Image

Public Affairs Officers are image makers. We are charged with finding the best way to present our organization, dressing it in its finest garb, adhering to the facts and truth, and conducting ourselves as ladies or gentlemen, as the case might be. An old-fashioned concept, this last one. “Ladies and gentlemen are a thing of the past,” some say, then add – often with pride –, “We are men and women.” Notice the familiar turn of phrase, the arrogance, the carefully engraved new order: “Men and women.”

In conversation a few days ago, someone said to me, “Women are wonderful, but they should keep their place.” Detecting denigration, my immediate reply was, “Were it not for women, none of us would be here.” The blank stare I got for a response prompted my obligatory sequel, “You did have a mother, didn’t you?”  (Image makers need to remember that they ought to start with their own…)

It isn’t that men are better than women, or vice-versa. It is far simpler than that. They are different equals and a team, dependent on each other, and as a team they seek harmony and happiness together, and some find it. They complement each other, as they support one another. The expression ladies and gentlemen reflects the morals and conduct of the people who coined it, well over a century ago, steeped in far greater familiar wisdom than today’s so-called enlightened and technocratic experts who often lose sight of their mission in life.

Whether we like it or not, we are all educators, honor-bound to learn as much as we can, so as to be able to pass it along to the young, the future generations, the architects of tomorrow. There is a problem with this, though. Not enough of us learn the right things to pass along, in our haste to amass as large a fortune as we can, as quickly as possible. Worse yet, in our frustration when we fail to achieve riches at all, we can become embittered and turn against the very things that make life worth living.

And we’ve found yet another stumbling block in our musing: honor-bound. Honor is a direct consequence of self image, and our willingness to preserve it, and our commitment to doing the right thing. It is balanced on our sense of right and wrong. And it is fueled by our courage. Sadly, in light of today’s routine excesses exemplified by some business executives (Enron's, for one), I do believe that the concept of honor has failed to take root in our current society. However, there is a cure for it, and it all boils down to seven syllables, arranged in five words.

Excellence in all we do.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Duty Applies to Volunteers Too

But you knew that already.

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Capt Wilson has Impressive Safety Background

I'm pleased to announce that Capt William (Bert) Wilson, PhD, has accepted the position of Group III Safety Officer. Capt Wilson is a pilot with a tremendous safety background, and in this new role he plans to create a very proactive safety program within the Group.

I ask for everyone's cooperation as Capt Wilson undertakes these new duties, and I look forward to seeing Group III's continued leadership in Texas Wing in the field of safety.

Welcome aboard, Capt Wilson!

1st Lt Smith Promises a Superior Professional Development Program

Welcome aboard, Lt Smith!

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Join Group III Cadet Group @ Yahoo.com

All Group III cadets are invited to join the Group III Cadet newsgroup. To do so, please visit http://groups.yahoo.com and select Group3txwingcadets as the group to join. This is a moderated group, in order to ensure professionalism and proper content in all postings. Group III will send all group members information on Group III cadet program activities, as well as Wing and National opportunities.

Maj Paul Perkins, DCP

Freedom is not Free

During the beautiful month of May, we begin to see spring turning into summer. This is also a time when we set aside a day of remembrance for our ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbors, and friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. This quiet and grateful day, known as Memorial Day, should be a sobering reminder to all of us that Freedom is not Free.

Throughout the pages of history, it has been proven that gaining and preserving freedom all too often requires the shedding of blood. Some need to be willing to pay the ultimate price, so that others might be free. The following poem expresses this thought eloquently.

I encourage you to do something special this Memorial Day, in honor of those who have paid the price for your freedom. Don’t forget to pray for the families who also have paid a heavy price, whose loved ones have died, or were taken captive and never returned.

Gracious Heavenly Father, we give thanks to you for our freedom and ask for your richest Blessings upon the families who paid the ultimate price. 

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt

Open Group III Staff Positions

Personnel/Admin Officer, and Emergency Services Officer. For details, please contact the Chief of Staff  - alan.omartin@verizon.net

Group III Patch Available

Are you on Group III Staff? Wear the Group III Staff patch proudly. At $5.00 each, they are a bargain and show your commitment to Group III and the CAP program. (Click on the image for a larger view.)

