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

More than meets the skies . . .

Newsletter - July, 2007

A Youth Re-lived

On March 12, 1958, as I stepped on American soil for the very first time, I thought of my father's words of encouragement and farewell, and his tight embrace, at that moment when we had parted company in far away Argentina. "The old man is just being emotional," I'd thought. "I don't know why he's worrying so." That's the way extreme youth looks upon the world. I was 22 years old at that moment – a misty snippet of my life gone by –, and my father, 49. Today, I am just past those ages combined, and have seen my share of joys and sorrows, hopes and triumphs, satisfactions and disappointments. It's called a life.

I've served in the Army, married, worshipped, and had my own dreams. Some came true. I've met many young people in these intervening years, some of whom died in open battle, others in private and unheralded deadly struggles of their own. One of the latter was Bill Barnes, a dear friend and vigorous young man who entered my life as an ROTC cadet seeking an Army commission. To my delight, he was assigned to me for mentoring. He drank every word of advice that tripped from my tongue, took every hint to heart, grasped my experience and knowledge and made it his own, and rose like an eagle to meet every challenge – not half-way but to perfect completion. Against the odds, he got his "butter bar." In the process, he also won an ROTC leadership award that often is declared vacant because a cadet capable of measuring up against its stringent standards cannot be found, and "The Saber" lies in wait for another year... until the search succeeds. He proved to be a generous and sensible leader, earning the respect and affection of his small command. Then, quietly, subtly, he developed a cough.

Bill had never smoked in his life. He lived cleanly, didn't drink, exercised regularly, was in perfect weight, and his work ethic was unimpeachable. He married. His wife adored him and she was the apple of his eye. The cough got worse. He was 26 years old. The short of it is that he was dead in six short months, victim of a lung cancer that, by the time it was diagnosed and operated on, had metastasized and crawled insidiously into every crevice of his physical being. But not his spirit. That part of him, intact, kept itself pure, completely his own, his shield and his strength. He remained courageous and optimistic to the end, until he saw and felt that there was no way out. That's when he thought of his wife and her daily suffering, and asked to be taken off life support. "I hope she'll forgive me," he said, "But she needs closure."

Bill was not a quitter.

Now I'm working with young people again. And I see them in the same light, and I watch their progress, at times with admiration. Knowing how hard the trek can be, and how narrow the lane they'll need to traverse truly is, I try to help them help themselves. And I see them discover themselves. These are all fully-formed persons, with likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams, joys and sorrows. All they lack is knowledge, experience, and the burden of years. They also revel in an abundance of youth and energy. I'm sure I was that young, once.

Albert Camus said that, "Life is a head-long rush towards death. Fortunately, its inevitable destiny is kept from us, so we can enjoy ourselves while it lasts." I'm still enjoying my own. And this joy is renewed when I share it with others, and a barely discernible bit of my own youth is reflected in the eyes of those much younger than I.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages
Group Commander

On the Fourth of July

There are some pretty neat things that come with being a Group commander. Last month, for example, I talked about the privilege of presenting Mitchell Awards. What an amazing experience that is. But that's not the only great thing that Group Commanders get to do. Many of them fall under a sort of "miscellaneous" category, and in June I had the wonderful opportunity of doing something that was far from "miscellaneous."

In this newsletter's "Squadrons" section, you'll read an article about a Flag Retirement Ceremony that the Black Sheep Composite Squadron hosted for Flag Day on June 14th. At that ceremony, I was given the honor of retiring the next to the last flag. If you've never watched a group of exceptional cadets pay final respects to a flag that once served proudly as the colors of this nation, you owe it to yourself to participate in a flag retirement ceremony next year. I urge you to do that. It's inspiring. I should mention before I move on that, when it comes to this ceremony, all cadets are miraculously transformed into exceptional cadets. I should also mention  that the last flag was retired by Lt Col Jack Birchum, the most senior member of the Black Sheep Squadron, who joined CAP over fifty years ago. I respect all volunteers, but this one is special.

During that ceremony, I had the opportunity of reflecting quietly on what I observed, and ultimately about what I did, as I retired a flag. In the course of my meditation, I was struck by some interesting – and very personal – thoughts that now I would like to share with you. For me, our flag is the symbol of everything that is good and right about America. I have the good fortune of having been born in a nation that recognizes my value as an individual. Here, the outcome of my life is not predetermined – instead, I have opportunities to determine my chosen path and make my own way.

My job, the chance to pursue an education, my place in the world, my own personal shot at happiness (whether that means collecting stamps, reading books, flying airplanes, owning a business, or anything else), a voice I can use to speak to my government – all of these things, and many more, are here. And I have them because America provided them to me. And America has them to provide because others died to secure them. As I look at my life, I realize that I have been fortunate, and it is for that reason as much as anything else that I feel compelled to give something back. In the end, this is why I volunteer my service to CAP. And I want to make a difference.

I was in High School when the Tien Amin Square massacre happened. For the cadets reading this, you probably weren't born yet, but I'm sure you can Google it. I watched on TV as a 19 year old Chinese student, whose name I still don't know, stood in front of a line of tanks and defied them to move forward to disperse the students who were gathered there in protest of the Chinese government's policies. That student was carrying an American flag.

In some other parts of the world, people burn my nation's flag in anger and hatred because they don't see the same America that I see. I wish very much that I could understand why, but I don't. I am heartened by the fact that in other parts of the world people see in American what I see, or maybe even more.

