C.A.P.

In March we put Tymber in a program called CAP. Civil Air Patrol. It is an auxiliary program the Air Force sponsors for youth. Her best friend Chance is in it and invited her to try it out. We went to a meeting and she immediately fell in love with it. I was instantly impressed as well. The program is for youth 12-18. They meet one day each week and do different things. They learn about respect, and discipline  They focus on physical fitness among other things. They are taught drills, commands, color guard, gun safety  emergency radio operations, air patrol and so much more. They have an adult leader, usually a Lt.  or Sargent give a command to a senior cadet member who has earned a promotion, then that member passes it down to his/her squadron and they squadron is expected to follow through. It is a lot like real military only not as "tough". While they are expected to follow all commands and proceed in military fashion they are also expected to cheer on their team mates and help each other. The adult leaders are all very positive with the kids. The Sargent who was there the night I took her kept telling the kids they are only as strong as their weakest link and they will never leave a team member behind. On the days they exercise, run drills, they are expected to improve each time, even if it is only one second, one push up, one sit up, it doesn't matter.

The program also offers if a cadet wants to join the military as an adult they go into the military with the rank they earn as a cadet. They also get to cut down on basic training, and there are a lot of scholarship options available if military is not something they choose to do. Plus it is awesome on job applications.

So far Tymber has got to go on a all day encampment. They took the kids and taught them search and rescue techniques. They are qualified to go out and have been in the past called out on real search and rescue. They have a ground crew that can hike for a ground search and also a air crew, when a real search and rescue is needed they can take the planes up and will often take a cadet with them to act as extra eyes for the pilot. Tymber will get to take her first flight this summer. She also will be going to a week long encampment in Boise in July.

This past week she helped set up for the Memorial Day Field of Heroes that Pocatello presents. She helped set up crosses that represent the graves of fallen soldiers. She also has chosen to volunteer four hours of her time Friday selling tickets to a raffle and selling wreaths. She attended opening ceremonies and Monday the CAP members will be in charge of the closing ceremonies and folding the flag. She was so excited this morning. She had her BDU's on and looked so cute. I was so proud of her.

 Can she be any cuter in uniform?

 Tymber and Chance. Chance is in his dress blues, Tymber doesn't have hers yet but will soon.