Leesburg Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, VA117

March 13th, 2023, the Leesburg Composite Squadron hosted a Red Cross Blood Donor Center in Leesburg, VA. This was the squadron's third event of its kind with four cadets and three senior members donating blood. This is in connection with Civil Air Patrol's Operation Pulse Lift. Thank you to everyone who came out to donate!

Tuesday, March 7th, 2023, the cadets of Leesburg Composite Squadron held their monthly character development and promotions night. In addition, the senior members held their command meeting and briefings.

The cadets opened the meeting with formation and the posting of the colors followed by flight time. Next, the staff led the cadets through a character development class on SMART goals and their impact on the U.S. space race in the 1960s coupled with a Drug Demand Reduction class.

The cadet flights were then inspected by the staff before promotions and awards were presented. Congratulations to everyone who promoted as well as to Cadet of the Month Cadet Amn. Coy and Honor Flight for the month Echo Flight.

February 28th, 2023, cadet members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in PT testing and a senior cadet leadership panel. In the senior cadet panel, a select group of senior cadets led a panel where they discussed their experiences and lessons learned in the program. Cadets were also able to ask questions of the senior cadets. Cadets completed the pacer, curl-ups, and push-ups for their physical training testing.

February 21st, 2023, the cadets of the Leesburg Composite Squadron held their weekly meeting with a focus on drill and ceremonies. In addition to drill instruction, several cadets completed drill tests, milestone testing, and Armstrong speeches.

This past weekend cadets of Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in the National Capital Wing's Non-Commissioned Officer School (NCOS). The purpose of NCOS is to train cadet NCOs to lead and serve at their local units. The Leesburg Composite Squadron is thankful to the National Capital Wing for opening this activity to Virginia Wing cadets!

This past weekend, February 18-19, 2023, members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in Hawk Mountain Ranger School's Winter School. Members trained in cold weather operations and survival along with CAP members from across the country in an effort to increase their mission preparedness and emergency services skills.

On February 14th, the cadet members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron had their monthly Character Development night. Our cadet Character Development team discussed the importance and results of excellence. The Drug Demand Reduction team led a talk about the importance of knowing about drugs and their effects on people. The Senior Members had an aerospace education session where they learned about the development and the impact that the air campaign has had so far in Ukraine. The meeting was concluded with inspections and promotions.

At the recent 50th Anniversary Dining Out cadet and senior members were recognized for many awards which can be seen on the attached graphic. In addition, the CyberPatriot team was commended for their performance, and cadets who participated in marksmanship training were also recognized. The squadron itself also received an Aerospace Education Achievement Award and the Quality Cadet Unit Award.

Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, the Leesburg Composite Squadron held its annual dining out in recognition of its 50th anniversary. In attendance were special guests Col Elizabeth Sydow, Virginia Wing Commander; Lt Col Dan Brodsky, Group 3 Commander; and CMSgt Todd Parsons, National Command Chief. The squadron commander, Lt Shannon Smith, delivered a "state of the unit address" where she covered the past year for the squadron including various achievements and successful projects. Col Sydow also presented the squadron with its Quality Cadet Unit Award in recognition of an excellent cadet program. Cadets and senior members alike were recognized with several awards from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Air Force Sergeants Association, Air and Space Forces Association, and other organizations. A separate post will be coming out with a complete list of the awards presented during the evening.

January 29th, 2023. Members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol participated in the cadre selection exercise at Wing HQ in Richmond for the upcoming 2023 Virginia Wing Encampment. CSE is an opportunity for cadets from across the Wing to come together and be evaluated on their ability to lead others, wear the uniform properly, command drill and ceremonies, and other essential activities that go into being cadre at Encampment. The next step for cadet applicants will be the selection process followed by the first Encampment Staff Training currently scheduled for March 25th, 2023.

On January the 31st, 2023, cadet members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron held their annual "Safety Down Day". A variety of speakers including the Virginia Army National Guard, the Leesburg Police Department, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, among others ran stations covering diverse topics such as aviation, emergency services, and cybersecurity topics. During this time, they talked about opportunities for young cadets to step forward and do the right thing, ways to stay safe in dangerous situations, and how to raise awareness on mental illnesses. Family and friends participated, and there was an ambulance on display.

On Wednesday, members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in Virginia Wing's annual Legislative Day. Cadets met with members of the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate at the state capitol in Richmond. The cadets were able to share some of their experiences in the program with the legislators and were given the opportunity to participate in a tour of the capitol. Thank you to all the cadets that came out to this year's Legislative Day!