As I retired the flag and rendered my salute, I thought about what, exactly, my flag means to me. And I thought about what it meant to the 19 year old Chinese student who was killed by his government for trying to claim his voice.

I plan to enjoy my July 4th. Here, in Addison, the town puts on a nice show that is always synchronized to music, and at the end they always play God Bless the USA. When the fireworks are over, there isn't a dry eye anywhere.

Mine will be no exception.

Happy Fourth.

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander
Aerospace Education

Group III Rocketry Day, 5 May

DUNCANVILLE, TX – The Camp Wisdom Boy Scout facility, in Duncanville, TX, was "home" to the Group III Rocketry Day, on an overcast and windy day. The activity was made possible by a $995.00 grant from the Air Force Association, Dallas Chapter 232, augmented by a fee of $10.00 p

Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt, AEO
Cadet Programs

Texas Wing 2007 Summer Encampment, 15-24 June

CAMP MAXEY, PARIS, TX – This is the first time that the encampment had a large dedicated staff ready to cover the event, since the PAO Boot Camp students, as part of their training, were charged with visiting, photographing, and reporting all schools. That's the good news. The bad news is that there is so much of it, that there simply isn't time to report it all on this issue of the Newsletter, because there was no adequate Internet access at Camp Maxey – the Texas Army National Guard had instituted a number of safety measures as their response to serious security issues, and this severely restricted access for this editor's purposes.

The August issue of the Group III Newsletter will carry a full report. This issue has a sprinkling of articles in the Squadrons Section. To be precise, cadets from each of the following squadrons share their experience with you: Anderson County CS, Crusader CS, Dallas CS, Red Oak Cdt Sq, and Waxahachie Talon CS. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed discovering and editing them. Best yet, three of them are new cadet voices, which I welcome below (together with two more engaged in other activities).

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
Chaplain

A Change of Duty

Our beloved Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt has accepted the position of Texas Wing Chaplain, which had been briefly vacant as a result of Chaplain (Lt Col) Nancy Smalley's acceptance of her new post at Southwest Region. Rather than abandoning Group III, Ch. Whitt has now embraced all of Texas Wing. A larger flock is his.

So for this month, since a replacement for Ch. Whitt has not been found, I've selected a message written by U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Ziccardi, 4th Fighter Wing, on the subject of "Don't give up on life."

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
Chief of Staff

Open Group III Staff Positions

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

Maj Alan O'Martin, COS
Finance

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 Laurie Lancaster - laurielancaster@yahoo.com

Maj Laurie Lancaster, FO
Honor Guard

Posting the Colors, Group III Staff Meeting, 2 June

The Wing Commander, Col Joe R. Smith, attended the 2 June Group III meeting and was present for the Posting of the Colors. The Group III Honor Guard maneuvered well within the confines of the new room, which has lower ceilings than Group III's former quarters. In fact, there was barely an inch to spare between the ceiling and one of the finials, making for a challenging posting.

After the Group III meeting was over, the Col Smith congratulated the Honor Guard cadets and thanked them for their fine work. The Honor Guard cadets were C/SMSgt Johanna Cohen, C/SrA Tim Kleinmeier, CMSgt Rachel Scarborough and C/TSgt Matthew Garcia.
 

Honor Guard's Upcoming Events
3 July Addison – Presentation of Colors at KaBoom Town Celebration
7 July Addison – Honor Guard Meeting, 8:00 am-12:00 noon
21 July Addison – Honor Guard Meeting, 8:00 am-12:00 noon


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

S-3 and S-6 Issues

Since Group III HQ and three of its units underwent a brief suspension – now lifted – concerning S-3 and S-6 issues, it’s time to examine more closely CAPR 67-1. The specifics of the suspension are not material to this column, but what does matter is that all Group III units are or should be reconciling physical inventories with S-3s.

To emphasize the importance of our Supply Regulation please notice CAPR 67-1’s language in the opening paragraphs and the "Summary of Changes."

"This regulation implements Congressional legislation, the DoD Grants and Agreements Regulations, DoD Manual 4160.21-M, Defense Materiel Disposition Manual, and the Cooperative Agreement between Civil Air Patrol and the United States Air Force." Please also note that "These directives are mandatory for use by all members of CAP and apply to National Headquarters, regions, wings, groups, squadrons, and flights." (Emphasis added) When it comes to this regulation, the use of the word mandatory above and the context within which it is used would seemingly make any later references to the word should a must do rather than a suggested business practice.

CAPR 67-1 para 1-1 speaks of Property Relationships. Civil Air Patrol property received from Federal sources or purchased with federal funds is held in trust for the beneficiaries of the CAP Cooperative Agreement with the US Air Force − the taxpayers of the United States of America. Because CAP property and funds are obtained from both public (governmental) and private sources, there are a great many legal restrictions and conditions for their care and use. To ensure CAP's continuing eligibility to receive federal funds and property, commanders and their logistics staff must be thoroughly familiar with these control parameters and pay particular attention to the management of all CAP property entrusted to their care. This reiterates our need for proper accounting.

In the interest of clearing up some confusion, let us examine non-expendable property, what it is, and how to account for it. In describing non-expendable property, paragraph 2-3 says that it "consists of items of a durable nature that are neither consumed nor lose their identity during periods of use.  CAP property meeting the following conditions is considered non-expendable:

  1. Property, regardless of source, having a useful life of more than 1 year and whose acquisition cost exceeds $5,000.  Acquisition cost must be documented in CATS when the property is obtained.

