Capt Richard Leonard, Commander

MER-VA-108

Fall 2012 Edition

FROM THE COMMANDERS DESK

Greetings members: I would like to congratulate the cadets and Cadet Programs Staff for receiving the Quality Cadet Unit Award. Your hard work and dedication has resulted in the receipt of this award for the Squadron and I am proud of the work you have done and continue to do within the cadet program. Recently our squadron has conducted numerous flight activities to permit cadets to receive orientation flights (both powered and glider). 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia and Lt Col Elizabeth Sydow have done an outstanding job putting together and supporting these events. Thanks to Captain Julius Garrett, Captain Jeff Smith and other pilots who have given of their time to conduct these o-rides. This is a category of the Quality Cadet Unit Award where we have fallen short in the past but thanks to these individuals as well as other pilots and members of the Virginia Wing we are well on our way to another Quality Cadet Unit Award! Keep up the great work and thank you for supporting our cadets. I would like to recognize 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia for the outstanding job she has done as our Public Affairs Officer. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, our unit has had numerous articles in the local papers which resulted in several new cadets and senior members joining the squadron. In addition, an article relating to the recent cadet o-rides has been posted on the CAP Volunteer Now site. Not only does Sylvia conduct media related duties she frequently volunteers for other cadet activities and is responsible for putting together our annual Dining Out. Please thank her for all she does for the squadron. She is a valuable asset to our organization. Online Safety Training Please let me emphasize once again the importance of keeping your safety training current. This is an IG item on inspections and is a mandatory requirement in order to participate in CAP activities to include meetings. Each month every member (both cadet and senior) is required to complete safety. This can be done on e-services and doesnt take more than a few minutes of your time. I ask that each of you ensure that your safety requirements are up to date at all times. Should a real world incident occur, you will See Commanders Desk, Page 9

UPCOMING EVENTS
Sat, Oct 20 Wings & Wheels Air Show Stafford Regional Airport Mon-Tues, Oct 22-23 Red Ribbon Week Spotsylvania Middle School Sun, Oct 21 & Sat, Oct 27 Glider Orientation Flights Louisa Airport-Freeman Field Sat, Oct 27 Honor Guard Tryouts Papandrea HomeStafford, VA Mon-Sun, Nov 5-11 Wreaths Across America Sales Campaign WeekBooths (TBD) Sat, Dec 1 Jaycees Christmas Parade Fredericksburg, VA Sat, Dec 15 Wreaths Across America Ceremony Quantico National Cemetery Followed by: Squadron Christmas Party Lt Col Sydows Home, Quantico Sat, Dec 22 Salvation Army Bell Ringing Spotsylvania Mall Main Entrance Fredericksburg, VA Sat, Jan 12 Dining Out Awards Ball Fredericksburg Country Club

Capt Richard Leonard, VA-108 Commander

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: 2d Lt Shari Barber

By C/Amn Maria Barber, PAO & 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia, PAO
The uniforms and military procedures at Civil Air Patrol can be quite intimidating to some parents. There are some moms and dads, however, who overcome the unfamiliar and adapt. 2d Lt Shari Barber is one of those mothers. A year after her first child joined, she asked the leaders, how can I help with cadet programs?, what do you need me to do? It wasnt that Barber was bored and had nothing else to do. She is a home educator, organizes and delivers food through Meals on Wheels, and is also the Girl Scout Leader of her daughters troop. Even though she is extremely busy, 2d 2d Lt Shari Barber, Lt Barber is always the first senior mem- Activities Officer, brings her infectious ber parent to sign-up to chaperone an activity. She camps out and parks cars smile to every activity. at Sully and Scottish Games for fundraisers. She gets up before 5 am on a Sunday to work the Marine Corps Half Marathon. She puts on thermals under her uniform to lay wreaths at Quantico Cemetery and march in Christmas Parades. She has also served in sweltering heat at week-long Virginia Wing Encampment and other activities. The first squadron position she volunteered for was to serve as the squadrons Recruitment and Retention Officer. In 2011, she was so successful in her position, that the squadron practically doubled in size. She coordinated recruiting booths at HEAV convention and Stafford Airports Wings & Wheels event. In July, Virginia Wing Commander, Colonel Dave Carter, presented her with a Commanders Commendation for her success.
2d Lt Barber chaperones cadets at the Scottish Games. Col Dave Carter, Virginia Wing Cmdr, presents award.

