In addition to his Guard duties, LtCol Jones has been an active senior member in CAP since leaving active duty.  He served as a squadron commander twice; first in the Utica Cadet Squadron from 1999-2000, then again in the Syracuse Cadet Squadron from 2005-2007.  He also served on the IG staff from 2000-2004, and since 2007, has served in numerous staff roles in the squadron, including his current assignment as the Deputy Commander and Public Affairs Officer.  He is also the Logistics Officer and Transportation Officer for Central New York Group, and he served on the Wing encampment staff in 2003.

LtCol Jones will be completing his bachelor’s degree in December 2010, and has been accepted to graduate school to begin in January 2011.  He has been able to adeptly balance his work, CAP, and school duties.

LtCol Jones has exemplified a tireless commitment to CAP, and embodies the Core Values of Integrity and Excellence in each of his duty assignments.  He is a well-respected member of his Squadron and Group, he is deserving of this promotion as both as a recognition of his previous efforts, and an acknowledgment of his potential to contribute even more to the organization in the future.

A C-130 flight, tour of a Black Hawk Helicopter, tour of the local aerospace museum, tour of the fire house on base, climbing a rock wall, learning about drill and ceremony, customs and courtesies, leadership and orientation flights in a Cessna (It was Cadet Nicholas Buell’s first one) were just a few of the activities and highlights the encampment had to offer.

Cadet CMSgt Elizabeth Diamond was named honor cadet of the encampment beating out 144 other cadets from all over New York to win this coveted award. At the graduation ceremony she was presented with a plaque and challenge coin for her accomplishments. She was also presented with a challenge coin earlier in the week for living the core values of CAP.

Cadet Capt William Coons was named honor cadet officer of the executive staff and at the graduation ceremony was presented with a plaque and challenge coin for his accomplishments.

Cadet Capt Nathan Porceng pre-soloed in a Cessna 172 and was awarded his pre-solo wings at the graduation ceremony.

Early in the encampment on 3 Aug 1st Lt Matthew Mallory was awarded a challenge coin from the encampment commander for his outstanding service as the bravo flight mentor. That same night his flight won honor flight and on 5 Aug they won warrior flight. Three nights in a row from 4-6 Aug his cabin won best bungalow of the encampment for keeping their cabin in order and clean. They won this award more times than any other cabin.

Everyone at the Syracuse Cadet Squadron is very proud of all the determination and effort that was put in by all those who attended the encampment. Our squadron is what it is because of the fine members that make up our ranks.

C/Col Koennecke was able to visit and tour Accra, Akosombo, Kloem Mountain, Ministry of Education, Command and Staff Collage, Cape Deaf School for the Deaf, Cape Coast Castle, fishing communities, Cape Coast Beach, Kakum National Park, Air Force Base Accra, Military Academy and Training School (MATS), House Of Parliament, Ada Paradise Beach Resort, African Market, World War Cemetery, Military Cemetery, and TV 3 Network.

He participated in Church service at the Royal House Chapel, Football competition I.A.C.E. versus Locals, and Jungle Warfare School (JWS) and had meetings with the Base Commander, and the Minister of Education. Truly a once in a lifetime trip.

On 18 July 2010 C/CMSgt Nathan Diamond and C/CMSgt William Adams graduated from Hawk Mountain Ranger School and C/CMSgt Michael Marotta served as the XO. Once again NY Wing Cadets from the Syracuse Cadet Squadron represent in Pennsylvania.

Dignitaries and distinguished guests in attendance included NY State Senator John A. DeFrancisco; NY State Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli; Deputy Chief Shawn Broton representing Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner; Colonel Charles S. Dorsey, 174th Fighter Wing Vice Commander; Lieutenant Colonel Seth M. Hoffer, Battalion Commander, 3rd Battalion, 309th Regiment, 174th Infantry Brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Tom Carello, Vice Commander NY Wing CAP; and Lieutenant Colonel Ken Field, Commander CNY Group CAP.

Light refreshments were served while over 60 people in attendance listened as Col Dorsey, Senator DeFrancisco, Assemblyman Magnarelli and LTC Hoffer individually addressed the cadets about leadership, pride, education and why a program like Civil Air Patrol is valuable to our community and is important to the future of our country.

He will be presented his award in a ceremony by LtCol Tom Carello, CAP NY Wing Vice Commander on Wednesday 11 August 2010 at 1900 at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Liverpool, NY.