Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030
 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

More than meets the skies . . .

Newsletter - December, 2006


On the Civil Air Patrol's 65th Birthday, 1 December 2006

The spirit of the Civil Air Patrol's founding members still endures. CAP was born thanks to the efforts of a few visionary men who shared a deep concern for America's safety, at a time when the Nation was unprepared for war and the world had embarked on a global conflict that spanned three continents. On that first day, CAP was a small and fledgling organization. On 7 December 1941, less than a week after CAP's creation, those fears proved well founded when the U.S. Pacific Fleet was nearly destroyed at Pearl Harbor, an event that turned the war into a global conflict. The world had never seen such trouble. The Civil Air Patrol, backed with private funds, manned by volunteer gentlemen-pilots, wasted no time in taking to the air in their effort to do whatever they could to protect the homeland.

During those uncertain and perilous days, CAP pilots patrolled America's borders tirelessly, day after day, mostly over water off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. CAP planes scouted for submarines, ships, and enemy war planes. Today we would think these pilots mad, as they courted certain death while flying slow, underpowered, unarmed, totally indefensible aircraft. Gloriously mad they might have been, but they also had courage to spare, and luckily radios that worked. They would find a submarine and radio its position, alerting the few Coast Guard and Navy ships in the area so one of them could meet it and sink it. It didn't take long for the Germans to figure this out, and from their initial amusement their mood soon turned to immediate and occasionally decisive action.

The Germans learned to dread the sight of those "damned yellow planes" (actually, "verdammte gelbe Flugzeuge"). "Why yellow? I don't know," I heard a Region Staff Officer say at the Southwest Region Conference in Dallas last October. The reason is quite simple, though. Those original aircraft were little more than manned toy planes fitted with a minimal engine. Of flimsy frame construction, the whole structure was covered in canvas that, when "doped" (that is, impregnated with a sealing, waterproof, clear paint), slowly yellowed. They kept doping until the shade of yellow got dark enough, and that was the signal that the canvas would stand up to flying. However, painting the plane a different color on top of the doping was out of the question, since it would have added too much weight to the airframe. The aircraft's power to weight ratio was that precariously balanced.

Since the American ships were very few, some CAP pilots got tired of waiting for them to arrive, so they took to dropping small bombs on the submarines, right out the airplane's window, in the hope of damaging the U-boat so it couldn't submerge and escape an American surface vessel. As we know, some CAP pilots died doing this – but they saved many lives, too, since many submarines prowled the Atlantic coast bent on sinking American ships.

Today, the Civil Air Patrol still defies danger. Hurricanes, forest fires, and natural disasters are sure to get us flying and searching on the ground. From an all-pilot buddy organization, we have evolved into a competent air-ground force. CAP added cadets and ground team members many years ago, and it is thanks to them that today we can work effectively on search and rescue missions. Disaster relief, also, works best with aircrews searching from the air as they guide workers on the ground. As an added bonus, CAP's technical training comes accompanied by leadership and job ethics that lead to internalizing the moral obligation that a safe human being has towards a wounded or endangered one.

Many CAP cadets, young and inexperienced at first, grow up and blossom, becoming military men and women, valued professionals, and productive members of our society. Cadets or adult members, we all know the value of volunteerism. Working towards the common good, enjoying the strength that comes with numbers and specialized training, guided by a strong code of ethics derived from our core values, CAP constitutes a powerful and effective organization. It is in helping others that we can appreciate the pioneering spirit and tight-knit association that made it possible for earlier generations to colonize this brave Nation of ours.

So we count our blessings, give of our plenty, share our good fortune, try to make a difference, and hope that everyone that meets us will be a happier person for the experience. It has worked well for sixty-five years so far. Best of all, CAP may have matured, but it remains young and vigorous.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages
Group Commander

Let Us Reflect

Another year nears its end, and our days continue to be filled with life’s business, daily rushing away. Carpe diem, said the Romans, "seize the day," and make it yours. I hope you'll join me in pausing and reflecting on where we have been this past year. It has been a marvelous span, filled with many events that have enriched our Group and given us the chance to show how much we can do. The most significant was our establishment. We have been a unit for a mere one year, and we accomplished a great deal.

The year started with the Texas Wing group reorganization, and the immediate extended tasking for Fire Watch. You all performed admirably under less than ideal conditions. Never before had Texas Wing taken on such a long-running Emergency Services Mission. In the end, our Wing flew over 1,700 hours, spotting nearly 400 fires and saving countless lives and properties. Our Group flew heavily, and set a standard for excellence that led to the adoption of our motto, Tertia semper primoris, “The Third Always First.”

As the year progressed, we all struggled with the sheer size of our new Group. Geographically spread from Dallas to Austin and east to the state line, we were 18 squadrons coming from three disbanded Groups now merged into one. Undeterred, we overcame the distance. Many squadron members were wary of Group III, having experienced little group support from the now disbanded organizations in the past. That changed when Group III was created, and the squadrons soon realized the difference, especially as the year marched on. We are seeing greater participation in Group-level events and more members are eager to serve in Group staff positions. The squadrons are more willing to seek assistance from Group, and that is as it should be. As a result, Group III has become a single cohesive element, representing the best that Texas and CAP have to offer to our state and country. We have an emblem, a motto, a challenge coin, and an identity. Better yet, Group III continues to develop this identity through its member squadrons.

