After the Rise, the Fall

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Respect

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines respect as, "to consider worthy of high regard."

We'll get back to this in a moment.

Last month I talked a little about "square one." If you recall what I meant by that, then please read on. If not, please go back, read last month's "Feedback and Trust," then come back. In April I had the misfortune of being copied on an e-mail between two CAP members, where the sender of the e-mail showed an unconscionable level of disrespect towards a fellow CAP volunteer. You would be correct in assuming that my addressing this issue publicly, in this editorial, means that I take it very seriously.

In the e-mail that so greatly disturbed me, the sender not only failed to treat a fellow member with courtesy, but in fact made some very personal acrimonious statements that were offensive to me, even though they were directed at someone else. But that wasn't enough. The member ended the e-mail with a list of very caustic remarks that the sender believed described the recipient – almost like a top-ten list.

When I read it, I felt as if I were in the twilight zone. My first inclination was to step in and suspend the member immediately, then thought about it. Instead, I discussed it in some detail with the sender's unit commander. The only reason I did not suspend this person's CAP membership immediately is the faith and confidence I have in that unit commander to deal with this problem. However, the offending member is on notice now that I will *not* tolerate this behavior in Group III.

Period.

Under any circumstances.

Now let's talk about respect, what it is, and why it's so important to us as an organization. Respect is, essentially, considering someone or something to be worthy of high regard.

What do I respect, personally? I thought I might give you a partial list:

• I respect the basic dignity of all human beings, even if I disagree with them.

• I respect the service of those who have served or still serve in the military.

• I respect those people who have chosen public service as their profession in spite of risks that their service may carry: police officers, firefighters, and those who daily put their life on the line in the service of others...

• I respect my nation's flag and all it stands for.

• I respect the volunteer members of Civil Air Patrol, and what is often the thankless service they give to their communities, states and nation.

• I respect CAP members who demonstrate excellence in their CAP work. Cadets who earn milestone awards, senior members who advance in the senior program, members who become qualified in ES positions, and all those who prepare themselves to better serve others…

• I respect the time and energy that CAP members entrust to me and to my staff.

• I respect the trust that the taxpayers of the United States of America have placed in us by funding our assets, training, and missions.

• I respect my uniform because wearing it is a privilege – my uniform really belongs to the millions of men and women who have come before me, some of whom have died while wearing it, and I owe it to them to wear it properly.

• I respect the chain of command because it preserves order. Without it, we become ineffective.

Next question. For me, how does respect manifest itself? First, I strive to treat all CAP members with basic courtesy, and that's only a starting point. You'll notice that I always call my Wing Commander "Sir" or "Col. Smith". Second, I work very hard to respect the time and commitment that CAP members give to CAP by being the best custodian of that commitment that I can be. I start and end meetings on time, I work very hard to complete take-aways and action items, and I try very hard to be timely in my review of administrative, personnel, and other command items that make their way to me. I have the same expectations of my staff.

Final question. Why is respect important to us as an organization? Why choose this as one of our core values? That answer is easy. We are an organization of volunteers that is based very loosely on a military hierarchy. CAP attracts an extremely diverse set of individuals, with very different interests, who have come together to meet the needs of our missions. In any group of human beings there will be conflict, and only through deep and mutual respect will we ever be able to overcome differences of opinion and personality, empowering us to accomplish goals that far outstrip anything we could ever do as individuals.

And that's the bottom line.

The month of May brings us an opportunity, with Memorial Day, to reflect on a deeper meaning of respect, a meaning not always made manifest to us by our daily lives. On Memorial Day, I ask that you take a moment to reflect on what respect means to you. Internalize that. Then live it.

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris

Message to the Texas Wing, 10 April

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander

Message to the Texas Wing, 11 April

Please share Gen Courter's important NIMS training letter with your staff and ES qualified members. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John A. Salvador, Director of Missions, HQ CAP

From: email@swr.cap.gov [mailto:email@swr.cap.gov] On Behalf Of Jensen Joseph Col CAP SWR/CC
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 11:09 PM
To: wing-command@swr.cap.gov; staff@swr.cap.gov; Donald.Hensley@carswell.af.mil; timothy.taylor@carswell.af.mil
Cc: 'BGen Amy Courter'; 'Col. Reggie Chitwood (CAP/CS)'; arwingcap@sbcglobal.net; 'Arthur Woodgate'; j.l.gilbert@sbcglobal.net; 'Salvador, John'; 'Desmarais, John W.'; 'Colonel John J. Varljen'; 'Andre Davis'
Subject: [SWR Staff] [:swr:} Message from SWR Commander - FOR RELEASE THROUGHOUT SWR

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO ALL PERSONNEL, SOUTHWEST REGION, CAP

As most are aware, we just completed the second annual SWR Region Exercise. In summary, the exercise went exceptionally well throughout the region and I appreciate very much everyone’s efforts to make the exercise work.

The 2007 SWR Region Exercise was essentially six independent wing exercises held separately, coordinated from the SWR C-4 in Little Rock. The 2008 SWR Region Exercise was very different in that our scenario required the SWR team to address a region-wide incident, with diverse taskings requiring the establishment of joint (multi-wing) incident command posts, and coordination between the C-4 in Little Rock and another region coordination center at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ. In addition to functioning as a region operations coordination center, other tasks given to the C-4 were true C-4 taskings, including the identification, acquisition and tracking of assets into and out of the operations areas.

Also, several “curve-balls” (lost communications, tasking changes requiring major changes in operational plans, etc) were thrown into the scenario, and actual risk management decisions were required due to high winds in portions of the operational area. The region-wide training objectives were accomplished in an exceptional manner, and without accident, incident or injury.

My thanks go out to all officers, members and cadets of SWR. Special recognition is due to the Arizona Wing for standing up a regional coordination center in Mesa, Capt. Shirley Kay of NM Wing for serving as an IC on short notice due to family illness of other personnel, Capt. Arthur Woodgate of Texas Wing for service as the SWR information Officer, Lt. Col. Jim Gilbert (SWR C-4 Coordinator), and the Arkansas Wing for outstanding support in Little Rock and Texarkana.

In the next several days we will have an after-action “lessons learned” report, which I will distribute through the Wing Commanders. I am very proud of every member of our team, and again I thank you for your continued outstanding service.

Col. Joseph Jensen, Southwest Region Commander

Message to the Texas Wing, 28 April

Attached is a letter from the SWR announcing the SWR award winners for 2008.  Please join me in again congratulating the Texas award winners.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander 

Message to the Texas Wing, 30 April

A very informative update from NHQ.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander 

From: Rowland, Donnie [mailto:DROWLAND@capnhq.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 7:33 AM
To:
Subject: Executive Director's Open Cockpit April 2008

National Board Members and Advisors,

The April 2008 Open Cockpit is attached in Adobe PDF format for your review.  I trust that you will find this information timely and useful.

Very respectfully,

Don Rowland, Executive Director

In Welcoming Our New Chaplain

Born in the Bronx, NY, Ch. (Lt. Col.) Marc Ben-Meir had an uncertain start in life. He dropped out of high school as a sophomore, joined the Navy, transferred to the Army Reserve, and served in Viet-Nam. Upon discharge, traveled Europe on a motorcycle for 9 months and ended up in Israel, where he served in the Israeli Army as a paratrooper (Tzanchan) and fought in the Yom Kippur war, being taken prisoner. After his liberation, he studied for the rabbinate in Israel, returned to the U.S., was ordained, and rejoined the U.S. military as a chaplain. This is where he embarked on an academic career, gathering an A.A., B.A., M.A. (cum laude), and Ph.D. in Psychology. Eventually, he owned the Springhaven Addictions Clinic in Ft. Worth.

