HQ, Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol

Group Commander

Farewell

The hour of my departure is near. For the last two years I have been honored to serve as a Group Commander for Texas Wing and its squadrons. First as Commander of the 4th Group, Texas Wing, and then as Commander, Group III, Texas Wing. In both cases, I have been privileged to serve with the finest staff officers and squadron commanders in the Civil Air Patrol. It has certainly not been easy – and at times quite tiring –, but because of your dedication and hard work, I can leave feeling that we were successful and helped set the standard for other units in Texas Wing and CAP.

It is difficult to properly thank everyone who has contributed to the creation of the best Group in Texas Wing. I want to personally thank my Command Staff; Lt Col Owen Younger, Maj Laurie Lancaster, Maj Mike Cobb, Maj Randy Russell, and Maj Paul Perkins for making my job much easier. To the Group Staff, thank you – without you, none of what we do would have been possible. To the squadron commanders, I am grateful for your steady and continued support during the difficult beginnings of our new Group organization. You have helped your members become part of something far bigger than the squadron. I want to thank also Col Frank Eldridge, Texas Wing Commander, for his faith, trust, and support in selecting me as one of his Group Commanders. He has shown me to what high degree he has always had the best interest of the members at heart. Finally, I want to thank all of you, every member of the Group, for everything you do to make us all successful. You have helped us set the standard.

I depart with mixed feelings. I have come to trust and rely upon a number of you, and developed friendships beyond our duties as well. Although my duties will soon change, and I will be saddened at not working directly with you in my new job, I hope to keep in close contact and continue to give you my support. My new job as the Deputy Director of Operations for Texas Wing promises to be a new challenge that is certain to bring many exciting opportunities my way.

I'll watch with interest how you continue to flourish and develop, and I'll keep in touch. You will be fortunate in having Lt Col Owen Younger as your new commander. Lt Col Younger is just completing his tour as Commander of the Dallas Composite Squadron and has served as my Vice Commander for the last two years. He brings the highest level of professionalism and experience to the job, and I have every confidence that he'll make an outstanding new commander. He will surely help you maintain and surpass the standard of excellence that you have set to date. It is my hope that you will welcome and support Lt Col Younger with all your heart and energy, as you have done for me over these past years.

Thank you for welcoming me as part of this fine Group and CAP family. I am not one for long goodbyes, so I will close now with the following,

Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.

– Richard Bach

Maj Patrick L. Benoit, CAP

Chaplain

Initiating Change

I’m writing this month’s contribution to the newsletter while serving as Chaplain at the Winter Encampment. This is my first encampment, but it will certainly not be my last one, as it has been revelatory. Being part of an event that is having such a positive impact upon the lives of our cadets is a rewarding experience. These cadets, who have made a decision to become better leaders, have followed through by attending the encampment, arduous as it might be. In so doing, they are setting a good example for us all: they have initiated changes in their lives, and these will empower them to become better leaders.

It is often said that people hate change, yet I observe people constantly and willingly changing their lives. For example, people change their hairstyles, jobs, houses, cars, vacation spots and re-arrange their lives on a regular basis. In fact, our world seems to be a whirlwind of constant change. We experience change in a multitude of ways – our bodies, our physical environment, and our mind experience change as we go about the business of living. We could say that constant change is a normal and natural part of life. To be successful, leaders must learn how to deal with externally imposed changes, maintaining a positive attitude and becoming willing to initiate changes in their personal lives, which in turn will empower them to fulfill their purpose in life. This is the way it always has been, since the beginning of human endeavor, and it reminds me of the words of the Apostle Paul:

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13,14

As we move into the new year, let us all follow the example of these courageous cadets who are reaching for their inner strength and delving deeply within their soul at Winter Encampment, and let us initiate the personal changes that will enable us to succeed and excel in all the challenges that may come our way on our earthly path – and beyond.

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, CAP

Communications

Group III Communications - Amateur Radio and CAP Communications

CAPR 100-1 VI states that CAP members cannot use amateur radio to perform CAP duties. This single portion of the regulations is the cause of many misconceptions, grievances, and the root cause of some rather heated discussions. Some CAP members are also amateur radio operators, known as HAM's (I'm one of them). The question is often raised, "Why can't I use my HAM equipment if it works better?" This month we'll explore this touchy topic.

Since CAP members who are also amateur radio operators are the minority, we'll delve into the CAP side of the equation first. As mentioned, CAPR 100-1 VI states that we cannot use amateur frequencies. Without any other argument, that says it all! However, CAP NHQ didn't arbitrarily decide that we cannot use those frequencies or equipment to perform our mission – it goes much higher. To fully understand this sentence in the CAP regs, we must look at the reason why it's there at all.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration manages the federal government's use of the radio spectrum (the frequencies assigned and designated for use by federal agencies). The NTIA manages this group of frequencies and assigns them to various federal government agencies – this is known globally as "frequency assignments." Each department is responsible for coordinating, training, and managing the frequencies assigned to it, and is only authorized to work within those frequencies – unless also assigned "shared frequencies" set aside for inter-agency communications. "OK," you say, "that's great! So what does this have to do with CAP regs?" Simply put, this is the first step in understanding our cryptic rule.

