Leesburg Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, VA117

01/07/2021

Congratulations to Leesburg’s own C/Lt Col Julia McGee for her selection as Commander for VAWG Spring Encampment 2021!
#WeMakeLeaders

12/25/2020

Happy Holidays from Leesburg Composite Squadron!
Enjoy this CAP Christmas poem written by one of our own in the Florida Wing!
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, (including PC and mouse).
I had finished the toys, and the tree, and the wrap,
And had just settled down for a few hours nap.
When out from the street there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
From my window my eyes did spy a lone man,
Who was dressed in a uniform, a thing in his hand,
That screamed a loud noise, so horrid and sick,
It was clear in a moment this wasn’t St. Nick!
He turned, and he walked, and he looked to and fro,
From the hill up the street to the valley below,
His look was determined; eyes fixed on some quest,
But what could have stirred this young man from his rest?
For what was he searching? Why wouldn’t he leave?
What could be so important this cold Christmas Eve?
I flew open the door and yelled to the man,
“Now, why do you stand there, contraption in hand;
That wails with a noise as if screaming in fright;
What brings you out here in the middle of the night?”
He said, “Be at ease, sir; do not be alarmed,
We’re the Civil Air Patrol (and we are not armed),
‘Tis an emergency beacon that my team and I seek;
And the signal is fading, indeed is quite weak.
It might be an old unit that was tossed in the trash,
Or it might be an aviator, downed in a crash.
And so we do search on this cold winter night,
In the hopes that all’s well; everyone is all right.”
Tired and confused; I thought it absurd
That of this strange group I’d heard nary a word;
They weren’t well known, I then quickly surmised;
And did thusly comment; he said, “No surprise
That of us you’ve heard nothing; we tend to be quiet,
But our name is well known to many a pilot,
For many we’ve rescued; in cold and in fright,
This reason compels us to search here tonight.”
“For such service”, I guessed, “you earn much through the years.”
“Not a cent,“ he replied, “We are all volunteers.
From my team on the ground, to the crew in the sky.”
(Skyward, he pointed, as their aircraft flew by)
“For how long?”, I asked, in much consternation,
Said he, “Since ‘41 we’ve been serving this nation,
Through wartime and peacetime, through calm and disaster,
We serve this great Country; we practice to master
The skills I now use; and I’m happy to say,
We’re training the youth who will lead us someday.”
With a shake of my hand he took then his leave,
And continued his search on this cold Christmas Eve.
I returned to my bed, and chuckled, and said,
“He’s out chasing ghosts, and I’m snuggled in bed;
He’s certainly crazy, it’s easy to see;
He searches all night – and he does it for free?”
I thought no more of it, and in the morn did arise,
To find my wife sobbing, with tears in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I inquired, “And why are you crying?”
“Your father”, she replied, “To visit was flying
A small plane he’d recently learned how to fly,
But he crashed in the valley – they do not know why.”
She broke down anew; as she fought back her tears,
And said, “He was found by some volunteers,
Who hunted the beacon he had in his plane,
And found him alive, but cold and in pain.”
We rushed to his side; the story he told,
Was of those who had searched through the night and the cold,
Until they had found him, of them he did say,
“Son, without them I’d have missed Christmas Day;
Or any that followed; for them I give thanks;
‘Tis some outstanding folks that they count in their ranks.”
My eyes then grew wide; my heart skipped a beat,
As my thoughts suddenly turned to that man on the street,
How his “mission”, I’d thought, had been not worth the bother;
But how likely it was that he’d found my father.
He’d given us Christmas, and New Year’s, and more,
And the nature of his calling I no longer could ignore.
The next week I joined up with the local C.A.P.,
With whom I serve our Country - voluntarily – for free.

Maj. Joe Tomasone, FLWG Director of Communications
December 2008

12/19/2020

Today, Cadets from Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in Wreaths Across America, an event which honors American Veterans who have served in the past and given their lives for our country. The Cadets layed wreaths on dozens of American soldiers graves, and payed respect to each branch of the military by laying wreaths in their honor. Our squadron was truly honored to participate in such a patriotic and humbling event. Thank you to those who participated. #CivilAirPatrol

12/19/2020

Congratulations to all Units! Job well done! #CivilAirPatrol

16 VAWG Units have been awarded the QCUA!

Virginia Wing,

It is my distinct honor to announce the 16 units that have earned the 2020 Quality Cadet Unit Award for their performance in 2019-2020. This award recognizes squadrons that have vibrant cadet programs. Many of these units have received these consecutively and for many years.

