Last update: 18 MAR 2006

18 MAR 07 - Sq18 Attends SF Group 2 BCS by 1stLt Ha, CAP Squadron 18 cadets attended the 2007 San Francisco Bay Group 2 Basic Cadet School (BCS) held over the weekend of 17-18 March at Camp Parks Reserve Forces Training Area in Dublin. Squadron 18's Cadet Airman Tocci (above, far right) joined basic cadets from other Bay Area squadrons to get a short taste of intense, military-style training. The cadets stayed in the same barracks that were used by Northern California military reservists and National Guardsmen who brushed-up on their training at Camp Parks before shipping out to places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Squadron 18's own cadet officers joined other SF Bay Area Group 2 cadet officers to serve as members of the executive staff at the BCS (above). The Project Officer of the activity was Major Ron Crow who serves as Squadron 18's Administrative Officer as well as Group 2's Cadet Programs Officer. Major Crow added that Camp Parks was an outstanding host. For example, the chow-hall served decent meals, and challenged the infamous reputation of Army food. One of the basic cadets-Cadet Horth, agreed to the better-than-expected meals! BCS is the first school in California Wing's Integrated Leadership Program (ILP). It introduces cadets to a military-training environment. Students are taught customs-and-courtesies, drill-and-formation, the chain-of-command, followership-and-leadership, introductory aerospace topics, and teamwork. Upon graduation, cadets are better prepared to participate in advance ILP schools including the well-known California Wing Cadet Encampment. Squadron 18 is proud to announce that one of its own-Cadet Airman Basic Yannie Horth, was selected as Honor Cadet of this BCS.

24 FEB 07 - Sq18 Color Guard at Hiller by 1stLt Ha, CAP The Squadron 18 Color Guard was invited to present the colors at the annual "Korean War Aces Symposium" presented by the Northern Californa Friends of the American Fighters Aces Association. The event was held at Hiller Aviation Museum, located next to San Carlos Airport in San Mateo County. The Museum houses a collection of vintage aircraft and provides a hands-on experience in aviation sciences. The Color Guard members are (above, left to right): Cadet Sergeant Aboytes, Cadet Chief Sutton, Cadet Sergeant Jackson, and Cadet Sergeant Cruz. The Color Guard arrived early to study the unfamiliar setting, and practice presenting and retrieving the colors. For example, the flag-bearers had to figure-out precisely how to maneuver through a narrow path onto a raised stage. Although there were obstacles to overcome, the Color Guard successfully planned the exact movements to synchronize their actions. Upon queue, the Color Guard impressed the audience with their peformance during the opening of the Symposium. The Korean War Aces Symposium is an annual event that attracts a sizeable audience. An ace is a military pilot who verifiably destroyed at least five enemy aircraft. The featured veteran fighter-pilots are a rare group of men who represent the last of the surviving aces from wars held over half-a-century ago. Additionally, they hold the distinction of being the first jet fighter aces. This annual event is the largest gathering of such commendable men. To illustrate the popularity of the Symposium, many in the audience busily took photos of the featured speakers.

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