When Lt Col Sydow asked for help this year with coordinating squadron activities, 2d Lt Barber answered the call. She is currently working as the squadrons Activities Officer. Her daughter, C/Amn Maria Barber notices, my Mom is willing to help with anything and when she commits she never turns back. Nothing and nobody can stop her from getting even better. One other thing 2d Lt Barber does, that parents might not see, is that she helps cadets get through the process of promoting. She serves as a member of Promotion Boards in order to guide and mentor cadets through their achievements. The VA-108 is a top squadron because of her.

SENIOR MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS

By Lt Col Liz Sydow, Professional Development Officer
OrientationMembership Award (Level I): SM Brian Fisher, SM Gregory Fletcher, SM Andrew Holland, SM Bridget Watson Technical Training (Level II): First Lieutenant Andrew Holland Command & Staff (Level IV): Major Michael Traylor Yeager Award: Senior Member Dr. Thomas Litant Technician Rating: First Lieutenant Andrew Holland (Cadet Programs) Senior Rating: Captain Linda Tabb (Cadet Programs) Promotions: 2d Lt David Fattaleh, 2d Lt Bridget Watson, 1st Lt Andrew Holland, 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia

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SQUADRON FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT IVORYS FARM

By 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia, PAO
Lt Col Liz Sydow introduced a fun new concept to squadron meetings this year. Cadet programs are scheduled on a 4-week cycle. On the months with five Thursdays, the squadron plans for a family-friendly night to invite friends and have a non-uniform night of fun and games. Cadets and their siblings enjoy volleyball. C/SrA Elise Ivorys family hosted the September Fifth Thursday Fun Night at their family farm. Cadets and their siblings enjoyed a barnstyle potluck and cook-out, beach volleyball, zipline zipping, Cadet Justin Jabro prepares to water balloon fights, zip on the line while C/1stLt corn-hole tossing and Papandrea observes. a smores cooking campfire circle. Thank you Ivory Family!

CADET PROMOTIONS
Congratulations to the following cadets who have promoted in the past 90 days: Gen. J.F. Curry (Achievement 1) C/Amn William Durocher, C/Amn Evan Fletcher, C/Amn Erika Fletcher, C/Amn Zachary Mumma, C/Amn Marie-Fe Thielman, C/Amn Blake Traylor, C/Amn Joshua Walter Gen. Hap Arnold (Achievement 2) C/A1C Jeremiah Browne, C/A1C Caleb Petitt, C/A1C Charles Soper Mary Feik (Achievement 3) C/SrA Katherine Andrews, C/SrA Samuel Reid Charles Lindbergh (Achievement 5) C/MSgt Conor Roberson, C/MSgt Ian Woods Gen. Jimmy Doolittle (Achievement 6) C/SMSgt Michael Vandevander Dr. Robert Goddard (Achievement 7) C/CMSgt Alexander Thompson

Cadet Smith, Cadet Jabro, C/Amn Barber, C/SrA Ivory and far right C/2dLt Duncan getting refreshments.

Neil Armstrong (Achievement 8) C/CMSgt Jacob Barber The Command Phase Public Affairs Officer (Achievement 11) C/1st Lt Matthew Papandrea

We are skipping the Fifth Thursday Fun Night in November because of Thanksgiving. The regular Fourth Meeting Promotion Night will be on the fifth Thursday.

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2012 CYBERPATRIOT TEAM

By C/Amn Maria Barber, PAO
Civil Air Patrol cadets can participate in the Air Force Associations competition called CyberPatriot. It is a computer game which teaches cadets how to defend against cyber-attacks and use cyber security measures. Our squadrons team is coached by senior member Dr. Thomas Litant. Dr. Litant currently works for a federally funded research and development center. He holds graduate degrees from University of Southern California and Temple University. He earned his Doctorate in Computer Science from the College of William and Mary.

