Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030

 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

More than meets the skies . . .

Newsletter - September, 2007

A Gathering of Peers

When the April, 2007 issue of this newsletter was announced on the PAO Forum listserv, Capt Steven Solomon, Southeast Region Director of Public Affairs and Chair of the NHQ PAO Academy Committee asked me whether I would be willing to share my "best practices with Academy participants during informal roundtable discussions scheduled for each morning of the Academy." Being considered for such an assignment is a great honor and a heavy responsibility, which I took with personal thanks and quick acceptance. Then, when the Academy program was published online, I learned that my dear friend and colleague Capt Kathryn Martin, former TXWG DPA under whom I had served as Deputy would be speaking on "Weathering a CAP Crisis," presenting Texas Wing's PA work during hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Soon after, the 2007 Maj Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement Awards program, created in honor of the first USAF officer to serve as PAO at CAP NHQ, was announced. This competition was open to CAP PAOs at all levels, and each PAO was allowed one entry. As a special case, those registered to attend the PAO Academy were allowed three entries, each of which had to be submitted on a different one of the nine available categories. As did many of my peers (almost 100 attended the Academy), I submitted three entries. Mine were on "Web site" (naturally, this Group III website) "Writing for media" (a bylined article that had appeared on Volunteer's Nov/Dec 2006 issue), and "Newsletter" (as you would expect, the newsletter now before your eyes). These I printed out as required, and mailed in upon my return from the Texas Wing 2007 Summer Encampment, where I had served as the PAO Boot Camp Commander. (Yes, PAOs do get around. If they don't, they're probably not doing their job all too well.)

Not quite a month later, I received a congratulatory e-message from NHQ PA, telling me that I had won a Balsem Award in each of two categories, "Web site" and "Writing for media." Not stated was the fact that the Group III newsletter had also been considered and deemed mentionable. I was asked whether I would be able to receive the awards in person. I replied that I would, since I was a scheduled speaker and would be attending. It seemed like an easy enough assignment to me. Make hotel and airline reservations, fly to Atlanta, and participate in a power-breakfast round table lasting 90 minutes, talking about what I did best, which things had worked for me, and which hadn't. "I can do that with my eyes closed," I thought. The rest of the Academy, 2 jam-packed days of concentrated information, I would take in stride. Then a minor bombshell popped into my InBox.

Due to a family emergency, four days before the Academy, Capt Martin announced that she would be unable to make her presentation as scheduled, but that she was certain I would do just fine in her place. Galvanized into action, I e-mailed everyone on the Academy leadership, stating that indeed I was willing and able. On the spot, they thanked me and gave me the green light. This is how it fell upon me to tell the story of Texas Wing's involvement during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, from the PAO/IO point of view. When I made the presentation, I was pleased to receive many kind comments from an attentive and lively audience of my peers.

Those PAOs I have mentored through the years – senior members and cadets alike – will confirm that I always give the same advice, "Write from the heart." Now I have another one to add, this one about speaking. "Forget the chaff. What they need is the meat." This two-pronged plan of action will be my standard mantra from now on. Everything else revolves around them.

While in Atlanta, I got to put faces to many of the names I'd seen cross my electronic desk on the PAO Forum, and those I had worked with on assignment for NHQ PA, and those I had exchanged e-mails with for one reason or another. It was a joyous and wonderful occasion, a sharing of intellectual space, an enjoyment of the planning and executing of work leading to CAP's excellence, an acceptance into an exclusive professional family that embraces us in recognition of the quality of our work, a show of mutual respect of craftsmen who share a love of writing and effective communications, who represent the best of attitudes and the reason why CAP's PA is as capable as it is. (By the way, at last count, there are 948 PAOs in CAP.)

The list of the judges' pick for the various Balsem Awards is given below, and the awards speak for themselves. Texas Wing earned two awards, plus an honorable mention and one "other." As a group, Southwest Region's six wings got three awards, two honorable mentions, and two "other." Not too shabby, especially since it gets real tough up there. The truth be told, there isn't much room at the top.

And now I have this to say to my peers, "Thank you." And to those coming in who want to devote their energy, talent, imagination, and consistency of effort to making outstanding PA happen, "Welcome."

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages

Group Commander

Greatness Large and Small

Most of you may not know that when I'm not doing CAP work, one of my hobbies is collecting ancient coins. My collection includes examples from several ancient civilizations, but mostly I work with coins from the Roman Empire. I like these, in particular, because the Romans kept meticulous records of the events of their day, and many of those records have lasted into modern times. And so, for this reason, when I look at an ancient Roman coin, or hold it in my hand, I’m able to understand the political and social context of that coin’s creation, and also of its life. This helps me appreciate the story that each coin can tell me.

A few weeks ago, while doing some research, I stumbled upon an emperor I knew nothing about. A fellow named Silbannacus, who lived early in the third century AD. We don’t know much about this man, but the experts believe that he was a soldier who tried to become emperor through political maneuvering. That would have happened around 250 AD. What's interesting is the very fact that we don’t know much about him – we’re not even sure of his full name, though some authorities call him Marcus Silbannacus. In fact, the only way we even know he existed at all is because of two coins (and a third one of dubious authenticity), each an antoninianus, worth about two denarii. These were discovered in the late twentieth century – the last one in 1996 – bearing his portrait and inscriptions indicating that he was Emperor. (Click on the coin's image for a larger image and historical details.)