  2. All property, regardless of source, whose fair market value exceeds $2,000.

  3. Items deemed "pilferable" and indicated as such in the ToA by NHQ /LGS or the region/wing commander.  (See attachment 3 for examples of pilferable items.)  Pursuant to attachment 3 laptop computers are pilferable items, therefore must be accounted for and added to a unit's inventory when acquired.

  4. Life support equipment. Life support equipment is any pre-positioned property that protects, sustains, or saves human life (e.g., oxygen bottles, life rafts, etc.). It is tracked in CATS because it is essential for many missions and must be readily available at all times.

  5. Communications items and computers (laptop/desktop) are tracked for their useful life as indicated in the ToA."

Below are some additional instructions that must be followed:

2-9. Property Donations. Individuals, business enterprises, foundations, state, and local governments may donate property to CAP. Acceptance of donations is authorized and encouraged, but units are to strictly follow CAPR 173-4, Fund Raising/Donations, procedures when receiving or selling donated property. Earmark all non-expendable property contributions as "Donation" in the "source" field of CATS and maintain a copy of the donation receipt in Part I of the Property File.

2-10. Found-on-Base Property (FoB). Property whose original funding source is unknown will be added to the inventory using "FoB" in the "Source" field of CATS.  This indicates that a reasonable effort to determine the source of the property has been made but cannot be determined.  FoB property will be handled the same as property from DRMO.  Identifying an items source as FoB should not be used to circumvent CAP's responsibility to properly account for property.

It is my interpretation that the first sentence in this paragraph is the only instruction applicable to FOB property.
2-7 e. When complete, record the transaction on the CAPF 38, Property Document Register, and document the source as DoD-excess property.

(Based on my limited understanding of the DRMO process the remainder of this paragraph does not appear to apply to FOB property.

Record the CAP-USAF withdrawal document number in the document number field of the CAPF 38 and in CATS.  Annotate the CAP Property Identification Number (CPIN) from CATS on the DD Form 1348-1A.  Forward a copy of the 1348-1A to the CAP-USAF State Director and the wing LG.  File a third copy of the DD Form 1348-1A in the Property File.}

2-13. CAP Accountability and Tracking System (CATS) is the national database for logistics and contains the official data CAP property. The unit commander (emphasis added) authorizes access to CATS through the web security administrator. To the maximum extent possible, use CATS to track all non-expendable property. Input the following information into CATS:

  1. A short description of the item to include make and model, such as MicronT2000 laptop computer, or Cessna 182 aircraft.

  2. Manufacturer's serial number.

  3. Registration numbers.

  4. Source such as DoD-excess or Federally-funded.

  5. Acquisition date or date received.

  6. Acquisition cost (this information is available for DoD-excess property on the DoD Form 1348-1A, Issue, Release/Receipt Document, and is to be entered into CATS.)

  7. Location of the property.

  8. Condition of the property such as "serviceable" or "un-serviceable."

  9. Date property condition was last examined.

Note: Assignment of non-expendable serial numbers. Regions/wings will establish procedures to assign and permanently affix serial numbers to non-expendable items received without a serial number. Any process may be used as long as it prevents reuse of numbers and ensures assigned numbers are reflected on/affixed to property for as long as it in use by CAP.

There is no distinction in echelon position of unit commander, therefore this would be a commander at any level. This being the case, a squadron commander and/or his designated LG/Supply Officer should be able to enter information into CATS. The Texas Wing Supplement, published in 2003, does not address this issue.

Paragraph 2-16 "Applicable CAP Forms."

  • CAPF 37E - Property Receipt Document. Used to record all non-expendable property issued to individuals. Also serves as a temporary receipt for items out for repair. CAPF 37E will also be used as a transfer document for movement of non-expendable property between units when not using a signature parcel carrier such as FedEx or UPS. (See attachment 7.)  Recently, some unit CC's and LG's were told that this form was to be used to add inventory to the S-3. According to the prescribed use of this form, using it to add property to inventory is incorrect.

  • CAPF 38, Property File Document Register. Used to list the documents detailing the receipt, transfer, and disposal of property as well as any completed or ongoing Reports of Survey. (See attachment 8.)  Is this the proper form to use for adding inventory to the S-3?  Please look at the words "receipt, transfer, and disposal." Perhaps receipt could fall into the category of adding property to inventory.

  • CAPF 111, Expendable Property Issue Sheet. Used as an ongoing record of expendable property issues and transfers. (See attachment 4.)

  • DD Form 1348-1A, Issue Release/Receipt Document. Used to withdraw or return DoD-excess property to DRMO. (See attachment 9.)

The confusion appears to derive from the prescribed use of CAPF 37E and CAPF 38 and submission of those forms to higher echelons, versus the unit commander inputting information into CATS in accordance with (IAW) paragraph 2-13. Accurate input into CATS is what generates a current and accurate S-3.

One additional note of importance: Some CAP members make up rules as they go along. Perhaps this is the result of that person's interpretation, an effort to create a short cut in handling something or just laziness.  It could also be a case of "because we've always done it this way." Regardless of the case, if you make up rules or short circuit the system, you place yourself in jeopardy in the supply arena. Short cuts, improper accounting, or failure to follow regulations can lead to a Logistics Freeze - paragraph 1-6. Paragraph 1-4 below addresses the proper procedure for publication and implementation of supplements.

