historical Editor: Eyes on the Home Skies: 75 Years of Civil Air Patrol History, is in progress. It will be divided into volumes of a few chapters each and issued electronically throughout 2015 and 2016, by volume. The first draft of Volume 1, The Early Years (1941-1945), has been completed and is under review and revision, and the final version will be available this spring. The next issue of the CAP National Historical Journal will be out soon. We are continuing to solicit contributions from CAP members. Office of Outreach: In contact with the new executive administrator with EAA’s Vintage Aircraft Association to see what we can arrange for the 2016 75th CAP Anniversary at the Oshkosh Airventure Airshow. The VAA Board was enthusiastic about the event when presented to them last year.

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Office of Heraldry: Working on the final edits of the Heraldry Regulation and Pamphlet, CAPR 210-2 and CAPP 7. Oral History Program: In the process of gathering information for contacting and setting up interviews with the past National Commanders. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Deputy Director of Information Technology: Joseph Hall, Jr. – [email protected] Information Technology Officer: Lt Col Bill Hughes – [email protected] eServices applications now available and slated for release: (Please stay tuned to eServices news for more information on these upcoming releases.) •

(Released) Soft launch of eServices V.2 - eServices has been released for all to use. The home page has a new look and has been reorganized and other pages will adopt a similar appearance over time. All members are able to toggle back and forth using the new main page or they can stay with the current version. Please continue to test and provide feedback to the CAP Helpdesk.

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(In Testing) Recommendation For Decoration – CAPF 120 - Allows members to submit a CAPF 120 electronically. Currently in beta test by the IT Committee.

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Commander’s Dashboard Updates – Provide additional metrics to better assist Commanders on readiness and effectiveness of their resources. On going.

CAP Websites – In support of CAP branding initiative, a website template has been developed to incorporate into your unit website. The template is currently available for beta test. If you are interested in participating in the beta test please contact Joseph Hall at [email protected]. CAP.GOV new administration page – The new cap.gov domain administration page has been revamped and integrated into eServices under Information Technology / Internet Operations or ns1.cap.gov. For more information please contact [email protected]. LEGAL OFFICER CORPS General Counsel: Rafael Robles – [email protected] Chief Legal Officer Corps: Maj Gen Dwight Wheless – [email protected] National Legal Officers College 2015 (NLOC): The next bi-annual NLOC will be held at the Ravinia Crowne Plaza Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, June 11-13, 2015. All CAP Legal Officers, Commanders and IG’s are encouraged to attend. CLE credits will be applied for. Attendees receive an average of 20 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for NLOC, including two hours of ethics, depending on the jurisdiction. NLOC provides an excellent grounding in the legal framework within which Civil Air Patrol operates, and NLOC fulfills the Level IV requirement for attendance at Region Staff College. For more information or to register, follow this link to the General Counsel’s page on the National website; http://www.capmembers.com/cap_national_hq/general_counsel/nloc15/ or send an e-mail to Lt Col James Garlough, CAP, NLOC Director, at [email protected]. OPERATIONS, CISM, COMM, STAN EVAL, TRAINING and EMERGENCY SERVICES Director: John Desmarais – [email protected] Chief, Aircraft Operations: Joe Piccotti – [email protected] Chief, Critical Incident Stress Management: Lt Col Tom Janisko - [email protected] Chief, Communications: Malcolm Kyser – [email protected] Chief, National Operations Center: Terry Raymond – [email protected] Chief, Operations Support: Lt Col Pete Norris – [email protected] Chief, Training: Col Carlton Sumner – [email protected]