Group III Coins Available      Our mint has delivered a batch of new Group III Commemorative Coins, and you may own as many as you wish, for $10.00 each. They make wonderful gifts for your loved ones ... or even yourself. (Click on the images for larger views of the obverse and reverse.) To purchase either Group III Patches or Group III Coins, please contact Maj Alan O'Martin - alan.omartin@verizon.net

Maj Alan O'Martin, COS

Member Reports Now Online at e-Services

CAP now offers a new online Member Reports feature at e-Services. Members who have access to Member Reports can use their PCs to view reports directly from the central CAP repository. This lets you review the most accurate and timely data available.

Member Reports is a Restricted Application, assigned to members by their Web Security Administrator (WSA) as directed by an appropriate commander. Currently, the application is in its infancy, but it promises to become the must-have for accurate member reporting. More reports will be added to support CAP missions and administration most commonly requested by CAP Members. Members will be able to select the report of their choice, after providing member organization, member type, and choosing one of three available formats: PDF, Word, or Excel.

The following personnel Information is available online at the Member Reports page on e-Services (left-hand side of main page): General, Achievements, Address, Characteristics, Contacts, Duty Positions, Photo, and Training. Members should review their information often to ensure that it is accurate and up to date. You can edit your own contact information; other information must be submitted by your unit. If you need help, please ask your unit PDO.

Senior Member Training Opportunities

1st Lt Vanessa Smith, PDO

Texas Wing Conference, 14 April

AUSTIN, TX – The old Bergstrom AFB HQ Building is now a Hilton Hotel. Basically, the original structure remains unchanged, with the exception that a floor has been added. In addition, the old assembly hall under the skylight has been transformed from a miniature parade field into an entertainment area, with a bar and tables area set upon a raised platform built in the center. It was an odd feeling for this writer, seeing the old building under its new guise. But it worked well for the new purpose.

     At the traditional Commander's Call, an informal gathering of peers on Friday evening, Ch (Lt Col) Nancy Smalley, Texas Wing Chaplain, was recognized for her great work and immediately "stolen" by Southwest Region as the SWR Chaplain. Her gentle touch and many talents will be a great asset to SWR, though she'll remain firmly planted at her current home, where she'll be able to keep doing the same excellent work as Mission Staff officer that she's been accomplishing in TXWG for quite some time.

     As commander of the host unit, Lt Col Owen Younger, Group III Commander, extended a warm and humorous welcome to all, wishing them the best of time and thanking them for having taken the time to attend. Austin is a city with many good eating spots, and the shopping can be fun. He urged attendees to take advantage of the many opportunities available for enjoying music of all kinds in Texas' own Music Capital of the World.

As previously announced, the Texas Wing Yearly awards were presented officially, and the Group III geographical area was abundantly represented. Therefore, it was no surprise that Headquarters Group III itself was selected as Group of the Year. The Group III winners were:

Aerospace Education – 2d Lt Jennifer Goss, Dallas Composite Squadron TX391

Group of the Year – Headquarters Group III

Other Texas Wing winners were:

Senior Member of the Year - Lt Col Theresa Alexander, Group IV

Senior Squadron of the Year – Bexar Senior Squadron, Group V

Wing staff officers received numerous awards, each according to the value of the work performed on behalf of Texas Wing; the lowest being a Commander's Commendation, and the highest a Silver Medal of Valor.

Of notable mention, a Group III cadet received a Meritorious Service Award, perhaps not the first ever given to a CAP cadet, but certainly one of the very few, at least in recent memory. (See next section for details.)

Col Reggie Chitwood

     The words heard from the distinguished visitors constitute the better part of a wing conference. Col Reggie Chitwood, Southwest Region Commander, stressed that "the mission is all." Stating what is no secret, he lamented that SWR has no flying assets of its own, so he promised Texas Wing that he and his staff would be participating in TXWG exercises and missions, not as SWR officers and overseers but as unattached, available working volunteers.

"Southwest Region is the second largest in the Nation, and Texas Wing is the largest within Southwest Region, as well as the most important strategically," he said. Then he added, "The US Air Force and the First Air Force look at us as an essential auxiliary." Why? The reason is simple. "Time and time again, Texas Wing and Southwest Region have shown professionalism, competence, and results."

The message was clear. Texas Wing's future missions will cover a wide range of activities. Also, if the details are ironed out, the Civil Air Patrol might be aligned directly with Homeland Security for tasking, in addition to retaining its direct link to the Air Force for tasking via the AFRCC, as at present.

