Archive for May 24, 2015

| May 24, 2015
Comments Off on OCS Cadet earns State and National Boy Scout Awards

OCS Cadet earns State and National Boy Scout Awards

The Omaha Composite Squadron has always been extremely proud of its members’ dedication, efforts and accomplishments in every facet of life.   Many times, our members go above and beyond their Civil Air Patrol duties and serve their communities in spectacular fashion.  One such member is our own Cadet Deputy Commander, C/2dLt. Ethan Copple, who also serves as a member of the Boy Scouts of America.   For his Eagle Scout Community Service Project, C/2dLt Copple spearheaded the effort to erect a granite stone memorial in honor of the Douglas County servicemen who gave their lives during the Korean War.

For this effort, C/2dLt Copple has been named the National American Legion’s 2015 Eagle Scout of the Year. Copple will receive a $10,000 scholarship from The American Legion in recognition of the honor.

Other honors which C/2dLt Copple has received as part of his Boy Scout Service this year alone, include:

  • 2015 Nebraska VFW Eagle Scout of the Year
  • 2015  Nebraska American Legion Eagle Scout of the year.

C/2dLt Copple during his Eagle Scout Project Presentation

He will speak this summer at the two Nebraska conventions, and  will head to Baltimore Aug 28 – Sept 2 to speak to 6000-7000 people at the Boy Scout convention.

Words cannot express the admiration our Squadron holds for C/2dLt Copple’s accomplishments, and how proud we are to have such dedicated young cadets willing to actively serve their communities and keep the memories of our fallen servicemen alive.

Read more the American Legion Website here:  http://www.legion.org/scouting/227130/nebraska-teen-wins-eagle-scout-year 

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| May 24, 2015
Comments Off on OCS distributes Poppies for American Legion

OCS distributes Poppies for American Legion

Again this year, the Omaha Composite Squadron came out in force to help out the American Legion on its annual Poppies for Veterans on Armed Forces Day, May 16, 2015.  Ten Cadets and Three Seniors were in attendance, helping the American Legion distribute Poppies and collect donations that will go to help our Veterans’ Welfare Fund for programs to help with rehabilitation efforts of veterans and assistance for active duty men and women.

OCS Cadets volunteer with the American Legion on Armed Forces Day

Cadets and Seniors arrived at 0800 sharp and began offering people Poppies to wear in honor of American Veterans.  In all, the squadron helped collect nearly $1000 in 6 hours before we ran out of Poppies.  This was by far the largest amount we have ever collected for the American Legion.

Several individuals recognized the CAP uniforms readily, and engaged the cadets in conversation, sharing their past experiences and adventures when they were members.  Among them was the 1972 NCR Region Commander, who was generous enough to pose with the squadron members for a brief photo.

The 1972 North Central Region Commander happened to stop by and shared experiences with the cadets about his time in CAP.

We look forward to assisting the American Legion in their efforts in the years to come.

American Legion Certificate of Recognition 2015

 

Letter of Appreciation

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| May 7, 2015
Comments Off on Cadets take to the Sky in Blackhawk Helicopters

Cadets take to the Sky in Blackhawk Helicopters

Cadets from both Nebraska and Iowa took to the skies in Army Blackhawk helicopters from the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Four units attended the activity hosted by the Nebraska Army Guard: Offutt Composite, Omaha Composite, 99th Pursuit, and Southwest Iowa. Cadets and seniors were broken up into six groups, who were spread over three flights in two Blackhawks. Each group contained approximately five or six cadets, accompanied by two or three senior members, a comfortable seating arrangement for a fourteen-passenger helicopter.

Click on the Video to play:

Before the flights, all the attendees were briefed on information about the helicopters, the flight route, procedures for entering and exiting the aircraft, and procedures in the event of an in-flight emergency.

After the briefing, cadets and seniors were led into the main hangar, where the helicopters were boarded for each flight. Members in the hangar were given a tour of a US Army C-12 VIP transport aircraft, as well as several Blackhawk helicopters in the hangar.

Blackhawk helicopters in formation over the Nebraska Plains

After each flight departed the Guard Base, members on board the helicopters were treated to a formation flight over Lincoln, Nebraska. The pilots then descended to tree level for the cadets’ favorite part of the flight: High-speed, low altitude maneuvers. The pilots gladly showed off the helicopters’ maneuvering capabilities to the cadets, performing tight turns, fast climbs, and high-speed flight that sometimes descended below tree level.

The activity was highly enjoyed by all in attendance, and the Army Guard members told seniors and cadets they would be glad to host such an activity again.

Join Civil Air Patrol and be part of the adventure!

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