When Life Takes. . . Turns

An interview with Wayne Harrah, Captain in the Civil Air Patrol and Technical Sergeant with the 133rd Test Squadron Air National Guard.

Submitted by
Capt, Cindi Wachholz, CAP
Squadron Commander- Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron
Assistant Public Affairs Officer- Iowa Wing

 

The roads in life of which we travel hold a variety of curves, trials of hills, and uncountable intersections. Traveling two roads simultaneously is Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Capt Wayne Harrah, a member of the IA-051, Cedar Rapids Senior Squadron. Not only is he a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol but Harrah also serves as Technical Sergeant of the 133rd Test Squadron of the Iowa Air National Guard (ANG), Ft. Dodge, Iowa.

Harrah began his journey of service as active duty in the United States Air Force, serving during the “Cold War” from December 1980 through December1984. It wasn’t long before he was known as a “Fast Burner”, one who is on an accelerated track in his education, training and potential.

He served his first 3 ½ years as an Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist (Weapons Loader), stationed at what was then the 50th Aircraft Generation Squadron, at Hahn Air Base, West Germany. Yet, Harrah had an affinity for more-advanced electronics than bomb-release systems. The Air Force saw that potential and offered Harrah a (then) classified position in his existing “Chronic Critical” career field that would take him away from home continuously, Monday-Friday. That position came with one caveat – no questions asked. That included questions from his wife.

Cadet Awards: May 2010

Amelia Earhart Award

•Adam W. Wachholz, IA

For a complete listing of all awards, click here



Cadet Advisory Council – Spring Update

C/Capt Adam Wachholz
Iowa CAC Chair

The Cadet Advisory Council, or CAC, is a group of cadets who give suggestions to the Wing Commander and Cadet Programs Officer. Each squadron provides one representative, who can vote on major decisions with the council, and form policy recommendations on the Cadet Program as a whole. Simply put, the CAC is an opportunity for cadets who have already demonstrated leadership ability to work at the next level, and help influence the next generation of Civil Air Patrol members.

During the upcoming term of CAC, we hope to create new class of cadet leaders who are innovative and decisive. Our goals for the upcoming year include generating new intra-squadron activities, expanding recruiting and retention throughout Iowa, and finish out our term with an encampment in the summer of 2011.