Chaplain Marc (as he would like to be called), is "a rolled-up sleeves guy" (his self-description) who enjoys historical re-enacting (Civil War medicine) as a hobby, has been a member of CAP for 20 years, is a CAP Lt. Col., and is a recipient of the CAP Silver Medal of Valor. He is the father of five sons, two of whom are serving on active duty. In his CAP career, he has been a DCFC, DCFS, Squadron Commander, Deputy Group Commander, Group CAPMAP Officer, Deputy Wing Chaplain, and TX Wing CISM Officer. He has three grandchildren and one is on the way.

In his own words, "My vision as a chaplain? That's easy. I don't see myself as a priest, rabbi, minister, imam, or pastor. As a chaplain, I serve you and your spiritual needs regardless of your faith or belief system. I will never try to convert you to my belief system or preach a narrow perspective. I am available to speak with you or those close to you regarding those issues that affect you and your happiness as a person and CAP member."

It is with great pleasure that I welcome Chaplain Marc to the Group III family, and wish him every success. We are truly grateful for having him want to come to us.

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris

Cast thy bread upon the waters

Ecclesiastes 11:1 tells us, “Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.” Aside from the antique English, what does this mean? What does it mean to you?

Of the many lessons I have learned in life, the one gleaned from this reading was one of the most important. What you do today will come back to you tomorrow. The lie you tell today will come back to haunt you tomorrow. The good deed you did, the bill you remembered to pay, the integrity you maintained will bolster your name for years to come. The happiness you gave to others will also come back to nurture you.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marc Ben-Meir

Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, DOS

PAO/IO Training

As announced by the Interim National Commander, Brig Gen Amy S. Courter, "The newly revised CAPR 190-1 requires a trained and certified MIO, in accordance with CAPR 60-3, to handle media relations for every mission and training exercise."

This impacts deeply into the life of every unit. There used to be a time when anyone could take on the job of the Public Affairs Officer, with little or no formal training, provided the commander certified that person for the job. This worked reasonably well in a small unit at a time when communications were slow and only the most noteworthy events were reported beyond the immediate community. Today, what happens in your own back yard can quickly become known across the globe. In a case like this, the non-IO qualified PAO dealing with media relations may well suffer a very rude awakening.

That awakening, unfortunately, can have repercussions all the way up the chain of command. Therefore, it is imperative that PAOs take their formal training seriously. In short, every PAO needs to get qualified as an Information Officer (or Mission Information Officer). Gen Courter specifically singles out "every mission and training exercise" as requiring an MIO. Think of it. What else do we do that doesn't involve "missions and training exercises"?

Bottom line, a PAO that is not an IO/MIO is not up to the job. The trouble is that there might not be an IO around, and the PAO might have to "wing it." The lucky PAO might manage to survive the experience, but not knowing what's involved and how to do it can produce highly negative results.

Please read the item above this one, and notice that PAO/IO training will be offered this summer. I encourage every PAO in Texas Wing to take advantage of this opportunity. In one information-packed week, you can get the training that you need. If you're serious about being a PAO, and you are not IO/MIO qualified, I hope to see you there.

Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, DOS

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

1st. Lt. Don Gulliksen, HGO

Most Common Mistakes that Beginning Webmaster Make - The Banner

Creating a website takes more than organizing the information and making it easy to find. The ease of use, in fact, can be overwhelmed by poor choices in the overall "look and feel" as well as faults in the art of space usage and arrangement.

The banner is that wonderful strip at the top of the page that identifies your site. If you take the time to look at what the pros have created for some of the major players (US Air Force, U.S. Navy, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, The White House, IBM, Seiko Watches, General Electric, Infiniti, Nikon Corp., Smithsonian Institution, 3M, Xerox, and so on), you'll see that all of them share some basic features:

o  The logo is unique,

o  The page does not overwhelm the logo, and

o  The banner itself is fairly thin and unobtrusive, yet catches the eye.

The Beginning Webmaster (BW) is seldom able to resist the temptation of creating a generous and "deep" banner (or masthead, as it is called in the magazine world), sometimes allowing it to reach relatively gigantic proportions. The more things the BW wants to cram into that banner, the deeper it will be, and if the BW creates a 300-pixel deep masthead in that fancy new PC that has a resolution of 1600x1200 pixels, it won't look all that big. Now, wait a minute. Reality check. Along comes the impoverished visitor using a small-screen laptop with a skimpy resolution of 800x600 pixels. What happens then? The BW's creation has turned into a monster that hogs half the screen with that enormous, feature-full masthead, a constant presence that just sits there, doing nothing useful - and getting in the way.

The purpose of the masthead (or banner) is to brand the website and each page within it. If this part of the screen is too deep, it will force the visitor to keep scrolling for every page. Furthermore, once the visitor has seen the BW's banner once, a perennial replication of the same enormous banner – page, after page, after boring page – can become a source of great irritation.

Rule No. 1 is easy to remember. The computer screen is a very expensive and finite piece of visual real estate. The banner should be a discrete reminder of ownership, because the rest of the screen rightfully belongs to the information. If instead of a reminder the banner becomes a visual hammer blow on the visitor's retina, that site will bleed visitors away in no time. The same as with a case of food poisoning at the local bistro, visitors to an unpleasant website are not likely to return.

To summarize, a website is the living proof of what the Bauhaus architects and artists in 1920's Germany proclaimed, "Less is more." In Japan, where physical space is at a premium, rooms are generally quite small, have practically no furniture, and usually have only one silk painting hanging on one wall. The wealthy home owner may have several such paintings, each neatly rolled around a wooden dowel, and these may be displayed one at a time, to fit the occasion.

Only one. Think of it. There is only one sun. There is only one moon. At your seashore, there is only one ocean. On this earth, you get only one life...

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, ITO

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

From Pegasus Composite Squadron, a new Cadet PAO

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Group III PAO

Group III hosts O-Ride weekend, 5-6 April - Day 1

C/1st. Lt. Raphael Erie, Pegasus Composite Squadron

1st. Lt. Richard Hacker, Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron

Texas Wing’s Group III Conducts Multi-base Cadet Flight Orientation Weekend, 5-6 April

WAXAHACHIE, TX – Commanded by Maj. Nolan Teel, Flight Operations Officer of Group III, Texas Wing, the Orientation Flight Weekend took place on 5-6 April at three different locations: Waxahachie Composite Squadron and Tyler Composite Squadron at the north, and Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin at the south. Maj. Teel directed the event from the Mid-Way Regional Airport, home of the Waxahachie Composite Squadron.

The Station Area Manager at Tyler was Lt. Col. Wilbur Dixon, and at Austin, Lt. Col. Dan Williams. Both SAMs maintained close coordination with Maj. Nolan Teel, at Waxahachie, sharing tasking and information for a successful, accident-free operation.

Given the circumstances, the raw statistics are impressive. Since the weather was not perfect, Saturday witnessed delayed flights until noon or later, depending on the location. Some planes couldn’t be flown in because of bad weather elsewhere. Then, low ceilings on Sunday morning delayed flying until mid-morning or even afternoon. 

Some aircraft that had been allocated for participation were diverted to firewatch missions instead, so the total number of aircraft was relatively small. Yet, a lot of flying still managed to take place. Total number of rides were 202 (85 of them on the front seat), with 70.5 total hours flown. 119 cadets and 63 senior members signed in. Of these, 20 members were from Louisiana Wing. A total of 9 aircraft were used, two of them from Louisiana Wing. Six Texas vans and 1 Louisiana van were used for ground transportation.

“Every Group III squadron in the northern area participated, including two pilots (and plane) from the Fort Worth Senior Squadron, in Group II, as well as a cadet from Group II,” said Maj. Teel. All composite squadrons in Group III’s southern area participated at the Austin Staging Area.

