Rep. Scavuzzo Honored by Cass County Composite
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 3/18/2008
Missouri Representative Luke Scavuzzo was honored by the Cass County Composite Squadron recently when the squadron presented him with his official Legislative Membership certificate and pocket badge. The Missouri Legislative Squadron is the largest Civil Air Patrol squadron in the state with every member of the Missouri Congress in membership. Participation in the Legislative Squadron allows our distinguished Congressional members to enter as a Major in grade, and each member is encouraged to participate in the Missouri CAP program. “It is a great marriage because it enables the Legislation to see what Civil Air Patrol has to offer and what we can do for the state, and in turn, the Legislators can assist by creating legislation to protect our members in volunteer service,” said Cass County Squadron Commander Major Tony Belto. Missouri Wing Commander John Mais awarded Representative Scavuzzo his materials with the Cass County cadet and senior member staff present.

CCCS Cadet Attends Civic Leadership Academy in DC
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 3/11/2008
C/1Lt Michael Hargis, the Cadet Executive Officer for the Cass County Composite Squadron, earned his way to attend the Civic Leadership Academy in Washington D.C., a very prestigious Civil Air Patrol national activity. Three cadets from each region are chosen, totaling twenty-four cadets being selected throughout the United States. Cadets shadowed their Wing commanders, such as the Missouri Wing Commander Col. John Mais, throughout the week as they connected with our government’s leaders. C/Lt. Hargis reported to his squadron peers that all cadets should aim for the Civic Leadership Academy when they have the opportunity. His view of the United States government’s intricate workings was broadened after spending daily briefings with a variety of government officials, secretaries and diplomats. According to C/Lt. Hargis, meeting with his United States Representative, Mr. Ike Skelton, was the cadet’s most influential highlight of the week. Mr. Skelton responded positively to the Civic Leadership Academy’s purpose and to the mission of CAP as a whole. Meeting Mary Feik and touring the Museum at the State Department were also high spots for C/Lt. Hargis’ week in our nation’s capital. When asked to describe the week, he relied, “It’s awesome.”

CCCS Honor Guard Salutes Kansas City Polar Plunge
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Saturday, 2/2/2008
The Polar Plunge, hosted by the Kansas City Metro Special Olympics, is a large fundraising event in the area where participants gain pledges to financially support their emersion into freezing cold lakes. Although the average person wouldn’t think this to be a huge money-maker, over 400 hundred people throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area participate yearly in the freezing folly. The Cass County Honor Guard was recruited to present the colors during the opening ceremony on February 2, 2008. Outdoor temperatures reached about 40 degrees for the day, but the water temperature steadied around 36 degrees. Local news stations and radio stations, such as 106.5 the Wolf, rallied the variety of groups as they voluntarily ran into the frigid waters.

Honor Guard Hits It Big With Kansas City Chiefs
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Wednesday, 12/26/2007
After two years of waiting, the Cass County Honor Guard was given the green light to present the colors at the Kansas City Chiefs game on Sunday, December 16, 2007. The Kansas City Chiefs played the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. C/A1C Josh Goodman, C/SrA Blake Goodman, C/SSgt Aaron Hooper, C/SSgt Austin Hooper proudly presented the colors although the frigid weather hovered around twenty degrees for the game. Several inches of snow surrounded the outdoor football arena. The cantankerous weather did not keep the 74,976 fans from attending, with the Titans clenching the win over the Chiefs, 26-17.

Cass County Joins Harrisonville NETT in Community Outreach
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 12/18/2007
The Cass County Composite Squadron joined forces with the Harrisonville community anti-drug organization NETT, Networking and Educating for Today and Tomorrow. Harrisonville NETT is a broad-based community group whose mission is to reduce the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs through a comprehensive community-wide approach. The group consists of political leaders, business owners, law enforcement officials, ministerial members and concerned individuals from the community. The group meets monthly to prepare and discuss events and activities to host throughout the community. Senior member staff attend the monthly meetings to promote the Cass County DDR program. NETT hosted a free Parent and Community Dinner and Program on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, and the Cass County Honor Guard presented the colors. Guest speakers attending the event were Rusty Cotton, Special Agent for the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control; Teresa Hensley, Cass County Prosecuting Attorney; and Joey Russell, the Keynote Speaker. Mr. Russell spoke on his arrest and conviction of drunk driving in 2004 due to a fatal accident involving his friend's teenage brother.

