Tehachapi News

Civil Air Patrol cadets get aviation training during Tehachapi camp.

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One could almost hear the crooning of Ol' Blue Eyes under the blue skies of the Tehachapi mountains that set the stage for the 2008 Civil Air Patrol Group (CAP) 6 Aviation Camp recently.
Under the leadership of Lt Col Carol Schaubschlager, CAP Squadron 46 Commander, and Captain Consuelo O. McCullough, a Tehachapi resident and Squadron 84 Commander, more than two dozen CAP cadets and senior members set up residence with tents and campers during a week long aviation training camp that left many of its participants talking days later about their many aviation camp experiences, such as their United States Air Force C-17 “fly along” on the Fourth of July.
“This week has been absolutely awesome!” exclaimed Squadron 84 Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Andrew Haak, also a Tehachapi resident, who earlier in the week received formal training, along with his fellow cadets, on the construction and dynamics of several engine-powered model rockets. “The entire experience…riding on board an Air Force aircraft, watching your finished (model rocket) go hundreds of feet into a clear sky after spending hours building it, the camaraderie with other cadets you are meeting for the first time…it's all been a great camp experience.”
Following the successful launch of 35 rockets, classified as Alpha, Patriot and the (two-stage) Zenith, on a picture perfect Saturday morning at Tehachapi Airport, the Group 6 CAP campers enjoyed an orientation flight aboard a Cessna, courtesy of two CAP senior members, who donated their time to the group, Lt Pat Bergin and Lt Ken Greer, both from CAP Squadron 121 (Bakersfield).
Later that morning, Tehachapi Airport Manager Dave Zweigle received a Certificate Of Appreciation from Captain McCullough and Lt Col Schaubschlager for his contributions in making the airport runway and airspace available to the CAP camp. “This is what it is all about”, remarked Zweigle to the group of attendees. “CAP does so much for the community whenever the need for volunteers goes out here in Tehachapi. I think that with everything that Captain McCullough brings to this community and to Civil Air Patrol, I think this is the least we in Tehachapi can do for our future Air Force officers, engineers, and professional aviators. I'm just proud to have been asked to be as part of all of this”.
Zweigle also awarded Bakersfield Squadron 121 the “Manager's Choice” as the cadet unit with the most outstanding rocket construction and design.
Cadet Airman Joshua Fowler of Squadron 84 left the Model Rocket launch event with the distinction of having the greatest height recorded for the Zenith two-stage rocket class, sending his aircraft 741 feet into the sky. Cadets Fowler and Brendan Laughton (Squadron 147, Merced) shared up the award for the highest launch of their Alpha rockets (904 feet). Tehachapi resident Cadet Senior Master Sergeant CJ Bishop, the Cadet Commander for Squadron 84, along with Cadet William Ulvevadet (Squadron 147), each picked up honors for a 364-foot launch of their Patriot rocket.
The C-17 flight, originating from Edwards AFB, was a particularly memorable event for Cadet Bishop. As a young passenger aboard the C-17, he observed the busy ground activity and burgeoning crowds that would soon fill the Rose Bowl for their annual fireworks extravaganza in Pasadena. Cadet Bishop promptly noted one of the many “civilian” advantages of being aboard an Air Force plane over a holiday event like the Fourth Of July.
“These guys get the best vantage point for big shows like this”, smiled Bishop. “All of that, plus being part of a flight crew on a military aircraft that is so much a part of U.S. history. This opportunity is something that our Civil Air Patrol cadets should feel very fortunate and proud of being able to experience.”
Merced Squadron 147 Cadet Branden Laughton picked up one of the highest distinctions of the week, being named 'Honor Cadet” by his peers and the senior CAP staff for his dedication, outstanding participation and efforts during the Group 6 Aviation Camp.