Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030

 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

More than meets the skies . . .

Newsletter - August, 2007

A Minor Miracle

Having spent 20 years in the military, I thought I knew young people, so I felt comfortable about having to work with them at the 2007 Texas Wing Summer Encampment. But I had a surprise coming. In the military, the "young" count starts at 17 and goes up from there. At our encampment, some of the cadet basics were 12, many more 13, and the bulk of them 14. There was a sprinkling of 17-year-olds, true, but they were the exception, rather than the rule. I found out very quickly that I was out of my age bracket.

I saw them arrive, bewildered, many of them the first time away from home, most of them knowing no one there. It is a lonely place, when you know no one and have only fears to guide you through the labyrinth of a totally new situation. It makes no difference whether you're male or female; uncertainty can be equally devastating. The shortness of breath, the stiffness of the stance, the darting glances, the slightly moist upper lip, the shifting of the weight from one foot to the other and back again, the nervous fingers feeling for something to do. These are behavioral beacons. All of them symptoms of inner turmoil, displaced reality, "What am I doing here?" thoughts of doom and borderline distress.

They were trying to look their best, in their scrubbed youth, their clear eyes, their unlined faces, their neatly cut hair, their slightly disheveled short-sleeve blues that had spent too much time inside a hot car during the long ride to Camp Maxey. "Camp Maxey, you say? Never heard of it." Well... there are over 200 CAP cadet basics that now know exactly where Camp Maxey is. In fact, they know it intimately, and they'll remember it until the day they die.

Not all squadrons pay equally close attention to the correct wear of the uniform, and there's no way for most cadets to know whether what is OK at home will still be OK in this hard, organized, impersonal, inflexible place. I notice a young cadet wearing a Texas Wing patch on his shirt's left shoulder, months after it should have been removed. Miraculously, he makes it through the in-processing tables and no one notices. I catch him on his way out of the room and ask him to stand still, take my small Swiss Army knife, remove it carefully, and hand it to him with a smile. There's gratitude in his eyes. "Don't get caught," I say to him, and he treasures my advice.

It is a Sunday, when most children their age are out playing and enjoying the sunshine. These, on the other hand, are unpacking, and setting up a bunk in a crowded place, being herded from here to there, and to formation, and they start practicing their close-order drill, marching like a centipede, with a total absence of cadence and rhythm. It is a Sunday, and they'll need to pass in review on the following Sunday. The whole lot of them will need to march as a single body, and a little clump of 15 cadets can't keep step. A bitter inner smile shapes itself in my soul. "Not in a million years," I think. "They're doomed." And immediately resolve not to tell them.

I've seen young Army recruits try, and try very hard. These were much younger than the recruits I've known, and the difference between 17 and 12 is not easy to quantify. I had not expected them to try as hard as they did, but they surprised me. They not only tried, they tried with their all, and gave it their all, and conquered each given task, one at a time.

The Texas Wing Chaplain (Maj) Ron Whitt accepted my help in offering them a short devotional near lights-out every evening. This is where I felt the pulse of their agony, their conflict, their hope for deliverance. This is where, gradually, I saw them rise from their fears and conquer the magic of a smile. This is where I saw them grow in inner stature as they matured and learned and grew confident in their own capabilities. As they sought comfort, and we tried to provide it, they comforted us through their very nature.

Then, by the following Sunday, the minor miracle took place, the centipede was banished from Camp Maxey, and they did themselves proud as they stood in a formation of nine flights, formed into two squadrons, and passed in review in front of Col Joe R. Smith, the Texas Wing Commander. It had rained a lot during the week, and the parade ground was sopping wet. Yet, not a single cadet deviated from the line of march, even when their steps splashed through standing water.

I was so proud of them...

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages

Group Commander

A Job Well Done

I am proud of you, Group III.  All of you. Eighteen months ago you did not exist as a unit, and today you do. In a fantastically short time, I have seen you reach out and begin to form relationships with other units and amongst yourselves. I have seen you take shape. I have seen you define yourselves and your identity. I have seen you take pride in the quality of the organization that you strive to be. You. We. Us. All of us.

And when I talk about 18 months I'm not just talking about any old 18-month period of time. I'm talking about a Fire Season that saw Texas Wing fly 1800 hours. I'm talking about losing many of our staff to wing, yet continuing to maintain the highest standards. I'm talking about bringing three disparate former groups together, and out of them forming one cohesive and well-functioning unit. You have endured and adapted to change throughout the entire Group III command structure. You have adapted to a new wing commander with whom we had never worked before.

And throughout all of this, you have continued to stand out as exceptional volunteers in an organization that is already filled with exceptional people!

We were chosen as the 2006 Group of the Year for Texas Wing. And as if that weren't enough, we've now made it through our SUI with flying colors. Not only did we get an initial grade of Successful, we later received an overall grade of Excellent. Better yet, when their report had been completed, the Texas Wing IG team had No Findings!

Every member of this organization has set a standard for volunteer service that others will strive to meet.

Listen up, Group III. All of you. Hold your head high, because you've earned it. You have proven that Third really is always First.

Nice Job!

Tertia semper primoris

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Aerospace Education

"Space Shuttle Return to Flight" program available

     In our role as Solar System Ambassadors with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratories, we are willing to present a new program from NASA, the " Space Shuttle Return to Flight" DVD. It was released in June 2006 and is produced by the Denver Museum of Natural Science. It covers STS-114 and STS-121.

     All we would need for the presentation is a DVD player and either a TV or digital projector. The DVD is a little under an hour long. It dovetails nicely with Aerospace Dimensions Module 6, "Spacecraft."

Please contact: Cynthia Whisennand, SSA or Dietrich Whisennand, SSA - (H) 214-827-8786

Ch. (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, thanks to the PAO Boot Camp and its members. The Course Commander and the students had the unique mission of reporting all of it, from the early days of staff arrival and preparation (15-17 June), though in-processing starting on 17 June, through graduation by noon, 24 June.

The staff and students' photography augmented by the work of a number of photo-savvy senior members serves as a living frame from which this editor sketches a brief narrative rendering of this event, below.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Letter on Cadet Participation in Emergency Services Missions, 7 July

Please read an important policy letter from the National Commander.

Col Joe R. Smith, TXWG CC

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.) Victor Toney, 366th Fighter Wing chaplain, on the subject of "Portraits of Courage."

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

NCSA National Honor Guard Academy, 8-20 July

     We had three cadets attend the NCSA Honor Guard Academy this month. Kudos to C/SrA Kleinmeier and C/SMSgt Cohen from Black Sheep Composite Squadron and C/TSgt Heitzemann from Red Oak Cadet Squadron for successfully completing this intensive 2 week event.

Tuskegee Airmen Duty & Balch Springs Fair, 30 June

     On 30 June, the Group III Honor Guard was asked to provide escort for the Tuskegee Airmen at the Duck Creek Independence Parade in Dallas. This year, the Tuskegee Airmen were the Parade's Honorees. Cadets performing were C/SrA Kleinmeier, C/Capt McKinney, C/MSgt Garcia, and C/SrA Niskern all from Black Sheep Composite Squadron. After the parade, the cadets went to Balch Springs, TX where they performed rifle drill and presented the colors at their Independence Day Fair.

1. 2.

[1] Col Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander at left, with three Tuskegee Airmen flanked by the Group III Colors. [2} The Honor Guard stands on line, before the start of the Duck Creek Independence Parade.

Addison KaboomTown Independence Day Event, 3 July

     Once again, on 3 July, the Group III Honor Guard was asked to perform at the Addison KaboomTown Independence Day event. After being introduced by the the Mayor of Addison, the Honor Guard presented the colors during the playing of the National Anthem, kicking off the fireworks display. KaboomTown is rated as one of the best fireworks displays in the Nation, and is attended by approximately 30,000 people each year. After presenting the colors, the HG stayed and enjoyed the fireworks. Cadets participating in this event were C/SrA Kleinmeier, C/SMSgt Cohen, and C/MSgt Garcia from Black Sheep Composite Squadron and C/MSgt Gulliksen from Addison Eagles Composite Squadron.

Girls Fast Pitch Softball State Tournament, 22 July

     The Group III Honor Guard was asked to perform on July 22 at the opening ceremonies of the Girls Fast Pitch Softball State Tournament in Mesquite. The Honor Guard presented the colors behind home plate during the playing of the National Anthem. Cadets participating were C/Capt McKinney, C/MSgt Garcia and C/SMSgt Cohen from Black Sheep Composite Squadron and C/MSgt Gulliksen from Addison Eagles Composite Squadron.

Training Meetings This Month

     The Group III Honor Guard had two training meeting this month, during which they worked on rifle drill and outdoor and indoor colors presentations. Cadets attending the meetings were C/MSgt Garcia, C/Capt McKinney, C/SMSgt Cohen, C/SrA Niskern and C/SrA Kleinmeier from Black Sheep Composite Squadron, C/MSgt Gulliksen from Addison Eagles Composite Squadron and C/CMSgt Scarborough from Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron.

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

Group III SUI

The Texas Wing IG team came up with an overall "Excellent" on the Group III SUI, with no findings. The Group CC has something to say about this.

Inspection Schedule

Charter # Unit Name Date Comment
TX-352 Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron 21 April  
TX-030 Group III 5 May  
TX-376 Waxahachie Composite Squadron 4 August  
TX-390 Addison Composite Squadron & TCA Flight 9-10 June  
TX-148 Waco Composite Squadron 14 July  
TX-391 Dallas Composite Squadron Day TBD September  
TX-351 Pegasus Composite Squadron 11 August  
TX-133 Irving Composite Squadron Early 2008  
TX-803 Red Oak Oaks Cadet Squadron 17 November  
TX-076 Crusader Composite Squadron Day TBD September  

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

The Most Asked Questions About the Senior Officer Course - AFIADL 000013

Q How do I request my AFIDAL Course 00013?

A When you are ready to sign up for a course, go to: http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/afiadl/main.htm , then to"IMT & Forms," then to the Form 23 (PDF version). Complete that Form 23 at that site and return it electronically to AFIADL at the address found on the form: student.services@maxwell.af.mil.

Q Can I extend the deadline for the completion of AFIADL 000013, The Civil Air Patrol Senior Officer Course (formerly ECI 13)? If so, what is the procedure for this, please?

A Yes. Extensions may be requested from AFIADL. Extensions are limited to a maximum of four months per CDC, specialized course, and single course PME program.

