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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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.

We hope the pilots and crew will be OK when they go to war. They were so nice to us.

(Compiled from Comments by Cadets Present at the Event - AW)
Black Sheep CS

Local Squadron Holds Flag Retirement Ceremony, 14 June

MESQUITE, TX – On Flag Day, 14 June 2007, several cadets and senior members of the Black Sheep Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, took part in a flag retirement ceremony. In attendance as a special guest was Lt Col Owen Younger – a former Cadet Commander of the Black Sheep CS and currently the Group III Commander.

The event began with the United States flag being hoisted up the flag-pole by C/SrA Tim Kleinmeier and C/A1C Kasee Niskern. Afterwards, Lt Col Jack Birchum gave the invocation. After a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, C/Capt Rebecca McKinney discussed the retirement of several United States flags, as well as a few Texas State flags.

This year, about 75 flags had been collected from the surrounding communities – twice as many as last year. The flags were either worn out, damaged, or badly stained, which rendered them unserviceable, and they were to be retired with honors.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] (L-R) Lt Col Owen Younger, Lt Col Mike Eberle, and Lt Col Jack Birchum. [2] C/SrA Tim Kleinmeier and C/A1C Kasee Niskern post the colors as Lt Col Eberle looks on. [3] C/Capt Rebecca McKinney reads a speech about the importance Flag Day. [4] The first flag is placed into the burn pot.

Weeks before the squadron held this ceremony, the cadets had folded the flags one last time in the prescribed ceremonial triangle. During the ceremony, each cadet placed a flag into a burn pot for incineration. The line continued until all flags had been retired.

As C/Capt McKinney explained, “The red stripes symbolize hardiness and courage, the white stripes signify purity and innocence, and the blue field is indicative of vigilance, perseverance, and justice.”

In 1777, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution to commemorate the official flag of the United States. Then, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation, thereby officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.

5. 6. 7. 8.

[5] One by one, cadets proceed to the burn pot with a folded flag. [6] Lt Col Eberle salutes a flag just placed. [7] Lt Col Younger also presents a flag one last time. [8] C/Capt McKinney presents Lt Col Birchum the final flag to be placed into the burn pot.

The ceremony held by the Black Sheep CS was a solemn and deeply moving event. The storms that had been forecast held off while the ritual of honor proceeded as planned. And the flags were so many, that the ceremonial gathering lasted into the hours of darkness.

The American flag has become a unique symbol that carries with it significant meaning. In 13-14 September 1814, Francis Scott Key watched helplessly as the British fleet bombarded Fort McHenry. From a distance, after 25 hours of continuous gun-fire, the American flag could still be seen, waving gallantly in the wind. As Key excitedly wrote in the National Anthem, “Our flag was still there!”

“Even though there were no ashes left after the intense fire,” said Lt Col Mike Eberle, Commander of the Black Sheep CS, “the smoke will symbolize that our Flag will fly forever.”

When asked about the importance of the ceremony, Lt Col Younger stated, “As I was watching this event, two things came to mind. First, an individual has the ability to achieve so much in this great Nation of ours, our home. Second, while other countries don’t understand this freedom we enjoy, some hate us because they’re jealous that we have what they don’t offer. Therefore, we pay our deepest respect to our American Flag, because our country offers so much. These temporary symbols have been retired with dignity and honor, and our Flag lives on in our heart and Nation.”

(1st Lt Kelly Castillo)
Crusader CS

Cadets Participate in Group III Rocketry Day, 5 May

DALLAS, TX – Crusader CS cadets participated in the Group III Rocketry Day on 5 May 2007 at Camp Wisdom Boy Scout Camp. The cadets built and launched two Phase I rockets, a historic rocket from Phase II, and the Phase III advanced rocket. In order to earn the Rocketry Badge, cadets also had to complete the knowledge test for all three phases of the rocketry program.

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[1] The cadets assemble the rockets during the Group III Rocketry Day [2] The Crusader Team shows the fruits of their efforts. (Photos: 2d Lt Robert Severance III)

Emergency Rescue Demonstration, 29 May

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – During a regular meeting at the Crusader CS hangar at GPM Airport on 29 May 2007, paramedics from Grand Prairie Fire Station #5, located at the airport, gave a demonstration on emergency rescue for the senior members and cadets. 2d Lt Wesley Bement coordinated the demonstration. Lt Col E.S. “Tex” Collins said, “This was really cool. You should have seen the faces of the cadets when they put Lt Col Chandler on the backboard starting from a standing position.” 

3. 4.

[3] Paramedics perform a rescue demonstration on Lt Col Ron Chandler, as they prepare to place him on a backboard starting from a standing position. [4] Grand Prairie Fire Department paramedics demonstrate placing C/Amn Kendall Pruitt on a backboard. (Photos: C/A1C Robert Severance IV)

Promotions, 5 June

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – During a promotion ceremony held at the regular squadron meeting on 5 June 2007, Cadets Robert Severance IV and Austin Brooks were promoted to C/A1C. Both cadets also received their Rocketry Award (see article above). In addition, Cadet Brooks was named the new Cadet Commander for Crusader CS. Also pictured are Lt Col Roy Hill, Squadron Commander, and Capt Frank Stalling, Deputy Commander for Cadets.

5. 6.

[5] Newly-promoted C/A1C Austin Brooks gets a handshake from Squadron Commander Lt Col Roy Hill, his Rocketry Award, and his appointment as Squadron Cadet Commander [6] Another new C/A1C, Robert Severance IV gets a handshake from the squadron commander and his Rocketry Award. (Photos: 2d Lt Robert Severance III)

My Texas Wing Summer Encampment, 17-14 June

CAMP MAXEY, TX – Two cadets from Crusader Composite Squadron attended the 2007 Texas Wing Summer Encampment. They were C/Amn Kendall Pruitt and I. Cdt Pruitt was in Charley Flight, and I was in Bravo Flight – both of us in the Forty Third Squadron, which has three Flights –  Alpha, Bravo and Charley.

The Camp is called Camp Maxey, near Paris, TX, just south of the Oklahoma border. I don't know who Maxey was. Camp Maxey was a military camp in WWII and is still active today. It is a Texas Army National Guard training camp. They said it is very small, but it was big enough for us.

My experience in Camp Maxey was that you have no time at all. The cadets wake up at five o'clock in the morning and go to morning formation, then get dismissed to go to Physical Training, then head off to hygiene time which is thirty minutes. Then comes breakfast before I normally get up in the summer, and the whole day is filled with hard things to learn and do. Lots of them. We never stop all day long, there are lots of classes inside and outside, we march every day, and the rules are mysterious at first, but we learn them quickly. It also rained a lot, and we were in it, so we learned how to live with mud.

Cadets are miserable, pay close attention to everything, they're so busy keeping out of trouble that they get in trouble because they forget to pay attention, so they have to pay attention about paying attention. It seems the day won't ever end, but we keep going to the chow hall and the food is OK. Then the cadets have some time to themselves, and they have to polish their boots, and the chaplain comes around and talks to us, and we feel better, and the day ends at 2200, and that's 10 p.m. In one day, cadets get more things to do than they've done in a week. And less sleep than ever. That's every day of Encampment.

