NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
CIVIL AIR PATROL
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AUXILIARY
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA 36112-6332
DON ROWLAND
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
2 June 2015
Scott Van Cleef, Brig Gen, USAF (Ret)
AFA Chairman of the Board
Mark Barrett, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret)
Acting President, Air Force Association
1501 Lee Highway
Arlington VA 22209-1198
Dear Generals Van Cleef and Barrett
On behalf of the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters staff and the 60,000 volunteers of CAP, I want to extend
our sincere appreciation for the outstanding financial and award support the Air Force Association continues to
provide to CAP each year. The funds the AFA provides for CAP’s aerospace/STEM education grants, both to CAP
units and educator members, are vital in helping us accomplish our aerospace mission. These annual grants provide
our members with wonderful opportunities to inspire and motivate thousands of cadets and students toward an
interest in STEM subjects and careers. This year, the $22,500 in grant funding the AFA contributed to CAP was
utilized to directly support unit, educator, school-wide, and youth organization STEM-related programs.
The awards the AFA provide to each CAP squadron’s Outstanding Cadet and to the AFA National CAP AE
Cadet of the Year are representative of the AFA’s respect for the work CAP is doing to provide quality youth
development programs for our country. CAP shares a mutual respect for the AFA’s broad initiatives to develop the
next generation into technologically-prepared citizenry that will maintain economic viability and national security for
the future. The AFA’s CyberPatriot program specifically demonstrates a commitment to achieve that goal. We
applaud your efforts and appreciate the opportunity for CAP cadets to participate in this innovative program.
This past calendar year, the AFA made another commitment to CAP by providing an additional $20,000 to
become the “Presenting Sponsor” of CAP’s K-6 Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program. The AFA’s
support of this unique early education effort to inspire youth toward STEM careers allowed CAP to impact an
additional 6,500 youth in this grade-level specific, national academic standards aligned, interdisciplinary program.
The K-6 grade ACE program complements the AFA’s 6-12 grade CyberPatriot program and provides AFA chapters
with a full spectrum of K-12 aerospace/STEM education programs. CAP is proud to be able to offer AFA chapters
this program, in addition to several other free CAP K-12 programs for AFA chapters to utilize in the AFA’s
aerospace/STEM education outreach mission.
As noted on the attached 2014 AFA Program Report prepared by CAP’s AFA programs coordinator, Susan
Mallett, the benefits of the AFA’s support of CAP’s aerospace/STEM education and cadet programs are far
reaching. The efforts of the CAP staff to promote and support the AFA’s grassroots aerospace/STEM education
programs is a sincere reciprocal gesture of admiration and appreciation to the AFA.
Again, thank you for your generous support of CAP’s AE mission. It is indeed our pleasure to be associated with
the AFA and to share in the quest to promote aerospace/STEM education across America. We pledge to continue to
be good stewards of the grants, the ACE program sponsorship, and award opportunities provided to our members.
Very Respectfully
DON ROWLAND
Chief Operating Officer
cc:
Jerry E. White, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret)
AFA Vice Chairman of the Board, Aerospace Education
David Dietsch. Colonel, USAF (Ret)
AFA Vice Chairman of the Board, Field Operations
Marvin L. “Marv” Tooman, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
AFA National Secretary
Nora Ruebrook
AFA National Treasurer
James Hannam, Colonel, USAF (Ret)
AFA National Vice Chairman of the Aerospace Education Council
Bernie Skoch, Brig Gen, USAF (Ret)
AFA Senior Vice President for Education, Development and Innovation
Kari Hahn
AFA Vice President, Member and Field Relations
Shannon Aud
AFA Senior Manager, Field Operations
Jill Westeyn
AFA Manager, Aerospace Awards and Scholarships
Maj Gen Joseph R. Vazquez, CAP
National Commander
Brig Gen Larry F. Myrick, CAP
National Vice Commander
Col Larry J. Ragland, CAP
National Executive Officer
Lt Col Mike McArdle, CAP
National Aerospace Education Officer
Col Michael D. Tyynismaa, USAF
CAP-USAF Commander
Col Sammy T. Pierce, USAF
CAP-USAF Vice Commander
John Salvador
CAP Senior Director
Susan Easter
CAP Chief Financial Officer
John Swain
CAP Government Relations Consultant
Dr. Jeff Montgomery
CAP Deputy Director, Aerospace Education
Civil Air Patrol’s
2014 Air Force Association
Comprehensive Annual Program Report
AFA Grants for CAP Units and Educator Members:
Civil Air Patrol continues to recognize the Air Force Association as a treasured organizational
aerospace/STEM education partner. Since the 1996 inception of the AFA/CAP partnership, the AFA has
contributed over $380,000 in grant funding to enable CAP units and educator members the opportunity to
complete special aerospace/STEM education projects and programs with young people across the country. In
19 years, about 290,000 students have been impacted by the AFA Grants for CAP Units and Educator
Members, averaging about $1.31 per student. Via the use of the aerospace theme, CAP adult and cadet
members are promoting STEM-related subjects and career options to young people, serving to aid in the
development of the future aerospace/STEM workforce to maintain U.S. economic competitiveness and
national security.