C/SMSgt John Strickland and C/SrA Luke Strickland getting advice from Coach Dr. Litant at a practice session.

The cadets who registered for this years team are C/A1C Jeremiah Browne, C/2dLt Luke Clark, C/Amn Jarrad Martinez, C/SMSgt John Strickland, C/SrA Luke Strickland, and C/SMSgt Michael Vandevander. The team practices on weekends at the public library or the armory. Here is the schedule: - Oct 1-12, 2012 Combined Practice Round - Nov 2-3, 2012 All Svc Round 1 - Nov 30-Dec 1, 2012 All Svc Round 2 - Jan 11-12, 2013 Combined Semifinals Round 3 - Jan 18-19, 2013 Round 3 Back-up Date - Feb 1-2, 2013 Consolation Round 3.5 - Mar 14-15, 2013 National Finals Competition

L to R: C/SMSgt Michael Vandevander and C/2dLt Luke Clark studying for the first team practice round.

If you want to find out more about CyberPatriot then go to this website: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org

CADET COMMANDERS CORNER

By C/2dLt Daniel Sylvia
Wreaths Across AmericaQuantico National Cemetery We are now entering the special time of year when our squadron can honor our nations military service members who are no longer with us. I want to encourage everyone to work hard in the next two months to talk to friends, family and neighbors about our squadrons involvement with Wreaths Across America. Wreaths are $15 each. Sales forms and information are available at squadron meetings and our website. On Saturday, Dec 15, we will travel to Quantico National Cemetery to be a part of the Remembrance Ceremony. Following the ceremony, our cadets organize the distribution of thousands of wreaths for the volunteers who help place them. Afterward, we will have a squadron Christmas Party at Col Sydows home.

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CADET SPOTLIGHT: Matthew Papandrea Promotes to First Lieutenant

By C/MSgt Conor Roberson, PAO
Honor Guardsman Graduate C/1stLt Papandrea has been part of the Fredericksburg Composite Squadron since 2009 and is a sopho- C/1stLt Matt Papandrea gets his insignia pinned on. more in high school. He is also a member of his schools marching band and swim team. Over the summer C/1stLt Papandrea completed his third and final year, as a cadet at the Nation Honor Guard Academy. The academy was held in July at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Over the course of three years, he has gone to the academy for two weeks each summer to learn drill and ceremonies such as rifles, colors and bearers.
C/1stLt Papandrea in his Honor C/1stLt Papandrea was so glad when graduation came around. He had a lot of fun at the NCSA but it was relief to finally graduate, he says. C/1stLt PaGuard Uniform.

pandrea put three years into the NHGA because he sees it as a good way to give back and honor those who have served. One of the cool things he said they got to do this year was watch a performance of the United States Marine Corpss silent drill team at 8 th and I, Washington DC. C/1stLt Papandrea said his favorite part of his experience at the NCSA was walking down the stage knowing I was an Honors Guardsman. C/1stLt Papandrea hopes that next year he will be invited to go back as staff. In September, C/1stLt Papandrea also earned cadet Achievement 11 of the Command Phase: Public Affairs Officer. His next promotion will be to Cadet Captain.

REGION CADET LEADERSHIP SCHOOL GRADUATES

By C/Amn Maria Barber, PAO
On Sunday, July 15th, four of our cadets made their way to Regional Cadet Leadership School also known as RCLS. It is located at Seymour Johnson Air force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The four graduates are C/2dLt Theophilus Felder, C/2dLt Jairus Tabb, C/CMSgt Jacob Barber, and C/CMSgt Alexander Thompson. C/2dLt Tabb wanted to go to RCLS because, L to R: At RCLS, C/CMSgt Thompson, she says, I wanted to enhance my leadership skills in order to C/CMSgt Barber, C2dLt Tabb, C/2dLt Felder. better serve my squadron. Tabb continues, RCLS is a school that is meant to broaden leadership skills in cadet officers and NCOs. RCLS completion is also a requirement to promote to C/LtCol. C/2dLt Felder says that he wanted to go, To hopefully promote to cadet lieutenant colonel. If you are interested in learning more about RCLS, go to http://capnhq.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/ a_id/699/~/region-cadet-leadership-schools-%28rcls%29.

