HQ, Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol

Group Commander	Commander’s Thoughts We’ve completed the Guided Training Exercise (GTE) with the USAF hosted in Tyler, worked hard for the entire weekend, and learned a great deal. Now comes the critical part in our growth process. We actually need to put what we learned into place, so that we profit from our successes and don’t make the same mistakes again. Learning is not just the act of understanding what should change, it is also putting that understanding to good use. By nature, most of us resist change, some more than others. It seems that some conditions can also increase our aversion to change. Age may be an important factor – many of us have heard an older person say something like, “That’s the way I’ve always done it, and I’m too old to change.” It isn't that people are too old to change; some just choose not to be adaptable at that stage of their life. Notice the difference in perspective. Proof that this may be a matter of choice is that, in CAP, we are blessed with many valuable older members who are able to function at a level several decades below their chronological age. Another factor often encountered is the result of past experiences, when change resulted in adverse effects and, as a consequence, the person became “gun shy” and very intolerant of change. This is tough to overcome, but one great experience or success can wipe out all previous bad memories. In this kind of a situation, I try to make sure that the next time I ask such a person to change, I pre-load an element of success into that corner. After the hoped-for success is achieved, I emphasize how beneficial change can be, if handled properly. This is how I often gain an advocate of proper change by my side. Finally, another factor in change resistance is what I call the "Deer in the Headlights” phenomenon. I'm sure you get the picture, but let me elaborate. When they sense change coming, some folks turn towards it and brace themselves for the worst. This is a reaction similar to that of a deer when a bright light shines directly into its eyes. The fact is that these people don’t know what to make of change and, like the deer, run the risk of being run over. If change frightens them, it's because they don’t have proper expectations. How do we overcome this reaction? I prefer to lay out opportunities for small changes to be successful before attempting larger ones, following the principle of "successive approximations" used by many psychologists and counselors. Each small success lets the person adapt to change, approach the next small change with an increasingly positive attitude, and learn to accept change rather than fear it. All of us set proper expectations through education. So, what’s the point? To put it simply, change can be good, and learning cannot occur without some change. The change might affect only attitude or belief, but the understanding must be put into practice in order for the experience to truly turn into learning. Without learning we are destined to repeat our mistakes. I’ll close with a definition that you may have heard, but nevertheless bears repetition. What is craziness? Craziness is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results each time. I hope we'll all learn from our GTE and other training experiences, instead of wallowing in craziness. Maj Patrick L. Benoit, CAP
Aerospace Education	*Cadets and Aerospace Education* Our youngest cadets are not yet in high school, but if they're sufficiently advanced in the CAP cadet program, they must learn some difficult scientific principles that they may not be prepared to fully understand. However, if they want to earn promotion, they need to study and know them. So the question is, how can we help them learn these lessons? Some times, if we look and listen with an open mind, young people can teach us more than we can teach them. It came to my attention that a resourceful young cadet decided to teach Newton's Laws of Motion by playing a game. To do this, he needed a suitable apparatus, but none was available — so he built one himself. Actually, he built two, because this way he could introduce competition as part of the lesson — and the fun. A summary of the story about how he worked out the solution, and its outcome, appears in the Apollo Composite Squadron section, below. The full article has been accepted by several sources already, and published in at least one local paper (a link to it is provided in the same section). When I had a peek at his writing, I can't begin to tell you how delighted I was. This cadet's solution to the problem was truly a gem, and his candor in telling about it was a revelation. To fulfill his teaching mission, and give other cadets a chance at having clean fun as well as learning their lessons, he researched the Internet for the build drawings, secured the money for the materials, and applied himself to the task of building and testing the contraption — with great success. His initiative shows sound leadership and understanding of others, as well as respect for their needs. It also paints the image of a young person who truly understands CAP's core values. He sought help when he needed it, made sure the equipment would work, tried it himself to be certain no one would get hurt, then unveiled the AE training aid to his group of unsuspecting cadets, whose enjoyment was enhanced by the surprise. When I come across such a person, I am grateful for the experience, and always wonder what kind of future is in store for him or her. I'm sure this young man will follow his own path, and I know that path will be right for him. In the meantime, I count myself lucky for being part of the organization that helped him use his initiative and talent. We are that much richer for having the likes of him around. Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP
Chaplain	Respect The Civil Air Patrol brings together people from all walks of life, and asks them to work as a team in fulfilling the CAP mission. The list of individual differences is almost endless, yet we work as one in order to accomplish a common goal. A good example is the recent TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY Graded Training Exercise. I was there, and saw the beauty of concord unfold before my eyes. It was an awesome sight to observe men and women of different ages, races, religious beliefs, and occupations working effectively and in harmony. The results of their work were phenomenal! However, this level of unity and effectiveness can only occur when each CAP member accepts and internalizes the core value of *Respect. Respect* means that we show honor and appreciation for the worth of someone or something. This includes accepting one’s own worthiness, abilities, and intelligence as well as respecting the rights and dignity of all persons. In Luke 6:31, Jesus commands us, “*And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye to them likewise.”* This verse, often referred to as the Golden Rule, urges each one of us to treat one another with dignity and respect. Below are a few questions that I’ve found helpful when doing a self-assessment with regard to respect: Do I treat other people the way I want to be treated? Do I listen to what other people have to say? Do I judge people before I get to know them? Do I intentionally ridicule, embarrass, or hurt other people? Do I value other people’s time? Respect is the first hurdle towards achieving inner peace and understanding of ourselves as well as others. Respect is a gateway to effective interpersonal relations. The accomplishment of the CAP mission is directly related to our ability to get along and work together. As we strive to make Group III the most effective group in Texas Wing, and in CAP, let us always treat everyone with fairness and dignity. Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP
Communications	*Training* */ Practice / Application / Skills* *Development* *- 26 & 27 August* Any ROA-qualified member of Group III who wants hands-on experience on the radios can join us at Pegasus CS (Camp Mabry) for the GT SAREX of Aug. 26-27, at 0700. E-mail me advanced notice of participation (and your current qualifications) so I can schedule duty time and advancement opportunities (such as Mission Radio Operator (MRO), Technician level training, and so on). Bring your individual Communication Specialty SQTR form, so I can plan your individual training. Pegasus' Comm Room is now air conditioned for your comfort. I will be the mission CUL, but MRO is open for the qualified person(s) interested in advancing. *Capt Steve Barclay, DCA* VHF Communications VHF (Very High Frequency) radio communications provides the backbone of our communications system. It is the most widely available and used of the various types of radio communications frequency bands available today. We make heavy use of VHF for a number of reasons: Clarity, portability, versatility, and range. Those who have already listened in on long-range HF communications know how difficult it can be, at times, to pick up a station in the noise. Our VHF communications use Frequency Modulation (FM – just like on your car stereo) which provides a wonderfully clear sound, making it easy to establish and maintain contact. VHF radios, because they are so commonly used, have come down to a fairly versatile and usable size. We issue handheld VHF radios to ground teams, so they can communicate with aircraft, staging areas, and their deployment vehicles. We also have base/mobile stations that can be mounted in a vehicle or (with the addition of a power supply) in a communications facility. These options make VHF a highly versatile and mobile communications medium. Unlike HF communications, capable of long-range contacts, VHF is a line-of-sight communications band. This means that the signals do not bounce around the atmosphere very well, nor follow the curvature of the earth (in most cases). Because of this, any obstacle between you and the receiving station will interfere with the signal and diminish your range. On average, you can rely on your transmission signal to range from 20 to 25 miles from your location, and usually farther for receiving. Because VHF communications are line-of-sight, your actual range will vary depending upon your location and surroundings. Someone standing in an open field on a flat portion of the country will be able to transmit a far greater distance, using a low-powered handheld, than a person in a valley or someone surrounded by tall buildings, even when using a more