HQ, Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol

Group III's New Emblem

The Group III Emblem was designed in accordance with Air Force Instruction AFI 84-105. Group and wing emblems are shield-shaped, while squadron emblems are on a disc.

The heraldic blazon (the unique language used to describe heraldic emblems) is as follows:

On a shield sable with a diminutive border or, the Texas state flag in the outline of the state of Texas proper, with a Roman numeral III gules in the field argent. On upper sinister quadrant, the Air Force emblem argent, on lower dexter quadrant a triangle argent with a three-bladed propeller gules. Motto: TERTIA SEMPER PRIMORIS (Third [Group] Is Always First).

In plain English, the above means:

On a black shield with a small gold border, the Texas state flag in the outline of the state of Texas (in its proper colors [of red, white and blue]), with a red Roman numeral III in the white field. On the upper left quadrant (as worn by the bearer), the Air Force symbol in white, on the lower right quadrant a white triangle with a red three-bladed propeller (the CAP emblem). Motto: TERTIA SEMPER PRIMORIS (Third [Group] Is Always First).

The emblem design was co-authored by 1st Lt Charles E. Corway and Capt Arthur E. Woodgate. The finishing touches were the result of a collaborative effort by a Group III team.

1st Lt Charles E. Corway, Admin & Personnel Officer, Addison Eagles CS

Group Commander

Commander’s Thoughts

Interesting concept, communications.

No, not how to talk on CAP radios but, rather, back to the basics: face-to-face, one-on-one conversation. Do you remember how to do it? Sadly, it has become a vanishing art. It wasn't so long ago that, when we needed information or had a question, we would need to get up and travel to the person with the answers – and actually talk with that person.

In the early 19th century, the telegraph was invented. This was likely the first electronic means of communications. Prior to that time, the spoken and written word were the only tools of communications available to us. Schools emphasized reading and writing, as well as the art of conversation. Some 50 years after the telegraph, the telephone saw the light of day and at that point conversation began its journey towards becoming a long-distance process. The skills to discern and interpret non-verbal communications began to decline. Some studies estimate that as much as 94% of understanding during communication results from non-verbal cues. If this is true, then the telephone has stolen from us a good deal of our ability to understand with ease.

In the latter part of the 19th century, the typewriter made it possible to create cold, printed pages that took away the elegance of formerly handwritten messages. An appreciation for the quality of the paper, the color of the ink, the stroke of the pen and the firmness of the fold evaporated into the misty realms of a less hurried time. And what did we gain? We replaced the language of pen on paper with endless pages created with the clickety-clack of totally impersonal typewriters. If at mid-century we had been able to clearly recognize Aunt Mary's handwritten note as hers, by the end of the century that cue had begun to shrink to just her signature, leaving us no proof that the writer was, indeed, the person who had signed it.

In the late 20th century, the computer engulfed our senses, blunted our social skills, and gave rise to e-mail – placing us yet another step away from the person with whom we wish to communicate. Now we can't even hear the inflection, tone, quality and tempo of the communication. With e-mail, the closest we can come to intonation is CAPITALIZING in order to SHOUT. Not terribly courteous (or effective) in getting a point across.

Why bother with this brief history lesson? I wanted to emphasize how much is lost when we write an e-mail. We desperately need to reprioritize the way we communicate, not only at home but in CAP. E-mail is great for passing out information en masse, but should be limited when working one-on-one. It should never be used as electronic salvos in a debate, inevitably colored by the heat of the moment. There is a better way. Pick up the phone and call. Better yet, take a walk and meet in person instead.

Let's look at what some authorities consider the preferred methods for communications, in order of precedence (first being best).

1. Talk face-to-face – There is no substitute for this when you need to fully understand what a person is trying to say.

2. Telephone – You still lose a lot of the non-verbal cues (only aural hints come through), but at least it is interactive.

3. E-mail – In most cases, this is the worst choice.

Group III Staff members have been asked to develop a regular contact schedule with their Squadron and Wing peers. If you are assigned to a squadron, pick up the phone and contact your Group III peer. Only by actively seeking to engage each other can we develop the relationships we need in order to succeed. Take full advantage of the PAO program to achieve wider and higher quality communications outside of CAP. And remember at all times that talking to non-members is by far the best recruiting tool you have at your disposal. Let’s all make an effort to use it effectively.