Given the abbreviated flying hours available, the 35+ hours flown each day are a very fair accomplishment. Some cadets experienced their first orientation flight, while others received additional rides that counted towards their 5 front-seat ride quota.

On Sunday at the Tyler Staging Area, Texas Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt gave a devotional on "grasshopper mentality" taken from the Book of Numbers 13:33, “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” His message centered on having faith in God to help with the challenges of life.

The participating cadets were very much at home with each other. Louisiana Wing Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Heather King said, “Texas is interesting, and has big skies.” She had participated in a REDCAP mission last September, searching for a missing rotor blade needed to reconstruct a downed helicopter that had resulted in fatalities. “It took a while, but we found it,” she said. "I was a little uncomfortable at first being at the site, knowing people had died, but I know I was helping with the investigation that would help make sure this kind of accident wouldn't happen again."

Cdt. King, a member of Barksdale Composite Squadron, completed her fifth and last orientation flight on Sunday. Upon landing, the other Barksdale cadets gave her the customary “dousing” with a garden hose. The same ritual is repeated when the cadet completes the first solo flight at a CAP Powered Flight Academy, to everyone’s great glee.

Cadet Basic Shawn Bounds, a member of the Tyler Composite Squadron, said, "I liked the Louisiana cadets' willingness to join in and participate." Cdt Bounds is not unique in having joined CAP to help him pursue a military career. He plans to attend Tyler Jr. College in August and study meteorology. After graduating from Tyler Jr. College, Cdt Bounds will join the Air Force and enter the pilot program.

Typically, cadets join the Civil Air Patrol in order to fly. Man’s dream of flying, from the pre-historic day when they first observed other creatures being able to take to the air, has spurred the development of aviation to the present day. An orientation flight is often the first step in what could become a trip to the stars as an astronaut, or a distinguished career as a military pilot, a respected career in commercial aviation, or even a life-long involvement as an aerospace engineer and designer.

At the Austin Staging Area, C/2d Lt Raphael Erie, a member of the Pegasus Composite Squadron, remarked, “The cadets were not the only ones having fun. The senior members participating really enjoyed working with the cadets. Capt. Don Hart, a pilot member of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, said that it had been ‘a successful day’ and that the weekend had presented ‘great opportunities for both senior members and cadets.’ Other pilots made similar comments.”

At the Tyler Staging Area, when asked for their thoughts on this event, the Barksdale cadets from Louisiana Wing said it was “awesome” and “interesting.” C/CMSgt King said, “I enjoyed the opportunity to meet new cadets and learn how their squadrons did things.”  Capt. Victor Santana, Deputy Commander for Cadets for Barksdale Composite Squadron, said, “This is a great opportunity to pool resources so that everyone can accomplish more.”

This had been an exciting and fulfilling weekend for many cadets, and had given pilots and senior staff members the opportunity to mentor and guide the young. The weekend had presented challenges, and these had been vanquished. It had also presented opportunities, and they had been enjoyed to the fullest. Best of all, it had been highly enjoyable.

Operationally, it underscored the advantage of having common standards, as well as the ability to work with relative strangers who share the same training. Although they had never met, the Louisiana and Texas members, adults and cadets alike, welcomed each other as if they had always belonged to the same unit. Which in fact they had. They were all members of the Civil Air Patrol.

Southwest Region Succeeds in Six-State Exercise, 11-13 April

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Over the weekend of 11-13 April, under the overall direction of the Civil Air Patrol’s Southwest Region (SWR), the six member wings (Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) conducted an Emergency Services exercise based on a Homeland Security scenario. The Incident Commander (IC) at the Crisis Command and Coordination Center (C4) was Col. Joseph Jensen, SWR Commander.

In preparation for the exercise, beginning two weeks before its scheduled start, a series of messages set the stage for the events that would be simulated during the exercise. A hypothetical troop movement, accompanied by transportation of equipment and munitions, would present the opportunity for a theft. Intelligence channels would simulate an increase in message traffic from suspected terrorists, said to be threatening an attack on U.S. soil. Simultaneously, NASA would be said to have launched a space shuttle carrying classified military equipment as part of its payload heading to the International Space Station.

During the exercise, CAP would be asked to develop a plan to support DOD installations in the event of a terrorist attack, which would now appear imminent, targeting one or more points in SWR. Texas Wing (TXWG) and SWR would be urged to review emergency plans and maintain contact with State Homeland Security and Emergency Managers. No specific targets will have been identified.

A successful simulated shuttle launch would be followed by simulated mounting message traffic between suspected groups around the world, opposing it. These would be said to be operating hostile elements in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, causing heightened vigilance in the SWR area.

These simulated conditions would govern the unfolding of the SWR exercise, designed to test command and control, communications, and operations as assigned to a central command location (the C4) that, in turn, would task them to dispersed subordinate operational commands. The latter are to be staffed by personnel from different wings, as might happen in the event of a major disaster that severely disrupts normal operations and prevents free road and air traffic.

Under this scenario, partially-staffed echelons, each organized as an Incident Command Post (ICP), drawn from personnel with common training but belonging to different major commands, will be required to deal with the unexpected. Their ability to operate effectively, or their failure to do so, was expected to shed light on the region’s overall preparedness. This would be measured by the degree of their success in sharing information, executing assigned missions, deploying appropriate resources, achieving objectives, and functioning with effective command and control under all simulated conditions. As it turned out, finding effective solutions under the pressure of overwhelming adversity was the common denominator.

The SWR C4 at Little Rock, Ark., and the subordinate ICPs at Texarkana, Tex., El Paso, Tex., and Mesa, Ariz., were scheduled to become operational starting at 12 noon Friday, April 11. Unforeseen circumstances, however, prevented El Paso from starting on time.

Col. Joe Smith, TXWG Commander, was the IC at the Texarkana ICP, staffing problems prevented the El Paso ICP from activating, since the planned staffing team from Houston couldn’t make it due to family illness (though later in the day Capt Shirley Kay, a member of New Mexico Wing, would volunteer for the job as soon as the vacancy was announced), and Lt. Col. Ronald W. Fett Sr. was the IC at the Mesa ICP. Present at the latter was Col. John Varljen, the SWR Vice Commander (West).

These officers, in common with all Civil Air Patrol members, are unpaid volunteers who continue the tradition of service started by the brave Americans who earned America’s right to independence and freedom. Today, rather than arms, these volunteers bear tools of mercy, as they engage in the never-ending task of helping in time of need.

In the reality of today’s world, after September 11, 2001, the most likely man-made danger is a terror attack. This weekend, the CAP units functioned under a complicated scenario involving the possibility of one or more armed terror strikes. Whether the disturbance to normal conditions is the result of a natural disaster or a man-made one, the initial disruption is expected to be the same. SWR, drawing on the strengths of its member wings, sprang the exercise on relatively short notice, creating one of the conditions to achieve partial availability of personnel. In addition, given the great distance to the ICPs, many members found it difficult to volunteer for the job.

In the end, by design, the ICPs were staffed and manned by personnel from a number of different wings. The Texarkana ICP drew its members from Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas, Arizona established its own ICP at Mesa, while El Paso identified qualified (and willing) personnel from New Mexico and Texas, dealing capably with an unexpected shortage.

The scenario presented multiple challenges, threatening terrorist activity across the SWR area, as supported by simulated messages that described specific actions. CAP flew missions in support of assigned taskings. Uncertainty and suspense were the hallmark of this exercise, which tested command and control via hard operational missions, communications via needed liaison and informational requirements which needed to be satisfied under very difficult conditions, and computing via operational, administrative, and knowledge-base challenges.

On the ground, team members were sent on various search missions. Aircrews were assigned photographic targets to record and observe. At the same time, staff personnel were pressed with identifying, planning, manning and carrying out arduous missions, often without sufficient resources at hand. In fact, dealing with hard choices with limited resources was the order of the day.

