A Short Essay on Veterans' Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, Moscow Time, Germany and the Allies signed an armistice at the Forest of Compiègne, Oise, France, thereby ceasing hostilities in The Great War. Moscow time was selected because Russia was the easternmost member of the Allied Armies. Compiègne was chosen because it lied at the mid-point between Moscow and Washington, measured across Europe. Naturally, in France, the hour was 5 am, a time of day not without significance, especially to the Prussians who often engaged in individual military duels fought at dawn. But this event was not to enjoy an uncertain outcome. It was the formal acknowledgement of a duel that had already taken place, and Germany had lost. At that time, the conflict was called The Great War because it was unthinkable that anyone might ever consider another armed confrontation of such magnitude. Little did they know.

In retrospect, The Great War was an almost gentlemanly affair. Generals would review their troops each morning, walking along the top edge of their front trenches, in plain view, a few yards from enemy lines. Both sides performed the same ritual. Occasionally, opposing generals would salute each other across no man's land. It was all very proper. Amazingly, not a shot was ever fired at either reviewer, who usually showed up in full-dress uniform with full-size medals, sashes, badges and accoutrements. Glittering apparitions indeed, if not brilliant strategists. After the review was over, and having allowed sufficient time for the generals to have returned to their headquarters in the rear, the gassing and the shelling and the brutal frontal attacks that butchered the flower of Europe's youth – as well as America's, Australia's, and many other nations from other parts of the world – would start once again, casting a renewed pall of death over the roiled fields on yet another terrible day. No, war is never pretty. Then, The Great War ended on what for many years would be called Armistice Day.

If at first America observed Armistice Day in remembrance of  those fallen in The Great War, eventually the day acquired wider significance when it was renamed Veterans' Day and officially dedicated to the memory of all those who had ever died in the service of their country. Until recently, this meant only men in uniform, with a very few women thrown in as an afterthought. But, as it happens, war is an egalitarian affair. And wars are no longer orderly and pre-arranged events. On this year's Veterans' Day, I urge you to remember also the victims of terror attacks in America and all over the world where Americans have fallen. Especially those who have died on that other, infamous 11th day. That senseless act of terror of September 11, 2001 that the media has nearly trivialized under the moniker of 9/11.

If Europe lost its innocence in The Great War, America lost hers a little over five years ago. Men, women, and children in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia near Washington, the majority of them civilian adults, lost their lives just because they were in the way, or symbolized something that someone objected to, or were working at or practicing something that someone wished to destroy. A blow as treacherous as the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941. Sixty years and four days apart, events so different, yet so alike. On this 11th day of the 11th month, please say a prayer – or pause in respect – in memory of our Nation's fallen.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

The focal point of the patch is the State of Texas, which acknowledges Group III as a part of Texas Wing and that its volunteer members support the great State of Texas. 

As with the flags of the United States and the State of Texas, the blue stands for loyalty, the white represents purity, and the red is for bravery. All of these are traits exhibited by our volunteer members on a regular basis. 

The five points of the Lone Star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness. The Roman numeral three is the official Group designation, and is positioned in North Texas near the location of the Group headquarters.

The black background represents the night sky, a time when our volunteers often work while providing support. Within the black background are the symbols of the United States Air Force and the Civil Air Patrol, showing the partnership that exists between them, both by congressional order and by virtue of their harmonious working relationship. The entire patch is surrounded by a gold border, representing the purity of its members' intent to serve their fellow man through volunteerism.

Finally, the motto Tertia semper primoris is a Latin phrase that means, literally, “Third Always First.” However, given that Latin is a very flexible language, its implied meaning is "Third [Group] Always First." This motto emphasizes the Group III ideal, in the sense that its members will always strive for excellence in all that they do. In this context, being first is not intended to denote winning but rather leading the way as part of a larger body.

Maj Patrick L. Benoit, CAP

The AEX Program

Civil Air Patrol offers AEOs a hands-on, inquiry-based learning tool known as the Aerospace Education Excellence Award Program (AEX). This is an exciting project that both Cadets and Seniors enjoy. The program is “teacher-friendly,” uses low-cost materials, and is easy to incorporate into the unit AE program. Below are the steps to follow:

• Download the AEX brochure from the CAP Web site.

