I would like to thank Maj Doug Wallace for looking after Group III squadrons in the southern sector. In this capacity, he took some of the burden of command from me, and helped with details, obligations, and conflict resolution. He kept me informed of what was going on and helped me maintain an important part of Group III on track. His contribution to Group III has been significant, and helped maintain the high standard this command is known for.

Now I welcome Maj Dan Williams, commander of the Joe Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, as the new person in charge for this sector. He is uniquely qualified for the job in that he possesses considerable command experience at the squadron level, is a competent mission pilot, has shown true talent as a manager of assets and personnel, and is proactive in seeking and achieving the best solution to any problem. In his quiet and respectful way, he always gets the job done with a minimum of fuss. More important still, he has always commanded the confidence, admiration and respect of his subordinates, peers, and superiors alike.

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

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

So for this month, since a replacement for Ch. Whitt has not been found, I've selected a message written by U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Lt Col.) Jeffrey L. Neuberger, 92nd Air Refueling Wing chaplain, on the subject of "Glorifying God, Honoring Airmen, Serving All"

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

The litany of his achievements is truly impressive. Born in Korea on July 13, 1915, the son of Presbyterian missionaries, by 1941 he was an accomplished dive-bomber and torpedo plane Navy pilot. When given the opportunity, months before the attack on Pearl Harbor, he agreed to resign his commission and join Col. Claire Chenault's American Volunteer Group –  the legendary Flying Tigers – that flew Curtiss P-40 Warhawks (the Allies called them Tomahawks) – with Chinese Air Force markings. The unit's patches, whimsically designed by Walt Disney, depicted a Bengal tiger, a Panda Bear, a Cowboy... but the planes wore the painted jaw of an ominous, ferocious tiger shark, blood-red tongue showing inside.

After the Pearl Harbor attack, America was late in joining the fray, smarting from the loss of naval ships and life, and the public was starved for successes. The Flying Tigers gave these to them. In spite of engaging much more maneuverable Japanese fighter planes, the American aircraft had better armament and could withstand greater punishment in battle. As the American pilots fought on, they improved their tactics and were able to prevail against a more numerous enemy aerial force. In short, the Americans always won and the American people loved them.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] The Disney-designed American Volunteer Group Squadron patch. [2] An artist's rendition of a P-40 in Flying Tigers' markings after a Zero "kill." [3] A photo of a Commemorative Air Force P-40, restored to flying condition and painted in Brig Gen's Hill's own paint scheme. The inset shows "Tex" Hill in the cockpit, on the ground (Photo copyright CAF). [4] After presenting Cdt Emily Brandt with her Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award Certificate in 2005, "Tex" Hill offers his congratulations and some impromptu advice. (He always referred to the cadets as "my cadets.") Standing in rear are Capt Dave Badal, squadron commander and (seated) Capt Thomas Adams.

On July 4th, 1942, the American Volunteer Group was disbanded and its assets absorbed into the U.S. Army Air Force's 23rd Fighter Group. As he re-entered service in U.S. uniform, "Tex" Hill accepted promotion to Major and became the first commander of the 75th Fighter Squadron, earning the sobriquet of "Shark One." This proud call sign would stay with him for the rest of his military aviation career. During the closing months of World War II "Tex" Hill commanded the 412th Fighter Group, the first jet unit in the Army Air Forces, flying the Bell XP-59 first and later the Lockheed P-80.

In the end, he was credited with 18-1/4 kills, making him a "Triple Ace Plus" ("Ace" denotes 5 kills, and he had become an Ace in a matter of weeks when first flying over China).

It is said that the military wear their service record on their chest. Among many others, "Tex" Hill wore the Distinguished Service Cross (awarded belatedly, in 2002, for WW II service), the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, the British Flying Cross and six Chinese combat decorations. He logged 3,500 hours, flew 150 combat sorties, tested the first U.S. jets, and after WW II joined the Texas Air National Guard, again flying as a fighter pilot during the Korean Conflict. Then, at age 31 he became the youngest Brigadier General in the Texas Air National Guard's history.

He made his home in Terrell Hills near San Antonio, where in 1942 he met and married Mazie Caroline Sale of Victoria, TX, his surviving life-long companion and mother of his children. John Wayne portrayed him in the 1942 movie The Flying Tigers and later met him in person. On the spot, the two men became life-long friends, sharing many hunting parties and country outings.