Were it not for these two coins, found at different European locations, we would never have heard of Silbannacus. History had simply forgotten him. (For a Roman, to be forgotten was the ultimate insult.) However, he was rediscovered nearly two thousand years later, when someone dug up a little piece of metal that had his name stamped on it. So why would the Romans, so well known for their record keeping excellence, have written nothing about a man who, even if for a very short time, had worn the Roman Imperial robes of purple and even had coinage minted in his name?

All I can offer is speculation, but here it is. I think Silbannacus was a man of low character and capability, unworthy of being an emperor (some historians call him an usurper). He appears to have made his way to the top in the old fashioned way – by climbing over dead bodies. He was a politically motivated man, not really looking out for the best interests of his citizens, or of the Roman Empire itself. In fact, it would seem that he was only interested in getting his way. And even though he evidently did manage that – at least for a short while –, he was ultimately swept into the dustbin of history. Silbannacus was not great. He did nothing great. All he did was scheme. And after being wiped off the stage of life, he was omitted from the record.

Since the Roman Empire no longer exists, none of us can ever hope to be a Roman emperor, nor is it very likely that we’ll ever have coins minted in our name, but we do have the opportunity to take a hard look at ourselves and decide whether we can achieve greatness as individuals.

In CAP, we are given the opportunity to serve our fellow man in a way that other volunteer organizations rarely provide. In our dedication to excellence in the performance of that service, I know that each one of us can achieve personal greatness. 

I’ve have already seen that greatness in you.

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Guest Commentary - National HQ

Prepare for the Unexpected by Taking Action Now

Every year, hundreds of natural disasters – ranging from blizzards and wildfires to hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding – wreak havoc on families, homes and entire communities across America. Often times, people are reminded to take action to prepare before these events happen, but sometimes they occur without warning. Our lives can be changed in an instant by a number of different emergencies, and we are constantly reminded of this each time we watch the news.

Yet, too many Americans have not taken steps to prepare. There are simple steps each of us can take to prepare before an emergency happens, and as a response organization, Civil Air Patrol members need to do their part to prepare not only themselves, but those around them. Emergencies will happen, but taking action now can help us minimize the impact they will have on our lives.

That's why this September National Preparedness Month is all about helping individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action! September is an ideal time for individuals and families to update their emergency supply kits and family emergency plans, and to become better informed about different threats and local emergency plans.  Many things can change over the course of a year, and it is imperative that your entire family have the most up-to-date emergency contact information and a family emergency plan as children head back to school. It's about talking to your families and figuring out what you should do if an emergency happens in your community. Where will you meet? What emergency supplies will you need and where should you keep them? 

This nationwide effort is to encourage individuals and families to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. Throughout September, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations like the Civil Air Patrol to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation, such as first aid training, town hall meetings and much more. Many CAP units have already scheduled events, and many more will be scheduled in the coming weeks. The themes for each week are:

Week 1 September 1-8: Back-to-school / Ready Kids

Week 2 September 915: Business preparedness / Ready Business

Week 3 September 16-22: Multicultural preparedness

Week 4 September 23-30: Home and family preparedness

This week, I would like to encourage you to do one of the simplest things that individuals and families can do to be prepared: develop or update your family emergency plan. To develop one you should ask yourselves some important questions such as, "In the event of an emergency, is there a safe place for my family to meet even if we are separated?" This is especially important if you aren't allowed back into your home or neighborhood. "What is the evacuation location and plan of my child's school?" "Does my child's school know the best way to reach me in an emergency, and do I know how to reach my child's school in case of a family emergency?" "Does everyone in the family have one another's contact information and the contact for an out-of-town relative to take roll-call?" If you have a plan already, review it again, and make sure that your entire family really knows the plan.

Free preparedness resources are just a click away at www.ready.gov. The site has information about the simple steps you can take to prepare and provides templates such as a Family Emergency Plan and an Emergency Supply Checklist. There are also special sections for kids, ages 8-12, (Ready Kids) and small- to medium-sized businesses (Ready Business).

Brig Gen Amy Courter, CAP Acting National 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

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 (Maj. Gen.) Charles C. Baldwin, Air Force Chaplain Service, on the subject of "A Rich Heritage of Religious Freedom and Respect."

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Chief of Staff

Open Group III Staff Positions

Chief of Staff, Personnel/Admin Officer, and Emergency Services Officer. For details, please contact the Group Commander 

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

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

Changes to Group III Honor Guard Leadership, 11 August

The Group III Honor Guard thanks 1st Lt Opal McKinney for her devoted years of service helping the Honor Guard achieve excellence. Lt McKinney has accepted the position of Group III Director of Cadet Programs, which she has assumed effective immediately. During her tenure, she helped the Honor Guard team perform at numerous outreach events, ranging from Air Force Association Meetings to Softball Tournaments to even Accordion Festivals. At each event, the Honor Guard always represented the U.S. Civil Air Patrol proudly. She has graciously agreed to go on helping with future Honor Guard bivouacs. 

On 11 August, the Honor Guard met at Addison for a practice session and to discuss upcoming events. 2d Lt Don Gulliksen was introduced as the new Senior Officer in Charge, who will be assisted by Sponsor Member Joan Gulliksen. 

Presenting the Colors, 25 August

     On 25 August, the Honor Guard presented the colors at the Tuskegee Airmen Youth Day, held at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison. The Honor Guard spruced up during August, so as to be at their absolute best, as our counterparts from the Young Marines, U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, and U.S. Army JROTC Cadet Rifle Team were also participating.