The Department of Defense has a frequency assignment and it manages the frequencies assigned to it by the NTIA. These frequencies are sorted and distributed among the various departments within DoD - such as the Army, Air Force, Navy, and so on. Because of the physical properties of some portions of the frequency spectrum, some frequencies are better suited to certain types of communications than others. For example, we use VHF radios for short to medium range communications and HF radios for long distance communications. Because of these physical properties, each of these departments is assigned groups of frequencies spread throughout the spectrum, so they have what they need to complete the mission. Some of these frequencies are designated to be shared between the departments for inter-departmental communications. Yes, I know -- you're still wondering what this has to do with the CAP regs. Be patient. We're getting closer to half the answer.

The United States Air Force (USAF), has its assigned frequencies from DoD. As DoD is tasked by the NTIA to manage its frequency assignment, USAF is also tasked with regulating, training, and managing its frequency assignments. Air Force Regulations covering communications create these rules used by the USAF and are written to conform with the governing rules of both the NTIA and DoD. This includes the statement that amateur radio cannot be used to perform the business or missions of the USAF.

CAP receives its frequency assignments from the USAF. As such, we must adhere to the entire chain of rules and regulations regarding our frequency assignment from all the agencies in the chain – from NTIA at the top through DoD, USAF, and of course, our very own CAPR 1001- VI, which simply restates the rules and regulations inherited from the top of the chain. This means that, even if CAP NHQ wanted to, changing CAPR 100-1 VI would not remove the restriction placed on CAP members' use of amateur radio. However, there is still another side to this story.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is the NTIA's counterpart. Whereas the NTIA manages the portion of the frequency spectrum for all federal agencies, the FCC does the same for all other groups – including amateur radio. The two groups coordinate and have their own MOU (memorandum of understanding) defining their mutual relationship. FCC rules state that amateur radio cannot be used to further a business. Yet the FCC has no control over federally assigned frequencies, and as such it isn't concerned with DoD's use of frequencies, therefore FCC rules apply to the civilian world. Therefore, as an amateur radio operator, if I were to sign in as a CAP member (making me a federal frequency user), I wouldn't be allowed to use my amateur radio as this would be in furtherance of my "business" in the form of CAP activities. The bottom line is that FCC rules also prohibit the use of amateur radio by CAP members.

Unlike the NTIA – which assigns a portion of the frequency spectrum to an agency and allows it to manage it – the FCC sorts its spectrum and assigns specific uses for various parts of it. Different categories of users are given access to different parts of the spectrum. In order to use that portion of the spectrum, you must be licensed. This entails individual study and FCC testing to prove that you have the basic knowledge needed in order to operate within that spectrum. This is referred to as your license, but HAMs like to call it a "ticket." This is like your driver's license, that gives you permission to drive on public roads. Your ticket gives you permission to operate on specific portions of the FCC-managed frequency spectrum.

I just mentioned that when I sign in as a CAP member I am a federal user. It may sound strange, but that is correct. If I am acting on CAP's behalf, I am also considered a federal user – even if not in uniform or signed in! There is a very fine line between being considered a federal user or a civilian user. The final advice on following the rule is that if you are in doubt – DON'T! Why not? As an amateur radio operator – if you are an amateur radio operator, that is – you run the risk of a hefty fine by the FCC, enforcement by CAP, or revoking of your FCC license by the FCC.

There is one overriding rule on both sides of the fence. Any means necessary may be utilized in order to prevent harm to person or property. In other words, if someone's life is at stake, then forget the rules and use whatever is available. This doesn't mean that if you see someone stuck on the side of the road you're free to use your HAM radio when signed into a SAR team. It means that if you must use a radio to prevent imminent harm, and the only one that works is that amateur radio, then use it – as a last resort.

Now let's review how we got to this point:

The NTIA controls the entire federally used frequency spectrum
The FCC controls the remainder of the spectrum that is not federally used
The NTIA and FCC do have an MOU so they can coordinate spectrum use without conflict
NTIA assigns a portion of the frequency spectrum to each federal agency in need
FCC designates specific portions of the frequency spectrum for specific uses
Each federal agency is responsible for managing and regulating its own frequency spectrum
FCC licenses users and groups to allow them to use frequency spectrum
FCC has no control over the use of federal spectrum
NTIA has no control over the use of non-federal spectrum

Seems pretty clear, right? But the confusion doesn't stop there. It also includes a few rules, regulations, and special groups: MARS, RACES, and ARES.