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[1] C/A1C Robert Severance IV during in-processing, as he signs for his flight T-shirt [2] C/A1C Severance and C/SSgt Mark Davidson (Apollo CS) wearing Charlie Flight's yellow T-shirt. (Theirs is known as the "deer in the headlights" look and is typical of the first two days - Ed Note.) [3] On their 5th day of encampment, C/A1C Severance and two flight-mates take an air-conditioned break before going back into the heat of the day. [4] C/A1C Severance (2nd from left) finishes his pushups during the relay race competition. [5] C/A1C Severance (3nd from left) looks for his team-mate to arrive so he can finish the relay race [6] C/A1C Severance (3nd from left) gets ready for the mud pit. (Photos: Capt Arthur Woodgate)

During my experience at Encampment, my flight shot rifles, took a ride in an armored personnel carrier (an M-113) and went inside a tank. We had lots of classes taught to us by Air Force officers. We ran through the "Confidence Course" which is an obstacle course with a mud pit that you have to crawl into and get filthy all over. Although we were in the same barracks, I hardly saw Cdt Pruitt, because we were both busy because there aren't enough hours in the day. The most important thing I learned this whole time, was how to become a leader and how to work as a team. Also improved my knowledge in Aerospace Education.

The last night we had a "dining in" which is full of rules too, and each Flight got to put on a skit about Encampment and how mean they were to us, and we made fun of our cadet staff, and we made fun of ourselves too. They gave you a spoon for you to bang on the table, because that's how you applaud in a dining in.

7. 8. 9.

[7] Cadets march in formation as they prepare to assemble on the parade ground to pass in review during closing ceremonies at Camp Maxey.[8] C/A1C Robert Severance IV stands near the historic gate to Camp Maxey.  [9] Members of Bravo Flight. (Photos 7-8, 2d Lt Robert Severance III. Photo 9, photographer unknown)

On the last day, we passed in review for the Wing Commander. He's so important I didn't think he would be there. "Passing in review" is a parade that has all the flights in it. It had rained a lot during the week and the ground was so wet that we splashed through the water, but everybody kept in step. We had to do "eyes right" as we passed in front of the Wing Commander, and I think he was smiling a little. I was proud to be a member of Bravo Flight. And this parade was the end of all the hard work for us. For the moment. And now I know a lot more than when I first got there.

What do I remember about Encampment? I learned a lot, and I graduated and was very happy that my dad was there for me, smiling as he always does. I'm glad I went, but I'm also glad I'm home now.

(C/A1C Robert Severance IV)

BBQ Squadron Meeting, 26 June

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – On the last Tuesday of every month, the Crusader Composite Squadron meets at their hangar at the Grand Prairie Municipal Airport (GPM) for a cookout, safety meeting, and flying if the weather permits. On 26 June 2007 it was raining – again – but that didn’t stop Maj Russell Miller, Emergency Services Officer, from firing up the grill. 

     At left, Capt Frank Stalling, Deputy Commander for Cadets, provides instruction to Crusader Composite Squadron cadets on aeronautical charts while Maj Russell Miller, Emergency Services Officer, fires up the grill. The squadron’s airplane, N6576N, is in the background. (Photo by 2d Lt Robert Severance III) 

At right, Cadets practice radio procedures. (Photo by C/A1C Robert Severance IV)

(2d Lt Robert Severance III)

Dallas CS

My Texas Wing Flight Academy Saga, 2-9 June

ANGLETON, TX – The Civil Air Patrol Texas Wing Flight Academy holds a special place in CAP. It is the eventual goal of many cadets. For some, it is even the reason that they joined in the first place. It is the ultimate reward for those cadets who like to Keep the "Air" in Civil Air Patrol. Early in June, I had the good fortune of attending this Academy.

This is not easy to do. As the holy grail of Texas Wing Cadet activities, there is a great deal of competition for the few, coveted spots at the Academy, as well as for scholarships that, for many (myself included), can make or break their ability to attend. That is because attending the Academy is not cheap, at $1,200 per cadet (I think it'll be higher next year).

The admissions process itself is long and tedious, with much more required than your basic TXWG Form 31-A. Hopeful attendees had to obtain, among other things, a pilot log book, a Student Pilot certificate, an FAA Class III medical certificate, and a passport or birth certificate, all of which we had to have on us whenever we flew at the Academy. If you didn’t have your paperwork, you couldn’t fly. We also had to complete a task hated by many high school students – writing an essay. For those of us who had to secure scholarships, we also had to write an additional one for each scholarship we applied for.

Once a cadet had secured a position at the Academy, the real work began. Since the Academy is only a week long, any time that the cadets didn’t have to be taught in the Academy's classrooms translated into more time that they could spend flying. Therefore, as much information as possible was given to cadets ahead of time, for them to review and learn before the first plane even lands at the Academy's airport.

When the cadet's head was full of such unusual and seemingly meaningless terms as “base”, “crosswind”, “slip”, and “flare”, it was finally time to actually go to the Academy, which this year was located about an hour south of Houston. For those cadets who live a ways north (as I do), this meant getting up at 0-dark-30 to be down in Angleton by noon. Check-in was from 1200-1300, and anyone who has ever driven through Houston knows that traffic there could easily cost that extra hour.

Finally, when all of us had arrived at our sleeping quarters, the old and tired "hurry-up-and-wait" made the first of its many appearances. No one would be flying on that first day, so all we could do was review our material one more time (or a thousand more times, as the case might be).

The next morning, and all the mornings for the next 6 days, we all crowded into something with wheels that took us to the local airport, where our planes were. Once we had hurried there, we experienced yet more of the waiting part. We waited: for the fog to lift, for 0700 and breakfast to come, and for each one's buddy to get through flying so we could go up, to name just a few. But don't get me wrong. We had a lot of fun during the times when we had no waiting to do. We never had to wait while we were flying, which was, of course, the whole point of going.

The second-best aspect of the Academy was definitely the food, which was easily the best I've ever had at a CAP event. I offer our collective thanks to the staff of the Windsock Grill, if they happen to go online and read this.

I am fairly certain that the consensus “Worst Part of Flight Academy” was ground school. It wasn’t that some of the classes weren’t necessary or entertaining; it was just that we were all in a hurry to be in the air instead. Indeed, Pablo and Crunch delivered especially fun lessons. Ground school was regularly scheduled to take place just after lunch, and it did, every day except for Thursday – the only time in the entire week that we got socked in for most of the day.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] The flight line. [2] Cdt Patrick and his pilot instructor, Maj Paul Chapman, perform a pre-flight inspection. [3] After his solo flight, Maj Chapman cuts the tail off Cdt Patrick's shirt – an old tradition. [4] After the ritual cutting, comes the dowsing, at the hands of the Academy's students. [5] All that's left now is for Cadet Patrick to get dried.

