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Squadron Supports
Armory's Family Services Teaneck Composite Squadron assisted the Teaneck Armory’s Family Services on June 28, 2008 with a food drive. The Rotary Club sponsored the drive at the local Shop Rite, customers were given a list of items to donate and then dropped their bags off to military personnel who were standing by in the parking lot. Members of TCS were waiting at the armory and when the groceries arrived they helped bring them into the building and stack the shelves. (See Photos) The groceries lined the length of two hallways and cadets and seniors alike unload the truck and piled bags into grocery carts. The Armory was extremely grateful for the support. They recently experienced the largest deployment since WWII and the families of the deployed soldiers, who are taking a pay cut to serve their country depend on the food pantry for assistance. If you are interested in making a donation to family services please ask 1st Lt Hoffman for more information at the meeting. Weekend Training
Proves Successful On June 28, 2008, Teaneck Cadets took part in a basic training weekend. The training session was designed to resemble an encampment atmosphere of intermediate stress while ensuring new cadets were up to par with the rest of the flight. During the session, cadets for the first time reviewed drill theory which explained how and why commands are called, how to execute them, how to recover from them, and when they cannot be called. “Usually we just have new cadets learn how to execute commands, but by having them learn the rules behind them, it ensure they do them properly, rather than follow blindly, and will be a huge benefit when they reach the sergeant ranks,” said Cadet Commander Lori Hoffman. After reviewing the rules behind drill, the cadets drilled for a little over an hour to make sure their form was correct. Cadets also reviewed customs and courtesies in great detail. While TCS Cadets often take part in basic courtesies at the squadron such as saluting and reporting, they reviewed how to respond to military bugle calls and during which stages of a flag being handled is it appropriate to salute. The squadron also had a class on how to wear their uniform. Cadets learned how to properly press BDU, how to measure where their insignias should be placed, how to roll sleeves, how to blouse, and how to polish their boots. During the boot polishing session, cadets were quizzed on their CAP general knowledge as they worked. Photos of training
Former Cadet Commander Speaks With Cadets
Daniel Beekman was Cadet Commander of Paramus
Composite Squadron NJ-035, now known as Teaneck Composite
Squadron.
Beekman earned his Amelia Earhart Award before
leaving the cadet program in the summer of 2005, when he Recently, Beekman returned to squadron to talk to current cadets about his life in the military and how his time as a Civil Air Patrol cadet prepared him for a career in the United States Army. At a squadron meeting in Teaneck National Guard Armory, the former Cadet Captain spoke to cadets who are new to the program, about his experiences as a CAP Cadet and as a soldier. He spoke of attending New Jersey Wings Encampments as both a basic and then as staff. The talked about how being in different leadership roles at the squadron and other CAP events, helped him gain a different perspective on the chain of command. He also credited his time as a cadet with teaching him a valuable lesson in discipline. After the meeting, Beekman stayed and spoke with cadets who are interested in joining the military. “It was really cool to talk to somebody who used to meet here, who did the things that we are doing, and to hear how it can help”, said Cadet Airman Jake DeCristofaro. VonKnoblauch Promoted to Sergeant Cadet Senior Airman Kyle VonKnoblauch achieved his first mile stone and was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant. Sgt. Vonknoblauch has been a cadet in the Teaneck CAP Squadron for approximately a year and a half. During that time, he has attended a CAP Cadet Basic Training Encampment at Norwich University Military Academy in Northfield, Vermont, attended ground search and rescue training, radio communications training and as a Senior Airman; he mentored teens entering the CAP Cadet Program at the Teaneck Composite Squadron. To receive
this promotion to Cadet Staff Sergeant, Vonknoblauch passed written examinations
in Aerospace Education and Military Leadership. In
addition, he had to demonstrate
his proficiency in: moral leadership, military (marching) drill, military
customs and courtesies, and physical fitness
training. As a Cadet Airman,
he received instruction on receiving and obeying orders. He learned to be a
good follower, and by doing so, he and other
As a Cadet Staff Sergeant, Vonknoblauch enters the leadership training phase of the Cadet Program. His responsibilities and obligations will now include cadets under his supervision and command. “He will receive leadership training and as Cadet Commander, I will monitor his ability and progress. I am confident he will be successful”, said Cadet major Hoffman. As a Senior Airman, he already began demonstrating his leadership ability and has earned the respect of the cadets in the squadron. Sergeant VonKnoblauch is currently the Director of Curry at Teaneck Composite squadron, his role is to mentor new cadets and help them successfully meet the requirements of their first promotion.
