To all…

Just got in a few minutes ago from one of the best CAWG/CAWG Chaplain Service Conferences in recent history. Both conferences had record attendance. It was a delight to see so many of our CAP colleagues and renew friendships and enjoy moments of fellowship.

Ch (Col.) James H. Melancon, Ch (LtC) Dan Dyer, Dr. Robert Hicks and myself briefed the members of CAWG Chaplain Service on the various happenings with
the CAP Chaplain Service during our session on Friday afternoon.

In the General Assembly held on Saturday, several members of our CAWG Chaplain Service were bestowed special honors: LtC. Marc Cohen, LtC.Patricia “Pat” Okawa, and Chaplain (LtC.) Paul Ward received the Meritorious Service Award for their contributions to the CAWG HQ Staff and CAWG; 1st Lt.Sue Willey received the Outstanding MLO of 2003 Award; Ch (Capt.) Mike
McKinney received the Outstanding Chaplain of 2003 Award. Since Pacific Region holds their conferences every other year, in the various workshops
Maj. Bruce Joyner received the MLO of the Year 2003 from Pacific Region and 1st Lt. Adelle McKinney received the Public Affairs Officer of the Year 2003
from Pacific Region. The CAWG Chaplain Service is blessed and is blessing both the Wing and Region with the talents and devotion of its members.

Among the various workshops conducted during the conference, Dr. Robert Hicks presented a session on Ethics and Leadership. While it was presented
by the Chaplain Service, it was open to the entire Wing membership to attend. The session was very well attended. It was great to see such an interest in this topic. There were Squadron Commanders, Deputy Commanders of Cadets, Cadet Program Officers, among others who were present.

The evening banquet was the highlight of the conference. Again the accomplishments and achievements of the CAWG membership were recognized. As you know, there was a Change of Command. Col. Larry Myrick relinquished
command of the CAWG to Col. Virginia Nelson. During Col. Myrick’s second year of command, he invited me to join his staff and serve the CAWG. The
acceptance of that invitation has provided more opportunities for professional growth, service, and recognition than I could ever imagine.  Serving with Col. Myrick has been a rich experience. I so appreciate and
value his leadership and friendship.

Col. Virginia Nelson has asked me to continue serving as CAWG HC, which I am delighted to do so. Col. Nelson was one of the first people in CAP that I met while expressing interest in becoming a CAP Chaplain (the other was Chaplain Sammy Campos who introduced us). This was at an encampment in 1996. At the meeting and in the years following Col. Nelson and I have worked several encampments together as well as other projects tasks. Like Col. Myrick, she has a great appreciation for the Chaplain Service and is supportive of our endeavors. I look forward to serving the membership of the CAWG with Col. Nelson.

Plan ahead… There is the CSRSC at Nellis AFB – 2-5 February 04 to be conducted at Nellis AFB in Nevada. Be sure to register by 1 December 03.  It was announced in this morning’s concluding session of the CAWG Conference that next year’s CAWG Conference (and CAWG Chaplain Service Conference) will be held at the LIONSGATE in Sacramento. The dates are 29-31, October 04.  There will be an event on Thursday evening the 28th. More details will be coming as the date approaches…but mark your calendars.

In Service Together,

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