powerful radio mounted on a vehicle. To overcome this limitation, we try to place our antennas as high as is legally (and safely) possible. Of course, another factor determining range will be the radio's power output. For safety, handheld radios are usually much lower-powered than their mobile/base station cousins. This is because of the radio frequency (RF) radiation emitted from the antenna – which is the actual signal. To put this into perspective, a microwave oven cooks your food using microwaves from the radio frequency spectrum. Therefore, to prevent possible injury, you want to keep the output power low when the antenna is next to your head. On the other hand, inside a vehicle, the antenna is usually above you and you are normally insulated by the vehicle's metal roof. This allows for higher power output without risk to your health. The CAP operates a network of repeaters across the country. Thanks to these repeaters, we can extend our range even farther. The repeater, in its most basic configuration, is simply a box containing two radios. One listens on one frequency, and the other transmits that signal on the other frequency. Repeaters are usually located on higher ground in order to extend their range, and are usually higher powered than most base/mobile radios. With this arrangement, a mobile user with a weak handheld radio on one side of the repeater can establish communications with another station, miles away, on the other side. This is also how users on one side of a mountain can speak with users on the other side, something that could not be done otherwise, due to the line-of-sight nature of VHF communications. In a tactical situation, you may not have a repeater where you need one. In fact, in a disaster, your repeater may no longer be functional. In that case, the CAP has a number of airborne repeaters. These boxes simply plug into two ports in the back of adequately equipped aircraft, making it possible to move them quickly from one aircraft to another. No specially-trained operators are needed. The aircraft simply orbits at an altitude high enough to make it comfortable for the crew. Essentially, the aircraft operates as an extremely high antenna tower that greatly extends the range of the operators on the ground. What do you do when you need an airborne repeater, but don't have one? The answer is to launch a highbird. Highbird is the term used to describe an aircraft and aircrew whose mission is to act as an airborne relay station – not to be confused with an airborne repeater. A highbird crew orbits just as they would if they had an airborne repeater installed. However, since they lack a repeater, the operator simply listens for transmissions directed toward them, logs them, and relays the message. The highbird operator, in effect, functions as a human repeater; listening and repeating transmissions as a way to extend the range of operators on the ground. Next month we will look more deeply into UHF (Ultra High Frequency) communications in the CAP! *1st Lt Toby Buckalew, DC*
Drug Demand Reduction (CAP National)	*Cadet Ken's Availability* Effective approximately 13 October, the DDR office will have 2 Cadet Kens available for use by the wings and regions. Please visit http://level2.cap.gov/documents/Calendar_for_Ken.pdf to check Cadet Ken's availability on the DDR website. The Cadet Ken Request Form is at: http://level2.cap.gov/documents/Request_for_Cadet_Ken.doc Once again, thanks for your support of the DDR program. J. Jan Hoffman, Asst Prog. Mgr, DDR Program
Honor Guard	*A Restful and Quiet August* Things were fairly quiet for the Honor Guard this month. We had two training meetings — one at Waxahachie, the other at Addison. The cadets continue to improve their skills in all elements of Honor Guard. In preparation for the Veterans' Day parade coming up in November, they have been practicing rifle drill as well as colors. I encourage all CAP members to come and join in the parade, as a way of honoring and supporting our Veterans. Next October, The Honor Guard will present the colors at the SW Region Conference, in Dallas. Honor GuardSchedule Our next regular meeting will take place on 17 September, 1400 to 1700, at Mesquite. Our next training bivouac will be held at Lake Whitney State Park on 10-22 October. Anyone interested in the Honor Guard is encouraged to attend any of our events. If you would like to join the Group III Honor Guard, or have the Honor Guard perform at a function, please contact C/Capt McKinney or 1st Lt McKinney via e-mail. 1st Lt Opal McKinney, HGO
Inspector General	Inspection Schedule Gregg County CS, Saturday, 16 September. Gladewater CS, Saturday, 21 October. Crusader CS, Saturday, 4 November. Tyler CS, Saturday, 18 November. No inspections during December due to holiday festivities. A formal schedule will be published soon. *Please keep in mind* Documentation - Please review and have ready paperwork, electronic and hard copies. Review the regs, see what's required, and make every effort to comply; none of us really like it but we have to live with it. Much of the documentation required is what gets us funding from USAF and other sources for corporate equipment -- from computers to hand-held radios, up to and including aircraft. Safety appears to be causing some concern. All units please review your safety programs and ensure that they are up to speed and in compliance with TXWG requirements. Still Needed - Inspection team members for east and south areas. Interested members please contact me at manleytx030ig@yahoo.com or 214-477-8664. *Capt* Steve Manley, IG