Realistically, e-mail is here to stay, but use it judiciously. If a person sits at a desk 20 feet from you, then go and visit – the personal interaction alone is worth the effort. "No man is an island," observed John Donne at the dawn of the 17th century. A wise man indeed. Yet, although forewarned, we are becoming a society of isolationists, a collection of forlorn little human islands. We rely far too much on our computer and the Internet, dismissing the confining effect that such a choice has on our life.

We need to get out, meet people, communicate, and build relationships. Try it. You'll be happier if you do.

Maj Patrick L. Benoit, CAP

Group Chief of Staff

Commanders Call, Group III Staff, and CAC Meetings - 21 October, Waco

Where: Harbor Restaurant, Waco. Click here for MapQuest map. Click here for last-leg map detail.

Who: Squadron Commanders or their representatives, Group Deputy Commanders, and the Group Vice Commander. Attendance at the Group Staff meeting is highly encouraged for all Group Staff, as it is the only time each quarter that we get together face-to-face. Squadron Commanders are also welcome to attend the Group Staff meeting; alternatively, they might find the PAO Seminar interesting. CAC representatives as required.

What: Commanders Call and Group Staff meetings. The agenda is as follows:

1000-1200 - Commanders Call. Open to Squadron CCs or representatives, Group CDs, Group CV and Group CC only.
1200-1300 - Lunch break, Harbor Restaurant.
1300-1500 - Group Staff meeting. Open to all Group III Staff and Group members.

Questions?

Commanders Call	Contact Maj Pat Benoit.
Group Staff	Contact Maj Laurie Lancaster.
CAC	Contact Maj Paul Perkins

Maj Laurie Lancaster, COS

Chaplain

Self-Respect

Last month I touched upon the Civil Air Patrol’s core value of Respect. We show respect when we honor and appreciate the intrinsic worth of someone or something. Without respect, it is almost impossible to develop enduring and effective interpersonal relations. It is also important to recognize that respect needs to include respect for our own self.

Self-Respect refers to the acceptance of one’s own worth, abilities, and intelligence. Those who do not respect their own self seldom achieve genuine respect of others. As Eric Hoffer states, “The capacity for getting along with our neighbor depends to a large extent on the capacity for getting along with ourselves. The self-respecting individual will try to be as tolerant of his neighbor’s shortcomings as he is of his own.”

I firmly believe that the foundation for self-respect is rooted in the knowledge that we are created in the image and likeness of God. This tells us that our benevolent Creator places great value on our lives and has given each of us gifts that make us capable of great accomplishments. Additionally, other people’s behavior toward us may have a tremendous impact upon our feeling of self-worth. Other people can build us up or tear us down. Of course, others cannot really make you feel worthless unless they have your permission. Finally, our own personal behavior will determine whether we respect ourselves.

While we have little control over others’ behavior toward us, we do have control and responsibility for our own behavior. Self-respect is enhanced when we do the “right things.” For example, telling the truth, keeping our commitments, finishing what we start, following rules, and showing love and kindness to others; all of these build self-respect. Self-respect is largely earned and retained by how we behave. It is better to do what we know to be right, even if it displeases others, than to lose our self-respect.

As we work together to fulfill the Civil Air Patrol mission, we should always show respect toward others and ourselves. As your Chaplain, I pray that you are able to experience the greatness that God has placed in you, and have the wisdom and kindness to use this greatness to help meet the needs of others.

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP

Chaplain's Sad Mission

A Young Life is Lost

During the weekend of 16-17 September, I was tasked to assist CAP's Colorado Wing in comforting the family of Mark Cochran, 27, who lived in Dallas. He died instantly on the morning of Friday, 15 September in a tragic accident while flying from Addison, TX to Telluride, CO. The Beech Debonair he was piloting hit Wilson Peak a few feet below its peak. It was confirmed that he and three passengers were lost in the crash.