1-4. Supplements. A copy of region/wing supplements must be provided to NHQ/LG for review and approval prior to publication and implementation. Upon revision of this regulation, review and re-issue supplements to comply with the new policies and procedures published in the change. Supplements are void 6 months from the effective date of the revised regulation.

It is my recommendation that the Supply Regulation be followed at all levels as written. Failure to do so can generate and audit from NHQ or, worse yet, expose one to a Fraud, Waste and Abuse complaint.

Capt Steve Manley, IG

Civil Air Patrol Ethics Policy

On 25 August 2005, the National Commander issued this policy letter as a guide for all CAP members. Please make sure that you understand it, implement it, and remain vigilant concerning any violations.

Inspection Schedules

Unit inspection schedules are now posted on the Group III website's Squadron Support / Inspector General page.

Capt Steve Manley, IG
Professional Development

About the Senior Officer Course - AFIADL 000013

I encourage each squadron to set up a workshop for the Senior Officer Course - AFIADL 000013 (formerly called ECI-13). During the workshop; members will work through all four volumes of the course, including the questions at the end of each unit. To be eligible for this training, each participant needs to be registered for the AFIADL 000013 Course.

I want to encourage the squadrons to contact me for specific details. Each squadron can set up a course either at the unit or at a central location convenient to several squadrons.

Not having taken this course keeps far too many CAP officers stagnant in their career progression, when they should be advancing as they really deserve. Here are the requirements to complete Level II and earn promotion to Captain:

  • Complete Level 1

  • Attend a  SLS (Squadron Leadership School)

  • Attaom a Technician Rating in a specialty track

  • Complete AFIADL 000013 (CAP Senior Officer Course)

  • 18 months in grade as a 1st Lt.

And here's another bit of news. If you participate as a staff member or director of an SLS, this satisfies one of the requirements for Levels IV and V.

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

Date Course Place Comments
30 Jun - 1 Jul SLS Austin Course Directors / Staff Members needed. (Doing this satisfies one of Levels IV & V requirements.) Contact 1st Lt Daren Jaeger for information. Look for the Ops Plan on this website.
18-19 Aug CLC TBD Course Directors / Staff Members needed. (Doing this satisfies one of Levels IV & V requirements.) Contact the Group III PDO for information
30 Aug-2 Sep Pilot Cont Tng Odessa  

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.  

1st Lt Vanessa Smith, PDO
Public Affairs – PAO Boot Camp

A Short Report on the 2007 Summer Encampment, 17-24 June

This year, for the first time ever, the TXWG 2007 Summer Encampment offered a PAO Boot Camp. Participants learned by doing, covering the Basic Encampment, Communications School, GSARSS, and the PAO Boot Camp itself. They took wonderful and comprehensive photographs, shot short videos, and wrote many short articles.

However, there was a fly in the ointment. Your Editor had fully expected to have Internet access, the same as in years past, but this time the Army National Guard tightened up security in answer to previous hacking activity that caused considerable electronic damage.

The short of it is that only partial Internet access was possible and there was no way to accomplish the complex task of receiving the information, processing it, and incorporating it into the newsletter – a job that must be done daily or else it can easily overwhelm the editor.

This is the reason why only a few articles concerning the Summer Encampment appear on this issue. The rest will have to wait until the August issue. My apologies.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO
Public Affairs – Cadet PAO

Welcome, new Cadet Voice fresh out of the Texas Wing Flight Academy

C/SSgt Zach "Stealth" Harvey, a member of Pegasus Composite Squadron, came to me via his squadron commander, 1st Lt Daren Jaeger, who sent me his first effort to appear on this newsletter. The article was so good, and sounded so fresh and utterly honest, that I decided to send it into the world as soon as I could. As the proud wearer of brand-new CAP Solo Wings, he is reasonably proud of his "call sign" (the French and Brits call it "nom de guerre" or "war name"). Later, I phoned him and we had a lively conversation. Make no mistake – this fledgling writer is also a bright young man. Read his article to find out how he wrangled his "Stealth" name.

A new Cadet Contributor enriches the Newsletter

C/SMSgt Alexander Evans, a member of the Red Oak Cadet Squadron, attended his first Texas Wing Summer Encampment as Cadet Staff. At 14, he is young enough to remember what it was like to be a cadet basic, when he thought that his cadet staff leaders were all-powerful, needed no sleep, and didn't have a care in the world. He now shares his experience on the other side of the training fence, and tells us what it is like to be short of sleep, burdened with the responsibility of looking after others, and tired beyond his worst expectations. He himself got a minor ankle injury, from which he is now recovered, which kept him semi-hopping for the last two days of encampment. I congratulate Cdt Evans ("Alex") and know that he will be a leadership asset to his home squadron.

Another Cadet Officer becomes a Newsletter Contributor

C/2d Lt Andrew H. Smith is an easy-going and personable young man. He is also passionately committed to his role as a leader in the Civil Air Patrol. As most teenagers, he enjoys the summer for its "fun" opportunities, and people for their company. But these usual traits are tempered by a much deeper side that ponders the right and wrong of an issue, the personal involvement and responsibility that comes with authority, and the effect that each one of us has on our peers, subordinates, and superiors. Read his short essay and see.

