Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030

 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

More than meets the skies . . .

Newsletter - October, 2006


How do you measure success?

That's a tough one, because it depends not only on the circumstances but especially on the people involved. What comes easy to one might be extremely arduous to another, and the former keeps "succeeding" while the latter doesn't seem to ever measure up. Again and again. No one has truly lived until that ugly monster has reared its evil head. No one has suffered until seeing utter loneliness loom on the horizon. And no one knows the meaning of leadership unless that ability to succeed, learned or innate, is directed to the service of those eager to learn.

 We are all teachers. Just by walking on the face of this planet, by our actions, our commitment, and the company we keep, we set an example that others can follow. Heavy responsibility indeed, especially when the young are around us. Need we be perfect, then? No one is. But everyone can try, honestly and repeatedly, reaching for what seems unattainable, if for nothing else just to test our mettle.

War tests us in unexpected ways, and at times drives us to acts of madness in a moment of despair that others, from the safety of a remote headquarters, later judge a proof of heroism. Ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances can rise to the occasion and show how much the human spirit can overcome. And some do. Sadly, the first casualty of war is often ethics.

It is no news that today we are at war. A new war that has neither face nor boundaries. A war of ideas and obstinacy that has turned ugly, and another war of ideas and principles that wages its battles in our innermost being. The outside war is up to the politicians; that's our way of life. But the internal strife, the daily rejection of evil and the reaching out for the goodness in ourselves and others, is something very much up to us. Each one of us.

Making the right choice is the best lesson we can teach the younger generation. Through our example and behavior, through our understanding of others, and above all through our understanding of our own self. And this last one, knowing who we are and what we are and how much we can accomplish lies at the very foundation of success. Because true success does not depend on competition; it is a personal triumph that involves no one else.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages

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.

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

  1. Tire Pressure The correct pressure for your vehicle is recommended in the owner's manual. The correct pressure is NOT on the tire.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. First Aid Kits Take time to inspect the contents of your first aid kit. You may find missing and/or expired items.

  9. Potentially deadly items Remove or secure all loose items in your CAP van. In the event of an accident, they can become deadly missiles.

  10. 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

Squadron and Group News (click on an image to enlarge it)

Addison CS

Unit Training Highlights

     While last year saw many Addison CS members giving aid and succor in the aftermath of both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, this year’s relatively quiet hurricane season has made it possible for us to concentrate on training and Cadet Activities

     For senior members, the squadron hosted Mission Aircrew/Ground Training and IC/MM courses. Also, Maj Scott McCleneghan treated the whole squadron to an AE program on jet propulsion and basic engine design – many left the lecture wondering whether the excited Addison cadets might be able to build their own ramjet engine, some day.

However, the cadets didn't garner all their learning via classroom work this month – they got “hands-on” knowledge of aviation and the thrill of flight during O-Flights, held the weekend of 23-24 September. In all, more than twenty O-Flights took place, with squadron CC Maj Randy Russell bragging about how much fun he had during the four flights he piloted, and the adventures won’t stop there. 

For the final weekend of September, several squadron members are scheduled to assist during the Alliance Air Show, a regional show held at Alliance Airport in Fort Worth. This year’s guests will include the AF Thunderbirds, and the squadron has been promised pictures. (Expect full coverage next month.)

Promotions and Awards:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Capt. Richard Hunt was promoted to Maj, 2nd Lt Virgil Wall to 1st Lt. [1] 1st Lt Wall received the Yeager Award, and [2] 1st Lt Chuck Corway earned his Observer Wings. C/SSgts [3] Heather Kennedy and John LeRoy were promoted to C/TSgt, [4] C/A1C Scott Gulliksen to C/SAmn, and [5] C/Amn Andrew Ludwig to C/A1C. (My apologies to those whose pictures suffered from irreparable flash failure.)

National Preparedness Month

As a community outreach project, the squadron decided to prepare a hand-out with practical instructions on what to do in the event of a disaster. We gave it out to anyone who was interested, and hoped that it would help one and all prepare for the worst. Titled Are You Prepared? just click on the link to download this PDF document.

Addison Squadron in 2005

Aren't you tired of people talking about the Civil Air Patrol being "the best-kept little secret in America"? We are, so decided to let people know about all the good things that we did during 2005. Titled Addison Squadron in 2005, just click on the link to download this PDF document.

(1st Lt Laura Lee Woodward)

Apollo CS

Texas Wing SAREX - 15-17 September

Two members of Apollo CS and one member of Phantom/Kittinger SS flew the Apollo plane to Decatur, TX. for a disaster relief operational readiness exercise. After arrival, the pilot, Capt Len Laws from Apollo CS, and the observer, 2nd Lt. Richard Hacker from Kittinger SS, flew multiple sorties on the first day of operations – mostly photography missions. On the second day, however, they were unable to fly due to adverse weather. 

On the ground, Apollo's C/MSgt Michael Moody participated in multiple field sorties on the first day. These included communicating with aircrews in order to locate a helicopter that had a practice beacon on it (which succeeded relatively quickly), and some excellent practice doing real-world flight-line marshaling. Ironically, all ground teams were also "grounded" on the second day due to poor weather, so we didn't go out on the expected ground sorties. 

When the exercise was over, Capt Laws opted for leaving the plane at Decatur for safety reasons (it got flown back later, when the weather was better), and all three participants agreed that the exercise had been excellent training. Best of all, they had greatly enjoyed the experience. Personally, I had a lot of fun.

Promotions - 19 September

     On Tuesday 19 September cadets Justin S. Benavides, Mark A. Davidson, Stephen F. Corly, Jonathan L. Kokel, and Sherman L. Burwell were promoted. The images at left are in the order mentioned, except that Cdt Burwell's didn't come out. All the cadets were very proud of their achievement and excited about their new responsibilities.

Newton's Laws of Motion Can Be Fun - (Update 1)

     Mr. Bernie Royko, a member of the Burnet Commemorative Air Force and an engineer, upon seeing a demonstration of the hovercraft we used in teaching Newton's Laws of Motion, decided to write a $400 check payable to Apollo CS. His instructions to me were short and clear, "Now go and solve the propulsion mechanism. Floating in one place all day long isn't much fun."

