Lackland Cadets Graduate from 2006 Fall CTEP NCOA School

25 December 2006
Austin, TX - On the weekend of 10-12 Nov 2006, three Lackland Cadets, C/AIC Kris Kerr, C/AIC Damian Moulder, and C/AIC Nicole Miglis attended the fall 2006 CTEP Leadership School. The cadets attended the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, which unveiled to be the largest NCOA class ever at a Texas Wing CTEP School. The school was held on Camp Mabry, Texas. 

Friday evening, November 10, the Lackland Cadets reported in at Camp Mabry.  Staff members were standing by to search their luggage and after signing-in and getting settled in their dorm rooms, they were whisked off to class.  During the next couple of days, the Cadets were given intermediate training in leadership, effective communications skills, were introduced to the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Protection Policy, United States Air Force Core Values and an extensive instruction in drill and ceremonies and customs and courtesies were also given. 

On Saturday, November 11 the cadets woke early, and to their surprise the temperature had dipped to the low 40s.  PT was conducted outdoors and was followed by instructional classes which took place through most of the day.  The Cadets were given an assignment which required them to write a speech and also study the materials learned throughout the weekend for a final comprehensive test.  

On Sunday, November 12, the temperature was very brisk and the Cadets warmed up with drill and ceremonies as most of them got to drill the flight acting as a Flight Sergeant using the techniques they had previously learned. As the graduation approached, parents and guests began arriving and found their way to the Audie L. Murphy Building, where the graduation was to take place.  The Cadets received high compliments for their teamwork, accomplishments, and overall morale for the weekend.  NCOA cadet staff member, C/Lt Col Nathan Yalcin announced that this was not only his best class so far to teach, but was also the largest NCOA class ever at the Texas Wing-level CTEP School. All 52 cadets graduated with honors and earned their red and blue cord which they can now proudly wear anywhere within the Texas Wing. The Cadets accepted their certificate and began wearing their cords proudly.  

The Lackland Cadets finished up the weekend with a visit to the Texas Capital in Austin, before making their journey home to San Antonio, Texas.

Picture above - Fall 2006 Graduates--52 Cadets (the largest Texas Wing NCOA class ever), with staff members, C/Maj Jordan Wright, C/Maj Jon Cuyler, and  C/Lt Col Nathan Yalcin.

L to R. C/AIC Damian Moulder and C/AIC Kris Kerr report to          C/AIC Kris Kerr signs in to attend the NCOA School,
Bldg 14, Student Barracks, and observe as their bags get               Camp Mabry, Texas.
inspected by C/Maj Bradley Cilino.

Fall 2006 NOCA Cadets marching in formation to class for            Lackland Cadets with NCOA staff members. NCOA staff
their first night of instructions.                                                         members (L to R), C/Lt Col Nathan Yalcin, C/Maj Jordan
                                                                                                       Wright, and C/Maj Jon Cuyler.  Lackland Cadets (L to R),
                                                                                                       C/AIC Nicole Miglis, C/AIC Kris Kerr, C/AIC Damian Moulder.

                               Cadets with family and friends at The Texas Capital, Austin, TX.

NCOA Graduates (L to R) C/AIC Damian Moulder,
C/AIC Nicole Miglis, C/AIC Kris Kerr
 

Article submitted by C/1st Lt Gus Rojas and photos submitted by SM Nancy Kerr