    At left (L-R) are C/2d Lt Mitchell Graham (Rifle), C/SrA Tim Kleinmeier  (U.S. Flag), C/MSgt Matthew Garcia (Texas Flag) – all members of the Black Sheep Composite Squadron – and C/MSgt Scott Gulliksen (Rifle), a member of the Addison Eagles Composite Squadron. (Photos: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate)

Training Meetings This Month

     The Group III Honor Guard's next practice session is scheduled for Saturday, 8 September at the Addison Squadron building. Our Fall bivouac will be held at Tyler State Park on 21-23 September.

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 2d Lt Don Gulliksen.

2d Lt Don Gulliksen, HGO

Inspector General

A Minor (?) Inconvenience

When Capt Manley reported to the VA hospital for a minor procedure, it turned into a fairly long stay. Nothing truly serious with him, other than the bother of having a very slow recovery – which is expected to be complete. The inspection schedule is up in the air at the moment, but will resume soon. If you have any questions, please forward them to me and I'll pass them along.

I, for one, wish Steve a quick and complete recovery, though the human body has its own tempo...

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

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

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 SLS Crusader, Grand Prairie - Cost $20, Register by 6 Sep Contact: Maj Russ Miller
8-9 September CLC (Moved from Addison) Crusader, Grand Prairie - Cost $20, Register by 6 Sep Contact: Maj Russ Miller
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 Sad News

A Meditation on Life

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX In the war-time military, it is common to hear people say, “It’s always the good ones that get killed.” This is a somewhat biased view of war casualties, since any commander knows that each unit member is a good one. But each one's worth is often taken for granted in life, and missed only in death. And it is in death that they are remembered, some times for ever. Here is one example.

The 77th Infantry Division was activated on 18 August 1917, fought in Europe during WW I, and in the Pacific during WW II. From the start it was a reserve division, composed largely of draftees, most of whom were drawn from the New York City area. The division’s shoulder patch is a golden Statue of Liberty on an elongated blue trapezoid, a symbol that unified as diverse a cross-section of the population as you could get. Its nickname, of course, is “The Statue of Liberty Division.”

In 1945, an American reporter joined the division just before the battle of Ie Shima. There, a fierce engagement took place, and the reporter was killed in an ambush, literally riddled by machine-gun fire. After the battle had been won, and in their sorrow – since they had grown to like and love this easy-going civilian – the soldiers put up a simple plaque reading, "At this spot, the 77th Infantry Division lost a Buddy, Ernie Pyle, 18 April 1945." (A war correspondent ranked as "Captain" in the military; the title "Buddy" was measured on a different scale.) The division was inactivated on 15 March 1945 in Japan, but lives on in Fort Totten, NY as a reserve installation. In the lobby of the headquarters building, respectfully displayed on an otherwise bare wall, a replica of the Ie Shima plaque greets the visitor and keeps alive the memory of a great man.

At this wall, I have had the honor of keeping a moment of silence. More than once.

Serving in the Civil Air Patrol seems cushy by comparison. No ambushes, no raging battles, no devastating bombardments, no weapons of mass destruction. Yet, this month, on 20 August 2007, the Civil Air Patrol lost three buddies. They were not the first, nor will they be the last. They simply joined the ranks of those we have lost in the line of duty, unheralded, alone, and sorrowfully missed. When their Cessna 182 crashed in mountainous terrain, Lt. Col. James H. Henderson, Sr. Mbr. James R. Meyer, and Capt. Patricia A. Larson died instantly.

Who were they? The cold statistics tell us that the pilot, Lt. Col. James H. Henderson, was 52, lived in Cowley, Wyo., and was a member of the Wyoming Wing Headquarters. One of his crew members was Sr. Mbr. James R. Meyer, age 53, who lived in Sheridan, Wyo., and was a member of the Wyoming Wing's Cloud Peak Composite Squadron. The third person lost on that day, crew member Capt. Patricia A. Larson, was 52; she, too, lived in Sheridan, Wyo., and was a member of Wyoming Wing Headquarters as well.

Two men, one woman, searching for a missing 16-year-old who later was found by someone else, unharmed. Two men, one woman, three lives snuffed out in an instant when their CAP aircraft crashed in heavily forested, rough terrain. Two men, one woman, each of whom had a complete life, with acquaintances, friends, likes, dislikes, hobbies, families, fellow-workers, neighbors, community activities… Two men, one woman, whose thread of existence touched countless others. Two men, one woman, dedicated to helping others.

Two men, one woman, each not much different than we are, except that they won’t be coming home for dinner. Not tonight. May they live in our hearts for ever.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Public Affairs National Awards

 

2007 Maj. Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement Awards

ATLANTA, GA – At the PAO Academy's Awards Luncheon on 7 August 2007, the following honors were presented to the authors of winning entries submitted from units across all of CAP. Up to three entries could be submitted, each on one of nine different categories. There are 940 active PAOs in CAP, and the entries described below are representative of the work all of us do. When that information was provided, the winning entries are described in the judges' own comments, showing each winner in bold italics.

Category 1 Writing For Media

1.