Honors followed "Tex" Hill all his life, among others: in 1997 he was inducted into the Confederate Air Force's Combat Airman Hall of Fame; in 1999 he was inducted into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame; in 2002 the San Marcos Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol was renamed the David Lee "Tex" Hill Composite Squadron in his honor – and at that time he was made an honorary life member of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol; a tree was planted in his name in the prestigious International Forest of Friendship in Atchison, Kansas; and he was honored by the Texas House of Representatives who introduced H.R. 483 to acknowledge his distinguished service to our nation.

In addition, in 2003 a street was named after him at the Heaven's Landing Airpark near Clayton, Georgia along with four other WW II Fighter aces – Chuck Yeager, Bud Anderson, Robin Olds and Gunther Rall; he was also inducted into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame and the Former Texas Rangers Foundation. Being honored at major air shows throughout the country became a commonplace, and in 2006 he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

"Tex" Hill was a complex man, who earned the admiration, respect and loyalty of those who served with him. A truly moral man, he loved flying but loved people even more. As a result, he cared about the present and the future, even though he himself was nearing the end of his road. On March 23rd, 2005, when he presented the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award to Cdt Emily Brandt, he addressed the cadets of the David Lee "Tex" Hill Composite Squadron,

"The world has changed," he said, and advised those who thought of entering a life of service in the military to expect many uncertainties in a changing, ever-shifting political climate. "Terrorism," he said, "is a cruel and nearly invisible enemy." He then expressed his admiration for our modern Armed Forces, and reaffirmed his faith in America's youth. "You, too, may need to play a part in this fight. But if you do, I know you'll do well." Then he added, "We always have." And his nearly-centenarian face lit up with a bright spark of remembered youth.

In a recent conversation, the Air Force's chief of staff, Gen. T. “Buzz” Michael Moseley said, “Tex Hill has forgotten more about leadership and what's important than most of us will ever know.”

"Tex" Hill took his leadership obligations very seriously, and always went that extra step for those he befriended. On September 15, 2007, he sent an e-mail to U.S. Army SGT Thomas Adams, currently deployed in Iraq, telling him, "I'm praying for you, Tom, and for your safety. I hope you'll come visit me when you return home." SGT Adams, who is also a Captain in the U.S. Civil Air Patrol, recently wrote to me saying, "I guess I'll have to go to the Ft Sam Houston  National Cemetery. I hope to be home in January, after over 15 months of combat operations in sunny Iraq."

"Tex" Hill embraced life fully, and enjoyed his fun. Quite active in the Commemorative Air Force, he had attended their Annual Air Show for 20 years, only missing this year's because of his failing health. CAF Col. Ollie Crawford reported on October 7th,

As you know, his health has been on the decline for a long while. I try to see him every day and see if he or the family are in need of anything. As you can imagine, his wife and daughters are highly protective of his privacy, but I would like to pass on a remarkable thing that happened this past Thursday. He sleeps most of the time, but that morning he woke up and said that he would like to have a party. 

Several friends were notified and arrived that afternoon to visit with the great man, a visit that could well turn into a  farewell. And there were surprises. Our own John Agather has one of the finest singing voices I have ever heard, and presented his version of the Mills Brothers and Frank Sinatra – which Tex seemed to enjoy very much. Another old time friend played a guitar, and Tex joined in by playing a harmonica.

His doctor called to see if he was still with us, and when he found out what was going on he rushed over to join the party. Mrs. Hill was rather upset about the whole event, but told me yesterday that it was Tex's party, and that she was happy after the fact, especially since Tex had survived the ordeal. When I saw him yesterday, he did rally for a short time and held my hand for a few minutes, but was in no shape to visit. Today was another day of deep sleep.

The official notice reported that, "Gen Hill, 92, died of congestive heart failure" at his home in Terrell Hills. His wife, Mazie, and his two surviving children, Shannon Schaupp and Loma Skinner, both of South Carolina, were at his bedside. Before he died, his wife told him, “You’re free to go.” He is survived by 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous other relatives.

