Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030

 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

More than meets the skies . . .

Newsletter - October, 2007

On Texting and Quickspeak

Millions of years have gone into crafting, shaping and developing the English language. Any language, for that matter. Human beings, social creatures that we are, as we felt the first glimmer of intelligence, sought a way to communicate, look into each other's likes and dislikes, articulate our own desires, and build a landscape of the mind that, in time, became the building blocks of culture. What a wondrous thing, culture is. Instinctively, with no prior training whatsoever, anyone can detect culture in someone else – or its absence.

In common with all human endeavors, culture tends to be self-defined, since the people who possess it decide what makes it good or bad – acceptable or unacceptable. Because culture is a social trait and, as such, it is viewed from the standpoint of social need and profit. In fact, it would be safe to say that whatever represented the height of culture a thousand years ago would most certainly be considered unacceptable today, because our needs and aspirations change with the times, and our definitions keep pace with that change.

Culture is something built upon usage, preference and ideas, a way of living and enjoying our meager lifespan. Culture is tied to language, and language is bound to culture – since, as Noam Chomsky aptly observed, "Language itself is the shaper of ideas." What is not so obvious, though, is that language is also tied to the written word in the sense that the latter endures far longer than oral tradition, serving to preserve these ideas and prescriptions for elegance and propriety for the ensuing generations to have, learn and enjoy. Coincidentally, the very shape of the words used in the writing connote the origin and wider or narrower meaning of those words.

You might disagree with me, of course, and that would be your privilege. But should that be your decision, how would you explain that the person lacking adequate language skills is commonly called "illiterate," a word of Latin origin, itself derived from the Latin word for "letter"? (As, in an earlier day, people used to refer to those poorly educated as "unlettered.") More to the point, the Mediterranean countries don't offer a university degree in the language of the land. The French, for instance, rather than a doctorate in French, grant a doctorate in "Philosophy and Letters" leaving the language unspecified.

And there you have it. Irrevocably and profitably joined, Philosophy (the love of thought), and Letters (the written language). The former cannot exist without the latter, and the latter doesn't make much sense without the former. This notion has endured for centuries, born in an age of primitive scientific knowledge. (The word "scientist," by the way, was coined in 1834 by the English philosopher William Whewell – until then, there were only "philosophers"). This pairing of disciplines worked out just fine, too, as the ship of intellect sailed on the ocean of fertile mutual understanding.

Then, in our eagerness to race towards a perfection of sorts, aiming at a miraculous improvement, unwittingly we boomeranged our unsuspecting civilization with computers and wireless communications using which, suddenly, anyone was free to key letters directly into a cell phone and send them instantly to a chosen person. (This sort of thing, a thousand years ago, would have been called "magic" and might have cost you your life, gone up in smoke at the stake.)

Naturally, everyone knows that "For you" takes a great deal longer to type than "4U," but substituting the latter for the former has sent us down a slippery slope of potentially catastrophic proportions. Today, an entire generation of young people is being allowed to transfer this crippling shorthand derived from "texting" or graphical "quickspeak" to everyday writing, even school essays, causing their distraught teachers to try and figure out the thinking behind the coded "lol" and "pw" surrounded by other, more conventional words. (Mind you, there is no reason to "laugh out loud" just because there might be a "parent watching.")

And yes, we're getting to it now. Would you like to see how several thousand years' worth of linguistic evolution are dealt a sudden death blow, as they undergo the opposite and vertiginous process of devolving into "texting" gibberish? Let's be candid about this. Would you want to have Shakespeare translated into texting-friendly encoding? This isn't just a phase, you know. Given enough time, it can become permanent, a result you might live to regret, having suffered it just to keep the peace at home.

What's the fix? Next time you have you child's verbal texting inflicted upon you (yes, now they're speaking it as well, in a nearly incomprehensible telegraphese said at great speed), try to find the way to object to it in some effective way.

Please? Our collective culture might be in your hands...

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages

Group Commander

Making it Work

Seven months ago, in the March Newsletter, I wrote about the changes that the U.S. Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing, and even Group III had undergone in the preceding months. I also talked about the changes that were sure to come, with the appointment of a new wing commander – and the expected turnover of many on wing staff that usually comes hand-in-hand with the change in leadership.

Since that time, we have seen these changes roll out, one by one: the Wing Banker program, consolidated aircraft maintenance, the replacement of many wing supplements, a change in direction for SAREX's, a new wing evaluator program, turnover on wing and region staff, the elimination of ELT Mission Managers, the new reporting requirements for safety using WMU, and many other adjustments to the routine we had been so accustomed to.

Many of you have approached me with qualms about having so many changes all at once. I know and understand how you feel – it's human nature to resist change. In fact, I have shared these concerns at the time, but here's the bottom line – we need to adapt, accept the challenge of change, and embrace the new ways as our own.

I offer you the same advice I gave you last March. Think about why you're here. Think about why CAP's missions are important to you. Take a moment to renew your commitment to the amazing work that this organization empowers us to do. If you stay focused on our missions, in time the changes will become familiar, and fade into the background, as they simply become part of the way we do business. In fact, the changes are destined to become our new routine.

Always keep sight of why you're here. We'll make this work.

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris

Group Commander's Commentary

What September 11, 2001 Means to Me

     DALLAS, TX As I write this, today is September 10, 2007. Six years ago tomorrow, the United States of America was deliberately attacked by a group of individuals who seethed with hatred towards who America was, and about what America stood for in the world. To the terrorists who murdered so many on that fateful September 11, America represented everything that was bad and wrong with the world. For the terrorists, America was the home of vile, horrible, abusive, evil, ignorant people, devoid of all goodness, and for that reason they sought to destroy it.

I still recall where I was that morning, when I heard on the radio that an airplane had flown into a building and I suspect that all of you remember too. As that day moved into the next weeks and months, I , along with all of you, spent much time reflecting on what had happened. And after a time I thought I had come to understand as well as it could be understood.

Four years later, that understanding of mine would be forever changed. On September 11, 2005, I found myself standing in an Incident Command Post in Jackson, Mississippi, surrounded by people I had never met until just days before. People just like me who were standing there because they had volunteered to leave their comfortable air-conditioned homes in other parts of America, and had headed into a disaster area in the hopes of doing some good for their fellow man.

     On that day in 2005 the meaning of September 11 changed for me forever. That morning I realized that all around me was the concrete proof that the terrorists had been wrong. All around me were good people who, in the highest personification of "service before self," had set their own lives aside so that they could meet the needs of others. During that morning's briefing, I pointed out to all of the staff and incoming ground teams that each one of them was living proof of what was good and right about America. People were in need, and we were there to help them. It didn’t matter if the person in need looked like us, it didn’t matter where they worshipped, it didn’t matter if they spoke our language, it didn’t matter whether they were rich or poor, it didn’t matter if they were old or young. They needed help, and so we came.

And now, every day that I spend doing work for CAP has acquired a new and deeper meaning for me. And for you too, I'm sure. In your volunteer service for CAP, each one of you is proof that the terrorists were wrong.

Tomorrow, and on every September 11 yet to come, I hope you'll take a few moments to remember.

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Guest Commentary - Texas Wing Commander

Texas Wing's Participation in Exercise FALCON VIRGO

I was able to visit TX-215 and FALCON VIRGO this past week in El Paso. We had a lot of outstanding Texas volunteers who contributed to that mission, both in the air and on the ground. I want to echo Col Jensen's comments about how successful the exercise was, but I especially want to emphasize how important the contributions of TX-215, in particular the leadership of Major Debbie Torres, were to that success. I was exceptionally pleased to meet some of the folks who came in at midnight and 4 AM to ensure things were staying on track. My hat's off to them. 

This was a really big deal and all of CAP's senior leadership truly appreciates the hard work and contributions of those who participated.

Col Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander

Aerospace Education

The AEX Program
October is the first month in the Aerospace Education Excellence Award Program (AEX). This exciting project is easy to incorporate into the unit AE program.
Below are the simple steps to follow:
  • Download the AEX brochure from the CAP Web site.
  • Order the free AEX book from CAP.
  • Complete six of the national standards-based aerospace hands-on activities.
  • Conduct one two-hour field experience activity.
Upon completion of the program, a unit receives a beautiful 11x14 wooden plaque plus attractive color certificates for the students. CAP units may participate in the AEX program from 1 Oct to 30 Sept.
 As we strive to keep Group III as the leading Group in Texas Wing, let’s go for 100% participation in the AEX program! 