The chaplain's job comes with many joys that nurture the spirit. It also comes with more transcendental pastoral duties, such as when someone dies (especially when in the bloom of youth) and the survivors, in their anguish, ask the eternal question, "Why?" It is human nature to thrive on causality, to crave explanations, and ultimately rest on assurances. What we all seek, though, is restitution, which is not up to the chaplain.

The chaplain cannot give the child, or cousin, or spouse back to the loved ones. He can only hope that his own faith can balance the tragedy of personal loss against the promise of salvation and eternal life. When it really matters, when it is for keeps, we put our trust in our Creator. The eternal Father whose will we accept and observe; the compassionate source of all goodness, who is our comfort in our direst need.

May the Lord bless and keep Mark Cochran, may He make his face shine upon him, and may He grant him peace. And may his family find comfort in the knowledge that Mark is now in God's hands.

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP

Communications

ACUT (AROA) Class - 11 November

Group III (South) is offering an ACUT (AROA) class on Saturday, November 11, 2006 hosted by Pegasus CS at Camp Mabry, Building 30, Austin, TX. (An air conditioned facility!) Any CAP member with an ROA card is welcome (both Senior Members and Cadets).

Check in: 0830. Class: 0900-1500. Cost: $15 for catered lunch, soft drinks, and class materials.

Any CAP uniform authorized. Please submit CAPF 17A to Capt. Steve Barclay ASAP. We must know how many people will attend.

Capt Steve Barclay, DCA - 512-459-4745

Communications

Over the past several issues we have examined CAP's overall radio communications strategy, delved into HF and VHF, and now will look at another level in CAP's communications arsenal: Inter Squad Radios – generally known as ISRs. These small, lightweight, and easy-to-use radios have a variety of useful features and fill a critical gap left by our "main" communications capability.

If ISRs appear extremely similar to the standard FRS radios one finds in many sporting-goods stores and retail outlets, it is because they are. However, their resemblance is only superficial. The ISRs issued to CAP squadrons are programmed with USAF frequencies. Unlike many of the VHF and HF frequencies we use, these ISR frequencies are active USAF/military frequencies that we're allowed to share with the USAF – though not as primary users.

As secondary users of ISR frequencies, CAP is authorized to use any available frequencies programmed into the radios, as long as they are not in use by USAF or other military personnel at the time. Therefore, the first rule you must adhere to when using an ISR is to listen carefully to the frequency (live channel) you plan to use. Before you enter a new frequency area, it is your responsibility to select one that is not in use. Should it be taken, have a designated backup frequency on your plan – and switch to it. Furthermore, if a USAF client starts using your selected frequency (which you thought was available), be prepared to move to an alternate at once. In short, if USAF personnel ask you to vacate the frequency, you must vacate the frequency! After all, we are the secondary users, while the USAF is the primary user of these frequencies.

We mentioned above the existence of a gap in the CAP communications spectrum.

▪ HF radio gives us long distance communications.

▪ HF ALE radio gives us networked distant communications.

▪ VHF radio provides the backbone of our communications. VHF makes it possible for us to have clear, reliable, short-range communications with aircraft, ground teams, vehicles, and extended range via repeaters.

The gap falls within the short-range area of operations, that is communications from various points of a mission base or staging area, such as from flight line to operations (for example). It can also consist of point-to-point communications in any area-distributed operation. This can include public service events such as parades, air shows, or any other function or ceremony. It also includes missions, where ground teams must achieve a more critical use. Individual members of a ground team executing a line search in brushy terrain may have visual contact with only the two individuals nearest them (left and right). Not only does this make visual communications difficult, but normally impossible past those immediately adjacent to them. Verbal communications past these individuals become very difficult as well. In this situation, a ground team would use ISRs for team communications, achieving a clear, concise, and error-free exchange of information, instead of needing to rely on a verbal message with its attendant unreliability. Additionally, ISRs keep all team members informed of the situation at all times.

CAP Communications covers a wide range of signal transmission methods. We use a variety of radio types for different purposes in order to complete the mission at hand. As communicators, we have a wide arsenal to choose from – long-range communications, short-range communications, area communications, and the traditional land-line telephone. If you haven't had a chance to use or practice on these tools (if they are available in your area), I urge you to do so. If you have any questions, contact your squadron communications officer for more information.

Next month we will look at other communications methods and how CAP uses them.

