Wing Conference Features CAP Strategy, CyberPatriot Training

Adult members and cadets from across the state met at Bridgewater State University (BSU) this past weekend for the annual Civil Air Patrol Massachusetts Wing Conference.

Speakers included Col. James Ridley, Northeast Region commander, Michael Nunemaker, chief strategy officer for the Civil Air Patrol, and Col. Carleton Jones, Massachusetts Wing commander. (Photos of the event are available here.)

Nunemaker spoke about CAP working in a unified direction, working collaboratively with partners, vendors, and the U.S. Air Force. He also spoke to the value of volunteerism, aerospace education opportunities, including joint missions with NASA, and cadet programs.

The day also included several workshops for members and cadets. Topics included encampment, recruiting, culture, and aerospace education.

Cadets also had a unique opportunity to prepare for CyberPatriot. With a donation from the Air Force Association Paul Revere Chapter, the BSU Center for Advancement in STEM Education hosted a training for cadets, featuring tips on tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges and how to navigate and prepare for CyberPatriot.

The day’s events also included an annual awards presentation. Awardees included the following:

• Exceptional Service Award – Lt. Col. Claire Belden
• Meritorious Service Award – Maj. Derrell J. Lipman
• Certificate of Life Saving – C/Master Sgt. Alexander Miller
• Unit Citation – Hanscom Composite Squadron
• Air and Space Forces Association Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year – C/Chief Master Sgt. Carter James Ludy
• Frank Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Lifetime Achievement – Lt. Col. LouAnn Maffei-Iwuc
• Frank Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Senior Category (Northeast Region) – Adult member Giridhar Jonnalagadda
• Frank Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Cadet Category – C/1st Lt. Sainamish Kaza
• Frank Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award Individual – Dr. Alen Gerdon
• Major General Jeanne M. Holm Aerospace Education Officer of the Year – Capt. Robert S. Sargis, Jr.
• Colonel David Kantor Operations Staff Officer of the Year – 1st Lt. Sergey B. Kheyfets
• Colonel “Bud” Payton Public Affairs Officer of the Year – Capt. Angela Brees
• Property Management Officer of the Year – Master Sgt. William Harris
• Jack V. Sorenson Cadet Programs Officer of the Year – Capt. Noah R. Bell

Numerous awards were also presented for Commander’s Commendations and Achievement Awards.

For More Information:

Capt. Angela Brees
angela.brees@mawg.cap.gov