Professional Development	*OPSEC Training* Last 5 Jun 06, our National Commander, Maj Gen Antonio J. Pineda, wrote the following memorandum: I am very pleased to announce another initiative which will help position CAP for more Homeland Security responsibilities. One of the key aspects of our mission preparedness will be training. Specifically we need to educate our members about how to handle sensitive information concerning our missions, our capabilities and our partner agencies. For this purpose our staff has developed an OPSEC training program tailored to CAP. I've reviewed the program and I think you and your members will find it both entertaining and informative. It will help all of us be more thoughtful about dealing with sensitive information. This training is mandatory for all CAP senior members. It is an on-line course which members can access at https://tests.cap.af.mil/opsec. This is a secure website and the initial screen will ask some questions to verify your identity. Starting on 1 Oct 06, this training will become part of the new Level 1 training course. The training takes most people less than 20 minutes and concludes with an opportunity to agree to protect sensitive information. This is called a "Non Disclosure Agreement" (NDA) and each member's agreement will be recorded electronically in their membership records. This NDA will be required before a member can access sensitive information or participate in certain missions. In the near future, commanders, mission managers and communications officers will be able to verify on-line which members have the NDA in their records before those members are granted sensitive access. This new program will allow us to validate to our partner agencies that the members we entrust with sensitive information have the necessary training and have agreed to protect that information. Please give this widest dissemination and encourage your members to take the training at the earliest opportunity. If you haven't taken the online OPSEC test, please do so now. *Capt Alan O'Martin, PDO*
Recruiting & Retention	*"Great Start" CAP National Program* General Antonio Pineda has issued a Memorandum for all Squadron CCs alerting them to a draft "Great Start Booklet" and a draft "Great Start Squadron Guide." These recruiting/retention materials are available at www.cap.gov/start for download. Lt Col Brooks Cima, TXWG ES Tng Off Free Listings that Pay Off The Internet can be very useful, but for that to be true, we need to use it. These referral sites are free for a single area code listing, additional listings at a nominal charge. In the last 12 months, Pegasus had about 20 referrals from http://www.volunteersolutions.com (United Way), a free listing. Since October 2005, Pegasus' listing was viewed 921 times Also in the last year, a listing on http://www.volunteermatch.com yielded about 40 referrals. Many businesses use this website and promote it in the area. It is a national program, listed on the websites of both the Governor of Texas and the White House. If you submit your squadron's URL to the following free search engines, they will crawl your site. [1] http://submit.search.yahoo.com/free/request and [2] http://www.google.com/addurl/. Good luck! *1st Lt Daren Jaeger, Pegasus CC*
Safety	Presenting both a flight safety briefing and a ground safety briefing is a mandatory monthly requirement. This need not be a lengthy presentation — a 10 to 20 minute talk (and optional group discussion) is enough. Maj Jeff Yevcak, the Randolph AFB safety officer who is also the Randolph AFB liaison officer to CAP, has kindly offered the following for the month of September, should you want to use them at your own squadron. September Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document) September Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)
Safety - FAA	FAA Safety Website - faasafety.gov — "Safer Skies Through Education"
Texas Wing IACE Event	Eight IACE Cadets Visit Texas Wing, 21-31 July 2006 AUSTIN, TX – Texas Wing was host to a group of eight IACE cadets: Jason Averay and Troy Pangalos from Australia; Scott Crook, Ross Faller, Megan Fink, and Étienne Gosselin from Canada, and Frida Lööv and Anton Lund from Sweden. Their escorts were Jessica Garcia from Australia and Henrik Persson from Sweden. Lt Col Dawn King, Texas Wing IACE Coordinator, joined them upon arrival in Dallas on 21 July and would remain with the group until their departure from Austin, very early on Monday, 31 July. C/Capt Bradley Cilino and C/Capt Richard Pope of Pegasus Comp Sqn were the CAP Liaison Cadets that assisted during the trip. The group traveled almost 2,000 miles by car to Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio and back to Austin. In the Dallas/Ft Worth area, the group went to the American Airlines CR Smith Museum and the Stock Yards in Ft. Worth. They spent the night at Bishop Airfield, owned by Lt Col Tom Bishop, Group II CC, and enjoyed glider flights there on the following day. Later