Communicator of the Year Award How to submit a Winning proposal Prepared by: Southeast Region Communications Team Civil Air Patrol

Why? Awarded to the best communicator in the Wing, Region and in the Nation. May be also awarded below Wing level if desired (Group, Squadron, Flight). Awarded to the communicator based upon a lifetime of service.

What Does CAPR 39-3 say? The Awards & Decorations regulation says see CAPR 100-1 for criteria and instructions. CAPR 100-1 says: 4-8. Communicator of the Year. This award has been established to recognize a current member who has made a significant contribution to the CAP Communications Program as a whole. This selection may be based on the member's lifetime contributions to the CAP Communications Program, not just the year of nomination.

It also says: a. Each wing and region will conduct this program and award a “Communicator of the Year” at their level. The wing or region DC/DCS Communications should be involved in this process. The winner of this award is submitted as the nomination to the next higher echelon. Units below wing level may also make this award at their level, if they desire. This is encouraged where practical.

And then says: b. Nominations, in narrative form, are to be submitted through channels in accordance with the following timetable: 15 January - Unit nominations due to wing for consideration as the “Wing Communicator of the Year.” 15 February - Wing nominations due at region for consideration as the “Region Communicator of the Year.”

And finally says: d. At each echelon, the Communicator of the Year Award should be presented at an appropriate function such as the wing or region conference. The national award will be presented at the Annual National Conference and Command Council.

What to submit? Most of the general awards (MSA, ESA) use a CAPF 120. Most of the “Of the Year Awards” do not, but in SER it is recommended that it be used as the Wing CC must sign off on the award. The Communicator of the Year documentation requires a strong Narrative submission. Use plain paper Use a narrative paragraph style

On-Line You can submit the award on-line through e-services, but only three pages can be uploaded as additional information.

Who can submit? Anyone can submit a Communicator of the Year award at the Region or lower level. Commanders are not the only writers, but they must sign the recommendation. Awards committees do not write the awards, you do.

Desired Eligibility Requirements Be in the Senior 214 career field for minimum of one year and a Master rating is preferred for the National Award. Needs to be as qualified as possible in many Communications management and technical skills, teach communications (ICUT & practical communications courses), Should have ES skills as MRO, CUL and others.

Desired Eligibility Requirements (cont.) Be active on radio nets. Handles radio traffic during nets. Is an innovator in communications and other CAP activities. Operates according to the CAP regulations. Works with and possibly mentors other members in the communications field.

Additional Eligibility Considerations Led or participated in communications seminars . Being active in community functions as a communicator (parades, airshows, disaster relief, CERT training etc.)

PLEASE REMEMBER This award is authorized for any senior or cadet member who has met the requirements and has had the proper documentation submitted as established.

SER DISQUALIFICATIONS Award documentation bypassing the Unit Commander. Award documentation not signed by the Wing Commander. Award documentation that is not complete.

NHQ/Region Disqualifiers Not assigned to the 214 Senior Career Field or only recently assigned. Has less than a couple of years as a communicator. Has never worked in a Communications ES skill. Has never operated radios or taught communication classes.

Additional information to help the member get the award As much back-up information as possible showing that the member has provided assistance and mentoring to cadets and/or seniors. To/From dates of previous communications positions in past units where commendations may have been written. Dates and types of certificates received for their communications actions and skills. Endorsement letters from former commanders or organizations that prove members desire to enhance CAP communications.

How to Organize the Narrative Introduce the person for the award of Communicator of the Year. Start at the career beginning and continue in chronological order. Show growth and progression. List specific deeds and accomplishments. Show how results benefited CAP.

What not to do Do not add flowery fluff that says nothing. E.G. – I am absolutely pleased and my heart is gladdened to be able to nominate Lt John J. Marconi to be the XX Wing’s Communicator of the Year. I have known him for a long time and he has a pleasant smile, laughs a lot and has always gotten things done that I asked. I think he is more than deserving of this award.

What to Write Capt John J. Marconi is nominated as the Communicator of the Year for XX Wing. He has served in the communications field for XX years. During this time he has greatly improved the communications program of the XX Wing by …tell what he did.

Remember CAPR 100-1 says: 4-8. Communicator of the Year. This award has been established to recognize a current member who has made a significant contribution to the CAP Communications Program as a whole. This selection may be based on the member's lifetime contributions to the CAP Communications Program, not just the year of nomination.

Why is “MAY” in red on the last slide? Because all of us on the SER Communications team feel that the word needs to be changed to “should”. When the submission is sent in, especially for the Region and National award, the reviewers look to see what the nominee has done in the past. If there is no past, the documentation is usually set aside to see if someone else fills the slot with proper history.

Communicator of the Year. But, If you do not submit the proper documentation and provide reasoning why the member deserves the award, the nominee will never have a chance to become a Communicator of the Year.