Cass County Presents Colors at St. Louis Rams Football Game
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Sunday, 11/25/2007
The St. Louis Rams hosted the Seattle Seahawks for an NFL Football game on Sunday, November 25, and the Cass County Honor Guard presented the colors for the game. The CCCS Honor Guard has served in this capacity for the past three years, and every year it is an honor and a new challenge. This year the Honor Guard was called to the field prior to the teams' line-up. As they took the center of the Edward D. Jones Dome football field, players from both teams were named as they entered the same space as the Honor Guard. Commanding the Guard was C/TSgt Karra Miller, who said that staying focused was a “bit difficult” with the amazingly huge professional players surrounding the five-person Honor Guard. “It is so exciting to be on the field with the players, but our job requires that we stay focused and professional.” 65,423 fans attended the game, and the Seahawks dashed the Rams' dream of a win, with the Seahawks winning 24 to 19. Cadets participating on the Honor Guard were: C/SrA Blake Goodman, C/A1C Josh Goodman, C/SSgt Aaron Hooper, C/SSgt Austin Hooper, and C/TSgt Karra Miller.

Cass County Honor Guard Pays Respects at Veterans Assembly
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 11/6/2007
The Blue Valley School District in Leawood, KS, held a Veterans Day Assembly for the Middle School student body on Tuesday, November 6, 2007. The Cass County Honor Guard paid tribute to those soldiers both active and retired by providing the colors for the event. Spc. Drew Edwards with the First Infantry Division and US Navy Veteran Bill Christesen, Vice Commander 2nd District of the American Legion, Department of Kansas, were the honored speakers for the gathering. Leawood Police/DARE/School Resource Officer Mark Chudik helped organize the activities. Following the school-wide assembly, students rotated through various stations on campus to view different aspects of the military and war. Cadets on the honor guard were: C/Lt. Kenna Eggenberger, C/Lt. Lucas Eggenberger, C/A1C Josh Goodman, and C/SSgt. Blake Goodman.

Cass County Hosts Community DDR Party
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 10/30/2007
Pumpkins, popcorn, and games were the center piece of the Cass County CAP DDR/Red Ribbon Week Party held October 30, 2007 in the City Park in Harrisonville, MO. The local community raised awareness of drug and alcohol abuse throughout the schools and businesses, and the Party in the Park was a new addition for the yearly festivities. About 100 people attended the activity. Cadets and senior members prepared the park's amphitheater with a myriad of activities. Tug of war, volleyball, Mega Jenga, pumpkin bowling, and a Pumpkin Dip helped the cadets involve the kids in the party, while the parents learned about the dangers of drinking and driving by utilizing the Fatal Vision goggles. A representative from the local newspaper, the Democrat-Missourian, attended the event as well as the president of the community anti-drug organization, NETT. Major Tony Belto, the CCCS squadron commander, said, “I was really pleased with the attendance from the community. This was a great outreach to the community to let them know who we are.”