In June, we unveiled the Group Newsletter online. Since its introduction, it earned and continues to receive praise and accolades from members at all levels of CAP. It is by far the finest production piece available within CAP, and it truly represents our Group’s highest standards. Each passing month brings more and more squadron participation in the newsletter, and provides more and more publicity for the squadrons, its members, and our Group.

In August, we again set the standard by proving that the Distributed SAREX concept can work – efficiently and effectively. As the host Group for the Guided Training Exercise (GTE), we received the highest marks for our Group’s management of the mission. We impressed the U.S. Air Force observers, Texas Wing, and the participating members. It is thanks to the effort of the Group's squadron members that the Group succeeded as a whole – the squadrons, then, deserve great credit for the outcome.

With the celebration of the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of the Civil Air Patrol on 1 December, we also celebrate and close an exceptional first year for our Group. We mark this time with the release of our new website, which will again set a new standard and raise our Group further up the scale towards exceptional. This is due to the excellent work of the Group Staff and the support from all member squadrons.

So, as we embark on the holidays with the rush and anticipation sure to come, I want to personally thank each one of you for making our Group a success. I am proud to be a part of Group III and I am equally proud to serve with each of you. I also encourage you to pause and take a moment to remember what all of us have done together this past year. Consider where we have been, enjoy the holidays, and then set your sights high for the future, because another exciting year is just around the corner.

Maj Patrick L. Benoit, CAP
Group III News

Group III Challenge Coin

     It is an old military tradition to issue a coin commemorating an achievement, action, or campaign. At the birth of modern armies – exemplified by Napoleon's devastating war organization – most countries provided very few medals for their military. The obvious reason was that these were usually made of precious metals and often contained gems as part of their design, so they were seldom awarded below the position of commander. Also, since commanders were almost always titled, having an award made of base metal would have been an affront to a nobleman. In search of a substitute, in lieu of medals, coins took their place, and they were either offered for sale, or a rich commander would buy them for those deserving of distinction not gallant or meritorious enough to deserve a rare medal.

The custom endures to this day, and the decision to strike a coin normally rests with larger unit commanders (group and above in the USAF). In continuation of this tradition, Group III will soon issue a "challenge coin" – mint proofs of the obverse (heads) shown at left, and reverse (tails) at right. Around the edge, the following will be inscribed, separated by small bullets, shown as (o): TERTIA SEMPER PRIMORIS (o) SEMPER VIGILANS (o) COME FLY INTO THE BLUE (o). These denote the mottos of Group III, CAP, and USAF.

The mint could not deliver them by 1 December, but they'll be available soon thereafter.

Maj Patrick L. Benoit, CAP
Aerospace Education

Do You Want to Score Higher on your AE Exams?

Studying can be fun. If you want immediate feedback on how you stand, please visit http://www.ny212.org, then go to Aerospace Education Practice Test. Select the module of you choice, and have fun. This program was designed by the Canandaigua Composite Squadron for the use of all CAP cadets.

Apply for the AEX (Aerospace Education Excellence) Unit Award.

You only need to complete 6 activities and 1 AE Day of 2 or more hours in 12 months. The award qualifying cycle started on 1 October 2006 and ends on 30 September 2007 – download the information and application at www.cap.gov/ae. Go to AE Activities Section, select AE Excellence Program, and then select Download Unit Brochure Here.

Yeager Award Certificate  procedures

Get them at www.cap.gov/ae. Go to Awards Section, select Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager AEAA link, then select CAP Regulation 280-2. After taking the Yeager Test on line, do not forget to print out the certificate. Please forward a copy of the certificate of completion by email to rwhitt05@yahoo.com.

Advanced Technology Group

Join the 21st. Century with CAP's Advanced Technology Group. Get involved with STK (Satellite Tool Kits), learn about Satellite Digital Imaging, and Hyperspectral Imaging. Visit the ATG web page at http://atg.cap.gov.

Members AE Link

Visit www.cap.gov/ae.

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP
Chaplain

The Joy of Giving

December is a month of celebrating the religious holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah. As Christians, my family celebrates Christmas. The word Christmas comes from Cristes maesse, an early English phrase (borrowed directly from the Latin) that means Mass of Christ. And a mass, of course, is the ritual celebration of our redemption, as Jesus himself commanded us to do (1 Corinthians 11:26). This holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. One of the oldest traditions observed during this season is the custom of giving gifts, derived from the three gifts presented to the newborn Jesus by the wise men who came to him from the East (Matthew 2:11).

In our culture, the most popular symbol of gift giving is Saint Nicholas. It is believed that St. Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra, in modern-day Turkey. St. Nicholas should be an inspiration to us all. He was a godly man whose reputation for giving to others caused him to be a revered example of what compassion and giving are all about. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. He was not a jolly, blue-eyed, fat man who climbed down chimneys, neither did he have any flying reindeer. The true story of St. Nicholas is a beautiful example of the giving that accompanies the celebration of Christmas.