Newton's Laws of Motion Can Be Fun - (Update 2)

Lt Col Brooks Cima, TXWG ES Training Officer, is also a school teacher in the Katy ISD, north of Houston. Upon reading the September issue of this newsletter, and learning about the ride-on hovercraft we used to teach Newton's Laws of Motion, she contacted the squadron and asked if the teaching was exportable. It turned out that she wanted us to teach the Katy 4th & 5th graders some elementary physics in November. As the chief instructor, I immediately volunteered to do it myself – with the squadron commander's consent, of course. I know this presentation will be fun.

Apollo's First Lego Robotics Competition (Update 1)

The Apollo CS robotics team met regularly during September, and is doing very well. The cadets are building, rebuilding, and starting to program the robot. All of the field setup (a table built to specifications) is complete, so now the team can practice on the real thing. All the cadets are having a great time while learning a lot about robotics and programming. The competition will take place on 6 January, 2007. Hope to see you there.

(C/MSgt Michael G. Moody)

Black Sheep CS

Cadets Get New Quarters

    On 5 Sept 2006, the cadets held a dedication ceremony for their newly-built office and meeting space. The Cadet Commander, C/1st Lt Johnilea Petty, spoke about the unit's founding in 1978, when the squadron was addressed by the original USMC "Black Sheep Squadron" commander, Lt Col Gregory "Pappy" Boyington of WW II fame.

    C/1st Lt  Petty thanked the unit's senior members who devoted much time and effort renovating the space for them, and acknowledge the material contributions made by Ryland Homes. A framed photo of the cadets, with a message of gratitude and all their signatures, was then presented to Lt Col Mike Eberle, Squadron Commander.

    Upon entering the new space, C/1st Lt Petty and C/Capt Rebecca McKinney hung a photo of Lt Col Boyington by the front door. In commemoration of the event, 2d Lt Kelly Castillo, Black Sheep Squadron's Historian and Public Affairs Officer, presented laminated clippings of this year's published articles concerning the squadron. "These words and images reflect contributions made by the cadets and senior members this year", he said. "They will also show future cadets how you were involved in serving our community." The cadets will convert their old quarters to much-needed storage space.

Dallas Freedom Run

On 9 Sept 2006, squadron members took part in the Freedom Run in downtown Dallas, held to pay tribute to the heroes and victims of the September 11th tragedy. Squadron members included 1st Lt Opal McKinney, SM Terri Kleinmeier, C/Capt Rebecca McKinney, C/TSgt Brittany Stelting, and C/A1C Tim Kleinmeier. All but C/A1C Kleinmeier made the run with members of other CAP Group III squadrons, while the rest handed out information about the Civil Air Patrol to interested persons.

1. 2. 3. 4.
[1]
C/Capt Rebecca McKinney (left) and C/TSgt Brittany Stelting sort the hand-outs they’ll be giving away. [2] The City of Dallas Police Honor Guard answers questions from small persons. [3] 1st Lt Opal McKinney assists C/A1C Kleinmeier with his racing numbers. [4] Black Sheep Squadron and other Group III squadron cadets enjoy the run.

To start the event, that involved a 5K run and a one mile walk, the City of Dallas Police Honor Guard presented the colors, followed by the pledge of allegiance and the National Anthem.

All participants finished the event, with no injuries reported. On this day, similar activities took place across the Nation, as part of a national day of remembrance, five years after the 9/11 terrorist attack.

(2nd Lt Kelly Castillo)

Dallas Stealth CS

Dallas Freedom Run

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

[1] The squadron comes together [2 to 6] Stretching before the run [7 to 9] The run, with Lt Col Owen Younger, squadron CC, and Maj Pat Benoit, Group III CC, leading the runners [10] At the finish line [11] The squadron team after the race.

(S.M. Susan Cathcart)

Gladewater Corsairs CS

Gladewater Cadet Earns AFA Cadet of the Year Award – 12 September

     C/Maj Kyle Vaughn was awarded the prestigious Air Force Association Cadet of the Year award for 2005. As there was no AFA representative available in the local area, the award was presented by1st Lt Harold Parks, his squadron commander.

     C/Maj Vaughn, the Gladewater Corsairs’ Cadet Commander, is very active in his community and his church, and is also an Eagle Scout. This Mount Pleasant High School senior has a can-do attitude and is always willing to lend a hand without being asked. He is an excellent student and last summer completed a CAP Solo Flight Encampment. After completing his college education, Kyle plans to become a military aviator. The Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron is proud to have this outstanding young man in a leadership position, where he can help guide cadets and help them achieve their full potential.

POW/MIA Participation Announced – 13 September

The Longview News-Journal published an article announcing the squadron's participation in a POW/MIA ceremony in observance of National POW/MIA Day.

Squadron in Fly-Over and Attendance at VFW Ceremony 16 September

Friday, September 15 was National POW/MIA Recognition Day. On the following day, to honor the sacrifices made through history by these men and women, VFW Post 4002 in Longview, TX offered a program of remembrance. The squadron opened the ceremonies honoring former POWs, MIAs and their families with a flyover of 6 aircraft, coordinated by Capt Charles Mouton, sqn AEO, with a group of five pilots who base their aircraft at Gladewater Airport. They overflew the area at exactly 2:00 pm, the program’s scheduled opening time.

U.S. Representative Louie Ghomert, the main speaker for the event, was clear and to the point. "There are still 1801 Americans unaccounted for from the Vietnam War," he said. He also described the government organizations that are still working to find prisoners of war and missing service members. The ceremony provided by the VFW Post and Auxiliary was very moving and an inspiration to all those present

In addition to the pilots participating in the flyover, five other Gladewater Squadron members attended the program and enjoyed the refreshments that were served afterwards. Present were 1st Lt Harold Parks, C/Maj Steven Mouton, C/MSgt Jarred Alexander, C/SMSgt Andrew Alexander and C/Amn John Ryan. All greeted and enjoyed visiting with Congressman Ghomert, who graciously agreed to pose for a photograph with the cadets.