This past Tuesday, January 24th, 2023, the Leesburg Composite Squadron cadets conducted their semi-annual cadet change of command. They began the evening with opening formation and the posting of the colors along with the national anthem. Following formation, the command staff conducted the change of command ceremony. The outgoing Cadet Commander, Cadet Major Ty Nicholsen, transferred command to the incoming Cadet Commander, Cadet Captain Alec Garcia. The squadron heard speeches from the Squadron Commander, Deputy Commander for Cadets, and both incoming and outgoing Cadet Commanders. Following the speeches, the cadet command staff recognized the new cadet staff for the term. The meeting was concluded with flight time and cake. Thank you Cadet Major Nicholsen for your service as Cadet Commander and congratulations to Cadet Captain Garcia on his new role.

On January 17th, the cadets of Leesburg Composite Squadron held their leadership night, learning about various leadership strategies and demonstrating them through short role-playing and skill-building exercises, followed by drill testing and flight time.

On January 10th, 2023, the Leesburg Composite Squadron held its monthly aerospace night. In addition to normal activities, C/Lt Col Ciara Degnan was recognized and presented with the Ira C. Eaker award by the Mid-Atlantic Region Commander, Col Eugene Egry. Also in attendance were the Virginia Wing Commander, Col Elizabeth Sydow, and the Group 3 Commander, Lt Col Dan Brodsky. For aerospace, cadets learned about gliders with 1st. Lt. McGowan and student pilot officer C/2d. Lt. Hamza. The meeting was wrapped up with flight time and closing formation. Congratulations C/Lt Col Degnan!

On January 8th, 2023, the Leesburg Composite Squadron's Honor Guard Team met at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post for training in drill and ceremonies. The Honor Guard staff trained new members of the team in the basics of rifle and flag drill, indoor posting of the colors, and similar formations in preparation for both local events and the upcoming Virginia Wing Cadet Competition scheduled for February 11th, 2023.

On January 3rd, 2022, the Leesburg Composite Squadron held its monthly character development and promotions night. The cadets started off with opening formation and flight time before moving into a character development class led by the CD staff. This was followed by a standards class led by the executive cadet staff and drill and ceremonies trading. The meeting concluded with promotions where cadets were recognized for completing new achievements in the cadet program.

On the Senior Member side, a Command & Staff meeting was held where upcoming events such as the safety down day and upcoming Search and Rescue Exercise were discussed. The senior staff also received monthly reports from their officers.

If you want to learn more about the Leesburg Composite Squadron you can find us at: https://vawg.cap.gov/units/leesburg

On December the 27th, the cadet members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron had their monthly PT Night. The meeting started off with a safety briefing by our Deputy Commander of Support (C/Capt Alec Garcia). The Section First Sergeants then led warm-ups, followed by PT testing. The PT test consisted of the Pacer (a cardiorespiratory endurance activity where cadets run back and forth on a 40-meter track), push-ups, and sit-ups. After that, flight staff led a TLC (Team Leadership Challenge) for the members of their flight. Following the TLC, the cadets were split into their respective sections and were taught drill by their staff. In addition to this, cadets were interviewed for staff positions in the upcoming term. Our Squadron Commander—1st Lt Shannon Smith—finished off the meeting with a brief discussion on CAP's Non-Discrimination Policy. The SMs, led by Capt Marco Leon, discussed cockpit software and recapped local pilot missions.

On December the 20th, the cadet members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron had their monthly Leadership Night. Our Leadership team led a discussion in the 5 types of emotional intelligence, followed by a speech writing activity. In addition to this, the cadet Emergency Services NCOs led an Intro to ES class, and then joined the Senior Members for a class on the 24-hour pack. Our current Cadet Commander, C/Capt Ty Nicholsen, also gave an SDA (Staff Duty Analysis). Following the SDA, drill testing was conducted, and our new cadet Command Staff was announced. The incoming cadet Command staff positions are as follows:

C/Capt Alec Garcia (Cadet Commander)
C/Maj Maddelyn Thornton (Deputy Commander for Operations)
C/LtCol Ciara Degnan (Operations Officer)
C/1stLt Phillippe Tjahya (Deputy Commander for Support)
C/Maj Seth Nicholsen (Great Start Commander)

We are looking forward to this upcoming term and the new opportunities it will bring to our cadets!

On Saturday the 17th, members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in Wreaths Across America at the local Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA. The effort was organized by Capt Kelly Langmead and C/CMSgt Grant McGee and over 40 members from the squadron volunteered. Our Honor Guard started off the event with a ceremony, in which wreaths were laid for the different service branches and for the thousands of military members that are MIA. Many civilians attended the event, participated in our “Honor Circle,” and laid wreaths on the graves.