• Order the free AEX book from CAP.

• Complete six of the national standards-based aerospace hands-on activities.

• Conduct one two-hour field experience activity.

Upon completion of the program, a unit receives a beautiful 11x14 wooden plaque plus attractive color certificates for the students.CAP units may participate in the AEX program from 1 Oct to 30 Sept.

Last year, eight Group III squadrons participated in this exciting learning opportunity. As we strive to make Group III the leading Group in Texas Wing, let’s go for 100% participation in the AEX program! 

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP

Respect – The Role of Military Customs and Courtesies

In the previous two articles I discussed the importance of Civil Air Patrol’s core value of Respect.

Respect means that we show honor and appreciation for the worth of someone or something. CAP brings together people from all walks of life and various religious, cultural, and economic backgrounds. Yet, to fulfill the CAP mission, there must be a sense of unity and oneness of purpose. To help accomplish this great task, CAP has adopted many of the Air Force’s customs and courtesies. 

Air Force customs and courtesies are acts or expressions that show respect for certain things or individuals. They are proven traditions that provide the framework for deciding what should and should not be done in various situations. They are based on the principles of justice, integrity, dignity, and respect. To earn respect and show proper respect within CAP, it is important to know and understand the customs and courtesies of the service, as they have developed over the years.

Below are a few questions that I’ve found helpful when doing a self-assessment with regard to my knowledge and practice of Air Force customs and courtesies:

• Do I know how to show proper respect to the American Flag?

• Do I respect the uniform by wearing it correctly?

• Do I know how and when to salute?

• Do I use titles correctly in formal and informal communication?

• Do I always show respect for my senior’s position?

• Do I treat those junior to me with the same respect I expect to receive?

• Do I make my appointments and meetings on time?

• Do I gossip and encourage others to gossip?

• Do I include words such as “please” and “thank you” in my conversations?

As we work in concert and harmony, and strive together to make Group III the leading group in Texas Wing, it is important that we observe Air Force military customs and courtesies. There is no greater way to express CAP's core value of Respect.  

May we always remember the Word of the Master, “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye to them likewise.” Luke 6:31. 

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP

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

    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

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

Maj Alan O'Martin, PDO

In Memoriam, September 11, 2001

It has been said that at the bottom of every conflict lies the pursuit of gain or at least the possibility of gain. Wealth of any kind is a powerful magnet that attracts others who want it but are unwilling to earn it. Nations are formed around wealth, and protect it, and strive to increase it, because wealth leads to power, and power confers the ultimate status. Conflicts over wealth ought to be resolved through fair trade practices, but at times they lead to war, an activity that seldom spares that very wealth that the aggressor feels makes it all worth-while. Peace would seem easy to achieve: all it takes is for two nations to respect each other and work together in harmony. Yet, throughout history, man has lived in a near permanent state of war. Europe's history is full of armed conflicts, some of them lasting a century. As a result, war and the justification for war are subjects well studied and written about.

In ancient China, Sun Tzu (544-496 BC), author of "The Art of War," emphasized diplomacy over military intervention; deception and overwhelming threat over meeting the enemy in open battle; surprise and tactical flexibility over saber-rattling and showing one's battle plan. His aim was to turn the enemy's own strength against him and thereby avoid war altogether. And his goal was the annexation of the enemy in its totality.

In Prussia, 2,300 years later, Carl von Clausewitz  (1780-1831), author of "On War," influenced military thinking far beyond the confines of his country and century. He stated that, "War is nothing but a wrestling match on a larger scale."  He also defined it as follows, "War is a continuation of 'policy'—or of 'politics'—by other means." (a difficult sentence to translate, because the German "Politik" means both "policy" and "politics"). He proposed resolution through "destruction of the enemy's will to resist," rather than, "destruction of the enemy." His aim was to strike the enemy with overwhelming and irresistible force so as to show him that resistance would be futile. And his goal was the annexation of the enemy in its totality.