NRA Qualifications Acquired by Cass County Cadets
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Saturday, 10/20/2007
Eleven Cass County Composite Squadron cadets qualified for the NRA Basic Rifle Shooting Course, with three cadets continuing to the ProMarksman level. To achieve the basic qualification, students completed three requirements for using a rifle. Gun safety is the basic requirement for all types of firearms. Shooting, adjusting the sight, and cleaning the rifles were the other demonstrated tasks cadets were required to complete prior to earning the Basic Practical Rocker. Instructors included Lt. Mark Eggenberger, Capt. Melinda Berry and Major Tony Belto. Qualifying cadets are: Amn Genesis Martinez, TSgt Karra Miller, Amn Zachary Goodman, A1C Josh Goodman, SrA Blake Goodman, 2nd Lt. Lucas Eggenberger, Amn Johnathan Fairchild, Amn Logan Ruckman, and Amn Conner Ruckman. The three cadets qualifying at the ProMarksman Level are: SSgt Aaron Hooper, SSgt Austin Hooper, and TSgt Zachary Baughman.

Cass County Proves Strong at Wing Nav Challenge
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Saturday, 10/6/2007
MO-149 – The Cass County Composite Squadron ran a good race at the first annual Navigational Challenge hosted by the Missouri Wing on October 5-7, 2007. Major Dan Routier , Major Mike McCrady, and Lt. Casey Gilland prepared the intense weekend event. Three teams competed from Cass County, with two consisting of cadets and one of senior members; Central Missouri Composite Squadron hosted a cadet team. The Nav Challenge was a competitive field event to test and practice land navigation skills and equipment, and required good physical health since it was also a test of physical endurance. The course events included: Written Test, Day Navigation, Night Navigation, Blind Navigation, Geocaching with a GPS system, and two Topography courses. Cass County took first, third and fourth in the weekend standings. Cass County team members are as follows:

Cass Team 1:
Major Tony Belto
Captain Melinda Berry
Captain Tammi Miller

Cass Team 2:
C/TSgt Karra Miller
C/SrA Daniel Caron
C/SSgt Austin Hooper

Cass Team 3:
C/Lt. Josh Johnson
C/TSgt. Zach Baughman
C/SSgt. Aaron Hooper

Attached Photos:

Nav Team
From left to right:
C/SSgt Austin Hooper, C/TSgt Zach Baughman, C/SrA Daniel Caron, C/Lt. Josh Johnson, C/SSgt Aaron Hooper, C/TSgt Karra Miller, Capt. Tammi Miller, Capt. Melinda Berry, Major Belto

Nav Team 1:
Left to right:
Capt. Tammi Miller, Capt. Melinda Berry, Major Tony Belto

