By Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs
SANTA FE, N.M. – The New Mexico National Guard hosted the Civil Air Patrol New Mexico Wing’s 2019 Summer Encampment June 13-21 on the Oñate Military Complex here.
Approximately 60 cadets and senior members from New Mexico and Texas squadrons, and one cadet from Colorado attended the encampment, said Lt. Col. Maria-Lisa Dilda of the New Mexico Wing.
This was Dilda’s fifth and final summer as encampment commander for New Mexico. Capt. Steven Lindquist will command next year’s encampment.
The cadets attended classes on Aerospace Education and completed the obstacle course, Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, land navigation, drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, and – of course – physical training or PT.
“They did lots of PT. I know that for sure,” said Lt. Col. Angie Slingluff, commander of the Santa Fe Composite Squadron.
The cadets also attended guest lectures on relevant subjects.
The highlight came June 20 when cadets toured the Army Aviation Support Facility. New Mexico Army National Guard aviators briefed the cadets on the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and C-12 Huron airplane. The aviators then answered questions from the cadets and allowed them to explore the inside of the aircraft.
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Shawn Cobb, CW4 Jarrett Miller, CW3 Brian Philipbar, CW2 Dominic Anderson, CW2 Anita Guderjohn, Sgt. Andrew Creasman and Sgt. Catherine Landry spent two hours speaking with cadets at the AASF.
Sgt. Josiah Garofalo of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion was also on hand to discuss career opportunities with the New Mexico National Guard. When Garofalo asked the cadets who were interested in military service, most raised their hands.
The Civil Air Patrol was founded in 1941 and became an official U.S. Air Force Auxiliary in 1948. Youth between the ages of 12 to 18 and adults who are interested in joining CAP can visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.nmcap.gov to learn more.