Maj. David A. Miller, Missouri Wing

Project Name:

Missouri Wing Group II flies humanitarian mission; Aircrew transports needed blood for the American Red Cross

Mo. Wing members find downed plane; Iowa family was traveling to Alabama

Mo. Wing members assist injured motorcyclist; Treated and stabilized as first on-scene responders

Judges Comments:

"The rapid transport of blood needed for transfusion was a great story to tell. The consolidated story in the Volunteer put the scope of the wing’s impact into perspective. Submitter keyed in another key role in CAP, that of Critical Incident Stress Management. The key messages of teamwork and CISM were well highlighted. Another good message of overall training was emphasized in the last article regarding a motorcycle accident. Would recommend tightening up the writing – news stories, such as these, should be tight, with vital information to the story. In this way, great stories like these could be marketed to larger media markets – Springfield or St. Louis – and gain greater exposure of the mission of CAP and the great work its members accomplish."

2. Capt. Deborah S. Kawaguchi, Washington Wing

Project Name: 

Honor Cadets Serving Nation; Tri-Cities Aids in The War On Terror: Many Start Military Career at CAP Squadron

Judges Comments:

"Article had great appeal in tying the CAP leadership development to the Global War on Terror, and how they connect the community where your unit resides. Very good story about the impact of CAP and CAP members. One area in the story seemed out of place, the mention of the building renovation. Though, obviously a very important aspect for CAP – and for continual positive community relations, it should have been set off (a sidebar story) or better flowed into the text of the original. Very good marketing technique/timing in delivering story during increased circulation with county fair. Good messages about community involvement, esp. since the article was geared for this type of community publication; article also was probably very educational about CAP and the Air Force for the community and external community members attending the fair."

3.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Texas Wing

Project Name:

Rosie the Riveter; Great-grandmother’s wartime contributions inspire cadet

Judges Comments:

"Tremendous story, filled with emotion and human touch. Very well written piece, balancing narrative with good impact quotes. The story touches on many key important messages: service, heritage, leadership, sacrifice – these are messages important for CAP to push out. The success of this story is that I wish more people could read it." (If you missed it, here it is – Editor's Note)

 

Category 2 Event Promotion:

1.

 Ritual of Retirement, Capt. David Stone, Ohio Wing

"This event is truly creative and illustrates that a large amount of awareness was generated as a result of the creation of this event. The project coordinators took an idea and brought it to fruition for the benefit of CAP and created a new respect for the care and retirement of the flags. Great job!"

2.

SONS Media Kit, Maj. David A. Miller, Missouri Wing

"This media kit is well put together and quite comprehensive, giving the media a broad look at this disaster exercise, the CAP and the background about the Missouri Wing. The presentation is neat and appealing! Great job!" (Suggestions for improvement: Next time, illustrate ultimate public relations results of program or project: e.g. did media use the information, and if so, what behaviors, opinions, attitudes, or awareness were created as a result of this project?”)

3.

LCS 30 Year Celebration Picnic, Capt. Van Dora Williams, Virginia Wing

"Celebration picnic generated positive publicity and was a source of great pride for the squadron. The fact that the job was done on a limited budget is even more impressive. Great job!"

 

Category 3 Brochure/Poster/Flyer

1.

Robins Air Force Base Air Show 2006, 2nd Lt. Phillip D. Norris, Georgia Wing

"Well done! Very good layout. Love the photos. Gives good visual to the event"

 

Category 4 Newsletter

1. Tie

 Minnesota WingTips, Capt. Al Pabon, Minnesota Wing

"Excellent. Good quality photos make this a stand out. Nice balance of text and photos. Consider using volume and number system."

1. Tie

Full Throttle, 2nd Lt. Jerry D. Porter, Arizona Wing

"Masthead is well done. Contents on the first page a good idea. Creative use of color; screens behind text show extra effort (because this takes time). The insignia for grade advances is a nice touch. A little too much use of bold-face type."

2.

Carolina WingSpan,  1st Lt. Donald S. Penven, North Carolina Wing

"High-quality photos. Professional. Consistent fonts. A bit long."

 

Honorable Mention (Tie) The Eagle Flyer, Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel, New Mexico Wing
"Very professionally done!  Well written. Easily read.  Good, quality layout, but needs pictures. Otherwise, it has the look and feel of a scholarly journal."

Honorable Mention (Tie) Crossing Into the Blue, 1st Lt. Michael Lee, New York Wing
"Nice use of negative space. Consistent fonts make it very readable. Simple, newsy.  With pictures, less would be more. Consider using fewer pictures and making them larger."

Overall: "I was impressed by the dedication these newsletter editors obviously have. Every newsletter takes time. The editors have to write, edit, proofread, design, and distribute each newsletter. Reading the entries, I came to suspect that it is a labor of love for all of them."

Others:

Bartow-Etowah, GA – Front page article is positive, upbeat, and makes you want to turn the page and read more. Good effort. Inspirational articles. Entertaining read. Watch mixing font styles and sizes.

Elkins – A very distinguished career and a pleasure to read, but submitted in wrong category.

Dripping Springs, TX – Online newsletter. Text heavy, small pictures. (Group III Newsletter. Editor's Note)

Juneau, AK – Starts with page 6. Where are 1-5?

Category 5 Slide/PowerPoint Presentations:

1. PAO 101 basic training class (PowerPoint Presentation), 1st  Lt. Jackie Zarrilli, Florida Wing
2. Civil Air Patrol Ohio Wing Basic Encampment 2006 CD (PowerPoint Presentation), Capt. David Stone, Ohio Wing
3. “Ultimate Cadet Souvenir” (DVD), 1st Lt. David G. Hutcheson, Virginia Wing

 

Category 6 Web site:

1.

www.mncap.org Capt. Al Pabon, Minnesota Wing

"Very well organized, easy navigation, great member services! Professional look."

