8 Jun 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(March ARB, CA) - Cadets from throughout Southern California attended a Basic Cadet School this spring at March Air Reserve Base that was co-sponsored by the California Air National Guard 163rd Air Refueling Wing, San Bernardino Squadron 31 and Santa Monica Clover Field Composite Squadron 51. C/2Lt. Alicen Bedrosian, who traveled from Oregon, was Cadet Commander. Cadet Executive Officer was C/MSgt. Brian Unbangluang from Palmdale and C/SSgt. Jose Medina from Santa Monica served as First Sergeant. The combined efforts of Squadron 31 and Squadron 51 made it one of the most successful schools ever in the history of Group 1 and Group 3 as 60 cadets graduated in an impressive ceremony held inside an open hangar with a view of the KC-135 flight line. Cadets had a special tour of one of the massive KC-135R planes during the BCS.

Basic Cadet School (BCS) is the first step in the California Wing Integrated Leadership Program (ILP). It provides news cadets with a solid beginning in understanding the responsibilities and rewards involved in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.

Photos by 1Lt. Margaret Hoebink

Click on photo for larger version of image.

Entire Basic Cadet School contingent assembles in front of KC-135R for a special tour.
Master Sergeant Victor Gapasen USAF gives cadets an aerospace lesson on the inner workings of the huge engines of a KC-135-R.

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For More Information, Please Contact:

1Lt. Margaret Hoebink, PAO, Squadron 51 (310) 252-5288
1Lt. Janice Maxim, PAO, Squadron 31