AFIADL courses must be completed within specific time limits, depending upon the type of course or the type of enrollment. The time limits stated for the various programs/enrollments below begin from the date of enrollment and require the completion of the course examination (and a retake CE, if necessary). The date of enrollment is printed on the Enrollment Postcard that is forwarded to each new enrollee.  

To request a test, visit: http://afiadl.custhelp.com

To request the tests, go to the AFIADL customer help desk at: http://afiadl.custhelp.com  Click on the "Ask a Question/Request" key. In the "User ID" text entry block, enter your e-mail address. In the "Question Data" block, enter your full name and last four digits of your Social Security Number. Have the test sent to the Test Control Facility Shred Code established for your wing. In the "Categories" text entry block, select "Civil Air Patrol Courses" from the drop-down menu. In the "Course Name/Number" block, enter the course name and AFIADL number. In the "Branch of Service" block select "Civil Air Patrol from the drop down list. Once completed, click on "Submit Question." You should get an e-mail from AFIADL to confirm your request. The test will be mailed to your wing HQ/TCO.

Q Should I fail to complete my AFIADL course in the allotted time, how long must I wait to re-enroll?

A Voluntarily enrolled students who are disenrolled for noncompletion (NP) of a specialized course or CDC within the time limits are ineligible to enroll voluntarily in a specialized course or CDC for six months following the date of disenrollment. After that 6 month waiting period, you can re-apply.

 

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 Aug-2 Sep Pilot Cont Tng Odessa  
8-9 September CLC Addison Group III HQ  
20-21 October CLC Tyler CS  

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

TXWG 2007 Summer Encampment, 17-24 June

CAMP MAXEY, TX – The Texas Wing 2007 Summer Encampment set itself apart from other encampments by offering a Public Affairs Officer Boot Camp. As in the past, the Basic Cadet Course got most of the student enrollment, and two other specialized courses – Communications School and Ground Search and Rescue Specialty School – trailed quite a bit behind it, yet ahead of the brand-new PAO Boot Camp..

Not surprisingly, the PAO Boot Camp had the lowest number of students, although some cadets interested in PAO work had enrolled in the other available course. Undeterred, the PAO Boot Camp Commander sought them out and encouraged them to keep a log or diary, take photographs if they could, and write notes about their experience. Time permitting, they were asked to hand over them their work for evaluation and publications; otherwise, they could write them after encampment and send them in when ready.

Staff Prepares to Run Encampment – Portfolio

(Photos: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate) (Photo: C/CMSgt Elyshba Kempf) (Photo: C/MSgt Marcela Leano) (Photos: C/A1C Sarah Heitzmann)


Basic Encampment What CAP Cadet Life is All About

Cadet Basics were scheduled to be at Encampment by 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 17. However, for this to go well, much work needed to be done prior to their arrival. This is why Staff personnel – from the Encampment Commander, Lt Col Brooks Cima, to the youngest kitchen worker – started arriving on the early afternoon of Friday, June 15. Quarters, training areas, mess hall and kitchen facilities, supplies, communications, training schedules, signage, training aids, and in-processing procedures had to be defined, standardized and practiced.

The Texas National Guard had generously loaned the use of Camp Maxey’s selected buildings and training areas for the duration of the event, from June 15 through June 24. For the encampment staff and students, these would be nearly ten days of non-stop activity. The Basic Cadet encampment is run by older, trained cadets who, themselves, have attended the same course in their younger years. As a rule, these trainer/leaders range in age from 15 to 19. They could be as old as 20, and – rarely – as young as 14.

The Cadet Basics can be as young as 12 (in some cases 11, but that is a rarity), but some might be as old as 17. This time, most of them ranged from 13 to 15. This is normally Civil Air Patrol cadets' introduction to the principles of leadership, behavior, and fundamental skills. Many students will be experiencing a highly structured and disciplined environment for the very first time ever, and a few will reject it. In practice, after the initial shock, most of them develop a strong bond of belonging and unit pride, maneuver their way around the hurdles of the environment, work quite hard, and greatly increasing their level of physical fitness.

From the student cadets’ perspective, who rise at 5 a.m. and – exhausted – welcome lights out at 10:15 p.m., their cadet instructors and TAC officers (adult supervisors who oversee all aspects of their training) are all-powerful and inexhaustible leaders. As far as the young trainees can tell, their instructors and supervisors “know everything” and are absolute rulers of their daily routine.

Blinded by their own predicament, the cadet students don't stop to reason that their trainers and supervisors need to rise before they do, in order to make sure that the cadet students rise at the proper time and greet the day the right way. Nor do they give a second thought to the cruel fact that these “demigods” they fear and respect will need to remain “on the job” for yet another 45 minutes every day, and won’t enjoy their own lights out until 11 p.m. These instructors and TAC officers will consider themselves lucky if they get five and a half hours of sleep a night.

For the cadet leader/instructors, teaching and mentoring younger cadets is part of their own leadership requirements, which they must go through in order to satisfy CAP promotion requirements. The TAC officers come in "flavors." Some of them are prior service military men and women who re-live some of their prior experiences through their donated time and effort. Others are senior members whose own children are in the CAP Cadet Programs. Yet others are just civic-minded individuals who want to serve the community and foster the development of young persons.

Initially, the cadet students view TAC officers as silent but ever-present figures of undetermined power and authority. These experienced adults are the guardians of propriety and are charged with mentoring the cadet leaders, making the system work smoothly. The entire teaching structure is designed to help young persons in their formative years acquire a sense of duty, responsibility, self worth, and desire to do well. By the time encampment comes to a close, just seven calendar days lived in an intense succession of whirlwind events, the bewildered and lonely student has learned to fit into the group, acquire pride of membership, and reach a plateau of comfort within the structure of the Cadet Corps – a first step in the arduous trip towards adulthood and useful membership in our society.

The Army National Guard is generous with their training aids as well. They made Bradley Fighting Vehicles and Armored Personnel Carriers available for cadet familiarization rides, and these got integrated into the training schedule. During this one week of near-frantic activity, cadet basics are exposed to rifle target practice, physical training, indoor rifle range simulator, Bradley Combat Vehicle orientation, physical training, Armored Personnel Carrier orientation, physical training, aerospace education, moral leadership, physical training, customs and courtesies of the service, physical training, traversing of the confidence course, and lots of close order drill (marching) instruction.

Yes, there is a great deal of physical training. The ancient Romans held that happiness was rooted in the dictum mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body). This has been foundational in military and para-military training through the centuries, and CAP is no exception. The cadets' food rations are adequate, their bedding meets military standards, and the training grounds are safe and well-maintained.

Suddenly, after days of ceaseless toil and perceived agony, the week is nearly over and Saturday dawns on the eve of graduation. That Saturday evening is devoted to a "dining in," an occasion that gives everyone an opportunity to let off steam. In the military, a dining in is a high protocol event that calls for very formal dress – not at this encampment, though. The dress is casual in the extreme, but the spirits are very, very high. The cadet basics know that they have only one last thing left to do before they graduate and "earn their ticket home": Passing in Review.

This year, the basic encampment cadets met the standards of the parade field with confidence, dash and honor. Passing in review for the Texas Wing Commander, they filed past in step and proudly, in the best tradition of military generations of the past.

Basic Encampment – Portfolio

(Photos: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate) (Photos: C/A1C Collin Cathcart)   (Photos: C/MSgt Marcela Leano) (Photos: C/MSgt Ruby Moreno) (Photos: C/A1C Sarah Heitzmann) (Photos: Capt Jay Workman) (Photos: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate) (Photos: 1st Lt Cheri Fischler) (Photos: 1st Lt Sue Kristoffersen}


Communications School – Keeping in Touch With the World

The Civil Air Patrol conducts 95% of all inland Search and Rescue operations in the Continental United States, and is in a state of constant alert, ready to carry out its mission under any conditions short of total devastation. This means that, in the case of a natural disaster, it needs to have its own self-contained radio communications equipment, personnel trained in its use, and be able to transport and set up the equipment for optimal performance.

This course is offered to both cadets and adult CAP members, who are taught how to set up the antennas for VHF and HF (long range) communications. The students are required to set up a link that works with the Ground Search and Rescue Specialty School (GSARSS) equipment, using UHF radios that have a range of about two miles.

The HF net can reach CAP units across Texas and even across into the neighboring states, a network that is operational at specified times across the area.

VHF is commonly used in CAP vehicles, and the GSARSS students can use it to communicate with Comms School, which for training purposes operates as “Mission Base” for the GSARSS course environment.

Students learn how to set up and operate under field conditions, practice for emergency missions when an area has lost electrical power and all telephone communications – such as happened in New Orleans and surround area during Hurricane Katrina – and build antennas for direction finding, as well as HF and VHF radio communications.

Students must have received their ROA training and be licensed by CAP (as an FAA agent), which empowers the individual to operate CAP radios – hand-held, vehicular mounted, and fixed base. Classroom work covers the theory and practice of communications, and is a mandatory prerequisite to field work and field operations.

Lab work is also important. Here, the students learn how to solder, use test equipment, and diagnose small problems with the radio’s proper operation.

Besides the technical aspects of getting radio equipment to work in concert, the students engage in extensive radio message exchanges. Each students is assigned to one of three groups that train individually. This arrangement gives the instructors a better chance to verify that each student has acquired the right skills.

At the end of the course, students are evaluated and, if found knowledgeable, they are checked off on the Mission Radio Operator skills. Once they have worked in this capacity during two missions (actual or training), they'll earn their MRO rating.

Communications School – Portfolio

(Photos: C/CMSgt Elyshba Kempf) (Photos: C/MSgt Marcela Leano) (Photos: C/CMSgt Michael Moody) (Photos: C/MSgt Ruby Moreno) (Photos: Capt Jay Workman)


Ground Search and Rescue Specialty School (GSARSS)

This is one tough school, and in fact it clearly advertised as such. To be acceptable, the student must be fit and in good physical condition.. It is physically demanding, taught under high stress conditions, and requires a lot of academic as well as hands-on learning. As the course progresses, students are awakened at odd hours and required to participate as working members of a search party during a simulated emergency. Emergency workers, in common with pediatricians, must be available at all times.

The range of course activities is varied: emergency medial evacuation, rescue from simulated rising waters, searching for a downed airplane, locating a missing person, and the many life-threatening situations that people can find themselves in. Forest fires and brush fires are also a consideration. Hurricanes and tornadoes enter into the equation as well. Whenever a life is at risk, the emergency workers will be called upon to help.