Maj Gen Antonio Pineda

     All attendees were waiting eagerly for Maj Gen Pineda's words, and they were not disappointed. He started his address with glowing words, "Thank you for making the Civil Air Patrol great," he said. The CAP volunteer is the face that the public sees, and we are all CAP ambassadors to the community. There is much to be done, and we are ready to do it. Especially when disaster strikes and we are called upon to help. "Together we can accomplish the mission and concentrate on emergency services," were his words of encouragement.

Maj Gen Pineda encouraged all to follow the spirit of our core values, especially in dealing with those stricken by tragedy. He said that compassion and understanding were as important as efficiency, and that CAP members must never lose sight of excellence. He congratulated all for answering the call when needed, and remarked that he was proud of having been able to award a National Commander's Unit Citation, in recognition for the the superb job that Texas Wing did during hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.

"You are the reason I'm here, and your needs are uppermost in my mind," he said. "I am proud of representing you before Congress, and I'll continue my efforts to improve our great organization. Equipment is vital to accomplishing the mission, and we'll continue to modernize the air fleet and our vans."

Col R. Frank Eldridge

     After the banquet that evening, in his parting comments, Col R. Frank Eldridge, the exiting Texas Wing commander, thanked the membership for having made his tenure so successful, and mentioned specifically cadet programs. He also cited Texas Wing's outstanding support of the relief effort during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in terms of leadership, air, ground, and on-site support, with immediate and effective disaster relief.

"It is not accidental that Texas Wing was one of the first two wings to earn the newly created National Commander's Unit Citation," he said. The Firewatch Missions, too, were noteworthy, as they had been vital to preventing a disaster of catastrophic proportions, when Texas Wing flew over 1800 hours and detected over 500 fires, each of which could have resulted in wholesale land devastation. He mentioned the Homeland Security vigil of the last six moths. In addition, Col Eldridge praised our members' ability to work harmoniously with state and federal agencies.

Col Eldridge also thanked staff members for having successfully implemented an administrative streamlining where much unnecessary paperwork and reports had been eliminated. He praised the greater efficiency of fuel purchasing, as well as aircraft and van maintenance and accountability. To summarize his presentation, he said, "It all boils down to selfless volunteer dedication and effort. Thank you all for your great work. I will always remember you."

Change of Command

Shoulder to shoulder, Col R. Frank Eldridge at the right and Col Joe Smith at the left faced National Commander Maj Gen Antonio Pineda, as SWR Commander Col Reggie Chitwood stood at the general's left. At a subtle signal, the simple actions of the change of command ceremony were set in motion. Col Eldridge, the top officer commanding Texas Wing, took the Texas Wing flag offered to him by the flag bearer, turned to the National Commander, Maj Gen Pineda, and handed it over with a steady and measured motion.

1. 2. 3. 4. 

[1] Col R. Frank Eldridge symbolically relinquishes command of Texas Wing by handing the Texas Wing flag to Maj Gen Antonio Pineda, the National Commander [2] Gen Pineda, with Col Reggie Chitwood standing to his left, prepares to pass the flag...[3] ...to Col Joseph R. Smith, the new Texas Wing Commander [4] After accepting command, Gen Pineda congratulates Col Smith with a smile and a hand shake.

Symbolically, the Texas Wing flag carried with it the entire weight and privilege of commanding Texas Wing. Gen Pineda accepted the flag smartly and, turning to Col Smith, offered it with a mirror motion. Col Smith, as soon as he saw the flag start moving in his direction, met it half-way with his own smooth gesture. By grasping the staff, he was taking upon himself the full responsibility of commanding Texas Wing and its more than 3,000 members. Col Smith then fulfilled the ritual by speaking the words of acceptance, "Sir, I assume command."

An ancient ceremony had once again taken place, and a new commander had been installed.

Col Joseph R. Smith

    [ Before the ceremony, the author had the opportunity of observing, meeting, and speaking with Col Smith, who comes from a tradition of service in the U.S. Air Force and feels comfortable in the company of peers, superiors, and subordinates alike. He retired from the Air Force at the end of a distinguished military career, and is eager to know each Texas Wing member by name and position. He is also a generous man, conscious of the needs of others. Although pressed for time, he graciously took the time to answer questions from several cadets before entering the ballroom, where the official functions would soon require his presence. When this author introduced himself, Col Smith immediately associated the name with the correct current duty position and upcoming mission assignments. ]

At the podium, "I am a man of few words," said Col Smith. Then added, "I am more of a man of action." He summarized his vision of Texas Wing in brief but eloquent words, "You are the volunteer professionals who have made Texas Wing a great organization. You are the faithful watchmen who answered the call when needed, without hesitation. You are the heroes that guard the sleep of others, so that they may rest in safety. You are the workers of mercy who help the stricken when tragedy strikes. I am proud of being your commander."