During World War II, Germany rested assured that its Enigma machine was unassailable, and that the messages encrypted with it were wrapped in total, permanent secrecy. Britain broke the code, and as the messages poured in, and the Battle of Britain was drawing to a close, they learned of terrible news – in a massive show of force, the Luftwaffe was about to carpet-bomb Coventry, a bucolic English place, because they wanted to destroy the camouflaged airplane engine factory that was there... but didn't know its exact location. What was the English Government to do? Alert the population and let the enemy know that the Enigma machine had lost all value? Or say nothing and let the innocent die, in the interest of national safety? English 17th century ethics won, and "the good of the many" was chosen...

When Coventry was bombed on November 15, 1940, the cathedral (that luckily was not holding services) was totally destroyed, so this loss only involved an irreplaceable and beautiful national treasure that happened to be 600 years old. With the cathedral, extremely valuable property beyond price was lost, but not lives – however, many lives were lost elsewhere in the city on that awful night. The rain of destruction went on for nine hours until dawn. On the following day, the German High Command announced that Coventry had been bombed in reprisal for the British attack on Munich. In those days, the loss of non-combatant lives still mattered, so an explanation was not only expected but a matter of honor.

Today's new morality, on the other hand, is free of any such constraints. Since World War II, Western civilization has survived The Cold War, but a permanent peace remains a dream. Worse yet, a radical group of individuals, offering religious reasons not universally accepted, is now waging what history might well end up calling "The Terror War" against America. Its most visible effect has been the destruction of New York City's Twin Towers, with considerable loss of life and property. A link to the images below was sent to me by my friend Muldoon Elder.

On September 13, 2001, "Ed" took these photos at Ground Zero, where New York's World Trade Center's Twin Towers used to stand. He managed to gain entrance to the area when all civilians, including the press, were denied access. These are believed to be the first images of the disaster after the attack. Collectively, they constitute a record of great loss, immense suffering, and untold cruelty wreaked upon ordinary citizens. They move this viewer deeply, and serve as a reminder of how fragile our society is – it is built on laws, and its permanence is dependent on its inhabitants' willingness to follow those laws.

The gauntlet has been thrown, and we cannot afford to bury our head in the sand. Instead, we must have the grit to stand up to the challenge.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

PAO Seminar , 21 October

Nine PA attendees, representing seven units, gathered in the Texas Wing HQ's Conference room for an all-day PAO Seminar that covered the following subjects:

• Writing Fundamentals

• Basic duties of the PAO

• Establishing and nurturing relations

• Planning and covering a known event

• The PAO's place within the unit's staff

• The PAO's importance to unit life

• Impact of PA work on recruiting and retention

     Run in seminar fashion, participants shared their experience, asked questions, and helped shape the information given to satisfy their needs. The exchange of information was dynamic, at times humorous, and by the participant's comments right on target. As a service to our squadrons, Group III will make this a quarterly event, so mark your calendar for the Group III January meeting & PAO Seminar! 

     By unanimous request, better directions to the location will be published, as well as a cell phone # to get someone to open the locked door for late arrivals. Photos: C/MSgt Michael Moody

Co-Author of the New Group III Emblem Recognized, 21 October

     At the Group III Meeting held at the Waco Regional Airport's Harbour Restaurant, during the lunch break, the Group Commander, Maj Patrick L. Benoit, gave the "first" Group III patch to Capt Arthur E. Woodgate in recognition of his contribution to the emblem's design.

When Capt Woodgate asked Maj Benoit why he hadn't taken the first patch for himself, Maj Benoit smiled broadly and displayed his flight suit's right shoulder – where the patch was already sewn on. Then he added a second item – a "coin" commemorating a Global War on Terrorism "Joint mission in the pursuit of freedom," with Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force participants.

It is an American armed services tradition to mark an important event by having a coin or medal struck, and in this case the commander chose to share his own memories with his PAO. The coin is in good hands. (Above left, Maj Randy Russell DCS, Maj Pat Benoit CC, and Capt Arthur Woodgate.) Photos: Capt Robert Benton

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

South West Region Conference, 27-29 October

     National Commander Maj Gen Antonio Pineda and SWR Commander Col Tom Todd presided over this important yearly gathering. The program was well organized and covered corporate business in some detail, a subject that escapes the limitations placed by space constraints here.

In his opening statement, Gen Pineda said, "We're a team, all together, one team ready and able to perform missions for America." He praised the region for its outstanding response during hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as its performance during the wild fires. He then turned to Col Todd and said, "By the way, Tom, what have you been doing this last year?" "Watching them," Col Todd replied, with a grin. "They were so good at doing it all that I didn't want to get in their way."

