CAP's National Conference and National PAO Academy VI

More than 800 Civil Air Patrol members met in Orlando, Fla. in August, for the 2015 National Conference, devoting several days to training, networking and focusing on the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary’s path for the future. The conference culminated with a banquet on Aug. 29 featuring a keynote speech by U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Bradley A. Heithold, commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Earlier that evening I attended a retirement ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Heithold for one of the Air Force officers who was an instructor at Cadet Officer School with me in July.

Over the last year our National Commander, Maj. Gen. Joe Vazquez, worked with the Air Force to solidify our relationship. At the opening session of the National Conference, Air Force B.G. Paul Guemmer delivered a message on behalf of Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Mark Welsh, announcing that Air Force Basic Doctrine has been changed and that CAP is now part of the Air Force's Total Force of Regular, Guard, Reserve and now, Auxiliary. For the first time, members of the CAP are referred to as American Airmen. I was proud to be in attendance for the announcement, in my marked seat for the CAP National PA Manager.

Holding the trophy for best in show.

More than 40 PAOs from across the country attended the 2015 National PAO Academy, our sixth. The two-day event featured hands-on presentations focusing on branding, the effective use of social media and CAP PAOs' duties as per CAPR 190-1. The seminars were videotaped and will be available for review by all members and for use in conducting seminars at the local levels. 

Much of what CAP PAOs publicize and promote are special events like Wreaths Across America, the Congressional Gold Medal, Cadet Special Activities, Civic Leadership Academy, Wing Conferences, Color and Honor Guard activities and contributions to community service initiatives. I talked about how to integrate those activities into a PA plan, particularly national events like the upcoming 75th anniversary.

I also presented a roundtable discussion about the revisions to the CAP Public Affairs Officer specialty track, as well as co-presented the branding section. 

I also handed out the certificates for Balsem Award winners who were in attendance. 

And a special thanks to my longtime mentors, Lt. Cols. Paul Cianciolo and Joe Winter. They are valuable colleagues on the National PA Team!