MARS – Military Affiliate Radio System is a Department of Defense-sponsored program that uses amateur radio operators to pass traffic (relay radio messages) on DoD's behalf. Usually, this is restricted to personal messages for troops and family members. The confusion here is that we have a federal agency using amateur radio operators. To eliminate the confusion, you must understand how the system works. Remember what we have learned so far and let's take a hard look at this. DoD manages the frequency spectrum it is assigned. DoD designates specific frequencies for use by MARS (MARS frequencies are NTIA frequencies). DoD also trains and gives specific permission to designated amateur radio operators to operate on the MARS system. Remember, each federal agency assigns its frequencies. One of the requirements to be a MARS operator is that the operator must supply a radio capable of operating on MARS frequencies. So, in this case, there is no violation of the rules and regulations of either the FCC or the NTIA as all rules are followed.

RACES – Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service is a public service group of amateur radio operators as designated by the FCC. This allows RACES members (amateur radio operators must apply and join a local RACES affiliate) to provide emergency communications using amateur radio during times of civil distress. The most common is to pass traffic for organizations such as FEMA, the Red Cross, or for the National Weather Service during periods of severe weather. In this situation, amateur radio operators use amateur radio in order to prevent harm to persons or property. In most cases of passing traffic, there is a liaison that works between the HAMs and the federal agency that helps move the paper or verbal messages between the two. In many cases, the radio operator may closely follow ( known as "shadow") specific individuals for just this purpose. Note that there is no rule violation here. This is simply a way to use amateur radio organizations within the bounds of the rules and regulations. Also note that if you are signed in as a CAP member or representing CAP, you cannot be one of those amateur radio operators. You could be the one being shadowed or the liaison, but not the amateur radio operator.

ARES – Amateur Radio Emergency Service groups must (1) be "called up" to become operational and (2) it must be a civil emergency. To fill the gap between a RACES type event and other events, and to let more radio operators help their communities, the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL – a civilian radio organization) created ARES. ARES members help in many ways during emergencies. They also provide communications during non-emergency events such as parades, marathons, or other special occasions in which the community needs a communications infrastructure for a short period of time.

So there. Now you're the expert. With all this information under your belt, you should be able to explain why you cannot use amateur radio when acting on behalf of CAP or when signed in as a CAP member. The latter makes you a federal user of the frequency spectrum and so you fall under the jurisdiction of the NTIA. The NTIA has no control over the FCC spectrum and so you cannot use it, period. Even if CAP changed CAPR100-1 VI, you still couldn't use it, since the issue stretches well beyond CAP. However, that doesn't mean that CAP cannot use amateur radio operators. We can work with them as members of RACES to pass non-FOUO traffic when our network may be inoperable, saturated, or we simply lack enough operators. They cannot use our equipment, and since there might be FOUO information in the Comm Room they probably shouldn't operate in the Comm Room during a mission, but they can operate in a suitable area nearby.

1st Lt Toby Buckalew, DC

Honor Guard

Wreaths Across America, 14 December

DALLAS, TX – At 12 noon, Eastern Standard Time, on 14 Dec 2006, across the United States, simultaneous ceremonies honored those who have fallen in defense of our country. The Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol, participated in the Wreaths Across America program at a formal ceremony conducted at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.

Generously donated by The Worcester Wreath Company, of Harrington, Maine, this nationwide program is an extension of the company’s original gesture to place wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, in 1992. On the 15^th anniversary of this patriotic donation, that was repeated on every intervening year, volunteers from all 50 States placed wreaths at National and State cemeteries in synchronized ceremonies. This time, at each cemetery, a member of each of the five military services – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard – placed a wreath in memory of all service members of that branch who served in defense of the country, all of them veterans laid to rest in Veterans Administration national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries across America.

The Civil Air Patrol was this event’s organizer, and the responsibility for the conduct of the ceremonies rested with the Group III Honor Guard – all of them CAP cadets. Individual participants were, from the Mesquite Black Sheep Composite Squadron, C/Capt Rebecca McKinney, 1st Lt Opal McKinney, 2d Lt Terri Kleinmeier, C/A1C Tim Kleinmeier, C/MSgt Johanna Cohen, and 2d Lt Kelly Castillo; from the Red Oak Cadet Squadron, 2d Lt Sara Black; from the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron, C/CMSgt Tiffany Hamm, 1st Lt Johnnie Reed, and C/A1C Caleb Brown; and representing Texas Wing, Lt Col Nancy Smalley, Texas Wing Chaplain.

Ushers included Robert Cahill and his sons Brandon and Trevor, of the Royal Rangers, a Christian-based organization for young boys. C/Capt McKinney moderated the event.

