FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAXWELL AFB, Ala. — Fifteen senior leaders with the all-volunteer Civil Air Patrol traveled to CAP National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Feb. 1-6 to attend the 2004 Wing and Region Commanders Course.

The intensive weeklong course, designed by national headquarters staff for CAP members working toward higher leadership positions, focused on strategic planning, leadership and management skills, financial responsibility, and teamwork.

Attendees participated in more than 35 sessions throughout the week, took part in special-interest seminars and heard from a number of distinguished speakers, including Air Force Lt. Gen. Donald Lamontagne, commander of Air University at Maxwell AFB. They also had their Myers-Briggs personality profiles defined, learned the rationale of allocating CAP aircraft to various regions, and discussed the latest in non-profit fundraising techniques.

The group also had the opportunity to talk with local representatives of the Montgomery Advertiser and WSFA-TV about how to work with the media. Working with the media is especially important to CAP commanders, since CAP is often involved in high-profile search and rescue and disaster relief missions, which typically involve extensive media coverage.

"The commanders course is definitely worth it," said CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Rick Bowling, who was on hand for the event. "It’s like a mini-university on a very fast track. Once the students finish this course, they have a very realistic idea of the responsibilities, challenges and rewards of leadership in CAP. The course designers and instructors at national go to great lengths to produce a top-quality program. They make sure every minute counts. This is a great opportunity for our volunteers to receive up-to-date professional training that can also serve them in their careers outside CAP."

Graduates of the 2004 course were:

Col. Charles Carr, Ohio Wing;
Col. Timothy Cramer, Virginia Wing;
Col. Robert Eldridge, Texas Wing;
Col. Gary Mayo, Michigan Wing;
Col. Virginia Nelson, California Wing;
Col. Russell Opland, Delaware Wing;
Col. “Tink” Schaffer, North Carolina Wing;
Col. Merle Starr, Pacific Region
Lt. Col. Frank Buethe, New Mexico Wing;
Lt. Col. Bernard King, Kansas Wing;
Lt. Col. Stephen Miller, Minnesota Wing;
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Stickel, Hawaii Wing;
Lt. Col. Ralph Tomlinson, Iowa Wing;
Chap. (Lt. Col.) Kenneth Van Loon, CAP National Headquarters; and
Maj. Joseph Martin, Florida Wing.

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