A more than passing acquaintance with aerial rescue is necessary, since many injuries happen at inaccessible places that might require that a seriously injured patient be evacuated via helicopter. Or the place could be quite accessible but the extent and gravity of the injury might demand the fastest possible transport to a fully-staffed medical facility. This training was made available to the GSARSS students as well, and it included ground-to-air and air-to-ground signaling..

Texas has known its share of floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and other large-scale disasters. As any other place on Earth, though, the smaller-scale dangers are always around the corner also. And they are taken very seriously because, though smaller in scale, they can still prove quite dangerous to the victim.

GSARSS – Portfolio

(Photos: C/CMSgt Elyshba Kempf) (Photos: C/MSgt Marcela Leano) (Photos: C/MSgt Ruby Moreno) (Photos: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate) (Photos: Capt Jay Workman)


PAO Boot Camp Reporting it All

It was the job of the PAO Boot Camp's students to report the encampment in its totality. After a day spent on ethics fundamentals, and the do's and don't's of PA work, and having demonstrated adequate basic writing skills, they were pronounced "capable" and sent out into Camp Maxey to do ferret out the story and document the event. Any event. All of the events.

This they did, admirably. They photographed, interviewed, shot short film clips, and wrote about it all. They followed the activities of the day and made a permanent record, part of which is reproduced here. Some of their articles were published in last month's newsletter, reflecting their point of view, their experiences, and their thoughts.

They came to the PAO Boot Camp to learn, and in the process they taught each other. They came to write and they did. As the course commander edited each article, they sat next to him and got a run-down of why the changes were being made. The ever-present Who, What, When, Where and Why were stressed again and again. Soon, it became second nature to all of them. And they wrote better as a result. This was an amazing personal improvement that operated in concert with their willingness to do the job, and their ability to express themselves became tighter, clearer, even more compassionate. (Perhaps to their surprise, they came looking for "material" and found "people" behind each assignment.)

They also tested their own limitations and found out how much they could accomplish, were they willing to try hard enough. Their ingenuity and dedication was an inspiration to this instructor, who found in them the seeds of greatness.

Other PAO Boot Camps will come along, but only this one can ever be the first. With no previous guidelines and left totally up to the instructor, this commander chose not to approach it as a "let's write the book on this subject" but, instead, as an exercise in facilitation. "How can I help each student do a better job and reach a higher standard?" became the instructor's personal goal. Other boot camps might be harder to conduct than this one, or even easier. But this one provided a rich environment in which young minds were allowed to take flight and reach for the stars.

One thing, however, is certain. Due to security reasons, a technical problem that will be solved very soon, the expected high-speed Internet connection was not there. This handicap represented a true barrier to adequate dissemination of information, yet it served another useful purpose. It provided yet another way to teach the students how to improvise, work around the obstacles, and get the story out no matter what.

An so they did.

PAO Boot Camp Portfolio

(Photos: PAO Boot Camp Staff & Students)

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Commander, PAO Boot Camp

Public Affairs Cadet PAO

National Flight Academy pops a New Voice

C/SrA Evan "Tex" Petrosky, a member of Pegasus Composite Squadron, is not your typical CAP cadet. He came to CAP late, and he's leaving Austin for Lubbock, TX where he'll be attending college this Fall. That's the short of it. He likes sports, especially football, and writes well. He loves flying . His prose flows convincingly, his feelings ring true, and he involves his readers into the fabric of his tale disarmingly. I am sure that he'll do well in College, and wish him every success. For an encore, he sent in the article below, on this year's IACE cadet's visit to Central Texas. In the meantime, I hope he'll find other opportunities to share his experiences with this newsletter's readers. Welcome, Cdt Petrosky!

Another New Solo Pilot is a First Contributor

C/2d Lt Brandon "Knickers" Maso, a member of the Addison Eagles Composite Squadron, was a surprise that entered my life as a breath of fresh air. This editor has found this sort of forceful expression not uncommon when people write about something they feel strongly and deeply about. Cdt Maso is no exception in this... but there's more. He uses literary devices rarely seen these days, and he makes them work. Spain's Generation of 1898 deeply influenced European letters and, through Ernest Hemingway, American writing in the 1920s and 1930s. One of their "tricks" was to describe a person not with a simple narrative painting a physical portrayal but through the objects that person chose to have around, in an enumeration of preferences that ultimately revealed what that person held dear and what didn't. Cdt Maso uses the same device by "talking to himself" in a stream-of-thought flurry of activity, keeping his personality and feelings afloat amidst the excitement and demands of the moment. His short essay is as innovative as it is memorable. Indeed, welcome to the Group III Newsletter, Cdt Maso. I hope to hear your voice often.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Public Affairs IACE

IACE Cadets Visit Central Texas, 19-28 July

AUSTIN, TX The International Air Cadet Exchange was the first major event that I participated in when I joined CAP a year ago, when my family hosted two exchange cadets. We had a really fun time and learned a lot about different cultures and countries. Just like the cadets at my national activity last June, the exchange cadets were a great group of people. I was excited to hear that our squadron would receive IACE cadets again, and that my family would host two of them this year.

The exchange cadets had already been to Dallas and Houston before arriving in Austin Wednesday night. Everybody met at Maj Richard Pope’s home, where I met cadets from Ghana, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. My family would be hosting a cadet from the United Kingdom, Josh, and an escort from Dallas, C/2d Lt Brandon Maso

After we left Major Pope’s to grab a bite to eat, I started learning about life in England and the differences in culture. It was a great start to an event-packed very long weekend. 

Thursday we took a trip to San Antonio, where we took in the mall on the River walk. Being your average teenagers, the IACE cadets do two things really well, shopping and taking pictures. The cadets showed little interest in the Alamo, however, but I didn't press the point.

On the River Walk we ate lunch at the Hard Rock, and hundreds more pictures were taken. I also found another severe difference in culture. Josh (UK) ate his French fries with a fork, which I thought was an odd choice and a rare sight in Texas. It would appear that he just didn’t like the idea of using his hands to eat food.  

Next came our trip to Randolph Air Force Base, where they train flight instructors on how to teach new pilots. The aircraft that fly out of there are the T-1, T-6 Texan II, T-38, and T-43, all of which were seen flying that day. Our tour of the base started with the main office building they call the Taj Mahal because of its odd shape (since it also encloses the water tower that is so well hidden you'd never know it’s there unless some one told you).

We went to the top of the tower and could see the whole base. The view was nothing less than perfect as T-6s and T-38s took off and landed. The base’s other attraction was the opportunity to fly a T-1 simulator. The instruments looked a lot more complex than the Cessna I’m used to flying in. Everybody did one time around the traffic pattern in it, it was fun, and all the cadets talked about their simulator flight afterwards.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] At the Texas Capitol, the UK cadets and their escort (Lawrence Hughes, Mr. Richard Vass, and Josh Macaulay), present their Texas host with a plaque as a memento of their visit to Texas. [2] Group photo at the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. [3] Group photo at Callahan's, a store known for its Western clothing and riding gear. [4] At the San Marcos Airport, UK Cdt Lawrence Hughes, CAP Capt Don Hart, and UK Cdt Josh Macaulay

Friday was a great day. Nothing says Texas better than a trip to the State Capitol. We took a tour of the building, including a visit to the room where the governor signs bills to enact them into law. The desk and chair where he sits were a popular photo attraction. Once again, the cadets found the gift shop almost instantly. Our time ended there with a trip to the Secretary of State’s office, where we met a dignitary who works there. He gave us knowledgeable insight into Texas politics, and the problems concerning the state on a local and national level. The IACE cadets were amused by this discussion.

Lunch at the County Line was wonderful, the food great, and the Hill Country views outstanding. The company was pleasant and appreciative, and the meal was over in no time at all.

As the aroma of Texas barbeque stuck to us, our next destination was the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. It consists of displays and artifacts from wars dating from the Texas Revolution to WW II. It is a very interesting place to visit, with many dioramas and historical artifacts around.

5. 6. 7. 8.

[5] UK cadets Lawrence Hughes and Josh Macaulay enjoy their Squishes. [6] UK Cadet Lawrence Hughes in the T-1 flight simulator at Randolph AFB. [7] UK Cadet Lawrence Hughes at the County Line, thoroughly enjoying his Texas barbeque. [8] Turkish Cadets Adem Tepe and Yelda Unlu at Schlitterbahn.

The final stop on Friday was to Callahan’s General Store, where the exchange cadets received cowboy hats. This, by far, was the most amusing time for them. They wanted to be real cowboys and cowgirls, which they hoped they could accomplish by wearing the right garments. The day ended with a trip to Lakeline Mall, where the cadets once again shopped for hours.

Saturday was a stress-relieving day. Schlitterbahn is always a great time.  It was also nice be to able to get up late, not at at five thirty in the morning. Some cadets were astonished by how the water slides actually shoot back uphill. Best of all, thanks to plenty of sun blocker, nobody got “cooked.”

That night ended with a dinner at the Hula Hut, on Town Lake, which was a lot of fun. 

Sunday was the IACE cadet’s last day in Texas. That day we went to the San Marcos Airport where the cadets enjoyed O-Rides offered by the Tex Hill Composite Squadron and flown by Capt Dave Badal and Capt Don Hart. The other cool part of this side trip was that we were allowed to hang out in the Commemorative Air Force’s hangar at the airport. Inside the hangar they had a B-25, several T-6s, and many WW II aircraft. It is quite remarkable to see these planes, still in flying condition, sixty-five years after they were built. Everybody enjoyed seeing the planes and getting the O-Rides on the Tex Hill CS's Cessna 172.

That night was the farewell dinner at the Tres Amigos restaurant, in Wimberley. That was a bittersweet moment, since it reminded all of us that the good times were coming to a close. The final pictures were taken as the cadets shared their gratitude with Lt Col Debbie French and their host families. The four days they spent in the Austin area had gone by far too quickly.

After participating in national activities for a while, within my limited experience, I’ve noticed a pattern. Taken as a whole, they are fun. The people I’ve met are great and the activity itself, whether it’s been a flight academy or an IACE visit, are pretty much dream vacations. National activities are a truly unique experience that every CAP cadet should strive to attend.

C/SrA Evan Petrosky, Pegasus Composite Squadron

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

Getting Organized

Here's a quote to live by, "Cockpit organization is an art, not a science, and no number of gadgets, reminders or kneeboards will help the pilot who isn't thinking ahead." 

Organization is a way of life. At one end of the organization spectrum lies the sloppy and careless pilot who leaves without weather briefing, current charts or even a pencil to write down tower clearances. At the other is the obsessive-compulsive pilot who can be shattered by last minutes changes or surprises. In between these extremes lie sanity and safety for both pilot and passengers. 