Local Paper Reports VFW Ceremony – 17 September

The Longview News-Journal gave Page 1 coverage to the POW/MIA Ceremony and the squadron's fly-over.

(1st Lt Harold Parks)

Pegasus CS

During September...

FindsTwo confirmed finds (Bergstrom and Fort Hood) proved easier to locate thanks to the new antennas we installed on the van.

Building – We insulated half the building and purchased a new 25,000 BTU window unit, making for a much better work environment.

Communications – Capt Steve Barclay is holding an ACUT class on 11 Nov at our building, to improve unit members’ skills.

CTEP is purchasing sixteen 8' mess tables to use at Building 30. Pegasus will refurbish, paint, and store them. CTEP gets to use the building, Pegasus gains tables for the classrooms.

Cadet Programs – Nine visitors from Bastrop Faith Baptist academy visited this month, with a view to starting a flight and the middle school initiative. They’ll join Pegasus and use their van to bring cadets to Saturday meetings for at least three months. Once they’re trained, they’ll start the flight, with a minimum of 8 members (3 seniors). The school will have something to compete against ROTC at the public HS and, once the flight is running, we’ll start the middle school initiative.

ALS – Scheduled for Feb/March, billeting arrangements to be announced. Group III cadets get first choice; if we have the space, we’ll open it to TXWG too.

Venture Crew – Eleven entrants have contributed $380 towards the October BSA Merit badge workshop.

Recruiting – We’ve had 5 more requests from Volunteer Match this month. We bought the $79 upgrade that lists us in the Austin and surrounding areas. $1790 buys all of Texas.

(1st Lt Daren Jaeger)

Phantom / Kittinger SS

Texas Wing SAREX - 15-17 September

Twelve aircraft and air and grounds crews from across Texas Wing participated in a disaster relief operational readiness exercise (disaster simulation) in Decatur, Texas. Capt Leonard Laws (Apollo CS), flew the Apollo Cessna with Lt Richard Hacker (Phantom SS) and Cdt Michael Moody (Apollo CS) from KAUS to KLUD. The Incident Commander, Lt Col Tom Bishop, planned the exercise to simulate an emergency in which squadrons would consolidate near the disaster site. Over 40 sorties were flown, the majority photography missions which are CAP's typical role in a disaster. 

Col Bishop also positioned a practice beacon using his Brantley helicopter as the target aircraft, giving both flight crews and ground crews some practice at coordinated operations. Because of low ceilings with embedded thunderstorms, Capt Laws decided to keep the plane positioned in Decatur at the end of the SAREX. Thanks to 1st Lt Cheri Fischler, Apollo CS CC, for giving Capt Laws and 2Lt Hacker a land ride back to Austin on Sunday. Apollo's plane is now back home.

1. 2. 3.

[1] An aircrew prepares for an upcoming mission [2] Mobile communications trailer. [3] Typical aerial photograph (a power relay station).

Distributed SAREX

Steve Barclay, Baron Carter, Joe Chasnoff, Richard Hacker, Alexis Allen, Juanita Londenberg, Gary Houck, and Maj Gordie White of Austin/Houston Ellington Squadron (who was PIC on most flights) participated in the most recent Distributed SAREX. During the SAREX, Alexis Allen met the requirements for both Mission Scanner and Mission Observer, Joe Chasnoff completed Mission Observer, and Juanita Londenberg completed her first flight toward Mission Scanner.

(2nd Lt Richard Hacker)

Tyler / Robert's Raiders CS

Squadron Thanks Local Business, 19 September

     Lt Col Terry L. Howlett (left), squadron commander,  presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Elmer Ellis (center), Chief Executive Officer of East Texas Medical Center, for ETMC’s support to the squadron since 1989. ETMC has provided space for communications equipment in their climate-controlled equipment room, as well as a CAP antenna on the hospital’s tower. This equipment has made it possible for the squadron to communicate with aircraft and ground teams throughout East Texas for Emergency Services missions in support of the community and Nation. Looking on is Lt Col Dennis Bennett (right), a former Group 7 Commander, Texas Wing.

ETMC and Mr. Ellis provided misting machines and the ETMC canopy, both of which were used at the squadron’s Staging Area in support of the Incident Command Post during the TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY USAF Guided Search and Rescue Training Exercise in August. “These items were especially helpful for our ground teams and aircrews, in the prevailing triple-digit temperatures,” said Lt Col Howlett.

During Exercise TEXAS SENTRY COWBOY, Group lll, Texas Wing's Command Post, hosted by Tyler/Robert’s Raiders Composite Squadron, coordinated 100 air and over 30 ground missions statewide, setting a new national record for the Civil Air Patrol.

Local News Coverage, 24 September

The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported presentation of the squadron's award in recognition of the East Texas Medical Center's and Mr. Elmer Ellis' generosity in donating space and equipment in support of local CAP operations.

(Lt Col H. M. "Butch" Ragland)

Waxahachie Talon CS

Mitchell Ceremony Held at Waxahachie Talon CS

     Cadet Benjamin Josse was honored with his Mitchell Award Ceremony, and had the new rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant bestowed upon him by Colonel Frank Eldridge, Texas Wing Commander, assisted by Cdt Josse's grandfather, Commander B.K. West, USN (Ret). Afterwards, Col Eldridge presented him with his certificate. 

The General Billy Mitchell Award is normally presented with an elaborate ceremony involving members of the cadet's unit. The ceremony stresses the Civil Air Patrol's core values, with special emphasis on honor and service, and symbolizes the arduous path a cadet must follow in order to reach that level of achievement. It’s a path so demanding that only 15% of all CAP cadets ever get there though all want it.

     The son of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Josse of Red Oak, and a member of the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron at Waxahachie-Midlothian Midway Airport, he cut a fine figure in his dress-blue uniform. His obvious excitement was shared by all unit members present, as well as his relatives who had been invited to witness the event.