Ch. (Maj) Ron Whitt, AEO

Cadet Programs

Cadet Advisory Council

Now that Fall is here, it is time for all squadrons to choose a representative and alternate to the Group III Cadet Advisory Council (CAC). These are very important positions within Group III, and something that should not be taken lightly. The CAC has three main purposes:

  • To provide an organization where cadets gain leadership experience at higher organizational levels;

  • To aid unit commanders in monitoring and implementing the Cadet Program; and

  • To make recommendations for improving and running the Cadet Program. 

The Group CAC meets every quarter during the Group Commanders Call. 

CTEP and STEP

I'd like to encourage all qualified cadets to attend the Fall Cadet Training & Education Program. CTEP Leadership School is the crown jewel of the Texas Wing Cadet Program, and has served to improve the training, standardization and leadership skills of Texas Cadets. Having taken this training is a pre-requisite for selection as cadet staff at Encampment.

Senior Members should consider attending STEP at the same time. This course counts as the TLC – Training Leaders of Cadets – service requirement for a senior rating in the Cadet Programs Officer Specialty Track.

For more information on CTEP please check out http://texascadet.org/programs/ctep/

Veteran's Day Events

     With less that 6 weeks before Veteran's Day, I would like to encourage each of you to plan on participating in a ceremony in your area. Many areas will be having parades or ceremonies on Saturday Nov 10 this year. Let's take this opportunity to show our support for our Veterans past and present. (The poster will print as an 11x14, and is 2.7MB in size.)

Group III CP Staffing Needs

Group III Cadet Programs needs a few good people with managerial skill to be project officers for group-wide events over the next year. Applicants need not be cadet programs officers to apply. If you or anyone you know would like to help make Group III Cadet Programs the best in Texas, please e-mail me.

1st Lt Opal McKinney, CPO

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 (Capt.) Dwayne A. Jones, 88th Air Base Wing chaplain, on the subject of "Spiritual wellness is the glue that holds us together"

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Chief of Staff

Open Group III Staff Positions

Chief of Staff 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

HG Presents the Colors at the AFA Quarterly Banquet, 20 September

DALLAS, TX – Will the F-35 prove to be a better fighter than the F-22? This was the topic of conversation among the Group III Honor Guard cadets following a video presentation at the Air Force Association Quarterly Banquet in Las Colinas on 20 September. After presenting the colors to start the evening at the AFA Dallas Chapter 232 dinner meeting, the cadets watched attentively as Billy Diehl of Lockheed Martin showed a video of the F-35’s first test flight. He then explained the design, avionics, capabilities and three variations of the F-35. 

During dinner, several CAP cadets who had attended the Powered Flight Academy, thanked the AFA members for their generous scholarship support, which made it possible for them to fly. Individually, the cadets told their “war stories,” stressing how much they had enjoyed their time in the sky.

Tyler State Park Bivouac, 21-23 September

TYLER, TX – The next evening found the Honor Guard packed up and en route to their overnight bivouac at Tyler State Park. Eight cadets and four senior members enjoyed the tall pines, tent camping and kayaking between work sessions. Preparation and practice for upcoming parades filled much of the weekend.

The more experienced members taught rifle drill movements to cadets new to the Honor Guard. As an unexpected bonus, on Saturday evening, Captain Todd Prucha, Addison Eagles CS, joined us for some pineapple upside-down cake to celebrate his birthday. (It is rumored that it was baked in a Dutch oven by 1st Lt Opal McKinney.) It was delicious.

Training Meetings This Month

Our next practice will be in Addison on Saturday, 6 October, from 0800 until 1200.

Join the Honor Guard

For more information on joining the Group III Honor Guard please contact C/Capt McKinney or 2d Lt Don Gulliksen.

2d Lt Don Gulliksen, HGO

Inspector General

Inspection Status

Due to Capt Manley's slow recovery, there are no inspections scheduled at this time. He is expected to be back among the movers and shakers soon, and he'll put together a new schedule at that time.

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
20-21 October CLC Tyler CS  
23-25 November STEP/TLC.  Details on Texas Cadet website. Camp Mabry - Cost $45, Register by 7 Nov. Contact: Lt Col Dawn King

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 Bill S. 1877

 

Veterans and Servicemen Not in Uniform Can Salute the Flag, 25 July

     WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised the passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law (US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether they can or should salute the flag.

 "The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one's military service," Senator Inhofe said. "Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform. "Unfortunately, current U.S. law leaves confusion as to whether veterans and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.

"I look forward to seeing those who have served saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who have served in the military and remain as role models to others citizens. Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others."

This bill was passed July 25,  2007. (Item submitted by 2d Lt Ralph Williams, Pipe Creek Christian School Cadet Squadron, who added: "Please let your veteran friends know about the passage of this bill.")

Editor

Public Affairs New Cadet Voices

Two From Crusader Composite Squadron, 24-26 August

I was pleasantly surprised to receive an article written by two new contributors, who in turn had been sponsored by a veteran of articles past. C/AB Matthew O'Brien (13) is in the 8th grade at Danny Jones Middle School in Mansfield (the same school attended by C/A1C Robert Severance IV), and has been a CAP member since 23 May 2007. C/Amn Kendall Pruitt (14) is in the 9th grade at Lamar High School in Arlington.  He has been a CAP member since 24 Apr 2007, and attended the 2007 Texas Wing Summer Encampment together with C/A1C Robert Severance IV.

Both aspiring news writers have been working with C/A1C Robert Severance IV, who has been tutoring them in the fine art of photography and turning them into capable observers of human nature. Cdt Severance's attitude is firmly planted in, "Learn it, do it, teach it." It seems to be working just fine.

I extend a warm welcome to Cadets Pruitt and O'Brien, and a "welcome back" to C/A1C Robert Severance IV.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Public Affairs The Texas State Flag

 

On the Flag of the State of Texas, 1 September

     AUSTIIN, TX – Officially, six flags have flown over Texas. First came the flag of Spain over parts of Texas in 1529, a fact retained today on the reverse side of the Texas State Seal. The flag of France flew over Fort Saint Louis on the Gulf Coast from 1685 to 1690. The flag of Mexico reigned over all of Texas from 1821 to 1836 – the year in which Texas declared its independence.

When the Republic of Texas was created, there were two flags used in the land. One was the "Burnet Flag" (a white star on a solid field of blue), and the other the balanced design we know today, which flew exclusively until 1845. When Texas joined the Union, the United States Flag took precedence over the "Lone Star Flag," from 1845 to 1861. Then Texas joined the Confederacy, during which period the "Stars and Bars" was the most commonly flown (the Confederacy had three flags). When peace was restored in 1865, the Stars and Stripes returned as the symbol of national sovereignty, and the state flag was designated as "the national flag of the Republic of Texas."

A little known chapter (some say footnote) of history is that of the Republic of the Rio Grande, which briefly existed between 17 January and 6 November 1840 and had its own flag as well. Uniting three Mexican states (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas), its capital was the city of Laredo. Part of its territory overlapped lands claimed by the Republic of Texas, that recognized the Rio Grande as its boundary with Mexico. In the end, Texas took its slice from the little republic (portions of Coahuila and Tamaulipas), and Mexico recovered the rest. Today, the Laredo Morning Times displays seven flags, rather than the usual six – and carries them on their letterhead and rate card.

Oddly enough, the "Lone Star Flag" was adopted without specifying its dimensions, so that the traditional flag we have known all along was allowed to coexist legally with greatly elongated streamer flags, or even severely abbreviated flags that had a great deal more star than white & red bars. The Texas Congress knew this to be a problem, but they did little about it, trusting tradition to keep the proportions "right."

That is, until 1 September 2001, when the Texas Congress finally changed the Government Code to codify the dimensions of the flag. The wording of the change is reproduced below.

GOVERNMENT CODE
TITLE 11. STATE SYMBOLS AND HONORS; PRESERVATION
SUBTITLE A. STATE SYMBOLS AND HONORS
CHAPTER 3100. STATE FLAG

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 3100.001. STATE FLAG. The state flag is the 1839 national flag of the Republic of Texas.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

§ 3100.002. DESCRIPTION: IN GENERAL.