In my opinion, the greatest example of giving is found in John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him sold not perish, but have everlasting life.  Of course, as a Christian, I believe that the greatest gift that we can ever give is our heart and life to God.

As CAP volunteers we practice the act of giving twelve months a year, not just on special occasions. CAP members are true givers. During this special season, I pray that you experience the real joy of giving by extending your generosity to those who are less fortunate than you. After all, that is what Christmas is all about.

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP
Guest Chaplain

Thanksgiving

This link says it all, http://www.cpmsglife.org/tg/2006tdm1.html. I hope that on Thanksgiving we were all truly thankful for the many blessings showered upon us, the love of our dear ones, and the domestic peace that we enjoy. As we did then, please remember our military, today and every blessed day.

Chaplain (Lt Col) George Kelly, CAP
Communications

New CAPR 100-3

The new CAPR 100-3 Radiotelephone Operations, dated 17 Nov 20006 is out – in PDF format. Read it, download it, learn it, distribute it.

Please ensure these updated communications regulations are kept in the comm room, and that your members are familiar with the changes.

Communications – The Skinny on Wideband vs. Narrowband

Over the past few years, there have been a number of discussions regarding narrowband compliance, P25, and radios. With the sunset date rapidly approaching (just over a year away) everyone needs to understand what it means, why it is taking place, and why this is bigger than CAP itself. 

Looking back to your BCUT/ROA training class, as well as into your SLS, you might remember a discussion regarding two different federal agencies: the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The FCC regulates all non-federal communications standards and frequencies. You hear about them any time there is a public issue on television, radio, or with cell phone companies. If you look on the bottom or back of anything with a radio in it, from the latest remote control toy to that new wireless router you purchased at the store, you will find a tag listing its FCC compliance number. Anything that is non-federal and transmits on a radio frequency is regulated by the FCC.

The  NTIA is a federal body governing all federally used frequencies and pertinent regulations. This means that the FCC and NTIA work together, but are separate entities, each with its own realm of responsibility as well as its own frequency responsibilities. Although the two agencies must coordinate their efforts with each other and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), each creates and maintains its own body of regulations. All federal entities, from the Department of Justice, down to the US Military, as well as the Forest Service, must adhere to NTIA regulations. This means that CAP, falling under the USAF, must also adhere to these regulations. Therefore, when an NTIA rule change comes down the chain, such as narrowband compliance, it is not a CAP decision but an NTIA one, and CAP must comply with it. This is also the reason why CAP members (while signed in as a CAP member) cannot use amateur radio – it is a violation of NTIA regulations.

Now that we know how the FCC and NTIA work, we can better understand where narrowband is coming from. It is an NTIA mandate and so we must comply with it. By 1 January 2008, all federal entities must be narrowband compliant. This date is referred to in many texts, policy letters, and regulations, as the sunset date – because on this the date the sun will set on the old wideband radios and leave them in the dark. Here's an interesting bit of trivia: currently, the FCC will require narrowband compliance on all VHF frequencies by 2013!

So, what is narrowband vs. wideband and why is it so important? Every time you key a microphone and transmit on a frequency, you are actually transmitting on that frequency plus a few kilohertz above and below it. This is referred to as the width of the transmission, or the bandwidth used by the transmission. Wideband communications uses a width of 25kHz, or 12.5kHz above and below the frequency you are transmitting on. Narrowband transmissions use half of that width, 12.5kHz total, roughly 6.25kHz on either side of the frequency selected. If someone were to transmit on a frequency that would allow that bandwidth to overlap your bandwidth, you would have interference. As such, frequencies are assigned so that they are 25kHz apart in wideband applications.

The switch to narrowband will allow twice as many frequencies to be active simultaneously. By ensuring that transmitted signals only occupy 12.5kHz of bandwidth, the frequencies in use may be doubled when compared to wideband signals in use today. This allows a congested spectrum to be expanded using the same amount of space. This is why narrowband compliance has been mandated. There is only so much available spectrum out there, and it is getting crowded. In order to meet the growing needs of various agencies, we need to make better use of what we have. This is why we've been receiving new VHF radios over the past few years. These new radios are P25 compliant (more about this below) that can be programmed to work on wideband and narrowband frequencies.

Many have asked just what might happen if you continued to use a wideband radio after the switch. Besides the failure to follow regulations, there are some technical issues involved. First, the receiving radios, already programmed for narrow-band, may not understand your wideband signal. When they don't understand the signal, you will hear either nothing, or a strange, distorted sound that is fairly unintelligible and meaningless. In other words, your wideband radio would be functionally useless. Also, listening to a narrowband signal on a wideband radio, if your wideband radio can capture the signal at all, the station will sound extremely weak and be difficult to hear. If narrowband stations on adjacent frequencies are transmitting at the same time, the wideband radio may pick up both stations, making it nearly impossible to decipher.