Cadet Josse joined the Civil Air Patrol in August, 2004, attended the Oklahoma NCSA Flight Academy where he received his solo wings, and serves as chairman of the Group III Cadet Advisory Council (CAC) and an Alternate for the Texas Wing CAC. In 2005 he was selected Honor Cadet at his basic encampment in the winter, and his squadron recognized him as Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.   

His specialty qualifications include Search and Rescue Ground Team Member and Urban Direction Finder Team Member both responsible positions. He has served as Flight Sergeant, Flight Commander, Deputy Commander, and recently assumed command of the Waxahachie Composite Squadron Cadet Corps. Cadet Josse is also active in Creative Arts and Theatre. He maintains high academic standards and is currently a junior in high school in his home school program. His goal is to attend the Air Force Academy and become a military pilot.

(Lt Col Gary Stevens)

Links or references to individuals or companies do not constitute an endorsement of any information, product or service you may receive from such sources

Stray Items of Interest (even if remote)

August 31 Inquiry sought on tower staffing (Louisville Courier-Journal)
August 31 Private Jet Boom (Forbes)
August 31 During August, Oregon Wing, along with other CAP Wings, participated in an extensive six-state seismic survey mission in cooperation with the United States Geological Survey and the California Office of Emergency Services Clearinghouse. These photographs were taken by the flight crews. (Left) Hikers along the rim of Mt. Baker. (Right) Sunset over Oregon, taken by Lt Nick Ham, Salem CS, ORWG. These high-resolution images are suitable for use as PC wallpaper! Please e-mail me for the full-size image (Mt Baker=900K, Sunset=1.6M). (Images sent in by Lt Col Tom Traver, ORWG PAO)
September 1 The Founding Fathers' Homeland Security Policy (Front Page Magazine)
September 1 Lockheed Wins Job of Building Next Spaceship (The New York Times)
September 1 High-tech guide can give pilots sound advice (Chicago Tribune)
September 1 Military members transition into life after deployment - Texas helps heal marriages (Air Force Link)
September 2 The birth of the mini jet (The Observer, UK)
September 2 Airport Security Beset by Technology Failures (TruthDig)
September 2 New FAA Runway Landing Length Requirements Recommended (Aero-News Network)
September 3 High-tech system could have averted jet crash, experts say (The Seattle Times)
September 3 New Mexico sees its future in space-tech firms (Ventura County Star)
September 3 Safer air travel (Charlotte Observer)
September 3 USAF Lt Gen Harry Goodall (Ret) dies (Waco Tribune) || USAF bio || High Beam bio
September 4 A better way to fly? (Albany Democrat Herald)
September 4 9/11 spawned tech-security market (CNN International)
September 4 Business aviation current troubles (Flight International)
September 4 Albania hires ex-US DHS chief Tom Ridge as consultant (International Herald Tribune)
September 4 Short-staffing a safety problem at all major airports (The Eagle-Tribune)

September 5

Embraer Delivers First E-195 Jet To Flybe (Aero-News Net)

September 5 The Six Cs of Private Aviation (Helium Report)
September 6 Airport Business Takes Off In Fort Worth (CBS 11-TV)
September 6 New database merges FBI, DHS fingerprint systems (San Jose Mercury News)
September 6 EFJ, Inc. Receives $4.4 Million Order From the Civil Air Patrol (PR Newswire)
September 6 China to Launch Communication Satellite in October (America's Network)
September 6 FAA to Approve New Safety Harness (The Wall Street Journal)
September 6 Waiving Visas Risks National Security (Judicial Watch, Washington, DC)
September 6 Senator says DHS is not succeeding (Plattsburgh Press Republican)
September 6 America's fortress not as strong as we once hoped (Chicago Tribune)
September 6 Iran Unveils a Home-grown Fighter Jet (Aero-News Network)

September 6

Cessna Receives Kudos From Its Largest Customer (Aero-News Network)

September 6 FAA Approves New Child Safety Device for Airliners (Aero-News Network)
September 7 Schumer says parts of NY lack security (Press & Sun-Bulletin)
September 7 FAA To Pilots: Be Sure To Use The Right Runway (Aero-News Network)
September 7 Helium Report Study: Private Jet share ownership isn't simple (Business Wire)
September 7 Strengthening Military and Homeland Security Demands Better Technology (Market Wire)
September 7 Hammer ACE team ready for hurricanes, more (Air Combat Command)
September 8 F-35 Lightning II Test Program Marks Milestone (Aero-News Network)
September 8 Senate adds border security funding to Defense bill (GovExec.com)
September 8 Airlines in dogfight for scarce pilots (Asia Times Online)
September 8 Congress urged to pass chem security bill (United Press International)
September 9 Port of Wilmington, maritime sites not top security priority (The News Journal)

September 9

Type Certified: Cessna Citation Mustang (Aero-News Network)

September 9 Airbus Lags Boeing Badly (Aero-News Network)
September 9 USS Texas (SSN 775), Newest Submarine Commissioned (Commander Naval Submarine Forces)
First Lady's Remarks at Christening of USS Texas (The White House)
USS Texas Sub at Sea (Subsim)
September 11 US Army wants file and fly ability in national airspace within two years (Flight International)
September 12 Could UAVs Be In National Airspace Soon? (Aero-News Net)

September 12

Pilot Recovers Plane After Engine Loss, Bailout - Holly Ridge, NC (Aero-News Net)

September 12

Plane Loses Engine on Sight-Seeing Flight - Quebec (Aero-News Net)

September 12 The MQ-9 Raptor-B becomes the Reaper - The Air Force is the Department of Defense's executive agent for designating and naming military aerospace vehicles. The MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, an improved version of the MQ-1 Raptor (later designated Raptor-A when the MQ-9 entered service) was initially named Raptor-B in spite of its enhanced hunter-killer capabilities compared to the MQ-1. To better distinguish the new UAV from its less-capable sibling, the MQ-9 has just been named Reaper, a moniker suggested by the airmen who operate it. (US Air Force Press Release + Air Force Link)
September 13 How Much Is Too Much for Port Security? (ABC News)
September 13 US officials rush to plug travel security holes (USA Today)

September 14

Aeroflot Says It Needs New Planes (Aero-News Net)

