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Breakout Sessions

PDF Print Version of Saturday Breakout Session Schedule

2025 OHWG Conference Session Descriptions

Note: All sessions are subject to change. Target audience is indicated for sessions. However, all attendees are welcome at all sessions.

PDF Print Version of Saturday Session Descriptions

Aerospace Education/STEM

  • Aerospace Education & Schools (Capt Casey Green) - Learn more about the AEM program & how to work with schools, including the "ACE Plus - Squadron Classroom Adoption Program." Partnering with schools is a great way to build relationships & awareness & recruit new cadets. This session is for anyone who can see the value in growing these relationships.

  • Target Audience: Senior Members - Aerospace Education Booth Best Practices (Capt Casey Green) - AE booths combine recruiting, cadet programs, & community outreach, all in one. Learn how your squadron can find a venue & set up a booth to build CAP awareness in your community & recruit new members. This session is for anyone looking to get more involved in your community. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Aerospace Education Officer Training (Capt Casey Green) - Learn how to advance in the AE Specialty Track, complete required reports, & find resources & tools to build a strong AE program at your unit. This session is great for AEOs who are looking to advance their Training, who feel stuck in the lessons they provide, or for SMs who are interested in the AE program. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • The Impact of Research & Development on Air Power (Dr. Scott Sherer, Aerospace Engineer) - In this session, an aerospace engineer with over 25 years of government research laboratory experience will discuss the vital role of research and development on air power.  Drawing from decades of experience, the speaker will explore key innovations in military aviation, including how stealth technology evolved through systematic research and refinement from a historical perspective. Target Audience: All Members

  • Arduino Microcontroller: Small But Mighty (Lt Col Bruce Bream) - We are surrounded by microcontrollers in thermostats, dishwashers, phones, cars, UAVs, and more. Want to learn more about how these work and actually program one? This seminar will introduce you to the Arduino microcontroller that is part of the CAP Lost In Space STEM kit. Watch a live demonstration. Look over a range of projects on the table that use the Arduino. There's also an opportunity to take one home for your own use. Target Audience: All Members

Chaplain Corps

  • Application Process & Training Requirements for Chaplains and CDI’s (Ch, Maj David Luther) - Attendees can expect to hear about: 

    • The role of the E+T Officer in the Chaplain Corps

    • Training in Level 1 and level 2 part 1

    • The process of applying for positions in the Chaplain Corps

    • CAPP 40-80,  "Chaplain Corps Handbook and Speciality Tracks"

    • CAPR 80-1, "Civil Air Patrol Chaplain Corps"

Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Chaplain & CDI Expectations & Goal Setting (Ch, Capt Stephen Stephanoff) -  Attendees will review a list of Chaplain and CDI expectations and a challenge to set personal goals as a member of the Chaplain Corps. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Understanding Confidentiality in Chaplaincy (Ch, Capt  Ashwin Welch) - This interactive session explores the critical role of confidentiality in chaplaincy services and across all professional positions. Through hypothetical case studies, participants will examine the ethical implications and potential consequences of confidentiality breaches, while learning best practices for maintaining appropriate confidentiality standards in their daily work. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • ChESS - Chaplain Corps Emergency Services School Informational Session (Ch, Capt Gregory Heath) - This talk is an overview of the Chaplain Emergency Services School program. It is designed to be an overview and an encouragement of Chaplain Corps to become Chaplain Support Team qualified as either a Mission or CDI. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Spiritual Care in Crisis: a Chaplain’s Presence (Ch, Maj Donald York) - This session is a review of what makes the chaplain’s role in a crisis unique to include spiritual resources, chaplain skills and chaplain self care. Target Audience: Senior Members

Communications

  • CAP Radio Operation - Hands On (Capt Jim McKenna) - In this session, you will learn some introductory information about communications within the Civil Air Patrol. This will be followed by hands-on use of some VHF radios in a set of scenarios intended to have the members use the radios to pass messages back and forth. By the end of the session everyone should know how to turn on the radios, find the appropriate channel, pass messages, repeat back messages and enter messages into a log, all within Civil Air Patrol standards. Target Audience: All Members

  • Over the Horizon: A Deep Dive into CAP Communications Technology, Systems, and Procedures (Maj Eric Coggin) - In this session, we will examine the latest updates in technology, procedures, equipment, and what’s to come with CAP Radio Communications. Suitable for all CAP members. Recommended for CAP communicators, ES managers, and Commanders. Target Audience: All Members