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

Emergency Services

Training FTX / Bivouac, 17-19 November

Where: This fall, Group III is holding its semi-annual training FTX / Bivouac at Waxahachie Midway airport.

When: FTX starts at 1800 Friday, 17 November; ends at 1500 Sunday, 19 November.

What: Lots of events, ranging from beginning UDF, ROA and first aid to more advanced MRO, GT1 and GTL training. Some mission staff training will be available as well.

Bring: Those interested in GT2, GT1 or GTL training need to bring along a complete 72-hour pack that they can carry and be prepared to spend the nights away from the airport. Everyone else needs to come prepared to bivouac on the airport grounds.

Cost: $15.

Reserve your spot and put this on your calendar now. Watch for further announcements concerning this great training opportunity.

1st Lt Opal McKinney, HGO

Honor Guard

September News

The Honor Guard had a special treat this month when they posted the colors at the Air Force Association's quarterly meeting, held at Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas. The speaker for the event was Col Paul Tibbets IV, the grandson of Paul Tibbets Jr., pilot of the Enola Gay. He talked a bit about his grandfather and quite a lot about the future of the 509th Bomb Wing, at Whitman AFB, Knob Knoster, MO. Several of the Honor Guard cadets were asked to sit at Col Tibbets' table during the dinner, and got a history lesson along with a wonderful meal.

Training Bivouac, 20-22 October

The next Honor Guard training bivouac will be at Lake Whitney State Park. This is a great training opportunity for cadets interested in performing in the Honor Guard. Any Honor Guard cadets who are also on the Group CAC will be transported to and from Waco for their quarterly meeting on 21 October. The bivouac will run from 1800 Friday through 1500 Sunday. Parents are encouraged to attend a presentation by the cadets at 1400 on Sunday. Anyone who plans to attend this event should e-mail one of the two contacts listed below for more information and a list of items to bring. (Picture at right, C/Sgt Hamm, Asst C/CC.)

Departing Member

The Honor Guard will be saying good bye to one of its own this month, as C/Capt Papson will be leaving for the U.S. Marine Corps at the end of October. We know that he'll be an asset to the Marines and we wish him well.

Anyone interested in joining the Group III Honor Guard or who would like the Honor Guard to perform at a function, please contact C/Capt McKinney or 1st Lt McKinney via e-mail.

1st Lt Opal McKinney, HGO

Inspector General

Notes from the Wing Commanders Call

At the Wing Commanders Call in Houston, 23 September, Col Eldridge and the Wing IG were very pleased with Group III's progress implementing the IG program, which directly reflects our members' dedication in preparing for SUI's and submitting their Unit Self Assessments by the 30 September deadline.

Many thanks, also, to those who volunteered to participate as members of the inspection teams. Most of them said it was quite an education and their new knowledge would be most helpful as they prepare for their own SUI.

Some of you had trouble downloading Assessment guides from the wing IG webpage. The problem has not only been corrected, but the USA checklist has been updated to better conform with unit functions vs. higher echelon functions. This eliminates a lot of confusion for those who never completed an assessment in the past.

Changes have been made to the SUI checklist also. Many of the references to regulations, pamphlets, forms, and so on have been updated for easier reference by the OPR's and inspection team members. The Safety Tab is one of these. If you are still using the old checklist/guide dated prior to September 2006, I suggest you use the new one instead. To download, please visit http://www.txwgcap.org/inspector/iglinks3.htm.

If anyone has any difficulty completing the guides/checklists, or if you are unclear as to what regulation applies to a question or item, please feel free to contact me, Maj Bill Ervin or 1st Lt Vanessa Smith by phone or email. We'll assist you in any way possible, gladly.

A couple of reminders: Units who have undergone a Subordinate Unit Inspection during the fiscal year are exempt from submitting a Unit Self Assessment for that fiscal year. No SUI's are scheduled for October to allow units breathing room to get other required reports in on time. No SUI's are scheduled for December due to holiday festivities.

A final note — When completing USA's and preparing for SUI's, it is extremely difficult for one member to complete the entire project. No one person is thoroughly knowledgeable of all the functions. Please break it out into parts and allow the officer of primary responsibility to complete his/her section. You'll find the job is much easier this way.