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SOARING IN SEPTEMBER! 34 Orientation Flights in Three Weeks:

By 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia, Public Affairs Officer .
The opportunity for orientation flights is still the top reason cadets join Civil Air Patrol, but for many squadrons it can be one of the most difficult activities to provide for new recruits. Lt Col Elizabeth Sydow, deputy C/SrA Elise Ivory prepares for take commander for cadets, recog-off with glider pilot Capt Randall. nized how quickly a growing squadron can get behind in getting new cadets flying. By the end of August, 36 cadets half our squadron hadnt flown yet, and years had passed since many others had received their first flights. Statistics show that orientation flights greatly increase retention in cadet programs, says Sydow. In 2011 we were recognized as one of the top eight squadrons in (From left) C/MSgt Roberson, C/Amn Marti- the Virginia Wing, and yet nez, C/CMSgt Boelsche, C/2dLt Sydow, C/ we were not achieving the Amn R. Boelsche, Lt. Col. Gene Jackson, C/ Amn Capra, C/Amn Durocher, C/A1C Soper, orientation flight goals. That was unacceptable, and C/Amn Barnett and C/Amn Walter. I was determined we could Capt Garrett goes through pre-flight check with cadets before take-off. do better this year. Cadet 2d Lt Daniel Sylvia, cadet commander, had a chance to speak with Maj. James Quinn, wing vice commander, about the situation. I told him how difficult it had been accomplishing flights, because we only have an aircraft every other month, Sylvia said. If the aircraft was available, then our pilots had scheduling conflicts. If the pilots were good to go, then of course the weather would not cooperate. Quinn offered to help coordinate multiple aircraft and pilots in other Group 3 squadrons to fly in for the day. Ultimately, he arranged for three planes and for the wings aerospace education officer, Maj. Michelle Tesla, to lead preflight activities for the Fredericksburg cadets in a single day.

Cadet Justin Jabro is flying with Capt Smith and his sister Cadet Jessica Jabro.

Unfortunately, the planned Sept. 8 O-Flight Day was thwarted by nature. The approach of a huge storm front canceled the 24 scheduled flights. At that point, while most would throw in the towel, the magic began to happen.

Cadet Stephen Felder and C/Amn Rebecca Boelsche take flight with Squadron officials were determined to fly the cadets as soon as the weather Monticello Squadrons Jon Wolfe, allowed. Through a group effort, some special things happened in Septem- retired F-15 pilot, USAF.

ber, and before the months end 34 cadets received their first flights.

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SOARING IN SEPTEMBER: Contd

The very next day, Sept. 9, Lt. Col. Gene Jackson, Virginia Wing director of operations, canceled other plans and flew an eight-passenger Gippsland GA8 Airvan to Fredericksburg from Danville. Five cadets took their first flights in the Gippsland, and three others received backseat flights.
C/A1C Charles Soper enjoying his GA-8 flight.

C/Amn Joshua Walter backseat in the Gippsland.

Capt. Julius Garrett, former Fredericksburg squadron commander and now the wings homeland security officer, flew two cadets in the squadrons Cessna 172 in the morning. Capt. Jeffrey Smith, aerospace education officer, flew two more in the

afternoon. The participating cadets were especially excited that day when the CAP planes flew into Louisa County Airport, where they were able to observe Virginia Wing glider operations and see fellow cadets. Later that week, Garrett flew one more cadet after work, and Senior Member Jon Wolfe of the Monticello Composite Squadron, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, drove to Fredericksburg and flew four cadets.
C/CMSgt John Boelsche in the glider for take-off while his sister C/Amn Rebecca Boelsche assists as his Wing Runner.

The following Saturday, Col Rick Moseley, Middle East Region vice commander and former Fredericksburg commander, flew two cadets and Smith flew four more.

