Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

It's Not Because It's Easy

As we take our first steps into 2008, I want to revisit a subject we've discussed before. It is an important one because it helps us keep focused on our jobs when times are tough, and in the long run I think it makes us more committed to CAP. The question is, "Why has each one of us chosen to make Civil Air Patrol an important part of his or her life?"

Whatever the answer is for you, I can tell you for sure what the answer is not:

1. You're not a member of CAP because it's easy

2. You're not a member of CAP for the paycheck

3. You're not a member of CAP for all of the recognition you get

4. You're not a member of CAP because you like doing reports (OK, on this last one, maybe some of you are in CAP for this – and if so, I'm sure I can find a great place for you on Group Staff! Please call me!)

In the years I have been in CAP I've been able to draw some conclusions about what makes CAP members tick. I think President John F. Kennedy put it best in a speech to Rice University students on September 12, 1962. He was answering the question, "Why should Americans embark on space exploration?" And he said –

"We set sail on this new sea because there is new knowledge to be gained, and new rights to be won, and they must be won and used for the progress of all people. For space science, like nuclear science and all technology, has no conscience of its own. Whether it will become a force for good or ill depends on man, and only if the United States occupies a position of pre-eminence can we help decide whether this new ocean will be a sea of peace or a new terrifying theater of war. I do not say that we should or will go unprotected against the hostile misuse of space any more than we go unprotected against the hostile use of land or sea, but I do say that space can be explored and mastered without feeding the fires of war, without repeating the mistakes that man has made in extending his writ around this globe of ours.

"There is no strife, no prejudice, no national conflict in outer space as yet. Its hazards are hostile to us all. Its conquest deserves the best of all mankind, and its opportunity for peaceful cooperation may never come again. 'But why,' some say, 'the moon? Why choose this as our goal?' And they may well ask, 'Why climb the highest mountain?" 'Why,' 35 years ago, 'fly the Atlantic?' Why does Rice play Texas?

"We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too."

I hadn't been born when President Kennedy gave this speech, and I was not yet alive to witness the brilliant success of the Apollo Program, but President Kennedy's words reach into my soul and make me proud. The emphasis in the final paragraph is mine, and I think the highlighted words offer the most eloquent explanation of why we have chosen to be in CAP. At least, I have never seen a better one. I encourage each of you to click on this link and read the speech for yourself. If you'd like to listen to the speech (which you can also do on that site), you can hear these paragraphs starting at 6 minutes 52 seconds into the speech.

As CAP members we won't be called upon to fly to the moon, but we will be called upon to respond in the event of airplane crashes and natural disasters. We will be called upon to mentor and guide our future leaders. We will be called upon to serve as aerospace ambassadors to the general public. The tragedies we respond to have no conscience of their own, they have only victims. Someone must answer their calls for help, and so, we do. Meeting the needs of future generations and carrying the message of the greater good that comes from aerospace technology is not an easy task, and yet we accept that burden. We are not CAP members because it is easy, we are CAP members precisely because it is hard.

• There is nothing easy in a cadet's attempts to lead for the first time.

• There is nothing easy in achieving a Mitchell Award.

• There is nothing easy in spending a week at encampment, either learning or teaching.

• There is nothing easy in training to become a mission pilot.

• There is nothing easy in working on a mission after a natural disaster, sleeping on a cot or a concrete floor every night, eating only MRE's and drinking only bottled water for a week.

• There is nothing easy in accepting command of a CAP organization at any level.

• There is nothing easy in being an incident commander, or ground team leader, or mission scanner, or flight line supervisor – especially not when human lives might be in need of rescue.

• There is nothing easy in a check pilot's decision to uphold Civil Air Patrol's flight standards by declining to sign off on a CAPF5 flight check.

• There is nothing easy in striving for our core values: Integrity, Volunteer service, Excellence, and Respect.

We choose to be members of the Civil Air Patrol, and do these things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard. We choose to live by our core values, and to achieve excellence in our training, and to be good custodians of the trust that the taxpayers show us with their million-dollar investment in aircraft and equipment. We choose to spend our time and energy working to ensure that tomorrow's leaders remember the lessons of their yesterday. We choose these things because in achieving them we attain the best and most effective measure of who we are.

As we open the year 2008, I ask that each of you renew your choice to be in Civil Air Patrol.

And I thank you for the decision that I know you have already made.

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris

New Flight Operations / Stan Eval Officer

Please join me in congratulating Maj Teel on his new role!