The keys to organization involve being able to find what you need when you need it, and not taking stuff you don't need. The latter just adds weight, clutter and complexity without making your flying any more efficient, enjoyable or safer. 

1. The first step in an organized flight is a plan. It doesn't have to be complicated, but even if you are going to play on a sunny day, you should have some plan, such as your destination, route, time and fuel required, as well as weather forecast. Filing a flight plan will encourage you to (1) create a plan and (2) fly the plan.

2. Another step in organization is the development of good habits. Practice effective preflight habits to minimize the likelihood of departing the hangar with the tow-bar still attached.

3. Review your flight bag and organize it by removing outdated charts and other clutter. Insure all battery-operated devices have fresh batteries and spares (within easy reach from the left seat.) 

4. Make sure that your navigational charts and approach plates are current. 

In short, think about what you'll need in each flight, whether it's around the pattern or a lengthy cross-country trip. Then break it into phases, figure out what each phase of the flight will require, and make sure that you have it when you need it. This will not prevent the unexpected, but should you find yourself in such a situation, you'd be better prepared to cope with it with less stress. (Main ideas taken from an article published in "Aviation Safety," March 2006.) 

Latest FAA Instrument Procedures Handbook

This handbook provides the most up-to-date guidance on how to operate safely within the National Airspace System. As a single document, it is almost 21MB in size. The following page has links for its individual sections as well as the complete document:

It is posted at http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/instrument_procedures_handbook/

For questions or comments about this handbook please contact: AFS420.IPH@FAA.gov or U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Flight Procedure Standards Branch, AFS-420, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125

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

August Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

August 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

 

 

August

 
24-26 Aug Camp Mabry ALS - Pegasus hosting   
 

September

 
8-9 Sep  Addison, Group III HQ - CLC Course  
 

October

 
14-21 Oct Maxwell AFB, Alabama National Staff College  
20-21 Oct Tyler CLC Course  
27-28 Oct Bastrop (BSA Facility) - FTX, hosted by Pegasus  

Maj Alan O'Martin, COS

A USAF Air Combat Command Officer's Guest Commentary

Portraits of Courage

MOUNTAIN HOME AFB, Idaho  Courage has many faces. It's not found just on convoy duty, in the cockpit of a jet or behind a 50-caliber gun. According to the dictionary, courage is the "mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty." Who better fits this description than the spouses and children of our deployed warfighters?

They suffer the difficulty of multiple separations, the fear of a hundred unknowns and countless birthdays, holidays, anniversaries and special days lost to the ages. They get no medals or ribbons. When their loved ones return, a grateful nation receives them but hardly gives a thought to the courageous sacrifices their families have made. And yet, they don't complain. In fact, their support does not wane. Their encouragement does not falter. Their prayers do not cease.

These heroes will never have a parade in their honor, and history will little note their sacrifice. But we know who they are. They are our wives, husbands, children and parents who weep when we leave, unfalteringly support us while we are gone, and embrace us when we return.

Who are these courageous ones? Is it the wife who sleeps in an empty bed on a cold night and celebrates her anniversary alone? Is it the child whose mom cannot help blow out his birthday candles, or whose dad is not there to marvel at the innocent beauty of his teenage daughter's first homecoming dance?

The strength of our military is ultimately not in bombs and bullets. It's in the absolute certainty that when we go to war, our families will unfailingly support us, and when we return they will still love us. Sometimes that love is as simple as a young daughter putting on her father's flight cap with the anxious anticipation of seeing him again.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Victor Toney, 366th Fighter Wing chaplain

Useful Links

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

Addison CS

A Dream Comes True at the Texas Wing Flight Academy, 2-9 June

ADDISON, TX – After months of anticipation, I’d finally arrived at Brazoria County Airport for the Texas Wing Flight Academy. Of course, this was all thanks in part to a scholarship from the Air Force Association, Dallas Chapter 232. Receiving that scholarship enabled me to attend this school, which is just one of the many perks of Civil Air Patrol membership. Flying, breaking away from the land, soaring in the air free as a bird, has always given me a thrill that I know will never wear off. Nothing compares to it.

Clear across Texas from my home squadron – the Addison Eagles Composite Squadron just north of Dallas – the Academy was based at Angleton, TX, near San Antonio, The lodging accommodations that awaited us were amazing. It was by far the best I’ve ever had at any CAP event. No, it wasn’t the Las Vegas Bellagio Hotel, for sure, but it was definitely something that not I, nor anyone else, could ever complain about! My fellow cadets/student pilots and I thoroughly enjoyed everything – from the air conditioned rooms to the excellent food we received on-time, every day, without fail.

As far as the Academy is concerned, from start to finish, there wasn’t an instant that I would ever regret. It was truly an excellent learning experience for everyone, and each one of us made new friends in the process. All of these wonderful things gave us the best environment in which to work toward our ultimate goals for that week – our first solo flight! Not everyone achieves this milestone, but for me, this goal and dream did come true. Since it was something I had set my heart on, not surprisingly, every second of it is now permanently etched on my mind.

Friday, June 8th, 2007 would be, for most kids my age, simply another day of summer '07. But for me it was to become much more.

I awoke that morning at an early 5:30 a.m., still unsure of how the day would shape up. I knew I'd be flying with my IP, Capt Nolan Teel (whose call sign is "Crunch") as I had for the previous five days. However, I also knew that there was the possibility that I might fly solo if everything went smoothly. It isn’t that I’m superstitious or something but I on that day I decided not to count on it, so as not to be disappointed if it didn't happen.

We got to the airport and C/2d Lt Derek Prucha (call sign “Spandex”) and I (call sign “Knickers”) pre-flighted the plane like we normally had each of the preceding mornings. “Crunch” decided he was going to fly with me first, so we strapped in and got ready to go. We started the engine, taxied to the runway, took off, and flew three laps in the pattern. 

After we landed, I was expecting to taxi to the ramp and tie down.  Well, we did taxi to the ramp, but “Crunch” told me to taxi in front of the Windsock Cafe and make a full stop, while leaving the engine running. I held my feet on the brakes as I watched him unbuckle his seat belt, roll his seat back, unlatch his door, and step out of the plane. I grabbed his door, latched it shut again, made my radio call and taxied to runway 17 at Brazoria County.

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

[1] The Windsock Cafe owners treat the class to a "good luck cake." [2]-[3] After his solo flight, Cdt Maso gets a hearty congratulation from Capt Nolan "Crunch" Teel... as Cdt Maso removes his shoes in preparation for the ritual that is to follow. [4]-[5] In the best tradition of times past, a thorough dowsing celebrates the new solo pilot's accomplishment. [6] The entire class presented a signed commemorative photo to the Windsock Cafe owners, as a memento of the event. (Photos [1]-[5], Capt Denise Thompson; Photo [6], C/2d Lt Brandon Maso)

This time, though, it was different – I was by myself! “No problem,” I thought and talked the whole time, “I know what I'm doing, I can fly this plane!” I got down to the run-up area and went through my checklist. “Engine instruments look good, radios set, trim set for takeoff, flight controls free and correct, doors and windows shut and locked, seat belt on” – I was ready to go! That’s when I looked over to my right and saw that yes, indeed, I was truly alone in that plane!

One final 360-degree turn just to check for other traffic in the pattern, nobody was on final or base leg, then I made the call, "Brazoria County Traffic, CAP flight 4227, student pilot, first solo, taking runway 17, closed traffic, Brazoria County," and the runway was mine!

“Ok Brandon, you can do this. You got it, now go for it,” I thought to myself. I lined up the plane on the centerline, and talked myself through the entire flight. –

Lined up, nobody on upwind. Apply full throttle, engine instruments in the green, airspeeds alive, keep it on the centerline, yokes coming alive, 40 knots, 45 knots, 50 knots, 55 knots, rotate, 60 knots, pitch up slowly, airborne at 62 knots, positive climb. Stay over the runway centerline, climb out at 75 knots, trim, trim, and trim some more. Continue climbing. 500 feet, turning crosswind, make the radio call, keep it climbing and trim. 1,000 feet turn downwind and make the call. Okay, keep parallel to the runway, pull some power out. Okay, halfway down the length of the runway now, airspeed about 100 knots. Pull more power, 1700 RPM.

GUMPS (compacted acronym for Gas, Under carriage, Mixture, Prop, Power, and Straps) check, carburetor heat on, gas on both, mixture rich, power reduce, trim correct, flaps 10 degrees, straps on. Pitch is airspeed, power is altitude! Push the nose over, good rate of descent, keep looking for traffic and listening. Okay, touchdown point off the wingtip turning base and making the radio call.

Keep the nose pushed over, 80 knots, add another notch of flaps. Trim it, trim it. Looking good on final, don’t see anybody, airspeed under control, turning final, lined up, everything looks good, make the call on final. Keep descending; last notch of flaps, 70 knots, glide-slope looks good, VASI (acronym for Visual Approach Slope Indicator) is red and white.

Okay Brandon, you got this, fly to the runway, fly to the runway, keep the airspeed at 65 knots, fly to the runway, 65 knots. Ground effect, here it goes, level off, bleeding off airspeed, 60 knots, flare… flare… flare… touchdown! Keeping pitch up, slowly lowering nose, adding breaks, speed is under control.

Taxi off, making radio call, "Clear off the active." Taxi to the ramp, shutdown checklist, and park it. Mixture-idle cutoff. Parking break set.

As I opened the door, I realized I’d just flown a $200,000 piece of machinery all by myself, taken my life into my own hands, and had done something that only one in 10,000 Americans ever get to do. I’d finally accomplished something I’d always wanted to do, and it was the start of a new chapter in my life.

At that moment I realized that flying would be my future, one way or another. I finally told myself that I was done procrastinating, and only flying once or twice every few months. Those 35 hours I had built up since age 10 (a long six years ago), had paid off in allowing me to solo. But that wasn’t an end in itself. I now had a new goal – getting an FAA private pilot’s license.

(C/2d Lt Brandon Maso)

Addison CS Assists with Air Show, 30 June - 1 July

ADDISON, TX – Service to one’s country can take many forms—even selling sodas and chilidogs on a hot, humid weekend. This was one of the many lessons that cadets and senior members of the Addison Composite Squadron learned during the Warbirds Over Addison Airshow, sponsored by the Cavanaugh Flight Museum on June 30 - July 1st, 2007.

This annual event was the squadron’s opportunity to raise funds through the operation of a concession stand, as well as create good will in the community. Engaging in a very high-profile activity, cadets helped the museum with parking and crowd control. In the end, the concession stand was a financial success, the cadets helped visitors find a place to park, and much more took place.