Flight Academy was also an excellent place to interact with some of the cadets that I had met at other CAP activities. About a third of the cadets at Flight Academy had staffed my basic encampment in the Summer of ’06. Several others had been in my class at the SNCOA in the Spring this year. It felt very odd at first to be on an equal footing with cadets that I had believed to be unerring and invincible (that is, after all, a cadet basic’s impression of the SET team and Flight Sergeants), and many of whom were now cadet officers. Even so, I was by no means the most junior cadets there. We ranged in grade from C/1st Lt all the way down to C/A1C. See? If you want it badly enough, you can make it to Flight Academy. (If you're at least 16, that is).

Everyone had a great time watching the other cadets do their solo flight. This was because those of us on the ground traditionally got to dump large amounts of water on the new soloers, after they had the back of their shirt cut, and had removed anything from their pockets that could be damaged by water. Since I didn’t solo until the Saturday morning before the graduation dinner, and I was practically alone at the airport, I thought I was safe. But that didn’t stop my class-mates from happily drowning me upon my return to the hotel. (I thought that was cowardly, too. What do you think?)

By the way, did you catch that? I did say “hotel”. I meant it too, and not in a letter “h” sort of way. We had the best (most luxurious) accommodations of any CAP event I have ever been to. The staff managed to put us up in a four-star hotel at a country club. Most of us slept two to a room, with cadets who had the same instructor rooming together. However, because my instructor was the only one who had three cadets, and because I was transferred to him from another instructor after one of his cadets cancelled, I was the only cadet at Flight Academy who got a room to himself. How ‘bout them apples?

All in all, Flight Academy was a blast, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is even marginally interested in flying.

C/CMSgt Matthew Patrick

Leadership Change, 4 June

DALLAS, TX – During the squadron's June 4 meeting, it was announced that Lt Col Liz Melby was relinquishing the reins of the squadron Cadet Program. 2d Lt Joe Kaplor was then named the new Deputy Commander for Cadets. 2d Lt Kaplor has been transitioning into this role and growing the Cadet Program for the past year, so the change was seamless. 

Of his promotion to Deputy Commander for Cadets, 2d Lt Kaplor said, “Though expected, this is a great honor. I look forward to working with our wonderful cadets.”  The Dallas CS thanks Lt Col Liz Melby for her dedication to the squadron Cadet Program, and looks forward to her continued involvement in the squadron's life.

(2d Lt Sue Cathcart) 

Funky Food at the Texas Wing 2007 Summer Encampment, 17-24 June

CAMP MAXEY, TX – I’ve come to the Texas Wing 2007 Summer Encampment to attend the Public Affairs Officer Boot Camp, and I am in the mess hall, waiting for dinner to be served.

For dinner, the kitchen staff set up an impressive display with the food. They made a piece of artwork out of fruits. They have shining apples and oranges mixed together in a shining bowl. The bananas surround the bowl, facing it so that the bananas form a bunch of imperfect circles around the bowl. This magnificent display keeps your eyes constantly moving.

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

[1]-[2] Funky food. [3] Lovely little cups of real butter. [4]-[5] Having clean fun at the serving line. [6] Ready for the crowd. (Photos 2&3, C/A1C Collin Cathcart; others, Capt Arthur Woodgate)

The bright oranges attract your eye to the lovely, tempting fruit. Your eyes then seem to roll down the apples, which brings you to the reflection of the bright, yellow bananas on the bowl. Your eye then travels around all of the bananas in the many circles. Eventually, your eyes will find their way back to the appetizing mound of shining oranges and apples. This is beautiful fruit art.

When I asked the kitchen staff, “What inspired your fruit presentation?” Second Lieutenant Garcia replied, “Boredom.”

When I got in line for food, I couldn’t wait to get to the fruit display. I didn’t have a clue which one I would take. There were the almost perfectly round, brightly colored oranges, there were also the shining red apples, just waiting for someone’s teeth to be sunk into them. Wonderfully smelling bananas were plentiful, and as yellow as the sun.

I got to the fruit display and had to take one. The oranges stuck out, saying, “Take me! Take me!” The apples were reflecting so much light that they were impossible to not notice. The bananas just lied there, with their wonderful fragrances drifting up to my nose. I thought for a second, “Which will I choose?” I grabbed a banana and went over to my seat, where I finally enjoyed the taste of one of the fruits.

The kitchen staff  didn’t stop with just the fruit. I can see that they made a tower from small butter cups. You can see the butter through the cups, making it a special part of the presentation. The way the butter fills certain portions of some cups makes it look as if the tower were moving – like being blown in the wind. The butter tower is another marvelous display of food from the kitchen staff.

Hopefully, the kitchen staff will get bored and make more art from food.

(C/A1C Collin Cathcart)

Dallas Well Represented at Summer Encampment, 17-24 June

DALLAS, TX – The Dallas CS had participants at many levels during this year’s Texas Wing Summer Encampment at Camp Maxey, held 17-24 June. 2d Lt Joe Kaplor served as TAC Officer of Hotel Flight; C/SSgt Michael Kaplor served on the Administrative staff; and Cadets TJ Alcalá and Collin Cathcart attended Basic Encampment and the PAO Boot Camp respectively. All earned certificates of attendance or participation. 

1. 2. 3.

[1] C/SSgt Alcalá bearing the India Flight guidon [2] Posing for posterity, Cadets Cathcart, Alcala, and Kaplor after close of Summer Encampment. [3] And here are the same cadets, at a relaxed moment. (The question was, "Are you happy that encampment is over?)

C/SSgt Alcalá was selected as the Flight guidon bearer and was also acknowledged as “Top Gun” for India Flight. In addition, he was named the Honor Cadet of the 45th squadron. C/A1C Cathcart was named the Honor Cadet of the PAO Boot Camp. Of his first Encampment experience, C/SSgt Alcalá said, “Summer Encampment really gave me an idea of what I might expect to do at the Air Force Academy if I'm accepted, and it helped me understand what it takes to do well in military service.” 

All returned home tired, fulfilled from their week’s activities, and with a greater understanding and appreciation of the Civil Air Patrol and its many roles.

(2d Lt Sue Cathcart) 

Cadet Promotions & Honors, 25 June

DALLAS, TX – It was a big evening for honoring cadets at the June 25 meeting of the Dallas Composite Squadron. The meeting was the setting for a number of cadet promotions and presentations:

  • Cadet Donald Expose promoted to C/Amn

  • Cadet Zachary Buswold promoted to C/A1C, presentation of his “First Flight” certificate in recognition of this milestone in the Cadet program, and model rocket badges and completion certificates

  • Cadet Collin Cathcart promoted to C/SrA and recognition of “Honor Cadet” status from Summer Encampment

  • Cadet Avery Rains to C/SrA

  • Cadet TJ Alcalá, presentation of his Wright Brothers Award Certificate and recognition of “honor” status from Summer Encampment

  • Cadet Michael Kaplor, presentation of his Wright Brothers Award Certificate, and model rocket badges and completion certificates

  • C/MSgt Matthew Patrick, presentation of model rocket badges and completion certificates

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

[1] Promotion of Cadet Donald Expose. [2]-[3] Promotion of Cadet Zachary Buswold. [4]-[5] Promotion of Cadet Collin Cathcart [6]-[7] Promotion of Cadet Avery Rains [8] Cadet Thomas James Alcalá with his Wright Brothers Certificate. [9] Cadet Michael Kaplor with his Wright Brothers Certificate. [10] Cadet Zachary Buswold receiving “First Flight” certificate. [11] Cadet Zachary Buswold w/ Model Rocketry certificate and badge. [12] Cadet Michael Kaplor receiving Model Rocketry certificate. [13] Cadet Matthew Patrick receiving Model Rocketry certificate. [14] Cadet Collin Cathcart receiving PAO Boot Camp "Honor Cadet" completion certificate.