Lt Col Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris

A Change of Duty

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Open Group III Staff Positions

Capt Eric Martin, CS

Santa Came to Town

Capt Steve Barclay, DCA

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

2d Lt Don Gulliksen, HGO

1st Lt Vanessa Smith, PDO
 tx438pdo@yahoo.com

Gregg County's New Contributor

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

The Civil Air Patrol's 66th Birthday, 1 December

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – In 1940, the war was raging in Europe and England stood alone against the apparently unstoppable power of the Axis Powers. The American people, after The Great War totally opposed to intervention in another "foreign war," had made it very difficult for the United States to help our cousins in the beleaguered British Isles. President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Lend-Lease program, and this gave Britain a respite – and hope. He knew that it was only a matter of time until we, too, would be drawn into the fray, and so did others.

Some were true visionaries, and it was thanks to them that CAP ever got off the ground. In 1938, Gill Robb Wilson, Aviation Editor of The New York Times, had observed first-hand Germany's preparations for war, and upon return confided his worries to the Governor of New Jersey, suggesting that a civilian organization be formed to augment the military should hostilities break out. A plan was drawn, the Chief of the Army Air Corps, Gen. Hap Arnold, approved it, and the New Jersey Civil Air Defense Services was created. Soon, the AOPA Civil Air Guard and Florida Defense Force also sprang into being.

By the end of 1940, concerned with sabotage, unprotected borders, and the possibility of a sudden and devastating attack (after having witnessed the annihilation of the Polish, Dutch, Danish, Belgian and French armed forces at the outbreak of the war in 1939), the U.S. began to prepare within the limitations placed by Congress. The groundwork laid by Gen Arnold and Gill Robb Wilson culminated in Fiorello LaGuardia, Director of the Office of Civilian Defense, signing the order that created the Civil Air Patrol on this day, 66 years ago – less than a weak before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that finally drew America into WW II.

Today we celebrate that creation, our distinguished actions during war and peace, our transformation from a defense organization into a community service and disaster relief agency, and our branching out into the highly successful Cadet Programs, where we are given a chance to mentor the young men and women who will become the leaders of tomorrow.

Today, the Civil Air Patrol is 66 years young. Vigorous, a cauldron of talent, a body of knowledge that pools long years of civilian and military service through the experience of its varied and committed members, and America's first line of action when disaster strikes. We don't do this for the glory, or the non-existent pay, or the promise of reward. This we shoulder because it is the right thing to do. This we tackle for our communities, our conscience, and our Nation. This we do to set an example that we hope the young people we mentor will follow.

May we have many more birthdays.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

Pearl Harbor Day Remembered, 7 December

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – With our WW II veterans dying by the thousands daily, it is hard for us to remember that those who fought that war had been young – and untouched by human conflict – when the Imperial Japanese forces attacked the largest concentration of naval warships anchored at an American port on the Pacific Ocean. With one decisive blow, the Japanese strategists had hoped to cripple America's naval power, render American armed forces powerless in the Pacific, and dash the American people's will to fight. They were wrong, of course. Japan was a powerful opponent, indeed, but so had been Britain in 1773, when the "Boston Tea Party" played out in defiance of the Crown and set the stage for the American Revolution. If America had fought with pitch forks, muskets and little more than guts then, why would the country give up without a struggle in 1941, after having proved to themselves that a foreign war was winnable when they tipped the balance against the Austro-Hungarian Empire and helped end the Great War of 1914-1918?

But America is extremely young, as nations go. Compared to Japan, an island nation that has been inhabited for 32,000 years, America is a mere infant. A very large infant, of course, but presumed (by the old nations) to have a short memory span, historically speaking. Sixteen years ago, when the 50th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day loomed, Japan worried that the American giant might rear up and strike back, taking revenge for the unannounced attack that had resulted in 2,380 dead and 1,178 wounded, with great loss of and damage to naval warships. In 1941, civilized nations were still trying to live by the ancient code of armed conflict, the rule of chivalry, the self-imposed moral obligation to announce that a state of war existed between two countries before either one would allow itself to engage in belligerent action.

In 1939 Europe, Adolf Hitler had discarded this tradition. Why shouldn't Japan do the same now, when they viewed their diplomats as an extension of their military establishment, charged with getting the best deal possible while cloaking their government's true intentions? In fact, up to the last minute, Japan had kept up the pretense of "peace talks" in Washington. Yet, it had taken months to prepare for and launch the massive attack on Pearl Harbor. This was the world in which President Franklin D. Roosevelt lived when, on 8 December, he made his famous radio speech that started, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan."

The dreadful script of human suffering was to unfold yet another time, with a heavy toll in terms of lives and pain, with the destruction of centuries-old cities and their priceless architecture, art and traditions, and the accompanying disintegration of the social and moral fiber in Europe and the Far East.  The emergence of new powers, and new evils, produced millions of civilian casualties, many slaughtered internally in pursuit of domestic political and economic goals. Six million Jews, over 23 million Russians, over 2.6 million Japanese. By comparison, America was nearly unscathed at just over 418 thousand. When all the numbers are tallied, WW II claimed 72,609,600 lives – over half of them civilians.