2.

www.vandykecadetsquadron.com Maj. Pamela E. Paulin, Michigan Wing

"Attractive and functional. Some type is hard to read through dark background."

3.

www.group3txwing.org Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Texas Wing

"Lot of great information. Site design is basic but does the job."

 

Category 7 Photography

1. “Starburst,” Capt. Robert Mattson, Alaska Wing
2. “Blood Flight,” Maj. David A. Miller, Missouri Wing
3. “Cadet Pride,” Cadet Anna Beckmann, Ohio Wing

 

Category 8 Media coverage of CAP:

1. Wing’s radio program celebrates first anniversary, Capt. Steven Solomon, Southeast Region 
2. “Everyday Heroes” on local TV, 2nd Lt. Phillip D. Norris, Georgia Wing
3. “The Sky’s The Limit” newspaper article, Lt. Col. Kandyce D. Lewis, Washington Wing

 

Honorable Mention “Wings Over Texas” newspaper article, Lt. Col. R.E. Russell, Texas Wing

 

Category 9 Issues/Crisis Management

1.

Former CAP Member Arrested for Child Pornography, Maj. David A. Miller, Missouri Wing

"For any successful issue and/or crisis management, the implementers should follow a Strategic Planning model, including Research, Planning, Execution and Evaluation – yes, even in a reactive crisis. This entry did a wonderful job at all of these. First, the plan has a projected multi-part goal (minimize damage, separate fact from rumor, inform how to discuss the matter, and to provide counseling).  You do not know you are successful, unless you know where you are going.

"The planners did their research upon initial report – but then also verified it against official sources – very good. Along with setting goals, the planners developed a strategy for response to queries, developed/delivered command messages, and reiterated the standard CAP procedures for protecting individuals in/about the units. Execution included good command and control notification, coordination and command involvement, including informing other squadron, not directly (but could be indirectly) impacted by this issue. Finally, evaluation was completed to measure success – “one cycle” news events; no queries (but ready if they came).

"This report also serves as a Lesson Learned for other commanders and PAOs to review and keep in mind if a similar incident happens to them. Two recommendations: e-mail portion of plan said media queries should be referred to the CAP National Legal Officer; the referral should at the very minimum include public affairs personnel in the chain of command. Second. When referring commanders, supervisors, individuals to particular offices, list a phone number or numbers and a specific name if possible. When a crisis hits, you want to make sure someone’s there to take your call."

 

Public Affairs Wide Area Exercise

 

Developing the Concept of Area Command Operations, 18-19 August

WAXAHACHIE, TX – On 18-19 August 2007, for the first time, Texas Wing ran a decentralized Wide Area Exercise (WAX) that met with good initial results. For the last few years, the wing had been practicing the Distributed Search and Rescue Exercise (DSAREX) concept, where a central Command Post coordinated the actions of one or more remote Staging Areas, each with a Staging Area Manager. This represented an improvement over the previous concept, which called for concentrating all assets at a single location, then operating from that location as a single mission base with a single incident commander

The flaw in the Distributed Command concept is that "targets of opportunity" are often missed because the Staging Area Manager must obtain specific administrative and command authorization before executing them. On the other hand, concentration of all assets represents a waste of resources, time and effort, in a state that – at 267,000 sq. miles – is larger than many nations (New Zealand, for instance, is slightly smaller than Texas).

An improvement over the Distributed Command concept is the Area Command, where a centralized Area Command Post exists, but the Staging Areas are now replaced by Incident Command Posts (ICPs), which are considerably more autonomous. This exercise, that received overall direction from the Amarillo HQ Area Command Post (which in turn counted a collocated operational ICP among its assets), demonstrated that, although significant refinement is still necessary, Texas Wing can make the Area Command concept work.

Over the weekend, in spite of unfavorable weather, the Waxahachie ICP managed to complete 19 air sorties and 16 ground sorties. On Saturday, over 60 CAP members were signed in at the ICP in Waxahachie. The results speak for themselves – the added complexity of being a very large state with a wing that has almost 80 squadrons can be managed effectively.

During a sortie, these aerial photos of the Spring Creek Crossing bridge, spanning Grove Creek in North Waxahachie, were taken in order to establish whether the bridge might suffer damage from rising waters – a consequence of recent torrential rains that had fallen upstream. (Photos: 1st Lt Kelly Castillo)

Located in the Group III area, the Waxahachie ICP, at the Mid-Way Regional Airport in Midlothian, had the following squadrons participating – Black Sheep Composite Squadron (CS) of Mesquite, Addison Eagles CS, Crusader CS of Grand Prairie, Gregg County CS, Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron of Austin, Waxahachie Talon CS, Tyler CS, and Red Oak Cadet Squadron, all from Group III. Also participating was the Mineral Wells "Phoenix" CS, near Ft Worth and part of Group II.

Lt Col Owen Younger, the Incident Commander at the Waxahachie ICP, said, "This month’s Wide Area Exercise is very important, because Hurricane Dean could pose a serious threat to Texas, and this could well become a dress rehearsal for Texas Wing's coming missions."

(Parts of this article were contributed by 1st Lt Kelly Castillo, Black Sheep CS PAO.)

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, IO

Public Affairs Hurricane Dean

More than meets the skies...

