Illinois Wing Summer Encampment

Archive for the ‘Encampment Update’ Category

Just some notes for the Pass in Review on Saturday.

The PIR will begin at 10 am.  There is no reason to be on base any earlier than 9 am.  I would recommend that you not get on base until 9:30 am.  Vehicle drivers should have their photo ID ready at the front gate.  A CAP Senior Member will be at the front gate to assist with directions and any last minute information.  CAP Senior Members will be located through out the PIR area to assist or provide information. 

There are several reasons why I recommend that you not get to the base until 9:30 am…………

Its going to be hot.  Today the Weather Service is calling for temperatures in the mid 80′s during the time of the pass and review with humidity at about 60%.  Please bring some water to drink and stay hydrated.  Sunburn is also a real possibility so sunscreen is a must.

Seating and shade.  The PIR will be held in front of the Illinois Military Academy.  There is very limited shade in the ares where parents and spectators will be.  There is also no bleachers or place to sit.  A lawn chair is recommended. 

Seeing the Cadets.  Your Cadet will not be available to see or visit with before the PIR.  The Cadets will be finishing up any last minute details with clearing the building and the PIR. 

Luggage and Bags.  The Cadets luggage and bags will be arranged on the lawn to the east of the IMA.  A CAP Senior Member will be there to watch and guard the bags.  Cadets will get their bags after the PIR is over.

Awards.  We will present many awards to the Cadets.  If your cadet is called forward for an award, please come forward to have your picture taken with your cadet and the Wing Commander.  Our PAO will also be available to take your picture with your camera.

I hope this helps those that plan on attending the PIR.  Please have a safe trip to the IMA and we look forward to seeing you and you seeing your Cadet on Saturday.

A few things for all………

The email program has worked great.  I have lost count of the number of emails that have been sent to cadets.  That being said, the email program ends at 1200 noon tomorrow.  Any email received after 1200 on Friday will not get to a cadet.  We will begin tearing down the headquarters on Friday and will disconnect most of the computers on Friday afternoon. 

The Pass in Review Graduation will be held at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL, Saturday, 10am.  Please do not go to any other location.  Please do not come any earlier than 9am.  Cadets will be released after the Pass in Review.  Cadet Staff will be released as soon as the buildings are cleared and we are released by the base. 

Well, it’s Wednesday.  We’re halfway through the encampment. 

Things are going real well and the cadets are heavily motivated and having a great time.  I served breakfast in the chow hall this morning.  As I served up biscuits and gravy I was meet with bright smiling faces and loud “Thank you Sir” responses.

We are off to the EOC today, Illinois Military Museum, 911 center, Air Guard and pop bottle rocketry.  The heat makes being indoors today seem nice.

Guidelines: 

Email to this address    ilwgsedc@yahoo.com  

Put the Cadets name in the subject line.

Remember that I and at least one other senior member will see them before they get to the Cadet, so be careful with personal stuff. 

Keep it brief and with no attachments. 

Realize that the Cadet will not be able to respond. 

We will do our best to get the email to the Cadet in a timely fashion.  Most will be delivered same day if they arrive during the duty day. (6:00 am to 7:00pm) After the duty day will be delivered the next day.  

So email away!

We had a bit of trouble getting the Internet up and running yesterday here but after the Comm School got unpacked and got all their toys up and running, we got on the net after a few hick-ups. 

So other than immediate or urgent information being posted here, the encampment can be followed at the PAO Blog for pictures, video and stories of the day.

Cadets are arriving and are in the beginning phase of Encampment.  They are getting their ID and paperwork checked, bags checked and then visiting with the MO and MLO prior to their Flight assignments and moving to billeting.

More later..

There is no phone in the CAP HQ room this year.  However the phone number for the front desk in our building is 217 761 1200.  The phone is manned 24hrs by the Illinois National Guard.  This number is for Emergencies Only, it is not a chat line.

This question continues to keep coming up……………

All cadets who applied for Basic, ATS or Comms were eligible for the $45 discount/scholarship due to low enrollment numbers.  Those cadets who paid the full amount will be refunded the $45.  See the post on 04 July below for details on when and how this process will take place.

Today begins day 1 for Cadet Staff.  All arrived last night and got introduced to one another.  Staff intros, formalization with the IMA and team building are tops on the list.  The rest of the Senior Staff will arrive today as well and begin to make ready for the arrival of the cadets on Saturday.

Remember Basic, ATS and Comms report time 1300-1500 hrs, in your BDU uniform.