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2015 Operations Pre-Conference: We’re looking forward to another great pre-conference session on the th 26 of August in Orlando, and we’d like to get your input to build the agenda. If you have a topic for a th presentation or forum, please send them to [email protected] by the 30 of April. Airshow Static Displays: With good flying weather comes many great opportunities for CAP to have aircraft on static display for recruiting and public awareness around the country. Please be sure that responsible adult members are watching over the aircraft so that no damage occurs and Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs) are not inadvertently activated. Aircraft Operations and Standardization/Evaluation: There have been many updates posted on the CAP Pilots web page at: www.capmembers.com/emergency_services/aircraft_ops__staneval/ - Garmin Service Advisories are being provided to CAP Pilots via the Web Mission Information Reporting System (WMIRS). Garmin Service Advisories are published to advise owners/operators of important information regarding the fidelity and usability of an aviation product or database and the serviceability of a Garmin product. Pilots should review these important Garmin Service Advisories in WMIRS prior to flight. - All CAP standardized online aircraft checklists in the NHQ database have been reviewed, revised, and updated in order to provide the most current and standardized aircraft checklists. This fleet-wide checklist review and update enhances checklist interoperability nation-wide and helps to ensure accuracy in the CAP checklist guidance. The following are included in the updated aircraft checklists: a Checklist Version Date and CAP specific checklists steps to enhance compliance with CAP rules and to support safe operations. Download a current NHQ approved CAP aircraft checklist posted on the CAPmembers.com web site, located on the “CAP Pilots” web page in the “Aircraft Familiarization” section or simply click here to go directly to the “CAP Aircraft Checklist Search Page”. Note: The POH checklist is always an option to use. - Good news! Pilot Proficiency Flight Profiles have been updated to include a Takeoff & Landing Proficiency Flight Profile! The updated Air Force Approved Proficiency Flight Profiles can be found on the CAP Pilots webpage or click here to go directly to the Pilot Proficiency Flight Profiles web page. Critical Incident Stress Management: Short monthly CISM training materials are being developed, and we’re working with CAP/SE to make them available for credit as safety training as well. Check out the March 2015 Safety Beacon for materials on Anti-Bullying. If you have topics you would like to suggest for this training, reach out to Lt Col Janisko. Communications: - The HF National Traffic Net (NTN) has built up to an average of 96 stations representing nearly 95% of the wings every day, with 111 stations checking in on one day being the highest day so far. Great work! - The sunset date for Basic Communications User Training (BCUT) and Advanced Communications Users Training (ACUT), 1 September 2015, will soon be here. All members with duties including unsupervised operation of radios on CAP frequencies must complete Introductory Communications Users Training (ICUT) before then. Details are available in CAPR 100-1, paragraph 5-2. Operations Support: - National Emergency Services Academy (NESA): It’s not too late to apply for the 2015 NESA, being held in two one-week sessions from 18 July to 1 August. More information about NESA is available at www.nesa.cap.gov and personnel interested in applying to attend as a student or staff member can apply online at: https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.Events_NESA.Web/Form31.aspx. th - CAPR 173-3, Payment for Mission Support, was released on the 27 of February. It is available online at: http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/R173_003_BE7CCE2DDCDBB.pdf. rd - CAPR 35-6, Operations Ratings, Awards and Badges, was released on the 23 of January. It is available online at: http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/R035_006_70213217D50CA.pdf. st

Training: The annual training and operational mission plans module in e-services will open on the 1 of st April. Plans are due to the CAP-USAF Liaison Regions by the 31 of July, and this year will include inputs for training, proficiency, subordinate unit inspections, and cadet orientation flights.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - [email protected]; [email protected] Chief of PD: Bobbie Tourville – [email protected] PD Manager: Col Bryan Cooper – [email protected] eLearning Program Manager: Ron Olienyk – [email protected] eLearning Staff Assistant: Col Stan Skrabut -- [email protected] National Staff College: Just a reminder that the deadline to apply for National staff College is 15 April 2015. Tuition is $195 plus the cost of Lodging, meals and transportation to/from Montgomery. To apply, please access the Registration and Payment System in eServices and fill out the online application. For questions, please contact the NSC Director, Col Virginia Nelson at [email protected]. Commander Leadership Survey: What kind of member do we want in 10 years? Professional Development is undertaking a major examination of all its courses, programs and activities with an eye towards developing a comprehensive leadership development program. Over the next several months PD will survey commanders and members to determine leadership education and training needs at all levels. More information on this exciting initiative is forthcoming. Please contact Bobbie Tourville, [email protected] if you have questions. Cadet Protection Basic and Advanced Courses: The new cadet protection courses are available on the Learning Management System (LMS) in the Cadet Programs content area. All members must complete the new Cadet Protection Basic Course by 1 July 2015. - New members will complete the training as part of the Level 1 Orientation Course. If the Basic Course was completed in the Level 1 Orientation course prior to 17 Feb 2015, the member will have to complete the new “Cadet Protection Basic Course (Senior)”. - Members with Level 1 previously completed need to accomplish the Cadet Protection Basic Course (Senior) course. This will include a quiz and a summary conversation. Once the summary conversation is complete, the member will be complete with the course. - Cadets: Cadets 18 and over must complete the Cadet Protection Basic Course (Cadet). The course includes a quiz and a summary conversation. As soon as both parts are complete the cadet will receive credit in eServices. - Senior Member Advanced Course: Senior members in the following positions (Commander, Vice Commander, Chief of Staff, Director of Cadet Programs, Inspector General, and Deputy Commander of Cadets) must complete the Advanced Cadet Protection course in addition to the Basic Cadet Protection course. The Advanced course includes a quiz. There is no summary conversation required. - During this initial training period, senior members who require both the basic course and the advanced course can take both online portions first and then complete the summary conversation for the basic course afterward if they prefer to do it that way. If you have any questions please contact Ron Olienyk at [email protected]. PUBLIC AFFAIRS Senior Director: John Salvador – [email protected] Deputy Director for Public Affairs: Julie DeBardelaben – [email protected] Public Affairs Manager: Lt Col Steven Solomon – [email protected] Marketing and Social Media Manager: Lt. Col. Paul Cianciolo – [email protected] Assistant Public Affairs/Marketing/Social Media Manager: Lt. Col. Joe Winter – [email protected] Social Media: Public Affairs is working toward creating a national social media strategy for Civil Air Patrol, aimed at ensuring the organization makes the most effective use of the most popular online tools to publicize CAP, tell its stories and strengthen recruitment and retention among target audiences, especially youth. Meanwhile, posts on CAP’s main Facebook page frequently receive more than 20,000 views, and the organization’s Twitter account is approaching 4,800 followers, representing a 33 percent increase over the last year.