September 14 Tiny Cessna Is First; Eclipse Rival Has Full FAA Ticket (AMT Online)

September 15

Boeing Completes 150 Plane Deal In China (Aero-News Net)

September 15

Yup... The PiperJet Is Beginning To Look Like The Real Deal (Aero-News Net)

September 16 Look Out Reaper, Here Comes MALE (Aero-News Net)

September 16

Russia, EU Partners In New Space Programs (Aero-News Net)

September 16 Sandia Labs getting a bigger role within DHS (Albuquerque Tribune)
September 18 Comms in a box - Radio-bridging device connects disparate first responders. (Washington Technology)
September 18 One Week From Deadline, T-3A Fleet Nearly Gone (Aero-News Net)
September 18 Sensors, UAVs could cure border problems (Washington Technology)
September 18 Fifteen World-Widening Years - Birth and growth of the Internet. (Information Week)
September 19 USAF Plane To Fly On Ultra-Clean Fuel (Aero-News Net)

September 19

Quad TiltRotor Wraps Up Wind Tunnel Testing (Aero-News Net)

September 19 Razor's Edge Halts Sales Of AirPlan Flight Planner (Aero-News Net)
September 19 Flying eyes (Washington Technology)
September 19 Private spaceport wins permit (MSNBC)
September 19 Plano, TX DHS Puts Scouting Badge Requirements on Web || DHS (Government Technology)
September 19 Plane wanders into airspace restricted for Bush visit (Press of Atlantic City)
September 20 Aeroflot Signs With Boeing -- Well, Sort Of (Aero-News Net)
September 20 Fighters Escort GA Plane Out Of UN Restricted Airspace (Aero-News Net)
September 20 Cessna Opens New Plant in Mexico (Aero-News Net)
September 20 FedEx Testing Anti-Missile Defense System (Aero-News Net)
September 20 Sky-Nets Creates Wi-Fi Hotspot Network for General Aviation (eMediaWire)
September 21 Downed Cessna Pilot Aided By British Airways Crew (Aero-News Net)
September 21 DHS plans data systems to supplement surveillance (Washington Technology)
September 21 Despite protests, wind farm projects picking up speed (The Reporter - Fond du Lac)
September 23 Analysis: Nuke security B+ hard to qualify (United Press International)
September 24 Understaffed air traffic control in Houston flying under the radar (The Houston Chronicle)
September 24 Bolivia Reaches for a Slice of the Coast That Got Away (The New York Times)
September 24 A Boat Racing on Biodiesel, but Running Low on Money (The New York Times)
September 24 Sunset or Sunrise? This picture was taken in the USA, but ... is it a sunrise over the Long Island Sound or a sunset across the San Francisco Bay? Or the other way around? You decide. To further confuse you, the lady in the picture is an Azerbaijani named Sabina, according to the photographer my friend Muldoon Elder who sent me this image. Either way, it is a fine example of Nature's ability to turn air pollution into beautiful colors. For a larger version of this image (233K) suitable for use as PC wallpaper, just ask for it.
September 24 Should Boeing Build A Fence? (Aero-News Net)
September 24 Private Space Industry Prepares To Fire Up In NM (Aero-News Net)
September 24 Race Is On for Security Gear (Los Angeles Times)
September 25 Report: Real ID will cost states more than $11 billion (Washington Technology)
September 25 Private jet business soars (Sarasota Herald-Tribune)
September 25 Lawmakers settle on measure to protect chemical plants (GovExec)
September 25 How new technical fixes could help defend the homeland (U.S. News & World Report)
September 25 Natural Language Processing for State Security (SlashDot)
September 26 Inaugural Flight From Spaceport America Ends Prematurely (Aero-News Net)
September 26 Altair UAV Re-Certified For High-Altitude Ops (Aero-News Net)
September 26 Put On Your Shades! Japan's Solar-B Sun Probe Blasts Off (Aero-News Net)
September 26 FCC Creates Homeland Security Bureau (Streaming Magazine)
September 27 HondaJet To Formally Go On Sale At NBAA 2006 (Aero-News Net)
September 28 Doctors Perform First-Ever Human Surgery In Zero-G (Aero-News Net)
September 28 Defense Spending Bill Could Help Local Aviation - CAP will spend $10M on Cessnas in FY 2007 (KAKE-ABC)
September 28 Textron, Embraer "Light" Jets Fuel US Airline-Delay Concerns (Bloomberg - USA)
September 28 Russia Seeks Entree into Europe's Aviation Market (Eurasia Daily Monitor)
September 28 FAA, GA Leaders Agree On Impact Of Very Light Jets (Aero-News Net)
September 29 Cockpit safety device sees what pilots can't (Arizona Republic)
September 29 Lockheed, FAA Working To Integrate UAVs In US Airspace (Aero-News Net)
September 29 Mars Rover Opportunity Reaches Victoria Crater (Aero-News Net)
September 29 SpaceDev Founder Wants In On Space-Tourism Market (Aero-News Net)
September 29 NASA Chief Reluctant To Partner With China (Aero-News Net)
September 29 Private aircrafts‘ performance steals limelight at air show (The Herald, South Africa)
September 29 Solar flares will disrupt GPS in 2011 (New Scientist Space)

September 29

New Opportunities Emerge In The Emergency Mobility Market (Computer Reseller News)

September 29 Adam Aircraft soaring with prop plane (Denver Post)
September 30 Congress passes security bills; Pascrell says US won't be safer (NorthJersey.com)
September 30 A380 Wake Turbulence Testing Complete (Aero-News Net)

Links or references to individuals or companies do not constitute an endorsement of any information, product or service you may receive from such sources

Found on the Internet (click on link to view the story)

August 31 CAP proves worth during Katrina relief - The Air Force praises CAP. (Air Force Link)

September 4

Picketers Protest Pluto's Planetary Panning (Aero-News Net)

September 5

NWA Flight 44 Passengers Feeling VERY Minnesota (Aero-News Net)