(a) The state flag is a rectangle that:

(1) has a width to length ratio of two to three; and

(2) contains:

(A) one blue vertical stripe that has a width equal to one-third the length of the flag;

(B) two equal horizontal stripes, the upper stripe white, the lower stripe red, each having a length equal to two-thirds the length of the flag; and

(C) one white, regular five-pointed star:

(i) located in the center of the blue stripe;

(ii) oriented so that one point faces upward; and

(iii) sized so that the diameter of a circle passing through the five points of the star is equal to three-fourths the width of the blue stripe.

(b) The red and blue of the state flag are:

(1) the same colors used in the United States flag; and

(2) defined as numbers 193 (red) and 281 (dark blue) of the Pantone Matching System.

(c) The red, white, and blue of the state flag represent, respectively, bravery, purity, and loyalty.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO

Public Affairs Commentary

Could this tragedy have been avoided?, 5 September

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – My friend Lt Col Tom Traver, Oregon Wing PAO, sent me a message today, saying:

Could not help but notice the mission similarities for the Fossett search and Oregon's recent Courtland Mumford search:

1. Plenty of fuel
2. No flight plan
3. Light, high performance single-engine aircraft
4. Sketchy idea of where pilot was headed
5. No ELT signal
6. Very experienced pilot
7. High-intensity search effort
8. No radio comm
9. No radar returns

 End result ... never found.

     Steve Fossett loved a challenge. On the photo at left (posted on his official website), he is shown on the right with his co-pilot Einar Enevoldson, last 29 August 2006, as they prepared to break the glider altitude record. On that day, Fossett was the first ever to reach the stratosphere in a glider, starting from Argentina's village of El Calafate, on the Patagonian Andes near the Argentine-Chilean border. This was one of the latest of his many "firsts."  Steve Fossett was adventurous, experienced, daring, and meticulous. But in high-risk activities, it usually takes only one slip.

Why is it that seasoned and otherwise perfectly sane persons, at a given moment, make a mistake that a beginner – who carefully follows the rules as taught – would routinely avoid? Is it lack of attention? Is it arrogance? Is it carelessness? Is it a personality flaw? In this instance, probably we'll never know.

What we do know is that Steve Fossett, in the span of his 63 years on this Earth, carved a name for himself, etched deeply in the annals of fame. He was so successful at it, that he rates a page on the Wikipedia. This is the sort of endorsement reserved for people or events that offer wide-ranging appeal. This you cannot buy; you've got to earn it.

A self-made financier who founded and ran his own commodities brokerage firm, he indulged his passion for risk and daring, and honors followed him. He was named a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society and The Explorers Club; these are memberships not handed out to just anyone, nor can they be bought. But honors didn't shield him from tragedy. Two days ago, on 3 September 2007, he was reported missing after flying over the Nevada desert and never reaching a destination. He had taken off from the Hilton "Flying M" Ranch about 70 miles southeast of Reno, NV – at the controls of a single-engine Citabria Super Decathlon. This is one hot little plane, fun to fly, that cruises at nearly 130 mph and can hit 200 mph.

When last seen, Steve Fossett was flying the Super Decathlon (file photo at right) due south, but he told no one where he was going. Was he on his way to inspect a secretly-built supercar, that might replace the heavily modified jet-powered "Spirit of America Sonic Arrow" he was re-building? Might the official project have hit a snag that couldn't be overcome? Might he have been developing, wrapped in secrecy, a totally new concept vehicle that he planned to unveil at the last minute, and drive it in his attempt to break the land speed record?

He had already amassed 93 Aviation World Records and 23 sailing world records, all duly ratified. He had set cross-country skiing records, and completed grueling land competitions, such as the 1,165 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the English Channel swim, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Ironman Triathlon. He had not climbed every mountain – but had scaled the highest peaks on 6 of the 7 continents.

At the latest report, he was devoting all his energy and personal resources to yet another goal – breaking the land speed record. On his website, the goal is specified as "Target 800 MPH" (that is Mach 1.05+, or slightly faster than the speed of sound), a feat that most authorities consider unachievable. 

     A massive search and rescue operation ensued, with volunteers flocking from all over the U.S. to a small corner of Nevada. The U.S. Civil Air Patrol was a major contributor in this quest. The work was long and disheartening, and as the days passed, it soon became apparent that this wouldn't be a rescue but a recovery operation. The Great Brotherhood of Airmen, a bond of avocation created far above the ground, kept them all going. They felt united in the common effort. And, at times, they even found an opportunity to relieve the heartache. At left, 2d Lt James Metcalfe, 1st Lt Scott Bakker and 2d Lt William Bakker, all members of the South Coast Composite Squadron, Oregon Wing, pose with Gen Chuck Yeager (in civilian clothes). It is always a pleasure to meet a great man who happens to share your passion... (Photo contributed by Lt Col Tom Traver, Oregon Wing PAO)

On 17 September it was announced that, after searching 20,000 square miles of rugged mountainous terrain (98% of the ground assigned), the U.S. Civil Air Patrol was severely curtailing its search. An AFP article stated, "Fossett has survived numerous near-misses and harrowing crash landings over the years, including a 9,000-meter (29,000-foot) plummet into the Coral Sea off Australia because of a storm-shredded balloon."

Growing up competitive, Steve Fossett had earned his Eagle Scout ranking in his boyhood, earned an MBA at 24, made a fortune in business, and never saw a record he didn't want to break. He was an intense but affable person. He was competitive but generous. In the end, he leaves more questions than answers.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Public Affairs CAP News

The U.S. Air  Force Recognizes CAP's Contribution, 10 September

     A little over two years after its creation, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an Executive order on 29 April 1943, establishing the Civil Air Patrol as the auxiliary of the U.S. Army Air Forces. Interestingly enough, at that time, total CAP membership was 75,000 volunteers, a figure that has remained fairly constant through the years.

The U.S. Air Force counts the U.S. Civil Air Patrol as one of its assets, and every now and then speaks about us. The article reproduced at left appeared in the September 10, 2007 issue of Air Force Times, which is widely circulated among active duty Air Force personnel. In spite of all our many accomplishments, the fact that CAP planes actually sank two German U-boats during WW II has remained a benchmark that is often quoted. 

1st Lt Harold Parks, Commander, Gladewater Corsair CS

Public Affairs Wide Area Exercise

Preparing for Disaster, 14-16 September

AUSTIN MISSION BASE, TX – How do you prepare for the unexpected? How do you make ready for a disaster that could range from a temporary loss of roadway use to wholesale loss of life and total civil disruption? Helping to assess such a situation, rendering assistance, and paving the way for the quickest and most effective recovery possible would be the job of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol. This is why every CAP volunteer must answer the crucial question, “Could I keep focused on the job, should I find myself surrounded by misery, injury and death?”

This is why the U.S. Civil Air Patrol trains constantly, at all levels. This is why CAP is an active part of emergency preparedness in every state. This is why CAP members share one common trait – they are civic-minded individuals, willing to give of their time, talent and effort towards the common good.

Saturday, September 15, 2007 was a nearly perfect day for flying, with just a touch of haze as the sun rose in a blazing display of reds. As it reached a few degrees above the horizon, it changed its crimson hue to a pale Texas gold, and the brilliant blue of an early fall sky canopied itself over the landscape. The weather would remain nearly as favorable throughout the day.

On the tarmac, in back of the Texas Department of Transportation Flight Services building at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, six Cessna airplanes in U.S. Civil Air Patrol markings sat in a neat line, awaiting pilots and aircrew members qualified to take them back up into the gentle breeze. Staff, aircrew and ground personnel had arrived from as far north as Tyler, and as far southwest as San Antonio. This was one of three key places in Texas where the normal weekend routine would be altered.

Friday afternoon, in preparation for the Wide Area Exercise that was to take place, the Austin Mission Base communications officer, C/CMSgt Michael Moody, assisted by Capt John Benavides, had set up a 90’ folded dipole radio antenna on top of the TXDoT building. This would be needed in order to operate the CAP radios that were to be used during the exercise.

Setting up the antenna over a ridged steel roof had not been easy, but the solution had become apparent. Portable cinder blocks with attached fittings at the top would hold the antenna off the roof and allow for ideal orientation for optimal reception. Getting these up on the roof had also required a simple solution – a pulley rigged at the top of the caged open ladder that went up the side of the building.

On this weekend, a Wide Area Command Post would function at Addison, TX, which would coordinate and direct the activities of three satellite units. Located in Austin, Houston, and north of Dallas, each one of these three semi-autonomous locations would operate as Incident Command Posts and concentrate assets from a much larger part of Texas. The purpose of the exercise would be straightforward: improve and refine training at all levels, carry out ad-hoc missions, and deal with the unforeseen as needed.