At the PAO Academy, in Atlanta, CAP's new branding was unveiled. No more "Performing missions for America" – now, it's "More than meets the skies." In an impassioned display of people savvy and pride of accomplishment, this new theme was presented to us as the result of National's PA and Marketing long work. Some attendees liked it, some didn't. I've got to be honest: I wasn't too hot on it myself, but decided to give it a chance. (Did you notice this newsletter's masthead? And this website's masthead, too? That pretty and discrete, "More than meets the skies..." with an added ellipsis, in imitation of "Performing missions for America..."?)

I caught my flight back to Austin and, unexpectedly, got upgraded to first class. I was still wearing my short-sleeve blues, so I guess that at the check-in gate they saw a fellow "air person" in me, and took pity. I thanked them, of course. Whatever the reason, I still didn't get a meal (no one did), but got my choice of drink for relaxation (Chardonnay, please). Cushy big seat, too, covered in plush leather (leatherette?). Then, back at home, business as usual. Hurricane Dean formed, the Hurricane Dean Task Force was created, and I was tapped for Information Officer. The work to get the equipment and personnel out of the way got started, as we prepared to meet the challenge, with thousands of details to take care of. Preparing to face a hurricane is not an easy job, nor is it simple. It takes a good team to get it done.

The IO has a great job, though, able to pick the best points, play the crowd, and cater to the weeklies and Sunday supplements. Not the dailies, I'm afraid. By the time your news release has been written, the reporters already have read the same sources you have, and they're going to press. By the time your copy is approved and you can e-mail it away, the papers are on the stands or bundled on the sidewalks. You can't win that race. So I shoot for the weeklies and Sunday supplements instead. And for that you need more than news; you need a story. A story with people in it, and at least the possibility of danger, and a good dollop of community service.

Most of the arguments against "More than meets the skies" centered on, "But what does that mean?" Well, folks, it means what you want it to mean. And in the publishing business, your article needs a good hook. I looked around for one, and with all the chatter about the new branding still fresh on my mind, with everyone pro-ing and con-ing the issue, I decided to take the plunge. For this one, it was going to mean, "Here we are, ready and willing, all dressed up and no place to go, with a vanishing storm that's too chicken to come and hit us" sort of thing. Not really, I'm jesting of course. The devastated Caribbean islands don't admit such levity. Those poor people in Yucatan and Mexico's mainland deserve respect. Those priceless archeological digs, first lost, then found, and now exposed so any big old hurricane can come along and mess with them would be a terrible loss to culture and heritage.

     I tend to follow my instincts. A fair number of times they pay off, and I get an article published (this one at left is a live hot-link to the San Marcos Daily Record). As a precaution, since links die, I decided to improve my chances. You might want to click here or on the picture at left for a modified hard copy, text unchanged, advertisements removed.)

This is how it came about that the branding issue resolved itself. Right off the bat, "More than meets the skies" intrigued an editor and got a taker. Yes, it did. And Lt Col Lisa Van Clief, NER PAO, Googled the link and told us all about it. I'm glad to say that she thought the article was a great story. I'm telling you, I have wonderful and generous peers in CAP. "Noblesse oblige," say the French. I mean it, too.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Public Affairs The Tuskegee Airmen Youth Day

Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen, 25 August

ADDISON, TX – This day had been a very long time in coming; some sixty years and counting, in fact. Starting in June, 1941, and ending in 1946, against the odds, nine hundred and ninety four bright young Americans (who happened to be black) graduated from aviation training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama, earned a U.S. Army commission and Army Air Corps silver wings, and went on to serve their country with distinction and true heart.

     They had been well acquainted with prejudice and bigotry, these airmen, since they had grown up under its ever-present shadow. However, they harbored the hope of building a better life. With war looming just over the horizon, in answer to the call to serve, they had arrived at Tuskegee from all over America, some of them college graduates, others undergraduates, and yet others only high school graduates who could pass the required standard tests. Many more than these select few qualified for admission and entered the course, but only the most capable graduated. These were truly the best of the best. (USAF photo at left shows the first class during inspection)

     At Tuskegee, they first took to the air in Vultee BT-13 trainers, then transitioned to P-40 Warhawks (USAF photo at left) that were barely able to stand up to the more modern German aircraft. Later, they received P-47 Thunderbolts that were better suited for the fray. Finally, they exulted at receiving top-of-the-line P-51 Mustangs (USAF artwork at right, provided by MSgt Willie Jones, Jr.), which could out-fly and out-last any opponent of the day. Along the way, well-seasoned against the crack Luftwaffe fighter pilots and proud of their precision team work, they started advertising themselves to one and all by painting bright red their planes’ nose cone and entire vertical and horizontal stabilizers

The German fighter pilots learned to fear those red-tailed devils. And the American bomber crews greeted them with glee, once they saw how efficiently they wiped the skies clean of enemy fighters, escorted the bombers safely to their target, and stayed with them until they could make it to base on their own. It was a simple equation. When the red-tail fighters showed up, bomber casualties dropped dramatically and the bomber crews cheered. That was in the air. Sadly, on the ground, prejudice and bigotry remained. It would take a very long time for these brave Black men to experience kinder treatment.

     Even though most bomber crews shunned the Tuskegee Airmen on the ground, when it came to getting their fighter escort, they started asking for them specifically. At first they called them “the red-tailed boys” and then they learned to call them the 99th Fighter Squadron (patch at left). The 99th, at various times, was attached to the 33rd, 324th, and 79th Fighter Groups. Normally assigned to escort American bombers, they also routinely helped other allied bomber crews as they found them. Many a straggler credited these fierce fighters with having helped them make it home alive. That’s how Allied aircrews started calling them “The Redtail Angels.”