September 5 The US Navy's F4F Wildcat, probably the most successful WWII American plane in the Pacific, was designed by Grumman in the late 30s and ordered into production in 1939. This lovingly restored survivor of the species, an Oshkosh Air Show participant, accidentally ran into a small aerobatic plane on the take-off queue, killing the pilot. "Safety is always a major concern in any air show," said Lt Col Tom Traver, ORWG PAO, who sent me this photo.
September 7 NASA Rover's Martian progress (NASA Fact) NASA Rover nears Martian bowl goal (Aero-News Network)
September 7 One-plane crop dusting in Fort Worth (Fort Worth Star Telegram)
September 7 New story, old tale of Civil Air Patrol (Walker Pilot Independent)
September 7 After 12 years, DOS is back - FreeDOS PC Operating System (ZD Net)
September 8 Freedom Walks to commemorate 9/11, honor veterans (Air Force Today)
September 9 Radford U takes scholarly look at homeland security (Roanoke Times)

September 9

Warship built out of Twin Towers wreckage - From the Twin Towers' wreckage after their collapse on September 11, 2001, came 24 tons of salvageable steel now incorporated into the Navy's newest warship, the LPD-21 USS New York. This newest of 9 "San Antonio" class amphibious transport ships ordered by the U.S. Navy is part of the fleet modernization program. I'm grateful to Chaplain (Lt Col) George Kelly for this item.

September 9 Redefining time. Physicist Jim Bergquist has been busy creating a more accurate clock. The cesium clock currently in use will neither win nor lose a second in 70 million years. Bergquist's experimental mercury optical clock would push that figure to 400 million years. (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
September 10 Port practices security during drills (The Brownsville Times)

September 11

Astronauts to board virtual reality video game (Federal Computer Week)

September 12 Memorial dedicated to soldiers serving in Afghanistan, Iraq - Georgetown (Austin American-Statesman)
September 12 Lockheed to Build Border Security Plant (The Houston Chronicle)

September 14

Could Robots Become Human 'Eyes' In Hurricanes? (Aero-News Net)

September 14 The message read, "Mt. St. Helens continues to spew ash, while it forms a lava dome in the crater and still has minor tremors. Brent & Jan LeBaron took the sunrise and full-day shots at left, showing lenticular formations over the crater, created when the moisture condenses from a vapor to small particles at the higher altitude." I asked Lt Col Tom Traver, ORWG PAO, for an opinion, and he promised to ask "his buds." The verdict is in. Tom's friend Ted said, "For the sunrise, please visit http://www.snopes.com/photos/natural/sthelens.asp; the second photo looks manipulated. Lenticular clouds rarely appear dished, and usually aren't that large compared to the mountain that produces them. However, it might be for real... or a real good job on Photoshop. No opinion." Tom and I agreed that, hoax or no, the pictures are beautiful. (Anonymous contributor)
September 14 TXWG Member selected CAP National Senior Member of 2006 (CAP News Online)
September 15 Fake Hackers Beat DHS (The Inquirer)
September 15 FAA gives go-ahead to three Minnesota wind projects (USA Today)

September 15

Writing May Be Oldest in Western Hemisphere. A stone slab bearing 3,000-year-old writing previously unknown to scholars has been found in the Mexican state of Veracruz, and archaeologists say it is an example of the oldest script ever discovered in the Western Hemisphere. The signs incised on the 26-pound stone, the researchers said in the report, “link the Olmec to literacy, document an unsuspected writing system and reveal a new complexity to this civilization.” (The New York Times)

September 15 Part One: Sport Pilot -- Now You Can! (Aero-News Net)
September 15 The Strategy of Learning to Fly (Flying Magazine)
September 16 "Yellow Submarine" latest in NJ's high-tech security arsenal (News Day)
September 16 Civil Air Patrol Drills In Tulsa (KOTV)
September 17 US Naval Academy Receives Replica Of Historic Wright Airplane (Aero-News Net)
September 17 The Venerable KC-135 Celebrates 50 Years (Aero-News Net)
September 17 Wreckage of plane bound from Texas to Telluride found (The Houston Chronicle)
September 18 Happy Birthday, USAF (Sent in by Lt Col Tom Traver, ORWG PAO)
September 18 Plane crash victims from Dallas area retrieved from peak – CAP doesn't fly helicopters - Ed. (Rocky Mountain News)
September 18 Airplane hit Wilson Peak, found near Telluride  It was an AF helicopter - Ed. (Grand Junction Sentinel)
September 18 Part Two: Sport Pilot -- Small, Simple, Easy To Fly... And Learn (Aero-News Net)
September 18 Today, the Hard Drive Turns 50 (PC World)
September 18 'A Big Boom And The House Shook' (KOMO - Seattle)
September 19 NASA Goes With Boeing For Orion's Heat Shield (Aero-News Net)
September 19 DHS secretary praises NM for disaster simulation (Santa Fe New Mexican)
September 20 Boeing Wins Deal For Border Security - Towers 1, Drones 0. (Washington Post)
September 20 Crash kills as many as 4 on Wilson Peak (Telluride Daily Planet)
September 20 Strategic communication applies to every Airman (Air Force Link)
September 20 Civil Air Patrol is honored (Air Force Link)
September 21 Atlantis Returns Safely To KSC (Aero-News Net)
September 21 Helicopter Lands In Back Yard Of Waterfront Home (Local10 - Miami)
September 22 CubCrafters Celebrates First Customer Sport Cub Deliveries (Aero-News Net)
September 22 Civil Air Patrol Honored For Relief Efforts (Aero-News Net)
September 22 Two dead in crash of light-sport aircraft (Rutland Herald)

September 23

Nemesis Wins Reno Gold With Stock Engine - Air races? They still have them... (Aero-News Net)

September 23 L-29 Down In Table Bay South Africa (Aero-News Net)

September 23

Crop-dusting combines skill and bravery - Plainview, TX (Monterey Herald)

September 25 The F-14 Tomcat Roars Off Into The Sunset (Aero-News Net) My friend Lt Col Tom Traver tells me that Oregon's Evergreen Aviation Museum has already garnered one of the retired F-14's. It is sitting at the Portland Air National Guard Base where it was flown from its base in California for eventual transport to the museum in McMinnville.