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

[1]-[2] The Incident Commander, Lt Col Owen Younger, briefs the mission staff and participants. [3] The Flight Operations room is always busy during an exercise. [4] Maj Dan Williams, commander of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, at Austin-Bergstrom Airport, prepares to leave for Exercise FALCON VIRGO [5] 1st Lt Ferrill Ford, the SET/Trainer for the flight, 1st Lt John Meiners of Pegasus Composite Squadron, mission pilot trainee, and 1st Lt Robert Mauldin of Bexar County Senior Squadron, observer, as they prepare to depart on their sortie. [6] Capt Leonard Laws, of Apollo Composite Squadron, in Georgetown, mission pilot trainer, unties his aircraft in preparation for his sortie; behind him, Capt Gary Houck, of Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, mission pilot trainee. (Photos: Capt Arthur Woodgate)

The first aircraft to take off, with Maj. Dan Williams at the controls, was sent on a long-range mission to coincide with its actual destination of El Paso, TX. There, Maj. Williams, commander of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, would land and report for duty as he takes on a week-long commitment to participate in Exercise FALCON-VIRGO. This recurring training event, run at various geographical locations by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), is designed to train military pilots in interception tactics, with the CAP planes playing the role of intruders with unknown intentions.

Soon after, the remaining CAP planes got their aircrews, who fulfilled administrative and safety requirements and flew off on local missions of their own. One of them, which had arrived earlier that Saturday, had a CAP radio malfunction that prevented it from communicating with the CAP mission station set up at Austin Mission Base. Rather than not flying the mission, an alternative was easy to find. Since the aircraft’s FAA radios were functioning properly and it could operate in and out of the airport without trouble, a “high bird” would be launched to help it communicate with home base, using an available standard channel.

One of the Cessnas, with full high bird capability, took off first, and the problem flight followed. The high bird relayed all messages to and from the problem plane, so that communications with home base could take place as required. Thus, this real-world inconvenience became an opportunity for dealing with an emergency, which in turn provided for additional training.

Since there were no ground teams available for this exercise, all operational activities would be restricted to air sorties. In a natural or man-made emergency, the U.S. Civil Air Patrol is normally activated to fly damage assessment missions, as well as other relief sorties. Therefore, air operations are a very important part of training and preparation in expectation of “the real thing,” when emergency workers would need to know how to deal with the effects of a disaster.

By early afternoon, the previously clear skies had given way to broken clouds. This was a relief for those on the ground, but at times it limited air-to-ground visibility. In spite of this, air missions were completed and observation objectives were met.

Full and timely operations, on the other hand, are possible only when an adequate and competent staff and mission support personnel are available for taking care of command, control, and routine issues. These include many administrative and enabling tasks that must take place on the ground and are necessary to support flight and ground search missions in the field. Securing fuel resupply, updating online information, keeping track of total hours flown and their cost, number of personnel available for mission tasks, and the many “little things” that constitute the “glue” that keeps operations running smoothly – these take more than just the desire to do them. None of this is easily accomplished unless a team with the training and experienced to make it happen is on hand.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

[7] U.S. Civil Air Patrol aircraft on the flight line. [8] The 90' dipole antenna doesn't look all that impressive when it is being dismantled at the end of the exercise. [9] Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Michael Moody of Apollo Composite Squadron, the communications officer for the exercise, lowers the antenna components from the roof at the end of the exercise [10]-[11] Aerial photos of a nearby installation, taken as part of a practice photo reconnaissance run. (Photos: [7]-[9] Capt Arthur Woodgate; [10]-[11] 1st Lt Robert Mauldin, Bexar County Senior Squadron, San Antonio)

During the last few years – from the point of view of the subordinate Staging Areas – Texas Wing had been operating “the easy way” by establishing an elite mission base staffed by qualified personnel, who were charged with the main task of concentrating most administrative tasks at that headquarters. This arrangement left a number of remote Staging Areas free to “work the field,” but it also provided few opportunities for additional personnel to become qualified in these critical staff positions – which in turn resulted in a relative shortage of mission staff personnel.

The Wide Area concept of operations seeks to rectify this by multiplying available opportunities for training on mission staff positions, decentralized across the State. Currently, it should be mentioned, there is a drawback to this arrangement – the relative scarcity of fully qualified personnel made this weekend’s experience trying at best, when not actually frustrating. But there is high hope. In time, as the level of proficiency of trainee mission staff personnel increases, and they become fully mission-qualified, their job will get progressively easier and more efficient.

Why should it be necessary to get so many more CAP members qualified on mission staff work? The reason is quite simple. Texas is a very large state. In terms of territory, it is about 30 times the size of the State of New Jersey. Therefore, given its great physical dimensions, it is conceivable that a disaster or emergency might leave a large part of the State unable to function effectively, or cut off, and if this area were the only one where trained mission staff existed, the remainder of the State, though prepared to conduct field operations, might not be able to perform as efficiently.

The weekend provided unexpected lessons of its own. In some instances, senior personnel were unable to participate and others rose to fill those positions. This proved that although more training in these areas is still necessary, Texas Wing has many members who, in a pinch, can take over and get the job done. It is a bittersweet moment when a need arises, the “What do I do now?” dread of failure raises its ugly head, someone steps in to fill the vacuum, and the job gets done after all.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, IO, Austin Mission Base

Public Affairs News from NHQ

CAP National Reorganizes Public Affairs at the Top

MAXWELL AFB, AL – A recent reorganization at National Headquarters designed to realign the staff to better serve the needs of our members nationwide has brought about some positive changes within most areas, including Public Affairs.

Marc Huchette heads a new directorate – Public Awareness and Membership Development – consisting of public affairs, membership development, and creative services.

Jim Tynan, PA's former public affairs manager, has been appointed Deputy Director of Creative Services, which consists of the print plant, graphic arts, photography, multimedia and the Web.

The public affairs staff now consists of marketing, communications, media relations and public affairs. The directorate's staff is excited about the infinite possibilities of this blending of talent and expertise, which is certain to take these programs to new heights in the coming years.

Julie DeBardelaben, Deputy Director for Public Affairs

Public Affairs Homeland Security News

Homeland Security's Leasons Learned Information Sharing website

     Recently the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of the National Preparedness Guidelines (Guidelines, formerly the National Preparedness Goal), the Target Capabilities List (TCL), and the National Response Framework (NRF, formerly the National Response Plan). The Guidelines, TCL, and NRF can all be found on the new LLIS.gov resource page, National Preparedness Policy and Guidance (login required).

Developed through an extensive process that involved more than 1,500 Federal, state, and local officials, and more than 120 national associations, the Guidelines replace the Interim National Preparedness Goal issued on March 31, 2005. They also integrate lessons learned following Hurricane Katrina and a 2006 review of states’ and major cities’ emergency operations and evacuation plans. The updated TCL also reflects integral stakeholder feedback and is considered a living document, continually updated to accommodate feedback and new developments. The NRF is the result of a comprehensive interagency review of the 2004 National Response Plan, as well as the recommendations of the Homeland Security Council's report, The Federal Response to Hurricane Katrina: Lessons Learned.

Also available exclusively on the LLIS.gov National Preparedness Policy and Guidance resource page are the National Planning Scenarios and the Universal Task List. Please log onto LLIS.gov to access these resources. As always, we welcome any comments or suggestions at feedback@llis.dhs.gov. (NOTE: Accessing any portion of the www.llis.gov site requires user registration, which is normally processed within the day.)

Karl Fippinger, LLIS.gov Program Director

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

Looking Forward to Cooler Weather 

Hopefully October will bring some enjoyable, cool, crisp weather. When that happens, it will make flying fun, as the aircraft nearly leaps into the sky on the denser, cooler air!  Also, along with the goblins and spooks of Halloween, the weather can be counted on for abrupt changes, from fair to foul and everything in-between. 

When flying even short distances, an aviation weather briefing should be a routine habit. Another "good" habit is to take the briefings seriously! When reviewing a number of CFIT (Controlled Flight Into Terrain) accidents (about 90% of them fatal) it turns out that the common theme is that the pilot had either not sought a weather briefing or ignored the caveat that VFR was not recommended. 

Another unfortunate theme was a disturbing number of pilots who had not taken the time to file a flight plan. The recent, lengthy, and extensive search for Steve Fossett would have been shortened considerably had he filed a flight plan before taking off.