that day, Mayor Mike Simpson of Frisco, near Dallas, welcomed the visiting group. They then visited the Frisco Rough Riders baseball team practice and the 3-Peat National Champion Texas Tornado ice hockey training camp. On 23 July, the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park in Arlington was a great hit. On Sunday, after shopping at an Outlet Mall in Grapevine and lunch, the group traveled to Houston, where Maj Dennis Cima, Group IV CC and his wife Lt Col Brooks Cima, TXWG DCP, generously entertained the visitors at their home. Highlights of their trip to Houston included a behind-the-scenes visit to NASA’s Johnson Space Center with its enormous swimming pool where the astronauts practice “space walking”, and Galveston’s Lonestar Flight Museum (famous for its aircraft and Aviation Hall of Fame). Dinner at the great Boardwalk restaurant in Kemah, near Galveston, was memorable, with a spectacular sunset for a backdrop. On 27 July, the San Antonio side trip included Randolph Air Force Base with "flight time" on the T1 simulator, The Alamo Museum, and other points of interest. Lunch at the Hard Rock Café on San Antonio’s River Walk was a good place to celebrate Cdt Anton Lund’s 17th birthday. On 28 July, after a private tour of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Ms Romina Black, Director of International Protocol, Office of the Secretary of State, presented all cadets and their escorts with Honorary Citizen of the State of Texas certificates signed by Governor Perry. The honorees, in turn, presented her with an IACE Certificate of Appreciation. Afterwards, the group had lunch courtesy of Austin's landmark restaurant The County Line on The Lake, an occasion enjoyed by all. That afternoon, the visiting cadets went to historic Camp Mabry, Texas NG HQs, where the Audie Murphy Museum and the Texas Military Forces Museum served as windows to Texas’ past. Saturday, 29 July, in New Braunfels, was Schlitterbahn day, considered the premier water park in the United States. It became the active setting for celebrating Cdt Brad Cilino’s 16th birthday. On Sunday, 30 July, the visiting cadets spent the day at San Marcos, where three CAP aircraft took them on front-seat orientation rides. IACE cadets are often licensed pilots in their home country, and this was the case with Cadet Megan Fink of Canada. On Sunday evening, at the Tres Amigos Mexican restaurant, visitors and hosts attended an informal farewell dinner. Lt Col Norm King, Texas Wing Director of Plans and Programs, met with the cadets and wished them a good trip home. As a final salute to their hosts, the IACE cadets staged an impromptu personalized ballad, with two cadets on acoustic guitars (a singing Australian and an instrumentalist Canadian), and two “victims” seated between them (a Canadian and a Swede), personifying the ballad’s characters to everyone's great mirth, including their own. Afterwards, the group thanked their hosts for a wonderful time, and presented Lt Col Dawn King and their host families with small gifts that they had brought from their home countries. As a final gesture, each visiting group brings along one very special IACE award, which they are instructed to give to the one person they think was most responsible for their enjoyment. This time they chose to honor Lt Col Dawn King. This was the first time she had ever been so distinguished, after more than 15 years' participation in the Texas Wing IACE program. Deeply touched, Lt Col King hugged them all, one by one, and to her immense surprise, Cdt Anton Lund of Sweden, who towers over her, literally swept her off her feet. The Texas Wing IACE Coordinator wishes to thank the Bishop, Hunt, Cuyler, Goss, Sutton and Woodward families and CAP members in Dallas; the Cima, Balciunas, Thompson, Buchanan, Ayer, Hopkins, Yalcin, Ureke, Smith, Wolin and Starr families and CAP members in Houston; and the Shockley, Petrosky, Draper, French, Cilino, Pope, Sonnier, Yevcak, Hart and Woodgate families and CAP members in Austin. Furthermore, the following individuals and organizations generously contributed to this event: Mayor Mike Simpson, Frisco, TX; Mayor Pro Tem Maher Maso, Frisco, TX; Frisco Rough Riders Professional Baseball Double-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers, Frisco, TX; 3-Peat National Champion Texas Tornado, Frisco, TX; Romina Black, Director of International Protocol, Office of the Secretary of State, Austin, TX; The County Line Restaurants, Austin, TX; and Callahan’s General Store, Austin, TX. A portion of this article was contributed by 1st Lt Denise Thompson, Group IV PAO. Most photos from the Dallas/Ft Worth area were taken by 1st Lt Laura Lee Woodward. Most photos from the Houston area were taken by 1st Lt Denise Thompson. All photos with names that include "IMG" or "PICT" were taken by C/Capts Brad Cilino and Richard Pope. To all my thanks. Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, TXWG Dep PAO