Established in 2007, WAA is dedicated to honor and remember the lives of the many fallen Veterans in our country. Each Veteran’s Wreath is made of 10 balsam bouquets; each bouquet embodies a different quality in a Veteran. WAA allows us to show our veterans and their families that we have not—and will never—forget the sacrifices that they made.

Thank you to all Wreaths Across America and Civil Air Patrol volunteers for this year’s celebration of veteran’s sacrifices.

On December the 13th, the cadet members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron had their monthly “Aerospace Night.” The aerospace team led a talk about the commercialization of space travel and the versatility of modern spacecrafts acting as both an airplane and a spacecraft. Following the class, drill testing was conducted for achievements 2, 4, & 6. The Senior Members, in a talk led by 2d Lt Kronenburg, talked about the main barriers of commercialization of drones, flying beyond visual line of sight, and the role that technology can play in removing those barriers He also spoke about the role drones play in search & rescue, surveying, and inspection--some of the key tasks that CAP currently uses in ES missions.

On December 6th, Leesburg Composite Squadron cadets participated in a character development lesson about respectful disagreements. Following this, cadets who promoted within the past month received their new insignias.

On December 10th, Leesburg Composite Squadron competed in the CyberPatriot States Round. All four of the squadron’s teams participated—two high school teams (Snoopy Defender Squad & Cyber Barons) and two middle school teams (Woodstock Sentinels & Rogue Two)—all teams coached by SM Mike Pfingsten. Final scores will be released within a week, determining whether or not the teams will make it to the Semi-Finals. The teams look forward to competing in the next season and, in the meantime, will continue to advance their Cyber Security education.

On November 28th, Leesburg Composite Squadron cadets completed PT testing, comprised of running, pushups, and curl-ups. They were then split into groups and were given appropriate drill instruction based on rank. In addition, the senior staff delivered officer reports and discussed ES readiness.

On November 15, Leesburg Composite Squadron cadets participated in their monthly aerospace night where they played Jeopardy with aerospace terms. In addition, they conducted mock inspections drill tests for cadets requiring them for their next promotion. On the Senior side, the SMs held pilot topics night - the focus was on safety in the Leesburg Maneuvering Area. One of our new members is in ATC at JYO and shared his perspective as well. A recent flight around his airspace gave him a new perspective on how pilots must maneuver near Leesburg Executive Airport.

On Saturday, November 19th, Leesburg Squadron cadets, instructed by Maj. Broman, launched their model rockets. Cadets learned how to prep their rockets for launch, completing tasks such as putting wadding in the body tubes, properly folding the parachutes, and installing engines. Cadets that have completed the model rocketry program today will be earning their model rocketry badge for the blues uniform.

On November the 5th, the Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in the second, open-division round of the competition. Three out of 4 of the teams competed; one middle school team (The Woodstock Sentinels) and the two high school teams (The Cyber Barons & The Snoopy Defender Squad). The competition tested both the teams' knowledge capacity, and their skills in Cybersecurity. Both High School Teams are ranked in Gold tier. We wish all three teams the best of luck at the next competition, which will occur on Dec 10th.

On November the 19th, Virginia Wing (VAWG) Group 3, consisting of Leesburg Composite Squadron and 5 other squadrons, participated in a divisional Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX). Multiple other divisions within VAWG participated in the exercise from various locations, with Group 3 establishing its Incident Command Post (ICP) at the Leesburg Executive Airport. Wi******er Regional Airport provided communications as a branch base, and flight operations were conducted from Leesburg, Wi******er, and Manassas airports. Approximately 45 members participated—including mission staff, aircrews, ground teams, and radio operators.

Operations focused on providing emergency services training for aircrew, ground team, mission base, and communications. Three aircraft flew in the mission operations with a total of nine sorties. The aircrews/ground teams coordinated together to create an integrated team unique to CAP. The ground teams placed visual and electronic "targets" for the aircrews to find, and then the aircrews "led" the ground teams to the targets.

This mission enabled many members to advance their Emergency Services qualifications and overcome the challenges of integrating diverse operations from multiple bases; skills able to be applied to future training exercises and real-life missions.

On November the 12th, Leesburg Composite Squadron assisted the VFW Post 1117 with their "Buddy" Poppy Drive, in honor of Veteran’s Day. 12 of the squadron's members participated in the effort. The "Buddy" Poppy Drive consists of distributing artificial poppy flowers assembled by our nation’s needy and disabled veterans. These veterans put together the “Buddy” Poppies while they are staying at a VA (Veteran’s Affairs) Hospital. The VFW "Buddy" Poppy program provides financial assistance to these veterans, along with support for both veteran rehabilitation and service programs and the VFW National Home for Children. “Buddy” Poppies have been distributed since 1922 and are a simple—but powerful—reminder worn to show honor and remembrance for the many sacrifices our veterans have made.