On that first Pearl Harbor Day, mortally wounded, the USS Arizona sank as she lay at anchor, in the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor Bay, leaving only her mast above water. She became a symbol to all. Twenty-one years later, a memorial was built over her. The survivors had begun a yearly pilgrimage there, then they took their spouses and children along. Eventually, some of the children having survived their parents, they took up the flag of remembrance and continued the tradition. But time is against the original veterans, so their numbers keep getting smaller. Last year, only 500 survivors and their families made it to Pearl on this day of grief and remembrance.

Please, never forget our veterans.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

The Permanence of Images, 12 December

     DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – In 1931, Salvador Dalí's The Persistence of Memory shocked the art world with its surrealist imagery. The soft watches draped over objects (but not telling the same time) seemed an odd choice for a painting. These were the years between the two world wars, when the old was quickly being replaced by the new, and it was difficult to discern how much of the new was really worth it. By the way, the word "surrealism" is a French coinage, derived from "sur" (above) and "réalisme." Yet this painting wasn't simply above reality; it was truly outside reality.

Although the artist made no explanation, the art critics were quick to point out that "The Persistence of Memory" was a fable, actually attempting to describe "The Impermanence of Time." This was a very hot topic at the time, since our three-dimensional world had been reinvented by Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity when he announcing that, "The fourth dimension is time." From the vantage point of the 21st century, it all seems like overkill, though, since everyone knows that people tend to forget. This is why we write notes to ourselves, and keep diaries, and even paint portraits. Because an image, truly, is worth a thousand words.

So what does all this have to do with CAP? All CAP members are human, and humans tend to forget. This is why we write memos. (Memo, itself, is a French coinage, from "aide mémoire" or "memory helper." Except that the French stress the second syllable, not the first. Who says that American's have a patent on abbreviations, any way? And the French, of course, got it from the Latin memorandum.)

Yesterday I got a message from Maj Laurie Lancaster, telling me about, "Capt James Wilson, a member of Tusco Composite Squadron in Dover, Ohio, has recently become interested in collecting and preserving Civil Air Patrol insignias, primarily individual unit patches (both squadron and group)." To view his entire collection, please visit this link. The site will also tell you more above this interesting CAP member.

If you have an old or new CAP patch that isn't there, please get in touch with him so he can add it to the collection. He also provided some interesting links on his webpage, which I've added to our Group III website. And, who knows. You might even learn that your unit has a patch on record that you didn't know existed. I'm grateful to Maj Lancaster for her timely tip.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

Civil Air Patrol Big Attraction at DFW Airport Event , 14 December

A total of 19 CAP personnel participated in the event, and cadet involvement ensured that students could see appropriate role models nearer their own age. The cadets' professionalism drew the praise of Barbara Pack, who coordinated the event for DFW’s Community Affairs Department. Pack said, "The Civil Air Patrol has been a part of the Expo since the beginning – four years ago. At that time, I didn't know much about CAP. At the first Expo, I looked around and noticed a large group of distinguished young men and women in uniform. They looked impressive, and everyone watched them as they came in and as they left. I inquired who they were and I was told that they were CAP cadets. I was impressed. I went over to the CAP booth, watched a brief video about the CAP, and have been in awe with CAP's training and development of young men and women ever since. I guess you can say – I'm a CAP fan for life!"

2d Lt Michael Bownds, PAO, Addison CS

Wreath Laying and Remembrance at the DFW National Cemetery, 15 December

DFW NATIONAL CEMETERY, TX – The wind whipped across the landscape, free of structures or trees capable of stopping it, chilling those who had gathered to pay their respects. But despite the frigid air, the hearts of those who'd come to honor our American veterans remained warm and caring. 

The occasion was the Wreaths Across America ceremony, held simultaneously at National and veterans' cemeteries throughout the United States and foreign lands, as an expansion of what started 15 years ago when the Worcester Wreath Company of Harrington, Maine donated and laid wreaths at the Arlington National Cemetery. Located in Arlington, VA across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., this most honored of military cemeteries had been the estate of Anna Custis Lee, wife of Robert E. Lee. It received its first military burials during the American Civil War, when it was established as a National Cemetery.

Last year was the first expansion of this event, with the Worcester Wreath Company donating 5,000 wreaths that were distributed to over 240 veterans’ cemeteries in the United States and Puerto Rico. This year, the public was invited to honor our veterans by sponsoring wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves. Over 16,500 wreaths were thus sponsored, over 4,000 of them through CAP.

2d Lt Susan Cathcart, PAO, Dallas Composite Squadron
Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

Wreaths Across America (A Cadet's Experience), 15 December

DFW NATIONAL CEMETERY, TX – I could hear the wind whistling across the cemetery and the rhythmic clicking of highly glossed leather dress shoes as the Group III Honor Guard marched toward the wreath stands. The event was called Wreaths Across America, and it truly showed how members of the Civil Air Patrol can affect others – the living and their memories of those no longer living.