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate

Cadet Earns (Very) High Award, 14 April

AUSTIN, TX – During the Texas Wing Conference, the exiting wing commander, Col R. Frank Eldridge, presented awards to selected unit members for their contribution to Texas Wing on the previous year. It is very hard to keep the recipient from knowing about the intent, since each award is associated with various administrative details and paperwork and word does leak out. However, it is easier to keep the specific award tightly wrapped in secrecy. In the end, advance news about this cadet emerged at the Conference, since in order to make sure that he would be present when called, he was told outright that he needed to be there to receive his (unspecified) award.

Traditionally, the lesser awards are presented first. Various Texas Wing staff officers were called to the front, among them Maj Dana Gray, the Texas Wing Public Affairs Officer, each one to receive a Commander's Commendation Award. Since they were called in alphabetical order, the cadet's expectation mounted... until his turn came but his name was not called. Deeply disappointed, he continued to applaud when other members received awards and thought, "Oh well, maybe I got it wrong."

With all the CCAs having been presented, it was now time for the Meritorious Service Awards, a considerably higher distinction not given to a cadet in recent memory, since it requires "a position of great responsibility." Mr. Ed Brown, Texas State Director and a colonel in the Texas Air Guard, was the master of ceremonies (not for the first time) and kept a humorous running commentary going. Aside followed witty aside, as he filled the proceeding with good-natured banter. Suddenly, he turns to the wing commander and says, "Didn't we leave someone out?" Col Eldridge replies, "Ah, yes! Let's have it here." After a pause, "Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Michael Moody, Apollo Squadron," announces Mr. (Col) Brown.

Elated, Cadet Moody stands up smartly and walks a good number of steps on his way to the front, because his table was at the back of the room. "I bet you thought you were getting a Commander's Commendation, didn't you?," asked rhetorically Mr. Brown. "Well, let's see." Another pause, "See here, I think they must have made a mistake. This is a Meritorious Service Award!"

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

[1]-[2] Col Reggie Chitwood gets a test ride on the hovercraft. [3]-[6] After his hovercraft ride on Saturday morning, Maj Gen Antonio Pineda congratulates Cdt Moody on his accomplishment. In the background, at the head table (L to R), are Col Joe Smith, incoming Texas Wing Commander, and Mr. (Col) Ed Brown, Texas State Director. [7] Later in the day, Cdt Moody receives his Meritorious Service Award from Col R. Frank Eldridge, exiting Texas Wing Commander. At left, looking on, is Col Reggie Chitwood, Southwest Region Commander. (Photos: Lt Col Don Fischer)

Reading the citation took a while. Cadet Moody's accomplishments are many, valuable, concrete and quantifiable. A working cadet PAO since Hurricane Rita, elevated to unit PAO some six months ago, a capable Communications Unit Leader who has instructed both cadets and senior members for record, and an ingenious tinkerer, his most famous contribution has been a one-person hovercraft, unveiled last August, 2006 and reported in this Newsletter on the September, 2006 issue.

Many have ridden on the contraption, starting with this writer on its "maiden flight." The list by the time he received his award included the previous Group III Commander, Maj Patrick L. Benoit; the Wing Director of Emergency Services, Lt Col Brooks Cima; the Wing Commander, Col R. Frank Eldridge; the Texas State Director Mr. (Col) Ed Brown; and finally, at the Texas Wing Conference, both the Southwest Region Commander, Col Reggie Chitwood, and the National Commander, Maj Gen Antonio Pineda.

After getting his prestigious and coveted award, Cdt Moody assisted this writer in addressing Texas Wing Conference cadet attendees on the subject, "The Texas Wing Cadet PAO Program." Then, the cadet session over, without saying anything and of his own accord, he "set up shop" at a heavily traveled spot, giving hovercraft rides to any conference attendee who asked for them. As it turned out, most "takers" were senior members, who willingly lined up and patiently waited for their turn on the hovercraft.