September 25

Fake USAF Captain Gets Very Real Prison Time (Aero-News Net)

September 25 Airport under FAA's wing (Del Rio News Herald)
September 25 Airport in Argentina offers psych counseling lounge - Myrtle Beach is still in S.C. - Ed. (Canoe Travel News)
September 25 DHS Arming Schools with Hazard Radios (KSL-TV)
September 26 DHS Loosens Liquid Restrictions On Airliners (NY1)

September 26

'Laser Chips' Could Replace Wires in Your PC (PC World)

September 26 Atlantic City airport, where 'air-port' coined, closing (Newsday - Long Island, NY)
September 26 DHS bill delays passport rule at borders (MLive)
September 26 Air Force launches Delta II/GPS mission (Air Force Link)
September 27 Our military pilots do earn their pay - Just look at this picture and think about it. A soldier in Afghanistan took this photo of a helo rescue mission. The pilot is a PA Guardsman who flies EMS choppers in civilian life. How many people on the planet do you think could set the rear end of a chopper down on a shack's roof-top, sitting on top of a steep mountain cliff, and hold it there while soldiers load the wounded in the rear? I was impressed. I can't even imagine having the nerve, much less the talent and ability to do this. God bless our military! (Mailed by Jan Vallandingham and submitted by Lt Col Tom Traver, ORWG PAO)
September 28 Superior's XP-400 Makes A Good Showing At Reno (Aero-News Net)
September 29 Richard Branson unveils interior mock-up of private spaceship (San Jose Mercury News)
September 29 Virgin Galactic Shares Mockup of SpaceShipTwo! (Aero-News Net)
September 29 Goodbye to Bader - CAP's birthplace is gone. (Press of Atlantic City)
September 30 Cottonwood Airport base for plane search - CAP cadets in SAR work (Verde Independent)
September 30 NASA Aims For Early Launch Of Discovery (Aero-News Net)
September 30

Watch a World War II training film used to familiarize new pilots with the big, tough shipboard fighter, the Chance Vought F4U Corsair. This film is courtesy of Zeno’s Warbirds Videos. (Item taken from Capt Bob Spiegel's CAP "Tex" Hill Newsletter, October 2006)

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Aerospace Milestones & Notable Dates This Month