The Honor Guard, including C/SSgt Kaycee Niskern (Rifle), C/CMSgt Andrew Smith (American Flag), C/MSgt Mathew Garcia (Texas Flag), and C/MSgt Scott Gulliksen (Rifle) presented the colors to kick off the opening ceremony. This was an event I don't think I'll ever forget, as representatives from various branches of the military honored the POW-MIA, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine by laying wreaths on each stand. After it had been placed, it was my job to secure each wreath so that the strong wind wouldn't make it fall off the stand.

Soon after, SM Rebecca McKinney made an excellent speech, describing what the Civil Air Patrol is all about. Following the speech, Maj. Scott McCleneghan, 2d Lt Don Gulliksen, and SM Rebecca McKinney read the names of military personnel buried in the cemetery who were either killed in action or died on active duty. Then veterans fired a three-volley rifle salute honoring everyone who has served in the military. Finally, the Honor Guard retired the colors and, as it marched away, the ceremony had concluded.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] The Group III Honor Guard is formed to open the ceremonies. They are C/SSgt Kaycee Niskern (Mesquite Blacksheep CS), C/CMSgt Andrew Smith (Mesquite Blacksheep CS), C/MSgt Mathew Garcia (Mesquite Blacksheep CS), and C/MSgt Scott Gulliksen (Addison CS). [2] Army Sgt 1st Class Britt lays a wreath honoring all Army personnel. [3]-[4] You can tell by looking at the flags how windy it was. If I hadn't tied each wreath to the stand, none would have stayed there long. [5] Nobody told me to do it, but saluting when the wreath was presented felt right to me.

After the ceremony, members of the Honor Guard laid wreaths on the gravesites of those who had been killed in action or died on active duty. This was a very touching event since my brother Scott, who is also in the Honor Guard, and I got to lay a wreath on the tomb of a family friend who had served during the Korean War as a SSgt in the United States Air Force. This was also unique, since I too am a SSgt in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Corps. After it was all over, I reflected on my day. It was so astonishing that I had taken part in such a memorable occasion, and that our actions had touched so deeply other people who had come to pay their respects and honor the fallen. Seeing and feeling their emotions had made me aware of what it means to be in the Honor Guard.

5. 6. 7.

[6]-[7] My brother Scott (in background) and I each lay a wreath, then stand and render a ceremonial military salute. [8] Scott and I laid the last wreath together. On the headstone it says, "Donald E Park, SSgt, US Air Force, Korea, April 27 1929, Sep 12 2007, Always In Our Hearts." This one meant a lot to us. (All photos: SM Joan Gulliksen, Addison CS)

Personally, I felt amazed that I had been a part of something that so many people could relate to. It was unbelievable, really. Just a small role can be so much larger than one person alone, and if we all come together it can turn out to be something so worth while. I really appreciated that no one had decided to just stay home, being that it was so cold outside. Everyone seemed to know what this meant, and was determined to do the best possible, despite the weather. Because the weather was only outside. We had all brought our spirit inside of us.

C/SSgt James Gulliksen, HG

Texas Wing offers Wreaths Across America salute to veterans, 27 December

It is always good to see a Group III news item published by CAP National News Online (click on the linked title to see that article). This one is no exception, but it has even deeper meaning because of the involvement of so many cadets. The youngest was C/Amn Shannon Williams, shown at right, and two of the senior members present had been cadets a few weeks before this event.

The National News Online editors are known for their selectivity in picking photographs. From the handful of photos forwarded to them, they chose only three, and two of them show cadets in action. At left, Immediate Past Flotilla Commander Fred Hoffman, Coast Guard Auxiliary salutes after laying the wreath for the US Merchant Marine. C/SSgt James Gulliksen joins the officer in saluting at the laying of the wreath.

That the young should choose to honor America's fallen heroes is revelatory of our Nation's feelings, and of the caliber of CAP's youngest members..

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

2007 Texas Wing Winter Encampment, 26-31 December

CAMP SWIFT, TX – This newsletter's February issue will carry an overall report on the Winter Encampment, with many images, but there isn't enough time to do it now. Instead, it is my pleasure to reproduce below the articles describing the encampment as seen through the eyes of the Cadet PAO Team. They were: C/Maj Faith Brymer, C/2d Lt BrandiiRe'Ann Davis, C/2d Lt Raphael Erie, C/2d Lt Stephen Miller and C/SSgt Alexandra Falken. They put together a daily article for each of the six days of encampment, which I edited and distributed to the Texas Cadet website, all Texas press, and CAP National. They are reproduced below in chronological order. 