Gen Pineda said that CAP could not prosper relying only on government funding, and that partnering with businesses would be a real possibility and a matter of emphasis very soon. "Volunteer magazine is part of our effort to brand CAP, and more activities will follow along these lines. We do essential work, at the lowest cost, and with the best cost/benefit ratio. How can we lose?"

In an effort to relieve CAP wings' administrative burden, maintenance will be taken over by National gradually. "North East Region, Florida and Georgia are there already," he said, "Texas is next." In addition, to facilitate operations, only 20% of the fleet will be 5 years old or older by December 2007.

     Col Russell Hodgkins, Jr, the Air Force Liaison officer to National HQ, chose his words well and effectively. "I have an in-box," he said, "and I measure each regions' success by the number of messages in that in-box." He explained that the fewer the messages, the better things were run, because they generated the fewest problems and complaints. "SWR has the smallest list of messages," he added, as he looked at Col Todd with a friendly nod.

     There were three change-of-command ceremonies -- the region commander's and Arizona and Arkansas wing commanders. Numerous awards were presented, and Texas wing was distinguished as one of the three contributing major commands that had assured the success of Exercise Falcon Virgo. Col R. Frank Eldridge accepted the award for Texas Wing. As a parting gift for Col Todd's four years in command, Col Eldridge then presented him with a large and colorful CAP-oriented, signed lithograph.

     The banquet's keynote speaker was Lt Col Judge Robert Albert Decatur, one of the Tuskegee Airmen of WW II fame, who also also in the Korean conflict. Between WW II and Korea, Col Decatur earned a law degree and passed the Illinois bar exam, but soon after was recalled to active duty so he had to delay practicing law until his tour of duty ended in 1951. A charismatic and urgently ethical man, Judge Decatur is the most moving orator this writer has ever heard. He spoke with humility, tenderness, patriotic fervor, and great generosity of spirit. Had he been the only participant in this event, his address alone would have reassured all listeners that their time had been well spent. The photo at right depicts the new SWR Commander, Col Reggie Chitwood, Judge Robert A. Decatur, and Maj Gen Antonio Pineda, after presenting Judge Decatur with a carefully chosen framed lithograph.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

1. All engines fluids (oil, water, brake fluid, and steering pump fluid).

2. Adequate air tire pressure, tread, and valve stems free of damage -- on all tires.

3. Windshield wiper damage and operation.

4. Seat belts for proper operation and free from damage.

5. For small children, car seats must be working properly and children strapped in correctly.

6. All vehicle running, signal and emergency lights must function properly.

7. Your first aid kit must be present, intact, and up to date. Don't forget your emergency flares.

8. Cell phones must be fully charged and on your person.

9. Tell someone where you are going to and estimated time of arrival. Get emergency contacts and have them ready. Someone must know your contact information too. Teach your kids how to call 911.

10. Enjoy yourself and travel safely.

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

November Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

November Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

CAP Van Rollover Dangers

1st Lt Bob Mullen, LGT

Recurring Reports

November

December

2007

Maj Laurie Lancaster, COS

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

Notes from Wings Over Houston, 20 October

Fresh from Ground Team Leader training at Pegasus' FTX, 1st Lt Jim Wreyford and his son C/SAmn Josh Wreyford (both amateur radio operators, K5JSW & KE5HIS) responded to a VFD alert and met with S.M. Chris Hoya and C/A1C Zach Norred, both also members of Apollo squadron as well as volunteer firemen in Kingsland. It turned out that at least a dozen Amateur Radio Operators (Hams) had just reported storm damage information in surrounding counties by relaying it to the National Weather Service and other agencies.

The Hams fanned out across Llano, Burnet, and Blanco counties to assess storm damage and report it to the National Weather Service, as well as look for damaged areas that had not been reported to authorities due to loss of normal lines of communication. This Emergency Weather Net springs into operation any time it is deemed necessary by a radio operator in the effected area. (Below right is Sanford Musgrove (W5FIT), the radio club's president.)

The National Weather Service Thanks 1st Lt Jim Wreyford, 20 October

Again, thank you for the damage photographs. They gave us an excellent look at the nature of the storms even before we got up there to see the damage for ourselves.