Oct 4, 1905 Orville Wright keeps his aircraft in the air for 33 minutes, 17 seconds.
Oct 7, 1908 Mrs. Hart O. Berg, wife of the Wrights' European business manager, is the first female passenger in an airplane, flying with Wilbur Wright.
Oct 8-Nov 5, 1909 Army aviation students Lts Frank P. Lahm, Benjamin D. Foulois, and Frederick E. Humphreys are selected to learn to fly an airplane with Wilbur Wright at College Park, Maryland, on the grounds of the current College Park Airport.
Oct 26, 1909 Lt Frederick E. Humphreys becomes the first Army pilot to solo in the Wright Military Flyer at College Park, Md.
Oct 11, 1910 Former President Theodore Roosevelt flies with Arch Hoxsey piloting a Wright Flier at a St. Louis flying meet, becoming the first Chief Executive to fly. The first president to fly during his term of office is Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1943.
Oct 18, 1917 McCook Field in Dayton is established as an active research and development (R&D) program facility for military aviation.
Oct 30, 1919 The reversible-pitch propeller is tested for the first time at McCook Field near Dayton, Ohio.
Oct 17, 1922 US Navy Lt Virgil C. Griffin, in a Vought VE-7SF [A987], takes off from the USS Langley moored at York River, Virginia. This is the first ship-borne takeoff.
Oct 18, 1922 Brig Gen William H. Mitchell becomes the first US military pilot to hold the recognized speed record at 222.97 mph in the Curtiss R-6 at the closed-course Pulitzer Trophy air race at Selfridge Field, near Detroit, Mich.
Oct 20, 1922 Lt (later Maj Gen) Harold R. Harris bails out of a crippled airplane he is testing at McCook Field and becomes the first man to join the Caterpillar Club — those whose lives have been saved by parachutes.
Oct 26, 1922 US Navy Lt Cmdr Godfrey Chevalier, in an Aeromarine 39-B, lands on the USS Langley, in the first ship landing. He is fatally injured in a crash two weeks later.
Oct 28, 1924 Army Air Service airplanes break up cloud formations at 13,000 feet over Bolling Field, D.C., by "blasting" them with electrified sand.
Oct 26, 1925 Lt James H. Doolittle, flying the Curtiss R3C-2 floatplane racer, wins the Schneider Cup race in Baltimore, Md., with an average speed of 232.57 mph. The next day, he sets a world seaplane record of 245.713 mph over a three-kilometer course.
Oct 4-5, 1931 Hugh Herndon and Clyde Pangborn complete the first nonstop transpacific flight from Sabishiro Beach, Japan, to Wenatchee, Washington, in 41 hours, 13 minutes, in a Bellanca Skyrocket.
Oct 15, 1937 The experimental bomber Boeing XB-15 makes its first flight at Boeing Field in Seattle, Wash., under the control of test pilot Eddie Allen. The military converted into a cargo plane designated XC-105. It would evolve into the B-17 Flying Fortress.
Oct 14, 1938 Company test pilot Edward Elliott makes the first flight of the Curtiss XP-40 at Buffalo, N.Y. Almost 14,000 P-40s will be built before production ends in 1944.
Oct 8, 1940 The Royal Air Force announces formation of the first Eagle Squadron, a Fighter Command unit to consist of volunteer pilots from the United States.
Oct 1, 1942 Bell chief test pilot Robert M. Stanley flies the first turbojet aircraft, the Bell XP-59A. The next day, Col Laurence C. Craigie becomes the first U.S. military pilot to fly a turbojet. In Oct 1943, Ann Baumgartener Carl of the Women Airforce Service Pilots flies a YP-59A and becomes the first American woman to fly a jet airplane.
Oct 14, 1943 Eighth Air Force conducts the second raid on the ball-bearing factories at Schweinfurt, Germany. As a result, the Germans will disperse their ball-bearing manufacturing, but the cost of the raid is high; 60 of the 291 B-17s launched do not return, 138 more are damaged.
Oct 1, 1947 The North American XP-86 Sabre takes to the air for the first time at Muroc Dry Lake, Calif (now known as Edwards AFB).
Oct 14, 1947 USAF Capt Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager in the Bell X-1 breaks the speed of sound, reaching a speed of 700 miles (1,127 kilometers) per hour, Mach 1.06, at an altitude of 43,000 feel (13,000 meters), over Muroc Dry Lake.
Oct 21,1947 The first flight of the Northrop YB-49 flying-wing jet bomber is made. The Air Force's Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bomber will bear a family resemblance to this plane.
Oct 15, 1948 Maj Gen William H. Tunner assumes command of the newly created Combined Airlift Task Force during the Berlin Airlift.
Oct 1, 1949 People's Republic of China is established.
Oct 4, 1949 A Fairchild C-82 Packet crew air-drops an entire field artillery battery by parachute at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Oct 19, 1950 Chinese units cross the Yalu River into North Korea.
Oct 19, 1953 In the first commercial nonstop transcontinental flight, a TWA Lockheed Super Constellation reaches New York from Los Angeles in 8 hours, 17 minutes. In 2003, the flight on a Boeing 777 averages 5 hours, 42 minutes.
Oct 19, 1953 Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Roger Lewis reveals that Boeing B-52 bombers will cost about $3.6 million each in production, but the first four aircraft will cost about $20 million each to amortize design, development and tooling costs.
Oct 24, 1953 Prototype of USAF's first delta-wing jet, the Convair F-102 makes its maiden flight.
Oct 23 - 4 Nov., 1956 Hungarians revolt against Communist rule. Soviet tanks crush resistance.
Oct, 1956 MATS and Navy aircraft airlift 11,400 Hungarian refugees from Germany to U.S.
Oct 4, 1957 The space age begins when the Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, into Earth orbit. About basketball-sized, it weighed 183 pounds and took about 98 minutes to orbit the Earth on its elliptical path. The launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments — and the US-USSR space race.
Oct 1, 1958 The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is formed.
Oct 14, 1962 Aircraft photos of Cuba show presence of Soviet missiles; Cuban Missile Crisis begins. US establishes air and sea blockade.
Oct 28, 1962 Soviet Union agrees to remove offensive weapons from Cuba.
Oct 7, 1963 President John F. Kennedy signs limited test ban treaty between US and Soviet Union, stopping atomic tests in atmosphere, under water, and in outer space.
Oct 3, 1967 Maj William J. "Pete" Knight flies X-15 at 4,534 mph, or Mach 6.72.
Oct 11-22, 1968 Apollo 7, the first test mission following the disastrous Apollo 1 fire, is successfully carried out. Navy Capt Walter M. Schirra Jr., USAF Maj Donn F. Eisele and R. Walter Cunningham stay in Earth orbit for 10 days, 20 hours, nine minutes.
Oct 23, 1972 Linebacker I ends.
Oct 14, 1973 USAF begins major airlift to Israel during Yom Kippur War. Ends 14 November, MAC airlifts 22,395 tons of supplies.
Oct 24, 1974 First mid-air launch of Minuteman I - dropped from a C-5A Galazy.
Oct 15, 1979 Civil war breaks out in El Salvador. US sends aid to government.
Oct 4, 1980 ARRS coordinates rescue of tourists aboard Dutch boat Prinsendam after it catches fire.
Oct 2, 1981 President Ronald Reagan reinstitutes the B-1 bomber program canceled by the Carter Administration in 1977.
Oct 18, 1984 B-1B cruise missile flies for the first time.
Oct 24, 1986 The EAA Aviation Foundation's replica of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis is officially retired. The replica was built in 1976 to 1977 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Lindbergh's historic solo flight.
Oct 3, 1990 East and West Germany unite as one nation.
Oct, 1994 USAF moves aircraft and troops to Gulf region in response to Iraq's Saddam Hussein's movement of 90,000 troops towards border of Kuwait. Iraqi troops then withdraw.
Oct 1, 1995 The 137th Space Warning Squadron, the Guard's first space squadron, is activated at Greeley, Colo.
Oct 4, 1995 Hurricane Opal hit the Florida panhandle, causing more than $80 million in damage at Eglin, Hurlburt and Tyndall AFBs and leaving 174 Hurlburt families homeless.
Oct 31, 1995 The warring parties in the former Yugoslavia begin peace talks at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio.

Links or references to individuals or companies do not constitute an endorsement of any information, product or service you may receive from such sources

Aerospace Education Tid-bits and Links

The Huygens probe will land on Titan's surface with the same force as a skydiver lands on Earth with an open parachute. That's approximately 15 miles (24 km) per hour.
Halley's Comet makes one orbit around the Sun every 76.1 years.
Because Saturn spins on its axis extremely fast and has a low-density interior, it is noticeably flattened, top and bottom. Saturn is 10 percent fatter around its equator than around the poles.
The Hubble Space Telescope has 6 gyroscopes, used to point the telescope.
The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft is about the same size as a 30-passenger school bus. It weighs roughly 6 tons (5,650 kg) -- but more than half that weight is rocket fuel.
Every day the Hubble Space Telescope archives 3 to 5 gigabytes of data and delivers between 10 and 15 gigabytes to astronomers all over the world.
Saturn's main rings, straightened out, could span almost the entire distance between Earth and the moon, yet they are less than 1/2 mile (1 km) thick.
Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar System.
The Cassini spacecraft can "see" in wavelengths of light and energy that the human eye cannot, and its onboard instruments can "feel" things about magnetic fields and tiny dust particles that no human hand could detect.
NASA missions currently in development, such as Kepler and the Space Interferometry Mission, will be able to study planets more than 6,700 times farther away than Pluto, the most distant planet in our solar system (now a dwarf planet).
The space between Mars and Jupiter is filled with irregularly-shaped chunks of rock and metal called asteroids. Scientists believe the asteroids are pieces of a planet that never formed, thus their name is coined from the Greek for "starry" or "star-like".

editor