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

C/2d Lt BrandiiRe'Ann Davis, Cadet PA Team

Building your ranks

The materials we used for the presentation at the Junior High School included the wonderful resources found in the PAO toolkit – which National has provided – and some other things that looked interesting to me. I downloaded some other excellent material from National and, surprisingly, found some great downloads on YouTube also – some funny, some silly, but some very good and to the point. 

I wouldn't have thought about YouTube as a resource, but the Group Commander sent us all a URL pointing to a tribute to CAP which someone had posted there. Searching YouTube for CAP and Civil Air Patrol, I found a great deal of info which I liked and, later, proved quite useful. There is a hilarious one titled, "Captain Disciplinator" I believe. Anyway, I showed this one at a squadron meeting, and it was a resounding success. Not only was it informative, we had a great laugh too.

At any rate, I take bits and pieces that I think appropriate and stick them together to produce a video that I show the students. Then, I start with my comments on the video, mostly clarifications and explanations about what they just saw, as well as answering their questions. Some of them usually ask very pointed and "meaty" questions, that give me the opportunity to round off the presentation. Actually, if it weren't for the questions, the presentation wouldn't be quite as good. But when they start asking question, they're actually beginning to "own" the idea of becoming CAP members, and that's when I know we're hitting it right.

Although this paragraph comes near the end, it probably ought to go up front, because recruiting usually won't work without this. I always use cadets as part of the presentation, and they are always in BDU's. This is very important, because prospective members need to see for themselves what CAP cadets look like. And how they act, too. When the cadets are in front of the students, they have the opportunity to become role-models, and some of the young students will accept them as such, and want to emulate them. Since I pick them for their personality, it never fails. Whether they join or not, the students love them.

Then, there's the follow-up. I always make sure the job is done right by getting in touch with each teacher to see if any questions came up after we'd left. It has been our experience that many students are shy about asking us questions directly, but will bombard their teachers after we're no longer there. I always write a thank-you letter to each teacher and the principal – within a day or two of our visit. In the letter, I always offer to return whenever (and if ever) they wish to discuss CAP and/or aerospace/aviation/science topics again.

And that's one of the ways in which we build our ranks.

1st Lt Harold Parks, Commander, Gladewater Corsair Composite Squadron

Maj Wm. "Bert" Wilson, SO

Monthly Safety Briefing

Each Squadron is required to provide both a flight safety briefing and a ground safety briefing each month. The Sentinel, the national CAP Safety newsletter, should be briefed as a minimum. Be sure to log it in WMU, too.

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

January Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

January Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Recurring Reports

Editor

Reported by Senior Airman Brian Stives, 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

Aviation & more

Safety

US Decorations Rack Builder – All military, auxiliary, and civilian decorations

High attendance by parents, family members, and friends packed the house and created a standing-room-only atmosphere, which left many CAP members having to listen to the presentation from adjacent hallways. The lack of space was a welcome challenge, since it demonstrated the strong support provided to Addison Eagle's members by their families or significant others.

Success in CAP, at any level, requires support and understanding from spouses, families, employers – and the list goes on. Although many of those mentioned above are not directly involved in CAP, they make many of the same sacrifices and deserve our appreciation. The members of Addison Eagles CS say, "Thank You" to all those who make it possible for us to serve.

(2d Lt Michael Bownds)

Oh, What a Night! - A Personal Experience, 14-16 December

GLADEWATER, TX – On the weekend of 14-16 December, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing held a weekend-long Field Training Exercise (FTX). Although we knew that the weather report was not too promising, we decided to go rain or shine, since a large percentage of actual search missions happen during inclement weather. Therefore, proceeding would be a good way to experience bad weather as we worked, and learn how to deal with it. The forecast called for heavy rain during the night, a cold Saturday, and below freezing on Sunday morning. A member had brought along a pop-up camper that was set at the edge of our camp area, and was reserved for the female chaperone that had come with us. Since this was private land, there was also a house on the property, belonging to another one of our members.

Early Friday night, all was well. We arrived at the training site at 1900 and proceeded to set up camp. Challenges began almost immediately, as various members required assistance erecting their tents and getting organized for the weekend ahead. A large cache of firewood was already in place, so we didn't need to stumble around in the dark looking for some – through the kindness of a prospective senior member, two truckloads of firewood had been delivered to our main campsite. Hungry cadets prepared their evening meals, and cadet senior staff organized their Charge of Quarters (CQ) roster for the remainder of the night, so there would be an alert vigil at all times. At 2200, all but the CQ on duty retired to their tents.

Early on Saturday, a severe storm passed through the area. Very high winds developed, and the rain was quite heavy. The senior cadet staff immediately got up and made sure that all cadets were OK – warm and dry – and then reported their findings to the commander. All was well, for the moment, but the storm seemed to intensify. Again, the senior cadets surveyed their charges, and returned with another favorable report.