Recently, C/2dLt Leila Hamza organized a disaster relief effort to help those affected by Hurricane Ian. Donations were collected by Leesburg Composite Squadron and the community. She worked closely with Operation Airdrop and Cajun Navy Relief, which are both organizations that help distribute essential supplies in the wake of natural disasters.

On October 23rd, C/2dLt Hamza and her dad, SM Fadi Hamza, flew their airplane loaded with over 800 pounds of supplies from Martinsburg, West Virginia to Wauchula, Florida. Supplies included tarps, flashlights, cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes, hydration packets, food, insect repellent, and construction tools. The tools were purchased using the $1000 of monetary donations she collected. The tools purchased included tool belts, tool bags, hammers, tape measures, garbage grabbers, utility knives and blades, paint supplies, dust masks, safety glasses, work gloves, and many other construction materials.

On November 24th, Leesburg Composite Squadron had a model rocket launch day. Cadets of varying experience levels participated in this event. More advanced cadets launched pyro rockets they built from supplied kits. These rockets included a motor and a parachute. Cadets just starting the rocketry program launched water rockets. In order to do this, they had to find the correct water-to-air ratio. Four cadets were sent home with rockets for the second stage and the cadets that participated in the water rockets were sent home with a first stage rocket to build.

On Saturday, October 22nd, Leesburg Composite Squadron participated in this season's first CyberPatriot competition. The squadron currently has 4 teams: two high-school (Cyber Barons & The Snoopy Defender Squad) and two middle-school (Rogue Two & The Woodstock Sentinels); all teams are coached by SM Pfingsten.

As cyberthreats become more sophisticated, it is imperative that we educate the youth of today to build the future cyber-experts. CyberPatriot is the National Youth Cyber Education Program created by the Air & Space Forces Association with the goal to “inspire K-12 students toward careers in cybersecurity or other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to our nation’s future."

The CyberPatriot challenge first consisted of the Cisco Networking Challenge, where participants took an online quiz on networking, and a packet tracer activity where they solved problems with a virtual network simulation. The second part of the competition was the Network Security challenge where participants had to find and fix security vulnerabilities in the Windows and Linux operating systems.

Today’s competition is the first of three Open-Division competitions. After that, the teams will move onto States, and, possibly, Semi-Finals and Nationals.

On October 18th, the cadets of Leesburg Composite Squadron learned about defense mechanisms in leadership class, followed by drill testing/instruction. The senior members, meanwhile, reviewed emergency services qualifications and worked on planning how thwy would achieve their individual goals in CAP.

On October 11th, the cadets of Leesburg Composite Squadron had Aerospace Night. C/Maj Nicholsen and C/MSgt Pfingsten discussed CyberPatiot, followed by a debrief of the recent model rocketry event. Then, C/2nd Lt Hamza talked to the cadets about flight scholarship opportunities. They then learned or were tested on drill and ceremonies. The senior members, meanwhile, watched a video about hydrogen fuel cells and their possible applications in aviation and other areas of transportation.

On Saturday, October 8th, Leesburg Composite Squadron lauched off this season of model rocketry 🚀! Lead by Maj Broman and C/Maj Nicholsen, new modelers got their introduction with water rockets, while more experienced cadets launched their pyro rockets. Notably, all launches were successful!

On October 5th, Leesburg Composite Squadron cadets had Character Development Class. They learned about the importance of volunteer service and discussed how they can volunteer in their community. Inspections followed, in which cadets were assesed on their adherence to uniform standards. Finally, a promotions ceremony was conducted for those cadets that had promoted within the past month.

On September 27th, the cadet members of the Leesburg Composite Squadron had their monthly “PT Night.” The Cadet Safety Team started off the meeting with a safety briefing to ensure that safety protocols were followed during the activities and the section staff led warm-ups. Next, the squadron was divided into their two sections and conducted PT testing. The PT test consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, and the “Pacer”—a cardio-respiratory endurance activity where cadets run back and forth on a 40-meter track. Following the PT test, the Section One First Sergeant led a PT activity. The cadets then had 20 minutes of flight time in which their flight staff led them through different drill movements in order to prepare them for Drill & Ceremonies tests the next week.

On September 25th, Leesburg Composite Squadron cadets participated in the Red Cross First Aid/CPR class.

On September 24th, Leesburg Composite Squadron cadets and senior members volunteered at the Leesburg Airshow, making sure guests did not cross the flightline and assisting in other public safety measures. They also ran a booth and displayed the CAP Cessna 182 Skylane to educate attendees about the Civil Air Patrol's mission.