Lt Col Smalley (left) gave the invocation as a nearby church bell rang in the distance, coinciding with the moment of silence. The Group III Honor Guard (right) – including C/MSgt Cohen, C/A1C Kleinmeier, C/CMSgt Hamm, and C/A1C Brown – posted the colors against a background of American flags held by 25 Patriot Guard Riders, who assist in military funerals to pay their respect to fallen soldiers as well as shield such events from protesters.

The formal recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag followed, after which representatives of all five branches of the military presented the wreaths, one by one, by order of precedence. The armed forces representatives (right) were Spec James Atkins (Army), AT3 Lewis Paschal (Navy), Sgt Jerry Duncan (Marines) (far right), MSgt Michael Peterson (Air Force), and MK1 Cory Lockhart (Coast Guard).

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders held American flags during the ceremony (far left). Gary Poplin (left), a retired Navy CPO who worked with the Civil Air Patrol to help organize and conduct the ceremony, was the first one at the podium. His voice faltered when he read a poem by an anonymous writer about an individual who spent time to reflect on what all soldiers did for their country. Gerald Cowan, Past State Commander of Disabled American Veterans, spoke of the rigors of military life and the memory of those who fell. Jerry Murphee Jr., Vice Commander, Texas VFW, and Bob Roberts, Commander of the 1st Division, Texas American Legion, rounded off the program. Love of country, self-sacrifice, camaraderie, freedom and volunteerism were themes visited by all.

Following the speakers, five members of the Lone Star Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America (right), fired three ceremonial rifle volleys, and Capt James Lucas (left), retired US Air Force, played taps. Afterwards, the Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard retired the colors and Lt Col Smalley pronounced the closing prayer.

Before officially closing the ceremony, C/Capt McKinney encouraged those present to visit any fallen service person’s gravesite, honoring in that individual all those who have made the supreme sacrifice for America. McKinney also urged those who chose to do so to write down and research that person’s name, so as to better understand the contribution that service member made for the United States.

Rick Crabb, former Marine and local leader of the Patriot Guard Riders, said, “We have about 40,000 riders nationwide, attending the funeral services of fallen soldiers.” Glen Carlisle, also of the Patriot Guard Riders, said, “I was never in the service, but I lost an uncle – Robert Carlisle – on the USS Arizona; he’s still there.” Bob Roberts of the Texas American Legion thanked the Civil Air Patrol and Worcester Wreath Company for their involvement in organizing the event.

Gerald Cowan, referring to the cemetery, stated, “This is hallowed ground. This is a field of honor for those who served the country well.” Ed Bundrant, former Army and one of the participants who fired the three rifle volleys, said, “It is a privilege to pay tribute here”.

1st Lt Kelly Castillo, PAO, Black Sheep CS

Join 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

SUIs - Issues & Questions

This month's article is intended to answer some issues and questions that have arisen over the past few months concerning SUI's, findings, and responses.

The SUI

The Group CC and the Group IG send notices to the Unit CC 30 to 60 days prior to a unit inspection. The notice from the Group CC informs the Unit CC of the date of inspection, the reason for the inspection, and some brief instructions. In addition to the preceding, the IG Notice goes into greater detail about what will take place, such as:

Purpose of the inspection.
The manner in which the inspection will be conducted.
Requirements and responsibilities of unit personnel.
Notice that additional specific information will be requested prior to the inspection.

Attached to the notice from the IG will be a copy of the most recent SUI Guide (at this writing, June 2006 revision), the Self-assessment tool for the SUI Guide, and a copy of the TXWG Supplement to CAPR 123-3. Please note that this is not mere paperwork. It certainly is more reading, but the time invested in thoroughly reviewing the information and following the instructions will pay big dividends at the time of the inspection. If questions arise, do not hesitate to contact me, Maj Ervin, or 1st Lt Smith.

A note concerning the guides: Print the SUI guide and assessment tool, break it down, and distribute the sections to each staff officer responsible for that section. Get the cadets involved; they can be a tremendous asset to the unit, and doing this may help them complete a requirement for promotion (think SDA for cadet officers).

Findings

Most units will have some findings (no one is perfect). A finding is determined based on a failure to adhere to a regulation, and it is a notification that a significant deficiency exists, that it requires specific answers to CAP-USAF, and that a correction to the situation is required. Findings are not personal accusations against any individual. In fact, the only place a name appears on an SUI report is in the Key Personnel Section at the beginning of the report.

Responses

Findings are answerable in writing by a suspense date, and the due date for responses is based on the date of the letter that accompanies the report. That letter specifies when answers are due, to whom they are to be sent, and due dates for follow-up reports. The letter also specifies wording to be included in the responses. When a final inspection report is sent to a unit, a template is also included to assist the unit in answering the findings. The template includes all the requirements, including the required wording.

Timetable: Responses to Safety findings are due in writing no later than 60 days following the date when the report is sent to the unit. Certain Safety items are major emphasis items (MEI) on the inspection. All other findings require a written response within 90 days from the date the report is sent to the unit. If a finding cannot be rectified within the allotted time frame, a written response is still required stating why the finding cannot be corrected and what steps are being taken to correct it.

