As 2011 comes to a close I have had a chance to reflect on my time in CAP. Volunteerism isn't a new thing for me. Since I was 18, as a paramedic for a local volunteer ambulance group, I have always felt a calling to be a part of something bigger. Through all of the different organizations I have grown and learned so much.

But then I have also learned much from those around me now. To give a few examples from our Cadet staff, Lt Karnes, has taught me that persistence and perseverance is important to him and can create good things. Lt Shortridge, has taught me that being an "individual" with different ideas and different mindset is important to her and can help shape our future leaders of cadets. Lt Babcock, has taught me that he has learned and been shaped by global experience and friendships are important wherever they may be! Yes, I have learned a lot in my short tenure.

As a Squadron we have come a long way. When I started in early 2010 we had only 40 something cadets and only 6 or so Senior Members on the cadet side...even the turnout at the Senior Meeting nights was sparse. NOW, we are at 97 cadets and 61 senior members, as recent as this past Wednesday, we had 27 members at Senior Members meeting! The largest gathering since I have been involved.

It's been a great year for the Squadron too! We have won numerous Color Guard awards, the Squadron of Merit, Quality Cadet Unit Award and many other recognitions. I am certain that our current staff, too numerous to mention, will continue to carry us in the next year with as many successes! As we reflect on our past year, thank whoever it is we pray to, let's us be mindful of our blessings and for all we have... Friends, family, service and faith. For those of you that were at encampment this year, Foxtrot had a 3 word motto.... Faith, Focus, Finish. Enjoy the holiday...... Peace to you and your family.

Sincerely yours,

1st Lt Paul Cassano
Squadron Commander

Anthem school principal Pat Yennie had the brief opportunity to share on local television the accomplishment of being named "National Aerospace Connections in Education School of the Year" by the Civil Air Patrol. On hand for the news camera included Squadron 302 members Cadet Airmen 1st Class Courtney Deinzer and Lieutenants Paul Cassano and Melissa Morrow.

View the video here.

Paul Cassano was called to the front of the gathering of cadets, senior members, distinguished guests, and fellow wing members twice during the squadron's open house. The first time was to accept command of the 132 member squadron, relieving outgoing squadron commander Major Les Manser who has moved to Wing Headquarters. The second time was when Colonel John Eggen, Wing Commander for Arizona announced Lieutenant Cassano was out of uniform and then proceeded to promote Cassano from Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant.

The open house featured a number of short presentations, including Major Tim Beckwith recalling the highlights of his fifty-plus years in CAP, brief overviews of the squadron's execution of CAP's primary missions of emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs.

Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 was named a recipient of the "Quality Cadet Unit Award" by the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters. The purpose of the award to recognize units that operate fundamentally strong cadet programs. The Deer Valley squadron was the only squadron in Arizona to earn the award and one of only fourteen squadrons in the Southwest Region to be recognized.

"We're obviously tremendously proud of our cadets and program," said 2d Lt Paul Cassano, the squadron's Deputy Commander for Cadets. "Our cadets and senior members work very hard to make 302 an outstanding success and to receive recognition from National Headquarters for our efforts is of course very satisfying."

Not that Squadron 302 will be resting on their laurels. "We have even bigger plans for 2011," Lt Cassano explained. "We just awarded six cadets the Wright Brothers award a couple of weeks ago, we're planning on sending a large contingent of cadet basics and staff to encampment again this year, and our aerospace activities are keeping everybody very busy," Lt Cassano said.

To earn the award, the squadron had to meet five out of eight criteria that measures aspects a unit's commitment to growth and retention, such as having at least 40% of the cadets receive an orientation flight, encampment participation, number of cadet officers promoted, and retaining at least 40% of new cadets in the following year.

Squadron Commander Maj Les Manser is pleased with success of the unit's cadet program. "Lt Cassano and his team of senior members do a fantastic job working with our cadets to ensure the program is always moving forward, always striving to be better," Maj Manser said. According to the Major, stressing proper planning in addition to using metrics to evaluate results has created an environment of constant improvement. "I'm confident that Lt Cassano and his team will continue to find opportunities to encourage our talented cadets to shine," Maj Manser said.

The Deer Valley Composite Squadron cadets meet at the Deer Valley Airport in Phoenix every Monday night from 1900 until 2130. For more information about the squadron, contact the recruiting and retention officer.

The first place team will represent the Arizona Wing at the regional competition to be held in Texas.

2d Lt Paul Cassano (center) receives a Commander's Commendation, presented by Group Commander Maj Matthew Fields (right) and Squadron Commander Maj Les Manser.	Maj Les Manser (right) receives a Certificate of Appreciation from c/1st Lt Alexander Patocs.
Cadets and senior members alike enjoy dancing the night away.

• Cadet Meetings: Monday nights from 7:00PM to 9:30PM
• Senior Meetings: The 2nd & 4th Wednesday each month at 7:30PM
• Staff Meetings: The 3rd Wednesday each month at 7:30PM