Spring Break
January 2008:  Info from the Wing:
 
Spring Break begins after LMD on 20 March and sign in is no later than 7:00pm on 30 March.  LMD will be after noon meal (12:30ish) or last class of training, whichever comes later.  Cadets are advised to make no flight arrangements earlier than 2 hours after LMD from Colorado Springs Airport or 3 hours out of Denver.

Yearbooks
February 2008:  From Cadet Wing Media:
In March we will send to home of record an order form for the graduating class’ parents to order congratulatory messages for their cadets in the 2008 yearbook.  We also hope to have that form available on the cwmedia website or a link on the usafa graduation web-site by March too.  Parents’ club can order congratulatory messages in the 2008 yearbook by contacting  cwmedia@usafa.edu or calling 719-333-4644 in March. Both of these messages will have an April 15, 2008 deadline for submission.  More information will be available in February.

Maureen M. Welch
Chief, Cadet Wing Media

Fall Meeting
We had 22 people attend the Fall Meeting at Chances R Restaurant.  Thanks to those that came and helped fill the boxes with goodies for the Cadets.  Many more sent money for Dave and Susan Biba to add to the boxes because they were unable to join us.  Dave and Susan mailed the packages after Thanksgiving in time to arrive for Finals prep!

Limited Edition Notecards (Limited availability) Fundraiser
9/29/07

Each of the five designs have the name of the photographer on the back and one of them is a cadet!  C3C Michael Dobransky took a great shot of AFA from Eagle's Peak that is spectacular.  Darth Vader even got in the act along with the squadron who hosted the Cadet for a Day.  Three different packages that you can order, and they will be mailed out to you as soon as the printer delivers them.

1.  It is a set of 10 note cards, two of each design.
2.  A set of 10 of just the Chapel image which is just stunning!  Only one printing by the photographer is allowed, so when these run out, they are done. 
3.  A set of 10 of just the Darth Vader image, which is great especially for the squadron who is marching with him and the Cadet for a Day.

 Each set is $15.

There is a deadline of 10/15 for orders.  Please don't procrastinate.  ALL profits, after expenses, which are printing, mailing envelopes and postage, go to the Dennis P Rando Cadet Humanitarian Fund.  

You can find the pdf file for the cards and the order form at
http://falconpride.com/rando/cards/AFAnotecardsordeform.htm

2008 Class Crest Mugs Fundraiser
9/29/07

We have a GREAT gift idea for you and your club members!  2008 Class Crest Mugs are available from the USAFA Parents Club of Metropolitan St. Louis.  These 16-oz mugs are cobalt blue, imprinted with silver ink (the mugs are safe for the microwave).  One side features the 2008 Class Crest, while the other side is imprinted with either Air Force Academy MOM or DAD, or the words Air Force Academy around the number 2008.  The price of each mug is $15, which includes handling and shipping.  Parents of Firsties will be very PROUD to use these mugs, and they'll make great gifts for Firsties and Sponsor Family Moms/Dads.

Product picures and ordering information can be found at  www.usafapcstl.org . Not only will purchasers receive a great product, but they will also be contributing to the Rando Fund, as some of our proceeds will be donated!

USAFA Jelly Pad Fundraiser
9/29/07

The Mississippi Parents' Club is proud to bring to you a fund raiser item you'll find you can't live without - the USAFA Jelly Pad!  Place it on your car dash or armrest (leather or vinyl) . . . and see your cell phone, PDA, sunglasses, READING glasses, loose change, etc. stay in place.  It's almost like magic, even on a slant, they stay put.  If dust accumulates over time, wash with soap and water and the grip is renewed.  These are great gift ideas for dad, mom, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, grand/god parents, liaison officers, sponsor families, mentors, . . . and the list goes on.  GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS!  They are $12 each, or $10 each for 2 or more.  S&H is $1.50 for 1 and 50¢ for each additional one.  For all the details and order form, click on http://mspcusafa.tripod.com.  Thank you for supporting USAFA cadets!

Class of 2011 T-Shirts and Totes
9/17/07

David C. Howes, Retail Manager, AFAAA Gift Shops writes: "We are pleased to announce that we have found a manufacturer for the Class of 2011 T-Shirts and Tote Bags. We should be receiving the initial shipment in early October and they will be available only at our online store at www.goairforcefalcons.com <http://www.goairforcefalcons.com/ . Should our initial shipment sell out we will place reorders accordingly. I would like to thank all the parents for their patience during this issue."

Mailing Address
8/10/07 Communique from our PA Liaison:  

Packages at Arnold Hall
8/9/07 Communique from our PA Liaison:  

"I just found out that the package pick up (for UPS and Fed Ex) at Arnold Hall can no longer email cadets to notify them that they have a package waiting.  So, if you mail something via UPS or Fed Ex ask how long it will take for delivery and then tell your cadet to check with the package pick up to see if it’s in.  The cadets  can call 333-4622 to see if a package has arrived."

   Cell Phones and Driving On Base:  A new Department of Defense regulation prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving on base went into effect on the Academy March 1.  

The new regulation allows the use of a cell phone only with a hands-free device, or if the vehicle is parked.  The regulation states that using a cell phone while driving is a primary moving offense and violators who use a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle will have three points assessed against their license.  Base security forces can initiate a traffic stop based on cell phone use alone.  The policy is the same for operators of privately owned vehicles and government vehicles.  

The goal behind the new regulation is to keep people safe by making them concentrate on the road.   "Any device can distract you when driving.  If you do not focus well and have any compounding issues like a lack of sleep, long shifts, etc., then the possibility of an accident increases with the amount of data and situational awareness coming into the mind at one time."  says Lt. Col. Joseph Milner, 10th Security Forces Squadron commander.  [032206]