Please be smart, get a weather briefing, and file a flight plan if you're going farther that the practice area.

Maj Wm. "Bert" Wilson, SO

October Safety Down Day

CAPR 62-1 requires a safety down day each October. The recent Safety event required by Brig Gen Courter was not meant to replace this Annual requirement.

Each wing or individual unit is encouraged to have a 1 to 1-1/2 hour briefing on safety in items of interest to the unit. Cadet Squadrons may wish to brief on physical and equipment safety. Composite Squadrons may wish to address vehicle and personal as well as flight safety. With winter coming, this would be a good time to check cold weather equipment and ensure it is serviceable and operators are qualified to use and maintain it.

Col John Tilton, National Safety Officer

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

October Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

October 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

 

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  
 

November

 
23-25 Nov Camp Mabry CTEP Leadership Sch & STEP/TLC. C/Commandant: C/Lt Col Jordan Wright. Form 31A + $45 to Maj Phyllis Sutton NLT 7 Nov 07 - Details on Texas Cadet website. Contact: Lt Col Dawn King
 

December

 
     

Editor

A USAF Chaplain's Guest Commentary

Spiritual wellness is the glue that holds us together

8/28/2007 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN)  -- Sept. 11, 2001, was a day everyone will remember. A day that brought tears to our eyes and pain in our hearts. The common denominator that synergized all faith groups and nationality during Sept. 11 was spirituality.

People came together from various churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, economic and social backgrounds to care for people who were in despair and paralyzed with hopelessness. 

People may ask, "What is spirituality?" That's a good question.

Spirituality is connecting with the nucleus of one's soul. Spirituality is connecting with something greater than you. On Sept. 11, many people responded to the crises to help people who were in need. Spirituality responds to all people regardless of color, creed, ethnicity, nationality or rank. 

Spiritual wellness is taking care of people the way you want to be treated. You don't have to be religious in order to be spiritual. Contrary to popular belief, I believe spiritual wellness supersedes any religious concept, except for God. 

Spiritual wellness is like the glue that holds all the pages together in a book. It is what illuminates your purpose in life. Spiritual wellness is what encourages you to take the next step. 

"Spiritual wellness is that something within us that keeps us going, that gives us focus in life," said Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson, the Air Force deputy chief of chaplains at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C. "It gives us purpose and meaning."

Spiritual wellness has always been an integral part of the Air Force Chaplaincy Corps; we just did not have an official name for it. The Air Force is well-known for taking care of people. This concept gives the chaplaincy the opportunity to further embrace and illuminate main arteries that pump life into the military community.

The military places a large amount of importance on physical fitness ensuring all Airmen are mission ready, to include spiritually fit as well.

Spiritual wellness is intended to focus on the spiritual needs and well-being of our Airmen and their families. Air Force chapel teams are trying to mold each Airman into a "total warrior" by galvanizing faith with the mission, increasing productivity in our people and thus creating a total force.

The chaplains and chaplain assistants have made an intentional effort to be involved, visible and advocates of religious freedom for everyone.

For the last five years, military members have encountered tremendous stress levels due to the high operational tempo and sudden calls to deploy across the world. Any military or family member can reach a chaplain 24 hours a day for counseling whenever an unfortunate crisis arises. The chaplaincy is the only organization that provides total confidentiality -- privileged communication. 

"A person who comes to me has a hunger that craves healing, understanding or being listened to," said Chaplain (Col.) Joseph Kuan, the Air Force Materiel Command chaplain. "With the introduction of spiritual wellness as one of four dimensions of wellness, we go beyond our own personal beliefs so that we may help others."

Bottom line: Let's come together from various backgrounds and faith traditions, leaning forward and standing ready to be that glue that keeps fellow wingmn from falling.

Chaplain (Capt.) Dwayne A. Jones, 88th Air Base Wing chaplain

Useful Links

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

Addison CS

Addison Cadets Receive AFA Award, 25 September

     ADDISON, TX – On September 25, 2007, the U.S. Air Force Association recognized two cadets during an awards presentation before the squadron.  Both cadets are members of the Addison Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing.

     C/1st Lt Nathan Carey (left) received the Air Force Association Award as the outstanding CAP cadet officer within the squadron. Obviously pleased with his award, Cadet Carey said, "I’ve always looked upon the AFA Cadet of the Year Award as a great honor. The Air Force is definitely my intended career, so in the near future I want to continue gaining experience through serving my squadron and CAP. I’m very proud to be part of the Addison Eagles."

     C/2d Lt Derek Prucha (right) received the Air Force Sergeant’s Association Award, which recognizes the unit’s CAP cadet non-commissioned officer of the year. Cadet Prucha has since been promoted to C/2d Lt. When asked how he felt about his award, he said, "I had great instructors, and I try to be the same for younger cadets. I was excited to know that the AFSA decided to recognize my ability to pass the training I received from my own leaders to younger cadets, and realize my own leadership potential."

     What has Cdt Prucha been up to since then? He has just turned in his Eagle Scout Project notebook for BSA district review and approval.

     Both cadets received these awards for their exceptional leadership abilities. In both photos, the cadets are shown with Captain Bryan Uskovich, the Air Force Reservist who made the presentation, and 1st Lt Greg Thornbury, squadron commander.

(2d Lt Michael Bownds)

Anderson County CS

 

Flight Line Marshalling and More, 29 September

PALESTINE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX – The Anderson County Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing has been busy in the month of September. During the third weekend of September, the cadets learned the fundamentals of Flight Line Marshalling (FLM). Eager to go and excited about the subject, our new cadets dressed up in their orange vests and hit the tarmack for a hands-on FLM lesson.

Our cadets were so excited about getting to do FLM on their own, that they even started showing their leaders a few hand signals they'd seen airport ground crews give to the pilots when they'd flown commercial. Although they didn't know what a lot of them meant, they still had a good time.

Getting down to business on the ins and outs of FLM, the cadets learned  the three most important rules to master in order to be a good flight line marshaller. These are: (1) Safety; (2) Safety; and  (3) Safety. The cadets and their instructors worked hard, and it was obvious that they were enjoying their lessons.

After FLM training, with time still left in the day, our cadets switched to a different set of skills. This time they learned  some of the basics of color guard in anticipation of the upcoming Veterans' Day activities on the weekend of 10-11 November.

The day ended with a some of our cadets hamming  it up with some radios and getting a few lessons in radio comunications. Pop Question? For any cadet who is interested, in any squadron – "How many signals are used in FLM, and which are they?" You may e-mail me your answer, and I'll post the names of the first 3 cadets with the highest score in next month's article. Good Luck!

(C/1st Lt Andrew H. Smith)

Apollo CS

CAP Hovercraft Go to High School, 30 August

ROUND ROCK, TX – During the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps orientation at McNeil High School this past week, I overheard the Senior Officers talking about their plans to let the class test their hovercraft. This is when I thought that I could bring some of the Apollo Squadron's. So I talked to the Colonel about bringing three more hovercraft to “play” with. "That would be awesome if you could," he said.

The next day, Apollo Cdt Jared Hardison and I took off to the huge blacktop to have some fun. At first we couldn't get the generator started, but then we turned the gas on and it started right up. After everything was set up, I realized that one of the electric blowers was missing the fan cover, so I didn’t run it. (I thought it was unsafe as it was.)

At first it was slow going, because the AFJROTC cadets didn't trust our hovercraft. So I gave cadet Hardison a ride and showed the group “how it’s done.” Then they weren't afraid any longer, they tried it, and we couldn’t get them off the hovercraft. They were having so much fun, that we had to turn the generator off and pack up.

I would say that they were very impressed that a CAP cadet could get three hovercraft, gas, supplies, and another cadet to help him, all in one day. The Senior Officers said that, "This is  probably the best cadet orientation that we have ever had."

I'd like to thank cadet Jared Hardison for being willing to help me run the hovercraft. If he hadn't been there, I’m pretty sure that the cadets wouldn’t have been able to have multiple rides as I can only go so fast! And also thank Apollo Squadron, for being generous and letting me borrow three great hovercraft. (The author recently apologized for not having taken a camera along, and no one there took any photos. Editor)

(C/TSgt Mark Davidson)

Black Sheep CS

CLC Graduation, 7 September

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX – On 7 September 2007, 1st Lt Kelly Castillo of the Black Sheep CS successfully completed his Corporate Learning Course in Grand Prairie. The Crusaders CS sponsored both the Squadron Leadership School and Corporate Learning Course (SLS and CLC). At the end of the event, Col Joe Smith, Texas Wing Commander, made a surprise visit to discuss safety as well as the success of the new Wide Area Exercise (WAX). Afterwards, each attendee received a certificate of completion from Col. Smith.