Capt Steve Manley, IG

Professional Development

OPSEC Training

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 this month, this training is part of the new Level 1 training course. If you haven't taken the online OPSEC test, please do so now.

Training Opportunities

Date	Course	Place	Comments
21 Oct 06	Level I, CPPT, GES, ROA	Addison
21-22 Oct 06	CLC	Palestine	Project Officer, 2nd Lt Vanessa Smith (H) 903-389-6938 (C) 903-388-2920
11-12 Nov 06	SLS	Addison
6-7 Jan 07	PCT	Addison
20-21 Jan 07	CLC	Addison
17-18 Mar 07	ECI-13 Workshop	Addison
19-20 Apr 07	SLS	Addison	Course Directors / Staff Members needed. (Level IV & V req.)
21 Apr 07	Level I, CPPT, GES, ROA	Addison
18-19 Aug 07	CLC	Addison	Course Directors / Staff Members needed. (Level IV & V req.)

Course Directors and Staff Members are needed for the 2007 SLS and CLC courses. Participation as a Staff member or Director of an SLS or CLC is a requirement to complete the Level IV and V Leadership part of the Professional Development Program. You will find this activity a fun and rewarding experience. Interested persons, please contact the Group III PDO.

Capt Alan O'Martin, PDO

Public Affairs

CAP National posts Group III Media Relations Video

During the TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY Graded Training Exercise, your Group III PAO assets were very busy. My congratulations to Lt Col H. M. "Butch" Ragland and Lt Col Gary Stevens, who ran the IO duties ever so smoothly and professionally that the media kept coming back for more. The resulting video got burned to DVD, went to National, and Julie DeBardelaben, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, wrote back, "Great coverage! We plan to post it online on capchannel.com to let other PAOs see firsthand the results of good media relations."

Old Army wisdom, "You cannot lead from behind."

PAO Seminar - 21 October, Waco

Where: Texas Wing Headquarters, Waco. Click here for MapQuest map.

Who: All PAOs, Assistant PAOs, Cadet PAOs, and interested parties in Group III are invited to attend.

What: PAO Seminar, to run in conjunction with Group III's Staff & Commanders Call. The event will run in two separate sessions: 1000-1200 and 1300-1500. The afternoon session will not be a repeat of the morning session. The agenda is as follows:

1000-1200 - Writing fundamentals, basic duties of the PAO, and how to establish and nurture media relations.
1300-1500 - Planning and covering a known event, the PAO's place within the unit's staff, the PAO's importance to unit life, and the impact of PA work on recruiting and retention.

How: Within the framework of each session, which will be conducted in a seminar format, orderly dialog with and among the class will be encouraged. I look forward to working with you.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Safety

Squadron Safety Officer Contact Information

To all squadron commanders in Group III – Please send me your safety officer's contact information at melaniecapehart@ev1.net.

Seasonal Advice

As the weather cools and the fall colors appear, many of us will want to travel more. If you do, think safety first. Take your time and don't rush. At dusk or at night, watch out for animals, both small and large. Deer are bound to stay unpredictable, so extra caution will spare both an animal and your car. If a deer freezes in front of your car, stop safely and turn your lights off – this helps the deer move on. And remember – hitting a large animal will also hit your bank account in car repairs.

Even though the days may cool, you can still dehydrate if you engage in vigorous exercise or other activities. Water is your best friend.

Group III Safety Officer Vacancy Announcement

Starting in September, I became the new Texas Wing Director of Safety. I will continue to serve as the Group III Safety Officer until 1 January 2007, or a new Safety Officer is appointed. Persons interested in serving as Group III Safety Officer please contact Maj Pat Benoit, Group III Commander.

Lt Col Melanie Capehart, SO

Monthly Safety Briefing

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 October, should you want to use them at your own squadron.

October Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

October Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Transportation

Caring for your CAP Van

Tire Pressure – The correct pressure for your vehicle is recommended in the owner's manual. The correct pressure is NOT on the tire.
Purchase Tires – Always ask the total price of the tire, installed. The add-on costs of mounting and balancing vary widely. Also buying a "cheap" tire can be a false economy and possibly an unsafe choice. Refer to your owner’s manual for correct tire size and load rating.
Post Body Repair Inspection – After any collision repair is completed, have a trained technician inspect the mechanical aspects of the van, (i.e. mounts, suspension, steering), which a body shop might have missed.
Engine Warning Lights – The two most important lights on your dash are engine oil and engine coolant temperature. An engine oil light describes low oil pressure (not always low oil level), and can indicate an immediate problem requiring instant engine shut-down. An engine overheat light, accompanied with the temperature needle going to hot will very quickly damage the engine, sometimes in as little as 2 or 3 minutes.
Finding A Technician – Convenience is no assurance of quality. Many people use proximity as the single biggest factor in choosing a garage. We believe it is very difficult for one technician to be knowledgeable and experienced in the repair of all vehicles. Look for a garage that is best for your van.
Purchasing New Parts – I recommend using only factory (original equipment) or after-market parts. Quality after-market parts can be found at competitive prices. I believe they will serve you better than generic or rebuilt parts.
Characterizing Van Problems – Don't rush to diagnosis; a good technician won't. Describe the symptom of the problem, and when it happens. Make a list of anything you have noticed. Together you can determine the best solution.
First Aid Kits – Take time to inspect the contents of your first aid kit. You may find missing and/or expired items.
Potentially deadly items – Remove or secure all loose items in your CAP van. In the event of an accident, they can become deadly missiles.
Extra Inspections – At your next oil change, take the opportunity to inspect the tires for nails. Check the exhaust for leaks, and any looseness in the steering. Also, this is a good time to check the brakes for wear.

1st Lt Bob Mullen, LGT

A USAF Air Combat Command Officer's Guest Commentary

Katrina Lets Airmen Help in New Way

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – I've always heard the Air Force takes care of its own in times of need. I have also seen this put into practice when Airmen and their families are struck by tragedy. The events following Hurricane Katrina last year showed me this concept in a brand new way as 347th Rescue Wing Airmen put their skills to the test; not to help their fellow military members as they do so often in combat, but to rescue fellow Americans in their greatest time of need.

The Category 3 storm made landfall in the early morning of Aug. 29 near the Louisiana/Mississippi border, devastating the coastal area. When the levees surrounding New Orleans breached, a disastrous situation turned catastrophic. Although Moody officials had already planned to conduct civilian rescue operations, as is normal with any natural disaster of Katrina's scope, the unforeseen damage that occurred put those plans into action - quickly.

Aircrews and pararescuemen, some of whom had returned only days before from deployments to Iraq, volunteered to immediately redeploy and assist with the recovery effort. Maintenance and support Airmen were given a couple of hours' notice that they too would be heading to support the effort. Only a day after the hurricane made landfall, 347th RQW Airmen and their Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard partners were already in the skies above the disaster zone, coming to the aid of their fellow Americans throughout the Gulf Coast region.

For three weeks, rescue operations continued, culminating in the largest rescue operation in Air Force history, with more than 4,300 people owing their well-being to the fine Airmen of the 347th RQW and their fellow rescue units.

I arrived to the 347th Expeditionary Rescue Group's staging area at Allen C. Thompson Air National Guard Base in Jackson, Miss., two days after operations began. Even though we were conducting business at home in the United States, I quickly noticed the work conditions were not much different from a wartime environment. While Jackson escaped the full brunt of Katrina's fury, it was still recovering from a significant blow. No electricity or phones, and extreme shortages of gas and other supplies made support operations difficult.

Yet, once again, a group of dedicated Airmen answered the challenge, working day and night to ensure the rescue mission continued. Many of these Airmen were members of the Mississippi Air National Guard, who were still recovering at home or had family members in the disaster area. Not once did I ever hear any of them complain about being at work. Actually, they went out of their way to thank the more than 400 deployed Airmen for helping their state. This help meant 24-hour-a-day operations for the first week of the rescue effort. The operations tempo was hectic to say the least.

More than 20 HH-60G Pave Hawks lined the runway when not flying eight- to 12-hour missions. C-130 and C-17 aircraft arrived several times a day, bringing needed supplies and people as well as rescued victims. Aircrews constantly prepared for their next mission while maintenance Airmen scurried between aircraft, ensuring everything was ready for the next round of takeoffs, timed every couple of hours.