     Eventually, the all-Black 332nd Fighter Group (shield at right) was sent to mainland Italy, under the command of Col. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., himself a graduate of the first class of Tuskegee Airmen (USAF photo at right, taken while training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field). The new group was composed of the 100th, 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons. The independent 99th FS was assigned to the 332nd on 1 May of 1944, and joined it on 6 June – D-Day.

By the time the war had come to an end, the Tuskegee Airmen had been credited with 109 Luftwaffe aircraft shot down, a patrol boat run aground by machine-gun fire, and destruction of numerous land-based assets, particularly fuel dumps, trucks, and trains. The squadron earned two Distinguished Unit Citations, and the airmen were awarded several Silver Stars, 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Bronze Stars, and 744 Air Medals.

But they didn’t seek glory, these Black pilots – what they wanted most of all was equality and acceptance, a simple “thank you” and a chance to play on a level field. Many of them, after being furloughed, returned to America and the bitterness of racial segregation. There, they pursued higher education to carve for themselves a better life. This is how some of them triumphed against this palpable though invisible enemy of the mind and spirit. And all along, leading by example as they had learned to do in the military, they gave generously, fostered youth programs, involved themselves in community work, and gave others the very things that they had been denied themselves.

     The Tuskegee Airmen, most of them now successful civilians – involved in government, the professions, and education – devoted a good part of their funds and energy to build a better future through youth programs. One of them in particular, Benjamin Oliver Davis, Jr. (official USAF photo at left), who had enlisted in the Army, attended the U.S.M.A. at West Point, and joined the Tuskegee Airmen's first class as a commissioned Army officer, eventually retired as a USAF Lieutenant General – after a long and distinguished military career. He would have enjoyed this day. Unfortunately, he had passed away on 4 July 2002, at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He was 89 years old. His papers (all 75 cubic feet of them), the living record of his life and times, are now in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution, in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol, too, mentors the young through its Cadet Programs. These two groups – CAP and the Airmen – gravitated naturally to each other, and have worked together often, helping make young dreams come true. The U.S. Civil Air Patrol is an all-volunteer force, as are the Tuskegee Airmen, who remain active in the military speech circuit, and routinely accept invitations to address Air Force personnel, to whom they tell, “We will always have challenges, and it is up to us – and you – to meet them and vanquish them with honor.

Today’s event honoring the Tuskegee Airmen was the culmination of a two-year process, which started when the U.S. Civil Air Patrol’s Southwest Region (a major command encompassing Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas Wings) aligned itself with the North Texas Tuskegee Airmen, in honor of Capt. Claude Platte, USAF (Ret), himself a Tuskegee Airman and for whom the chapter has been named. This alignment came about thanks to the concerted efforts of Colonel André Davis, of SWR, Major Pat Benoit, of Texas Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Larry Mattiello, of SWR, and Master Chief Dale Dixon, U.S. Navy.

This informal union has proved beneficial to both organizations. The Tuskegee Airmen have been able to reach a wider audience, and the U.S. Civil Air Patrol has profited by increasing its numbers with aviation-minded new volunteer members. Both organizations, in effect, bridge a gap between history, dreams, and the reality of offering young people a conduit for their personal development through membership in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol.

However, the most important reason why this union is so successful is not as readily apparent. Through this common effort, the public at large is made aware of the accomplishments of the past, the promise of the future, and how all of us can touch living history while it is still amongst us.

     In the fullness of time, on 11 April 2006, the United States Congress signed into law its decision to award the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor to the Tuskegee Airmen. Since each medal is different, the new one had to be designed and struck, and this takes time. This is why it was nearly a year later, on 29 March 2007, that at the U.S. Capitol rotunda President George W. Bush presented it collectively to about 350 Tuskegee Airmen and their widows (at right, US Government photo). The medal went on display at the Smithsonian Institution, and individual honorees were promised bronze replicas, to be struck and presented at a later date.

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

[1] Col André Davis with Master Chief Dale Dixon, U.S. Navy. [2] A CAP cadet stands guard by the museum's restored P-51 Mustang. [3] CAP National Chief of Staff Col Reggie Chitwood chats with Tuskegee Airmen. In the background, SWR Chief of Staff Lt Col Larry Mattiello. [4]-[5] The Sea Cadets "pipe aboard" the Tuskegee Airmen as they walk to the stage. [6] The Young Marines form a ceremonial guard to the colors, presented by the Group III Honor Guard. [7] The museum's P-51 makes several aerial passes over the event.

On 25 August 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen held their traditional Youth Day at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, TX, with a large crowd in attendance. All branches of the military were represented. U.S. Civil Air Patrol cadets from local squadrons, especially the Addison Composite Squadron, provided security, parking assistance, crowd control, and an Honor Guard. JROTC Army, Navy, and Marine Corps cadets from local high schools were also there. It was time for the young to honor the aging Airmen. The Army cadets staged a marching and rifle drill demonstration; the Sea Cadets piped the Airmen aboard, as they made their way to the stage; and the Young Marines provided ceremonial escort and security.