1. 2.

[1] Crusader Composite Squadron commander Lt Col Roy Hill, center, in-processes the attendees. [2] Students wait for the start of their first block of instruction.

Safety First, 24 September

MESQUITE, TX – On 24 September 2007, 2d Lt Jerry Barron, Safety Officer for the Cadet Program, taught a safety course to the Black Sheep CS cadets. The cadets learned how to recognize safety placards, understand the hazards of various chemicals, and the dangers of huffing, or sniffing legal products that are known to produce narcotic effects. Cadets receive safety training on a monthly basis. Lt Barron's experience in safety is part of his job at a commercial printing company, where understanding chemicals is essential to maintaining a danger-free workplace.

3. 4.

[3] Cadets learn about chemical safety in Lt Barron’s class. [4] A discussion about products commonly found around the home, and their hazards.

“These cadets are exposed to chemicals every day,” said Lt Barron. “Not only can huffing cause brain damage, but it can also disrupt your ability to learn.”

(1st Lt Kelly Castillo)

Crusader CS

Squadron Cadets Attend ALS, 24-26 August

CAMP MABRY, TX – On 24-26 August 2007, three members of the Crusader Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, attended CTEP Airman Leadership School at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. They were: C/AB Matthew O'Brien, C/Amn Kendall Pruitt, and C/A1C Robert Severance IV. The course was hosted by Pegasus Composite Squadron.

The cadets arrived Friday evening for check-in. After making up their bunks, the cadets reported to their first class which was an introduction to ALS and overview of the rules. Afterward, they assembled in formation and marched to the barracks for evening snacks and working on uniforms. They hit the sack at 2200.

Saturday morning's reveille was at 0530. The cadets assembled for PT before breakfast. "It consisted of an hour and ten minutes of grueling pain," said C/Amn Pruitt. Not to be outdone, C/AB O'Brien contributed, "One of the most challenging parts of the school was the PT."  "We did lunges, push-ups, squats, and running two miles," said O'Brien, adding, "We were sore when we woke up in the morning."

Yes, PT was truly memorable. C/A1C Severance said, "During PT, we had to help each other and motivate each other."  "It was the first activity for some of the cadets," said Cadet Severance, adding, "So we had to help encourage them."

After PT, the cadets showered and changed into BDUs for a breakfast of pancakes and sausages. (They ate everything in sight.) After breakfast they attended classes before lunch, then drill in the afternoon. That evening they had supper, a little more drill before sunset, and then returned to the classroom to write a 300-word essay. The cadets marched back to the barracks for a snack, then back to working on their uniforms. Again, lights out was at 2200.

1. 2. 3.

[1] Cadets prepare for CTEP Airman Leadership School closing ceremonies at Pegasus Composite Squadron Headquarters, Camp Mabry, Austin.. [2] Proud graduates holding their course certificates (L-R) C/AB Matthew O'Brien, C/A1C Robert Severance IV and C/Amn Kendall Pruitt, with the ALS Project Officer, C/Lt Col Bradley Cilino [3] In front of the Pegasus CS building after the ceremonies, C/A1C Robert Severance IV, C/AB Matthew O'Brien and C/Amn Kendall Pruitt with the CTEP Oversight Officer, Lt Col Dawn King. (Photos: 1st Lt Robert Severance III)

On Sunday, the cadets got to "sleep in," as they were awoken at an easier 0620. Not to vary the routine, they did PT and drills before cleaning up and dressing in their short-sleeve blues. This time, breakfast consisted of eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, hash browns, and fruit. All the cadets enjoyed their wonderful breakfast. ("Not enough," said some, giggling.) Afterward, the cadets drilled, had a class, and went back to the barracks and cleaned them up. Now it was time to pack their belongings and prepare for the closing ceremony. All Crusader cadets graduated.

(C/AB Matthew O'Brien, C/Amn Kendall Pruitt, and C/A1C Robert Severance IV)

SLS and CLS Training, 8-9 September

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX The Crusader Composite Squadron hosted a Squadron Leadership School and Corporate Learning Course at the Grand Prairie Police Academy on 8-9 September 2007. In attendance were twenty-six CAP members representing nearly every group in Texas Wing. These courses cannot be taken simultaneously, and the SLS is a prerequisite for the CLC. Fifteen students attended SLS instruction, and eleven came to Grand Prairie for the CLC curriculum.

Both of these courses are part of the requirements for career progression. SLS is a prerequisite for promotion to Captain, while the CLC is needed for promotion to Major.

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

[1] Crusader CS Commander Lt Col Roy Hill registers SLS/CLC students. [2] Maj Russell Miller welcomes SLS/CLC class members. [3] Lt Col Leon Flowers, wearing his Texas State Guard uniform, lectures on the proper wear and maintenance of uniforms.[4] Lt Col Dietrich Whisennand speaks about professional development. [5] CAP-USAF Texas State Director Col Ed Brown speaks on the USAF-CAP relationship. [6] Maj Russell Miller welcomes Texas Wing Commander Col Joe R. Smith. (Photos: 1st Lt Robert Severance III)

The instructors, who divided their time between the two courses, were Col Ed Brown (CAP-USAF Texas State Director), Lt Col Carl Faas, Lt Col Leon Flowers, Lt Col Ron Fory, Lt Col Sandy Haw, Lt Col John Samuel, Lt Col Jim Warneke, Lt Col Cynthia Whisennand, Lt Col Dietrich Whisennand, Lt Col Ron Whitley, Lt Col Bruce Wilson, Maj Russ Miller and Capt Charles Corway. Col Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander, was present on 9 September.

The SLS Director was Capt Graylin Conerly, and the CLC Director was Maj Russell J. Miller. Capt. Jay Workman and 1st Lt. Robert Severance III were Assistant Directors. A big “thank you” goes to Lt Col E.S. “Tex” Collins for helping plan and coordinate the event. 

Upon course completion, Col Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander, presented each graduating student with the appropriate certificate.

(1st Lt Robert Severance III)

Dallas CS

UTA Robotics Lab, 27 August

ARLINGTON, TX – During the meeting of 27 August, Dallas CS senior and cadet members toured the Distributed Intelligence and Autonomy and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Labs of the Automation & Robotics Research Institute, part of The University of Texas at Arlington campus. Eighteen members of the squadron and guests enjoyed the tours, hosted by Prasanna Ballal, Chris McMurrough, and Emanuel Stingu, all students of Dr. Frank L. Lewis, PhD. 

Dr. Lewis, thanks to funding from the National Science Foundation, supervises and guides these students' studies. The latter displayed and discussed their work in the areas of adaptive sampling and autonomous helicopter development. 

A display of the many books authored or co-authored by Dr. Lewis was available for perusal, and the student guides welcomed questions, many of which addressed how their studies related to flight and CAP operational needs. The CAP cadets thoroughly enjoyed the evening, since they were particularly interested by the presentations, given that some day they might pursue studies in these areas.

Freedom Run, 11 September

DALLAS, TX – Spirits ran high and proud in the Dallas Freedom Run last 11 September, with the participation of cadets from the Dallas Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing. The Freedom Run was organized to pay tribute to the victims and heroes of the attacks of September 11, 2001, and as a means to display our determined spirit and national strength. 

Putting their physical fitness training to practice were C/CMSgt Matthew Patrick, C/SrA Collin Cathcart, and C/SSgt Mike Kaplor. The latter commented, “People were very supportive of young participants.”

This is the second consecutive year that Dallas CS has taken part in this annual event.

Scanner/Observer Training, 23 September

DALLAS, TX – On 23 Sept 2007 the Dallas Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing ran a mission aircrew ground school for squadron members. 1st Lt Brendan Goss led the course, which covered all aspects of mission aircrew training, with instruction tailored toward the large number of non-aviators in attendance.

Capt Eric Martin, the Squadron Commander, observed, "I'm excited to see the members of the Dallas Squadron demonstrate such commitment to our missions that they would give up a Sunday to participate in this training. Since we're in the middle of a hurricane season that has seen thirteen storm systems form in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico already, it seemed like the right time to focus on mission training."