A special congratulations to Newport News and Burke for meeting 8 out of 10 criteria, of which only 16 units in the nation met, and to Langley and Prince William for meeting 7 out of 10 criteria, of which only 52 units in the nation met. These four units are in top 13% of units for exceeding the minimum criterion.

I look forward to presenting the streamers and certificates at our wing conference in the spring.

V/r

Deano

DEAN E. GOULD, Col, CAP
Commander
Virginia Wing

Mid-Atlantic Region, Civil Air Patrol Knight Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Lynchburg Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Danville Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Tidewater Composite Squadron - Civil Air Patrol, Winchester Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Montgomery Composite Squadron, Southside Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Newport News Composite Squadron, Carolyn A Guertin Cadet Squadron, Coastal Composite Squadron, Prince William Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Fredericksburg Composite Squadron, Leesburg Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, VA117, Burke Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol, Minuteman Composite Squadron - Civil Air Patrol

12/18/2020

#civilairpatrol #wrightbrothers

On this day in 1903, brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright flew the Wright Flyer, becoming the first powered, heavier-than-air machine to achieve controlled, sustained flight with a pilot on board. The innovation of these aviation pioneers helped pave the way for modern aviation.

#aviation
#wrightbrothersday
#aerospaceeducation
#civilairpatrol

12/13/2020

Our audacious ethical patriotic Cadet leaders in professional meaningful action at Leesburg Composite Squadron training day!

Great Start - C/Maj Homa
Emergency Services - C/1stLt Degnan C.
Honor Guard - C/2dLt Garcia A.

Civil Air Patrol - We Make Leaders!

12/08/2020

Chuck Yeager, 1st to break sound barrier, dies at 97

Yesterday’s passing of General Chuck Yeager is a tremendous loss to our nation. Clear skies and tailwinds, sir.

“You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can't, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don't give up.”
-Chuck Yeager

https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/12/08/chuck-yeager-1st-to-break-sound-barrier-dies-at-97/

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles “Chuck” Yeager, the World War II fighter pilot ace and quintessential test pilot who showed he had the “right stuff” when in 1947 he became the first person to fly faster than sound, has died. He was 97.

12/03/2020

Leesburg Composite Squadron enjoyed another virtual meeting on Tuesday! The focus was on character development where cadets discussed the importance of humility. Cadets were given examples of false humility and how to practice humble behaviors. C/2nd Lt. Indukuri and C/2nd Lt. Garcia did an amazing job with the presentation!

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.”
- CS Lewis

12/01/2020

Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Civil Air Patrol cadets from the Virginia Wing's Leesburg Composite Squadron (VA-117) got to experience the thrill of aviation first-hand as they piloted the CAP’s sophisticated Cessna 182. Observing proper mask and sanitation protocols at all times, the flights were all conducted under the supervision of highly qualified and experienced CAP senior member pilots.
And while the pilots couldn't see the cadet's smiles - they could definitely hear it in their voices and gratitude. #CivilAirPatrol

Here are a few photos of CAP cadets flying:

12/01/2020

Meeting tonight! #CivilAirPatrol

12/01/2020

#CivilAirPatrol

Happy birthday to the Civil Air Patrol! We've been lucky to work with the CAP this year. They helped transport COVID-19 test kits to the Eastern Shore earlier this year and we provided a familiarization flight onboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to their cadets during their winter encampment.

11/26/2020

We are thankful for all of you, our friends, for your support this past year. Thank you for your support of Leesburg Composite Squadron.

To our members-thank you for your service to our communities, our squadron and Civil Air Patrol! #cap #HappyThanksgiving#civilairpatrol

11/25/2020

Members of Leesburg Composite Squadron met virtually Tuesday evening for a PT Health and Safety Briefing along with an Emergency Services class. The nights topics included cold weather preparedness during CAP missions and Military application processes. Cadets then broke into small group discussion during section time. #CivilAirPatrol #virtualmeeting

11/11/2020

Today we honor those who have served! #VeteransDay

11/10/2020

Another Leesburg Cadet joins the ranks of cadet pilots! Congratulations C/TSgt Long! And thanks to Aviation Adventures for continuing to support our squadron and out cadets.

Carter Long thought he’d be slipping the surly bonds of Earth solo this morning, but Mother Nature had different plans with a blanket of dense fog. Luckily, an afternoon cancelation on the schedule allowed Carter to get airborne and take advantage of what quickly became a great flying day. He made it look easy with 3 full stop landings on Runway 17. Nice job Carter...now on to the next phase of training!