Cadet Smith also wears CAP Solo Wings, and his "Dead Stick" call sign is a source of constant mirth for other cadet pilots, as well as himself. Yes, he has a healthy sense of humor. Cadet Smith's mind runs smoothly, too, and his heart beats steadily. He is intelligent, articulate, and a good student. He is also open-minded enough to be able to observe himself and improve his performance with ease. Throughout it all his heart keeps a happy and ethical beat that is sure to serve him in a long, productive, honorable and happy life.

I met Cadet Smith at this year's Summer Encampment, where he was on Staff. We had the opportunity to talk about important things, and laugh about silly things, and help others as they started on their climb to achievement in the Civil Air Patrol. So now it is with great pleasure that I welcome Cadet Smith to the Group III Newsletter. Cadet Smith, I'm so glad that I've found you!

And I just added another New Texas Wing Flight Academy Graduate to the list

Cdt Patrick attended the Flight Academy aided by a scholarship from the Air Force Association, Dallas Chapter. He has dreamed of flying all his life, and this was a chance he never thought would come. There were 17 cadets at the Academy, who had the benefit of eight seasoned pilot instructors. The one-week course was an adventure of the mind and an occasion for cadets from different squadrons to get to know other cadets.

A tradition in pilot training is "earning a call sign." In Cadet Patrick's case, his Academy shirt had written on it "Mathew Patrick," instead of the correct Matthew. The Academy had received the student pilot roster from Texas Wing, and a clerical error resulted in a spelling anomaly. Quick to grasp this, the pilot instructors decided that Cadet Patrick's call sign would be "T-" (for "T Minus" since his shirt lacked a T).

Cdt Patrick said to me, “My first solo flight was the most memorable experience in my life.” Cdt Patrick is the latest new voice to join the ranks of the Group III PAOs. I hope he's as good a pilot as he's a writer.

And the Youngest Contributor this month comes from the Dallas CS

     His mother said to me, "I don't know. What he likes is photography. He doesn't really like to write." But in the end C/A1C Collin Cathcart attended this year's Texas Wing Summer Encampment as a student in the PAO Boot Camp. At age 13, with a lot of room to grow in, he can put on a radiant smile like no one else.

I had promised his mother, the Dallas CS PAO, that I would "turn him lose" and let him take photographs or write articles as he pleased. He did both. His essay on food is below, and is a jewel of observation and discernment. It is not accidental that he was an Honor Graduate for the course. He did what he was asked to do, used innovative thinking, displayed unerringly clean humor, was a team player at all times, put into practice what was taught, and used his head like a pro. As it turns out, he has a prior record. A record for smartness, that is.

And there's more about this young man, and the Dallas CS. C/SrA Thomas Alcalá was in the Basic Encampment and had to go through the mud trench. C/SSgt Mike Kaplor (center) and C/A1C Collin Cathcart – his squadron mates – had no such obligation, but all three did it together. I call that Squadron Spirit.

So it is my delight to dub Cdt Cathcart "The youngest Honor Graduate ever of the Texas Wing PAO Boot Camp" and a true Team Player. Now the rest of you have something to shoot for.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO
Public Affairs – Hurricane Relief

2005 Hurricane Relief Patch Available Now

 

The 2005 Hurricane Relief Mission Patch is in. The production sample is at left. If you want any patches, please send the following info: Name, Full address, Telephone #, E-mail address (if you want a mailing notice), Number of patches desired @ $5.00 each, plus a mailing cost of $1.00 per order (check or money order made out to Irving Composite Squadron) to:

     Irving CS
     P.O. Box 710068
     Dallas, TX 75371-0068

Orders will be mailed promptly. Project Officer: Lt Col Dietrich P. Whisennand.
Safety

A Dangerous Season

July brings an increase in outdoor activities, picnics, boating and of course 4th of July celebrations. All of these happy events carry a "dark side". Increased hazards!! On every 4th of July, emergency rooms fill up with burned and maimed hands and eyes, mostly the result of negligent handling of fire works such as M-80s, bottle rockets, and so on. These are not accidents! They are the result of negligence! If you want the thrill of fireworks, attend a display provided by most cities, town, and many concerts, among others. These are staged and controlled by professionals, with both EMT & Fire protection standing by.

Another July hazard – and a summer curse of sorts – is boating on crowded lakes. The mix of diverse boats of differing horsepower, drivers of varying skill, and some of them not too lucid at times, makes for collisions every weekend, many with fatal results. Recently, a professional football player that was riding on a jet ski had an accident and drowned. Why?  Because he was not wearing a life jacket! If you are on  the water, please wear a life jacket, don' use it as a seat cushion.

Finally, in some cases, these events are frequently aggravated by increased use of alcohol. That just increases the danger exponentially. Be responsible, don't drive and drink, or drink and drive a boat or jet ski! 

The upcoming months offer a wonderful opportunity for families to gather together and have fun outdoors, so plan ahead for safety. Remember, a safe event is no accident!

Building a Safety Culture

The fundamental building block of a good safety culture – whether in the air or in ground operations – begins with Risk Management.  The FAA has produced several aids to assist us in teaching risk management and I am providing you this link to the page with the downloadable helps. Please read them and use them in training your squadrons. 

This coming Summer is a golden opportunity to instruct and stress risk management in everything you and your squadrons undertake – whether in CAP or in your civilian pursuits. Safety is a learned and conscious approach to life!  Be Safe!