The application process for the AFA Grant for CAP Members ensures that quality STEM-related programs
and projects are the foundation of each grant. After-action reports from grant recipients reveal the deep
appreciation and benefits resulting from the acquisition of AFA funding. Many of the programs and projects
can be replicated numerous times after being funded, thus, there are perpetual benefits of the funding.
The AFA annually provides $22,500 to fund $250 CAP unit and K-12 educator grants that reach all
geographical areas of the country, as well as Puerto Rico. Grant applicants are encouraged to collaborate with
other groups to increase program impact. A portion of the funding is allotted to perpetuate STEM Outreach
programs focusing on outstanding school-wide initiatives associated with CAP’s K-6 Aerospace Connections
in Education (ACE) program and educator professional development opportunities.
2014 return on investment information for the AFA Grant Program for CAP Members is delineated below,
but, to repeat, many programs are replicated for several out years and with numerous other youth groups, thus
immeasurably increasing program impact.
2014 $22,500 grant funds expenditures and program impact:
CAP Unit Grants
 Summer Cycle- 20 grants @ $250 each-----Total youth directly impacted- 2,300
 Winter Cycle- 20 grants @ $250 each-------Total youth directly impacted- 3,987
CAP Educator Classroom Grants
 Spring Cycle- 20 grants @ $250 each-------Total students directly impacted- 2,720
 Fall Cycle- 19 grants @ $250 each-----------Total students directly impacted- 2,451
STEM Outreach Grants for Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) –related Programs &
Educator STEM Professional Development
 STEM Outreach Grants ------------------------Total students directly impacted- 7,100
~ Awards for National ACE School, Educator, Coordinator, and Students of the Year- $1,450
~ School-wide ACE program lift-off events & professional development programs- $1,300
2014 total youth directly impacted by the AFA Grants for CAP Members Program – 18,558
2014 per capita AFA contribution - $1.21
From field trips, to rocketry and robotics, to astronomy,
high altitude balloon experiments and joint endeavors
between organizations, the AFA Grant program for
CAP units and educator members gives struggling
STEM programs a chance to launch and inspire the
youth in wonderful ways!
Capt Jose Acosta of the Cabo
Rojo, PR, Cadet Squadron
took his cadets to interact in
The Arecibo Observatory
(William
E.
Gordon
Telescope), part of the
National Astronomy and
Ionosphere Center.
Capt Robert Montgomery of
Horsham Air Guard Station, PA,
took his cadets on a weekend
field trip to the National Museum
of the U.S. Air Force and the
Huffmann Prairie Flying Field
where the cadets learned about
the development of controlled,
powered flight and expereinced
basic aerodynamics, as well as the
role of aviation in history through
static displays in the museum.
1Lt Randall Brown, of Palm
Springs Composite Squadron,
provides a Rocketry Program
for his cadets to earn their
Rocketry Badge.
Maj Franklin Porath, of Raritan Valley
Composite Squadron in NJ, worked with
his cadets to form a competitive robotics
program and added a cadet-produced
video to show their pride in their AFAgrant supported program.
Double click on video below:
Link to Video
Levar Patterson, of Building Dreams Youth Programs in Phoenix, AZ, used his AFA grant to
help fund the FIRST Robotics competition and ended up at the AZ State Lego Championship.
Connect to the newscast on following link (click to skip the ad):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0fC0MzxvA8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUIVk1L1-JmpdiGuZcVjImtA
Matt Maisano, of Conestoga
Valley High School in
Lancaster, PA, took his
students to the airport and
Air Traffic Control Tower
for a mini airshow, aviation
lessons, hangar tours, and
career exploration. “The
students truly enjoyed the trip
as it would not have been
posible without the funds
provided by the AFA
educatior grant. Thank you
for helping with this
important educational
experence.”