Education and Training

  • Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Pre-Exposure Preparedness (PEP) training (Lt Col Michael Saile) - An overview of CISM services and some insight into critical incident stress symptoms and mitigation strategies. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Managing Registration Zone Events and Member Health in eServices (2d Lt Michelle Sherer and 2d Lt Lindsey Phin) - Learn how to effectively utilize Civil Air Patrol's Registration Zone platform and Health Profiles features in eServices. This session covers event management essentials including setup, registration, payments, and attendance tracking, while demonstrating how to properly integrate and manage member health profiles for both routine squadron activities and special events. Ideal for squadron and wing-level event planners, commanders, and administrative officers, you'll learn to streamline event workflows while maintaining appropriate health information management through eServices. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Navigating the New CAP Education and Training Program (Lt Col Michael Saile) - Do you have a Specialty Track? Do you have a Duty Assignment? Do you know what you need to complete your next Specialty Track rating? Do you know what you need for your next promotion" We will answer these questions and more! This session will also grant credit for Level 2, Part 1 Choosing Your Duty Assignment and Specialty Track. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Volunteer University Instructor Process (Capt Roger Pinney) - The goal of this breakout session would be to clarify the process for becoming a Volunteer University Instructor to help dispel the misconception that members must be an Education & Training Officer to serve as an instructor and increase the total number of instructors within the Wing.  Target Audience: Senior Members

Emergency Services

  • Community Preparedness (Licking County EMA) - In this session, the Director of Licking County Emergency Management will talk about general preparedness and how we, as an organization that serves others, can make ourselves more resilient. We will also talk about the changing landscape with our Federal government partners. Target Audience: All Members

  • ES Collaboration/Next Steps (1st Lt Evan Thomas) - For those who are passionate about strengthening our ES program, this is a casual meet and greet and collaboration session. We will talk about where we are now, what we have tried to get more ES training and involvement and what we can do next. Target Audience: All Members

  • Evolution of Emergency Locator Transmitters (1974-Present) (Capt Steven Rice) -This comprehensive review traces the development of Emergency Locator Transmitters from their early adoption to current technology. Special emphasis will be placed on modern 406 MHz ELTs, which represent a significant advancement in aviation safety. Target Audience: All Members

  • Civil Air Patrol RDF Systems and Modern Alternatives (Capt Steven Rice) - This session focuses on ground-based Radio Direction Finding (RDF) systems utilized by the Civil Air Patrol in search and rescue operations. We'll examine traditional RDF equipment and explore innovative approaches to modernizing these critical systems. The presenter will share firsthand experience in developing a contemporary replacement system. Target Audience: All Members

Finance

  • Dos and Don'ts for Squadron Finance Officers: Ensuring smooth financial transactions with the Wing (Lt Col Kevin Houser & Cierra Biles) - Review unit and wing finance regulations and procedures and answer any questions people may have. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Quickbooks Fundamentals for Senior and Master Finance Officer Specialty Track Tests (Lt Col Kevin Houser & Cierra Biles) - This session goes over the use of Quickbooks for Finance and provides individuals with information related to the application to help them better understand the application and apply those learnings to the testing for Senior and Master Levels in the Finance track. Target Audience: Senior Members

Health Services

  • Look, Listen, Link (Lt Col Justin MacKeller & Capt Kimberly Hughes) - This training material is to be used by CISM and Resiliency members to teach squadron commanders, team leaders, and members in leadership positions how to appropriately respond after a critical incident using the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Look, Listen, Link technique. This course also qualifies for the ES Specialty track broadening courses. Taught by CISM or PFA/ Resiliency trained members. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • Stop the Bleed, Part 1 and 2 (MSgt Ken Fischer) - This course will provide bystanders with basic tools and information to stop life threatening bleeding and save lives.  Stop the Bleed training will include lecture and hands on training. Target Audience: All Members

Leadership

  • A Year of Ownership and Q&A (Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey, National Deputy Commander) - Join Civil Air Patrol's National Deputy Commander, Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey, for an engaging session on empowering CAP members to take greater ownership of their roles within the organization. Drawing from his extensive leadership experience, Gen. Bailey will discuss how members can demonstrate personal accountability and initiative across CAP's core missions of emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs. This interactive Q&A session will provide practical strategies for implementing the "Year of Ownership" theme in your unit and wing activities. Members of all grades will gain valuable insights on becoming more effective leaders and contributors to CAP's mission success. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • How To Be an Effective Staff Officer (Lt Col George Berghorn) - Attendees will learn about the characteristics of a good staff officer and will be introduced to a framework to guide decision making and actions in their role as a staff officer. We will also work through real world CAP scenarios where good staff work was critical to supporting the Commander's decision-making and ensuring mission accomplishment. Senior cadets and senior members currently serving in or aspiring to serve in staff positions at all levels are welcome to attend. Target Audience: All Members