The crowds generated by the event provided members with the opportunity to show off CAP’s capabilities. The relatively new Gippsland GA8 Airvan, painted in CAP colors, shared the tarmac with war vets like the B-25 “Mitchell” bomber parked just yards away, prompting one young visitor to ask, as he pointed at the GA8, “Is this old thing still in flying condition?” Squadron pilots used opportunities such as these to explain CAP’s abilities, and to further aerospace education – a responsibility sometimes overlooked.

The air show also provided a tremendous recruiting opportunity. The ninety-plus degree heat and high humidity prompted many of Cavanaugh’s visitors to drop by the concession stand, which doubled as a recruiting booth. According to the unit’s recruiting officer, Major Sherry Coffey, “Too many people are unaware of Civil Air Patrol. This event provides valuable visibility to the organization. Also, people who love airplanes come to air shows, and people who love airplanes are a good fit for CAP.”

Squadron members handed out brochures and took the time to explain the benefits and obligations of membership. Young people were particularly interested, especially after seeing the sharp cadets at work. They were allowed to sit in the CAP GA8, where they received information on the CAP cadet program, its leadership opportunities, the hard work required, and the lifelong skills that are to be had.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.   

[1] C/SrA Nick Ranieri receives a helping hand while boarding a modified 1944 Sherman Tank. [2] C/A1C Kellye Franklund on parking detail. [3] C/SrA Benjamin Legband keeps a watchful eye on the gate. [4] Major Tom Sanders explains the GA8's flight controls to a would-be cadet. [5] Squadron Commander 1st Lt Greg Thornbury relieves a generous visitor of his cash (Major Sherry Coffey is in the background). (Photos: 2d Lt Michael Bownds)

From a recruiting standpoint, it is too soon to tell whether the event generated new members, but many people left the show knowing that a volunteer life-saving organization was serving their community, as well as improving the lives of its youth. That alone was worth all the effort that squadron members put into the weekend.  

For cadets, the event put to the test their critical mission skills, which they used while marshalling traffic and answering questions. According to C/1st Lt Parth Patel, the cadets were able to practice radio communication and teamwork. The hot weather, also, required cadet officers to use their leadership skills to ensure that everyone applied sunscreen, remained hydrated, and received adequate breaks to prevent heat exhaustion.

Thanks to the Cavanaugh Museum staff’s generosity, the cadets received a special treat: a hands-on tour of a restored M4A4 Sherman tank, a recent addition to the museum’s collection. Cadets were given full access to the tank, while learning about its history.

According to Taylor Stevenson, a museum staffer, the tank was built in December 1942 for France under the Lend-Lease Program. However, Germany occupied France before the tank could be sent to them, so the U.S. retained possession and used it in the European theater instead. The tank remained in France after the war, but it eventually ended up in Israeli hands in the late 1960s. The Israelis bettered the design by adding an improved cannon and replacing the gasoline engine with a more efficient diesel version. Technically, the new version was known as the M50 Super Sherman. This particular tank saw action during the Six-Day and Yom Kippur Wars, before being returned to the U.S. by a private collector who restored it to its current condition.  

The knowledgeable Cavanaugh staff pointed out gouges in the turret and to the cannon barrel, caused by hostile fire. “The tank was a great experience. Seeing what it was like, what the crews must have experienced, was amazing – to think it had actually been in war... it really makes you think,” said C/1st Lt Patel.

Indeed, it was thought-provoking. Young men, probably not much older than Patel, must have manned the tank and the beautifully restored aircraft displayed around it – while desperately fighting for survival and a chance to see their families again.

Such were the lessons of the Cavanaugh Warbirds Over Addison Airshow. While marveling at the beauty of the historic warplanes and weapons, members of the Addison Composite Squadron could not help but connect with the past, and reflect upon the young people who fought and died in one armed conflict or another.

They also managed to sell a few chilidogs.

(2d Lt Michael Bownds)

Apollo CS

A Morale-Building Plan B, 4 July

MARBLE FALLS, TX – It is a unit tradition that on the Fourth of July the Apollo Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, does community service for the Georgetown SERTOMA ("Service to Mankind") Club. This has been going on for several years. However, because of the recent floods in the area, our plans for the Fourth were canceled at 8 pm on the 3rd, as we were holding our weekly meeting. When I announced to the cadets that they wouldn’t have to work on the Fourth this year, they were downright disappointed and wanted to know if there was a plan B. (The fact that there wasn’t any, as it turned out, didn’t need to be mentioned.)

Quick on the draw, 1st Lt Jim Wreyford suggested that we could help our neighbors in Marble Falls instead, since they were still suffering the effects of the floods. After a couple of quick phone calls, we were all set to go out to Marble Falls in the morning. Relieved that we had found something to do, we hadn’t paid much thought to the kind of duty we would need to perform – we only knew that Marble Falls could use our help, and that knowledge was enough to get everyone moving.

At 7 am on the Fourth of July, augmented by two cadets from Pegasus Composite Squadron, we met at the Georgetown Airport and proceeded to caravan to Marble Falls, where we met the rest of our group. Lt Wreyford found the volunteer coordinator in Marble Falls, who assigned us to work with the Texas State Guard handing out water to the general public – who still had no running water at home. At the Texas State Guard field command post, we checked in with SGT White, who immediately showed us where to sign in, then gave us a safety briefing and introduced us to SGT Orr, the medical officer for that duty day.

Cadet participants in this event included C/Capt S. Hamman and C/SMSgt D Hamman (both of Pegasus Composite Squadron), C/A1C R. Walden, C/Amn A. Haworth, C/CMSgt M. Moody, C/AB E. Matzen, C/SrA S. Corley, C/SSgt J. Messmer, C/MSgt J. Wreyford and C/MSgt E. Norred. Senior members were SM D Walden, 2d Lt M. Corley, 1st Lt J. Wreyford, 1st Lt S. Kristoffersen, and 1st Lt C. Fischler.

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

[1] Texas State Guard and CAP members work shoulder-to-shoulder. [2] A small car gets filled in a hurry. [3]-[4] An ambulance takes a little longer [5] The orange Apollo T-shirts are easy to see, even during a break. Each pallet had held many, many gallon jugs of drinking water, all given away. [6] Pickup trucks were plentiful.

As someone who has worked side by side with this group of cadets for almost three years, I know what they can do, and how willingly they do it. But SGT White didn’t, so he came across as somewhat condescending towards our group. I thought to myself, “This man has no idea who we are, or what we are capable of doing. I’m going to enjoy watching my squadron change his attitude and earn his respect.” As I turned, I saw my cadet commander standing right next to me. “Why are you smiling, mom?” asked my son, C/CMSgt Michael Moody, in an unguarded, private moment. “Oh, nothing,” I replied, “Let’s get on with it.” Then we got everyone lined up for the long day’s volunteer outreach.

For the next six hours we loaded cars, trucks and ambulances with as much water as they could haul – or wanted. SGT White had set a time limit of 10 seconds per vehicle, and you wouldn’t believe how many gallons of water you can actually put into a truck bed in 10 seconds. The cadets and senior members alike worked tirelessly, loading water into every vehicle that passed through the line. The people we were helping (John Q public) were all very grateful for the water, and never failed to give a big, “Thank you” to the volunteers.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

[7] As the pallets were broken down, the jugs got put into shopping carts and handy-crates. [8] A grateful resident gets her water. [9]-[11] SGT Trott supervises as empty pallets are taken away and full pallets come on-line, making for a constant stream of activity.

About two hours after our arrival, SGT White came to my work station in the line and told me that he owed us an apology. “I had underestimated your group, and I’d like to tell you that my unit is very grateful that you’re here to help,” he said. With a grin, he added, “You’re a lot tougher than you look.”

At one point, a cadet asked me if this duty would count for the Disaster Relief ribbon. I explained that while the President had declared Marble Falls a disaster area, this duty would not count for a CAP Disaster Relief mission because Marble Falls had not called the SOC and asked for CAP to be assigned to help, and therefore no mission number had been assigned for us, so we couldn’t ask for the ribbon. I then asked the cadet, “What do you think is more important, earning a ribbon for the duty or giving out water that people cannot get from their tap?” The answer came back at once, “Getting the water to the people that need it is much more important than getting a ribbon for helping them.”

Every time I turned around on that Fourth of July, with no flags waving and no bands playing, as they hustled and smiled, my squadron members – especially the cadets – made me especially proud to be a part of CAP.

At the end of the duty, SGT White was so impressed with our cadets that he asked me if he could challenge them to drop and give five to seal our new partnership. I told him that I could guarantee that at least five of the ten cadets in attendance would join him in push-ups.

12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

[12] SGT White's apology, congratulations, and "sealing of the new partnership." [13] The Apollo cadets match the Texas State Guardsmen on five quick push-ups. [14]-[15] End of day formation, with the Apollo cadets bringing up the rear. [16] The photographer singles out the CAP cadets for a job well done.

When he addressed the cadets he said, “I have to admit it. You guys impressed me today, and in honor of our new partnership we would like to drop and give you five.” SGT White and two other State Guard sergeants immediately dropped to the ground – along with all 10 of the Apollo Cadets – and they did 5 push-ups together. After having thrown water by the case and the gallon for six hours; every single cadet present had been willing to drop for the sealing of their new partnership.

There are days when we all ask ourselves, “Why do I do this?” For me, that accidental, unplanned Plan B turned out to be the answer to the question. I couldn’t be prouder of the conduct, spirit, and dedication shown by the squadron members and the two cadet augmentees who participated in this event.

And now I have this to say to them, “Thank you for reminding my why I do this job.” (All photos: 1st Lt Sue Kristoffersen)

(1st Lt Cheri Fischler)

Black Sheep CS

An Early Fourth of July Celebration, 30 June

MESQUITE, TX – On Saturday, 30 June 2007, several cadets and senior members of the Black Sheep Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, took part in a pre-Fourth of July Celebration in Balch Springs, Texas. As in the past, the squadron took advantage of the event to interact with the public and make a recruiting effort.

In preparation for the traditional parade to pass by, the squadron set up a booth so that the cadets and senior members would be easier to find by interested persons, and they could hand out printed information and answer questions about the Civil Air Patrol.