Nav Team 2:
C/SrA Daniel Caron, C/SSgt Austin Hooper, C/TSgt Karra Miller

Nav Team 3:
C/SSgt. Aaron Hooper, C/Lt. Josh Johnson, C/TSgt. Zach Baughman

Cass County Dining-Out a Prestigious Affair
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Saturday, 9/15/2007
MO-149 – The Cass County Composite Squadron recently hosted its Third Annual Dining-Out and Awards Banquet at The Galvez Banquet Hall in Harrisonville, MO. Mess Dress and Class A uniforms decorated many of the attendees. Several VIP's attended the event, along with cadets and senior members from both the Harrisonville and Lee's Summit operations. Special guests included Luke Scavuzzo, the Missouri 124th District State Representative; Col. Joseph D. Mc Millan, past National Chief of Staff, North Central Region (NCR) and Missouri Wing Commander; Col. John J. Lehr, NCR Headquarters Squadron Commander and NCR Professional Development Officer; Col. John Mais, Missouri Wing Commander; Col. Burgess W. Rennels, Jr., NCR Cadet Programs Officer and past Kansas Wing Commander; Lt. Col. Troy Campbell, Missouri Wing Vice Commander and Maj. David Hosea, Missouri Group One Commander were all in attendance for the esteemed occasion. Col. John Mais and Lt. Col. Troy Campbell presented awards and promotions throughout the evening.
PROMOTION AND AWARDS
• Captain Tony Belto promoted to Major
• Red Service Awards
• Lt. Julie Grace
• Lt. Michael Mannion
• SMSgt. Jordan Hargis
• Yeager Award
• Lt. Shaun Grace
• Milestone Awards
• Wright Brothers Award
• C/SSgt. Zach Baughman
• C/A1C Abe Kennedy
• C/SSgt. Karra Miller
CADET COMPETITION AWARDS
• C/A1C Kyle Cass
• Lt. Lucas Eggenberger
• C/Amn Justin Hansen
• C/SMSgt. Jordan Hargis
• C/CMSgt. Josh Hargis
• C/A1C Aaron Hooper
• C/Ca1C Austin Hooper
• C/A1C Abe Kennedy
• C/SSgt. Karra Miller
• C/Lt. Kenna Eggenberger
• C/Lt. Michael Hargis, Cadet Competition Commander
• Capt. Melinda Berry, Instructor
• Capt. Tammi Miller, Instructor
VFW OUTSTANDING NCOs (presented by Lt Col Troy Campbell)
C/SSgt. Karra Miller
VFW OUTSTANDING OFFICER(presented by Lt Col Troy Campbell)
C/Lt. Kenna Eggenberger
AFSA OUTSTANDING NCOs (presented by MSgt. Michael Mudry representing the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 804)
• C/CMSgt. Alex Mannion
• C/SMSgt. Jordan Hargis
AFA OUTSTANDING CADETS (presented by Col John J. Lehr representing the Air Force Associtation)
• C/Lt. Michael Hargis
• C/SSgt. Zach Baughman
AFSA FLIGHT SCHOLARSHIPS NCOs (presented by MSgt. Michael Mudry representing the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 804)
• C/CMSgt. Alex Mannion
• C/Lt. Kenna Eggenberger
SQUADRON SUPPORTERS OF THE YEAR
• Air Charter (of Lee's Summit, MO)
• Commissioners of Cass County
SQUADRON SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE YEAR
• Lt. Michael Mannion
• Capt. Tammi Miller
SQUADRON NCOS OF THE YEAR
• C/CMSgt. Alex Mannion
• C/SMSgt. Jordan Hargis
SQUADRON JUNIOR OFFICER OF THE YEAR
• C/Lt. Michael Hargis

Fatal Vision Goggles a Hit at Back to School Bash
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 9/11/2007
The Cass County Composite Squadron hosted two Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) booths at the Back to School Bash held in Belton, MO, and Harrisonville, MO, on August 4 and 5, 2007. The West Central Community Action Agency invited families with limited income to come to the Bash to receive free backpacks filled with school supplies. Families were encouraged to visit booth displays by various organizations throughout the Kansas City area. Cadets and senior members assisted parents and students as they experienced the Fatal Vision goggles on a marked path. The Fatal Vision goggles simulate the vision of an intoxicated individual. One father was visibly moved by the reality of what he viewed through the goggles by saying, “If that isn’t the best lesson you’ll ever learn, I don’t know what is.” CAP members helping with the booth were: SrA Aaron Hooper, SrA Austin Hooper, SSgt Karra Miller, A1C Kyle Cass, SSgt Zach Baughman, Amn Jonathan Fairchild, Captain Tony Belto, Captain Melinda Berry, and Captain Tammi Miller.

CAPnSpace NearSpace Launch Includes Boys & Girls Clubs
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 9/11/2007
Kids from all walks of life find outer space fun and fascinating, and teens at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City had the chance to experiment with a Near Space Workshop on August 7, 2007. Using high altitude sounding balloons, participants designed, built, launched, and recovered satellite experiments into Near Space, with distances covering over 100,000 feet. Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members from the Cass County Composite Squadron assisted in the 2007 FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Regional ACE Academy at the Club in Kansas City, Missouri. The joint venture between the FAA and the CAPnSpace, the Civil Air Patrol's division of the Near Space project, was guided by Lt. Col. Troy Campbell, Missouri Wing's vice commander.
Students attending the Workshop, ranging in ages 12 to 18, took part in the three day class where from start to finish could experience the technical and scientific development of “demosats,” shoe box-sized satellites. Inside the satellite boxes were digital cameras designed to take a picture approximately every minute, allowing students to see far beyond their everyday lives.
Cass County participants were: C/SrA Aaron Hooper, C/SrA Austin Hooper, Capt. Melinda Berry, and Capt. Tammi Miller.