Captain Eric Martin, squadron commander, made the presentations, assisted by 2d Lt Joe Kaplor, the new Deputy Commander for Cadets. Captain Martin said, "I'm very pleased to have so many honors and distinctions to acknowledge. You have all done a great job, and I'm proud of you."

(2d Lt Sue Cathcart) 
Gladewater Corsair CS

Squadron Awards Evening, 19 June

     GLADEWATER, TX -- On the evening of June 19, 2007, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, held their annual awards night. Six members were recognized for their valuable contributions to the Squadron as well as the Civil Air Patrol program. (Photo: L-R, 1st Lt Harold Parks, Capt. Charles Mouton, C/Maj. Steven Mouton, C/CMSgt. Jarrod Alexander, and Lt. Robin Vaughn.)

Receiving Certificates of Appreciation were Capt. Charles Mouton, Lt. Jimmy Killian, Lt. Farrell Alexander and Cadet Major Kyle Vaughn. The Cadet Non-commissioned Officer of the Year Award was presented to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander. Senior Member of the Year honors went to Lt. Robin Vaughn. Cadet Major Steven Mouton was presented the Cadet of the Year Award and the Air Force Association Cadet of the Year Award.

In addition to the awards, which were presented by Squadron Commander First Lieutenant Harold Parks, Cadet Basic Patrick Ryan was promoted to Cadet Airman.

A small reception was held at the end of the awards ceremony, celebrating the high school graduations of Cadet Majors Mouton and Vaughn. Mouton, who recently graduated from Pine Tree High School, has been nominated to attend the United States Air Force Academy and will attend the University of Arkansas while awaiting his class assignment. Vaughn graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and will be attending a community college in Mt. Pleasant.

(1st Lt Harold Parks)

Gladewater CAP Cadets Take To The Air, 23 June

GLADEWATER, TX – On the morning of Saturday, June 23, 2007, cadets from the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, Group III, Civil Air Patrol came out for a fun event. Squadron cadets would be flying with senior members who had volunteered their personal aircraft for an elevating experience. The weather was quite threatening when the cadets were to meet at the airport, so only a few courageous souls made it out there. 

Although we were to meet at 0900, it was raining lightly at that time. Three cadets braved the weather and, by 0930, their hopes for good weather came true as it began to clear up ("In Texas, if you don't like the weather, wait an hour or two"). By 1000, the first flight was underway. As there were only three cadets ready to fly, the squadron commander, 1st Lt Harold Parks, flew them in his own aircraft.

     Since each of these cadets had flown another time in this particular aircraft, they were familiar with the safety briefing and the preflight activity. As promised the last time we'd flown cadets, they were to get to actually fly the aircraft. Enjoying the flights were Cadet Airman Victoria Jones, Cadet Airman Rebecca Alexander and Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander (at left, with 1st Lt Harold Parks). Each cadet had a grand time, learning to fly straight and level and making gentle turns. All were surprised that it took a lot of effort to keep on course and altitude, but each did very well and they are all looking forward to their next fun flight.

In addition to the flying activity, there were two other chores scheduled for that day.  The cadets had volunteered to work around the airport by clearing out, cleaning up and painting the segmented circle that surrounds the windsock. The very heavy rains had muddied up the circle and grass had grown around it so high that it had made unusable for pilots at the airport. Hard as they worked, the cadets were only able to clear about one third of the circle and get it painted. It seems that the major part of the circle was actually under water. They plan to finish the job when the area dries out.

Finally, the cadets were going to survey their obstacle course, so they could plan needed repairs for a later time. They found that this area, too, had succumbed to the rains as it was literally covered in plant growth. Unfortunately, part of that growth was a high percentage of poison ivy. Working together, cadets and commander managed to figure out what needed to be repaired and what should be added in order to make the course longer and more challenging. Now there is also a plan in place for dealing with the poison ivy.

All in all, a seemingly dismal morning turned into a fun day with a great deal accomplished. The cadets look forward to their next flying opportunity, and are enthusiastic about the field training exercise scheduled in July.

(1st Lt Harold Parks)
Kittinger Phantom SS

Austin Police Air Wing Increases APD Effectiveness, 29 May

AUSTIN-BERGSTROM INTERNATIONAL, AUSTIN, TX – The officers of the Air Wing, Austin Police Department, gave a presentation to the Joe Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, TX-352 describing the Austin Police air support procedures. Sgt. Keith Harrison described the use of APD Air Service for traffic control, drug interdiction, locating missing persons, and air support to ground-based units in a vehicular or foot chase of a suspect. SPO Ryan Harrison then talked squadron members through a video presentation of a variety of police air support scenarios, demonstrating the capabilities of the infrared FLIR system. The evening concluded with a tour of the APD aircraft, a CD 120 helicopter that is equipped with heat-sensing systems and a powerful spotlight. 

The squadron was grateful to Capt Baron Carter for arranging the presentation, and to APD Sgt Keith Harrison, SPO Ryan Millerand, and Ofc. Tom Lopatowski for sharing their exciting work with squadron members. 

The EC-120 is powered by a single-turbine engine and seats five. However, in practice, the aircraft can carry one additional passenger besides the two-person crew. Designed primarily for police work, the tail rotor is exceptionally quiet, allowing the aircraft to be less disruptive of neighborhoods as it passes overhead.

Equipped with night vision goggles (most missions are flown at night) the technical officer in the left seat uses the FLIR heat-sensing equipment to identify warm targets for ground units to investigate (the pilot sits in the right seat). Beyond assisting in search missions, the very presence of the aircraft helps make patrol officers' work on the ground safer. More than once, the team has hovered just above a single officer who had called for back-up and was alone, in a threatening situation, facing a crowd. “The group tends not to act when they know there is another set of eyes watching them. And that buys time for back-up to reach the officer and control the situation.”

The APD has a letter of agreement with the FAA, allowing them to fly without filing a flight plan. The pilot calls the tower for clearance and is vectored away from the airport. Squawking a transponder code, the aircraft maintains contact with ATC until out of Austin Bergstrom International’s air traffic control airspace. The APD also has standard approach patterns from North, South, East and West to land at Bergstrom International and then taxi to the National Guard facility.