     Since Cdt Moody, placing modesty above newsworthiness, failed to announce his plans, this writer did not know about it and therefore failed to take any photographs. Luckily, Maj Phyllis Sutton, Wing Director of Cadet Programs, used her camera to capture the accompanying images of Maj Lura Hopkins, Wing Deputy Director of Cadets, and her obvious delight at the experience – before Maj Sutton herself took her ride. (Photos: Maj Phyllis Sutton)

Notably, build drawings for a ride-on hovercraft are now part of the latest Senior Member edition of the AEX. Did Cdt Moody influenced this decision through his initiative? Nobody is telling. But the rest of us are free to draw our own conclusions.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Latest Cadet PAO Is a Winner

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – "I'm sending you an article on the Burnet Air Show," said to me 1st Lt Cheri Fischler, the Apollo CS commander. "It's cadet bylined," she added. Soon after that, the article was in my mailbox, waiting for my edit. At times, editing a cadet item can be challenging, because I am honor-bound to let the author's voice come through. It is when the author is unsure of how to write it that I might have trouble finding that voice.

Not this time. C/SSgt Zach Norred, age 18, has a clear and fresh voice, and it took me just 15 minutes to "dress" his efforts properly. Simple things, such as 0700 instead of 7:00 AM, and 14 April instead April 14th; some punctuation, the occasional word that begged for a synonym. Other than that, the thoughts were well organized, the impressions clearly presented, and the excitement of his personal discovery woven through the article. It was a young man's piece (as we call an article in the business), and a good one.

When I submit an article to an external publication, that editor always finds something to change, and it usually answers to some rule of taste that is hard to quantify. Personally, I'm used to that. In this case, I feel that my editing has done no harm to Cdt Norred's piece, nor re-shaped the author's thoughts. In fact, it is with great pleasure that I welcome this new contributor to the Group III Cadet PAO world, and look forward to more from him. Cdt Norred has done himself proud.

And Here's the Latest, Latest

Yes, hold on to your horses! Here's another one, and from Apollo CS, too. Will wonders never cease?

C/Amn Rebecca Walden is a revelation. When I saw the byline, and her grade, I made an assumption. Oops! Forgive me, Cdt Walden, because that assumption was wrong. You are a mature and wonderful young lady, who writes fearlessly from the heart and is not afraid to look upon the world for the wonder and blessing that it is. Without any prompting from me, you've followed my directive to all cadet writers to perfection.

"Write it from the heart," I tell one and all. Some of them go over the edge, and I save them from themselves with a bit of careful editing. In your case, my job was one of enjoyment. You might never be a USAF fighter pilot, as you dreamed, but you have a very promising career in the world of letters. And, without letters, where would we be? After all, someone has to write the books and manuals from which we learn. That's how fighter pilots learn, too...

Let me extend to you my warm and admiring welcome to the ranks of Group III Cadet PAOs. Yes, this welcome is short, but you left me almost speechless. (A very rare occasion, I assure you.)

P.S. An e-mail just came into my inbox, and you're about to be moved over. This is marvelous.

Another Young Voice Comes Into my Mailbox

I jumped the gun, because as soon as I finished writing Cdt Walden's welcome, above, C/AB Christopher (Chris) Jones raised his electronic hand and added himself to the crowd. Which I'm glad he did. There's room for everyone here.

Cdt Jones is 13 years old, has a pair of intelligent eyes, and knows how to use them. He writes clearly and well for his age, and in time he'll polish his skills like the best of them. Luckily for him, his Crusader Composite Squadron has an up-and-coming PAO who is young, willing, and able. I know we'll see more of Cdt Jones' articles here.

Welcome to the Group III PAO community, young cadet. Remember that every majestic eagle you see owning the skies was once a fragile little eaglet who only knew how to hop.

And I Wasn't Done Yet

From Pegasus CS, trying his literary wings, comes an article penned by C/SSgt Rand Fowler, 14. I'm getting spoiled now, folks. See what's happening here? I'm getting quality. Yes, Sir. No lie. And this can cause me permanent editorial injury. I feel like Snoopy, looking down at his dish as he lies on top of his doghouse, and the balloon above his head reads, "Who can face dog food after eating filet mignon?"

And that's what this piece has done to me. Cdt Fowler has served me a literary filet mignon with all the trimmings, digging past the crowds and the confusion, and the noise of blank-firing weapons, in order to reflect on war itself, the loss of innocence, comfort, and life. Deep subjects, yes, but that's how one gets to appreciate the utter simplicity of happiness.

