Tri-Wing Encampment Revives 3-Weekend Format

Solemn occasion

Three times proved to be the charm this year for the Tri-Wing Encampment, with organizers opting for a three-weekend Type B format rather than the more common Type A full-week approach.

In all, 67 cadets from not only the Delaware, Maryland, and National Capital wings but also Connecticut and Pennsylvania completed the encampment at  Camp Fretterd Military Reservation  in Reisterstown, Maryland.  Activities were held Jan. 28-29,  Feb. 25-26, and March 18-19

Participating cadets received classroom instruction on a variety of topics, including leadership, communication, and aerospace education. They also participated in physical fitness activities and applied their newfound skills in practical exercises.

The Type B format produced its own challenges – for instance, cadets had to be processed in and out and camp facilities had to be set up and broken down three times, not once. Weather and health issues also posed potential problems, but in the end all went according to plan.

The activity was the first Type B Tri-Wing Encampment in more than 30 years and the first ever undertaken during winter, LaPre said.

STEM activity

Capt. Nathan Rolfe, commander of the Maryland Wing’s Mount Airy Composite Squadron, served as encampment commander.

“I need to say thank you to the cadre for making the encampment a success,” Rolfe said. “There were a lot of moving parts, and plenty of work that needed to be done between weekends, and your professionalism and dedication helped make sure those challenges didn't stop us.”

Cadets recognized for their efforts included

• Cadet Lt. Col. Ariana Moretz, Delaware Air National Guard Cadet Squadron, Delaware Wing – Commandant of Cadets’ Leadership Award 
   
• Cadet Airman 1st Class Isabella Moran, Col Mary S. Feik Composite Squadron, Maryland Wing – Honor Cadet.

Along with LaPre, the Maryland Wing commander, those attending graduation March 19 included Cols. Eugene Egry, Mid-Atlantic Region commander, and Robert Hotchkiss Jr., Delaware Wing commander, as well as Chief Master Sgt. Todd Parsons, CAP national command chief,.
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2nd Lt. Venkat Pillarisetty
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Delaware Air National Guard Cadet Squadron