"Tex Hill was a genuine American hero and a Texan of the highest caliber," said Gov. Rick Perry. "Whether he was flying from the decks of a carrier as a naval aviator, fighting with the legendary Flying Tigers of the American Volunteer Group, winning a Distinguished Service Cross or commanding the first jet unit in the Army Air Forces, he always led from the front."

Col Ollie Crawford said, "Tex was a close personal friend and hunting companion." Then, speaking for all of us, he added, "He will be missed by all who knew him."

His funeral was held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 16 at the Alamo Heights United Methodist Church in San Antonio. His last flight took place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m, when it had been planned to have aircraft over-fly the burial site in his honor, including four Apache helicopters from Fort Knox, followed by four A-10s from Moody Air Force Base, in turn followed by four P-51s, and then a lone P-40 – spanning 70 years in military aircraft design. Low ceilings, however, prevented this intended show of respect.

The funeral procession was led by about 20 veterans on their motorcycles, and the end of the column was so long that it stopped traffic. A USAF burial and honor guard did the grave-side honors, the flag was folded, and General Looney, a 3-star officer, presented it to "Tex" Hill's widow Mazie. The honor detail fired the customary three volleys in farewell, as taps sounded in the distance. "Amazing Grace," played on bagpipes, closed the very moving service.

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[1] Amid American Flags, the widow departs for the cemetery. [2] At the burial site, the Honor Guard takes "Tex" Hill's flag-draped coffin from the hearse. [3] Gen. Looney presents the folded flag to Mazie Hill. [4] At the end of the ceremony, Gen. Looney's colors are retired. (Photos: 2d Lt Amy O'Neil, CAP)

As a child, Tex Hill had gone to school at the San Antonio Academy. Four young men from that school stood at attention, in uniform, and rendered a military salute to the legendary ace, perhaps the most famous alumnus of their school. Had he been able to, "Tex" Hill would probably have said, "What's all this fuss about?"

(Parts of this article were contributed by CAP Lt Col Tex Collins, CAF Director of Public Relations Kay Crites, CAP Capt Thomas Adams, CAP 2d Lt Amy O'Neil, Express-News writers Carmina Danini and Sig Christenson, and U.S. Air Force staff writers.)

SOUND BARRIER PARK, CA – When Maj. David Lee "Tex" Hill re-entered service in the U.S. Military after the "Flying Tigers" Squadron had been disbanded, being one of the few US pilots with actual combat experience, he was asked to contribute to the war effort by speaking to aviation cadets across the country. Cadet Charles "Chuck" Yeager, in Luke Field, AZ, was one of them and, by his own account, he and his classmates instantly idolized this tall, lanky, easy-going Texan who, in their mind, was some sort of god of war. "He had actually shot down other planes in the air," he recalled, upon learning of "Tex" Hill's passing away last 11 October.

“[Tex Hill] has been a role model for a whole lot of fighter pilots. He was in the right place at the right time, and also was able to take advantage of the situation,” he added, as reported in the San Antonio Express News.

"Chuck" Yeager himself went on to serve with distinction over Europe, where he shot down five German Messerschmidt Me-109s on a single mission. By the end of WW II, he had been credited with 11-1/2 kills, including a Messerschmidt Me-262 jet fighter which he bested with his slower – but highly maneuverable – piston-engined Mustang P-51. When the war was over, he became a well-known test pilot.

     On 14 October 1947, less than a month after the creation of the U.S. Air Force, the Bell X-1 rocket plane, which then-Capt "Chuck" Yeager had named "Glamorous Glinnis" in his wife's honor, was launched at altitude from the belly of a modified B-29, and reached a speed of Mach 1.06 at al altitute of 43,000 feet over the Mojave Desert, near Muroc Dry Lake, CA, landing safely in an unpowered glide. Prevailing security considerations kept the news unheralded for 18 months, since many had thought this an impossibility at the time. This is why "Chuck" Yeager didn't get a whole lot of recognition when his record flight was finally announced. The Bell X-1 that he flew is now displayed at the Smithsonian Institution (photo at right).

     Over 28 years after his historic flight, and after he had retired from the Air Force, Congress passed a resolution on 23 December 1975 awarding him the newly-created Congressional Silver Medal of Honor, which was bestowed upon him by the President of the United States during a ceremony at the White House on 8 December 1976. It would seem that the honors due him had been completely fulfilled. Not so. By all accounts, after retirement he had become "a useful permanent fixture" at Edwards AFB, where he made himself available as an advisor and took every opportunity to get into an Air Force jet's cockpit for some "quality stick time."