So it is with great simplicity and happiness that I make room for yet another young voice in our PAO ranks. Welcome, Cadet Staff Sergeant Rand Fowler. May your pencil be always sharp, and your notepad inexhaustible.

Not by a Long Shot, It Would Seem

Cdt/2d Lt Nathan Carey's byline is well-known at the Texas Cadet website, but this is his first appearance on the Group III Newsletter. This seasoned young author, an Addison CS member, is a welcome figure to this space, where I hope he'll make a home for himself. One of the burdens of officership is mentoring others, which in my case I've found to be a great joy. I hope Cdt Carey finds equal satisfaction while so doing.

Since I speak more than one language – as he does – and know the undeniable advantage of having more than one point of view at hand when looking for just the right way to express a thought, I hope that Cdt Carey will be able to apply this knowledge towards better understanding and greater knowledge, in the service of others and the community. So it is with great pleasure and professional candor that I welcome Cdt Carey to the Group III Cadet PAO program and look forward to his continued contributions.

And This One Makes Six

Cdt/2d Lt Tiffany Hamm, a member of the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron, is a lucky cadet. She has the benefit of Lt Col Gary Stevens for a mentor, an experienced and sensitive PAO who used to do this job for real ... in the USAF, before he retired from the service. I contacted her, and asked her a few question. I'll let her speak for herself.

"Once I heard my squadron's PAO encouraging cadets to write articles for the Group III Newsletter, I immediately knew that I could contribute my love for writing into something that would benefit others. What I like best about telling a CAP story is that it is written from a cadet's perspective, not that of a senior member's. CAP has taught me how to become a leader. Every time that I go to a CAP activity, I learn something as a result (leadership, drill, aerospace, or any other subject.)

"My goal in life is to become a commercial airline pilot. I am currently flying with Maj Tom Smalley (who is my squadron commander and also my AOPA instructor), in his Piper airplane. I've never been on a real SAR mission, but I've taken CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training so as to be qualified in case of an emergency. The same as every other CAP member, I've found dedication and motivation throughout the organization, and these have helped me with my school work."

So... welcome, Cdt Hamm, to the Group III Cadet PAO program! I look forward to receiving many articles with your byline.

And, finally (yes, this is finally: I'm about to post this newsletter in ten minutes), welcome, Cdts Camp and Camp to the Group III Cadet PAO program. Since you seem good at recruiting, how about recruiting some more Camps to do the job? All kidding aside, this surpasses my expectations. At least for this month, anyway...

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

The Dreadful Case of the Empty Inbox

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – It is human nature to believe that, given our undisputed value to ourselves, no harm can ever come to us, our family, or anything we call our own. In kinder, simpler days, this attitude was described as, "ignorance is bliss." Well, it isn't bliss any longer.

In this wired age, we live off our electronic mailbox, which in turn is subject to the vagaries of data storage, online virus attacks, and plain database corruption. "What? Do I need to worry about all that?" you ask, adding, "Not I, since I remember distinctly that mine is the fastest, greatest and latest available ... in 2001 (and still runs like new)." See what I mean? Attitude.

Then, reality check! Your precious messages, that have maintained their own deception of reliability by residing in a database, which turns out to be nothing more than teeny itty bitty + and – weak magnetic signals stored in a scientifically-layered very thin coating of rust, develops a "maybe" charge mixed in with the "good" crowd, so that instead of a uniform set of definite individual yes for a + or no for a –, now you have an undecipherable maybe blip mixed in. That's when the fun stops. Because your database has just become "corrupted."

Please believe me. You don't lose just a message. This is a global case of "all or nothing" – and you thought you never gambled...

So, one day early in the morning, unaware of your soon-to-be-revealed misfortune, you find that your PC has automatically updated itself and needs your password to finish booting, which you give it, then bring up your mail program and wait. It comes up as usual, and it might give you some trouble downloading mail from the server. Or it might not. The end result will be the same, though, no matter what happened before. One cheery morning (or afternoon, or evening) it will come up with an empty Inbox.

"Empty? Are you sure? How could that be? I had hundreds of messages in there. Not hundreds, thousands! And I could find anything I wanted right in there, and I could search and browse and refresh my tired memory with a mere flick of the mouse. I was the god of knowledge to all my friends. A living oracle of history. And now, empty? You've got to be kidding!" No, I'm not kidding. Empty. As in, "Nothing there at all." – To be factual, it isn't empty, just unreadable, but to you or me, mere mortals, these are synonymous.