1st Lt Brendan Goss, the course instructor, explained, "We have some very intelligent and talented members in the squadron, and they clearly want to serve when called upon. So I saw it as my responsibility to make sure they got the training they needed. Since most of these trainees have had very little experience with light aircraft, I wanted to make sure that the course gave extra focus on how to be effective and safe as a crew member in the flight environment."

(2d Lt Sue Cathcart)

Gladewater Corsair CS

All These Chiefs and Only One Little Indian, 10 September

GLADEWATER, TX – Cadet Basic Rebecca Alexander has become the lowest-ranking person on the totem pole. Her brothers, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander and Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, are cadet senior non-commissioned officers in the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Chief Andrew Alexander is the Cadet Commander, and does a fine job shepherding the cadets through the CAP program. Chief Jarrod Alexander is the Deputy Cadet Commander and helps keep things moving along in his brother’s absence. 

     As if that were not enough, her father, Farrell Alexander, recently was promoted to Chief of the Gladewater Police Department. Shown at left supervising rifle fire last April, Farrell is a 2d Lt in the squadron and serves as the Deputy Commander for Cadets (DCC) and Moral Leadership Officer (MLO.)  Lt. Alexander is relatively new in the DCC position but, if his performance as the MLO is any indication, he will soon master it to perfection. 

Lt. Alexander’s promotion to this very responsible position in law enforcement is well deserved, and we are confident that he will discharge his duties in a very professional manner while serving his community. We are very proud of his advancement and offer him out best wishes for success.

Gladewater Cadets Take to the Skies Again, 15 September

GLADEWATER, TX – On Saturday, 15 September, 2007, cadets from the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol, participated in their newest aerial adventure. Cadets enjoyed airplane rides provided by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Squadron Commander, 1st Lt. Harold Parks.

On that particular day, EAA had scheduled a pancake breakfast and Young Eagle flights and, coincidentally, our squadron had also scheduled a flying activity. Therefore, the cadets got to enjoy a good breakfast as well as two opportunities to go flying. The Young Eagles program – provided periodically by the EAA – is designed to interest young men and women in careers in flying-related occupations.

     During our flights, Lt. Parks offered each cadet the opportunity to take the controls. On that beautiful sunny morning, depending upon the individual's previous experience in the air, each could explore dimensions of flight not attempted before. Cadets who were familiar with maintaining straight and level flight (a definite challenge for first-time flyers) could be introduced to shallow and steep turns. Once they had conquered these, cadets learned to turn to a heading while maintaining altitude. The cadets soon find out that each flight session introduces one or more new challenges. (At right, Cadet Basic Rebecca Alexander is at the aircraft's controls.)

In the near future, the squadron will begin an aerial navigation class. Having learned navigation on the ground, they will be able to apply that knowledge to their needs in the cockpit. The budding aviators – and one aviatrix – who participated in our latest aerial adventure included: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, Cadet Airman John Ryan, Cadet Basic Patrick Ryan and Cadet Basic Rebecca Alexander. Also flying with us that morning was a potential new squadron member who enjoyed very much his first ride in a light airplane.

(1st Lt Harold Parks)

Gregg County CS

 

Cadet Change of Command, 14 August

LONGVIEW, TX – The Gregg County Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing held a Cadet Change of Command Ceremony at the regular meeting on 14 August 2007. 

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[1] C/CMSgt Zachary Whiteley, C/2d Lt James Camp and C/SMSgt Jared Heath (guidon) salute their commanding officer at the start of the ceremony. [2] Capt Steve Schluter, accompanied by Maj Gerry Davis, addresses C/CMSgt Zachary Whiteley and C/2d Lt James Camp. [3] C/2d Lt James Camp hands the quidon to Capt Steve Schluter. [4] Capt Steve Schluter hands the guidon to C/CMSgt Zachary Whiteley, as a symbol of his new responsibilities. [5] The Cadet Change of Command ceremony over, Capt Steve Schluter returns the salute of C/CMSgt Zachary Whiteley and C/2d Lt James Camp

The ceremony started with C/CMSgt Zachary Whiteley, C/2d Lt James Camp and C/SMSgt Jared Heath (guidon) reporting to their commander, whom they saluted. Since it is traditional for the commander to say a few words before the actual change of command, Captain Steve Schluter commended C/2d Lt James Camp for the outstanding job he had done leading the cadets. 

C/SMSgt Jared Heath then handed the guidon over to Cadet Camp, who handed it to Captain Schluter, thereby symbolically relinquishing command of the squadron's cadets. Then Captain Shluter handed over the guidon to C/CMSgt Zachary Whiteley who, by taking it, accepted his new leadership responsibilities towards the squadron's cadets.

The ceremony is quite simple, and it serves to keep alive a long tradition, inherited from past centuries of military life.

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[6] C/A1C Austin Hollinshead and Maj Gerry Davis [7] C/MSgt Caroline Morton, 2d Lt Carolyn Morton and Capt Steve Schluter

On this day, the squadron also promoted two cadets, shown above: Caroline Morton to C/MSgt and Austin Hollinshead to C/A1C.

Notable Summer Cadet Activities, 4 September

LONGVIEW, TX – The Gregg County Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing had some busy cadets over the summer. 

The week of 18 June, C/SrA Neal Byerly attended the Texas Wing Summer Encampment at Camp Maxey, in Paris, TX. Cadet Byerly said, “Having to wake up at 5AM, I really learned how to multi-task. My favorite part of encampment had to be the obstacle course. To complete the obstacles, my flight learned how to work together as a team. Something else that was cool at encampment was when I was given an award for outstanding motivation in my flight. The guys had started getting kind of down, and I made up some chant to boost morale, and it worked. I had a great time.”  The squadron is proud of Cadet Byerly's accomplishments.

     Over the summer, C/SrA Kayla Cassel took private flying lessons in Lakeland, Florida. The 5-week training included understanding how the engine worked, stalling the aircraft and recovering from the stall, take-offs, landings, and radio communications. Kayla received her student pilot certificate and has plans to complete her training in order to be able to solo and earn her CAP solo wings. 

Also, on 4 September upon receiving the Wright Brothers Award, she was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant.

Cadet Promotions, 4 September 

LONGVIEW, TX – The Gregg County Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing had a night of cadet promotions at the regular meeting on 4 September 2007. Promoted were cadets Ryan Cobb to C/SSgt, Kayla Casset to CSSgt, William Simpson to C/SrA,  Andrew Shea to C/TSgt, Jared Heath to C/MSgt, and James Camp to C/1st Lt. (The author apologizes that a computer crash erased some of the promotion photos.) 

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[8] William Simpson is promoted to C/SrA.  [9] Andrew Shea is promoted to C/TSgt. [10] Jared Heath is promoted to C/MSgt [11] James Camp is promoted to C/1st Lt. 

The highlight of the evening was C/CMSgt Zachary Whiteley being presented his Mitchell Award and promoted to C/2d Lt. 

Major Gerry Davis, Deputy Commander for Cadets, opened the ceremony by welcoming family members and guests and explaining the significance of the award. Judge Bill Stout of Gregg County made the formal presentation of the award, and Lt Col Owen Younger, Group III Commander, addressed the cadets. As a former cadet himself, he shared with them how his own cadet experience had prepared him for the responsibilities of adult life.

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[12] Zachary Whiteley and Judge Bill Stout  [13]  The ceremony was well attended by squadron members, family, and friends. [14] (Front, L-R ) C/2d Lt Zachary Whitely of Longview and Major Gerry Davis. (Back, L-R) Doug Camp, Judge Bill Stout, Group III Commander Lt Col Owen Younger, Lt Col Rich Graham of Dallas CS, and Group III Cadet Programs Officer 1st Lt Opal McKinney.

After the ceremony, cadets and guests enjoyed a reception and took time to congratulate Cadet Whiteley for his accomplishment. 

(2d Lt Tracy Hollinshead)

Pegasus CS

Eye of the Warrior, 31 August

LUBBOCK, TX A month into school and already I've experienced a lot, especially in AFROTC. I've done things that I wouldn't have guessed I'd be doing. One of our missions in CAP is emergency services, and with that comes training in finding people who are hurt or lost. For Warrior Week 2007 in AFROTC, I would be required to find the upperclassmen, and then capture them. 

This is how it works. The first- and second-year cadets have to find and capture the upper-class cadets for points. The more points you get, the better. At the end, the flight with the most points wins, and that flight gets a ribbon to wear on the uniform and a streamer to put on the flight guidon. Yes, it's a game, but it's a risky and dangerous one, especially when hunting down college students. What follows is a day-by-day account of this exciting week. (No we didn't cut classes. We studied ahead and didn't go hunting until our homework was done.)

