Sometime early in 2009 I took on the role of HI Wing Director of Aerospace Education and began visiting squadrons throughout the state. I would show up with 2 cases full of laptops, joysticks, flight simulation software and a simple, yet fun lesson to help me see how our cadets were progressing in Aerospace Education. At every squadron I visited, I spoke with Cadet Staff, Senior Staff and the cadets – I wanted to learn more about their needs and educational goals.

Soon I discovered that although our Wing’s AE Program seemed "dead in the water", the reality was that aerospace education’s heart was still beating inside every squadron and that Wing had simply lost touch with those who wanted to keep the program alive at squadron level.

I began to share my vision with everyone I met as I traveled and spent time with the Hawaii squadrons. The vision was to hold an Aerospace Encampment at Hawaii Wing for cadets and Senior Members. Everyone I spoke with was interested and I was energized by the enthusiasm and encouragement of those I spoke with.

Now, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of a group of Senior Members in our Wing, we held Hawaii Wing’s first Aerospace Education Encampment.

This year we graduated 20 highly motivated cadets, and saw 15 Senior Members inspired and ready for the next encampment. I also saw how the success of the program and the participating cadets inspired some of the managers we worked with at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), and how the installation Commander felt about our return next year.

I feel blessed for having the opportunity to be a part of this great endeavor – for seeing a group of dedicated Senior Members give their very best, with all their might, so that our cadets could have a great learning experience.

To all of you who made this possible, my most sincere appreciation and thanks – I am very proud of what you have accomplished. Lastly, thank you Col Caires for the opportunity to bring this endeavor to fruition.

Sincerely,

Capt Eduardo R. Zayas-Quinones, CAP
Aerospace Camp Commander

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