In a nearby recreational center, where other booths had been set up, the honor guard presented the colors before an audience that had arrived to watch a wrestling match. Two honor guard members, C/Capt Rebecca McKinney and C/SrA Tim Kleinmeier, also put on a rifle demonstration as they spun rifles before a cheering audience. Second Lieutenant Jerry Barron described the purpose and missions of the Civil Air Patrol, and how CAP aids the community in time of need.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] The booth gets early visitors. [2] Black Sheep squadron members pose for a group photo. [3] Visitors stop to ask questions. [4] C/SMSgt Andrew Smith explains CAP benefits to interested visitors. (Photos: 1st Lt. Kelly Castillo)

Despite the sweltering heat, the recruiting efforts were a success, as eager youngsters stopped by to ask questions.

“Mayor Pro Tem Carrie Marshall was on-hand to meet with us,” said squadron member SM Melissa Long. “She was very impressed with who we are, and what we do.”

Squadron cadets were sent out to walk among the crowd, in order to make themselves seen by interested youngsters, who might be interested in joining the squadron. They answered many questions from the public.

(1st Lt Kelly Castillo)

Crusader CS

Squadron Members Try Their Hand at Flight Simulator, 17 July

DFW AIRPORT, TX – Tuesday, 17 July was a big day for the Crusader Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing. The long expected day was sure to bring much excitement for Crusader CS cadets and seniors, as they traveled to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport in order to meet at CAE SimuFlite’s headquarters, the largest business aviation training facility in the world. 

Senior Member Carolyn Bitner, a flight instructor, arranged for the members in attendance to have free flight time on the Cessna Model 560 Citation V simulator. The "V" variant of the original Citation II business jet is still very popular, even though it was superseded in 1994. It is the largest of the "straight wing" jets that Cessna built, and has a reputation for being "easy to fly."

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

[1] Senior Member "Carol" Bitner, Lt Col E.S. “Tex” Collins and Lt. Col Ronald Chandler with the Citation V simulator at CAE SumuFlite. [2] C/A1C Robert Severance IV and C/AB Matthew O’Brien at the controls of the Citation V Simulator. [3] Crusader CS cadets and flight instructor Norwood Band with the Citation V simulator at CAE SimuFlite. The cadets are: (L-R), C/AB Cedric Hampton, C/Amn Kendall Pruitt, C/AB Jonathan Williams, C/A1C Connor Landrum, Norwood Band, C/AB Myles Holmes, C/A1C Robert Severance IV, C/AB Matthew O’Brien, and C/A1C James Hein III. [4] Capt James Hein Jr, TXWG Aerospace Education Officer, gives a “thumbs up” after copiloting the Citation V simulator at CAE SimuFlite. [5] Crusader CS cadets and seniors on the Citation V simulator at CAC SimuFlite. [6] Lt Col E. S. “Tex” Collins and Maj Jack Lewis (Irving Composite Squadron) at the controls of the Citation V simulator. (Photos: 2d Lt Robert Severance III)

Flight instructor Norwood Band of CAE SimuFlite put the cadet and senior pilots through simulated takeoff and landing scenarios. Lt Col Ronald Chandler, who piloted the simulator with this author as his copilot, said, “You have to be gentle with the controls.”  The Citation V's added power makes it very responsive, and it is truly a sweet plane to fly.

Senior Member Kenneth Pruitt, whose son C/Amn Kendall Pruitt also flew the simulator, said, “This was a great experience for the cadets.” The cadets, on the on other hand, just couldn't get enough of it. (They all wanted "seconds.")

Capt Frank Stalling, Deputy Commander for Cadets, thanked Senior Member Bitner for arranging the simulator time for the cadets, for many of whom it had been their first time in the cockpit. C/AB Matthew O'Brien said, "It was fun!"

(2d Lt Robert Severance III)

Dallas CS

O-Flights, 15 July

LOVE FIELD, DALLAS, TX – O-Flights have resumed for the Dallas CS. Two planes, piloted by 1st Lt Brendan Goss and 1st Lt Phil Rains, took off from Love Field on Sunday, July 15 with 5 cadets on board. For C/Amn Donald Expose, it was his first opportunity to co-pilot a plane, an experience he had long looked forward to and one commemorated with his “First Flight” certificate at the June 16 squadron meeting. Of his first flight at the controls, Cadet Expose said “It was everything I dreamed it would be! I can’t wait to do it again!”

Why We’re Here, 22-25 July 

LOVE FIELD, DALLAS, TX – When it comes, it’s a bittersweet call because it means an aircraft might be down, but it’s also an opportunity to put training and equipment to best use. On Sunday, July 22, the Dallas CS’s husband and wife team of 1st Lt Jennifer Goss and 1st Lt Brendan Goss received the call that an experimental aircraft was missing near Mena, Arkansas, not far from the Oklahoma border. As an experimental aircraft, the plane had minimal avionics and no ELT. The ARCHER system would be needed to try to locate the craft in forested terrain and 1st Lt Jennifer Goss is a certified ARCHER operator.

ARCHER (Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance) was developed by Space Computer Corporation specifically for use by CAP and is installed in Gippsland Aeronautics’ GA-8 Airvans. A GA-8 equipped with an ARCHER system is hangared near the Addison Airport, accessible for use by local CAP squadrons. The ARCHER reads hyperspectral imaging data and analyzes it. ARCHER's set of programmed algorithms helps with search and rescue missions carried out by CAP: A software program, GeoChange™, analyzes data obtained from multiple passes over the same terrain, as it is able to identify differences Anomaly Target Detection detects areas of difference (anomalies) in a scene, whereas Signature Match Target Detection looks to identify if there are near-matches to a known material in a scene.

Joined by Lt Col Dietrich Whisennand and Maj Frank Seigler to complete the air crew, the team arrived in Mena, Arkansas on Monday, July 23, with 1st Lt Brendan Goss as the mission pilot and the others as ARCHER operators. Intending to use ARCHER’s Signature Match Target Detection capabilities, they scanned a sample of the covering material used on the aircraft they were looking for. A pass-over of a high probability area on Monday afternoon located a suspected hit. Air and  ground crews were called in, but they were unable to locate the craft. 

The next day, an adjacent area was scanned with the ARCHER system, and two potential sites were located. Ground crews were dispatched again, and the aircrew returned home. A new aircrew was set to be dispatched for a third reconnaissance attempt on Wednesday morning, July 25, when the remains of the aircraft were located by an aircrew doing an aerial search of the point of interest provided by the previous day’s ARCHER reconnaissance flight. A ground team was directed in by radio and, when it confirmed the siting, local authorities were notified so they could begin an investigation. 

Although the outcome was not a happy one, this mission was a coordinated effort between the Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas Wings, and their success can be counted in knowing that they performed the task at hand and provided answers (and closure) to the family of a downed pilot.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame, 23 July

LOVE FIELD, DALLAS, TX – The Dallas CS relaxed for a normal Monday night meeting night at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco while watching the Frisco RoughRiders come from behind to beat the Midland RockHounds. The event, coordinated by 2d Lt Joe Kaplor, Deputy Commander for Cadets, was attended by 5 cadets and 5 senior members, plus their families and guests.

(2d Lt Sue Cathcart) 

Let Freedom Run, 11 September

LOVE FIELD, DALLAS, TX – The Dallas CS squadron again plans to participate in the annual Dallas Freedom Run on September 11 and invites other squadrons to join in. Last year, members of Dallas CS, Black Sheep CS, and the Addison squadrons ran in formation. The intention was to run the One Mile run, but the group missed a turn and completed the full 5K no worse for wear. Information on the run can be found at http://www.thefreedomrun.com/.  Our participation in the run is being coordinated by 2d Lt Joe Kaplor. Please contact Lt Kaplor at jkaplor@communilux.com for additional information and entry forms.

Gladewater Corsair CS

Gladewater Cadets Clean Up, 30-31 July

GLADEWATER, TX – Seven cadets from the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron had promised to participate in an airplane wash as a squadron fund-raiser, the result of a local pilot-owner's request to one of the squadron's cadets. The seven very sleepy, very tired cadets arrived between 0700 and 0730 on the morning of 30 July, ready to start washing and waxing one of the aircraft based at Gladewater Airport. Despite the threatening weather, all jumped in and got started. Making use of their normal, excellent teamwork, the washing part of the job went well and quickly. The hard part was to come, though. This very first customer of the squadron's brand-new service also wanted his plane waxed.

That's when the trouble started – with the waxing. The shorter, smaller cadets were ideally suited for lower fuselage work, but the team had only one can of polish. Hmmm, what had seemed like a perfectly workable plan on the preliminary stages began to show some imperfections in practice. The medium size cadets, as it was plain to see, were best suited to work on the middle sections of the fuselage – but, alas, still a single can of polish. The imperfections were growing both in quantity and gravity. Besides, in a fit of size-derived self-appointed authority, the older, taller cadets cornered the market on all needed resources – the single ladder available as well as the lone can of polish. 

This observer reasoned that at least the upper portion of the aircraft was getting some polish applied. Uh, oh ... There's only one ladder!  What's the team to do? The choices soon became apparent. The cadets could either wax like crazy to get the whole wing covered, then stand down while a single wiper-downer rubbed the areas previously covered with polish. Alternatively, they could start mini relay hops up and down the ladder – apply a bit of polish, jump down, jump up and wipe it off, jump down, jump up and apply some more polish, jump down, and so on. A command decision, and a fast one, was very badly needed.

The answers opened surprising vistas of possible improved and continued cooperation. How about getting another can of polish and another ladder? How about two or three more ladders? As it was, the day was flying by with cadets taking turns at doing whatever work they could squeeze in individually before (figuratively) getting bumped off the ladder. How about leaving the wings for later, and concentrating on the fuselage for the time being, where no ladder was needed? The command decision was reached effortlessly, "Let's all get lunch." 

With the decision made, everyone galloped off to the airport office where, coincidently, the Pizza Hut deliveryman had just arrived. Over man-sized bites of delicious pizza and big gulps of Dr. Pepper, the team decided to put off until tomorrow what they couldn't get done today.  Plan B, brilliantly addressing all issues, required all to meet again a day later on the following afternoon, with several cans of polish and a number of ladders, and finish the job right (without the pizza delivery man).

1. 2. 3.

[1] Multiple Ladders did the trick! (L-R): C/AB Jamison, C/Maj. Mouton, C/AB Jones, C/AB Ruggles, C/AB Alexander, and C/CMSgt Alexander  [2] One beautiful, clean, shiny airplane (L-R): C/CMSgt Alexander, C/AB Ruggles, and C/AB Alexander. [3] The power of prayer - C/AB Alexander on her knees (perhaps praying for the job to be finished to perfection), C/CMSgt Alexander on ladder and C/AB Ruggles at wingtip.