Cadets Build
New Bond Teaneck Composite Squadron (TCS) has recently recruited many new cadets who are being introduced to all the aspects of the cadet program. After the required monthly physical training, the new cadets took part in TCS’s tradition of team building. The new cadets took part in Leadership Reaction Courses (LRC) to show their ability to problem solve, think outside of the box, accomplish difficult tasks, and most importantly work together. After each LRC, the group took part in a short verbal after action report. “I was glad to see that not only were they accomplishing the tasks, but that they were using what they learned from the previous LRC and weren’t repeating mistakes” said 2d Lt Lisa Hoffman who was observing their interaction. By the end of the teambuilding there was a positive noticeable difference in the cadets’ interactions with one another.
Cadet Airmen Jake and Nadine DeCristofaro along with other members of the New Jersey Wing’s (NJW) Dragon Drill Team, came in second place in the North East Region (NER) Cadet Competition. The Dragon Drill Team took home a total of eight trophies. They placed first in the uniform inspection, innovative drill, and mile run. They came in second in the standard drill category and took third place in volleyball, the written exam, and the panel quiz. The DeCristofaros are new to CAP, only having been cadets for three months. “It is incredible how far they have come in such a short period of time”, said their Squadron Commander C/Maj Hoffman. The DeCristofaros enjoyed the experience and look forward to other opportunities as CAP cadets in the future.
Hoffman
Represents the Air Force
Cadet Major Lori Hoffman represented the United States Air Force in a parade and ceremony held in Metuchen, NJ on Memorial Day. She was the Air Force representative in a joint service caisson. She fell in with members of the Army, Marines, Navy, and Cost Guard to escort a ceremonial casket carried by a horse drawn carriage to a service where she and the other members of the team took part in a bearers detail, followed by a flag folding ceremony. Hoffman has been working with McGuire’s Base Honor Guard since December. She has previously took part in both the colors (flags) and bearers (funeral) elements. Last July, she attended Civil Air Patrol’s Honor Guard Academy (HGA), as a basic, where she worked with Honor Guardsmen from Bowling AFB. She plans to return to HGA this year for two weeks of intermediate level training. Deputy for Cadets says, “Job Well Done” Captain Al Hoffman, is very pleased with cadets’ individual progression. “It’s good to see cadets testing and even better to see that they are passing”, he commented. Cadets must take written exams in leadership and aerospace education as part of their requirements for being promoted. Captain Hoffman was glad to see that TCS cadets are taking the academic part of the program seriously and are studying so they can advance in grade (sometimes referred to as rank). He hopes this continues and encourages new members to follow the example set by senior cadets. Too see pictures of recent promotions click here. DDR Meets DDR
In addition to simulating how both simple task, like walking, and more advance task, like playing DDR become significantly more difficult while intoxicated, cadets saw how they would appear to their peers. “We all had a good time laughing while we were trying to play the game, but we looked so stupid…hopefully cadets will keep that in mind if they aren’t worried about their safety, maybe they will worry about their reputation ”, said C/DDRO Maj Hoffman. After the class and simulation, the Deputy for Cadets, who is in law enforcement, talked about the legal ramifications that can occur as a result of underage drinking. In addition, the Squadron Commander, who is in the medical field, talked about medical implications that he has witnessed as a result for alcohol poisoning. “They had a great time, but at the same time they understood how important the message was”, said Squadron Commander, Captain Pete Mitchell.
NJW Online Registration NJWBE is being done online this year. Any cadets interested in attending encampment or NCOA this year should register before 10 July 2008. Don't forget if you want an extra shirt, you must order it separately. Registration Site NJWBE & NCOA '08 Date Announced The date for New Jersey Wing's Basic Encampment (NJWBE) and Non-Commissioned Officer's Academy (NCOA) is 26 July- 2 August. Basic Encampments and NCOAs are standardize by regulation throughout the country. If these dates conflict with your schedule, but you would still like to attend an Encampment or NCO you can attend one in another wing and still receive credit for your training. Click here to view National's Basic Encampment website. As more details are released about NJWBE they will passed down through the chain of command. If you cannot attend the NJWBE but would like to go to one in another wing, notify the next in your chain of command to receive permission to contact that wing. All paper work for any training, must go to the Administration Officer via your Chain of Command. Encampment Commander Announced New Jersey Wing Vice Commander, Lt Col Robert Jennings, has been announced the 2008 New Jersey Wing Encampment Commander. A basic encampment is required for cadets to become an cadet officer in the program and to be eligible for any National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA). Cadets that have previously attended an encampment can apply for staff positions. More information will be posted as it is released. Any new cadets who have questions about encampment, please forward your questions up your chain of command in order to ensure an appropriate response. Any Senior Officer who is 21 or older and has completed Level One who would like to assist with Encampment should ask the Deputy Commander for Seniors how to apply.
National Board and Conference The 2008 Civil Air Patrol National Board and Annual Conference will be held in Kissimmee, Florida from 6-9 August. For more information about the conference schedule, discounted hotel tickets, and more visit http://www.cap.gov/2008AC
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For More Information Contact Capt Hoffman at ahoffman@nj.rr.com
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cadets
become a valuable member of the unit. 
DeCristofaros
Win Trophies