At this point we know what the sunset date is, who the FCC and NTIA are, and why we must move to narrowband compliance. Now we need to learn about P25 (which stands for Project 25). This program seeks to allow both standardized analog and digital radio communications to be usable across spectrums in order to let different agencies communicate with each other. This was an immense problem after 9/11. P25 radios can transmit and receive in both analog and digital formats, and therefore they can be used to communicate with a wide variety of radios. Additionally, P25 radios can be programmed as narrowband or wideband. Another feature is that both analog and digital signals can be encoded/decoded for security. To make it all worthwhile and versatile, each channel can be programmed (depending upon the radio involved) to do combinations of these. Say the first channel might be narrowband analog, the second might be digital narrowband encoded, and the third might be analog wideband.

There is quite a bit of information in this month's communications overview. However, as CAP members, we need to use this in our everyday missions, and understand what narrowband compliance means to us. Rather than fight it, we must embrace it, use it, and prepare to move forward in order to better perform our Missions for America.
Emergency Services

Training FTX / Bivouac, 17-19 November

This event is reported below, in the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron section.

1st Lt Opal McKinney, HGO
Honor Guard

Honor Guard Honors our Veterans , Dallas, 11 November

     The Group III Honor Guard was proud to be able to lead the CAP entry in the 88th Annual Dallas Veterans Day Parade in downtown Dallas. The Honor Guard led a flight formation of cadets and senior members from several Group III squadrons. This was the second year the Honor Guard had the privilege to participate in the parade. That evening, the Honor Guard presented the colors at a special tribute to our Veterans at the beginning of the final performance of The Promise Passion Play in an outdoor amphitheater in Glen Rose. After the tribute the cadets were treated to reserved seats, and were able to stay and watch this wonderful production.

Wreaths Across America

     14 December will mark two milestones: the 15th anniversary of Maine wreaths being donated to decorate the graves at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., and the introduction of a new national campaign dubbed Wreaths Across America that will bring the same remembrance wreaths to more than 200 veterans cemeteries and monuments across the nation. Thanks to the efforts of  two Maine Wing officers, Maj Dennis Murray of the St. Croix Composite Squadron and Maj Wayne Merritt of the Machias Valley Composite Squadron, CAP is working to coordinate the ceremonies in each of the participating locations throughout the country. All 50 states are participating in this patriotic event.

The Group III Honor Guard will be in charge of the ceremony to be held at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. The ceremony will begin promptly at 1100 on Thursday, 14 December. The cemetery is located at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX.  Everyone is encouraged to attend and take part in an honor formation (class A uniform, please).

For those not able to attend, please pass the word that there will be a Moment of Silence at Noon EST (1100 our time), where people across the Nation will stop and share a silent thank-you for all who serve, all we've lost, and in remembrance of their families who will be without loved ones this holidays.

Honor Guard Meeting

The next Honor Guard meeting will be on 3 December, from 1400-1700 at Group Headquarters in Addison. We will be practicing for the upcoming Wreaths Across America ceremony to be held at 1100, 14 December, at the DFW National Cemetery.

Joing the Honor Guard

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 Opal McKinney.

1st Lt Opal McKinney, HGO
Inspector General

Unit Self-Assessments

A large number of CAP members may not know what the inspector general program (IG) is or why it exists, nor the purpose or reason behind subordinate unit inspections (SUIs). The following should dispel many misconceptions.

The IG dates back to the days of Louis XIV (1643-1715), when it was created to ensure that men and materiel were ready to perform their assigned missions. In October 1777, George Washington started the IG in the United States. The USAF IG mission was instituted on 6 January 1948, and Gen Carl A. Spaatz appointed Maj Gen Hugh Knerr as the first USAF/IG. The first official CAP/IG was Col Nicholas (Doc) Knutz. In 2000, Col Dudley Hargrove was appointed as the second CAP/IG and directed to organize a national level college for training CAP Inspectors General. From this college came the current CAP/IG program.

Many wonder why we must have unit inspections. That is best answered with a scenario and a few questions.

Scenario

  • USAF asks CAP to perform certain tasks and missions.

  • USAF funds the majority of the equipment required by CAP to perform the requested tasks.

  • USAF reimburses CAP to a large extent to accomplish those tasks, including some of the required training to operate the equipment.

  • USAF even allows CAP to use the equipment USAF funded to perform operations for other organizations, with the stipulation that those organizations reimburse CAP for the use of the equipment USAF funded.

Questions

  • Is USAF entitled to establish ground rules for the use of its funding and materiel?

  • Is USAF entitled to know what programs CAP has instituted to perform the required tasks and how those programs are executed?

  • Is USAF entitled to an accounting from CAP for the funding and materiel provided to CAP?

  • Is USAF entitled to periodic reports?

  • Does USAF want to know if CAP is "Mission Ready?"

The answer to all of the questions is YES. If we are to "Perform Missions for America," units must be periodically inspected to determine if they are Mission Ready.

We are subject to call 24/7, every day of the year. Are we properly trained to perform our assigned missions? Is our equipment ready? Are we well versed in operating safely? These are the questions all members must ask themselves. A case in point is what happened during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since five unit vehicles were not safe to drive, we were not Mission Ready in those areas. Katrina and Rita spawned a tremendous push to get everyone trained in Emergency Services and Operations.