An example of a Safety finding that might not be correctable within the 60-day period could be that the safety officer has not taken the required AFIADL 02170 Safety Course. If the course has been ordered, then state that in the response, giving the anticipated date of course completion, and attach a copy of the course request.

Final Notes

The Wing IG is copied on Notices of Inspection to the units. The Group CC, Group Area DC, Wing IG, and Wing CC also receive a copy of the final SUI report sent to each unit. A unit's response to findings is forwarded through the Group CC to the Wing IG and Wing CC. The Group CC and Wing CC determine if a finding is closed or will remain open.

Responses to findings are top-priority items. Should a finding not be answered in writing within seven days following the prescribed time frame, the Group CC may impose sanctions against the unit up to and including suspension of all CAP activities.

Prescribed course of action: When your unit receives the notices, guide and self-assessment tool, review them thoroughly. Don't rely on memory. Check the regulations to see what is required for each item, make sure you meet the requirements, and findings will be held to a minimum. If you invest the time now, the follow-up will be a walk in the park. If you want a copy of the guide and self-assessment tool to get a head start right away, please e-mail me at manleytx030ig@yahoo.com; you'll received them via return e-mail.

Capt Steve Manley, IG

Professional Development

New Level One Standard

CAP's National Professional Development Committee has revised the Level One course for our new members.

Level One now consists of the Foundations Course (formerly called the Orientation Course), the Cadet Protection Program Training (CPPT), and the new Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness Training.

For the Foundations Course and CPPT, new members must read a series of articles at their own pace, then take open-book quizzes that test their knowledge of that information. They will bring the result of these quizzes back to their PDO for validation.

Just like the current Level One, there is no pass or fail in this revised course. However, commanders are responsible for reviewing your new members' efforts, make any corrections, and provide your new members with the guidance needed to succeed. The "Summary Conversation" guide will help CCs accomplish this task (the correct answers to the quizzes are noted in this guide).

Commanders: You may download additional copies of the "Summary Conversation" Guide by clicking on the "Commander's Corner" link in e-Services.

Current members need to understand that their original Level One training is now incomplete, unless they round it off by taking the OPSEC Awareness Training. Unless they've already done so, all senior members must complete the OPSEC Awareness Training even if they have already completed the old Level One.

Naturally, our members deserve to be recognized for their hard work. Just like the current Level One, Commanders will submit a CAPF 11 for crediting your new member with completing Level One training.

Here is a link to the Level One web page - http://level2.cap.gov/visitors/programs/programs_for_adults/professional_development/resident_courses/levelone/

This web page contains instructions and information to complete the new Level One Training.

If anyone has any questions or comments please contact Major Alan O'Martin via e-mail at alan.omartin@verizon.net.

OPSEC Training

There is a 7-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, 10 February 2007

WACO, TX – Please notice the changed date. Given that this event has been moved up a month, I hope more of you will be able to attend. We'll cover more ground, exchange experiences, and do some valuable hands-on training.

Last 21 October, when Group III offered its first-ever PAO Seminar, some attendees had some difficulty finding the place. Please click on the thumbnail at left for a larger view of the right side of the road as you drive in towards the Waco Regional Airport terminal buildings (visible at far left). The big white hangar on your right is Blackland Aircraft Corp.'s, and you need to take a right at the narrow access road between that hangar and the one closer to the terminal buildings.

Please park between the hangars and find the glass door leading to the office, near the left end of the building as you face it from the parking lot. The Texas Wing Headquarters facility is on the second story. If the door is locked, you need to call me on my cell phone, a number I'll give you via return e-mail when you register for the event.

I can hear it now, "Do you really want me to register?" Yes, please; do register. This event will be advertised Texas Wing-wide, and I need to know who is coming, since space is limited. As promised, Group III will now hold this seminar on a quarterly basis. This second installment will not be a repeat of the first seminar, so even if you were there at the first one, plan on attending this one too. You won't regret it. At any rate, Group III PAOs have priority for seating. To register, simply send me an e-mail subject line "PAO Seminar," with your rank, name, unit charter#, and group#.

I look forward to seeing you there. (My thanks to Capt Robert Benton for the great photo.)

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Safety

A Safety Officer's Farewell

As I advance to the position of Texas Wing Safety Director, I'd like to thank Maj Pat Benoit for the opportunity to serve as Group III Safety Officer, as well as Maj Randy Russell for having kept me on as Addison Eagles Composite Squadron Safety Officer. During my tenure, I've been privileged with assisting in many areas, especially during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, as well as the Space Shuttle Search and Recovery mission. I thank one and all for their support and cooperation, and count myself lucky to have been able to serve with you.