Once the helicopters took to the air, the aircrews and PJs faced staggering challenges. The sheer number of victims that needed rescuing put the crews' capabilities and training to the test. One crew recorded more than 200 saves in one mission alone. But the Airmen couldn't rely solely on past training and experience. Creative planning and execution was required since missions varied from picking up large groups of people from interstates to having PJs break through roofs to pull out stranded victims. Despite the challenging environment, the 347th ERQG stood at the forefront of a rescue mission the likes of which the Air Force had never seen before.

As this year's hurricane season hits its stride, Americans are once again preparing to deal with Mother Nature's fury. They can take comfort in the knowledge that the Air Force will carry on its tradition of helping its own when needed most.

Capt Dustin Hart, 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

Upcoming Events

October

7-15	Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
7	Midland – Commemorative Air Force show — Apollo will assist; anyone interested, contact Lt Fischler
14	Mesquite – "Wheels & Wings" + Pancakes breakfast. Other squadrons are invited to assist
20	Houston – Ellington Field, C-17 O-flight
21	Waco – Group III Meeting + PAO Seminar
21	Addison – Level 1, CPPT, GES, ROA
21-22	Palestine – CLC
21-22	Houston – Ellington Field, "Wings Over Houston" Air Show
27-29	Dallas – SWR Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Market Center, Plano. Details: http://swr.cap.gov

November

3-5	Waco – CERT Basic training (Ed Brown, Penny Brady and local CERT group). More info soon
10-12	Alpine – (rescheduled from earlier date)
10-12	Austin – Camp Mabry, CTEP/STEP Leadership School - applications due soon
11	Dallas – Veteran's Day Parade - Honor Guard will be present, good opportunity for recruiting. Look for similar events in your areas and see how you can get involved
11	Austin – Camp Mabry, hosted by Pegasus CS to improve communications program - $15.00 fee includes catered lunch, soft drinks and class materials. Submit CAPF17A to Capt Steve Barclay at sbarclay@fastmail.fm
11-12	Addison – SLS Course
Canceled	Dallas – In Addison, DSAREX and concurrent bivouac, may be rescheduled elsewhere in Group III

December

1-3	Camp Swift – Ground Team Competition (rescheduled) - more details soon
2	Austin – Camp Mabry - Pegasus Holiday Party
4	Waco – Holiday Party, Waco CS
16	Dallas – Group III Holiday Party at Crowne Plaza, near the Galleria in Addison - project officer needed for this event
26-30	Bastrop – Winter Encampment

2007

6-7 Jan	Addison - Pilot Continuation training - National Check Pilot training
20-21 Jan	Addison – CLC Course
2-4 Mar	ALS
17-18 Mar	Addison - ECI -13 course workshop
April	San Antonio – CTEP in San Antonio - hosted by Pegasus
13-15 Apr	Austin – TXWG Conference, Austin-Bergstrom Airport Hilton.
19-20 Apr	Addison – SLS
21 Apr	Addison – Level One, CPPT, GES, ROA
20 May	Dallas – Addison Airport, Group III Run the Runway - If successful, it can become an annual event. Needed: CAP personnel in uniform for road guards, traffic control, static display of aircraft. Good opportunity for fundraising - concession stand.
18-19 Aug	Addison – CLC Course

Maj Laurie Lancaster, COS

Useful Links

Air and Space Power Journal (Published by Air University, USAF)

Air Combat Command News Service (Published by USAF ACC)

Air Force Media Player – Daily Radio and TV news from around the Air Force.

Air Force Policy Letter Digest – Policy news from throughout the Air Force.

Air Force Press Releases

Airman Magazine – A quarterly magazine of in-depth news and features showcasing America's Air Force.

FAA Safety Website – "Safer Skies Through Education"

Global Security – DHS, military, and general security issues

Intercom (Published by AFCA/PA)

The Intelligence & Terrorism Information Center (Part of the Center for Special Studies)

US Decorations Rack Builder – All military, auxiliary, and civilian decorations

The Sentinel – Official Safety Newsletter of Civil Air Patrol