This is why we have SUIs. The mandate comes from the CAP and USAF Statement of Work: CAP shall develop and operate an inspector general program similar to the Air Force program described in the 90 series of Air Force publications. CAP and USAF shall develop and operate a joint inspection system similar to the Air Force program.  These mandates originated the CAPR 123 series.

In CAPR 123-3 para 1 we find the Scope that addresses the authorization to conduct inspections and lists the more important items to be covered during inspections. Paragraph 2 outlines Responsibilities. Paragraph 11b sets forth the timelines for SUIs at the squadron level and, in part, it reads Any unit that exceeds 27 months without a completed SUI will be prohibited from participating in any CAP activities until an SUI is completed.  This is why all units that underwent a SUI in the past 27 months are scheduled for another one within 24 to 27 months.

Ultimately, our purpose as the Civil Air Patrol is to be Mission Ready at all times, ready to perform Air Force assigned missions or assisting other federal, state or local agencies. Command and staff at all levels use information developed from inspections to assess each unit's level of mission readiness, and the basis for correcting any deficiencies found.

When your unit receives notification of a subordinate unit inspection we encourage you to visualize the inspection as a tool to assist you in making sure your unit is mission ready. Along with the notification you will receive a copy of the current SUI Guide, which is meant to assist you in preparing for the inspection. Please print it, break it into its component parts, and distribute it to the unit staff to assist in the preparation.  Remember the five "P's" - Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

As we move into the holiday season, the Group III/IG Staff wish you all Happy and Safe Holidays.

Capt Steve Manley, IG
Professional Development

SLS Course, Addison, 11-12 November

The following members completed the SLS course: Capt Robert Epstein, TX390; 1st Lt Matt Hammond, TX371; 1st Lt  David Hestilow, TX076; 2nd Lt Ray Hicks, TX214; SM Choya Shanahan, TX085; 2nd Lt Jed Taylor, TX313; and Capt Nolan Teel, TX390. I wish to extend my personal thanks to the instructors that helped deliver the course: Stephen Wheeler, Opal McKinney, and Bob Mullen.
   

OPSEC Training

There is an 8-page long list of Group III members who have not yet taken this training. Soon, unless you've taken and passed this requirement, you won't be able to participate in CAP activities.

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
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.  

Maj Alan O'Martin, PDO
Public Affairs

Group III PAO Seminar, 6 January 2007

At the 2004 and 2005 Texas Wing Conferences, I presented fairly well-attended break-out sessions under the banner of, "PAO, Wings Over Texas, and Recruiting Workshop." However, the attendance was mixed, since I only got two PAOs; all others were squadron commanders, chaplains, recruiting officers, and some "interested persons." Warm and forgiving groups, polite and eager to participate, but not quite what I had expected. Both years, rather than one contiguous block of time, I was allotted two sessions, one in the morning and the other one in the afternoon. Since most people thought it was a matter of the same session being presented twice, practically no one who attended the morning session showed up for the afternoon's.

A mixed crowd like that can get you in trouble. For the afternoon session of 2005, the group was uniformly interested in recruiting, and the Texas Wing recruiting officer wasn't there. So ... I forged on with a recruiting presentation, drawing on my five years' experience as an Army military intelligence recruiting officer. Small detail, though: the Army is not CAP, so it was inevitable that an awkward moment should arise when I couldn't answer a question. That's when, in my mind, the workshop turned into a seminar. Quick on the uptake, I looked directly at Lt Col Ed Billman who was quietly sitting in the audience, front and center, and said, "Excellent question, for which I have no good answer. Might someone here be able to address that?" Right on cue, as if the routine had been well-rehearsed, Lt Col Billman stepped in and saved the day. The group got the information, I learned more about CAP, and had a pleasant time to boot. Best of all, at the end, they congratulated me on a great session. What I did on that occasion is called "the art of least interference."

Last 21 October, Group III offered its first PAO Seminar, and this time those present were, indeed, all PAOs. Not all the PAOs in Group III, mind you, but a good number of them. Since not everyone made it, Group III will now hold this seminar on a quarterly basis. The next one is scheduled for 6 January 2007, and any PAO in TXWG is welcome to attend. For planning purposes, I'll ask all participants to register for the event, since the space available (the TXWG conference room in Waco) is limited, and Group III PAOs have priority. To register, simply send me an e-mail with your rank, name, unit charter#, and group#.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO
Public Affairs - Website  

Group III's New Online Look

I once took an art course taught by Charles Umlauf, when the University of Texas was still a small school. Years later, in 1985, he and his wife donated their home, studio and 168 pieces of Umlauf sculpture to the City of Austin. A revered art figure, his collection of sculptures, drawings and paintings constitute the core of the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, now on display at Austin's Zilker Park. He was a wonderful person, whom I saw as an old man from the perspective of the bloom of my own youth, though I am now quite a bit older than he was then. He was very kind in a forceful sort of way, and liked to speak clearly and directly. He firmly believed that an art object should honor the materials from which it had been fashioned. Thus, a steel sculpture shouldn't be forced to look like a marble figure, nor an oil painting cloak itself in the guise of a watercolor. His approach to art – and teaching – was one of devout honesty.

