To all…

One word to describe the CAWG/Chaplain Service Conference this past week-end in Santa Maria – OUTSTANDING!!!

The Chaplain Service Conference began on Friday afternoon. A Memorial Service was conducted for the members of the CAWG service who have gone on to their eternal reward since the last conference. Briefings were given from Ch (Lt. Col.) Dan Dyer, PCR HC and myself. PowerPoint presentations regarding Chaplain/MLO training, the upcoming Chaplain Service Region Staff College, and the activities of “Flat Stanley” were shown. I gave a briefing about my recent experience at Chaplain Service Institute and did an overview of the course content. The Friday session ended with Q and A and with award presentations.

Friday evening was the start of the CAWG Conference with a social hour. It was time of renewing friendships and making new friends.

The General Assembly was held on Saturday morning. The distinguished guests were introduced to the Conference attendees. A Memorial Service was conducted for our colleagues in the CAWG who had passed on since the last Wing Conference. Col. Larry Myrick gave an informational, enlightening and challenging State of the Wing address/report. During this meeting many members of the CAWG were recognized for their outstanding service to the CAWG. Among the members of the CAWG Chaplain Service who were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments were Capt. Bruce Joyner, Moral Leadership Officer of the Year; Ch (Maj) Chuck Ingram, Chaplain of the Year; and, 1st Lt. Adelle McKinney, Public Affairs Officer of the Year. The
Squadron Newsletter that Adelle edits received the Outstanding Newsletter of the Year award.

Following the General Assembly, there were many excellent seminars/workshops that were offered by the various directorates of the CAWG. On Saturday afternoon, LtC. Ken Parris did a superb job in presenting a session on Suicide Intervention. Suicide is the number 2 cause of deaths among teen-agers. He gave many powerful insights from both his personal and professional experiences. A session on MLO recruitment was conducted for those interested in that role.

Saturday’s activities conducted with a lovely banquet. Those in attendance heard from Col. Phil Groshong, PCR CC and Stan Roberts, Assistant Chief of the Law Enforcement Branch of the state’s Office of Emergency Services.

Again many awards were given – Sq. 68 received the Composite Squadron of the Year, one of the units where Chaplain Ingram provides his services. Capt. Bruce Joyner was the grand prize winner of the evening’s raffle – a leather racing jacket for CAP’s sponsored car: #46.

Next year’s CAWG and Chaplain Service conferences will be held in the Southern California area. More details will be forthcoming as the time approaches.

On another note…this week is the deadline for signing up for the upcoming CSRSC. Chaplain Dyer will need to be returning the reserved rooms that have not been assigned. Make sure you get your reservations into Maj. Pat Okawa.

In Service Together,

Paul
Ch (Maj.) Paul Ward
CAWG HC