As the scenario developed, a threat to military installations seemed imminent. On Saturday, 12 April, simulated DHS reports warned of possible terror activities within SWR’s assigned states. Among the dangers, damage to critical infrastructure and attack against military targets were mentioned. The possible use of a potentially devastating explosive device was not discarded.

Although Civil Air Patrol’s missions typically address damage assessment and aid to recovery after a natural disaster, CAP could be called upon in the case of a man-made disaster, or even asked to gather pre-attack information. This weekend’s exercise was a dry-run for such an instance.

On Saturday, the El Paso ICP succeeded in starting up operations, with Capt. Shirley Kay, a member of New Mexico Wing, as the IC. Sooner than hoped for, the El Paso ICP had become a functioning and productive command and operational node in the SWR area of operations. At this point, the scenario rapidly escalated the elements of uncertainty and danger, disclosing the simulated hijacking - by unknown agents - of a large truck carrying munitions of unspecified lethality. A CAP aircrew located the vehicle near Dallas, and local law enforcement were said to know that unknown individuals had transferred its cargo to two smaller trucks that had departed in different directions, one east, the other one west.

As the simulated dangers mounted, fact-finding flights were ordered out and sorties launched. The photographic record and overall observed activity began to shed light on the unknown agents’ intentions. That afternoon, wide-spread loss of land-line and cell-phone communications, as well as Internet disruptions affected the entire SWR area. CAP units maintained essential communications by use of their organic radio equipment – until normal communications were restored. The pace of operations, however, remained unabated throughout.

This exercise combined the stress and uncertainty of staffing a command post under taxing conditions with the threat of an armed attack. Getting the information at the right time, and channeling it to the right place, could well become the deciding factor between harmless suppression and disaster. Command and control were proven essential to the accomplishment of the mission, closely followed by effective communications. A fully-staffed and fully-manned mission base can handle most missions with relative ease. In a real emergency, however, ideal-world expectations are not likely to be met.

Parallel to the SWR exercise, TXWG had staffed and run an independent exercise at the Victoria ICP, with Maj. Randy Russell as the IC. Afterwards, Maj. Russell said, “It was a great exercise, and we did a lot of good training. My problem was that I got more planes than aircrews, because some of the planes came from the Texas coast with only the mission pilot, and I needed to round off the crews with locals. The good part is that we managed to squeeze in considerable flightcrew and base staff training. It was one of the most effective training exercises I have been involved with as an Incident Commander."

Throughout the exercise, planes and aircrews were taken off play to allow them to fly firewatch missions, given the severity of the current drought and the constant danger of fire. As these air assets were released for their real-world missions, in the exercise they were accounted for as “losses” - such as might happen in the event of a real man-made emergency.

Col. Joe R. Smith, the IC at the Texarkana ICP, said, “When we lost aircrews to the firewatch mission, we needed more air assets, so I dipped into the Victoria ICP’s. They were great, and helped the mission nicely.”

The hypothetical Homeland Security scenario presented multiple threats along the Texas gulf coast and northern sector, as well as in Arizona and New Mexico. The ever-shifting results were calculated to create command and control uncertainty, the need to prioritize, and the quick balancing of scarce resources against the degree of danger attached to the threat being addressed by each tasking. In the process, communications remained open as needed, and reporting prompt and accurate information was the norm. At all times, the exercise focused on the situation not as an aftermath following an unspecified disaster but as an urgent mission focused on preventing it.

The individual wings effectively merged into a single entity, uniting their efforts in pursuit of the common goal. “This is the kind of situation where you learn a lot,” said Maj. Rick Woolfolk, Commander of the Nighthawk Composite Squadron, TXWG, who flew missions at the El Paso ICP. “I was all set to fly to El Paso, when I lost my observer to another mission, so I thought I couldn’t participate. Then I found a replacement and got here later in the day. We did just fine.”

This was a common denominator during the exercise, where every participant focused on the mission and its requirements. The thread of standard training, common to all, united them professionally. In addition, the need to contribute to the team-work in order to “get it done,” cut across unit membership and “home team” feelings. In fact, the “home team” became just the Civil Air Patrol.

Whenever possible, flightcrews were sent away from familiar ground, flying missions in a different state. Dependent on communications, often relayed by units in a different wing, they gradually picked up the pieces of the puzzle and sent them immediately to the ICP for analysis. Upon their return, a thorough debrief based on preliminary analysis got all the facts.

In the end, the photos got taken, the messages were sent, the overall situation was sorted out, and the exercise succeeded. It wasn’t perfect, but then very few things ever are. The realism injected by the scenario and the difficulties involved in carrying out each mission provided a learning experience that tested participants at all levels. Equipment, too, played an important part.

Sunday afternoon, Col. Joseph Jensen, C4 Commander, said, “I was very impressed by the quality of effort and the results that came in. The participants were volunteer professionals, proud of doing a good job and asking for nothing in return. I was also thankful for the extraordinary care extended to us by Arkansas Wing, and their courtesy. They truly lived up to the finest tradition of Southern hospitality.”

This exercise brought together all member wings of SWR, and promises to be a model for the future. “I am proud of the effort, skill and professionalism of our team,” said Col. Jensen. Then he added, “Working and training together is the best way to draw on each other’s strengths and improve the way we work. I feel we’re better prepared to deal with a large man-made emergency now than we were just a week ago.”

The day after the exercise, Col Jensen sent a message to all members of SWR saying, in part, “The region-wide training objectives were accomplished in an exceptional manner, and without accident, incident or injury. My thanks go out to all officers, members and cadets of SWR.”

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, SWR C4 Information Officer

2008 Texas Wing Conference, 18-20 April

AUSTIN, TX – The same as last year, the Texas Wing Conference took place at the Hilton Hotel at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The building itself goes back to the the facility's original military use, since it used to be the Air Force Base Headquarters, and the remodel kept the original structure nearly intact, except for raising it a floor. A few CAP members have actually worked in it, in their younger Air Force days. The event was organized under the direction of Lt. Col. Norm King, Texas Wing Plans and Programs Officer.

General Assembly

After the head table filed in, the Pegasus Composite Squadron Color Guard presented the colors. Presiding the event were Interim National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter, NHQ Deputy Director of Logistics Mr. Gary Schneider, Southwest Region Vice Commander (East) Col. André Davis, Texas State Director Col. Ed Brown, Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith, and Texas Wing Ch. (Maj.) Ron Whitt.

1. 2. 3.

[1] The Pegasus Composite Squadron Color Guard is formed, waiting for the head table to assemble. [2] Ch. (Maj.) Ron Whitt is followed by NHQ Deputy Director of Logistics Mr. Gary Schneider, Interim National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter, Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith, and Southwest Region Vice Commander (East) Col. André Davis. [3] The head table is assembled, with the arrival of Texas State Director Col. Ed Brown.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

[4]-[9] The Color Guard marches the colors to the head table, wheels about, faces the assembly and presents the colors. After a ceremonial pause, it resumes its march towards the head table and posts the colors to both sides.

10. 11. 12. 13.

[10] Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith welcomes the attendees. [11] Texas State Director Col. Ed Brown stresses the importance of Texas Wing in handling emergencies for the State of Texas. [12] Southwest Region Vice Commander (East) Col. André Davis congratulates Texas Wing for its many contributions to the region. [13] Interim National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter addresses the general assembly.

