To all...

What can I say...but "WOW"!!!   It was so good to see so many of you at the
CAWG Conference/CAWG Chaplain Service held the past few days in Santa Maria.

In the Chaplain Service Conference sessions, briefings were given regarding
National, Region and Wing highlights of the year and upcoming events.
Chaplain (Col.) Charles Sharp sent a PowerPoint presentation which I shared
regarding the status of the CAP Chaplain Service (let him know that I did
good :) ).  Chaplain (LtC) Whit Woodard, PCR HC, challenged us with what it
means to be a member of the chaplain service by using the acrostic
"CHAPLAIN" in his presentation on Models for Ministry.  Each letter in the
word "CHAPLAIN' dealt with a characteristic by which we who are members of
the chaplain service should embody.  During the Friday session many
achievements and accomplishments by members of the CAWG Chaplain Service
were recognized.   Ch (LtC) Chuck Ingram was the recipient of the "Order of
Flat Stanley".  Ch (Capt.) Lennart Skalin received both his Loening and
Garber awards by his squadron commander, LtC. Gordon Ziegler.  It was
difficult to select one individual to receive the Chaplain Sammy Campos
Award of Excellence since there were two of our outstanding Chaplains who
have faithfully demonstrated the standard of what it means to be a Chaplain
in the CAP.  This award was bestowed upon Ch (LtC) John Berger and Ch (LtC)
Tim Spiller.  This year was the inaugural for a new award -- MLO Bruce
Joyner Award of Excellence.  This award was named in honor of the late Maj.
Bruce Joyner who prior to the MLO becoming an official specialty in the CAP,
did the duties of an MLO with the late Ch (LtC) Pete North at the Beale
Squadron.  When Pete retired in 2001 and the MLO became an official
specialty, Bruce received his appointment.  This year's award was bestowed
upon Capt. Teri Contreras.  Certificates of Appreciation were given to
members of CAWG Chaplain Service staff.  I cannot begin to tell you how much
I appreciate these individuals (Chaplains George Dawson, Chuck Ingram, Mike
McKinney, Jack Nahrstadt, Whit Woodard; MLOs Adelle McKinney, Pat Okawa,
Nancy Woodard) for their support and prayers as together we have served
since 2001.  Ch John Berger received a Certificate of Appreciation for his
years of service as the Group 2 chaplain -- but also just for being John.  A
very informative session of Professional Development was presented by Ch
(LtC) Jack Nahrstadt.  If you have any questions regarding what you need to
do to achieve the Loening, Garber, and Wilson Awards with in the
Professional Development program as well as attaining the Technician,
Senior, and Master ratings in our specialty tracks, contact Chaplain Jack
(jnahrstadt@comcast.net).

In the General Assembly on Saturday morning, two of our members received
awards for their outstanding service to the CAWG and CAP.  1st Lt. Lonn
Olfert was selected as the Outstanding MLO of the Year and Ch (LtC) Jack
Nahrstadt was selected as the Outstanding Chaplain of the Year.  I was proud
of Lonn and Chaplain Jack for their service being recognized as well as
being proud for all those who were nominated for both awards.

Following the General Assembly, I conducted a session on Implementing the
Core Values Course for Senior Members -- a course that I was tasked to
developed for the CAWG senior members.  The attendance for this session was
outstanding and the reception of this course has been overwhelming.  The
material will be posted on the CAWG web-site and on the National web-site to
be downloaded.

Members of the CAWG Chaplain Service were able to attend workshops conducted
by other directorates of the CAWG and interact with members of the CAWG.

At the CAWG Banquet, we enjoyed a wonderful meal and a great time of
fellowship around the tables.  Two members of the CAWG Chaplain Service were
honored with special awards.  Ch (LtC) Del McLaughlin, at the age of 91,
decided to retire this year.  He requested a Certificate of Retirement from
National.  Instead of a Certificate of Retirement, Del was given a beautiful
plaque in appreciation for 54 years of service to the CAP and a life-time
membership.  This award was bestowed by Brig. Gen. Rex Glasgow, National
Vice-Commander and Col. Virginia Nelson, CAWG Commander.  LtC. Marc Cohen,
one of our MLOs, received the Senior Member of the Year Award.  While this
award sounds like it is for service rendered during the year, it is awarded
to the recipient for their YEARS of service.  Marc has contributed greatly
to the CAWG and CAP.  His work with Cadet Programs and DDR is outstanding.

As Wing Chaplain, I could not be prouder of those who were recognized at
this year's conference -- but my heart also swelled with pride as I watched
our chaplain service personnel performing "ministry of presence" during the
conference as they participated in the various sessions and interacted with
the CAWG membership in attendance.  The only regret I have is the same each
year...with all the responsibilities that have been entrusted me before and
during the CAWG conference, I am not able to sit down and just "hang out"
with everyone.  I miss that....but I relish the time that we do get to spend
together.

One final word...as I complete this last year in my tenure as Wing Chaplain,
rest assured that I will not be a "lame duck".   Col. Nelson and I will be
conferring during the next few months regarding the future direction of the
CAWG Chaplain Service.  I will also be getting my continuity book up to date
so that a smooth transition will take place.  Your continued prayers and
support are greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend the
CAWG/CAWG Chaplain Service.  See you at Nellis AFB in February (20-23) for
the CSRSC (see attachment) ... if not before then at some other Wing event.

In Service Together,

Paul
Ch (Lt. Col.) Paul Ward
CAWG HC
CAP-USAF Auxiliary