The future looks promising for me, and I already feel very welcomed by Col Eldridge and the Texas Wing Staff. I am grateful that my predecessor, Maj Larry Mattiello, and Wing Staff will ease me into the job at Wing. In turn, I'll serve Texas Wing to improve and continue to build upon the excellent Safety Program already in place, aiming to make Texas Wing the strongest in CAP for 2007.

Thanks again for your support, and have a wonderful year.

Lt Col Melanie Capehart, SD, TXWG

Group III Safety Officer Vacancy Announcement

Persons interested in serving as Group III Safety Officer please contact Maj Pat Benoit, Group III Commander.

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

January Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

January 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

2007

January
12-14 Jan	Addison – DSAREX
20-21 Jan	Waco – CLC Course
21 Jan	Dallas – Change of Command, Group III & Dallas CS
27-28 Jan	Addison – Pilot Continuation Training (PCT)
February
2-4 Feb	Camp Mabry – Cadet Competition
3-4 Feb	Ft Worth Meacham – National Check Pilot Standardization Course
10 Feb	Waco – Commanders Call, CAC, and Group III Staff Meeting
10 Feb	Waco – Group III PAO Seminar, open to TXWG.	Please e-mail your registration
16-17 Feb	Kerrville - DSAREX
23-25 Feb	Waco – ES Summit (By invitation only)
March
17-18 Mar	Addison – AFIADL -13 course workshop
17-18 Mar	Camp Mabry – ALS - Pegasus Host
17-18 Mar	Camp Mabry – ES Academy	Senior event
23-25 Mar	Victoria – DSAREX
30 Mar/1 Apr	San Antonio – CTEP at Lackland - hosted by Pegasus