As Maj Dan Williams, squadron commander, suggested, “The Civil Air Patrol is usually searching for good guys who want to be found. As a rule, we don’t go looking for the bad guys. The APD, however, has the more dangerous job of searching for the bad guys who don’t want to be found.”  Through the efforts of police officers like Sgt Keith Harrison, SPO Ryan Millerand Ofc. Tom Lopatowski, and the patrol officers on the ground, individuals involved in illegal and often deadly activities are kept off the streets, increasing the safety and security of our community.

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

[1] APD’s N1240 Eurocopter on the ground at the TXDOT Flight Center [2] Sgt. Harrison (left) describes the capabilities of the Turbomeca Arrius 2F engine with (left to right) George Mihalcik, Dan Williams and Baron Carter. [3] Sgt. Harrison tells what it is like to fly the Eurocopter. [4] Eurocopter cockpit: (Left) infrared FLIR monitor, police band radios, (Center) flight management system with GPS at the bottom of stack, (Right) flight instruments.[5] Close-up of rotor. [6] (L-R) Ofc. Tom Lopatowski, SPO Ryan Millerand, and Sgt Keith Harrison. [7] (L-R) Ofc. Tom Lopatowski, Dan Williams, Debbie Ford, Gary Houke, Baron Carter, SPO Ryan Millerand, George Clard, Steve Barclay, George Mihalcik, Terry Bledoe, Sgt. Keith Harrison, and Richard Hacker. (Photos by Richard Hacker)

About the Eurocopter EC 120

The Colibri Eurocopter EC-120 Helicopter is a light single-engine helicopter that can carry up to 4 passengers in addition to the pilot.  The EC-120 is fitted with crash-resistant fuel system, pilot and passenger seats. Very silent (6.6 dB below the ICAO limit) and with a very wide cabin featuring excellent visibility, the Colibri's flight comfort is unique in its category.

This extremely modern helicopter uses composite materials and is fitted with the latest technologies: a Turbomeca Arrius 2F engine and a new-generation shrouded tail rotor as well as modern avionics. Having been taken into consideration from the design phase, this helicopter's maintenance is simple and economical. The Eurocopter EC-120 Helicopter is the fruit of the cooperation between Eurocopter, Catic (China) and STAe Ltd (Singapore).

Eurocopter EC-120 Helicopter Specifications
Maximum weight: 1,715 kg (3,783 lb) Power plant: 1 Turbomeca Arrius 2F
Capacity: 1pilot + 4 passengers Take-off power: 376 kW (504 shp)
Maximum useful load (including mission fuel): 755 kg (1,664 lb) Maximum continuous power: 335 kW (449 shp)
Sling load capacity: 700 kg (1,543 lb) Fast cruise speed ( at maximum weight): 228 km/h (123 kts)
Maximal operational weight with external load: 1,800 kg (3,970 lb) Maximum range with standard tank(s): 732 km (395 nm)

(2d Lt Richard Hacker)
Pegasus CS

My Texas Wing Flight Academy Experience, 2-9 June

ANGLETON, TX – When I joined CAP in October of 2006, I dreamed of going to this academy. I wanted to be there so badly that I could taste it. Well, I made it. And yes, it was worth it. I applied last February, wrote an essay (with a little help), and sent it in. The following month, I still didn't know if I would get accepted or not, so I went on with my life and got a part-time job. Then, at the end of April, I got an e-mail from Lt Col Bob McDonnell, the director of the TXWGFA and a member of the Apollo Composite Squadron, in Georgetown. He’s a former F-16 and A-7 fighter pilot, and now is an A330 Airbus pilot for Northwest Airlines, where he only flies internationally. “Wambo” (we only call each other by call signs, it’s pretty cool) told me I was on the acceptance list, and that’s when I started getting very excited. The next day it got even better. He sent me another e-mail telling me that he lived in my neighborhood and could fly me in the 984CP/CAP 4221 to Brazoria, TX. I was in, and I was going to the Academy! I got an hour and a half flight time out of that.

The first day was simple. We got there, all the Instructor Pilots (I/Ps) briefed us on who they were and what we would be doing. My buddy Andrew “Dead Stick” Smith (he went to last year’s TXWGFA, and, yes, that’s when he accidentally pulled out the mixture instead of the throttle, which means the engine turned off). Anyway, I got to know our I/P Bob “Wambo” McDonnell, and on the first day my buddy and I locked ourselves out of our room in a hotel that’s part of a huge country club, and the lobby is two miles away from the hotel rooms. The short of it is that we walked barefoot on gravel, all two miles of it over, and the same distance back, so we could get another key to our room. A hard lesson.

1. 2. 3.    

[1]-[2] After his solo flight, C/SSgt Harvey still had some flying time left to his credit, so he took a cross-country flight with Capt "Crunch." [3] Dinner with other cadets attending the TXWGFA; C/SSgt Harvey is in service blue uniform, third from left.

The second day was awesome. We got up at 0530 and left the country club at 0610. “If you don’t wake up, you get left behind...” they said. However, they only said that, they never really did it. We arrived at Brazoria Country Airport at 0630. We had breakfast at the Windsock Restaurant, and every day it would be the same: a buffet of donuts, fruit, yogurt, breakfast burritos, orange juice and apple juice (non-organic, so I didn't lose any weight, as I did at encampment). We were amazed at how well we were treated – like Army generals – during the whole camp. At winter encampment, we had been treated like dirt, with what we thought was very little food. We were always hungry. The cold and the physical activity might have had something to do with that.

After breakfast, our I/P demonstrated how to pre-flight the airplane, then he let us do it on our own, while we still had it fresh in our minds. I flew first, so I got in the pilot’s seat and Wambo showed me how to get rolling off the ramp (keep in mind that Brazoria is class D airspace) so I taxied the airplane to runway 17, did the run-up, and took off.

That was the day I learned you need right rudder to go straight at full power, and that’s because of the P-factor, but I'm not going into that in this article. Now, before going on the first flight, I had asked Andrew if the I/P was going to have us land on the first flight, and he said ,”Nah, last year we waited two days before we did that.” Well, guess what? On the first flight, I landed the airplane with a little help from Wambo. Anyway, after every flight, the I/Ps fill out a flight instruction log as well as our logbook. However, the flight instruction log is an evaluation with points on each category of flight skill, for example “Crosswind landings, Slip landings, Stalls“ and so on. The point range is 1-4, and this is what they mean – 1, you needed a lot of help; 2 you did half of it on your own; 3 you did most of it but you needed a little help; and 4, you did it by yourself. Well, I’ve got news for you. To solo, you need all 4s on all categories, which are:

Pre-flight, Engine start, Taxi and run-up, Radio communications, Take off, Crosswind take off, Climbs and leveling off, Straight and level flight, Turns shallow and medium, Steep turns (50-60 degree bank), Descents and level off, Slow flight at 50 knots, Power-off stalls, Power-on stalls, Emergency procedures and forced landings, Turns on a point, S turns, Landings, Crosswind Landings, Go-arounds, Slip landings, Use of flaps, Basic instrument flight (I was the only cadet to practice this in the FA), Parking shutdown and aircraft securing, Collision avoidance, Judgment, and Use of checklist.

