Ariz. Wing Sets New Target of 1,000 Units
Following Successful Blood Drives on 9/11
The Arizona Wing shattered its goal of collecting 750 blood units during the COVID-19 pandemic and promptly set a new goal — 1,000 units by Thanksgiving — in hosting dual blood drives on one of the nation’s most patriotic days.

Arizona Wing squadrons began blood drives after COVID-19 restrictions prevented the Red Cross from using the usual sites for collecting blood.

Hosting the Operation Pulse Lift blood drives Sept. 11 were the 388th Composite Squadron, with 24 units collected, and the Cochise Composite Squadron, with 34 units donated. By day’s end, the total collected units since the mission began stood at 792. That surpassed the wing’s goal of reaching 750 by Nov. 1.

Colin Williams (pictured above with Capt. Klara Olcott, commander of the 388th Composite), regional communications officer for the American Red Cross Arizona-New Mexico Region, quickly turned his sights toward the Arizona Wing's next achievement. “See you at the statewide celebration when we hit 1,000!” he exclaimed.
Aerial Photos Help With Post-Storm Casket Search
The Louisiana Wing carried out a new and unusual mission last week — helping the coroner of storm-devastated Cameron Parish find caskets washed out of their above-ground vaults by Hurricane Laura’s surging floodwaters.

A wing aircrew took photographs showing the extent of damage to 26 cemeteries, then turned the images over to parish officials.

“Although a little unusual, this mission is just the sort of thing we’re ready to take on,” said Lt. Col. Mickey Marchand, the wing’s Hurricane Laura incident commander.

The wing has been providing aerial images of the hurricane’s impact for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local officials since Aug. 30.
CAP Partners with Cisco Networking Academy
Civil Air Patrol is partnering with Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) to make cybersecurity support, training and curriculum resources available free to all 60,000 CAP members.

The partnership was announced at CAP’s recent 2020 National Conference to benefit CAP cadets, many of whom are already involved in cyber defense education and competition, and also generate excitement among senior members interested in cybersecurity.
A Learn-A-Thon announced at the National Conference will officially open CAP’s access to the NetAcad program. CAP regions and wings will compete to have the highest number of cadets and senior members complete the 15-hour Introduction to Cybersecurity course.

Enrollment for the Learn-A-Thon started Sept. 14, and the links to register will be emailed out from the wing coordinators. Further details on the Learn-A-Thon can be found here.
CyberPatriot Coaches Preparing for New Season
The CyberPatriot XIII season is here, and now is the time for CyberPatriot coaches to register their teams. The deadline to register a team is Oct. 15, and the team roster must be finalized by Nov. 1.

CyberPatriot is the nation's premiere youth cyber education program, sponsored by the Air Force Association.

Teams are given Windows and Linux operating systems that have been compromised and not secured to best practice standards. Teams then find and fix the vulnerabilities and issues to clean up and secure the systems. For issues identified, they earn points through the competition period.

Cadets also learn networking concepts using the Cisco Networking Academy. During competition, teams take a quiz based on the NetAcad modules and configure a network using Packet Tracer.

This year, team members can compete from their own homes or together as a team if local conditions allow. Teams consist of two to six cadets competing in either the Middle School or All Service Division. Competition begins Nov. 13. The CAP cyber staff has resources to help coaches get started. Click here for a list of resources.
On Sept. 17, CAP will host its first biweekly CyberPatriot coaches meeting. New or prospective coaches are welcome to connect to get information on the program. The meeting begins at 9 p.m. EDT, 6 p.m. PDT, and will be led by Maj. Bill Blatchley (wblatchley@cap.gov).

Join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122

Access Code: 618-874-477
NHQ News
What Does It Mean to Be a Leader? Check It Out
National Headquarters' Marketing & Strategic Communications team is reprising National Commander Maj. Gen. Mark Smith's What Does It Mean? Video Series from 2019 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of CAP's Total Force partnership with the U.S. Air Force.

Last week, you saw the second installment of this weekly series, "What Does It Mean to Be a Volunteer Airman?" This week's video answers the question, "What Does It Mean to Be a Leader?"
Applications Taken for Upcoming BoG Vacancy
Applications are now open for the Board of Governors vacancy to be created when Col. Brad Lynn's Member-at-Large term ends Feb. 28, 2021.

Lynn is the current chairman of the board.

The board's four Members-at-Large serve three-year terms. CAP members may nominate themselves to fill these positions as they're vacated.

Minimum requirements are:
  • Senior member in good standing.
  • CAP grade of major or above.
  • Earned the Paul E. Garber Award (Level IV).
  • Have at least five years CAP membership.
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