There are many safeguards one can take to prevent this. One is backing up your data. "I have no time for that!" you might say. Well, how about having two or three hard disks in a RAID arrangement, so that you replicate the data each time you save something? "RAID? What do you mean, RAID?" is your bewildered reply, "Isn't that something that cops do? I'm in CAP, not COP!" We won't go into the niceties of what a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks" is, which (by the way) used to be called a "Redundant Array of Independent Disks" until the hard disk price war killed all but three major manufacturers (or so) who devoured all the others. (Remember MiniScribe, for one? And Priam and Control Data? I thought so. There were dozens, now defunct. Basically, only Seagate – which bought out Maxtor but kept that brand alive –, and Western Digital are left as U.S. makers, outsourcing away).

But I do have a fix, as a result of the wisdom I've gained from my misfortune. (That is, after I rescued my data using a recovery program that took a very long time. Not again. No, thank you.) For a peek at what's out there, you might Google "error message 0x800C0133" – which is the Outlook Express message when it's having trouble (don't bother, that's the link I'm giving you), and follow the instructions. Then select a rescue program, buy it, load it, and start it. And wait. It will laboriously search your corrupted database and rescue every single message it can find, in .eml format. When the rescue program is done, you can put all the .eml items back into Outlook Express by simply highlighting them all and dragging them into your chosen mailbox.

You already know your familiar boxes: Inbox, Outbox, Sent Items and so on. Don't trust them. Outbox is no problem; its natural state is "Empty" because it's only a temporary storage space until the message is on its merry way. And the Sent Messages stores all your responses. I've got news for you. They, too, are imperiled.

But you can fix all that, easily. Let's start with the Inbox. Create a new one called Inbox2007. Whenever you get a message, even if you don't read it, you can do one of three things with it (1) delete it, (2) drag it into the Inbox2007 folder you created, or (3) put it in some other folder, such as Training, or Personal. Do this with every message, because ideally you shouldn't keep anything in your Inbox – or any of your standard folders for that matter. You see, if you keep valuable information inside standard folders, these are the ones that can get corrupted (and a RAID won't help either, because it will simply replicate your database's corrupted state). But the "extra" boxes you create, with non-standard names, are immune.

You don't need to make a "Sent Items 2007" folder, either. The fix is simpler than that. Blind-copy yourself on any message you send out, so it comes back to you in your Inbox, and then you can put it in its right place together just as you'll do with all the other incoming messages.

Incidentally, this is neither a jest, nor an April Fool's joke. It's for real. So, don't go away. Do yourself a favor. Right now, start your mail program and create a lovely "Inbox2007" folder. Put the entire contents of your Inbox in it. Then empty your Trash. And keep doing this every time you read your mail. I promise you a happier life. It might not be any longer than it would have been otherwise, but you'll get there less stressfully. That's a fact.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Monthly Safety Briefing

Each Squadron is required to provide both a flight safety briefing and a ground safety briefing each month. The Sentinel, the national CAP Safety newsletter, should be briefed as a minimum. Briefings need not be lengthy presentations - 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 May, should you want to use them at your own squadron.

May Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

May Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Recurring Reports

2007

Maj Alan O'Martin, COS

Keeping up Airmen's Morale with 3 Cs

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (ACCNS) – We've all had a co-worker or subordinate share feelings of unhappiness with the job or lack motivation. How do you help them to improve their morale? How do you help create a solution?

I'd like to outline the three Cs of morale: competence, contribution and connection. When trying to get to the bottom of someone's low morale or motivation, there are three questions that can help focus the problem.

Do you feel competent in your job?

Everyone wants to be competent in their duties, be seen as knowledgeable by co-workers and be helpful to their customers. When we don't feel competent, feelings of frustration can rise from within. On the other hand, inner pride can swell when a peer or customer thanks us for helping them solve something that they couldn't do by themselves.

Each section on Nellis and Creech spends countless man-hours training our people on everything from local processes to wartime skills. But we still have Airmen who's morale and motivation lags because they suffer quietly and don't ask what they feel is a dumb question required to improve their job knowledge. In the end that habit may lead to leaving the service or failing to progress professionally because they don't feel they are competent in their jobs.

Help develop a training plan, at all levels, to grow your people. Focus especially on improving competence for those who don't seem to like their jobs. Chances are they don't feel they're good at it and will jump at your offer to help.

Second question. Do you feel your work contributes to the mission or greater good?