I remember him with affection for his immense capacity to encourage the young and tutor them without forcing them into a mold. There were no cookie-cutter people in his class, where rowdiness and coarseness were discouraged. He was a popular instructor, mostly because his students were allowed and led to find their own artistic voice. More than an art teacher, he was a finder of talent and a gardener of souls, holding truth and honesty above all things. He maintained that since in philosophy there are no right or wrong answers, only appropriateness and elegance of discourse, art ought to be the same – and that an art object's merit hinged on the degree of sincerity it was able to radiate on its own. These principles have stayed with me all my life, and I thank him for the personal path of clear thinking that he passed down to me – an ethic that he practiced himself, and by which he lived.

A work of art is both intrinsic and contextual. At its most basic, art might be defined as "things that please," and its creation ought to demand the sum total of a person's capacity for expression, be it through writing, painting, page composition, sculpting, child rearing, teaching, everyday living, even conversation – that selfless enjoyment of others that is a vanishing art, as is letter-writing.

But what does all this have to do with this website?

The expression, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," strictly speaking, hints that without the beholder beauty cannot exist. As music cannot be without someone hearing it. Or writing would be pointless without readers. People make things. People find their own path through existence and arrive at a moment of creation, which is a natural result of that path. Then, at the culmination of this process, there lies the object made – that must speak for itself by striking a note on the beholder. A clear sequence of events, and since the end of a chain cannot deny its own beginning, the maker cannot be divorced from the creation.

As a visual object, this website is meant to be not only pleasing but also honest and mindful of the visitor's needs. Its mission is to be useful, or else you won't visit it very often. And without your visits, it'll die.

Thank you for keeping the Group III Website alive.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Webmaster
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 cooler weather moves in, and the Holiday Season approaches, we all want to spend time with family and friends. If traveling is required, keep safety in mind. Allow plenty of time so you're not rushed flying or on the ground, and a pre-check of your car or aircraft will avoid many problems. Use y

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

December Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

December Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)
Upcoming Events

Recurring Reports

5th of the Month

 All subordinate unit and staff reports to Group III are due
5 January

 Group Chaplain and Transportation reports due
1 March  S3 and Real Property Reports Due

2006

 December  
1-3

Camp Bullis – Ground Team Competition (rescheduled) - more details soon
2 Waco – TXWG Holiday Party, 1500-1800, casual civilian (no uniform unless flying CAP plane) See TXWG website for details.
2 Austin – Camp Mabry - Pegasus Holiday Party
4 Waco – Holiday Party, Waco CS
15 Group III – Annual award nomination due in at Group HQ
16

Dallas – Group III Holiday Party at Crowne Plaza, near the Galleria in Addison - project officer needed for this event
26-30 Camp Swift, Bastrop – GSARSS
26-30 Camp Swift, Bastrop – Winter Encampment

2007

 January  
6 Jan Waco – Commanders Call, CAC, and Group III Staff Meeting
6 Jan Waco – Group III PAO Seminar, open to TXWG. Please e-mail your registration.
6-7 Jan Addison – Pilot Continuation training - National Check Pilot training
12-14 Jan Odessa – SAREX
20-21 Jan Addison – CLC Course
 February  
2-4 Feb Camp Mabry – Cadet Competition
16-17 Feb Kerville - SAREX

Maj Laurie Lancaster, COS
Useful Links

Aviation & more

PAO Resources

Federal & State Resources (DHS, USAF, Terrorism)

Safety

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

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

Halloween Celebration, 31 October

GEORGETOWN, TX – On 31 October 2006 (the 5th Tuesday of the month and, therefore, "cadets' choice"), the Apollo CS held a Halloween party for its members and family. All the cadets and senior members dressed up in their costumes and headed to the squadron hangar, ready to have a wonderful time.

The cadet planning committee (cadets Moody, Foster, Corley, Wreyford, and Faught) planned, organized, and set up the party, including the music selections. The DJ (Cadet Moody), did an excellent job, to judge by how much everyone danced.

Other amusements included a piñata, apple-dunking, costume contest, stand-up comedy, karaoke, and smoke / light pranks, with the hangar transformed as if a decorator had gone mad over it. Everyone, from the smallest child relative to the most mature grandmother, had a great time. Afterwards, the CAP plane was so upset that it didn't want to go back in. (Photos: 2nd Lt Sue Kristoffersen, 1st Lt Cheri Fischler, and Leon Kokel)

Aerospace Day, Katy, 13 November

KATY, TX – Last 13 November was Aerospace Day at the Alexander Elementary School in Katy, Texas. At the invitation of Lt Col Brooks Cima, a long-time educator at the Katy ISD, the Apollo CS team took their hovercraft deep into Group IV territory, to give the participating children a lesson on Newton's Laws of Motion and rides on the hovercraft. Of the various activities planned for this very special day, the children seemed to like Apollo's exportable hovercraft teaching the best.

     Since this hands-on training was not suitable for classroom presentation, the school agreed to let the Apollo CS demonstration take place in the open, in front of the school. Several people walking by stopped to investigate, and one man asked a lot of questions. After a while, a member of the school staff came out the front door and asked, "Where is this thing that my husband wants me to see? He just phoned me and told me I had to see it!"