     With the birth of the Internet, news travel freely. This is how CAP Lt Col Roy D Hill got a message sent to him by Lt Col John Petlin, USAF (Ret), a former B-52 pilot. Thereupon, Col Hill sent it to CAP Lt Col Tex Collins, who in turn sent it to me. It appears that someone who calls himself "Desert Dan" (I Googled the name but didn't find any sure hit) has circulated a home-spun report on "Chuck" Yeager's bronze statue that the U.S. Air Force dedicated in his honor last 30 August at Sound Barrier Park, CA, near the Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards Air Force Base, CA. At one time, Gen Yeager had commanded this school, so it is a fitting place for him to be remembered.

Below is Desert Dave's article (slightly edited, of course; I worried about one of the quotes, but who am I to censor a general?).

The Continuing Adventures of Desert Dave and his Camera at Large

There are precious few things that'll get me out of bed at 4am, but add an invitation to hear General Chuck Yeager speak at the dedication of a statue of his likeness at the "Sound Barrier Park" in the heart of Edwards AFB to the short list.

Chuck seemed a little bit humbled by the honor (no, really!), but he also managed to get a few licks in. "I'm a bit PO'd," he quipped, "watching all these airplanes buzzing around and I'm not flying them."

"I'm 83 and I could fly in an F-16 with no problem, but General Bedke doesn't think so," referring to the Air Force Flight Center commander, Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, who some years ago stopped letting him fly Test Pilot School fighters. His last military flight was a supersonic hop in an F-15 to open the Edwards Air Show, four years back. Yeager was age 79 at the time.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] It was a fairly small ceremony, but check out the front row of guests! [2] (L-R) Clay Lacy (record-setting aviator, Clay Lacy's company shoots about every piece of air-to-air film you'll want to see, including virtually all airline commercials), Frank Borman (yeah, the flew-around-the-moon Apollo 8 guy), Bob Hoover (greatest pilot ever lived, period), and Baron Hilton (an accomplished aviator, and the next best Hilton to meet after Paris). [3]-[4] Media coverage was very light. There were no more than a half dozen photographers, a few from the Air Force, a couple from the local desert newspapers, and me; so I guess these would qualify as "rare historic photos", huh? [5] Yeager ended his speech by joking with Bob Hoover that they were getting close to running that last checklist. "When we do," he said, "the last item will be – Man, we had a ball." (I'll bet they did!)

Back to Googling, I took a look at www.chuckyeager.com, which was interesting but didn't offer me what I was looking for. So I Googled some more and found http://www.engineerscouncil.org/Yeager/Gallery/StatueDedication.htm (obviously a page from Chuck Yeager's official website) from which I lifted the following paragraph:

In the soothing shade of the large cottonwood trees of Sound Barrier Park, an assemblage of Yeager’s contemporaries and other aviation luminaries participated in a resounding tribute to the life and career of Chuck Yeager. The event was opened by a pair of F-16’s which laid down a sonic boom over the park, to the delight of approximately 200 in attendance.  Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center, fondly remarked, “General Yeager inspires all of us and when he retired he didn't leave us behind. He continues as an advisor to many commanders at Edwards AFB and we hope to have many, many, many more years of his friendship. He's been called a legend, a hero, the real deal, the most righteous of all those with the right stuff.”

Truly, Chuck Yeager's is best defined as "a life well-lived."

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – When 2d Lt Michael Bownds, Addison Eagles Composite Squadron's PAO, sent me the article that appears immediately below, he wrote, "Although the event has nothing to do with CAP, I think it is extraordinary." So I read it. And yes, he was right, it is extraordinary. The prose wasn't perfect (however, since I edit every single word that appears on this newsletter, that didn't bother me one bit), but the narrative's openness and honesty were devastating. As a bonus, his descriptions bordered on poetic, and his matter-of-fact description of untold dangers and hardship had the bloom of first thought, truth, and personal commitment. In a way, it had a "coming of age" ring to it. To put it mildly, the piece won me over in a heart beat.