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

Apollo CS	*Texas Wing Holiday Party, 2 December* WACO, TX – On 2 December, Texas Wing held a Holiday party and commanders call at Cindy's Harbor Texas Restaurant. There were wing staff members, group staff, and a few squadron commanders and staff members (far left). Most of the people there were wearing festive attire. As the day got started, they talked about their normal business. At left, Col R. Frank Eldridge and Lt Col Brooks Cima addressed the group. After the commanders call was over, we ate a delicious lunch prepared by the restaurant where the meeting was held. Col Eldridge thanked the restaurant owners for letting us use it for our party (below, far right). Following the lunch, when called to do so, Cdt Moody gave a hovercraft demonstration, a sort of trial by terror which is approaching cult status. The restaurant didn't have much room for it, but it was still a good demonstration. Everybody, from Col Eldridge, the wing CC (left), to the restaurant owner was able to take a ride. Some of the people had a look of dread about them before they got on, but they soon calmed down when they saw that it was quite a smooth ride. After they were done, their faces reflected the sort of pure joy that glows after surviving a very dangerous event. Once the demonstration was finished, the holiday party began! There was a lot of talking and socializing. They even had a "white elephant" gift exchange (near right) that got pretty loud, fun, and exciting. After they had exhausted their vocal chords, and exchanged all the gifts that there were, the group staff headed out to the Wing Headquarters building to hold a group commanders call. All in all, every one had fun. I even got to know some new people. (C/MSgt Michael Moody) Taking Aerospace to the Streets, 8 December GEORGETOWN, TX – On 8 December, the Apollo Composite Squadron took aerospace to the streets during a Christmas festival that the local Parks and Recreation Department puts on yearly. The cadets brought parts for Goddard rockets, so that the children present for the festival could build their own little foam rockets. And finding the Apollo Booth was easy; you couldn't help but notice the oversize rocket the cadets set up in Downtown Round Rock. In planning for this event, Apollo had expected about 200 children to show up, so they had cut only enough fins for 200 rockets. Then the people came, and it was soon obvious that there would be a whole lot more than 200 children, since the parts were running out much faster than planned. "What do we do?" they asked. "Never mind," was the answer, "Just do your best." So when the cadets ran out of fins, they just handed out the rocket kits without any fins at all, and that's when you started seeing these odd little tubs flying through the air. The cadets hadn't let the lack of fins dampen their enthusiasm. Instead, they encouraged the children to make the rockets anyway, only without fins. In addition to the aerospace booth, the cadets did their Annual Community Service for this event by running the carriage rides. The cadets that were helping with the carriage rides commented that almost all of the children they saw in the line had a rocket. One cadet even said that the children's faces told the story clearly – they looked as if they had just unwrapped an unexpected present. The cadets and senior members had a great time helping the children make their rockets, and running the carriage rides. (C/MSgt Michael Moody)
Black Sheep CS	*Local Publication Carries Story, 2 December* The "Neighbors" magazine, a Dallas Morning News publication, carried the article about the squadron's participation in the Dallas Veterans Day parade, 11 November 2006. To read a scanned image of the article, please click on the image at left. This article, also, was the only entry selected for the Southwest Region section of the November/December 2006 issue of Volunteer, the 65th Anniversary Issue, found at http://www.cap.gov/documents/Volunteer_NovDec_06_Final_150dpi.pdf (1st Lt Kelly Castillo) 2006 Annual Holiday Banquet, 12 December Tino’s Restaurant in Mesquite saw a gathering of squadron members for an evening of celebration. After Lt Col Jack Birchum, Squadron Moral Leadership Officer, gave the invocation, the Black Sheep Squadron Commander, Lt Col Mike Eberle, promoted Cadets Brittany Stelting to Senior Master Sergeant, Johanna Cohen to Master Sergeant, and Kasee Niskern to Cadet Airman. The Cadet Commander, C/2d Lt Mitchell Graham, presented the following awards: Female Cadet of the Year – C/MSgt Johanna Cohen (at left); Male Cadet of the Year – C/TSgt Andrew Smith (at right); Female Cadet Rookie of the Year - C/Amn Kasee Niskern; Male Cadet Rookie of the Year – C/Amn Basic Justin Davis; Best in Drill – C/A1C Tim Kleinmeier; and Best Uniform – C/SMSgt Brittany Stelting. The Deputy Commander for Cadets, 1st Lt Juston Coffman, thanked the senior members for having completed the renovation of the cadets’ new quarters during 2006. C/MSgt Cohen and C/TSgt Smith were selected as Cadets of the Year for their continuous involvement, steady pace of promotion, and overall performance excellence. C/Amn Niskern became Rookie of the Year by earning quick promotions as well as excelling in drill. C/A1C Kleinmeier was selected as Best in Drill for most improvement throughout the year. Best Uniform went to C/SMSgt Stelting because of her attention to detail towards her impeccable uniform, as noticed during weekly inspections. C/Capt Rebecca McKinney finished the cadet proceedings by reading a letter from Black Sheep cadet C/Capt Chris Papson, who is currently attending basic training at a U.S. Marine Corps boot camp. She quoted him as writing, "I sure miss the good times of Black Sheep Squadron meetings." Lt Col Eberle then presented the senior member awards: Female Senior Member of the Year – 1st Lt Opal McKinney (at left); Male Senior Member of the Year – Capt Roy McKinley (at right); Senior Member Rookie of the Year – 2d Lt Terri Kleinmeier; and Special Certificate of Appreciation – Karen Eberle, Lt Col Eberle’s wife, for her involvement in the cadet and senior members’ office renovation projects. Kleinmeier has been an active presence with the cadets, helping out at bivouacs, "Mitchell Night," and Honor Guard events. In addition, she has started scanner training. McKinney is the cadet Testing Officer, Vehicle Control Officer, and Group III Honor Guard OIC. Besides the Wings and Wheels event, she was chief cook for several bivouacs. McKinley laid most of the sheetrock on the senior members’ new quarters during the on-going renovation project, has completed scanner training, and is working on his mission pilot training. For the year in review, Lt Col Eberle noted that Black Sheep flew 42 SAREX/mission sorties (100.1 hours), 14 cadet orientation rides (13.3 hours), and 5 counterdrug sorties (7.1 hours). The squadron flew 29.8 hours supporting firewatch missions in January. The pancake breakfast for October’s Wings and Wheels event at the Mesquite Airport raised $277. The cadets' new office was completed in August of this year, and the senior members’ office is nearing completion. Ryland Homes and Associated Truss got special thanks for the donated materials. Four new senior members joined this year with a fifth one transferring from another squadron. Finally, Lt Col Eberle expressed his sincere gratitude to all senior members, cadets and the cadets’ parents for all their hard work, without which the squadron would not have enjoyed such a successful year. (1st Lt Kelly Castillo) Wreaths Across America, 14 December The article at left was published in the Texoma Enterprise, 28 December 2006. Please click on the image to see the scanned item, as it appeared on the paper's front page. The same material was posted on 15 December 2006, on the Texas Cadet website. (For the submitted version, please see the Honor Guard section, above – Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor) (1st Lt Kelly Castillo)