C/Amn John Blaise Martinez and C/Amn Zachary Mumma fly with Capt Jeffrey Smith. Mumma took his first glider flight at Louisa in the morning and arrived at Shannon Airport in the afternoon for his first powered flight. Fly Boy!

Capt Larry Randall, director of the Virginia Wings glider program, has also played an important part in accomplishing the string of first flights for Fredericksburg. Before the scrubbed O-Flight Day, the squadron had scheduled glider flights with Randall and his crew, most of whom are members of the Monticello Composite Squadron.
L to R. C/SrA Andrews, C/2dLt Sylvia, C/2dLt Since beginning glider operations in Tabb, C/Amn Durocher, C/SMSgt Strickland, C/SrA Strickland, with Glider Operations Air April, theyve flown more than 250 CAP members. In the Fredericksburg BossLt David Hudson.

squadron, 14 cadets and four senior members took their first glider flights at Louisa County Airport in September and hope to fly even more.

C/2dLt Tabb with pilot Capt Randall.

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TWO CADET SOLO FLIGHTS THIS SUMMER

By 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia, Public Affairs Officer

SYLVIA SOLOS

C/2dLt Daniel Sylvia, spent a week in July at Civil Air Patrols National Powered Flight Academy for the Middle East Region. This National Cadet Special Activity is held at Ft. Picket in Blackstone, VA. After a week of flying, on July 6, Sylvias flight instructor, stepped out of the Cessna 172. Ok...now just do what you just did, but without me in the plane, said his instructor. C/2dLt Sylvia soloed at Chesterfield Airport, site of the Virginia Wings headquarters.
Far right: VA-108 Cadet Commander Sylvia with his fellow flight students at involvement, says C/2dLt Sylvia. National Powered Flight Academy.

It was the greatest experience of all my cadet

C/2dLt Rachel Sydow, Falcon Flight Commander, also attended the Middle East Regions National Powered Flight Academy. After graduation from flight academy at Ft. Pickett in 2011, C/2dLt Sydow was awarded Flight Scholarships from the squadron and the Virginia Wing. C/2dLt Sydow has since trained with Captain Julius Garrett and Colonel Rick Moseley. On August 4th, at Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg, Col Rick Moseley told her, You got this! You are ready and stepped out of the Cessna.

SYDOW SOLOS

C/2dLt Sylvia received his back shirt piece cut off from flight instructor, Brig Gen Joseph Vazquez, National Vice Commander

After shirts are cut, solo pilots are doused by tradition. The memory of her first solo flight is that it was much

easier than she expected. I actually enjoyed being on Flight instructor Col Mosemy own, she says. It was more relaxing because I did what came naturally to ley, presents shirt back to me, she remembers. C/2dLt Sydow. C/2dLt Sydow is continuing to work toward her goal of earning her private pilots license on the weekends. I need to complete a total of fifty hours of flight time, and do three cross-country flights, she says. The final step is passing the written test for a pilots license.

C/2dLt Sydow gets her congratulations hug after soloing at Shannon Airport.

Traditional shirt signing of the solo flight date by flight instructor Col Moseley.

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KILTS & CADETS: 2012 Virginia Scottish Games

By C/TSgt Conor Roberson, PAO
Every year, cadets of the Fredericksburg squadron travel to The Plains, Virginia and meet some Scots. The Virginia Scottish Games is a major fundraising event for our squadron. The event is a two-day parking event. Vendors, performers, and clan members from all over the state come to the games to celebrate their Scottish culture. This year, 2d Lt Bridget Watson and C/CMSgt Barber were the point of contacts. Roughly 30 cadets attended the event over the first night of camping and the two days of working. C/CMSgt Barber thought the event went swimmingly. He has been attending the event for C/SMSgt Hoang directs cars. years. Lots of the cadets enjoyed directing the traffic and camping out in the fields. C/A1C Shawna Mumma said her favorite part was seeing all the people in kilts.

A huge group effort. The hard work helped earn $1,500 for squadron scholarships.