Cass County Promotes DDR at Kids Aviation Day in Kansas City
Posted by Tammi Miller, Capt. on Tuesday, 9/4/2007
Wheeler Downtown Airport in Kansas City, Missouri, buzzed with kids and aircraft on August 11, 2007, for Kids Aviation Day, sponsored by the EAA, Experimental Aviation Association. Pilots from across the Midwest flew into the city-surrounded airport to provide free airplane rides to kids ages 7 to 18. Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members from the Cass County Composite Squadron and Platte County Composite Squadrons provided flight line protection for the event. A variety of aeronautical organizations added to the day by hosting booths encouraging kids to look to the skies for entertainment and education. Cass County furnished a DDR (Drug Demand Reduction) booth. Using Fatal Vision Goggles as a discouragement for drinking and driving, families could don the goggles and attempt to walk a taped line. Adults reacted in amazement at how realistic the goggles made them feel when trying to walk a straight line.
Cass County members participating were: C/A1C Kyle Cass, C/Amn Nicholas Gietzen, C/Amn Jonathan Fairchild, C/CMSgt Alex Mannion, C/SSgt Karra Miller, C/Lt. Kenna Eggenberger, C/Lt. Lucas Eggenberger, Lt. Shaun Grace, Capt. Tony Belto and Capt. Tammi Miller.

Honor Guard Gives Royals Baseball Team the “Royal” Treatment
Posted by Web Admin on Tuesday, 7/31/2007
Rainstorms on Independence Day at the Kauffman Baseball Stadium in Kansas City moved the annual fireworks show to Friday, July 6, 2007, and the Cass County Honor Guard reaped the rewards. Cadets displayed the colors for the national anthem before the Royals baseball team and an audience of 18,753 people, with the relatively new honor guard performing with utmost professionalism. C/A1C Blake Goodman, C/Amn Zach Bartlett, C/Amn Josh Goodman and C/SMSgt Jordan Hargis executed the flag and rifle honor guard before an excited audience, with Capt. Tony Belto and Lt. Mark Miller accompanying the cadets to the game.
The post-game fireworks show, designed for the 4th of July crowd, is considered one of the city's best displays, and the Friday evening gathering was awed by the radiant display. Lt. Mark Miller stated that the fireworks were “worth the wait.” The Royals lost the game 6-5 to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, with renowned Carl Crawford playing in the outfield.

Honor Guard Honors CAP Officers Ceremony
Posted by Web Admin on Tuesday, 7/24/2007
1Lt. Julie Berry and 2Lt. Shaun Grace tied the marital knot on Saturday July 21, 2007, and the Cass County Honor Guard provided the ceremonial cordon for the magical affair. The bride and groom celebrated a true CAP wedding by including the squadron and deputy commanders, Capt. Tony Belto and Capt. Melinda Berry, as the best man and the maid of honor. The wedding party also included 1Lt. Ryan Berry and 2Lt. Chris Oakes, with 1Lt. Michelle Oakes accompanying him. Capt. Tammi Miller escorted the cadets throughout the event. The evening was especially memorable with cadets involved in the ceremony because of Lt. Grace’s former days as a CAP cadet.
Cadets dressed in Class A uniforms provided the rifle cordon. Honor guard members outlined the carpeted walkway for the wedding party to enter and exit the decorated stage. SrA Karra Miller commanded the honor guard through the cordon process. Family and friends attending the wedding expressed their admiration of the honor guard cadets in their professional appearance, and were pleased with the added pageantry the cordon provided. Participating cadets were: SrA Zach Baughman, A1C Kyle Cass, A1C Blake Goodman, Amn Josh Goodman, A1C Aaron Hooper, A1C Austin Hooper, CMSgt Joshua Johnson, SrA Karra Miller, A1C Brandon Reznack, SMSgt Dakota Shade.