Crusader CS	We Don't Shoot Old Planes In the pioneering days of the Wild West, it was the horse. Without a horse, it was impossible to even get there, much less work and make a living. The horse empowered us with its strength, affection, and even its body, since when it died its skin was a valuable resource, and its flesh might nourish a starving family. Then other tools and machines came along, and we became fond of them as we had with the horse, though some machines gave us more pleasure than others. After crawling around the dirt for about a century, planes became the ultimate horse substitute: a winged tool that made distances disappear. But machines – too – age, falter, and eventually die. Thus is how Crusader's N99598, having reached its appointed "CAP useful" age, was put up for sale via sealed bids. It brought in $57,500.00. The minimum bid was $51,200.00. Full avionics. Nice Plane. But I wonder – how can you put a price on an old friend? Now that we're horseless, or rather planeless, we would be glad to borrow an aircraft for the January DSAREX. If there is one that would remain idle otherwise, we might be able to put the maximum hours on it. (And we pick up and deliver, too.) Thanks! (Lt Col Roy D. Hill) *Linebacker II Revisited* Since I was a participant in Linebacker II, I just received the following message – On December 18th we offered a toast to those of you who participated in Linebacker II. Thirty four years ago Linebacker II commenced. An unheralded 11 day campaign with enormous importance in resolving America's involvement in the Vietnam War and securing the return of America's POWs. Our documentary project continues. This year has been a bit slow in the production end of the Linebacker II project. A lot of work has been done through the office and new materials have been gathered or copied including an excellent group of photographs provided by General Tom Rew, who was the Commander of the 72nd Strategic Wing (P), the G model wing at Andersen. "Thank you" to all of you who provided materials. Photographs and home movies are always helpful to us, as are copies of personal letters to friends or wives during or around Linebacker II. Several people have mentioned FOX to us and specifically Oliver North's War Stories as a possible outlet. We had an exchange of e-mails with a producer from the show (a contact made through Col. Bud Day) who showed some strong interest. We provided a video sample of the interviews (also shown in a presentation given to Seagull Flight 61 in Ft Walton Beach, FL), and a booklet we have created outlining the project. He was very impressed with the project and our work but in the end decided that they would probably shoot the show themselves. We provided a lot of resource material to them and think they will probably do it. If you happen to hear of that show, please pass it along to us at the website. In addition to pursuing networks regarding the project, we are in the process of reworking the web site and creating a stand-alone Linebacker II site, separate from but linked to the Teleproduction Group site. Our goal is to get video up on the new site this year. We have a couple of fresh approaches to the project, got funding, and continue to gather material and work the story. For those of you who check the Guestbook regularly, you might have noticed our spam problem. We try to stay on top of this and have considered going to an approved entry system. Since we aren't able to check on the site daily, it seems that an immediate post is still the way to go. We did get hacked once this year by an online casino and lost about 4 pages of entries to the guestbook. If you notice your note is gone and not in the archives, please add a new entry. As far as the Teleproduction Group is concerned, we're happy to mention that Barry won a national Emmy award last year for a show we both worked on for ESPN ("Ben Comen"), and another of the shows we shot for ESPN was nominated this year ("Clay Dyer") but did not win. We are shooting extensively in High Definition now with the Varicam. Ray was honored to be asked to write an introduction to Vol 2 of Tommy Towery's "We Were Crewdogs." Volumes 1 and 2 are collections of BUFF experiences that are a great read, especially to those who were or are involved with the B-52. Tommy is one of our interviewees for the Linebacker II project. The books are available through the website www.wewerecrewdogs.com but not in bookstores. There are other books available by folks we've interviewed for our project if you care to check them out: Col. Bud Day's book "Duty, Honor, Country" is available at http://www.colbudday.com/ It is an expanded version of his earlier book, now out of print, "Return With Honor." Ed Rasimus has two great books available from www.amazon.com. The first one is "When Thunder Rolled: An F-105 Pilot Over North Vietnam" and his newest is "Palace Cobra: A Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam Air War" which includes Linebacker I and II. Bob Certain's book "From Prisoner of War to Prisoner of Christ" is available through www.amazon.com or through Bob's web site http://www.unchainedeagle.com/ where you can also get information on his project for a POW memorial. Of course, Marshall Michel's book "The Eleven Days of Christmas: Americas Last Vietnam Battle" is available at www.amazon.com, or used at www.alibris.com or www.half.com. Along with his first book on fighters in the Vietnam War "Clashes." Probably the key reference book on Linebacker II is Karl Eschmann's book "Linebacker: The Untold Story of the Air Raids Over North Vietnam." Unfortunately it is out of print but can be found used in good condition at www.alibris.com and www.half.com Wilton Strickland has another collection of great BUFF stories called "In the BUFF" available at http://www.wiltonstrickland.com/ Dick Schaefer published a novel called "The Final Conflict, The End of Innocence" that is available for $17 through him at Dick Schaefer, 309 Tala Way, Niceville, FL 32578 or you can e-mail Dick at dickschaefer@cox.net. Sorry this is a little late this year. Please pass this message and/or our web site along to anyone who you think might be interested. Thank you all for your support and interest in our Linebacker II project. We toast those of you who were involved. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. And we thank all of you who have served your country for allowing us and our families to live the lives we do today. Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy and prosperous 2007! -- Ray and Barry (For information about Linebacker II, visit www.teleproductiongroup.com and look under original programs) (Lt Col Roy D. Hill)
Dallas Stealth CS	*A Visit to DFW Flight Control, 11 December* IRVING, TX – The 11 December meeting of Dallas Stealth Composite Squadron was held at DFW Airport (far left), where attendees were split into two groups to tour both TRACON Operations and the West Flig