Please pass along from all of us at the NWS, our deep appreciation for the excellent job your Highland Lakes Amateur Radio Club did this past Wednesday in keeping us informed of the storms across the Llano and Burnet areas.  I can't over-emphasize the value of your reports.  We were able to confirm severe storms in time to extend critical warnings both time-wise and location-wise.  Over the past three to four years we have seen the Texas Hill Country go from an area that was essentially lacking in weather feedback to an area where we get some of the best reports anywhere in South Central Texas.  Thank you all for your service to the National Weather Service and your service to the citizens of South Central Texas.

(Larry Eben, NWS)

(2nd Lt Kelly Castillo)

At the SWR Conference, 27-29 October

     The Dallas Stealth Composite Squadron was well represented at the 2006 South West Region Conference. Taken after the opening morning session, this photo captures the general feeling that prevailed throughout the event. In the photo, left to right, are SM Ron Gazda, Lt Brendan Goss, Lt Phil Rains, Lt Col Owen Younger, Capt Thorpe Thompson, Lt Jennifer Goss, Lt David Lima, and Capt Eric Martin.

(Photo: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate)

Field Training Weekend, 13-15 October

(1st Lt Harold Parks)

Major Gerry Davis, Deputy Commander for Cadets, and 1st Lieutenant Doug Camp, his assistant, made official presentations to the following cadets: Ryan Cobb (14) of Longview was promoted to Cadet Airman; Nathan Cardino (16) and William Simpson (16) both of Longview, and Neal Byerly (12) of Lone Star were promoted to Cadet Airman 1st Class, and Jarred Heath (16) of Longview was promoted to Cadet Senior Airman. 

(S.M. Tracy Hollinshead)

New Kid on The Block

(Lt Col Cynthia Whisennand)

(C/2nd Lt Steven Hamman)

Luckiest of Days, 13 October

(1st Lt Robert M. "Skip" Smith)

Rocket Launching Day, 21 October

     Tyler's Lindsey park is a wonderful place, ideal for small rocket launching. The squadron started a rocketry program some months ago, under Maj Ron Whitt's leadership, and now that we'd finished Phase I, we felt ready for the "real thing." Ten or more cadets participate in the program regularly, except that it's difficult to get them all together at one time. If it isn't sports, it's school or family obligations, but those who can't be there are the first to call to find out how it all went. So not of all of us were there on this day, but all of us were there in spirit.

     Our batch of rockets, about 2 feet high each, was ready. The nose cone and fins are made of plastic and they're attached to a cardboard body, so they're very light. Practically all the weight is the combustible material & nozzle – the "engine" that drives them – plus the very light parachute that helps them land undamaged. As usual, we had a safety briefing, then prepared the launching pads and the rockets. As usual, we had a safety briefing, then prepared the launching pads and the rockets. The first time I  wondered, "Will it work?" and it did and so did the rest of them…except for one instance.

     This time, one of them stuck on the rod and didn't fly at all. It just flamed its entire load of fuel right on the pad, and burned a hole on the pad itself. Another one flew beautifully, just a little drift because it was a windy day, but then it broke up on landing when the parachute didn't deploy. We want them to fly straight up and come back to the launching site. By now, a small crowd of park-goers had gathered near us, looking at us work on the rockets and launch them. They cheered when the rockets flew, and groaned when the "sticker" just fizzled away stuck on its spot. When the parachute didn't deploy, they sighed like a tire going flat. We recovered all the rockets. The same as in the Air Force, we hold a very serious "after action review" to find out what went wrong. From the crash, there was enough of the rocket left for us to see that the parachute hadn't been packed correctly. But the reason for the "sticky rod" is still a mystery.

     This is just one of the things we do. I like the emergency services work, and finding my way in the woods, and the leadership opportunities that come with the job. What I learn at the squadron meetings and field work, and when we work with other squadrons, is so far ahead of what we do at school that not too many of my classmates believe me when I tell them about it. Some think I'm putting them on. My dream is to go to the Air Force Academy and get to fly a real hot plane, and get to do things that can benefit others in America.

(C/2nd Lt Joshua Jenkins)

(Lt Col Gary Stevens)