Jory Vandenburg, the 388
Fighter Wing Historian at
Hill AFB, and a CAP
educator member, used the
funds to purchase historical
aviation books to read and
distribute in 21 school
presentations- even bringing
Col Halverson, the Candy
Bomber, as a speaker for the
students.
AFA Becomes 2014 CAP K-6 Aerospace Connections in
Education (ACE) Program Presenting Sponsor:
The Air Force Association’s Aerospace Education Council (AEC) obtained AFA National approval to include
an additional budget line to be added for CAP AE programs for calendar year 2014. This additional funding
allowed the AFA to become the Presenting Sponsor of CAP’s unique K-6 Aerospace Connections in
Education (ACE) program. This first-time additional $20,000 in funding provided to CAP allowed an
additional 6,500 students to be fully supported in the ACE program. At a per capita cost of $3.07, the
AFA, as the ACE Presenting Sponsor, was prominently recognized on curriculum, teacher and school
plaques, student certificates, and ACE t-shirts. Providing these additional program components enhanced
program interest and promoted enduring public awareness of the AFA by school staff, students’ families and
community members.
Almost 17,000 students with about 700 teachers in 28 states participated in the 2014 ACE program and were
introduced to the AFA through AFA chapter speakers, school visitors, award presenters, and field trip
organizers. The impact of this new partnership was highlighted in the September 2014 Wingman magazine
article, Come Fly with Me! CAP & AFA Join Hands to Support ACE Students.
AFA chapters supported ACE schools in AL, AZ, CA, FL, MN, SC, TX, UT, (37 out of 98 schools- 37%).
Plans for the 2015-2016 academic year include connecting ACE schools with an AFA chapter around the
country to continue to build on this early STEM education outreach program for AFA chapters.
Engaged, Enthusiastic Future Aviators in the ACE Program…
Science thinking
test scores
increase up to
27% and 46%
increase in
program
knowledge from
post tests.
93% of ACE
teachers intend to
participate the
following year.
Most of those not
doing so are
retiring.
Average score of ACE lessons is 4.5 out of 5.
Inspired ACE Participants with ACE Program Products and AFA Visitors…
97%: I would
recommend the
ACE program to
other educators.
98%: ACE
lessons,
particularly the
academic lessons,
support STEM
education.
95%: ACE
lessons positively
affected and
reinforced good
behavior in the
classroom.
97%: Teaching
ACE lessons was
a valuable use of
my time.
95%: The ACE
program helped
create/foster an
interest
in/appreciation
for aerospace.
94%: ACE
lessons fit well
with the skills,
concepts, and/or
standards we are
required to teach.
2014 National ACE Teacher of the Year, Laura Pink, Crestview, FL
“Thank you for this
opportunity at our school.
As the Magnet Coordinator
for our STEM Aerospace
elementary school, these
lessons, resources, and
materials are
WONDERFUL! We use
them with all 600 K-5th
graders and our teachers
LOVE participating and
teaching them!”
~Kate Watson, 2014
National ACE Coordinator
of the Year- Blaine, MN
See ACE Magnet Day
Video HERE.
“I use the ACE program with my regular
education students while the gifted
students are pulled from the classroom. It
makes them feel special and encourages
them to pursue a STEM careers by
increasing interest in aerospace and
showing them they can be successful.”
~Kathy Perkins, Tuscaloosa, AL
“The ACE program is very
beneficial to my inclusion
classroom. It opens the
minds of my learning
disabled students to
possibilities of future
careers in the fields of
science.”
~Candace Gallmeyer,
Minneola, FL
THANK YOU, AFA!
