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Commander’s Commentary—August 2005

Col Kay Joslin Walling

Dear Maryland Wing Members,

The 2005 Tri-Wing Encampment was an outstanding success thanks to the efforts of Capt Joe Winter (Encampment Commander), Lt Col Larry Buck (Deputy-Commander), Capt Jon Johnson (Commandant of Cadets), C/Lt Col Joanna Weiss (Cadet Commander) and a whole host of other members from the Maryland, Delaware, and National Capital Wings who are too numerous to mention here. Several new innovations in procedures insured that check-in went quicker and the barracks were cleared at 1030 hours on the departure day. A team of three chaplain counselors ensured that every cadet had access to assistance. An outstanding medical team made sure that everyone was well hydrated and any potential medical situation was treated. Our special thanks go to the Maryland National Guard for supporting helicopter and C-130 orientation rides, the rappel tower, the confidence course, and for providing facilities at Camp Fretterd. Cook teams were provided by a joint team from the Maryland, Delaware, and the DC National Guards. The planning team is already planning for ways to further improve procedures for next year. Congratulations for a job well done!

Capt Bruce Drury explained the new emphasis on Operational Risk Management at the Wing Staff Meeting, Commander’s Call, and Safety Officer’s meeting on 5 August. The information is included in the Briefing Packet posted on the website. Speaking of the website, Maj Chris Ready unveiled the Beta 3.0 version of the new Maryland Wing website. Some of the enhanced features include a true “member’s only” section with individualized login for members and authorized guests. The new website is set to roll out on 1 September. Members can look for continuing IT upgrades at Wing HQ. Maj John Henderson briefed Wing Staff, Commanders, and the pilots attending the High-Performance training about the new on-line aircraft scheduling program. I have approved the Operations’ recommendation that we begin scheduling aircraft using the system in place on the NHQ website e-services page. Pilots will see a new application under the restricted section part of the e-services page. MDWG will be experimenting with the system throughout August, and it will become operational 1 September. We’re also looking at some “upgrades” to Wing HQ. Capt Terri Taylor and Capt William Taylor will be doing a safety survey of Wing HQ. After that members can begin to look for some minor maintenance construction. We’ll also be adding some finishing touches to “spruce up” the area. Lt Stephen Solomon, Lt Col John Johnson, and Maj Pete Loewenheim held training sessions the afternoon of the Wing Saturday. Members can look for mini-training sessions to become a regular part of the first Saturday Wing meetings.

Members are making it happen in Maryland Wing. Whether it’s seeing that out cadets get an encampment experience second to none, creating a better safety environment, experimenting with the latest technology, leading training sessions, or providing the best possible meeting space - our members volunteer their time, talents, and energy to get the job done. Each and every one of you are the lights that make Maryland Wing shine. Shine on!

Sincerely,

Colonel Walling's signature

KAY JOSLIN WALLING, Colonel, CAP
MDWG/CC