     Apprehensive at first, the children soon realized that the experience was fun, so they were eager to ride one of the three hovercraft we had brought along from Austin. At the end of the day, all children had been able to ride (upper left), including the "teaching assistants" (top right). Adults, too, demanded their turn, and Lt Col Cima (near left) had a great time riding one of the hovercraft. In the end, both children and adults had smiles on their faces. (Photos: 2nd Lt Sue Kristoffersen)

 

Group III Commander Visits the Squadron, 14 November

GEORGETOWN, TX – It isn't every day that the Group Commander visits the squadron, so we were looking forward to having him with us. As he had promised, he arrived on time. Since by then it was after sunset, we didn't see his Beechcraft Baron and.

After the formal greeting, he asked how successful had been the Aerospace Day in Katy on the previous day, and asked to see one of the hovercraft. "It is a squadron tradition that all visiting officers must take a ride on an Apollo hovercraft," said 1st Lt Cheri Fischler, the squadron commander, as she led Maj Benoit to the hovercraft. "Oh, sure. I'll be glad to do that," he replied, as he looked at the improved hovercraft that sported the more powerful leaf blower the squadron was able to purchase thanks to the donation received the month before.

We could see that Maj Benoit didn't have total confidence in the success of this operation, but he was willing to try. The stools we had been using for riders had been misplaced, so we decided to give him a real chair instead. He sat on it, looked seriously at us, then we turned on the power and the platform floated nicely. He smiled. As we pulled him around a bit using the rope tied around his waist, his smile got easier, and it broadened. That's when we discovered a design flaw. The chair was too tall and the center of gravity too high, so he fell off the hovercraft – luckily without injury. Even though he fell off, he still said that he had enjoyed himself.

When the demonstration was over, Maj Benoit congratulated the squadron on our aerospace program, and said, "I know you will do great things some day. I'm so proud of you." (Photos: 1st Lt Jim Wreyford)

(C/MSgt Michael Moody)
Black Sheep CS

Veterans' Day Parade, Dallas, 11 November

     On 11 November 2006, three Black Sheep Composite Squadron cadets proudly carried the colors for the 88th Annual Dallas Veterans' Day Parade. The Black Sheep CS honor guards included C/TSgt Johanna Cohen, C/A1C Tim Kleinmeier, and C/Capt Rebecca McKinney. Two members of the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron, C/A1C Forrest Brown and C/A1C Rachel Scarborough, also participated in the honor guard.

At top left, C/Capt Rebecca McKinney helps C/A1C Scarborough get ready for the parade. At top center, C/SSgt Andrew Smith carries the guidon leading other participating cadets. At top right, C/TSgt Johanna Cohen, C/A1C Forrest Brown, C/A1C Tim Kleinmeier, C/Capt Rebecca McKinney, and C/A1C Rachel Scarborough carry the colors for the event.

"People started cheering as we walked by with the flags", said C/Capt McKinney. The event paid special honor to the heroes wounded in defense of our nation and its freedom. Because cadets from other squadrons were present at the parade, C/SSgt Andrew Smith, also with the Black Sheep CS, led their march carrying the unit guidon.

As is customary, the parade marked Armistice Day which began on 11 November 1918, when the guns of World War I fell silent across Europe. In 1926, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation, inviting all Americans to recognize the courageous men and women who had placed their lives in harm's way for our country.

"Marching in the parade was awesome," said C/TSgt Cohen, "I was a part of something bigger than me." C/A1C Kleinmeier added, "Last year, I almost got to carry the flags, but we didn't have enough people. I'm glad I finally got to, this year."

(2nd Lt Kelly Castillo)
Dallas Stealth CS

Winston Science, 9 November

    Senior members of Dallas Stealth CS presented information about CAP and the science behind flight at the Sciencefest event of Winston Science on 9 November at the UT Southwestern Medical School Visitor Center.  Nearly 600 science-minded school-age children attended this evening of science presentations and competition workshops. 

Winston Science is an annual series of science competitions and events conducted by The Winston School of Dallas and sponsored by the Dallas Mavericks. This was the 19th year for Winston Science, which drew an unprecedented 18,000 students from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who entered in 52 competitions.

Addison Fire Department, 30 October

     Squadron members were treated to an informal presentation covering the Addison Fire Department’s response procedures to aircraft emergencies, followed by a tour of the emergency vehicles used for that purpose. Our cadets got to check out the Oshkosh 1500 crash/fire rescue truck, known as Rescue 101. Then they were treated to a “little spin” and demonstration of its ability to shoot water! 

It’s great to know that these folks are prepared, in case of emergency.

(S.M. Sue Cathcart)
Gladewater Corsairs CS

Veteran's Day Celebration, 14 November

    Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron cadets participated in the annual Veteran's Day celebration held at the Former Student's Building, in the evening of November 14, 2006. C/Maj Stephen Mouton, C/SMSgt. Andrew Alexander and C/MSgt. Jarrod Alexander represented the squadron in this event. 

The Alexander brothers presented the colors to open the festivities. Later in the program, the cadets marched in, each with a different armed service flag, as its theme song was played. Veterans from each of the services were asked to stand as their flag passed by and the song was played. 

