JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
For 15-Year-old Cadet Master Sgt. Melissa Weinhold of Mt. Airy, the 2010 Joint Service Open House is an opportunity to gather information on a future career as an Air Force pilot.
Three Civil Air Patrol Wings are represented at the 2010 JSOH. The National Capital Region, Maryland and Virginia Wings are working together to support the Andrews Air Show with more than 40 cadets. Most are students younger than 18 working booths, educating their peers about drug abuse, protecting aircraft, and seizing the opportunity to quiz airmen about life in the Air Force.
Every CAP Cadet has one question on the tips of their tongue; "How do I become an Air Force pilot?" CAP gives students with high aspirations a leg up on the competition to pin on wings. Joint Service Open Houses are also a chance for cadets to expand their horizons.
"I've been speaking with service members from at least four branches," said Senior Airman Josh Wynnyk, 15. "I'm really undecided about what to do after high school, so this is my chance to gather some information about all options."
The cadets are located near the runway, adjacent to Hangar 3. Cadets and their leadership, consisting of retired airmen, involved parents and civilian pilots, brought out CAP aircraft. The propeller-driven airframes are used for search and rescue missions, land surveying, and homeland security. It also serves as a training organization for the young adults participating in the open house.
Cadet Lt. Col. Eashan Samak, 17, of Southern Maryland. flew solo at the age of 16.
"CAP has given me the chance to fly solo. It's something that many people don't ever get," he said. "We're really out here to help spread that message."
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Samak is the senior cadet at the open house, charged with organizing the his peers and ensuring that everyone gets a chance to work booths, guard sensitive aircraft and explore the grounds.
"This is really a question of benefits and costs for me," said Cadet Sergeant Weinhold. "Asking airmen what they've gained joining the Air Force compared to what they feel they've lost is going to help me decide what I want to do."
CAP cadets are already making those choices by giving up a weekend at home for the chance to support the Andrews Open House.