Other AFA Initiatives to Support CAP
AFA’s Annual Recognition: National CAP Aerospace
Education Cadet of the Year Award
 Nominations received at CAP NHQ and selection forwarded to AFA
 Award presented at AFA National Awards Program in September to recipient:
2014 AFA’s National CAP AE Cadet of the Year
Cadet 2nd Lt. James Gardner Jr. at the Air Force Association's 2014 Air & Space Conference in
National Harbor, Maryland, with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Samuel D. Cox, deputy chief of staff for
Manpower, Personnel and Services at Air Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
AFA’s Annual Recognition :
CAP Outstanding Squadron Cadet of the Year
 AFA National provided each requesting CAP squadron a ribbon, medal, and certificate to be presented
by an AFA chapter representative to one outstanding cadet in each CAP cadet and composite squadron
AFA’s Annual CyberPatriot Program for Schools and
JROTC/CAP/Naval Sea Cadets
 As with each year since the inception of the AFA’s CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education
program, CAP Cadet units were given the opportunity to compete in the CyberPatriot VI program
at no cost to units
 CAP team participation again increased and CAP was the top organizational group in the All
Service Division of the competition (38% increase in CAP teams from CPV to CPVI)
The AFA’s CyberPatriot National Youth Cyber Education program’s Inaugural Middle School
Division champion was CAP’s Beach Cities, CA, Cadet Squadron 107 team -- (from left) Cadet
Airmen Roberto Munoz and Steve Velasco, Cadet Airman 1st Class Amy Ross, Cadet Tech. Sgt.
Harmont Grenier and Cadet Airmen Alejandro Munoz and Alredo Corrales.
 CAP’s Volunteer Now article: Calif. cadets capture first CyberPatriot Middle
School Division championship held in National Harbor, MD, March 2014
CAP promotes all AFA-sponsored programs above via CAP’s AE’s AFA website; AE’s
CyberPatriot page ; and CAP’s AFA Announcements page, to include Grant Recipients;
mass e-mails to all members; and CAP’s Volunteer Now online news.
CAP’s Reciprocal Support of the AFA:
 Special AFA link embedded in the CAP AE webpage
(www.capmembers.com/afa ) and the AFA Educational webpage to promote
and give guidance for all CAP reciprocal, no-cost programs provided for AFA
chapter use :
* AFA and CAP members joining and
working with both organizations: Join AFA!
* AFA AE grants for CAP units and educator
members
* AFA awards for outstanding CAP cadets
(squadron and national levels)
* CyberPatriot Program
* CAP’s complimentary AE membership for AFA
TOYs, and teachers working with the AFA or
attending AFA teacher workshops and/or
museum programs (about 1,210 teachers have
received the complimentary memberships worth
$42,000)
The CAP AZ Wing continue to
participate in AFA’s Southwest
Region Conference and work with
teacher workshops and outreach
programs
* CAP’s no-cost AE programs for chapter usage: K-12 Aerospace Education Excellence (AEX)
Program and K-6 Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) Program
* CAP’s support of resources and Teacher Orientation Program (TOP) Flights for AFA
sponsored teacher workshops
* CAP’s support for AFA’s Museum Initiative
* CAP’s support for AF-supported Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings STEM Outreach
Program
Auburn AAS/SW Students Help with Maxwell AFB Aerospace/STEM Day for Area Students
Continued- CAP’s Reciprocal Support of the AFA:
 The AFA logo is placed on CAP brochures and curriculum products, denoted as:
“CAP and AFA: Partners in Aerospace and STEM Education”
 AFA sponsorship info printed on almost 100,000 CAP K-6 ACE program t-shirts and program
plaques and certificates nationwide since the ACE program began in 2007
Continued- CAP’s Reciprocal Support of the AFA:
 National AFA HQ’s annual AE Educator Grant Program promoted to CAP educator members with
annual assistance in selection of National AFA’s Educator Grants provided by CAP
 Coordinates CAP cadet units participating in CyberPatriot Program; and promotes the program to
units and schools nationwide
CAP Sends Appreciation to AFA National Headquarters Staff:
 One of Kari Hahn’s divisions, AFA National Aerospace Awards and Grants, with Jill Westeyn,
Manager, has continued to provide prompt and professional leadership and service in the AFA/CAP
grant and award program partnership
 The CyberPatriot team has provided excellent support for CPVI & VII CAP Cadet Teams
 The AFA has included AFA/CAP partnership initiative stories in the AFA National Report in the AFA
magazine, as well as the Wingman magazine
 Information about CAP Unit and Educator Grant Winners and National CAP AE Cadet of the Year is
posted on the AFA Website
 The AFA IT staff, alongside Chet Curtis and Shannon Aud, ensured that CAP’s no-cost
Aerospace/STEM Ed program offerings are now posted on the AFA website for chapter use
Respectfully Submitted with Sincere Appreciation,
Susan Mallett
Youth Development and AFA Programs Coordinator
National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol
[email protected]
2 June 2015