Finally, C/SMSgt Andrew Alexander carried a POW flag through the assembly (top right), and all present stood in honor of those veterans who were former POWs as well as those still to be found. The evening formalities was both patriotic and very pleasant, followed by an excellent meal. 

The cadets have already been invited to participate next year.

(1st Lt. Harold Parks)
Gregg County CS

Unit Picnic, 19 November

LONGVIEW, TX – The Gregg County Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, held a picnic to celebrate a successful inspection, the result of long and arduous preparation.  SM Connie L. Byerly was recognized for her work on the personnel files. The unit commander, 1st Lt Steve Schluter, honored the squadron by grilling hamburgers and hotdogs "Texas Style" himself.  Maj Gerry Davis led the invocation, and 50 cadets and family members thoroughly enjoyed the food provided.

The Squadron extended a special thanks to Cdt Steve Camp for his work on the squadron's web site (www.greggcountycap.org). He has worked behind the scenes to get the site up and running, and is training Cdt Jarred L Heath to take over as cadet webmaster.

Thanks to the squadron members' collective efforts, membership is up and is expected to increase. With continued cooperation and respect between members and sustained commitment to the unit, the squadron looks forward to a flourishing future.

(S.M. Tracy Hollinshead)
Pegasus CS

BSA Merit Badge Workshop - 28 October

AUSTIN, TX – Pegasus Squadron members and 13 Capitol Area Council scouts attended, and the scouts earned merit badges towards their Eagle Scout award in Aviation, Space Exploration, First Aid, Disaster Relief and Communications. The BSA Council expressed its gratitude, since training for these Eagle Scout-required courses is normally hard to find. Pegasus Squadron is dual-chartered as BSA Venture Crew 351.

     During the Aviation portion of the workshop, scouts visited the Texas Military Forces Museum on Camp Mabry and saw up close an aircraft’s rotary engine, a cutaway view of a jet engine, and the cockpits of an F-16 and the L10.

     The Space Exploration module gave scouts an opportunity to build model rockets and create a card about a famous space explorer. Since the tasks requirements for scouting are similar to those for CAP cadets, the latter used the same event to finish Phase II of the model rocketry program. CAP cadet officers acted as mentors to the group, completing their own progression requirements as Aerospace Education mentors.

     The First Aid portion, taken by both scouts and CAP cadets seeking Ground Team 3 qualification, presented many practical situations that tested their skills. They learned how to bandage head and eye injuries, broken arms, and litter-carry (making a litter with logs and a blanket, and carrying the injured person to safety).

     The video on Communications training came with an aviation twist, as students learned first-hand the critical importance of clear communications between the aircrew and the airport control tower.

(1st Lt Daren Jaeger)
Tyler / Robert's Raiders CS

Flag Retirement Ceremony Announced, 6 November

     The squadron will participate on an American Flag Retirement Ceremony on Veterans Day at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery on Texas Highway 64 West. This is an annual event, with the participation of many patriotic and service organizations, as reported by the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Top Flyer Award, Alpine, 14 November

     Tyler / Robert's Raiders Composite Squadron was awarded the Top Flyers Award at the recent Alpine Mountain Flying Exercise.

Lt Col H M "Butch" Ragland presented the award to 1st Lt Steve Davison, the squadron's maintenance officer, at the 14 Nov. meeting.

Eighteen squadrons with their aircraft participated in the Mountain Flying Exercise.

Top Flyer Award News in Local Press

1st Lt Stephen Davison, "maintenance officer for the Civil Air Patrol in Tyler, received the Top Flyer Award for having the best maintained plane at the recent Alpine Mount flying training exercise," reported the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

In Memoriam Lt Col John Roger Roberts

    Lt Col John Roger Roberts was an Army sergeant in 1951, during the Korean Conflict. He volunteered for and was selected out of 160 of the Army's best to train for Special Forces, and upon graduation was picked for a Top Secret mission. He received a field commission of Captain, and was put in charge of the group of 16 which was dropped in North Korea, far behind enemy lines. His primary mission was to intercept and eliminate senior enemy leaders, then go across the border into China where his team destroyed numerous Chinese Soviet-built MiG 15s that were fighting American Air Forces. At one point, Capt Roberts was captured and tortured, but managed to escape and actually rejoin his "Group of 16." For his "Volunteer Service," he received many awards, including the Purple Heart and one of the nation's highest military awards: "The Silver Star" for gallantry. (Mission now declassified)

In 1960, John Roberts "Volunteered" for Tyler Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. In the intervening 45 years, he moved up in rank, working as squadron Administrative Officer, Personnel Officer, Supply Officer and Testing Officer. He also served as Texas Wing Transportation Officer, Wing Inspector, Director of Communications, Deputy Director for Senior Training, and even Texas Wing Vice-Commander.

A conscientious officer, Col Roberts had a habit of arriving at the squadron's Tuesday meetings a couple of hours early, to make sure that the heat or cool air was on, and prepare coffee and have cookies ready for the arriving members.

Losing him has left some very big shoes for someone to fill. A good friend and a gallant officer, Col Roberts will be sorely missed.