By this time, not all was so well with the commander. He awoke when his feet started getting cold, and thought this wasn't reasonable, as he was snug in his sleeping bag with two blankets on top of that. Since the weather forecast had warned of cold weather, he had prepared for it. The only possibility was that – Oh, no! – his feet were, indeed, wet. After finding his flashlight, his suspicion became horrible fact. There was water leaking into his tent in the area around his feet and the sleeping bag had eagerly soaked up the water. Such is the perverse nature of sleeping bags. Looking all around the tent, his worst fears were confirmed – water was coming in all around, and soon everything would be thoroughly wet.

Thankfully, the senior cadet staff continued to monitor and report on the younger cadets' status, so the commander was able to concentrate on overcoming his own problem. He quickly pulled a towel out of his pack, reasoning that he could mop up the leaks and dispose of the water outside. All he had to do was continue mopping for a little while and then the rain would let up. This strategy worked for all of 37 seconds, as it soon became apparent that the water was gaining inexorably. Not only that, now the top of the tent was dripping, adding to the rising water on the ground. A great puddle was now forming inside the tent, quite similar to the great puddles already created on the ground outside the tent. Now, how could this be???

To figure out the problem, we have to go back to when everyone was setting up camp. As mentioned above, setting up camp in the dark presented challenges we had never met during previous encampments. In this case, the commander smugly had laid down a ground sheet before erecting his tent, as the ground was a bit damp from an earlier shower. He reasoned that this would keep the tent's interior nice and dry, while others might experience a bit of dampness. Since the ground sheet was very large, doubling it so it would be just a bit smaller than the outer edges of the tent seemed like a good idea – a perfect application of a very clever plan.

However, the darkness foiled this intent. When erecting the tent on the ground sheet, the ground sheet appeared to be too small because the tent was off center. Thoughtlessly, the commander opened up the ground sheet to its full measure, which left one to two feet of it protruding beyond the edge of the tent all around. Now we begin to see why the interior of the commander’s tent later began to resemble Lake Gladewater. The heavy rain that ran down the sides of the tent was diverted inwards, rather than outwards from the tent floor. The commander’s clever plan to keep out that slight bit of dampness almost ended up needing a water rescue.

To make matters worse, when he initially began moping up, he would simply hold the sopping-wet towel out the door and wring it out – so the water ran right back on to the ground sheet. Finally, there was an epiphany; in fact, the light was so bright when the idea came to him that it could have been a bolt of lightning. The water had to be wrung out of the towel beyond the edge of the ground sheet. There finally came a time when it became obvious that the water was coming into the tent faster than it could be mopped up. 

The cadets were all warm and dry, so it remained for him to save himself. It was time to abandon ship, so the commander grabbed his pack, the one blanket that appeared to be dry and his camera and headed for his car. Remember, the weather forecast was for heavy rain during the night followed by a pretty severe cold snap. Being wet and cold was a sure way to become a cold-weather casualty, so avoidance created its own justification. On the way to the car, the commander was informed that our female chaperone had vacated the camper because of the high winds and gone up to the house for the remainder of the night. A slight turn to the left led to the camper instead of the car, so thus he embraced a successful Plan B. The remainder of the night (it was 0430 by now), spent in the camper, was taken up by trying to dry out. Reveille was supposed to be 0700 but, because of the storm, it was delayed until 0800. In spite of the weather, we successfully accomplished all the training scheduled for the weekend.

NOTE – This quiet cadet chat by the campfire belies their commander's frantic labors of the previous night. At rear left, covered by a green tarp, is the life-saving camper in which the author spent the latter part of the night, trying to dry and un-chill himself. On the make-shift clothes line, his sleeping bag and bedding hang in an optimistic attempt at restoring them to their previously useful condition. If Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs ever needed testing for validation, they proved totally accurate on this occasion. As the author wrote in a message to me after the event, "As for the 'adventure photos,' all of that activity took place during the storm, when I was in survival mode. The last thing on my mind was photographs. This one is from the morning after." – Editor.

Lessons learned – If a ground sheet is to be used, find out beforehand how to place it so as to be slightly smaller than the tent floor. Also, dig the six to eight inch trench all around the tent to carry off rainwater in the event of rain. The tent should also be waterproof or waterproofed if time has degraded the coating. (And never put up a tent on flat terrain. Find a nice grade, so you won't wind up standing in water. Editor.) The incredible part of this experience it that the commander really knew better – the lessons learned during this weekend had been learned years ago. Yet, for some unknown reason, they were ignored. It is doubtful that this lesson will ever need to be re-learned.

Gladewater Foul Weather FTX, 14-16 December

GLADEWATER, TX – On the weekend of 14-16 December, 2007, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol held a search and rescue Field Training Exercise (FTX). Although the weather report promised poor and unpleasant conditions, we had planned to go “rain or shine.”  Many of the search and rescue missions assigned to Civil Air Patrol take place during bad weather. Therefore, it is necessary to develop techniques for accomplishing our mission regardless of weather conditions.