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

[8] The Young Marines salute as Valerie LaGrone sings the National Anthem. [9]-[11] VT-22 T-45 Goshawks and a TC-12B Huron from VT-35 fly a missing man formation over the ceremony. [12] The Tuskegee Airmen at the stage, as they share their joy at seeing America's youth joining them in celebration. [13] Col André Davis, an Tuskegee Airman, US Navy Master Chief Dale Dixon, Col Reggie Chitwood and Lt Col Larry Mattiello.

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts were there as well, taking it all in. Other young persons came for the spectacle, and found an unexpected piece of history handed to them. Many active duty and reserve members from all branches of the service had come to pay their respects and voice their support. They were all welcome, as the Airmen’s families watched proudly, quietly savoring the waves of well-earned praise being showered upon their beloved Airmen – husbands, fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers to those who were there, joining them on this, their day.

14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

[14] Marine jet opens its cockpit as the crew prepares to deplane. [15] Col André Davis (left) with Air Force, Navy, and Marine pilots. [16]-[17] The JROTC Army marching and rifle routine demonstrations. [18]-[19] Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts watch the JROTC Army exhibition.

One of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum’s airplanes, a P-51 Mustang in perfect flying condition, with its museum staff owner at the controls, circled over the airport and passed overhead several times as the ceremonies took place. Later, a “missing man” formation overflew the assembled dignitaries, participants and guests. The flying formation of vintage airplanes honored all those lost in combat as well as those serving in America’s armed forces – past and present.

20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

[20] Col André Davis, Lt Col Owen Younger (with back to the camera) and Lt Col Larry Mattiello. [21] Capt Arthur Woodgate with Tuskegee Airman Anderson, North Texas Chapter Historian. [22] Lt Col Larry Mattiello and Lt Col Owen Younger with Navy and Marine pilots. [23] The Tuskegee Airmen in front of the Cavanaugh Museum's restored P-51 Mustang [24] Col André Davis, Col Reggie Chitwood, and Lt Col Reggie Mattiello [25] Col Reggie Chitwood with Addison Mayor Joe Chow, dignitaries and Tuskegee Airmen.

The Navy and Air Force had flown in current airplanes as exhibits. Alongside them, the P-51 landed, resplendent in its polished metal skin, its Rolls Royce Merlin engine pulsating with a smooth and healthy mechanical voice – as if eager to take back to the skies. “Does it sound right?” I asked an Airman. He smiled broadly and kindly, his eyes shining brightly, “You bet! That’s the sweetest sound you ever want to hear,” was his ready answer. Later, another Airman nostalgically dressed in 1941-vintage flight gear, complete with leather helmet, 8th Air Force shoulder patch and bright yellow life vest, climbed into the cockpit, nestled in, and gave a smiling thumbs-up for the photographers. No doubt about it. This was their day.

26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

[26]-[28] After a long day in the sun, CAP cadets relax before having a "formal picture" taken [29] Col André Davis, Maj Jeff Pearson and Col Reggie Chitwood [30] Col Reggie Chitwood (right) shows Cadet Hebert Plata the controls of a Gippsland GA8.

In the 1940s, the young Tuskegee Airmen had arrived one by one as solitary volunteers, trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Base, overcame all difficulties, learned to work together as an unbeatable team, fought fiercely in the European Theater of Operations, garnished military honors, and proved their worth. In so doing, over the ensuing 60 years or so, through their altruism and personal effort, they forged their own unsought path to the status of “legend” and “symbol.”

Today, each member stands for all of them, as well as all minority men and women who have served in America’s armed forces, and also those who have helped make America strong, vigorous, and successful. It is no accident that some of them pursued the legal profession, and reached the judge’s bench, such as Judge Robert Decatur did.

31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36.

[31]-[33] After showing Cdt Plata the controls, Col Reggie Chitwood demonstrates how to inspect an aircraft. [34]-[36] A suitably attired Tuskegee Airman climbs into the P-51's cockpit and gives a "thumbs up" sign for the photographers.

The same as other volunteer organizations, the Tuskegee Airmen started having Annual Youth Luncheons (this year’s was the 36th), where notable speakers can address American youth and tell them about the many opportunities to be found in aviation. Today’s speaker was USAF Colonel Gail Colvin, Vice Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy, herself an Academy graduate.

The theme on this Youth Day was “challenges” – and this day was the culmination of a separate personal triumph for the Tuskegee Airmen. They had found barriers and conquered them, suffered differences and ironed them out, and discovered joy in giving and sharing, befriending all. These were lives well lived, now being recognized and honored as few ever are. There were no Congressional Gold Medals of Honor approved in 2005, and only four were signed into law in 2006…

37. 38. 39. 40.

[37] After the ceremonies, the Tuskegee Airmen autograph commemorative prints for eager visitors. [38] One of the Airmen proudly shows his bronze replica of the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor for Capt Arthur Woodgate [39]-[40] The obverse and reverse of the medal struck by order of Congress in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen. On the obverse, the number 99 overlayed on the fuselage of a P-47 commemorates the Airmen's early victories in America's first all-Black Fighter Squadron; the number 332 overlayed over the fuselage of a P-51 commemorates the first all-Black Fighter Group, and the B-24 Liberator below them symbolizes all the bomber crews for whom the Tuskegee Airmen flew escort missions. (Photos 39 & 40: Capt Arthur E. Woodgate)

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol was honored to have been accepted as one of the organizers of the event, a long list headed by Colonel André Davis, Southwest Region Vice Commander, capably supported by Texas Wing. Present at the ceremonies were also CAP’s National Chief of Staff Colonel Reggie Chitwood (standing in for the National Commander), Te