  • Leading the Way: Commander Development and Support (Col David Dlugiewicz) - Ready to take on leadership roles in CAP? Whether you aspire to command a unit, lead a staff, or simply want to better support your current leadership, this session is essential. The Ohio Wing Commander will provide invaluable insights into the skills, knowledge, and mindset required for effective command at any level. Learn how to build strong teams, navigate challenges, and inspire excellence. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your leadership potential. Target Audience: Senior Members

  • NCO and Command Team Relationships (CMSgt Cory Felts and CMsgt James Gregory) - This session will cover current events and programs for the CAP NCO serving from the Squadron to Region levels. Q&A with the GLR NCO Leadership Team. This session is ideal for current CAP NCOs. Target Audience: Senior Members

Cadet Track (Target Audience is Cadets)

  • Cadet Track - Are You a Leader? (Col Christy Barber, ret AF) - The presenter will provide context to different leadership styles to enable the cadets to identify their leadership style.  Additionally, we will explore strategies and techniques to grow their leadership.  The briefing will encourage cadet attendees to provide inputs from personal experiences and observations.  

  • Cadet Track - Cadet Activities Beyond the Squadron (C/Capt. Dilley, C/Maj. Gardner, C/1st Lt. Hartung) - This session will share opportunities for cadets beyond the squadron in National Cadet Special Activities and other Wing training. Cadets will learn how to choose the activity best suited for them, the application process, excel at the event, and share the training with Ohio Wing. Cadets will hear first hand testimonies of those who have enjoyed learning from these opportunities.

  • Cadet Track - Cadet Advisory Council (C/Lt Col Megan Panchula, C/1stLt. Aeden Shorr, C/2dLt Joanna Sellers) - The goal of this session is to share with cadets what CAC is, how to get involved, and how it affects their experience in the CAP Cadet Program. Cadets will hear from key leadership at each echelon of CAC how they have grown as an individual, helped influence the Cadet Program through indirect leadership, and how other cadets can get involved as well. 

  • Cadet Track - Emergency Services (C/Capt Joshua Dilley, C/Maj Catherine Gardner) - The goal of this session is to provide an introduction to Emergency Services for cadets and equip them with the tools needed to dig deeper. Cadets will learn from individuals who have placed 1st in the Regional ES competition, and have learned the do's and don'ts from boots on the ground experience.

  • Cadet Track - Encampment: Ask Me Anything (Lt Col George Berghorn) - Cadets can learn what to expect at the OHWG Encampment, how to prepare, general packing expectations, and there will be an open Q&A session.

  • Cadet Track - IT/cyberPatriot Opportunities (1st Lt Joshua Forman) - The goal of this session is to inspire and educate future leaders in technology. Cadets can expect to learn basic cybersecurity skills, tips for further growth in this field and cadet IT opportunities in CAP, the military and civilian world. Cadets attending this session will also meet a task requirement for attaining the Cadet IT Specialty Track.

  • Cadet Track - NCO/Officer Transition - The goal of this session is to discuss common pitfalls in the NCO/Officer transition and share tools for a smooth transition that shapes future Officers - mentors to the NCOs. Cadets will learn things such as how to avoid letting the power get to their head while also building command presence, stepping back from direct leadership, but also knowing when to take hold of the situation and much more to make them stand out as the role model their NCOs and Airmen look up to.

  • Cadet Track - Ohio Wing Senior Enlisted Leader: Ask Me Anything (CMSgt Craig Cox) - Experiences from Chief Cox, who was enlisted for 16 years, instructed JROTC and has been in CAP for 13 years.

  • Cadet Track - Running Successful Squadrons (C/Capt Joshua Dilley, Maj Matthew Papandrea) - The goal of this session is  to provide guidance for struggling squadrons and squadron staff to build and run a healthy squadron. Cadets can expect to learn about things such as the QCUA, continuity in training, organization, recruitment tips, and activities that retain and grow the squadron.

Other Updates, Ceremonies, Scheduled Events

  • GLR Change of Command

  • Opening Session

  • OHWG Director Briefs

  • OHWG SE Group Change of Command (Tentative)

  • National Update - Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey, National Deputy Commander, Civil Air Patrol

  • Newark Police Drone Demonstration

  • Cadet Advisory Council Meeting (Current Term)

Information Tables

  • Air National Guard

  • Daughters of the American Revolution

  • EAA 402

  • Health Services

  • Licking County Veterans Service Commission

  • Marksmanship

  • Newark Police Department

  • US Coast Guard Auxiliary

  • Vanguard

  • Wing Public Affairs

  • Wreaths Across America

Ohio Wing Headquarters Address

6031 E Main Street
PO Box 301
Columbus, OH 43213

614-338-8198 614-338-8198

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Volunteers serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

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© 2025 Civil Air Patrol. All rights reserved.
© 2025 Civil Air Patrol. All rights reserved.
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