After Ch. Whitt's invocation, Col. Smith welcomed all to the annual gathering, and congratulated Lt. Col. King for the wonderful facility, good organization, and the hard work that went into planning the Conference and its many events. Col. Brown spoke of the critical role that Texas Wing has played in emergency services and disaster relief. Col André Davis emphasized the great progress done in inter-wing activities within SWR. Brig. Gen. Courter thanked all members of Texas Wing for their continued efforts, and thanked them for the warm welcome she had received. She then emphasized the importance of NIMS training, as CAP routinely worked with other agencies that adhered to the NIMS principles of organization and leadership.

Gen. Courter Listens

After a short break, Brig. Gen. Courter and Mr. Schneider, assisted by Col. Smith, Col. Davis, and the SWR Chief of Staff Lt. Col. Larry Mattiello, answered questions from the floor. The substance of her presentation was, "Think outside of the box." She praised innovative and productive ways of getting the job done, within organizational and command guidelines. Some pointed questions had her busily taking notes, especially with respect to e-Services, which will be enhanced in order to accept more data and keep track of members' FEMA and NIMS training.

14. 15. 16.

[14]-[15] Gen Courter, assisted by Mr. Schneider, speaks about the Civil Air Patrol's growth and the opportunity for innovative thinking. [16] The Q&A Session was an hour very well spent.

The tone of the session was one of attentive leadership, as Gen. Courter sought to find out what members wanted, and how CAP could accommodate their requests. She projected an air of good-natured focus, relaxed and caring, as she personalized what she heard and promised to take it back with her to NHQ.

Awards Luncheon

Traditionally, this is when the squadron awards are presented, and there were many of them. Col. Smith presented the following 2007 Texas Wing awards: Staff Officer, Lt. Col. Bill Williams; Public Affairs Officer, Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate; Brewer Award, 1st. Lt. Janet S. Kristoffersen; Communications Officer, 1st. Lt. Toby D. Buckalew; Safety Officer, Capt. Frank H. Stalling Jr; Senior Chaplain, Ch. (Maj.) Ronny D. Whitt; and Squadron Chaplain, Ch. (Lt. Col.) George E. Klett. Col. Smith also presented a Mishap Free Award to each of the five groups, as well as Gen. Billy Mitchell Awards to Cdts. Carlos Castro and Ruby Moreno, and an Amelia Earhart Award to Cdt. John Rios.

Col. André Davis, assisted by Lt. Col. Mattiello and SWR DCC Lt. Col. Steven Trupp, presented individual Commander's Commendation Awards to all those who participated in the Tuskegee Airman Youth Day in Addison, TX. Then Col. Smith presented other awards, including a Commander's Commendation to Capt. Nolan Teel (now a Major).

17. 18. 19. 20.

21. 22. 23.

TXWG Commander Col. Joe. R. Smith presents the following 2007 Texas Wing awards [21] Staff Officer to Lt. Col. Bill Williams, [22] Public Affairs Officer to Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, and [23] Brewer Award to 1st. Lt. Sue Kristoffersen.

24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29.

Texas  Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith presents Mishap Free Awards to the five Texas Wing groups, accepted by [24] Lt. Col. Bill Darby, Group I, [25] Lt. Col. Don Windle, Group II, [26]-[27] Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Group III, [28] Maj. Dennis Cima, Group IV, and [29] Group V, accepted by Maj. Jose Ely Carrales.

30. 31. 32.

Interim National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter and Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith present Gen. Billy Mitchell Awards to [30] Cdt. Carlos Castro and [31] Cdt. Ruby Moreno, and [32] an Amelia Earhart Award to Cdt. John Rios.

 33. 34. 35. 36. 37.

Texas  Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith presents the following 2007 Texas Wing awards [33] Communications Officer to 1st. Lt. Toby Buckalew, accepted by Lt. Col. Owen Younger, [34] Safety Officer to Capt. Frank H. Stalling Jr, [35] Senior Chaplain to Ch. (Maj.) Ronny D. Whitt (as the [36] SWR Ch. (Lt. Col.) Nancy Smalley takes the shot), and [37] Squadron Chaplain to Ch. (Lt. Col.) George E. Klett.

 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.

SWR Vice Commander (East) Col. André Davis, SWR COS Lt. Col. Larry Mattiello, and SWR DCC Lt. Col. Steven Trupp presented individual Commander's Commendation Awards to all those who participated in the Tuskegee Airman Youth Day in Addison, TX on 25 August 2007. On behalf of their units, these were accepted by [38] Maj. Jack Lewis, [39]-[40] Lt. Col. Owen Younger, [41] 1st. Lt. Greg Thornbury, [42] Maj. Jane Smalley, and [43] Lt. Col. Owen Younger.

 44. 45. 46.

Texas  Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith presented Commanders Commendation Awards to [44] Capt. Denise Thompson, accepted by Maj. Dennis Cima, [45] and Capt. Nolan Teel, accepted by Ch. (Lt. Col.) Nancy Smalley. [46] The luncheon over, Lt. Col. Tex Collins and 1st. Lt. Sue Kristoffersen pose for the camera.

Breakout Sessions

Notable for their well-attended participation were the Aerospace Education sessions, attended by the Interim National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy Courter and the Group III Commander Lt. Col. Owen Younger, which generated a great deal of enthusiasm. Introduced by the TXWG Aerospace Education Officer and turned over to the Apollo Composite Squadron cadets for an impromptu presentation, their explanations, exhibits, initiatives, and experiences were very well received by attendees – who took copious notes. Particularly helpful were the AEO senior members present, who asked some excellent questions.

Also notable was the Emergency Services session, led by Texas Wing DOS Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, who emphasized the need for additional training in many areas, especially FEMA/NIMS courses. Of particular importance are the ICS 300 and 400, essential for command-level participation at an Incident Command Post. Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate provided a short presentation on the importance of adequate training and experience on the part of the Information Officer. This summer's Lone Star Emergency Services Academy was also offered as an excellent way to get that training.

47. 48.

[47]-[48] The Emergency Services breakout session was very well attended, as Lt. Col. Brooks Cima outlined the need for additional training in an effort to gain National Incident Management System accreditation. Without this, CAP personnel cannot function smoothly in a mixed-agency environment.

The Government Affairs session, though not as well attended as those mentioned above, attracted many qualified and interested CAP members. Increased membership in the Texas Wing Legislative Squadron is essential to obtaining support for the Civil Air Patrol from the Texas Legislature.

Evening Social

As always, the break before the banquet is an excellent time for renewing acquaintances, making new friends, and enjoying each other's company.

49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54.

[49] NHQ Deputy Director of Logistics, Mr. Gary Schneider, and S.M. Audrey Woodgate. [50] Lt. Col. Owen Younger in good company. [51] Lt. Col. Brooks Cima and former Texas Wing Commander R. Frank Eldridge. [52] Maj. Dennis Cima and Maj. Jack Lewis (both with back to the camera) converse with Col. Joe R. Smith. [53] Col. R. Frank Eldridge, Col. André Davis, and Lt. Col. Larry Mattiello. [54] Lt. Col. Brooks Cima and Maj. Dennis Cima.

The Banquet

Once again, the Pegasus Composite Squadron Color Guard presented the colors, setting the stage for the leadership to take its place at the head table. Acting as master of ceremonies was 1st. Lt. Ferril Ford, a member of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, host unit for the event. At the head table were the Interim National Commander, Brig. Gen. Amy Courter, NHQ Deputy Director of Logistics Mr. Gary Schneider, Southwest Region Vice Commander (East) Col. André Davis, Texas State Director Col. Ed Brown, Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith, former Texas Wing Commander Col. R. Frank Eldridge, and Texas Wing Ch. (Maj.) Ron Whitt.

After the invocation, Col. André Davis, Col. Joe R. Smith, and Brig. Gen. Courter called the Color Guard to the front. They congratulated all members individually for a job very well done, giving each a Civil Air Patrol challenge coin, then posed with them for a group photo. Brig. Gen. Courter then took the podium and thanked Texas Wing for the hospitality, asking all to attend the National Conference in Florida in August, mentioning that the Public Affairs Academy would be held once again, but that it would not be offered next year, when the National Conference meets in San Antonio. After her address, Col. Smith presented her with two token gifts, which she showed to the attendees wearing a broad smile.