I've never set eyes on SM Judah Mordecai Epstein, yet I feel I know him intimately. I've seen his picture, of course, and that tells me that he looks as young as he is, but a picture is, truly, only skin deep. There's a whole lot more to people than their looks. The article I had before me, with all its flaws, was a testament to determination, self-test, and competitive team spirit.

"Competitive team spirit" might seem like an oxymoron, but it really isn't. It's very easy to be individually competitive, and even win every now and then, but that's the kind of person who will get you killed in combat. And anyone who has served in the military knows how dangerous that kind of individual can be. On the other hand, those who are team-oriented, and capable of uniting in harmony to put the collective strength to the test, are a different breed. To them go the spoils, because they win the skirmish, the battle, and the war.

As I examined the thoughts that reading this article had elicited in me, and digested the author's grammatically undisciplined and scattered narrative, which acquired a literary form of its own that had been given to it by the jungle in which it had been born, I said to myself. "Michael is wrong. It does have something to do with CAP, after all."

SM Epstein's article exemplifies the core value of "Excellence," as well as "Service before self." He took his body, the temple of his soul, and put it to the test under the most trying of circumstances, entering the most extreme and brutal competition known to modern man, voluntarily undergoing an ordeal that would have made most people blanch, turn away, and go home. Not he. Instead, he overcame all obstacles, relied on his strengths, managed his weaknesses, directed himself wisely, and won. No, don't take me wrong, he didn't come in first out of the jungle. By winning I mean that now he counts himself in the 60% of entrants who finished the race. That's all he had set out to do, and he has done it. In the process, he  proved that it certainly helps to be well trained, but without heart you won't get very far.

He also proved something else. You don't have to be a PAO to get published. You only need to send in good stuff.

Glorifying God, Honoring Airmen, Serving All

8/30/2007 – FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – The vision statement of the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Service is expressed in six simple words, characterized by three short phrases: Glorifying God, Honoring Airmen, Serving All.

One can appreciate the brevity and depth of these few words.

"Glorifying God" speaks of the free exercise of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution and reminds us that the Chaplain Service offers opportunities for worship.

"Serving All" reminds us that it is the duty of the Chaplain Service to care for and serve everyone regardless of affiliation.

What about the phrase "Honoring Airmen?" My first thoughts turn to those moments when an Airman has fallen and a chaplain is called in to provide comfort and guidance – and possibly conduct a memorial service.

But there's another kind of honor. I've been surprised recently by the words of appreciation I've received from non-military personnel when wearing my uniform. On several occasions I have been personally thanked by a stranger (both times while in a grocery store) for my service. In those simple words of appreciation I felt honored – honored to serve and honored to be recognized for that service. It was also a bit humbling.

I'd like to share an amazing story from the Old Testament of the Bible which remarkably captures the notion of commitment, honor and appreciation.

The story comes from the Second Book of Samuel, Chapter 23. David, King of Israel, has been at war with the Philistines for quite some time. He is hiding out in a cave near Bethlehem, his home town, where the Philistines have set up a base camp. Sitting in the cave, he remarks how he would love to have a drink from the well at the gate of the city. Hearing this, three of David's "mighty men" decide to conduct a clandestine raid. They penetrate enemy lines, draw the water, and take the prized gift to the King. David could have enjoyed exactly what he had asked for – instead, realizing they had risked their lives, he honored their action by pouring the water on the ground as an offering to God.

On first reading I had to scratch my head. What good did it do to pour on the ground that for which these three had risked their lives? They wanted to honor their leader with a special gift of fresh water. The gift, as King David saw it, was the dedication and commitment the the three had demonstrated towards their leader.

They honored him with a risky plan; he honored them with a simple act.

What meaning do I draw from this story? Quite simply that we can pour ourselves out for others in simple acts of appreciation every day, adding meaning and value to our lives.

Aircrew & Flightline Personnel Training Materials (CAP NHQ)

PAO Resources

Federal & State Resources (DHS, USAF, Terrorism)

Showing Off the Air Van at Wings Over Houston Air Show, 6-7 October

Houston, TX – U.S Civil Air Patrol flight instructor and check pilot Maj Jeffrey Pearson played an important role in promoting CAP and its capabilities during the Ron Carter Wings Over Houston Air Show that took place on 6-7 October. 