Being knowledgeable and skillful on a process that you don't feel contributes to the greater good can still create low morale. When low contribution hits, common responses such as "this is busy work," "why do we have to do this" or "this won't matter if I do it" will be heard.

Many Airmen are filling out reports, calling in data or otherwise working on something where they don't think their work is helping, or worse feel their work is useless. Leaders on Nellis have to continue to explain how work contributes to the greater mission. We also have to listen and not dismiss concerns that some work indeed is not useful.

"Contribution" is the centerpiece of most Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century events. If you can find steps and processes that don't contribute to the mission and delete them, you are also helping morale for your people. Get to the bottom of work actions and tasks and create valuable work for your people. It could be the basis for improved morale in an individual or even an entire section.

Lastly, do you feel connected to your co-workers or a team?

If Airmen feel competent in their duties, and the work itself is contributing to the mission, they must also feel connected to their team to have the best possible morale. All of us fear ostracism. All of us want to be a part of a strong group or team.

When we look back at our favorite assignments, there was usually a small group of co-workers that made it special. We felt we were good at what we did, we felt the team's work was contributing to the mission and we felt connected to each other. If leaders on Nellis continue to build strong and connected teams at their level, the morale of our force will rise with the strength of those teams.

The Air Force is an outstanding place to work. When compared to the national computer companies or local supermarkets of the country, "Nobody Comes Close" to the Air Force's ability to create an extremely satisfying work environment.

Lt Col Patrick Fogarty, 99th Civil Engineer Squadron

Aviation & more

Safety

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

Double Mitchell Ceremony, 27 Feb

ADDISON, TX – On the evening of 27 February 2007, two outstanding cadets of the Addison Eagles Composite Squadron were promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant. Together, cadets Parth Patel and Nathan Carey crossed the bridge from the enlisted ranks to officership. This special night finally arrived as the result of almost two years' worth of hard work, during which both of them advanced, side-by-side, through all 10 levels of Phases 1 and 2, participating in many squadron, group, and wing-level activities.

     Cadet Parth Patel is a freshman in high school. He enjoys playing soccer and tennis, and has knowledge of Spanish and Hindi in addition to English. He has attended two CTEP activities, as well as numerous ES events, including a real UDF mission resulting in a find. He plans to become an aerospace engineer. He has been a member of the Addison Eagles for 19 months, and currently serves as cadet executive officer.

Cadet Nathan Carey is also a freshman, but is home-schooled. He excels in math and enjoys studying Chinese Mandarin, which he started learning at the age of 10 when his family lived in China for one year. The same as Cdt Patel, he has attended two CTEPs, and was recently the honor graduate of Officer Training School. He loves flying, has been to Texas Wing NAVCOM, and hopes to become an astronaut. He has served on encampment staff twice, once as Public Affairs and the other as Flight Sergeant. He has been a member of the Addison Eagles for 18 months, and currently serves as flight commander.

     [ In answer to this editor's questions concerning his Chinese studies, Cdt Carey replied, "The biggest challenge comes in memorizing the character (for reading and writing) and tone for each word. But, thankfully, most concepts are expressed in phrases of two, sometimes three words. That makes aural comprehension easier, since the tone doesn't matter quite as much as the context! I am still learning, except now at a nearby American-Chinese church." – AW ]

Both cadets have set their goals high, and plan to continue progressing rapidly through CAP's Cadet Program. This summer, they'll be attending the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course in Colorado. They also look forward to staffing future Texas Wing encampments. (Photos: C/2d Lt Nathan Carey and C/SMSgt John LeRoy)

(C/2d Lt Nathan Carey)

Squadron Change of Command, 3 April

ADDISON, TX – On 3 April 2007, the Addison Eagles Composite Squadron held a Change of Command Ceremony at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas. Master of Ceremonies was the squadron's Vice-Commander, Maj Tom Sanders. Special guests included Maj Dale Lathrop of the United States Air Force; Col. Andre Davis, Southwest Region Vice-Commander; and former Addison Eagles CS commanders Maj Joe Fernandez and Maj Pat Benoit, both of whom have also served as group commanders, Maj Benoit having recently relinquished command of Group III. 

Lt Col Owen Younger, Group III Commander, was also present, as he was to accept the unit flag and Maj Randy Russell's relinquishing of command, to then pass it on to the new squadron commander, 1st Lt Greg Thornbury. 1st Lt. Opal McKinney’s highly trained H