Col. Smith presented other 2007 Texas Wing Awards, including Jack Sorensen Cadet Programs to Capt. Raymond L. Hicks III; Senior Member of the Year to Lt. Col. Don R. Fisher; Cadet of the Year to C/Lt Col T. Jordan Wright (accepted by Capt. Richard Gates); Senior Squadron to Baytown Senior Squadron; Squadron of Merit to Addison Composite Squadron; and Group of the Year to Group I. The Group IV Commander Dennis Cima was promoted to Lt. Col.

Brig. Gen. Courter and Col. André Davis presented a Meritorious Service Award to Col. Joe R. Smith. Brig. Gen Courter, Col. Davis, and Col Smith then presented a Meritorious Service Award to Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate and an Exceptional Service Award to Lt. Col. Brooks Cima. They also presented an Eaker Award to Cdt Bradley Cilino, an Amelia Earhart Award to Cdt Emmett Koen a Meritorious Service Award to Lt. Col. Larry Mattiello, a Spaatz Award to Cdt Robert Basaldu, and a Meritorious Service Award to Lt. Col. Daniel Crum for the 5 years he has been teaching at the National Flight Academy (the latter accepted by Capt Dan Katen). They then presented Distinguished Aviator Awards, for successfully executing a night emergency landing, to Capt James Glombowski (copilot) and 1st. Lt. Daren Jaeger (pilot in command), the latter accepted by Lt. Col. Owen Younger.

The last presentation, made by Brig. Gen. Courter, was the Civil Air Patrol's Silver Medal of Valor to Capt. Sean Fuller, who started his career in CAP as a cadet in Missouri Wing.

55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62.

[55]-[62] The Pegasus Composite Squadron Color Guard presents the colors, displaying the well-synchronized movements that earned it top honors at the 2007 Texas Wing Cadet Competition.

 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68.

[63] The honored guests march to the head table. [64] Ch. (Maj.) Ron Whitt delivers the invocation. [65]-[66] Col. André Davis, Col. Joe R. Smith, and Brig. Gen. Amy Courter congratulate the members of the Color Guard and thank them for their service. Gen. Courter gave each a Civil Air Patrol challenge coin, then all posed for a group photo. [67] Gen. Courter looks to the future and stresses the importance of training. [68] Gen. Courter happily shows her "trophies," token mementos of her visit to Texas Wing.

69.  70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76.

Col. Joe R. Smith presents the remaining 2007 Texas Wing Awards, [69] Jack Sorensen Cadet Programs to Capt Raymond L. Hicks III, [70] Senior Member of the Year to Lt. Col. Don R. Fisher, and [71] Cadet of the Year to C/Lt Col T. Jordan Wright, accepted by Capt. Richard Gates. [72]-[73] Having been pronounced "out of uniform," Lt. Col. Dennis Cima receives his proper rank, pinned on by Lt. Col. Brooks Cima and Col. Smith. Continuing with the awards, [74] Senior Squadron Award to Baytown Senior Squadron, accepted by Lt. Col. Don R. Fisher [75] Squadron of Merit Award to Addison Composite Squadron, accepted by 1st. Lt. Greg Thornbury, and [76] Group of the Year to Group I, accepted by Maj. Bill Darby.

77. 78. 79. 80. 81.

Gen. Courter and Col. Davis present Meritorious Service Awards to [77] Lt. Col. Daniel Crum, accepted by Capt. Dan Katen and [78] Col. Joe R. Smith. [79]-[80] Gen. Courter, Col. Davis and Col. Smith presented a Meritorious Service Award to Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, and [81] an Exceptional Service Award to Lt. Col. Brooks Cima.

82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87.

Gen. Courter, Col. Davis and Col. Smith presented [82] an Eaker Award to Cdt Bradley Cilino, [83] an Amelia Earhart Award to Cdt Emmett Koen, [84] a Spaatz Award to Cdt Robert Basaldu,  [85] a Meritorious Service Award to Lt. Col. Larry Mattiello, [86] and Distinguished Aviator Awards to Capt James Glombowski (copilot) and 1st. Lt. Daren Jaeger (pilot in command), the latter accepted by Lt. Col. Owen Younger. [87] The final presentation, made by Brig. Gen. Courter, was the Civil Air Patrol's Silver Medal of Valor to Capt. Sean Fuller, who started his career in CAP as a cadet in Missouri Wing. (Photos 79 & 80, C/2d Lt Michael Moody. All others, Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate)

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Spring is Still with Us - A reminder

Here are the links to the April Sentinel and the May Sentinel. Please read them.

The month of May provides pilots with weather challenges as fast-moving fronts move across Texas, bringing hail, heavy rain, turbulence and all the hazards associated with thunderstorms. The best solution is to avoid  bad weather; failing that, being prepared to do a 180-degree turn and move to better weather is a must. Frequent checks of weather both en-route and at the destination will help keep you safer.

For everyone, May brings the Memorial Day weekend that is filled with travel, picnics, water sports, boating, and other potentially hazardous activities. The highways will be at higher traffic levels than usual, so greater vigilance will be needed to assure your safe arrival at your destination. As usual, do not drink and drive and be alert for those that do. Water sports on lakes can be hazardous with increased activity. If swimming or water skiing, be aware of nearby boats and personal water craft activity; every year, someone gets run over by one!  Again, even on the water, alcohol consumption often makes lakes more dangerous than highways. Have fun and enjoy the fun of a Texas spring, but be alert and safe!

I also want to remind everyone involved with ground operations that it is Spring, bringing some new hazards not part of the winter scene. Our hibernating "reptile friends" are waking up, and are now engaged in outdoors operations. 

So we need to be aware of our surroundings, and watch where we walk. A review of snake-bite procedures is in order. 

Another sometimes-overlooked hazard in Spring weather is the need to stay hydrated. Even in the cool of spring, we need to be careful not to get dehydrated.

Maj. Wm. (Bert) Wilson, SO

Runway Incursions

To help address the problem of runway incursions the FAA co-produced a DVD in conjunction with the Airline Pilots Association and United Airlines. This video focuses on runway safety best practices for commercial operations at towered and non-towered airports.

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

May Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

May Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Recurring Reports

Editor

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ron Underwood 45th SW Chapel

Aviation & more

Safety

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

AUSTIN, Texas – We see a lot of negative publicity about the current teenage generation. Since bad news “sells,” the media in our Country are willing and enthusiastic about dishing it out all day, every day. However, there is another side to it, and it is crying to be heard. There is much in the way of goodness, character, and dedication to positive attitudes and activities that can be found – if only one were to look for it.

On the last weekend in March, a number of Senior Members were privileged to attend the Senior Training and Education Program (STEP) during the Cadet Training and Education Program (CTEP) consisting of the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCO), Senior NCO Academy (SNCO) and Cadet Command Staff College (CCSC) courses offered under the leadership of Major Jane Smalley, Director of Cadet Programs, Texas Wing. As I arrived at Camp Mabry in Austin, this would be my first experience with training provided at the Wing level in Texas, so I did not know what to expect. There was momentary concern when we attempted to check-in after following the directions we got from the guard at the main gate. He very courteously directed us to the Audy Murphy Center – that was locked and dark. After waiting around for a while, an Army NCO approached us and asked if we needed help. It turned out that the sergeant was the Center's NCOIC, and he informed us that there were no events scheduled for that building on that day. Fortunately, one of our Senior Members had attended training at Camp Mabry before and remembered which building had been used for check-in, and that turned out to be the right destination.