Pearson, a member of Addison Eagles Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing who began CAP service as a cadet in 1988, is qualified to fly the Gippsland GA8 Air Van, a unique aircraft in the CAP flight line inventory that is frequently tasked with air show or similar public appearances. Major Pearson flew the GA8 from Addison to Houston for this annual event, which normally attracts some 70,000 people, to quote a figure published on the event's website.

“The GA8 is a unique aircraft," said Pearson. "In general, people don't know what it is or what its purpose might be. It is the largest CAP aircraft we currently fly; in fact it's so big that it stands out on a flight line, with its boxy appearance. The public usually approaches our GA8 crews with many questions, whenever it's shown. One of CAP's missions is aerospace education, so we at Addison realize that 'show and tell' is an important part of this process. Safely flying the GA8 and working the ARCHER is what we do, but we also have a public relations aspect to our duty.”

Pearson went on to say that the Gippsland GA8 Air Van, made in Australia, is the only foreign-built airplane that CAP flies, besides being the largest. Fitted with a 300 horsepower Lycoming engine, its typical cruising speed and altitude are 120 knots at 8,000 feet, and can stay in the air safely for 3 1/2 hours. Although many planes use the same engine and can go faster, the GA8 is much larger and heavier. 

"The GA8 was a necessary addition to the CAP fleet, since it was the best platform for the ARCHER system" said Pearson, who added, "The ARCHER uses hyper-spectral imagery to survey a search area. It can be programmed to locate a specific color tone or metal, such as clothing from a missing person or a metal tone from a missing vehicle. The ARCHER system incorporates a desktop-sized computer, which is mounted in the passenger compartment. A camera mounted on the bottom of the aircraft is aimed straight down. On an ARCHER mission, the ARCHER operator sitting at the rear gives the directional commands to the pilot. Essentially, the pilot is responsible for going where the ARCHER system needs to go. In addition to the ARCHER system, the GA8 can carry four people – that means that the sortie would have four sets of eyes for a search and rescue mission, thus increasing the likelihood of finding the objective.”  

1. 2. 3.

[1] Maj Jeffrey Pearson explains the GA8's controls to a U.S. Civil Air Patrol cadet. [2] The Canadian Air Force Snowbirds were the main attraction at the Air  Show. [3] The Civil Air Patrol display, showing the Gippsland GA8 and a glass-cockpit Cesnna 182, was very popular the flying enthusiasts.

Although the large crowds typically go to see the stars of the show – such as the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, as was the case in Houston – Pearson was quick to point out that an event like this also presents opportunities to increase public awareness of CAP.  “The most impressive sight was the Civil Air Patrol display," said Pearson with a grin. "I'm partial to us, of course.”.

Pearson added, "From the Civil Air Patrol's perspective,  the number of CAP personnel was impressive. Sheldon Cadet Squadron in particular was so supportive, that I'd like to thank them for cleaning the aircraft each day, inside and out, to present it spotless to the public. It was impressive to see how all CAP members worked together.”  

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol display consisted of the GA8 and the Cessna 182 configured with the new glass cockpit – similar to what is now used on commercial airliners and business jets. This presented to the public the advanced flight technology that CAP uses at present. Attendees were allowed to sit in the planes and speak directly to the pilots, who use these assets to help save lives. 

The CAP participants also performed a simulated ground team rescue demonstration in which they used a Stokes basket to remove an "injured" patient. The team leader used a remote microphone and loudspeaker to help air show attendees hear, as well as see, a CAP ground team making a "save." 

After the rescue simulation, CAP drew a large crowd with a rocket-launching exhibition, followed by a drill team demonstration.  According to Pearson, who is a former color guard member, “A cadet drill team entered and performed a free-style routine with parade rifles. As a former cadet myself, I could tell that they were sharp and well rehearsed.” 

(2d Lt Michael Bownds)

Officers & Cadets Receive Awards and Promotions, 23 October

ADDISON, TX – Six officers and cadets members of the Addison Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing received awards or promotions last 23 October, 2007.

Donald Wright, the unit's Search and Rescue Officer was promoted to First Lieutenant. Capt Stephen Hundley, who serves as an Assistant Standardization/Evaluation Officer, earned the Red Service Ribbon. 

1. 2.