In summary, the cadets did work very hard and the aircraft, a spiffy Cessna 172 painted in brilliant Texas colors, looked outstanding when the team quit on that second day. The cadets tolerated the minor(?) delays waiting for an opportunity to pitch in, with a minimum of hose rinsing mishaps where much more than the aircraft got rinsed (all of us ended up soaking wet as the result of "innocent accidents"). Since it was a torrid day, being wet was a relief that everyone on the ramp welcomed. The aircraft literally sparkled, and the only part of the job pushed back to the following day had been waxing the top of the wings.

It would appear that there is a great deal of interest among the Gladewater-based pilots who would like to avail themselves of this new plane washing and/or waxing service offered by their friendly local Civil Air Patrol unit. The squadron expects that there will be more aircraft to be washed during the remainder of the summer. Now that we have ironed out the kinks of our operation (or so we hope and pray) it should be considerably easier in the future. 

The lessons learned have been quite simple – more cans of polish, with more ladders and a willing cadet group, should prove to be a steady source of income for the squadron, as well as a great morale builder. Cadets participating included Cadet Major Steven Mouton, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, Cadet Basic Rebecca Alexander, Cadet Basic Victoria Jones, Cadet Basic Bradley Jamison, and Cadet Basic Aaron Ruggles.

(1st Lt Harold Parks)

Kittinger Phantom SS

A Tale of Weather and Safety, 9 July

DETROIT INTERNATIONAL, MI – The other night, I reported to Detroit Ops as normal, and checked in for my flight to Kalamazoo. I looked up my crew on the computer, but their names were not familiar. As I walked over, I saw that the plane was at the gate and a few people waited in the boarding area. It looked like a light load for that night. The Gate Agent wasn't there yet (I was a little early) and my Flight Attendant (FA) sat to one side quietly. I found the release and began to check the weather for the short flight 25 minutes en route. Wow, not much time to speak of... taxiing would probably take longer than the actual flight. Oh well, someone has to fly this plane, and I'm on the reserve pilots list, so I don't get to pick. After a few passengers had come to the counter asking me about their seats (a total mystery to me) my First Officer (FO) walked up. Same guy I'd flown with to Columbus the other night, a pretty good pilot.

By this time, the FA, Anita, walked over and said hello, then let herself down the jet-bridge to prepare the cabin. I handed the release to the FO and he and I followed Anita to stow our gear onboard.

I sat at the controls and began to go thru my checklist when my cell phone rang that distinctive "Crew Scheduling" ditty  I'd programmed, so I would always know when they called. "The Kalamazoo flight has been cancelled," the voice said. "What? you're kidding!" "Never mind, the captain flying the trip to Montreal is no-call, no-show. Please go to gate C-10 ASAP." Such is life... The voice went on, "You're needed to fill in and the passengers are already on-board. We'll call the FO and let him know you're on your way."

I told my crew of 5 minutes that I would see them later, since our flight had been cancelled. Their astonishment let me get moving without pause, as I grabbed my gear and rushed off.

I met the Gate Agent at C-10 and informed her I was there to take the flight to Montreal. I signed the release, grabbed the General Declaration for Customs, and made my way to the plane.

As I stepped on board the airplane, I was met by the FA I'd seen earlier in the crew room in Ops. She was pleasant and happy to see any captain at that point. I had a plane full of passengers who seemed happy to see me as well. I made my way down the aisle with my roller-board and put it up in the overhead. At the flight deck, I met the FO who told me he'd already made the announcement to the passengers about the "new captain" and had pretty much everything ready to go. Well, I wasn't quite ready myself, since I had to go over all the paperwork and check the Flt Mgmt System (FMS) to make sure it all agreed.

When everything checked out, I asked for the Flight Deck Inspection and then briefed the take off, followed by the Before Start check. OK, this is progress, folks. We got pushed back and taxied for takeoff. Frederick, the FO, was French Canadian (his accent gave him away), so I felt a little better about going to Canada on short notice. I'd never been to Montreal before.

The flight went fine, only a few bumps along the way. I rechecked the forecast once airborne to make sure that we'd be OK Burlington, VT was our listed alternate, and I'd just been there the night before, when I'd landed with the second half of the runway covered in fog. Interestingly, the approach end was in the clear, so touchdown was no problem, but after we rolled into the fog, it was pretty difficult to see. I felt lucky that night.

Well, this night was a different story. I noticed on the ATIS that the temp/dewpoint was 18/16 pretty close together meaning that the air was pretty saturated but the visibility was still over 10 miles. As we got "in-range," the visibility started to go down. It was 5 miles now. I briefed the approach. Visual, backed up with the ILS to runway 6L. We got everything ready as ATC started reporting the visibility, now at 3 miles. Wow! It was going down fast. The closer we got, the lower it got. Approach control advised that 6L was now at Cat II minimums.

I told the FO, "That's a no-go. We can't do the CAT II." ATC told us we could do the ILS to 6R, however, since visibility on that runway was now at 1 mile. That's my minimum as a High Mins Captain. I don't have the 100 hrs of PIC yet, that would let me go to 1/2 mile. We set up the approach and were instructed to descend to 4000 ft. ATC started giving us vectors to get lined up and then announced 1/4 mile visibility. Wait a minute! From 10 miles to 1/4 mile in less than 20 minutes – that's too fast a drop. If only we'd left Detroit on time...

We couldn't make it in with that. I asked the FO, "Tell ATC we need to divert. We're going to Burlington, VT." ATC asked us what we needed to get in and my FO replied, "One mile visibility." ATC asked whether we wanted to hold and wait, then see if we could make it in a bit later. My reply was, "Negative." My decision had been made, so there was no sense in a "wait-and-see" that would only waste fuel. The visibility dropped too fast and the temp/dew point were now even 18/18. I knew it wouldn't get any better until the morning.  "Climb and maintain 10 thousand, and turn right to 120. Direct to Burlington when able," ATC instructed. We made the turn and now I knew what it felt like to have to make my first "divert" as a Captain. Things got busy as we coordinated with Dispatch on my decision.

After we leveled at 10 thousand and got the weather and landing information for Burlington, I told my FO, "I'm off 1." Meaning, "I'm not listening to the number 1 radio for a minute, because I need to inform the passengers and the Flight Attendant." Within 15 minutes, we were on final approach to BVT. Fortunately, the fog hadn't rolled in there as well. After touchdown, we taxied to a waiting ground crew. They weren't real happy that we'd dropped in on them out of the dark, but there was nothing we could do about that. I called Systems Operations Control (SOC) to find out what the game plan was at that point. Scheduling said, "Go to the hotel and get normal rest." Eight hours! We would fly to Montreal at 8:40am in the morning, drop off the passengers who still needed to get there, and then pick up passengers from Montreal and fly back to Detroit.

We spent the night, the morning came, and the mission was eventually accomplished. All in a day's work. (When he's not volunteering his time as a CAP Mission Pilot, Capt Fenter works as an Airline Captain. Editor)

(Capt Alan Fenter)

Pegasus CS

CAP’s National Powered Flight Academy – Nebraska, 14-28 Jun

CAMP MABRY, AUSTIN, TX – One year ago, I joined the Civil Air Patrol knowing only that it had to do with airplanes. Since then I have learned about its other missions. Flying, however, is what hooked me into joining, and this year I got a chance to do just that.

When I got word that I had been accepted into a national Flight Academy, I was excited. I would be going to Nebraska, where I had never been in my life. In mid-April, I started taking flying lessons to get comfortable with flying and to learn about the aircraft. That’s how, going into the Academy, I had a great foundation of flying basics.

The day for my trip to Nebraska finally arrived. I flew into Omaha, and met other cadets as we waited for our ride to Camp Ashland, southwest of Omaha. As it turned out, Camp Ashland is similar to Camp Mabry. There was an old boxing coliseum with a concrete ring. The other interesting part about Camp Ashland was the wildlife. There were regular squirrels, ground squirrels, rabbits, fireflies, and bats. All of which we saw on a daily (and nightly) basis. It sits next to the Platte River which, at that spot, is less than a foot deep and seventy yards wide. It was common to see airboats on it.

When we arrived, we went into the building with all of the other cadets. It was quiet, but that would be the only time it would be like that at the Academy. The camp director introduced himself and the other instructors before sending us to our barracks. It was just like encampment but, from the outside, you never would have guessed it by the appearance of the buildings. All of the barracks were on pillars that were eight feet tall (I was told that the area is known for its flash floods), and there were picnic tables under them. The barracks had just been refurbished, so they provided a nice place to stay.

Every day we drove forty-five minutes to Fremont, north of Camp Ashland, where our planes were located. The drive went through nothing but corn fields and cows. Farming is huge in Nebraska. I learned this when I noticed that even fields at the airport were being used for growing something. There were seven planes, and three cadets were assigned to each plane. My instructor was Colonel Warder Shires. He is a retired Air Force pilot who has flown many historic aircraft that include C-119s and B-47s. The first day we did ground school and went through the preflight procedures for our Cessna 172P. On Saturday, the real fun would begin.

Each day, for the next two weeks, we woke up at five thirty in the morning, had breakfast at six, and drove to the airport at six thirty. After four days of this, I could feel the effects of the new routine. Sleeping in the van became a great way to catch up on rest and shorten the trip to and from the airport. Our Academy uniform was very simple: a black T-shirt with the Academy logo that we got issued to us and khaki shorts or pants. The food was good. When we were at the airport, our lunch was a ham and cheese sandwich.

We could hardly wait for our first flying day. Everyone was smiling and excited. It was a perfect day to fly, too, and I was anxious to get going. My first lesson went smoothly. We did the four fundamentals and I was happy with my performance, although I’ve had better landings.

1. 2.

[1] The students and instructors at the CAP National Flight Academy. [2] Cadets Petrosky, Cooper and Klein, with their instructor pilot, Col Warder Shires. (Photos: Major Plum and Col Grondahl, Flight Academy Staff)

The second day was just like the first one, but I did more advanced maneuvers such as stalls and turns around a point. At the end of the lesson we did some touch and go’s and pattern work. These first two flights had been a review for me, thanks to my flying lessons at home, and I felt that I could solo any day. I told myself to be patient, and concentrated on learning all I could.

The third day became the best one yet. It was a picture perfect day. I had the first lesson out of my group and it went without any problems. I executed everything Colonel Shires told me to do. For the rest of the day, I hung out with the other cadets at the Fremont CAP building, which is on the airport. Several hours later Colonel Shires told me that we were going flying again.

