Editor's note: We were fortunate enough to eventually catch up with the extremely busy commander of this year's Summer School, Lt Col Gene Egry. Lt Col Egry is a longtime CAP member and is the commander of PAWG Group 3. We asked him to play Twenty Questions, but we only ended up with a dozen. In any case: if there was anything you wanted to know about Hawk that you haven't found out from anyone else, he's the guy to learn it from. And if you're going to Hawk this year: give the colonel a bark and tell him CadetStuff sent you.

1. Briefly describe your CAP experience and any other life experiences that have a bearing on CAP for you.

CAP changed my life. Without the leadership and discipline I was exposed to during my cadet years, I have no doubt that I would be where I am personally and professionally today. A key component of my leadership training was Hawk Mt. Ranger Staff Training. I remain in the program because I believe in it. I want to give back something for everything the program gave to me.

I served in many staff and command roles as a cadet. I was the cadet commander of my home squadron, a member of the cadet command staff at Hawk Mt., and PAWG Cadet Encampment Commander. Some other highlights, besides serving in several command roles, were attaining the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and earning my Expert Ranger Award.

I hold a master rating in Emergency Services. My current 101 qualifications are, Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, Ground and Air Branch Director, Ground Team Leader / Member, Communications Director / Radio Operator, Mission Observer, Information Officer and Ground Radiological Monitoring. I have earned the Ranger Proficiency Grade of Expert Ranger (Black Belt #146). I am a certified First Responder.

Our Ranger Creed says it all: "...these things I do so others may live." This simple excerpt from the Ranger Creed has taught me to live a life of service. Volunteerism and a sense of "others before self" are key tenants that I live by. Leadership and management skills were part of my training as a cadet and have served me well in my professional career as a Project Manger in Information Technology. The Ranger Staff Program also energized my interest in teaching. I have been an adjunct instructor at a local University for six years teaching undergraduate computer science courses. My love of teaching started with CAP and continues in CAP today.

I could not disagree more with the terms "harsh" and "abusive." They could not be farther from the truth. The school is extremely challenging from a mental and physical perspective. Because of this, the school is not for everyone. Some try and fail. Many of the rumors that exist come from those trying to "save face" when asked why they did not make it through the school successfully. Ask a student after graduation formation if the hard work and effort were worth it. You will get a resounding "Yes!" each time. As a staff, we are extremely cognizant of the regulations surrounding Cadet Protection and Hazing. Positive motivational techniques are utilized on students so they can all realize their full potential. Hazing or abuse of any kind are not tolerated.

I was personally disappointed in the decision. Current CAP regulations do not allow for this type of patch and the location where we placed it on our uniform. We needed to be in compliance with the National Regulation. It takes a lot of hard work to earn a Ranger Proficiency Grade. When you work hard to earn something, you are proud to display it for others to see. I wore it with pride, not as a badge to show I was better than anyone else. On the contrary, it clearly displayed my commitment to the program and my obligation to teach others.

I am very satisfied. If you compare the new ES training task requirements, you will notice that there is a lot of overlap. Prior to the new ES curriculum, there was not much at all. There are still some differences but they add to a person's knowledge and skills set, rather than conflict or contradict each other.

Being part of something this special is an honor and a privilege. It is also very humbling. As leaders in the program, it is our responsibly to teach and see that the program grows and flourishes. This can not be accomplished without opening our doors to others. Education and information are the greatest weapons against fear and rumors.

I serve as an instructor during the year and am currently the 2002 Summer Ranger School Commander. As school commander, I ultimately choose who will serve on the school staff. This decision is not made in a vacuum but based on input from other staff members.

We look for cadets that are high energy, dedicated, and committed to excellence in all they do. As staff we live by a simple code. We do not lie, steal, cheat or tolerate those who do. We believe in honor and are committed to teaching our students a quality ground search and rescue curriculum.

Be prepared both physically and mentally for the most difficult and rewarding challenge you may ever face. Becoming a Ranger Staff Cadet is earned through hard work and dedication. Being a successful Ranger Staff Cadet involves several factors: integrity, honor, commitment, and dedication to your students and the program.

Listen! Your safety and that of others depend on this. The school is extremely challenging from a mental and physical perspective. There are many opportunities in a wilderness setting to get hurt if you do not remain mindful to safety at all times. As a staff we continuously mange those risks and mitigate them to the greatest extent possible. Your staff is there to help you and keep you safe. They are there to ensure you have every opportunity to succeed and pass the school. Help them help you...listen!