[1] (L-R) 1st Lt Donald Wright with unit commander, 1st Lt Greg Thornbury [2] (L-R) Capt Stephen Hundley after receiving his Red Service Ribbon, with 1st Lt Greg Thornbury

Cadets Nathan Carey and Parth Patel were both promoted to the grade of Cadet Captain and each will be presented his Earhart Award during the course of a special event at a later date. Cadet Carey's parents were able to attend the announcement, and assisted the unit commander pin the new cadet grade on their son.

3. 4. 5. 6.

[3] (L-R) Deputy Commander for Cadets Maj Scott McCleneghan, Mr. Don Carey, C/Capt Nathan Carey, Mrs. Leah Carey, and unit commander 1st Lt Greg Thornbury [4] (L-R) DCC Maj Scott McCleneghan, C/Capt Parth Patel, and unit commander 1st Lt Greg Thornbury [5] (L-R) C/MSgt Heather Kennedy and unit commander 1st Lt Greg Thornbury [6] (L-R) C/Amn Jacob Hughes and unit commander 1st Lt Greg Thornbury

Cadet Heather Kennedy was promoted to Cadet Master Sergeant and received the Doolittle Ribbon. C/Amn Jacob Hughes received the Curry Award Certificate

Gladewater Corsairs Field Training Weekend, 12-14 October

GLADEWATER, TX – On the weekend of 12-14 October, 2007 the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing held a Field Training Exercise (FTX). The weekend's primary goal was to improve each member’s skill in operating the L-Per ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) Tracking Unit. Also, and as part of this scenario, the squadron was introducing several new cadets to the field training experience. 

The exercise was held on Capt. Charles Mouton's property, a place known as "an electrical interference nightmare." Wire fences surround sub-sections of the land, and there are high-tension power lines entering and leaving in all directions of the compass. Local high voltage lines meander around, as they were needed to power oil field equipment scattered throughout the parcel. As if that weren't enough of a bother, a number of metal buildings and large accumulations of steel beams, pipes, racks and other assorted pieces of oil field apparatus are scattered in several areas.

We theorize that if we can successfully pin-point an ELT signal in this sort of environment, we should have little trouble finding one nearly anywhere else. Each members attending the training was required to take a turn at operating the L-Per on an individual sortie.  The experience level of the participants spanned the entire range from never having seen an L-Per before to being quite proficient at it.  None of the sorties, whether using an experienced or newbie L-Per operator, was short. 

Knowing the schedule in advance, when selecting each location, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander – in charge of placing/hiding the ELT simulator – took into account each operator's level of experience. Cadet Alexander made each sortie an experience that went from very difficult to diabolical-almost-impossible. Of course, when it was his turn for a sortie and it fell upon Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander (his brother) to place the ELT for him, it was purely coincidental that the location turned out to be extremely challenging.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1]-[3] Chasing the ELT's signal in a challenging environment can be quite frustrating. However, the cadets found every one of them. [4] Upon return to base, Bob Hallmark and his news crew from KLTV, Channel 7, interviewed squadron members.

Late on Saturday morning, as the group was mere yards from the target, we received a radio call to return to base immediately. We abandoned the sortie and the group left for base camp at once, while Cadet Alexander retrieved the ELT trainer. Upon our arrival at base camp, we were quite surprised to find a reporter from KLTV, Channel 7 waiting for us. Channel 7’s Bob Hallmark had been covering a school bus accident in Gladewater when he heard about our exercise nearby. Since he was very close to our home base, he decided to come over and visit. The result is that we had quite a nice interview, he asked some very good questions, and he liked our answers. Then he filmed the squadron in action, moving in a search line with the L-Per. 

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

[5]-[6] After all the running around in the woods, and the TV hands-on demonstration, everyone had developed quite an appetite, so lunch was welcome. [7]-[8] Lt Farrell Alexander's Sunday marksmanship class, as always, was enjoyed by all. [9] At the end of the weekend, tired but happy, squadron members pose for a group photo.

Once Bob Hallmark left, it was time for lunch – good timing all around. Immediately after lunch, the ELT was hidden once again and off we went. That evening, to our delight, the interview and accompanying footage were aired on Longview’s Channel 7 on both the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. broadcasts. 

Since by Saturday evening we had completed all training scheduled for the weekend, Sunday became a time for unabashed fun. Lt. Farrell Alexander (DCC) readily provided a firearms training course for the members, so we proceeded to enjoy a morning of air rifle shooting.  Lt. Alexander is an NRA-certified firearms instructor, and has acquired competition-grade air rifles for the squadron. The cadets are now working on the requirements for marksmanship medals.