Cadets Assist County Sheriff with School Shooting Simulation
Posted by Web Admin on Tuesday, 7/24/2007
The Cass County Sheriff's Department held a school-shooting training for department members on June 29, 2007, and several cadets and senior members of the Cass County Composite Squadron portrayed victims throughout the simulation.
Sergeant Joe Shaffer choreographed the experience for his deputies and fellow officers to prepare them for such a tragic event. Cass County has not encountered such a crime, but Sgt. Shaffer said, “Officers need to understand how varied school shootings are,” since each school shooting in the United States all have different patterns.
Cadets participated throughout the day as wounded victims, fatal victims, and victims under hostage situations. The reality of the situation came clear during the hostage simulation where cadets and senior members were instructed to scream until the shots were fired. Captain Melinda Berry videotaped much of the simulation, and was even caught in some of the crossfire between officers and “the shooter.” At the end of the day, participating officers allowed cadets to handle the “blank”weapons used during the shooting simulation.
Cadets and senior members assisting in the event were: C/Amn Nicholas Gietzen, C/SMSgt Jordan Hargis, C/MSgt Alex Mannion, C/SSgt Joseph McLean, C/AB Logan Ruckman, C/AB Connor Ruckman, C/Amn Jonathan Stewart, Capt. Melinda Berry, Capt. Tony Belto, and Capt. Tammi Miller.

Cass County Merges with Lee's Summit
Posted by Web Admin on Tuesday, 7/17/2007
The Cass County Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron has merged with the Lee's Summit Composite Squadron, unifying the two squadrons under the Cass County Charter.
Cass County Commander Captain Tony Belto and Deputy Commander Melinda Berry will be directing the unified squadron.
Beginning July 1, 2007, the Harrisonville Operation will continue meeting on Tuesday evenings, with the Lee's Summit Operation changing to Monday.
Cadets from the Lee's Summit operation met the Harrisonville Operation cadets on July 3, 2007, at the Cass County Headquarters. Cadets and senior members are hoping that the merge will be positive for both operations, giving new opportunities that might not otherwise would have been available.

Cadets Attends MO Wing Encampment
Posted by Web Admin on Monday, 7/16/2007
Eight cadets from the newly merged Cass County Composite Squadron attended Missouri Wing Encampment at Camp Crowder in Neosho, Missouri, from June 23 to July 1, 2007.
The weather played an important role for the first couple of days, barricading camp members indoors. Cadets experienced the four-story rappelling tower with mixed emotions. SrA Karra Miller said, "It really scared me, and I'm still afraid of heights, but I'm really glad I did it. I didn't let it beat me." The highlight of the week culminated in the Blackhawk helicopter ride.
Lt. Joshua Johnson served as a staff member during encampment, with the following seven cadets attending: C/SSgt Zachary Baughman, C/A1C Blake Goodman, C/Amn Josh Goodman, A/A1C Aaron Hooper, A/A1C Austin Hooper, SrA Karra Miller, and C/A1C Brandon Reznak.

Cass County CAP hosts SLS/CLC - 6/15/2007
The Cass County Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron hosted a SLS/CLC for senior member professional development on June 8-9, 2007. Eight senior members from the area took part in the Squadron Leadership School and Corporate Learning Course .
Officers teaching the variety of courses included: Lt. Col. Troy Campbell, Capt. Tony Belto, Capt. Melinda Berry, Col. John Mais, and Sgt. Mike Mudry. Participants for the event were: Lt. Julie Berry, Lt. Michelle Oakes, Lt. Chris Oakes, Lt. David Hosea, Lt. Mark Miller, Capt. Tammi Miller, Capt. Cynthia Campbell and Capt. Mark Anderson.