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PA and Crisis Communications Plans - As required annually by CAPR 190-1, 2015 plans are being submitted by Region, Wing and Squadron PAOs to NHQ/PA for review and feedback that is part of the IG inspection process. National PAO Academy - A two-day agenda of presentations and workshops to complement the "How-to Guide for Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs" in support of CAP PAOs duties is being planned for the upcoming National Conference in Orlando, Florida. The PAO Academy dates will be 26-27 August. RECRUITING AND RETENTION National Recruiting & Retention Manager: Lt Col Darin Ninness – [email protected] Asst Chief, Personnel & Member Actions: Marie Vogt – [email protected] New National Recruiting & Retention Manager selected: Lt Col Darin Ninness has recently been selected as the new National R&R manager. Col Ninness has extensive experience in CAP and has great ideas and plans for CAP’s R&R efforts. SAFETY Chief of Safety: George Vogt – [email protected] Assistant Chief of Safety: Col Robert Castle - [email protected] National Commander’s Safety Policy: The National Commander’s Safety Policy Letter was released on 27 February 2015 at the Winter Command Council. The policy emphasizes that all members will have a voice in the CAP Safety Program, with an on-going emphasis on hazard identification and risk mitigation. The program will be moving away from a “punitive” and “square filling” program to a program of processes and tools, developed with the help of members, to ensure our members’ safety. To read the complete letter, click HERE. Read the Safety Beacon Newsletter: The Beacon Newsletter has changed its focus, with more articles about how to apply risk management, more features on lessons learned from CAP mishaps, and more articles and “best practices” submitted by our members. We are encouraging safety officers at every level to use topics in the Beacon to lead discussions in their units; thought-provoking discussions are a valuable tool for our continuing safety education. Click HERE for a link to the current and past Beacon Newsletters. SPAATZ ASSOCIATION Vice President, The Spaatz Association: Lt Col “JD” Ellis – [email protected] TSA Leadership Grants: TSA has updated its application for the 2015 Leadership Grant program. More than $30,000 is available to individuals, squadrons, groups, wings, regions, or national-level programs that support cadet leadership development. Grants are awarded quarterly. Deadlines for applications are 31 January, 30 April, 31 July, and 31 October. For more information, visit www.spaatz.org. TSA Aerospace Leadership Scholarships: The TSA awarded four $2,500 Aerospace Leadership Scholarships at the Mid-Winter Dinner on 28 February 2015 in Washington, DC. The scholarship funds will be used by the cadets in their efforts to attain a private pilot’s license. The awardees are; C/2d Lt Alec C. Albright, Stratford Eagles Sqdn, CT Wing C/2d Lt Eli D. Boothe, Asheville Composite Sqdn, NC Wing C/Maj Thomas S. French, Skyhawks Comp Sqdn 47, CA Wing C/2d Lt Paul A. Todd, Hampton Roads Comp Sqdn, VA Wing Looking for recommendations on how to conduct a Spaatz Award ceremony? Check out the outline approved by the Spaatz Family at http://wp.me/P1NZgT-z8. Commanders, we need your help! TSA maintains contact information for all Spaatz and Falcon Award recipients, even after they leave the Civil Air Patrol. Unfortunately, more than 2/3 of all recipients are considered "lost" in our database. If you know a Spaatz or Falcon award recipient, ask them to visit www.spaatz.org and complete our online Information Update Form.

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STRATEGIC PLANNING Chief of Plans: Paul Gloyd – [email protected] Chief of Strategic Planning: Col Brooks Cima – [email protected] Strategic Plan Development: CAP is beginning development of the 2016-2018 Strategic Plan. This plan is leadership’s strategy used to identify goals for shaping CAP’s future and for establishing ideas for achieving those goals. Ultimately, the strategic plan will be the impetus for moving the organization forward and will determine ways in which CAP will grow and change over the next three years. Members may submit their ideas for goals between April 1-30 at this link: https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.AppComments.Web/AddComments.aspx

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