As we walked to the plane he said, “We are going to do some pattern work and I might hop out.” Wow! That got me excited. The moment I had been working towards might be minutes away! We went around the pattern once, and Colonel Shires told me to drop him off on the taxiway. He told me to “go get ‘em” and I taxied back to runway 31. I waited until traffic had cleared, made my call, and I was off.

Twenty feet into the air I heard a ping-like noise. It was a bird. Out of the corner of my eye, I had seen it hit the right strut. No problem, I continued around the pattern making the calls and adjustments. The landing was average and I went back to my instructor. He told me to go do it again, so I did.

On my second final, Colonel Grondahl radioed to ask me if I was solo. When I confirmed that I was, he congratulated me. After the second landing, I picked-up my instructor and he looked at me right in the eye and said, “Congratulations!” I parked the plane and Colonel Shires told the TAC Officer to go get the camera. I was the first cadet in my class to solo. I felt relieved at finally having accomplished my goal. During my solo, I wasn’t so much nervous as anxious. By myself in the plane, I had felt like a flying ace. I had been thrilled at how quickly the plane had taken off, so easily, with only one person in it. When I got back to the Fremont building, I told everyone, “I’ll never forget this day.”

Many people at the Academy had call signs. Mine was Tex. Others were Hotdog, Dots, Viking, Silent Bob, Spinner, No, Florida, Leprechaun, Leaf, Cell phone, and Pocahontas. All of the names stood for something. But not everyone got a call sign. By day four of the Academy, we were all good friends.

Besides flying and ground school, we spent free time playing football and volleyball. There were also a couple of water balloon fights and several parties. One day, they took us to a place called Lonoma Beach, which is a water fun-park. We definitely found great things to do when we weren’t flying.

Our trip to Offutt Air Force Base was a great experience. We ate lunch there and saw some awesome planes. We also went to the Strategic Air Command Museum. Colonel Shires had flown some of the planes that were in that museum. The coolest planes were the SR-71 and the B-1. Everyone enjoyed that trip. One of the coolest parts of the Academy was the Blackhawk O-ride. We did low passes and went between tree lines. Ten cadets and an instructor went at a time. I’ll never forget that.

I had two more lessons that were under an hour, then I was chosen to do a cross-country to return my plane. It is based in Chadron, Nebraska which is in the Northwest corner of the state. The academy is in the Southeast corner of Nebraska. I flew 3.2 hours to Chadron. Hotdog and his instructor followed us to pick us up. Our instructors had to teach two other senior member pilots there, so Hotdog and I went to the Indian battlegrounds and saw the peace tree. There was also the old fort that was used during WWI for training. After that, we returned to the airport and flew back to Fremont. I ended up flying 12.5 hours at the camp.

Everyone soloed at the Flight Academy. At our awards ceremony, I received a completion certificate, a National Activity Ribbon, and my Solo Wings. Camp Ashland had been my home for two weeks, and it was a bummer to have to leave the friends I had made. They had come from all over the United States. Would I ever see them again?

I’ll remember those two weeks for the rest of my life.

(C/SrA Evan Petrosky)

Pegasus Hosts SLS Course, 30 Jun-1 July

CAMP MABRY, AUSTIN, TX – The Squadron Leadership School, traditionally presented over a weekend of resident study, is an important part of the senior member's professional development, and necessary for career progression. This year, CAP National revised and updated the curriculum, making good use of audio-visual training aids, as well as hands-on exercises. This essential part of the Level 2 requirement must be taken in residence (no equivalent training is recognized, and there is no correspondence counterpart), as the student acquires a basic understanding of CAP operations at the squadron level and how those operations affect CAP's national missions. Additionally, members learn more about CAP customs, core values, and communications. Case studies, discussion, and group assignments are integral facets of the SLS. An important part of the course deals with person-to-person communications and the CAP officer in the role of the unit's spokesperson.

1. 2.

[1] Students and faculty (Lt Col Norm King had to leave early so he is missing from this picture). [2] Students, faculty (minus Lt Col Norm King) and the Wing Commander, Col Joe R. Smith.

Pegasus CS hosted this course as part of the Group III Professional Development program. The students participated eagerly, took many notes, and applauded at the end of the course. The Texas Wing Commander, Col Joe R. Smith, presented each graduate with a course certificate.

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

Col Smith presents their course certificates to [3] 2d Lt Chris Arnold, Pegasus CS [4] 2d Lt Donna Arnold, Pegasus CS [5] Capt Dennis Bazemore, TX026 [6] Capt John Benavides, Apollo CS [7] 1st Lt Joe Chasnoff, Joe Kittinger Phantom CS [8] 2d Lt Monica Corley, Apollo CS [9] 2d Lt Bill Davidson, Apollo CS [10] SM Casondra Floyd, Tex Hill CS [11] Capt Stephen Hundley, Addison Eagles CS [12] 2d Lt Michael Lockhart, Irving CS [13] 1st Lt Amy O'Neal, Tex Hill CS and [14] 2d Lt Mark Petrosky, Pegasus CS

(1st Lt Daren K. Jaeger)

Tyler CS

 

Pancake Breakfast Fly-In, 21 July

     TYLER, TX – The Tyler Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, held its monthly pancake breakfast at its headquarters on the east side of Tyler Regional Airport. This has become a very popular event, drawing visitors from a wide area covering several states. On the same day, the squadron offered cadet O-Flights, which were flown by the new Wing Chaplain, Major Ron Whitt, who is a qualified O-Pilot.

     The photo at left (L-R) shows Maj Ron Whitt with cadets Issac Cedillo and Jared Saucedo, who were taking their first O-Flight. The photo at right shows C/Amn Jesse Carr, C/Amn Jared Saucedo and C/Amn Erica Skeele as they cook pancakes for the breakfast fly-in. (Photos: Lt Col Ragland)

The squadron cadets, under adult supervision, performed flight-line marshalling duties for those flying in. The pancake breakfast brought an interesting visitor: Bob Sudderth from Mineola, Texas. He flew his experimental Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ, in standard configuration. Mr Sudderth is a retired Aerospace engineer who worked on the SR-71 at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

1. 2.

[1] This Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ belongs to the NOAA. [2] A versatile design, this Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ (G-WILY) is fitted with baggage pods under the wings. (Photos: [1] NOAA, [2] Wikimedia Commons.)

Rutan Model 61 Long-EZ Specifications

o Fuel capacity: 50 U.S. gal (200 L).

o Typical empty weight: 760 lb (345 kg).

o Cruise speed: 160 kt (291 km/h) at 5.1 U.S. gal/h (19.3 L/h).

o Range (at cruise speed): 1200 nautical miles (2222 km).

o Max. Speed (level flight): 185 kt (210 mph, 340 km/h).

XCOR Aerospace have modified their Long-EZ and replaced the engine with twin liquid fueled rocket engines, to form the vehicle they call the 'EZ-rocket'. It is used as a demonstrator and will serve as the basis for aircraft used in the Rocket Racing League.

A local television station cameraman came and took some shots of the cadets and Major Whitt pre-flighting the plane, before they took off on their O-Flight.

The weather, for a change, was clear. All in all, the squadron had a successful event.

(Lt Col "Butch" Ragland)

Waxahachie Talon CS

Reflections on a Fourth of July

     WAXAHACHIE, TX – On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress of the Thirteen United States of America adopted a resolution that, from that moment on, became known as The Declaration of Independence. This document established that America was free from Great Britain’s control. Drawing from England’s own Magna Carta, which specifically had broken with tradition and stated that the monarch was not above the law, the new Declaration gave Americans the right to self-determination, vesting upon them the natural right to choose their own destiny and enjoy a chance to experience what we have today – the rights of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

The body of the Declaration details a long list of grievances and abuses, and argues that they are the very reason why America has the right to break away from the British Crown. The document finally ends with the words, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Yes. Our Nation was born in honor, based on a mutual reliance among peers, each willing to spend all personal resources and even enter into the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their common, irrevocable decision.

From the beginnings of our Nation, we have relied on a God of right, mercy and kindness. It is in the light of His protection that “the pursuit of Happiness” translates as “the seeking of joy” – because happiness is a transitory feeling, yet joy is for ever. And Americans understood their right to these essential qualities as being guaranteed by the God they worshipped.

Which three things has God abundantly given to our country? Freedom, justice, and the right to pursue joy. Since our forefathers believed in creating and defending a free country, we Americans have the right to do as we please within the confines of the law. So why do we value freedom so much? Because freedom wasn’t and isn’t free. In order to keep our freedom, at times, we must also fight for it, and make sacrifices. This is why we have several branches of the military, each with its own mission and all working together, and one of them has a civilian auxiliary known as the Civil Air Patrol.

(Photos: C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm)

CAP is the organization that keeps America thriving within and helps in time of disaster and need, while our military defend us from our enemies abroad. CAP cadets learn that they are America’s future leaders; and this prepares them to accomplish any task – even ready themselves to govern America when they’re called upon to serve in public office. With our military organizations and the Civil Air Patrol, we will protect our freedom, and let no one take it away from us.

Justice is also dear to Americans. Without it, would if be possible for America to exist at all? Probably not. We must be fair and honest with others, just as our God is fair and honest with us.

As Americans, we have the right to seek joy. Happiness is temporary and a result of what’s happening at the moment, whereas joy is forever and based upon a state of heart, mind and soul. With the joy of God in my heart, I will be able to succeed no matter what my situation might be.

Enduring hardship is just a small aspect in our daily life, but it has a great impact upon us. To overcome this timeless struggle, not only do we need friends who care about us, but we must obey God’s Word as well. We read in Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2:3). If we have faith in God, He will in turn be our guide and comfort, and give us more triumphs than we could ever hope for. No problem in the world is too big for God. So we must put all of our trust and faith in Him, and He will take care of us.

Thanks to the foundations that our forefathers laid down for us, and the sacrifice of many in the intervening years, America is still thriving as a free, joyful and law-abiding country – 231 years later.

(C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm)

What is a friend?

A friend is that someone you can trust with anything,
Who, by the expression on your face, can tell what you’re thinking. 

A friend is someone who’s honest and sincere,
Someone you will always hold so dear.

A friend is someone who will listen,
Who will hold your deepest thoughts and feelings,
And won’t judge you, so you have no need to hide anything.

A friend is someone who will forgive and forget.
With a true friend, you will never have regrets.

A friend is someone to catch you when you fall,
Someone who’ll help you up and put you back together. 

A friend is someone who makes you laugh and smile,
Someone who makes your day worthwhile. 

Even with miles in between,
A friend will always come when you’re in need. 

Friendship is respecting and loving one another,
Just as our God does for us.

(C/1st Lt Tiffany Hamm)

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