There was much confusion and milling about, as inexperienced Senior Members and young Cadets obtained their room assignments and moved upstairs to get organized. Male personnel were quartered on the second floor, while females were quartered in a restricted area on the main floor. Having made my bed, I wanted to find out the schedule for that evening and the following two days of training. There was a rumor that the Senior Members attending STEP would be briefed that evening. What would be done, if anything, or where it would be done remained a mystery until someone observed that there was a schedule posted on the bulletin board in the check-in area. It had gone unnoticed because the large check-in crowd had blocked access to it at the time. Later, we were briefed in the museum, a short walk from our barracks, and learned what would happen that weekend. 

At 0600 Saturday morning, we got up, showered, straightened our rooms, and headed out for a breakfast of cold cereal with milk, coffee, a piece of fruit and a glass of juice. Not fancy, but wholesome. Classes started soon after in the museum's “Hall of Honor,” which would be our school house. At 0730, training began and continued at a fast pace throughout the weekend. Our instructors were very well qualified, made professional presentations (once the computer/electrical/projector glitches were worked out), patiently answered all our questions, and listened to our stories concerning how wonderful our squadron programs and policies were (at least, in our minds). The curriculum adhered to Civil Air Patrol standards, with a bit of added excitement, which will be focus of this article.  At 1900 Saturday, our group of Senior Members was instructed in drill and ceremonies by a group of Cadets enrolled in NCO school. 

Apparently, the Cadets hadn't been told until shortly before the fact that they would be teaching Senior Members – rather than other Cadets – to drill. Prior to this event, MSgt Coleman, one of our instructors, had given us a short course in elementary drill movements.  Good thing, too, as several Senior Members knew absolutely nothing about drilling. We were told that the Cadet NCOs would instruct us as if we were brand-new Cadets, and that Cadet officers would evaluate them as they worked with us. In preparation for our instructors' arrival, we were divided into three groups, told to move to separate open areas, and stand by. The student trainers soon joined us, very nervous. Our group encompassed a wide range of ages, physical size and experience. We Senior Members had agreed among ourselves that we wouldn't be difficult, but would expect the Cadets to do a proper job. Since a few in our group had no real idea about the correct way to drill, there was an element of reality that emerged as the trainers started working with us.

The results of the training were generally pretty good. Once the Cadets got over their initial nervousness and realized that we were responding to their commands, they settled down and began to teach in earnest. Command voices were sometimes difficult to recognize, as some of the trainers were quite young and small. They ranged from voices cracking because of their pubescent age to squeaky, high pitched pleas, to excellent, well-practiced and correct military commands. Later, when we were asked to critique their performance, it was agreed that the Cadet trainees had done a fine job considering the challenge they had faced with nearly no prior notice. Then we attended the critique and evaluations provided by the Cadet Officers who rated them, and their comments were a bit more critical, though offered constructively.

Sunday morning provided the most exciting and stimulating event of the weekend. The schedule called for a presentation by the CCSC class, followed by a discussion between our group and theirs. Little did I know what that really meant. I still get excited just thinking about it. 

After dinner Saturday evening, the CCSC class had been broken into three groups and asked to prepare a project for presentation to the STEP class at 0900 the following morning. The project was to be of their own choosing, but had to deal with something they believed was needed now and would be beneficial to the Civil Air Patrol program. Each presentation had to include a Power Point outline of their project, including budget, location, staff requirements, facilities, class outline, cost data, schedules, and a syllabus. They would also be required to defend their project by answering questions after having presented it.

Although the presentations were to begin at 0900, they actually started at about 1030 due to scheduling conflicts. The important point is that the CCSC class had been prepared to offer their presentations at 0900, so they actually had only 14 hours from the time they had received the assignment to when they anticipated delivering it to us.

When the first CCSC began its presentations, I was immediately struck by the quality of the Power Point presentation. Taking turns, they took us through their plan, explaining each element in some detail. My impression was that each of the three members of the CCSC team had assumed responsibility for certain elements of their respective projects. Having accepted responsibility for these parts, each member explained that section and later answered questions concerning it. Other members would fill in if needed. Each time, I was not sure whether there was a project leader, as they all seemed to have equal responsibility and a leader was not identified.

The presentations were very well thought out, and thoroughly delivered. The projects ranged from a "Field Leadership School for Emergency Services Positions" to a "Parents' Information Weekend for new or prospective Cadets." There was a great deal of discussion of each project and, frankly, the quality of the project ideas varied a bit. However, the quality of the presentations did not vary at all – each was extremely well done. In all the projects, there was some naiveté when it came to budgeting. However, this would not have been a problem had they been working with advice from experienced Senior Members as would be the case in a real-life situation. The projects would likely have been reviewed and revised many times before bringing them up to Wing Headquarters.

Beyond the presentations, there is another observation I believe is appropriate. The confidence, military bearing, maturity and excellence displayed by these Cadets was, at first, unbelievable. I was unsure of what to think as the first presentation went forward.  With the second and then third presentations, I became emotional – I had gone into the class that morning unprepared for what I witnessed. No one had discussed what was about to happen – we were simply told that these Cadets would offer presentations and then be available for a general discussion afterwards. The discussions after the presentations concerned a wide range of topics, including squadron life, role of Cadets (particularly senior Cadets) in day-to-day operations, Cadet-Senior roles and relationships and other problems or potential problems. The Cadets handled themselves very respectfully and professionally, but it was evident that they had definite ideas and complaints that they wanted to discuss. It was very informative because I got to witness what Cadets “really thought.”  We were given a look into how they see things, rather than how we think or assume they see things. I came away believing that each of them was a critical and important member of the squadron. As they would shortly be leaving for college, or are already enrolled in college, their home squadrons will sorely miss them.

In my opinion, any one of these fine Cadets could go out into industry and be immediately employed in a high-paying position. True, their youth and lack of job experience would be a barrier, but, during the interviewing process, their enormous abilities would be evident. In the presence of these young men and women, who have so much potential at this age, I felt confident about the future of our Nation. They are obviously tomorrow’s leaders, and with them we will be in good hands. I feel as if I had been granted a unique opportunity to peek into the future, and I liked what I saw. Very much. While the CCSC Cadets were extremely talented, I was able to observe other Cadets throughout the weekend – in the barracks and around the training area. They were professional at all times and completely in charge of whatever group they were supervising. There was no yelling or cajoling. There were raised voices but appropriate for whatever activity was underway. I have no doubt that next year, and every year thereafter, I would find the same amount of amazing ability, dedication and performance that I witnessed during my STEP weekend. What a great feeling it is to know that. 

It is really too bad that the media do not recognize and report on the amazing things about our youth.

Gusher Days Activities, 18-19 April

GLADEWATER, TX – On the weekend of 18-19 April ,the Gladewater Corsairs participated in the festivities surrounding Gusher Days, the annual celebration of the town’s oil exploration history. Included are a parade, arts and crafts displays, live entertainment, charity fund raising, a chili cook-off, and a car show. Squadron members participated in activities both days, including cadet Eagle Flights with the local EAA Chapter, flights in member-owned aircraft, and community service downtown.

The local EAA chapter usually has a fly-in during Gusher Days, and they provided breakfast as well as lunch for pilots who flew in to enjoy the day in Gladewater. As is their custom, they also provided Eagle Flights to youngsters, in order to increase public awareness of General Aviation and Aerospace Education.

Our Squadron often schedules Cadet Orientation Flights on the same weekend as the EAA fly-ins. Each Cadet then had the opportunity to enjoy more than one flight on that particular day. They also got to experience a number of different types of aircraft, since the fly-in participants vary from time to time. As part of the Community Service Activity that weekend, Cadets patrolled the downtown area where the various events were held. Cadets, working in teams of two, monitored and emptied trash cans as they became full in order to keep the areas clear and clean for the public’s enjoyment. They were quite busy both days, as there were many food concessions and, therefore, a lot of trash to dispose of. 