25 things I had to do perfectly in order to solo.

By the end of the first day, I had 2.3 hours of flight time and had mostly 3s and some 2s on my score sheet.

The second day was another great flying experience. The most important skills I mastered that day were radio communications, turns were perfect, and my crosswind landings were perfect as well. I got a lot of things down pat that day, and ended up with half 4s and half 3s by the end of the day.

For me, the hardest thing to learn on the first two days was to look outside of the cockpit 80% of the time. I found it very difficult because I've been playing flight simulators since I was 5, and for 11 years I’ve been used to the instruments telling me what I'm doing.

Tuesday, the third day of flying, was interesting. Wambo took me up just once in the morning, I got mostly 4s and some 3s, then he had another I/P named “Crunch” take me up on a couple of cross-check flights to get another opinion – was I ready to solo? That’s when Captain Crunch made it interesting for me.

When I was taking off, he pulled my throttle to idle and said, ”Congratulations. Your engine just died, what are you going to do?” and I said,” Well, since this runway is 7,000 feet long, I'm going to slow down and taxi off the runway.” Then he said,”OK, here's your throttle back. Go ahead and take off.” During the same flight, when we were on downwind (that means that you're on a route pretty much parallel and to the side of the runway), he pulled out my throttle and said, once again, ”Congratulations, your engine just died, what are you going to do?” and I said “Well, I'm going to land it on the runway” So I did, with no power, just fine. Then, once I took off again, he put a piece of paper covering up all my instruments. I flew the pattern and landed just fine once again.

Captain Crunch told my I/P that he had no complaints about my flight. By the end of this day, I had all 4s on everything. And on that day I also got my call sign. Normally, CAP cadet call signs are given for mistakes, outstanding characteristics that aren't normally good, and just strange dumb things. My buddy told me that on the first day last year they’d named a kid Stealth because he kept a low profile, and I liked that name. But the catch is, you're not supposed to like your call sign. So on the third day Colonel “Jumper,” who is a former British SAS pilot, started calling me Stealth because I was the last cadet to get a call sign and I kept saying I hated that name, and he kept laughing. So I tricked him, and I got what I wanted, which for a cadet never happens.

Now here we are, on the 4th day, the solo day when only 5 out of 15 cadets soloed. For me, this day was both very good and very bad. After breakfast at 0710 I thought my I/P was going to take me up for 20 minutes and have me solo. But instead it was a test of patience, rather than a test of flying. I waited on a bench for 4 hours, watching the CAP airplanes, before I got to go fly, and in that time 2 cadets had soloed, which made it even worse. At this time of the day, 1130 to 1230, with 98 degrees Fahrenheit and 90% humidity, flying can be very bumpy, challenging and difficult. To add to the stress of my solo, there was a 9-knot headwind, gusting to 14 knots.

Because of bad conditions, no one was flying when I started doing my pre-flight. So we took off and went around the pattern four times, we landed, and he said simply, ”I'm getting out, it’s your turn” and I replied, ”I'll see you in 20 minutes.” he shook my hand and I taxied to the runway. My take-off was perfect, but with this headwind and the weight of my I/P not being there any more, my true speed was slow and my lift was faster. I got to 550 feet before using the whole runway, and that was when I normally started my 90 degree turn, so I had to correct for this and re-arrange my whole pattern, which wasn't a big deal.

I maintained 1,000 feet during the pattern and started turning to base, then the final descent. Now I had to deal with the headwind on landing, which would be even more challenging. I had to keep my RPM at 1700 on final to maintain 65-70 knots or else I would stall on my solo... which wouldn't be all that good. When I was landing on the part called the flare, I knew I had just made the most perfect landing I had ever done. I didn't even feel the plane touch the ground and my nose wheel was right on the center stripe. (Later they told me that I had “buttered it on” and that’s a great compliment.)

However, this next part of the solo will haunt me forever. I had slowed down enough to make my turn into my taxiway, and I gave it some left rudder, and once I saw that this wouldn’t be enough, I added some left brake. Well guess what? My left brake wouldn't work and I was slamming on that thing with my whole body, but I just ran into the grass. I was in shock when this happened, because I had never had a problem with turning on the ground. So I turned the airplane engine off and I don't remember ever having been madder at myself before.

My I/P came up and said, ”you know you’re supposed to stay on the cement, right?” and he said this in a funny voice, not a demeaning one, so we pushed it out of the grass and the airplane was perfectly fine, I was perfectly fine (other then being totally fuming inside for the next four hours). So I got out of the airplane on the ramp, got my shirt tail cut off, then got wetter than a winning NFL coach at the end of the super bowl, got lots of pictures while I was still mad and a little embarrassed, but everyone included former fighter pilots who were praising me a lot on my pattern, and most of all my landing.

Later, my I/P told me that no other cadet could have handled the weather conditions I went through and perform as well as I did. I was the third cadet to solo and I was the only one to get all 4s on everything on the 3rd day. Also, it turned out that there was nothing wrong with the brakes; maybe I was taxiing too fast in my excitement, but I'll never do that again.

4. 5.  6. 7. 8.   

[4] At the pinning ceremony, C/2d Lt Andrew "Dead Stick" Smith and C/SSgt Zach "Stealth" Harvey. [5] C/SSgt Zach "Stealth" Harvey gets his solo wings with a mother's tender touch. [6] The brand-new solo pilot, C/SSgt Zach "Stealth" Harvey gets a congratulatory handshake from his I/P, Lt Col Bob "Wambo" McDonnell. [7] C/2d Lt Andrew "Dead Stick" Smith and C/SSgt Zach "Stealth" Harvey. [8] Cdt Harvey with his parents and two brothers.

The next couple of days I helped cadets with homework and gave them some encouragement for their solo. Also, I told every one of them to slow down a lot by the time they would want to taxi out of the runway. On Saturday, the 4-hour ceremony rolled along, my buddy and I got our solo wings, and I can still see my mom’s smile as she pinned mine on me.

In the end, I did better than I thought I would, I really loved it, and now I'm going to work on my FAA pilot’s license. I don't know which CAP camp I'm going to go to next year. Oh, and by the way, for this academy, I was the youngest cadet, had the least flight experience, was the second lowest ranking, and had been a CAP member for a much shorter time than anyone else there. Don't let your experience, rank, and age discourage you. Set yourself your own personal goal, and just go for it.

(C/SSgt Zach “Stealth” Harvey)

CAP School Notes

During June and July many squadron cadets and senior members will be attending NCSA or National Cadet Special Activities. Several of the alternates have now received a slot to go to these activities. Special congratulations to those cadets attending 2007 NCSA Activities.