Friday, September 14, 2007, was the first day we went looking for a target. Cdt. Oswalt, our flight commander, had given us addresses to people's homes, and we were off and running, after having rushed to The Home Depot for duct tape. With that essential supply on hand, we went to our first target's home, but he was out with friends. Many of the upperclassmen despise Warrior Week, and know where to hide. After spending hours trying to locate him, we finally decided to call it quits at three o' clock Saturday morning. The only thing we learned was the layout of the city of Lubbock, and where everybody hangs out on the weekends.

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[1] Cadets. Petrosky, the captured Cdt. Jencik, Miller (back), and Poor. (Photo: Oswalt) [2] Cadets Rask, Kim, Szasz, Miller, Petrosky, Poor, with the captured Cadet Commander McDonough (Photo: Oswalt)
[3] Cadets Fortney, Poor, Miller, Petrosky, Szasz, and Wilson, with the captured Cadet Swinconos in duct tape (Photo: Hopkins) [4] Captured Cadet Bullock, Szasz, and the captured Cadet Blank (Photo: Miller)

Saturday, September 15, 2007, was a more productive day. First we went to scope out our targets' place of residence. Feeling we'd lost a day to the other three flights, we decided to go after our cadet commander. She is one of six cadets who are worth a lot more than the others, since she is higher up and is an amateur boxer on top of that. About four in the afternoon, when we were planning to capture her, our flight commander called us and we found out that she wasn't home. That put our attempts on hold for several hours.

Later that evening, after getting a smoothie, we decided to swing by her house, just to see if she was home. What we found there was shocking. Our own flight commander, Cdt. Oswalt, was in the house. He was the one who was supposed to give us information on targets and there he was, sitting in her living room. We were angry to say the least, so now we were pumped to get her. 

Another thing about Warrior Week is that all upperclassmen know what's going on, so they won't answer the door no matter what. That's when I got the brilliant idea of politely asking the neighbors for their assistance. They were happy to help out. The plan was for them to knock on the door and, when it opened, we would storm in and capture her and any other targets that were with her. It worked out as planned, only she still wasn't home. The good part is that we did capture one of the top six. Our flight commander was happy about that. We took our picture with him (the target) as mandatory proof, and we left feeling good about our victory. We had an early lead, and it felt good.

Sunday, September 16, 2007, was a day packed with good activity. Since we still had unfinished business at our cadet commander's house, we decided to stake it out one more time before moving on. Our timing was off, though, because she was already in her car and leaving by the time we showed up. She actually waved to us as she drove by. Now we were angry, and had to dream up a different scheme, so we followed her back to the Texas Tech campus, where I had a brief negotiation session with her. She wasn't going to give in, so we followed her back to her house where we trapped her inside her car. I then went back to negotiating and finally managed to strike a deal with her, and it played out as intended. She would come outside, and we would have to chase her down. What she didn't know was that we intended to use our door-rushing strategy, only this time without the neighbors.

We duct-taped her, "threw" her into our car, and brought her to Memorial Circle at Texas Tech. The reason for this is simple: we thought that you got more points if you did that (a couple of days later, though, we found out that you didn't). After taking her there, we took another picture, then started driving her back to her house. When we showed up, another flight was there, ready to capture her too, so now we had to protect her so as to keep intact our points lead. We got her back into her house (which cannot be forcibly invaded) and then proceeded to treat ourselves to a victory dinner at Wendy's. 

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[5] Poor carryies the captured Cdt. Smith, with Szasz and Wilson (Photo: Miller) [6] Cdts. Miller, Szasz, captured Cdt. Taylor, Poor, and Petrosky (Photo:Oswalt) [7] Cdt. Petrosky mock-attacks Cdt Carrol for the photographer, before the others tackle him to the ground.) (Photo:Oswalt) [8] Cdts. Miller, Szasz, Petrosky, Hopkins, with the captured Cdt. Carrol (Photo:Oswalt) [9] Cdts. Rask, Szasz, Petrosky, Hopkins and Miller at the victory party with our flight commander Oswalt (center) (Photo: Taylor)

Monday, September 17, 2007, turned out to be an extremely good day, but it didn't start out all that well. We found out that our cadet commander had gotten herself captured after all. Now the pressure was on. Some of the addresses our flight commander had given us were a little off. Our next target's certainly was, but in a good way. The address was that of his parents. Once again, we used the neighbor strategy, only to find out that we'd got the parents, not the cadet. However, we were in luck. They were willing to help us, and were very nice about it. Their son had told them about this week, and cautioned them not to even talk to any college kids. His parents were really nice people, and helped us set up a trap for him. 

As we were waiting, we took a picture with them for "style points" and watched the Monday Night game. The father phoned our target, asking him to come over to their house to help move a couple of pieces of furniture. Our target was somewhat suspicious about the situation, so he actually entered through the back door rather than the front one, saw us at once, and quickly ran back out of the house. 

After a sprint down the street, he was on the ground, taped, and ready to go to Memorial Circle. For creativity, which is a "points category," we also took him to this fountain in Holden Hall to take his picture in front of the statue that's in there. After that, we took him to Taco Bell for more creativity points, and bought him dinner. He was glad to finally get home after his capture. 

Next we went after Bullock, our target from Friday night whom we'd missed. This time, we used Swinconos, the person we captured that night, to lure Bullock outside. The plan was for Swinconos to call Bullock and tell him that he'd been captured and the flight had dropped him off at his apartment complex, since he knew that Bullock lived there. After a couple of phone calls, Bullock was outside. Unfortunately, Swinconos called me by name just as Bullock was looking at me, so Bullock ran inside and locked the door. 

There wasn't much we could do, except ring the doorbell for the next half hour. We even tried to use the patio entrance but it was locked. Finally, at eleven thirty, Bullock called our flight commander who then called me. I talked to Oswalt and negotiated a deal with Bullock and his roommate who is also an upper-class cadet. We would send two cadets into their apartment to take the picture. No rushing inside, and no shenanigans. So we took the picture and were done for the night. 

We now had a reputation for capturing people with class, unlike another flight that was in the competition. That night we celebrated with a trip to IHOP, because the flight never had captured three people in a single night. Also, our total now stood at five, and we had a very good lead.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007, was kind of boring. We used a different strategy this time, resorting to the "three helpless college girls whose car broke down and needed help" tactic. It worked rather well, and soon our target was an involuntary visitor at Memorial Circle. He also got a nice bath of silly string for creativity. Our flight commander then helped us set up another target, and we got her in Memorial Circle as well. Now we were up to seven captures ... and a huge lead.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007, was the last day that capturing was allowed. We once again used a set-up from our flight commander and got our eighth capture. Oswalt told us that our score was impregnable, since the next closest flights had two or three captures. Yes. We pretty much had it wrapped up.

The following day was truly boring because we had nothing to do, so we decided to go bowling, and had a great time doing that. The final results won't be announced for about two weeks, since there are other ways to get points (such as playing intramural sports, as well as attendance).

This was the most exciting week of college so far, and more so because it was totally unexpected. I realize that it is a fairly good way to get to know the cadets who run the wing. In the end, we caught four of the top six cadets, which is a huge success (for us, that is) and, for now, everybody is safe. Until next year.

(C/SSgt Evan Petrosky)

Tyler CS

 

Local Radio Station Honors the Squadron, 8 September

TYLER, TX – The Tyler Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing was recognized at the first annual "Heroes' Banquet" sponsored by radio station The Ranch - KKUS 104.1 in Tyler Texas (covering Tyler, Longview, and East Texas).

Attending were C/MSgt John Shanalan, Cadet Gabriella Whitenburg, C/Amn Jesse Carr, C/Amn James Gandy, C/Amn Ethan Koen, C/Capt Joshua Jenkins and Texas Wing Chaplain Major Ron Whitt.

The CAP cadets were recognized for their outstanding contribution in search and rescue and emergency services in the Tyler area. Along with the Civil Air Patrol, firefighters, police officers, EMT's and other emergency services personnel were also recognized.

This was the first "Heroes' Banquet" held in the Tyler area, honoring those who put their lives at risk for others. The spokesman for the sponsoring radio station The Ranch - KKUS 104.1, Chuck McDonald, said that this will be an annual event

(Lt Col "Butch" Ragland)

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