Nate Hahn, CFI

11/03/2020

Ductus Exemplo

We have 59 days left in 2020. To say this year has been rough may be an understatement.

But, the challenges of this year reminded me that great leaders know they are being watched and are aware of the impact of their words, actions, and intentions. They know what they say, what they do, how they react, or respond will either inspire others, or cause them to turn away from their leadership.

Encouraging each of you to be wise, be deliberate, be strong. You got this, wingman...and we got you!

(BTW, this applies to life...you can replace leader with parent, family, friend, coworker, teammate. In fact, it’s because of my kiddos FIRST that I stay strong.)

#Team19 #wingmen #purpose #connectedness #culture

10/21/2020

Leesburg Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, VA117

09/22/2020

Cadets! Reminder that there is a PT and Emergency Service meeting tonight at 1900!
#CivilAirPatrol #Leesburg

09/18/2020

Happy 73rd birthday United States Air Force!
#USAF

09/08/2020

Cadets, tonight at 1900 there will be an online Aerospace meeting!
#Leesburg #CivilAirPatrol #aerospace

09/01/2020

Cadets! Reminder that there is a Character Development meeting tonight at 1900!
#CivilAirPatrol #CharacterDevelopment #Leesburg

08/25/2020

Reminder to cadets that there will be a PT meeting at 1900 tonight!

08/18/2020

Cadets, just a reminder there is a meeting at 1900 focused on leadership tonight!

08/11/2020

Reminder to cadets: aerospace meeting tonight at 1900!!

08/07/2020

At last Tuesday’s meeting, August 4th 2020, the cadets from Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in an amazing class delivered by our Cadet Character Development officers, listened to a guest speaker from the Air National Guard, and many cadets were promoted.
#leesburg #CivilAirPatrol #CharacterDevelopment

08/04/2020

Reminder that there is an online character development meeting tonight!
#CivilAirPatrol #leesburg

08/04/2020

Last week’s meeting, July 28th 2020, was focused on Physical Training. In addition, cadets gave a Safety Briefing on Emergency Services.

08/02/2020

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

https://www.facebook.com/NASA/videos/632712900706770/

In case you missed it, the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft with NASA Astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on board undocked from the International Space Station at 7:35 p.m. EDT.

Watch NASA TV for continuous coverage as the spacecraft proceeds toward splashdown off the coast of Florida, Sunday, Aug. 2 at 2:48 p.m. EDT: www.nasa.gov/live

07/28/2020

Cadets! Don’t forget, PT meeting tonight at 1900.
#CivilAirPatrol #leesburg #PhysicalTraining

05/31/2020

SpaceX's new 'Endeavour' spaceship just made history by docking to the International Space Station with 2 NASA astronauts inside

SpaceX's new 'Endeavour' spaceship just made history by docking to the International Space Station with 2 NASA astronauts inside

https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-astronauts-connect-spacex-crew-dragon-spaceship-international-space-station-2020-5

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley can now begin a stay in orbit that could last up to 110 days before they return home.

05/27/2020

Today’s launch is cancelled today. It is rescheduled for this Saturday.

05/25/2020

Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020
#AllGaveSomeSomeGaveAll
#WeWillNotForget

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. Because of these sacrifices, the dawn of justice and freedom throughout the world slowly casts its gleam across the horizon."
~President Harry Truman

05/08/2020

Virginia Wing Encampment, Civil Air Patrol

From the Wing Commander:
Virginia Wing,

I know many of you are wondering about the 2020 Summer Encampment. Thank you for patience as we continue to carefully evaluate all options.

At this time, we are postponing the Virginia Wing encampment. We are evaluating the option of rescheduling later in the summer and we are looking at expanding our winter encampment to meet the needs of our cadets.

We will have more information for you next week, stay tuned, stay safe, and keep up the great work with all that you are doing virtually!

V/r,

Col Dean E Gould

05/07/2020

Air Force Times

Air Force Times

WATCH: Here's how you can become a B-2 pilot--and what it takes to fly the aircraft.

02/28/2020

At the 11 February 2020 meeting, cadets from Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in an egg-drop activity for Aerospace night and practiced for those attending the cadet competition on Sunday. Drill, inspections, and milestone testing was also held.
To learn more about Civil Air Patrol or to join Leesburg Civil Air Patrol, e-mail [email protected] or check out our website: Leesburg.vawg.cap.gov
#GoCivilAirPatrol #LeesburgCAP