Overall, it was quite a successful weekend. Our members learned about and could demonstrate knowledge of the L-Per equipment. We still have a way to go before reaching a high level of proficiency for all squadron members, but we made great strides during this weekend. 

Later on this month, we plan to train in and around the hangars at Gladewater Airport. This type of L-Per searching presents new challenges which all must learn to deal with, since CAP is called out so often to airports and asked to locate ELT signals. The television interview was a great and pleasant surprise, and the air rifle shooting was as much fun as we had hoped for.

     ALPINE, TX – Under an unlimited visibility, clear sky, several members of the Col. Joe Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, TX 352, Group III, Texas Wing, found their way to the high country of Alpine, Texas. There to attend the Texas Wing Mountain Flying School were 1st Lt Joe Chasnoff, 1st Lt Ferrill Ford, Capt Gary Houck and 2d Lt Richard Hacker, who wanted to take advantage of this annual event for CAP pilots across Texas. This year, the event also benefited from the attendance of colleagues from Oklahoma Wing.

On their way to the event, Joe and Gary flew N984CP, while Ferrill and Richard flew Ferrill’s Mooney M20C. Alpine Casparis Municipal Airport (E38), nestled perfectly between the Davis, Santiago and Glass Mountains, afforded a variety of challenging grids for practicing search and rescue flying skills over difficult terrain. While Ferrill and Richard attended the four-hour mountain flying ground school, Gary and Joe worked on their mission pilot qualifications, helped along by an abundance of Mission Pilot instructors.

     The mountain flying school delivers a curriculum in four consecutive blocks. Block One focuses on the dynamics of high altitude flying, such as the effects of density altitude on light aircraft performance. Block Two addresses mountain weather phenomena such as wind acceleration across ridgelines, standing and mountain waves, fog, storms and downbursts. Block Three explores the challenges of mountain flying such as flying out of downdrafts, crossing ridgelines, canyon flying and the unique characteristics of mountain airport operations (in other words, how to take off and land in a high density airport with gusting crosswinds!). Block Four covers mountain searching including grid, electronic and contour searches. Upon completion of the ground school, pilots who successfully passed the exam (in this instance, all participants did pass) were required to fly two sorties with a safety pilot, the latter providing coaching and assessing each pilot's capabilities. This year, thirty-two pilots completed the course.

     With the wind gusting to twenty-five knots, pilots had the opportunity to experience some of the turbulence and wind phenomena typically encountered in a mountain environment. Unlike the familiar pattern searches that mission pilots continually perfect over relatively flat terrain, a mountain SAR operation requires the pilot to fly the topography of the grid, closely following the contour of the mountains so as to give observers and scanners an optimal view of the search area. 

The purpose of the training and the heightened concern for safety in a higher altitude environment could be witnessed in the careful planning and execution of the sorties. However, the ever-present smiles on many faces hinted at the fun pilots were having as they met the challenge of mountain flying.

(2d Lt Richard Hacker)

I know I should stop counting the days
And it hurts me to say
That it’s time I faced reality.

The truth is –
You didn't understand how much you meant to me.
You only cared about one thing,
And it wasn’t me.

I trusted you with all my heart,
But then you shattered it.

You didn’t need to run
But you didn’t care,
And left me far behind, in the bitter company of my tears.

Even after the pain you've put me through,
For some mysterious reason,
All I can think about
Is you.

Everyday I keep wishing I could make time go back,
Because I’ve stumbled upon the truth –
You don’t really know what you have,
Until you've lost it.

I miss not having your shoulder to cry on.
I miss the way you always made me laugh.
But most of all I miss your voice,
That voice that was soothing to listen to,
That voice that always found the right words with which to comfort me.

I went through my closet the other day
And found a shirt neatly put away.
On its back it had your writing –
“Keep Marching On”

I guess it’s time I faced reality,
And did move on.

But before I go I must tell you this –
Pursue your dreams,
Never give up,
When in doubt trust in the Lord,
I hope all your wishes come true
And like you once told me,
"Keep Marching On."

Now I must move on with my life
But won't ever forget you.
And hope you'll never forget me.