The squadron arrived at the training area at 7:00 PM on Friday evening and set up camp. Cadets proceeded with their evening meals and arranged for CQ for the remainder of the night.  A large canopy was set-up so as to provide a dry place in case it was needed for a Radio Operator’s class that was to be held on Saturday.

There was a terrible storm on Friday night, with high winds and very heavy rain. The cadets managed to stay warm and dry throughout the storm and even secured the canopy that was in danger of blowing away. One member suffered a good soaking but was able to recover and continue with the weekend. On Saturday morning, the cadets fell out for PT, led by Cadet Major Stephen Mouton. Cadet Mouton is currently attending the University of Arkansas and is also a member of the AFROTC unit there. After their exercise and run, the cadets made breakfast and prepared for their training day.  We ran L-Per sorties all that morning, with various cadets taking turns at operating the L-Per, navigating and leading the ground team. The local electrical interference seemed to be worse than usual, perhaps because of the storm. Happily, we had just completed a sortie successfully when it was lunchtime.

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[1] Friday Night Meal, L/R, Cadet Major Stephen Mouton, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander (back), Cadet Basic Bradley Jamison, Cadet Basic Rebekah Alexander, and Cadet Airman Austin Cheatham. [2] Morning Warm-up, L/R, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, Cadet Basic Bradley Jamison, and Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander. [3] Morning PT, All.

Lt Parks presented the Radio Operator’s course after lunch and, as everyone completed the course and passed the test, they will now be receiving their Radio Operator Authorization (ROA) cards. We continued on with additional tracking sorties until suppertime, after which Lt Alexander offered Moral Leadership. The remainder of the evening was taken up by planning CQ and free time until lights out.

Again, Sunday morning reveille was at 0800. Some of the members had trouble sleeping because of the cold, but they did pretty well overall. It was 27 degrees when we got up that morning but the day warmed up quickly. Ordinarily, on Sunday we have air rifle competition, but our NRA instructor couldn't attend this exercise. After breakfast and a good warm-up at the campfire, we continued our training until lunch time. After lunch, we broke camp, packed up, cleaned up our area, put out the fire, and departed.

4. 5. 6. 7.

[4] Awaiting First Sortie, Cadet Airman Austin Cheatham, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, Cadet Basic Rebekah Alexander, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, and a visitor. [5] Taking First Bearing, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, and Cadet Major Stephen Mouton (in rear). [6] Taking Bearing On Road, Cadet Basic Rebekah Alexander, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander. [7] Improvised Litter, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, Cadet Airman Austin Cheatham, Cadet Basic Bradley Jamison, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, and a visitor.

This training was probably the best our squadron has experienced since beginning our Ground Team training. The cadet staff's performance during the storm was truly outstanding. They immediately checked the younger cadets to make certain they were warm and dry, even though they themselves were getting pretty wet with the effort. As the storm went on, they continued monitoring the cadets to make sure there were no problems. Securing the awning in the wind was also very difficult, but they persisted and got it done. Their outstanding leadership as they took care of the younger cadets before themselves was very impressive. 

As for the Ground Team training itself, the cadets demonstrated a new level of professionalism in their search efforts. Obviously, we have been training in this same area for quite some time, and one might expect them to get bored with the process. On the contrary, they show no signs of being bored and, in fact, since the tracking process is so very difficult on this property, they get even more determined to find the target. We saw how atmospheric conditions and ambient electrical interference influence the search as well. Most important of all, they've begun to show a new level of professionalism in dealing with the tracking problems. In the past, they would simply “follow the needle” without any further thought, but now they are becoming more analytical. They've started to recognize the different types of indications that an L-Per can present, depending on local interference due to power lines and fence lines – and factor that into their decision-making. That is the point – they are now engaging is decision-making, not simple blind needle-following. As a result, they experience fewer false leads and unnecessary treks. It is very rewarding to watch them grow in self-confidence, leadership and professional skills.

Attending the weekend training were Capt Charles Mouton, 1st Lt Harold Parks, 2d Lt Farrell Alexander, Cadet Major Stephen Mouton, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, Cadet Airman Austin Cheatham, Cadet Basic Rebekah Alexander, and Cadet Basic Bradley Jamison 

(1st Lt Harold Parks, Commander)

Honoring the Flag on Veterans' Day. 11 November

DFW NATIONAL CEMETERY, TX – The Irving Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing was invited to help take down and fold the hundreds of flags flying at the DFW National Cemetery on November 11, 2007. A gray cast descended upon the gathering, as the day lengthened into sunset. As the self-appointed photographer, I took several shots in between helping fold the flags. Lt Col Dietrich Whisennand, Capt Joe Davila, 1st Lt Mazie Williams, C/Lt Col Matthew Whisennand and C/Amn Shannon Williams participated in the event. At their request, we taught several bystanders how to fold the flags properly and with reverence.

