​by Daniel Lobb, one of the SVA pilots...

My son Luke and I went to Salisbury today to have lunch with the campers at EAA 1083’s ASCEND Camp. 10 years ago, a few of us from SVA helped the 1083 group create the camp and then we basically got out of the way so they could take off!! It is the 10 year anniversary, and Sandra Smith taught a class for campers earlier in the week, and today they were still talking about how much they enjoyed it!
 
A very nice article came out in the Salisbury Post, highlighting what an amazing opportunity the camp represents. If you agree to a hundred or so advertisements, you can read the article here. https://www.salisburypost.com/2021/06/24/dreams-of-flight-become-reality-at-ascend-summer-camp/
 
I gave a short talk about how I got into aviation as someone who flies mostly for pleasure, which was a little bit of a different story for them.  What was particularly inspiring was seeing all the young people who’ve participated in ASCEND in year’s past and gone on to start some very impressive careers. They had 4 graduates present today, all of whom have pursued their aviation interest, catalyzed by ASCEND. One young man whom I remember meeting about 5 years ago, was struggling to get his pilot’s license then. He’s now a 2,200+ hour pilot flying corporate and loving it! So neat!

Go ASCEND! EAA founder Paul Poberezny has encouraged the "Spirit of Aviation" which the EAA 1083 members continue to express in inspiring and empowering ways. The volunteer spirit is making some remarkable ripples!

​Donald Sweeper, a teacher at the Quality Education Academy in Winston-Salem, brought 14 students, 3 chaperones, the principal and the CEO of the school to SVA on 12/6/2019 for an aviation day.

The students rotated through three stations:

1. The Blue Hangar for a presentation on aviation principles by Dick Lewis of the Heart of Carolina Tuskegee Airmen group in Durham.  Mr. Lewis was one of three who came to volunteer from that group. The students then went from theory to practice on the flight simulators with retired American Airlines pilot Gary Garavaglia and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadet Tanner Kimel guided them on take off’s, landings, and straight and level flight.
2. The Brown Hangar was the next learning station where the students were exposed to aircraft mechanics with Billy Carter and Nick Tuttle. The group received hands on experience in riveting and more.
3. The final station was for Young Eagle flights.  Jana Brown and Jamie Helander from the EAA Chapter 1083 were working their magic organizing the EAA Young Eagle flights. Lt Robert Logan of the Sugar Valley Civil Air Patrol Squadron was the Air Boss, accompanied by 6 CAP cadets on the flight line escorting the students to the planes. There were 7 pilots and a variety of aircraft which made for quite a sight and great photographs. All 14 students got to fly.  

 
The SVA kitchen again worked their magic providing a welcomed hot lunch, and warm and cozy dining room. Susan Garavaglia and Mary Polkey volunteered in the kitchen as their husbands worked with students. Spectrum News, a local news network, sent a reporter out to cover the inspiring activities. A great day for all!

The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron marked two milestones in its four year history at the July 18 meeting. The squadron held the first Change of Command ceremony and also recognized the first Amelia Earhart Award recipient.
First, the Amelia Earhart Award was presented to C/Capt Christopher Herman by the NC Wing Commander, Col Jason Bailey. It is the third milestone of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. Serving as the Squadron’s Cadet Commander, C/Capt Herman has demonstrated leadership and integrity in structuring the cadet program and emergency services training activities.

Next, Maj Stephen Leighton presented Lt Col Eric Orgain with a plaque recognizing his outstanding leadership and service since the squadron’s beginning in 2013. Following this, Col Jason Bailey began the Change of Command ceremony.  Lt Col Eric Orgain passed the command of NC-052 to Capt Tom Conroy, who accepted command of the squadron. Lt Col Ron Cheek, Group 4 Commander, spoke briefly after the Change of Command. The evening concluded by honoring Lt Col Orgain and Capt Tom Conroy with a reception in the Blue Hangar at Sugar Valley Airport. Sixty five guests attended, including squadron members and families and other CAP squadron members.

The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron NC-052 thanks Lt Col Orgain for his four years of dedication and service to the squadron, and salutes Capt Conroy as the new commander.  
Article and photos by: Lt Deborah Leighton and C/TSgt Michael Herman

​During their orientation flights, the cadets received one hour of flying time, plus time in the back seat, with a detailed syllabus of tasks for each cadet’s level of experience. Cadets also participated in the preflight of the aircraft. In addition, cadets that were waiting for their turn to fly were given the opportunity to fly a simulator.

​The Sugar Valley Composite Squadron meets weekly at 249 Gilbert Rd, Mocksville, NC 27028 on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.