In their free time, the cadets played Frisbee and saw the attractions Barber catch a ride on the Vandevander inside the event. There was also a lot of card playing when the cadets cart. had to go into the campers because of a storm. The money gained from The Scottish Games is used for scholarships for the cadets and other squadron funding. Thank you to all those who helped out!

C/Amn Fletcher, Cadet Smith and C/Amn

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

By Capt Linda Tabb, Personnel Officer Cadets: Jacques Cassidy, Stephen Felder, C/Amn Erika Fletcher, C/Amn Evan Fletcher, Jessica Jabro, Justin Jabro, Jennifer Kemp, C/Amn Zachary Mumma, Aaron Petitt, Jacob Schornagel Seniors: Gregory Fletcher,

COMMANDERS DESK: Contd

FROM PAGE 1 not be permitted to participate unless your safety requirements have been fulfilled. In addition to the monthly safety briefing, each of us must have completed the initial Introduction to CAP Safety as part of our level 1 Foundations training. Take a moment to check e-services and if you are not current on your safety, please take the time to complete a safety briefing. Members are of no use to the organization if they cannot participate in activities due to not being current on safety.

Cadet Protection Kavin Kowis Finally, Cadet Protection is the highest priority for senior members assigned to CAP units. As senior members it is our duty to protect cadets from injury or abuse. Each senior member, Cadet Sponsor Member, and cadet 18 years and older is required to complete Cadet Protection Program Training (CPPT) during the Level I Foundations program. CAP requires senior members to be present for all cadet activities in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for cadets. CPPT provides the foundation for a professional climate and high standards of conduct for all members in leadership positions. Captain Richard J. Leonard, Commander, VA-108

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NEW SQUADRON WEBSITE

By SM Greg Fletcher, IT Officer
Visit the new website: www.fredericksburgcap.com We have a new squadron website to serve your needs! It has "Members-Only" features -- just for you! After you log in to the website, you'll find a variety of features designed to meet your needs. Cadets can now go to the website, login and request testing, promotions or board reviews. When you click submit, your request is forwarded to the Flight Sergeants and to 1st Lt. Thompson and Lt. Col. Sydow. This makes the whole process a lot easier. This in NOT in place of your regular report, but will help in communication. Soon, we will also replace the Yahoo Groups mailing list. We will have an e-mail distribution list that functions directly on fredericksburgcap.com. More details coming soon. In order to use these features, you need to create a user account. The details for creating an account are below: Creating a User Account: 1. Click on "Login" at the top right, and choose, "Create an account". 2. Please use your CAPID as your user name. You will be supplying your name as well, but including your CAPID helps us to verify your CAP membership and approve your account. 3. You will receive an e-mail when your account is approved. 4. Return to the site and log in. 5. Click on "Cadet Programs" and then "Testing and Board Requests". You'll see the form to request testing and board reviews. Fill in the details and click "Submit". Please only submit the form if you actually want to request testing. 6. Many other features will be announced in the coming days. 7. Parents of Cadets are welcome to create an account on the website as well. In About Me, please note your relationship to a cadet. Parents may, of course, choose whatever username you like, as long as it is not already taken. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to write me or approach me at a Squadron Meeting!

THURSDAY MEETINGS 6:30pm9:00pm MEETING LOCATION:

Virginia National Guard Armory 1700 Jefferson Davis Highway Fredericksburg VA (Senior meetings on 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month) MAILING ADDRESS: Fredericksburg Composite Squadron 27 Spring Lake Drive Stafford VA 22556 SQUADRON COMMANDER Capt Richard Leonard 540-408-3149 pwcpig116@comcast.net DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR CADETS Lt Col Liz Sydow 719-201-8599 easydow@comcast.net CADET COMMANDER C/2dLt Daniel Sylvia 540-645-1852 dj.sylvia@verizon.net RECRUITMENT & RETENTION OFFICER 1st Lt Andrew Holland 814-442-7293 aholland14@gmail.com ACTIVITIES OFFICER 2d Lt Shari Barber 540-373-5215 billfarber@yahoo.com PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER 1st Lt Lisa Sylvia 540-207-5028 lisamariesylvia@verizon.net

gfletcher@ourpobox.net