Cass County Attends Science City's Space Day - 5/5/2007
The Kansas City Union Station houses Science City, an interactive educational exhibit demonstrating various areas of science, who hosted their annual Space Day on May 4, 2007. 
Cass County Composite Squadron participated in the day by displaying two aerospace and DDR booths to interest area children in the science of aerospace.  Coloring pages and paper airplanes kept the children engaged while cadets discussed the fundamentals of flight and their experiences with parents and supervising adults. 
Over 1400 students attended the Space Day event.  Science City is comprised of several different rooms or areas, such as the Astronaut Training Station, the Severe Weather Center and the Crime Lab. 

Cass County Honor Guard Presents Colors at AFSA - 4/22/2007
The Cass County Honor Guard presented the colors for the opening ceremony and awards dinner to the prestigious Air Force Sergeants Association Division 8 and 9 Convention on April 21-22, 2007.  
The gathering included Air Force active, reserve, retired and National Guard men and women.  Denise Roberts, SMSgt USAF(Retired) the Division 8 president thanked the Cadets for performing an important part of the convention ceremonies.
The guest speaker was Lt. Col. Eric Vanderlinden, Commander 442nd Maintenance Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, who is a CAP member.  The AFSA is an international organization that speaks out on behalf of the enlisted Air Force personnel concerning Congressional issues. 
Vicki Orcutt, Command Chief Master Sergeant, 509th Bomb Wing, approached the honor guard cadets after their presentation and told them, "I'm so proud of you.  You are doing so well."  Lt. Kenna Eggenberger of the honor guard reflected upon the event, "When I do an Honor Guard, it's like I am giving back to those who have served.  So for me to do an honor guard for an actual military event was even more meaningful for me."

Squadron Presents Colors at Kansas City Special Olympics - 4/21/2007
The Greater Kansas City Area Special Olympics Track and Field Event was held at the Lee's Summit North High School, and the Cass County Honor Guard presented the colors. 
Four hundred and fifty athletes participated in the games, with over 400 volunteers giving their time for the occasion.  More than 500 spectators joined in the festivities throughout the day. 
The Honor Guard consisted of five cadets with four cadets participating in their first guard experience.  The cadets involved were Aaron Hooper, Austin Hooper, Blake Goodman, Josh Goodman and Kenna Eggenberger.

Cass County Assists in Kansas City’s Blue River Cleanup - 4/14/2007
Twelve cadets and senior members from the Cass County Composite Squadron assisted in the 17th annual Project Blue River Rescue on March 31, throughout the Kansas City Metro area.
Close to 350 volunteers throughout the metro area helped clean the river which crosses ten cities and three counties.
The Kansas City Star reported about 600 tires, a kitchen counter, containers of used oil, a hotel key and a gun were a few items collected throughout the day. The most common articles of trash were milk jugs, water bottles, liquor bottles and convenience store cups.
Lakeside Nature Center sponsors the event with the cooperation of several companies and government agencies.
Cadets and senior members participating were: Josh Hargis, Kyle Cass, EJ Wilson, Karra Miller, Josh Goodman, Blake Goodman, Austin Hooper, Aaron Hooper, Michael Hargis, Melinda Berry, Tony Belto, and Tammi Miller.

Missouri Wing Sends Cadet Competition Teams to NCR - 3/29/2007
The Springfield Color Guard Team and the Cass County Drill Team met Saturday, March 17, 2007, in Harrisonville at the Cass County Squadron Headquarters to prepare for the North Central Region Competition in April. Springfield will be representing Missouri for the Color Guard Team Competition and Cass County for the Drill Team Competition.

DDR Booth at Parents University - 4/3/2007
The Cass County Composite Squadron partnered with the Child Abuse Prevention Association to set up a Drug Demand Reduction Booth at a Parents University held at the William Chrisman High School in Independence, MO.
The Parents University is for parents to attend to learn what signs to look for in their children and how to talk to them in the areas of drug, alcohol, and tobacco. Several groups had booths for the parents to visit between seminars.
MSgt. Michael Mudry and Capt. Tony Belto manned the Cass County DDR booth with the drug paraphernalia display and passed out flyers on Civil Air Patrol. “We really appreciate Civil Air Patrol for taking part in this event.” said Karen Costa of the Child Abuse Prevention Association.