USAF Guided Training Exercise TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY	MISSION BASE, TYLER, TX, 25-27 August Aircrews, ground teams and support staff of the Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol deployed throughout the state this weekend in an exercise dubbed TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY. Over 140 people participated, operating from 23 locations across Texas and directed from the Incident Command Post set up in CAP facilities at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in Tyler. Activities reached impressive levels over the three-day period as CAP aircraft flew a total of 100 sorties (individual aircraft flights), and ground search teams conducted 23 separate searches. Major Patrick Benoit, Incident Commander and CAP Group III Commander, called the operation “the largest Texas CAP exercise we’ve ever held.” Exercise tasks were generated by nine Air Force officers monitoring the exercise in the Tyler facility, simulating a wide variety of mission scenarios to which CAP members could expect to respond. Much of the activity was simulated, such as overdue or missing aircraft and various types of disaster response, but some of the missions such as airborne photography flights accomplished projects that were real-world tasks requested by various state and federal agencies. Thirty separate projects that met real-world needs were accomplished during the exercise. As is prepared to land, the 100th CAP sortie overflew the tarmac in front of the Tyler mission base hangar, where a group of CAP cadets had formed themselves to spell the number "100." The observer, Lt Col Edward T. Dixon, a "Tuskegee Airman," took the shot as an exercise Grand Finale. For local media coverage of this event, please visit the following links: Tyler Morning Telegraph report, Saturday 26 August; Channel 56 NBC Affiliate news spot, Saturday 26 August; Victoria Advocate report, Sunday 27 August; and Channel 7 ABC Affiliate news spot, Sunday 27 August. (Images: Lt Col Gary Stevens) Lt Col H.M. "Butch" Ragland, IO

Addison CS	Unit Training Highlights During August, the Addison CS hosted several training events, including new pilot orientation and Level One training, CPPT, GES, BCUT, and the now required Operational Security (OPSEC) overviews [the latter, an online test, is found at https://tests.cap.af.mil/opsec - Editor]. The squadron also participated as a staging area for the Air Force/CAP Guided Training Exercise TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY during the weekend of 25-27 August; Capt Todd Prucha was the Staging Area Manager and his son, C/MSgt Derek Prucha, the MRO. Cadet Awards For the Addison cadets, August was a time for celebrating their summer accomplishment as they prepared to start their new school year. The image at left shows C/TSgt Nathan Carey (right) and C/A1C Scott Gulliksen (left) after they earned repeat Encampment ribbons and the Marksman Medal. Cadet Promotions C/TSgt Carey (above, right) was also promoted to C/MSgt and earned his Lindberg Ribbon. Other promotions included C/Cpt Jon Culyer to C/Maj (left), C/SrA Heather Kennedy to C/SSgt (center), and C/SrA John LeRoy to C/SSgt (right). Maj Randy Russell, Addison Sqn CC, made the presentation of awards and new ranks. (1st Lt Laura Lee Woodward)
Apollo CS	*Apollo Members Attend NESA Training - 30 July / 5 August* C/A1C Joshua Wreyford (right, 3rd from left) and 1st Lt Jim Wreyford, DCC (left, standing, 2nd from left) attended the renowned CAP NESA Basic Ground Team course, that lived up to its "All it takes is all you've got" reputation. Located in Atterbury, IN, and with CAP members from 33 wings attending, it provided excellent training for all. Cadet Wreyford said, “I learned a lot in a short period of time. Where else can you get 5-plus missions and work with people from all over the country?” The course took place during 6 record-setting days for high temperatures and near-100% humidity — with no heat-related injuries. It was a busy place, with 20 students in the GTM3 class, about 65 in the GT Advanced, 15 in the GTL class, plus ICS and aircrew school. Cdt Wreyford added, "It was fun, too. We had humidity, raccoons, Marine snipers in training, lots of DF work and simulated crash sites; what more can you ask for?" Both father and son got GTM3 certification. (1st Lt Jim Wreyford) *Newton's Laws of Motion Can Be Fun - 1 August* In planning this aerospace evening, we decided to teach the AEX book's CD hovercraft, but we didn’t have a pattern so we rummaged around the Internet — and found one for hovercraft that could carry people. We didn't think it would work but we built one anyway. To our amazement, powered by an electric leaf blower, it floated our DCC with ease! Then we figured that we would need two, or else it would take too long for everyone to get a ride. We built and tested the hovercraft in one day. When the training day finally arrived, the cadets didn't know what we had planned for them. We had just told them to come in PT clothes instead of blues (a good way to test the alert roster, too). Their surprise was as big as their enjoyment. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. [1] Setting up the first hovercraft. [2]-[4] Getting the hang of it. [5]-[6] The relay race - sort of. For the relay race, we laid two ropes for the cadets to pull themselves up to a child's plastic basketball hoop that we set up. Then they had to put a plastic ring into the hoop, and race back for the next team member's ride. We don't know which team won, because we lost count. But everyone learned Newton's Laws of Motion. Thank you, http://members.cox.net/2smbschool/hovercraft, for the hovercraft design. (Except for the two electric leaf blowers —on loan from our parents — the two hovercraft cost $90.00, including stools.) (C/TSgt Michael Moody) *Cadet Promotions* and Cadet of the Month Award - 7 August During the course of a simple ceremony, Cadet Michael Moody was promoted to C/MSgt. Also promoted at that time was Cadet Joshua Wreyford, to the rank of C/SrAmn. Both are shown at left. Afterwards, cadet Justin S. Benavides, shown at right, was awarded the right to wear the honor cord for the month, since he was selected Apollo Composite Squadron Cadet of the Month. C/MSgt Moody, the unit's Cadet Commander, presented the award. (1st Lt Cheri Fischler) *Cadet Promotions* at ALS Course - 13 August Five Apollo cadets attended the ALS course at Pegasus Composite Squadron, 11-13 August. All of them successfully completed the academic and hands-on requirements for promotion, but only two had sufficient time in grade to be pinned. Shown at left, as they receive their C/Amn rank from 1st Lt Daren Jaeger, Pegasus CC, are Cadets Camron Condrey and Erica Condrey. (1st Lt Cheri Fischler) *Cadet Project is Published on the Front Page of Texoma Enterprise - 17 August* The article bylined by Cadet Moody covering the hovercraft event caught the attention of several Texas papers. The Texoma Enterprise, published in Howe, TX, gave it front page coverage in its August 17, 2006 issue! (This is not the first bylined article that Cadet Moody has succeeded in getting published.) (1st Lt Jim Wreyford) *ROA Course* Congratulations to the following squadron members who earned their ROA cards during August: C/Amn Billie Haworth, C/Amn Kevin Terry, C/Amn Zachary Norred, C/Amn Mark Davidson, C/Amn Joshua Nolte, C/Amn Stephen Corley, C/A1C Bradley Faught, C/A1C Sherman Burwell, 1st Lt Leonard Laws, and S/M William Davidson. (1st Lt Cheri Fischler) *Apollo's First Lego Robotics Competition Team News -* 19 August The squadron's 2006 First Lego League Robotics Competition team was formed as follows: Cadets Michael Moody, Justin Benavides, Joshua Nolte, Cameron Condrey, Erica Condrey, Anna Haworth, Ben Helfrich, and Jonathan Kokel. Cadets in Training: Michael Nolte and Blake Burwell are also members of the team. This first meeting focused on organizational and work distribution issues. An annual event open to children ages 9 to 14, last year's theme was Ocean Odyssey and the Apollo Team placed 14th out of 28 teams. This year's event focuses on Nano Technology. Just how small might that be? The images shown here are from last year's competition, in Austin. Next December, when this year's competition takes place, the Apollo Squadron will field a whopping 10-member team (the maximum allowed), as apposed to the 4 that participated last year. The team plans to meet each week for 5 hours. Many extra hours will be spent on the robot's actual design and programming. There are several aspects to this very serious competition: presentation, technical design, and the competition itself. Everything is timed and judged on how well the team's entry met the standard. Last year, the team members were Cadets Justin Benavides, Josh Wreyford, Michael Moody and Cadet in Training Alec Bellamy. — "Cadet in Training" is what the squadron calls non-CAP members who attend our meetings. This is part of the Apollo Composite Squadron's outreach and recruiting program. For more images from last year's competition, please visit the squadron's website at http://www.tx-371.org/contents/higher_and_higher_via_robotics__fll_/base0.html. (2nd Lt Sue Kristoffersen)
Black Sheep CS	Cadets Get New Quarters On 5 September 2006, at the Mesquite Metro Airport in Mesquite, Texas, the Black Sheep Composite Squadron will conduct a formal dedication ceremony to inaugurate the cadets' new indoor quarters, now completed. Senior members, cadets and the cadets' parents will be in attendance. The new construction, erected within the same hangar where the old quarters had been, was made possible thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Black Sheep senior members, who spent the entire summer doing interior demolition and construction work. The building materials were largely provided by local business donors. Shown at left, from left to right, are: (rear) C/Amn Justin Davis, C/A1C Tim Kleinmeier, C/A1C Christopher McCorkle, C/SSgt Andrew Smith, C/A1C Franz Sanchez, and C/TSgt Johanna Cohen; and (front) C/Capt Rebecca McKinney, C/1st Lt Johnilea Petty, C/2d Lt Mitchell Graham, and C/TSgt Brittany Stelting. With the project reaching completion, cadets took an active part in doing some of the finishing work themselves, conducting a few meetings in their future quarters. The squadron's newest senior member, SM Terri Kleinmeier, as is common with many CAP families, brought both Cdt Tim Kleinmeier and his baby brother to the meeting. Baby Brother is half-hidden behind another cadet on the image at right, in front of the in-place indoor initial formation. To all appearances, in spite of his tender age, he seems to have strong leadership potential. Next on the senior members' agenda is the renovation of their own dilapidated space, which has been in need of repair for quite some time. The cadets will devote their former quarters to storage. (2nd Lt Kelly Castillo)