Maj Wm. "Bert" Wilson, SO

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, formerly the Randolph AFB safety officer who was also the Randolph AFB liaison officer to CAP, kindly offered the following for the month of July, should you want to use them at your own squadron.

July Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

July 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

 

 

July

  
July Regional Cadet Leadership School (RCLS)  
6-15 Jul Bishop Field – Glider Academy  
19-28 July IACE Hosting  
 

August

  
18-19 Aug Addison – CLC Course  
24-26 Aug Camp Mabry – ALS - Hosted by Pegasus  
 

September

  
     

Maj Alan O'Martin, COS
A USAF Air Combat Command Officer's Guest Commentary

Don't give up on life

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (ACCNS) – I recently overheard a conversation between two Airmen who were discussing their career progression. One was upset because, given his performance on the last few testing cycles and the small promotion windows, he concluded that his career was virtually over.

At first I felt some sympathy with his predicament. Lord knows people in the Air Force not only have to think about their jobs, but they also have to be proactive about family budgets, financial planning, spiritual and physical well-being and finding a nurturing place in the community. But the more this Airman talked, the more I realized his quandary was not one of losing his career, but of losing a reason to exist, and that was causing him to be careless with his time. 

Ever hear about Caleb and Joshua? These two gutsy men were the only members of a whole generation of Israelites to cross the Jordan river into the promised land because they exercised great faith and trust in God. 

Just take a look at the Bible story in the book of Joshua, Chapter 14. It's a great story, because in it we see Caleb, who is 85 years old. Did he ask for retirement and a rocking chair? 

No way! 

He said, "Give me that mountain – up there where those big guys live." 

I love people like that. Like Caleb, some people hold on to a vision, a dream, a sure and determined mindset, which age fails to alter. 

Look at Ted Williams, the great Boston Red Sox slugger, who at age 42 slammed a home run with his last professional swing. 

Or what about George Bernard Shaw who was 94 years old when his first play was produced? Or how about Benjamin Franklin, who at the ripe age of 81 framed the Constitution of the United States. 

The point is that with vision and determination, a person is never too old to be productive in life. So even though some of us may be closing out a particular chapter in our lives, the world needs our example. It needs men and women who cannot be bought, whose word is their bond and who put character above money. 

The world needs people who will not lose their individuality in a crowd, who will be as honest in the little things as in the big things, who are unwilling to compromise with wrong and who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard-headedness are the best qualities for a winning team. 

Your world needs people who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular. The world needs more people in the mold of Caleb, ready and willing to give 100 percent to the very end. 

Remember, 25 years from now, these will be the "good old days."

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Gary Ziccardi, 4th Fighter Wing chaplain
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Squadron and Group News (click on an image to enlarge it)
Addison CS

Presentation of Squadron Award, 2 June

     DALLAS, TX – At the end of the Group III Staff Meeting, the Wing Commander, Col Joe Smith, presented the Civil Air Patrol Squadron of Merit 2007 Award to the Addison Composite Squadron. Since the photographer was having some difficulty with the camera, Col Smith engaged in a bit of good-natured fun (right), before assuming a more official stance.

The certificate and streamer were accepted by Maj Scott R. McCleneghan. "It is always a pleasure to present this award, which is given for excellence in membership," said Col Smith. "Texas Wing is blessed with many squadrons that are doing a great job, so the competition for this award was pretty tough this year." The official photo (left), shows Wing Commander Col Joe R. Smith, Maj Scott R. McCleneghan, and Group III Commander Lt Col Owen Younger. (Photo: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate)

(Capt Arthur E. Woodgate)

What does it take to be a military pilot?, 17-23 June

DEL RIO, TX – Most people never experience what it is like to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force, but Lt Col Melanie Capehart, Texas Wing Director of Safety, has a much better understanding after having attended a recent event at Laughlin Air Force Base. 

As one of six senior staffers at National Cadet Activity Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, which took place in June, Lt Col Capehart received a bird’s eye view of what military pilots experience as their instructors put them through their paces. The staffers, two CAP members and four U.S. Air Force reservists, supervised CAP cadets as they shadowed student pilots undergoing training.

According to Capehart, the cadets and staff were allowed to sit in on classroom instruction and briefings designed for the student pilots. In addition, the cadets received their own classes and were tested to “make sure they were paying attention.” One of the highlights of the CAP group’s training were the hours of cockpit time they received in T1, T6 and T36 flight simulators, which are the aircraft used for pilot training at the base. The cadets even received a ride in a T1 piloted by an Air Force pilot instructor.

The cadets and seniors also observed the hyperbaric chamber and spin training, as well as toured the maintenance facilities and control tower. According to Capehart, everyone at the base went to special lengths to make them feel welcome. One “could not ask for a better experience,” said Capehart. She went on the praise the accommodations and the meals provided.

Despite a busy schedule, the group managed other fun events like a cadet-versus-senior bowling tournament. “I have to say the cadets couldn’t beat the older generation,” remarked Capehart. 

Summarizing the event, Capehart said that this had been a wonderful experience for cadets interested in seeing what it takes to become a military pilot, especially in the Air Force. Furthermore, she strongly encourages cadets and seniors to participate in future such activities. “It was one of the highlights of my CAP experience,” she commented. 