Cass County Trains in Emergency Services - 4/3/2007
On March 10, Cass County Composite Squadron trained in Emergency Services at the squadron headquarters. Fourteen cadets and two senior members participated in the day’s events, led by the Deputy Commander, Captain Melinda Berry.
Topics covered were packing the 24-hour and 72-hour pack, calling on the alert roster, determining compass bearings, and following an azimuth.
Participants traveled to Camp Reeder in Harrisonville, Missouri, to test on the use of a compass. Lt. Mark Eggenberger tested the cadets on the compass course. C/MSgt. Jordan Hargis said after the day, “I feel more secure knowing that I can use a compass by following bearings. It is very important to be patient and prepared.”
The following cadets and senior members contributed to the events of the day: Zach Bartlett, Kyle Cass, Kenna Eggenberger, Lucas Eggenberger, Blake Goodman, Josh Goodman, Justin Hansen, Jordan Hargis, Josh Hargis, Michael Hargis, Aaron Hooper, Austin Hooper, Abrum Kennedy, Karra Miller, Shaun Grace, Tammi Miller, Mark Eggenberger, and Melinda Berry.

Member awarded with Certificate of Life Saving - 4/3/2007
The Missouri Wing Commander Col John Mais and the Group One Commander LtCol Leonard Dutzel attended an award ceremony at the Cass County Composite Squadron.
Col Mais presented Capt. Tammi Miller with a Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving. Capt. Miller was awarded the Certificate for Life Saving for helping a resident of the Hawthorne Estates assisted living community in Harrisonville, MO from choking.
Capt. Miller was with a youth group “Girls in Action” while on an outing to the assisted living community to spend an evening with the residents playing bingo, visiting, and passing out treats. As Capt. Miller was passing out the candy during the game, Pat Norman, a resident, began waving her arms above her head and then grabbed Capt. Miller's arm. She was attempting to cough, but no air or noise was coming from her. Capt. Miller immediately put her right arm around Mrs. Norman, told her to try to cough, and begin giving her back blows to dislodge the obstruction. Within a few seconds, she began to cough and Capt. Miller could hear noise coming from her. Capt. Miller told her that she was certified in Red Cross CPR and First-Aid, and that to keep coughing. As she began to settle down, two of her friends brought her a glass of water, and within a few more seconds, she was able to take a drink and then speak to Capt. Miller. Mrs. Norman said a throat lozenge had gotten lodged in her throat. She thanked Capt. Miller for helping her.
Capt Miller had taken CPR and First-Aid training just a few weeks earlier at the Cass County Composite Squadron taught by Capt. Melinda Berry, a certified Red Cross Instructor. “It is a good feeling to help someone and to use the training. You never know when you’re going to need it,” said Capt. Miller.

Squadron members complete Red Cross First Aid Training - 2/24/2007
Twelve cadets and senior members of the Cass County Composite Squadron completed Red Cross First Aid Training on February 24, 2007 at the squadron headquarters.  Deputy Commander Captain Melinda Berry is a Red Cross certified instructor who led the class in learning how to deal with basic first aid crises. 
Students learned how to construct a variety of splints and how to ascertain if a victim is having a stroke or diabetic emergency, as well as a myriad of other traumas. 
Class members were introduced to Bloodborne Pathogens and how to protect themselves while saving a life.  Nine of these students learning first aid were recently certified in CPR and in using an AED.  C/Amn Kyle Cass stated after taking the class, I feel better about knowing that I could help if I suddenly came upon someone who was hurt, and knowing I wouldn't panic. 
Captain Berry taught a CPR/AED class on December 28-29, 2006, and again on February 22-23, 2007. The goal of the training is to strengthen those cadets and senior members preparing for Emergency Services.