  • Erie, Raphael H - Air Force Space Command Familiarization course

  • Cilino, Bradley J - Engineering Technologies Academy

  • Hamman, Steven P - Air Force Pararescue

  • Hamman, Steven P - Air Force Weather Agency

  • Hamman, Steven P - Cadet Officer School

  • Petrosky, Robbie D - National Flight Academy

  • Petrosky, Evan T - National Flight Academy

  • Stewart, Sean E. R. - Air Force Space Command

  • West, Constance E - National Flight Academy

  • Jaeger, Daren K - National Blue Beret

Congratulations also to cadet Zach Harvey, who soloed at the Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy (see item above). Way to go, "Stealth."

(1st Lt Daren K. Jaeger)
Red Oak Cadet Squadron

An Unforgettable Encampment, 15-24 June

CAMP MAXEY, TX – This Summer Encampment, 15-24 June 2007, was a memorable experience for all cadets who attended. The cadets who spent the longest time there, working for two days preparing themselves to receive the cadet basics and then making sure that the basics were kept busy and safe, were the cadet staff. I was one of them.

     Starting on 17 June, during the week that the basics were at encampment, they had at least one staff member keeping a watchful eye on them, helping them keep focused, on the job, and out of trouble. Being on cadet staff has some advantages and disadvantages, compared to what the cadet basics have to go through.

Staff members were required to make sure that cadets kept working and didn't slack off, had adequate hours of rest, and suffered no injuries. This process of taking care of cadets comes at a price – as staff members, we gave up a lot of our own sleeping time as we made certain that cadets got the full benefit of encampment. Those of us who staffed for the very first time in any wing event found the lack of sleep difficult to deal with. At times, even those who had staffed many previous encampments had a problem staying awake, since the work was long and hard.

     Flight staff members seemed to have the most difficult jobs at times. We spent most of our time with cadets, making sure that their training for the day was completed. We had to keep alert at all times, because it was up to us to see that the cadets studied their lessons, learned their drill effectively, and stayed asleep after lights out.

The main goal of this encampment was to influence basics to become the next leaders. And as other goals were being set, they were being accomplished thanks to the leadership provided by us, the flight sergeants and flight commanders. We helped our basics learn the value of teamwork in order to get the job done – and earn certain streamers for the flight’s guidon.

What did the cadet staff get out of this Summer’s Encampment? We accomplished the goal of getting our flights through encampment without any broken bones or major injuries. We learned the value of rest and sleep, which we got whenever we could – but only after our job was done. And at the end of encampment, we left our beloved bunks with new leadership qualities, ready to carry them to our home squadrons and pass them on to next year’s newcomers to cadet staff duty.

Above all, we’ve carried home our memories and experience, that we'll pass down to future leaders who will look up to them as a guide, and use them to correct their own mistakes. Learning is hard work, but it doesn't hurt. (Photos: C/MSgt Marcela Leano.)

(C/SMSgt Alexander Evans)
Waxahachie Talon CS

Squadron Pancake Fly-In, 2 June

     WAXAHACHIE, TX – Where can you find cars, planes, pancakes, and flight line marshalling all in one place? At a pancake fly-in, of course. On June 2, the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron hosted a pancake fly-in at the Midlothian/Waxahachie Mid-Way Regional Airport. Senior members and cadets from the Waxahachie Composite Squadron, Red Oak Cadet Squadron, and Black Sheep Composite Squadron arrived early at 0700 and started preparing for the event.

After a light rain shower, crowds from all over Texas came rolling – or flying – in, ready to eat hot pancakes and watch each other's (or someone else's) airplanes. Throughout the morning, tail draggers, Cessnas, Beechcraft Bonanzas, and Pipers flew in and out of the airport. All the hard work that the Waxahachie cadets had done practicing flight-line marshalling paid off nicely. The morning was filled with many light planes that kept on coming for the fly-in.

Many spectators drove in, lining up and providing a cheering line for the pilots. They enjoyed the buzzing of landing and marshalling with hoots and rounds of applause. It was very Texan.

But as the afternoon approached, Cadet Whitney Liekis had bigger things on her mind – an R4D Transport to be exact. The old reliable made a low pass over the airport, the pilot reassured himself that yes, this was the right place, and then slipped into the pattern. Once the plane had landed, Cadet Liekis marshaled the big bird to a parking spot on the ramp. The R4D pilot had flown all of the way from Lancaster, Texas just to eat fresh, hot pancakes. “I loved marshalling the R4D today. It was a great experience for me, as a first-timer to the event. I also enjoyed meeting cadets from other squadrons,” commented Cadet Liekis.

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

[1] Waxahachie and Red Oak Squadron pose for a serious picture. [2] But now we can clown around, since the planes aren't here yet... [3] (L-R) C/MSgt Alex Evans, C/2d Lt Williams and C/SSgt Jason Myers marshall a Cessna. [4] (L-R) C/2d Lt Tiffany Hamm and C/AB Whitney Liekis. [5] DC3 coming in for a landing. [6] DC3 taxiing.

Around 1130, the crowds began to thin, and some planes started their engines. Cadets rushed back to the ramp in order to direct the planes orderly to their path of departure. As they revved their engines and got ready to roll, many of them saluted their marshallers – who were both cadets and senior members – with a broad smile. "We'll be back soon," was a common statement of farewell.

Overall, the event was a success. Both senior members and cadets had an enjoyable time marshalling airplanes. (Photos: C/2d Lt Tiffany Hamm)

(C/2d Lt Tiffany Hamm)

Local Cadets Direct Traffic at Pancake Fly-In, 2 June

WAXAHACHIE, TX – Whether a motorized kite, a jet helicopter or a World War II-vintage transport, Cadets of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) put them all in their place at Mid-Way Airport. The cadets, members of the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol marshaled all arriving and departing aircraft to and from their parking spots during the annual Mid-Way Regional Airport Pancake Fly-In.  Also participating were members of the Red Oak Cadet Squadron and the Black Sheep Composite Squadron of Mesquite, TX.

The annual event gives cadets an opportunity to provide a community service while exercising skills required for the various CAP aviation-related missions.  Aircraft marshalling is just one of many ways that the cadets, some as young as 12 years old, can participate.  Under close supervision of adult CAP members, the orange safety vest-clad cadets used large orange wands to direct arriving aircraft to a parking spot on the ramp, and to direct them to the runway when ready for departure.  This is a relatively complex activity that carries much responsibility, yet these young members regularly rise to the challenge -- with no mishaps. 

The morning had dawned drizzly and brooding, as lingering rain showers moved over the airport, putting the entire day’s activities into question.  As the starting time had drawn near, however, the clouds lifted, the rain stopped, and the stream of incoming aircraft overhead grew steadily.  One of the early arrivals was a powered hang glider, consisting of little more than a large kite with a seat, engine, and landing gear suspended below it.  The cadet marshallers took it in stride, though, sharply signaling the pilot through a series of turns from the runway to his assigned spot on the ramp.  Following shortly afterward was a Care Flight jet helicopter, presenting a whole different set of considerations for the cadets as they maneuvered the sleek helicopter with its crew of three into its assigned spot.