(2d Lt Michael Bownds)
Anderson County CS

Life as a SET Member at Summer Encampment, 15-24 June

CAMP MAXEY, TX – Hot days, stormy nights, lots of dreams and plenty of cool refreshing lemonade. Yes! Summer was well underway and like most of you I had been far too busy to think of much else other than my scheduled CAP activities. School classes were barely over when I found myself on a plane headed for the Texas Wing Flight Academy for the second time. What an experience!

1. 2. 3.

[1]-[2] At the Flight Academy, after a student pilot's successful solo, classmates enjoy a game of dowsing. The "victim" is honor-bound to "take it" with steely and gleeful fortitude. Naturally, this is easier done in the Summer months than in the dead of Winter. Here, the author helps get a new pilot "started right." [3] At the end of the Flight Academy, with C/SSgt Zach "Stealth" Harvey.

I had earned my call sign of "Dead Stick" last summer, and this summer it followed me until the end, but that's another story. Having been back less than a week, it was now time to turn to the new challenge ahead. I had applied for and been selected to serve as a Standards Evaluation Team (SET) member, on Staff at this year's Texas Wing Summer Encampment. But I need to be honest about this – to call it challenging is really an understatement.

Being a member on SET staff is a huge responsibility. Not only are you responsible for making sure the cadet basics know all the standards and protocol for inspections and CAP knowledge, but you are constantly aware of the standards you yourself must also keep and the example you must set for others in order for you to effectively do your job. For example, I came to encampment believing that I did a fairly good job at budgeting my time and knowing just what the perfect uniform should look like. Now that I have been humbled, I realize that no matter how perfect you think your uniform looks, there is always room for improvement. I have now resolved to purchase stock in the Faultless Professional Formula Heavy Spray Starch Company and have made shoe shining and uniform ironing my new hobby. I have also mastered time management to the point that I can now iron my uniform and shine my boots in less time than it takes me to shave and brush my teeth (and I do not have a heavy beard, mind you). And don't forget Parade Gloss!! Who could live without it?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.  

[1] Waiting in the field for a Flight to arrive. [2] Writing down the numbers. [3] You're on display 24-7, so you polish your boots every chance you get. Image is all. [4] Tabulating results. [5] Often you need to compare notes with other SET members.

But that's the easy part, really. That's what the outside of you has to do. On a more serious note, I'd like to tell you about the inside of me, and share my perspective as a staff member – having been on staff before – and how I related to incoming cadet basics as well as other cadet staff who were serving on staff for the first time. I was best able to relate to other cadets by remembering my own experiences as I progressed up the CAP ladder. 

Looking back at my first encampment, no doubt about it, I was a nervous wreck. Scared to death was more like it. I wasn't sure what to expect. I just wanted to get through it and go home. But I did better than just get through it. I had an experience of a lifetime. It was tough, yes, but it was rewarding as well. And it proved to me that I could accomplish something important. I could not have done it without the cadet staff and senior staff helping me and mentoring me, propping me up when I needed it, and reminding me each step of the way that I could do it. Best yet, I did it myself.

Now that I have come full circle, I know how those newcomers feel. It isn't easy, but no really new experience ever is. Sometimes you just have to do it. You take the big plunge and, when you get to the other side, often as a great surprise, comes the reward. I thought of this often when I worked with the new cadets. I viewed them and the new staff members the same way other staff cadets a few short years ago had viewed me as a newcomer. And I had a different perspective now. I saw the raw newcomers as the future leaders of our community, state and nation. I knew each one of those cadets deserved to have a good experience, and my job was to start them off in their future as CAP cadets. I considered it an honor to be a part of their beginnings in CAP, and I hope I managed to serve them well as a mentor and leader.

I've been asked how I feel about my future in CAP. That's easy. I just can't imagine my life without CAP playing a major role in it. Each new day and every new encampment brings new cadets as future leaders, new experiences and new opportunities for personal growth and development. I don't know what is ahead for future CAP encampments. I just know that whatever is ahead I want to be there, and be part of it.

I've been asked how I think staff duty changed me. The best way I can put my experience into words is to say that I'd never realized just how hard our cadet staff and senior staff have to work – and they do it gladly – to make sure all the cadets have a good experience. In other words, it's about dedication and commitment to something that hits deep in the heart.

It's really about caring and wanting to make a difference. CAP has led me to think about a lot of things in my life. What I know now is that I want to make a difference because (excuse me for repeating myself) ...it does hit where it belongs – deep in the heart.

(C/2d Lt Andrew H. Smith)
Apollo CS

Welcome Home, 2 June

PFLUGERVILLE, TX – Dressed in our service blue uniforms, we arrived at the Pflugerville cemetery on the evening of June 2, 2007. We were four Apollo Composite Squadron cadets, from Georgetown, who had come to pay our respects at the traveling Vietnam Dignity Wall. After we got there, we learned that we would have the honor of taking part in the ceremonies.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] MIO table. [2] A "memories" stand. [3] 2d Lt Bill Davidson, a veteran, and C/SSgt Mark Davidson [4] The big truck that carries the display across America.

We were C/Amn Anna Haworth, C/A1C Justin Benavides, C/A1C Rebecca Walden, and I, C/SSgt Mark Davidson. We got to talk to the veterans, and ask them questions, and what they told us helped us understand better what it was like to be in battle. Our squadron’s Testing Officer 2d Lt Sue Kristoffersen, Communications Officer Captain John Benavides, and Deputy Commander for Cadets 2d Lt Bill Davidson also attended the ceremony. They brought a bucket of red roses to place by the Wall. There are over 58,000 names written on the Wall, and each name stands for a life lost in Vietnam.