Gregg County CS	Cadets Attend CAF Educational Camp In early August three Gregg County C.S. cadets participated in a three-day educational camp at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Midland, Texas, where they learned about America's wars and the service members and aircraft that fought them — specifically, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. Guest speakers talked about their personal experience being a POW in a German prison camp, sustaining mustard gas injuries in Vietnam while on reconnaissance, and being a paratrooper in Iraq. 1. 2. 3. [1] Cdt Matthew Biggam at the nose gun of the Yellow Rose B-25. [2] Cdt Matthew Biggam at the top gun turret seat; below him, left to right, Cdts Elizabeth Camp and Caroline Morton, and SM Carolyn Morton. [3] The three cadets by an example of "nose art." The hands-on training included desert survival, rope course, and touring the CAF Museum. The camp's highlight was flying in World War II vintage aircraft. (SM Carolyn Morton)
Pegasus CS	*New FAA Class III SEL License* — C/2nd Lt Herakles Boardman, age 17, has recently passed his check-ride and earned his FAA Class III Private Pilot Single Engine Land certificate. Cadet Boardman, who joined CAP on 24 Feb 2004, received his Mitchell award on 31 January 2006, presented to him by Col Thomas Cedel, USAF (Ret). Dr. Cedel is currently the president of Concordia University. ALS School, 11-13 August — The following 6 Pegasus cadets were promoted to C/Amn at the end of this course: Rand Fowler, Evan Petrosky, Robbie Petrosky, Kyle Morris, Brandon Chance, and Shelby Cody. The following 2 cadets from Apollo squadron were promoted to C/Amn: Erica Condrey and Camron Condrey. 29 September-1 October — Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Lost Pines, Bastrop, TX. Please contact 2nd Lt Frank Bos. 28 October — As a dual-charter CAP/BSA Venture Crew (and a fund raiser, recruiting event, and community outreach), the squadron will offer an aerospace BSA merit badge workshop (0900-1500), taught and supervised by CAP cadets as part of their own progression requirements. Three of the six badges being offered are required for the Eagle Scout track; while the other three are electives. CAP cadets who are also BSA members earn BSA awards for their CAP activities. Please contact SM Chris Arnold for details. (1st Lt Daren Jaeger)
Waxahachie Talon CS	Talon Squadron Members Deploy to Tyler, TX During the week they may see patients, counsel legal clients, or teach students — but last weekend found them in uniform and managing sorties all over Texas. “They” are nine members of the Talon Composite Squadron, based on Waxahachie-Midlothian Midway Airport, who deployed about 120 miles eastward on Friday, 25 August, in order to participate in the USAF-Guided Civil Air Patrol statewide exercise TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY. Once there, this diverse group spent the weekend planning, monitoring, documenting and publicizing over 120 air and ground sorties across the state of Texas. The Talon members joined 39 other CAP senior members and cadets who together staffed the Incident Command Post, filling every available space in the Tyler Composite Squadron’s facility at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, host unit for the event. The Incident Commander was Maj Patrick Benoit, Group III Commander. The heart of the operation was the operations center, where the air and ground sorties were assigned, tracked, and documented. Talon members Lt Col Nancy Smalley, Maj Tom Smalley, Capt Jane Smalley and Capt Nolan Teel each played critical roles during this phase of the operation. Maj Bill Irvin, Capt Steve Manley and his son, Cdt Phillip Manley, led and manned the security effort. They were praised for not only maintaining a high level of security for the exercise scenarios, but also identifying a real-world security problem on the airport grounds which drew an immediate response from airport and local law enforcement officials. Lieutenant Joyce Liptack kept the exercise expense constantly updated ensuring that Texas Wing gained maximum training value without exceeding budgetary limits. Tracking sorties that were launched all over the state required close coordination with the entire operations staff to ensure that the exercise didn’t go over budget. Finally, this writer worked his first exercise as a CAP Information Officer, an occasion that involved preparing several news releases, as well as hosting individual crews from two Tyler TV stations and a reporter/photographer team from the local newspaper. In addition, he arranged a tour of the facilities by a local official. As a result, the local community now has a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the dedicated members of the Civil Air Patrol who had gathered in their midst for this noteworthy exercise, otherwise unheralded and unnoticed. After three long days of intense activity, the Talon squadron contingent cleared their desks, stowed their files, and trekked back to Waxahachie, tired but pleased — they had proven once again that CAP can handle whatever comes its way, and do it well. (Lt Col Gary Stevens)

Telecom upgrade causes O'Hare delays (Federal Computer Week)