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[1] The Marine Burial Honors Detachment is formed. At the end of the ceremony, they will discharge three ceremonial volleys of rifle fire, at the detachment leader's command. [2]-[3] 1st Lt Mazie Williams and C/Amn Shannon Williams hurry to take part in the flag lowering and folding detail. [4] A detachment of local Army JROTC cadets is formed, ready to pay their respects.

The now-disbanded Redbird CS (most of whose members are now members of the Irving CS) started raising and lowering the flags there in 2004, a duty they discharged regularly every year. Since they are now gone, the organizers invited us to help. That's how we came to raise the flags last 4th of July, when Capt Felipe Gomez also participated. An unknown CAP family that happened to be at the Veterans' Day event came to us offering their help, so we taught them how to correctly fold the American flag.

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[5] On special occasions, all flagpoles at the DFW Veterans' Cemetery fly the National Colors. [6] (L-R) Capt Joe Davila and Lt Col Dietrich Whisennand folded numerous flags, one by one, with deliberate and measured ceremonial respect. [7] There were many, many flags to take down and fold. [8] (L-R) Capt Joe Davila and C/Lt Col Matthew Whisennand fold another flag.

Photo #8 summarizes the spirit of the day. There is a balance between the two CAP members, one a cadet, the other one a senior member – the older generation guiding a young member in the ways of tradition and respect. In the background, there is a balance between the two flags that fly capriciously in the wind, one to the left, the other one to the right (as if simultaneously remembering the past and looking towards the future), and the empty flagpole centered between them, with a lose lanyard laying on the ground – taking its rest after having done its duty. The flag folders themselves show an expression of intensity, concentration and dedication, as they proceed with their assigned task, oblivious to the camera. Each flag stands for the honors rendered by a grateful Nation to the countless service men and women who have helped preserve our way of life, paying the ultimate price so that our freedoms and moral principles might live on for future generations.

(Lt Col Cynthia S. Whisennand)

(2d Lt Richard Hacker)

First Semester Finished, 23 December

LUBBOCK, TX – With much shock and relief, my first semester of college is in the books. My first semester in AFROTC is also finished. That is what I'm proudest of for several reasons. First, my flight, Charlie Flight (aka Charlie Flight Cliffjumpers), earned both the Honor and Warrior Flight Awards. This is an accomplishment that is rarely seen and we worked very hard to earn them. Every member of the flight received the two ribbons that distinguish those areas. Everyone worked intensively to make sure that we won both. Overall, as most things in the military, it was a great team effort.

Personally, I received an Achievement Award, also represented by a ribbon. It felt great to have my personal work recognized. Not that I'm a ribbon counter, but by the time I graduate I could have twenty-four of them, but what matters to me is what I learn here. I think I've made big steps in progressing through AFROTC, towards commissioning as a Second Lieutenant, and that's what I lose all my cadet ribbons and get to start all over again – with real ones.

At the end of the semester we also change our cadet wing commander, who is one of the cadets in our detachment. I learned a lot from experiencing what goes on during the ceremony. I look forward to seeing what bright ideas our new wing commander will bring to the table, to improve the program. Spring semester should be fun. We also had an open ranks inspection, which is quite similar to what we do in Civil Air Patrol. It was not bad at all, since I had my uniform in perfect shape. 

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[1] (L-R) Cadets Petrosky, Oswalt, Poor, and Rask (who is down in the center). After winning both Honor and Warrior Flight, we decided to have a flight party at Main Event, were we battled in Laser Tag. [2] Some of the members of the now-legendary Charlie Flight Cliffjumpers, in Laser Tag gear. [3] Just down the road from Camp Swift, where you'll be at encampment, there used to be a motocross track where I learned how to ride. This one is a recent shot taken elsewhere, showing my technique.

Finals were not bad at all. If you attend all classes, take good notes, and study hard, any test will seem easier. Sleep is also a good weapon to "win" tests. I dislike the idea of scheduling a final on a Saturday at noon but, well... welcome to college. The weather was also getting pretty cold, so that didn't help at all – except making me walk to and from the test room faster. Did I mention that I only had three tests to take?

It feels great to be home and be able to relax for a month. I had looked forward to attending a squadron meeting at Pegasus, but none are scheduled until after I leave. I was bummed to hear that news. However, my brother is a member of the color guard, and they are practicing every weekend to prepare for the competition, so at least I'll get to see them. Last year I was a color guard member, and we competed at the event that was held at Camp Mabry. Even though we placed third, we felt we'd made a great effort and had done our best. 

Next semester is going to be more challenging and the weather even colder. It isn't as mild here as it is in Austin. I will also be in a new flight, since the flights are restructured each semester. 

I am ready.

(C/SSgt Evan Petrosky)

(TylerPaper.com)