Many of us shed a tear when we heard the stories that the Veterans had to tell. We met a sailor who sailed aboard the USS Newport News. He was there to pay tribute to his 26 fallen shipmates. We also saw a slideshow about a Gold Star Mother who lost two sons in Vietnam. 

5. 6. 7. 8.

[5] (L-R) Jordan Benavides, Jennifer Benavides Capt John Benavides, C/A1C Justin Benavides, C/Amn Anna Haworth, C/SSgt Mark Davidson, and 2d Lt Bill Davidson [6] My dad, 2d Lt Bill Davidson, watches me sign the guest book. [7] C/Amn Anna Haworth pays tribute to a fallen serviceman. [8] C/SSgt Mark Davidson, 2d Lt Bill Davison, C/Amn Anna Haworth, and 2d Lt Sue Kristoffersen

Cadet Walden and I stayed for the candlelight vigil. While I was sitting in the audience, a staff member from the traveling Wall Memorial asked my dad, Lt. Davidson, and me if we would help light the candles. "We'd be honored," we said. As the night wore on we watched many presentations, and even had a Brigadier General talk to us about his experiences in Vietnam.

We learned about the harsh conditions the soldiers experienced in war. After his speech, it was time to light the candles. My dad and I went to the podium to light our candles, and then went to each row and began lighting everyone’s candle. As the candles were lit, one by one, there was like a holy glow that washed over the audience. It was very moving.

One lady said to me, “Thank you. Thank you for all that you do.” I felt so proud of being able to serve in the Civil Air Patrol, and know that we make a difference. There were two things that were said throughout the night, again and again – something that we all stood for, and knew so well already. Those two sentences were, “In God we still trust” and “Welcome home.”

We thank all the American men and women who ever fought in a war, and we thank our service members in Iraq, and right then we made a promise to ourselves, as we felt the need to do more – “If you love your freedom, thank a Vet.”

God Bless America!

(C/SSgt Mark Davidson)

The Day the Apaches Landed, 5 June

GEORGETOWN AIRPORT, TX – We're standing at attention at the first formation, and someone speaks in ranks. "What's that, coming down the runway?" "No! It cannot be!" I say, "An Army Apache helicopter!" but I made a mistake. There are two Army Apache helicopters. We can't believe our luck, so someone makes a quick decision. The shout is loud enough to sound over the rotor noise, "Fall out!" We're off running. Obviously, they must have wanted to refuel, or so we hope, and we know where they're going.

The run is not my best PT event, but this one should have been for record. I think I flew over to the FBO hangars, and that's a good way off. The best running time I ever had, for sure. When we get there, yes indeed, there are two very mean, slightly dusty Apaches, their main rotors still doing some lazy turns. They're painted in dull shades of very dark gray and green-brown. We're so happy! They haven't taken off yet, and we see one of the pilots handing over a credit card to the fuel man.

"What if they leave before we get to talk to them?" someone says. I don't know who it was. Nobody is paying attention to anything except the Apaches. "They're a lot bigger than I thought," I say to myself.

We meet the pilots, and they're friendly. Their commander asks us if we would like to see the Apaches up close. "Yes, please, ma'am," we say, and the Army Captain says, "Let's go into that hangar and we'll have a safety talk first." She's confident, polite, respectful, and treats us as adults. We're flattered and want to do right by her. The other three crew members are men. They're all very nice.

After the safety talk, we go out on the apron and we learn all about the Apache. It's very big but it only holds two people. It also holds a lot of fuel because it needs it. And the rest of the room is for the ammunition. It costs $5,500/hour to fly because it uses a lot of fuel, and has a 30mm cannon. That's a bullet with a diameter a little less than 1.2 inches. It's a very big bullet. It doesn't have to touch you to kill you; just hit near you. It can rip into a tank and destroy it, too. That cannon is fantastic. You can switch it to "helmet aim" and then it follows the movements of your head. Wherever you're pointing, that's where the cannon points.

Each helicopter has two turbines for the rotor. It also has a little turbine to start one of the big turbines, and it has an air conditioner to cool the engines. If the exhaust is cooler, the Apache makes a "smaller" target for missiles that chase heat. Whatever air conditioning is left goes to the cockpits. This is a very mean machine and I would love to have one, but I don't think my mom would let me. We couldn't afford the fuel.

No, we can't have O-rides on an Apache. It holds a crew of two and won't fly unless both crew members are in it. So there's no room for us, even if they wanted.

We don't want them to leave, but they need to go home now. I hear a little buzzing in the background. Someone is flying a scale model helicopter off the end of a hangar to my right. Very slowly, the Apaches get their engines going, sit there for a while, then they rev up the rotor and I can see that the big rotor tilts forward on one of them. The Captain is in it, and it starts rolling down the taxiway. The other one follows. The rotors make a lot of back-wash. The model helicopter off the corner of the hangar gets some of the downdraft and goes crazy, so the owner brings it down. The Apaches go down the taxiway and then we can't see them behind the trees. The sound gets louder when they turn on to the runway and take off. They're going home. We see them go up, low to the ground. Now they seem as small at the model helicopter.