Cadet Airman Basic Whitney Liekis, one of the squadron’s newest members, used her newly-acquired skills to direct one of the largest aircraft, a World War II-vintage R4D transport, into its parking spot on the ramp amid the numerous smaller aircraft.  Discussing it later, she expressed how awesome it was to be responsible for safely directing its maneuvers on the ramp.  “It looked HUGE when it turned toward me and moved into its spot.”

As the string of arrivals continued in rapid-fire fashion, the ramp became crowded with a fascinating mix of experimental aircraft, vintage military fighters and pilot trainers, as well as transports with more than a half-century of service to their credit, all parked amidst general aviation aircraft -- and all parked precisely and safely, by a team of enthusiastic, well-trained Civil Air Patrol cadets. Mimmicking "the real thing," a number of large-scale model aircraft stood orderly by the runway, as their owners waited for a chance to fly them.

At its peak, the ramp contained more than two dozen aircraft.  This presented a challenge to the marshallers, since several local aircraft providing sightseeing flights kept moving in and out of the ramp area that was covered with both aircraft and spectators.  The cadets successfully met that challenge, though, and kept all the movements safe and efficient. 

 

There is nothing like success to make all the hard work seem worthwhile, and the cadets of the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron savored their success as they headed home midday Saturday, exhilarated by having played an important part in aviation pageantry. (NOTE: The editor grew up literally devouring Life Magazine weekly. Imagine what those editors could have done, had they been lucky enough to have the Internet available to them. AW) (Photos: Lt Col Gary Stevens)

(Lt Col Gary Stevens)

Cadets Learn About the SR-71

WAXAHACHIE, TX – “If a 30-06 bullet could sustain its speed across the continent, and the bullet were fired in Los Angeles at the moment an SR-71 flew overhead, the SR-71 would be overhead New York City two and a half minutes before the bullet!”

     Recently, members of the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) at Mid-Way Regional Airport learned this and much more about the legendary SR-71 spy plane from one of the world’s foremost authorities on the aircraft, retired Air Force Colonel Richard Graham. When he retired from the Air Force, Colonel Graham had flown the SR-71 for more than a decade, and was Commander of the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, home of the SR-71 and the equally famous U-2. (At left, he enthusiastically recalls his days at the controls of the world’s fastest airplane, the SR-71.)

The SR-71 was the product of aircraft designer Kelly Johnson and the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation’s “Skunk Works” team which had produced other ground-breaking aircraft such as the World War II-vintage P-38 Lightning, the rocket-like F-104 Starfighter, and the high-flying U-2 reconnaissance aircraft.

The cadets learned how the design team overcame such enormous challenges as 700-degree-Fahrenheit fuselage temperatures, shaping titanium components, and dealing with the effects of the engine inlet shock wave at supersonic speeds, a feat they accomplished in a pre-computer age, when none of these issues had been previously resolved. Furthermore, they dealt with these challenges under the mantle of complete secrecy, which made it possible to acquire the needed titanium ore from the Soviet Union – at the height of the Cold War, in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

     Although the SR-71 was designed more than 40 years ago, it still holds many world speed records. It routinely cruised at Mach 3+ (over three times the speed of sound) at altitudes above 80,000 feet above the earth. It was this tremendous performance that allowed it to gather information on activities and capabilities of actual or potential enemies, despite all efforts by the latter forces to bring it down. Now that the program is declassified, Colonel Graham is free to discuss the program's history and technical details. It was the potpourri of these details that kept the cadets on the edge of their seats throughout the presentation.

Colonel Graham helped the cadets grasp the enormous capabilities of the SR-71 by comparing its performance to that of airliners with which the cadets might be familiar. For example, a typical jet airliner will take about 20 minutes from liftoff to level-off at 31,000 feet reaching a speed of three-fourths the speed of sound. In about the same time span, the SR-71 can climb to more than 80,000 feet while accelerating to three times the speed of sound – a four-fold performance increase.

The Civil Air Patrol provides numerous opportunities such as Colonel Graham’s presentation for youth and adult members alike to learn first-hand about aviation history and technology from those who were actually there. Colonel Graham is active in the Civil Air Patrol himself – now a member of the Dallas Composite Squadron – and devotes much of his time to CAP activities. Although not a requirement for membership, many CAP adult members bring a background of military and civilian aviation from which they draw freely in order to enrich the experience of the cadets, who can be as young as 12 years old. (Photos: Lt Col Gary Stevens)

(Lt Col Gary Stevens)

Doing Your Best at Summer Encampment, 15-24 June

CAMP MAXEY, TX – What is it like to be a C/1st Lt who winds up holding two very import positions during a Texas Wing activity? Extraordinary! The skills that one can learn from holding a leadership position at encampment open many doors for the rest of one's CAP career.

Upon arriving at encampment, I was prepared to do my job as a Standards Evaluation Team (SET) member. As the week wore on, I learned how to do my job more efficiently; but then two of my leaders had to leave because of personal reasons, with only two days of encampment left. This required the more experienced remaining staff members to step up and fill the empty positions. I was asked to be the new SET commander, as well as the 43rd Squadron commander. Of course I said yes, I could not turn down an opportunity that was sure to benefit the cadets as well as me.

Serving as the SET commander and a squadron commander for this past summer’s encampment at Camp Maxey definitely had a large impact on my leadership skills. More so because I had not expected it, and it also told me that my abilities had been noticed by my peers.

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[1] C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm with C/MSgt Marcela Leano, a student at the PAO Boot Camp. [2] C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm with C/CMSgt Elyshba Kemp, also a student at the PAO Boot Camp [3] C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm conducting inspection. [4] C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm discussing inspection results. [5] C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm in a rare quiet moment.

As the SET commander, I learned that organization and communication were key to getting the job done in as short a time as possible. By 0500, the SET commander begins determining how some ambiguous issues of the day are to be resolved. These include the following: which SET members will be grouped together, which flights will be inspected first, which area the flights must report to, and what time each flight reports in for uniform inspections. Once these decisions have been made, the SET commander briefs her SET members on what she determined for conducting uniform inspections for the day.

After breakfast, the SET team separates each flights’ inspection sheets according to the order given by the SET commander; while the SET commander radios in to the squadron commanders the order of flight inspections for the day. Once inspections are completed, the SET commander begins tabulating flight scores, because this determines which will be named the honor flight of the day. After dinner, the day is finally over for the hard-working SET commander.

As a squadron commander, I learned that memorization and communication were the key to getting the job done right. Squadron commanders are required to memorize the drill command script for passing in review (a parade that serves as a graduation ceremony at the end of encampment). Once they have memorized the script, the squadron commanders gather their cadets in flights on the parade field and practice the commands, movements, and drill for passing in review. On the parade field, squadron commanders are responsible for calling the correct commands, while keeping their voice under control. After the practice is over, squadron commanders are free to go about the business of the day.

Overall, being a squadron commander is much less ambiguous work than being the SET commander. But, as a Cadet First Lieutenant being able to serve in both positions at the same time, I found the work an enriching personal experience. It was such a wonderful privilege, that it is quite unexplainable!

(C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm)

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