At Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe, we always look for fantastic ways to help your family connect with the community. During a recent Ouachita Green Clean-Up, we had the pleasure of meeting the incredible Josie Dycus. Our conversation took flight from the Clark M. Williams Innovation Center and soared nearly to Treasure Island, and I loved every minute of it!
Josie, a super mature 16-year-old, truly cares about the environment—after all, we were at the clean-up at 8:00 am on a Sunday! As we scoured the median in our bright orange safety vests, armed with bags and grabbers, it took less than 50 feet to discover her true passion: becoming a pilot. She also introduced me to Civil Air Patrol, a youth cadet program. Wait, what? Civil Air what? I could hardly wait to learn more!
It turns out, Civil Air Patrol is a nationwide nonprofit organization, primarily funded by The United States Air Force, and has more than 25,000 cadets! But did you know that there is a Louisiana wing and that Northeast Louisiana has a youth squadron? Yep, the General Claire L. Chennault Squadron!
Every week, youth cadets from near and far gather at Monroe Regional Airport to participate in educational and purposeful activities, particularly for those passionate about aviation. This is not just a regular extracurricular activity; it's a transformative journey for youth aged twelve to eighteen, centered around leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character development.
We were honored to be invited to a meeting where we met parents, youth cadets, and the Deputy Commander of Cadets, Senior Member 1st Lieutenant Alan Blakeney. 1st Lieutenant Blakeney is also the Grambling State University Television Center Director and FAA Certified SUAS (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) Pilot. Commander Blakeney has led numerous drone missions to map and record damage from natural disasters and search and rescue operations.
At the start of the youth-led meeting, the cadets stood at attention, some dressed in uniforms adorned with patches and pins while others were new to the squadron and not yet uniformed. They began by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Civil Air Patrol Pledge, instilling a sense of unity and purpose among the group. Once the pledges were completed, it was time to practice and perfect their drills for about an hour, honing their discipline and teamwork.
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Cadet 1st Lieutenant Dycus is teaching Senior Airman Kirksey to lead drills. Frontline Starting Furthest: Cadet Walsworth, Cadet W. Smith, Cadet Airman Canales. Backline Starting Furthest: Cadet V. Smith, Cadet Airman 1st Class Goins, Guest Tucker. |
Following the drill practice, the cadets moved on to an essential training session on knot-tying. This skill is crucial not only for maintaining dress regulations but also for survival situations they may encounter. The cadets worked diligently, understanding the importance of mastering these fundamental techniques to be prepared for any scenario they might face in their duties.
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| Cadet 1st Lieutenant Dycus is teaching Senior Airman Kirksey to tie a Taught Line Hitch. |
Next, Cadet Airman 1st Class Goins received his C/A1C (Cadet Airman First Class) Pin and he was all smiles!
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Cadet Airman 1st Class Goins, Image Source: Missy Robertson, Publisher Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe |
The U.S. Air Force Auxiliary program is structured to provide youth with the leadership training that will set them up for success in whatever path they choose, whether in the military, college, or workforce. And the best part? They get to do all this while being part of something bigger than themselves—serving their community and country.
Thanks to the United States Air Force, a plane and a state-of-the-art drone are among CAP’s training inventory. The youth in this program have the chance to explore the world of aviation, take on search and rescue missions, and work toward multiple certifications, and for some, the ultimate goal of becoming a pilot will be achieved!
This takes us back to Josie Dycus or should I say, “Cadet 1st Lieutenant Dycus, who currently serves as the squadron leader.” In just two years, she has earned 9 certifications through the program. The 3 certifications she is most proud of are GTMI, UAST, and Solo in a CAP Aircraft. Now I will translate for you GTMI: Ground Team Member 1, UAST: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Technician, and Solo in a CAP Aircraft, which is exactly what it sounds like!
Josie has loved planes and all things that fly since she was a little girl and recently applied for a scholarship called Cadet Wings which pays for a Cadet’s private pilot license. Josie shared, “It would mean the world to me to be able to have an aviation career.” We have no doubts, she will. Her achievements are a testament to the incredible opportunities available through Civil Air Patrol and a lot of hard work.
For more information about how your child can join Civil Air Patrol, please email Senior Member Major Squadron Commander Ben Shockley at ben@benshockley.com or call (318)547-9299. Your child’s potential is limitless—help them reach new heights with the Civil Air Patrol. By the way, grown-ups can join too! (Learn More)
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