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] (L-R) C/Amn Jones, C/Amn Bounds, C/CMSgt Alexander, and C/Amn Alexander at breakfast. [2] C/Amn Jones on flight. [3] (L-R) C/CMSgt Alexander and C/AB Jamison after their flight. [4] Lt Alexander teases the crowd at the dunk tank. [5] (L-R) C/2d Lt Alexander and C/AB Jamison on "clean-up" patrol.

One of our squadron members is the Gladewater Chief of Police; their Department had a dunk-tank raising funds for charity. Various police officers took turns in the tank, but things became really lively when the Chief took his turn. Many people lined up to try to drop him into the water. Of course, his constant mock insults to the crowd and his reminding them that this was their chance to get back at him for all the tickets he'd written during the years made for a lively response – and much mirth.

Cadets participating included Cadet Second Lieutenant Jarrod Alexander, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, Cadet Airman Rebekah Alexander, Cadet Airman Shawn Bounds, Cadet Airman Victoria Jones and Cadet Airman Basic Bradley Jamison. Capt Harold Parks, Squadron Commander, flew the Cadets in his aircraft for the member flights.

Cadets' Promotion Night, 19 April

GLADEWATER, TX – On 19 April 2008, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron held a promotion ceremony at the Squadron headquarters. Honored that evening were C/CMSgt Jarrod Alexander, C/Amn Austin Cheatham, C/AB Victoria Jones and C/AB Shawn Bounds. Cadet Jones had actually completed the requirements for Cadet Airman and been promoted earlier, but she had not previously been recognized in a formal promotion ceremony.

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander, a senior at Union Grove High School, had completed the Aerospace Education, Leadership, Moral Leadership and Physical Training requirements to qualify for the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award and become a Cadet Officer in the Squadron. The announcement included remarks by the Commander, Captain Harold Parks, the Deputy Commander for Cadets, Second Lieutenant Farrell Alexander and the Cadet himself. Captain Parks recognized Cadet Second Lieutenant Alexander at his new cadet officer grade, and promised an appropriate ceremony when his Billy Mitchell Award Certificate arrives from NHQ. His father, Lt. Farrell Alexander, replaced his Cadet Non-commissioned Officer rank by Cadet Officer shoulder boards, as his mother and unit members looked on.

Two Cadets, Victoria Jones and Shawn Bounds, were promoted from Cadet Airman Basic to Cadet Airman. Cadet Jones is a freshman at Union Grove High School. During the ceremony, her father pinned on Cadet Airman Jones’ new rank. 

Cadet Airman Shawn Bounds who is a freshman at Gladewater High School, had his new grade pinned on by his parents.

Finally, Cadet Airman Austin Cheatham, after having completed the requirements for the General Hap Arnold Achievement in the Cadet Program, was promoted to Cadet Airman First Class. The Squadron Commander and the Deputy Commander for Cadets pinned on his new grade. Cadet Cheatham lives in Longview and is home schooled.

(Capt. Harold Parks, Commander)

(C/TSgt. Aaron Harold)

Group III hosts O-Ride weekend, 5-6 April

Pegasus Cadet's AE School Win, 10-11 April

MARBLE FALLS, TX – This past Saturday several Marble Falls High School students participated in the Technology Students Association Regional Contest. Among them was C/CMSgt Joshua Wreyford, who competed on "Flight Endurance," winning Best in Class and advancing to the State Contest. In all, eight teams from Marble Falls will advance to State.

The school announcement stated, "These students represented Marble Falls well in their respective technological and problem solving events." Cdt Wreyford's project was a wooden aircraft with paper covering that competed for duration of flight with a maximum weight of 21 grams. The aircraft will be modified during the next few classes, and compete at the State contest.

Promotions, 1 April

(C/CMSgt. Josiah Niedrauer)

Fly, Fly, Fly! Louisiana and Texas Wing CAP Squadrons Join for Orientation Flights Weekend, 5-6 April

Group III O-Flights Weekend, 5-6 April

TYLER, TX – The Texas Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt gave a devotional on "Grasshopper Mentality" from the Book of Numbers, 13:33. Having faith in God to help with challenges of life. After the devotional, Capt. Skip Smith conducted the Safety meeting, where everyone was declared a Safety Officer. As pilots prepared to start the Orientation Flights, weather was 8 miles visibility with ceiling at 2600 feet.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Lt. Col. Mike Eberle, commander of the Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron, pre-flights his plane. He flew the first sortie of the day with cadets Alexander, Harvey and Gandy of Texas Wing. [2] Capt. Judy LaValley, commander of Barksdale Composite Squadron, Louisiana Wing, gives a class on Flightline Marshalling to cadets while they wait for their O'Flights. Capt victor Santana (Louisiana) assisted Capt. LaValley in the presentation, as she stressed the importance of hydration and personal safety while working on the flightline. [3] Cadet Master Sergeant Heather King from Barksdale Composite Squadron completed her 5th and final O'Flight after which her fellow cadets doused her with a water hose. [4] Capt. Skip Smith of Tyler Composite Squadron presented Capt. Judy LaValley with a chocolate cake.

CAP Flight 4227 was grounded at 12:00 noon local time due to magneto failure. Louisiana Wing came to the rescue by bringing planes from Shreveport and Monroe squadrons to continue the Cadet O'Flights. 1st Lt Bruce Folks, the Tyler Composite Squadron maintenance officer, served as Aircraft Maintenance Officer and Flight Release Officer for the mission.

5. 6. 7.

[5] Major Steve Wood of Shreveport Composite Squadron flew CAP Flight 1610, a Cessna 182. [6] Major Jon Haddad, commander of Monroe Senior Squadron and Capt. Glen Deas flew back to Downtown Airport Shreveport to get an additional plane. They took advantage of the opportunity to fly one cadet O'Flight going to Shreveport and another one returning to Tyler Composite Squadron Headquarters. [7] 2d Lt Rod Saucedo was the administration and finance officer, and in charge of preparing cadet O'Flight Certificates."To my knowledge, this is the first time that Louisiana and Texas have had a joint effort in an exercise of this kind," he said.

Everyone was kept busy, and the excitement of the occasion ran through all participants, as documented by the photos above. Orientation flights always provide moments of intense excitement interspersed with the routine of pre-flight checks, flighline marshalling training, and exchanging stories and experiences with members of other units. The cadets decided that they had to do this again, between Louisiana and Texas. Lt Heather King, a member of the Barksdale Composite Squadron, Louisiana Wing, said, "I enjoyed interacting with Texas Wing members." "It was an outstanding exercise," commented Capt Judy LaValley, commander of the Barksdale Composite Squadron. Lt Col Richard Martin said, "Flying the Louisiana bunch was great fun."

At the Tyler Staging Area on Group lll Orientation Flight Day, the day ended with a total of 53 attendees, 22 cadets flew, 6 cadets flew their 1st Orientation flight, and total sorties for the both days was 25.

(Lt. Col. H. "Butch" Ragland)

Group III O-Flights Day, 4-6 April

WAXAHACHIE, TX – On the weekend of 4-6 April, 2008, Group III hosted their annual orientation flights (o-flights) at the Waxahachie Talons Composite Squadron’s home base, at the Midlothian/Waxahachie Mid-Way Regional Airport.

Major Nolan Teel, the project officer for the event, gave me an inside scoop as to what o-flights are, and the reason why we have o-flights. He commented, “O-flights are basically airplane rides paid for by the Air Force, that CAP cadets can take. CAP has o-flights so that our cadets can experience the thrill of riding in an airplane, at no cost to the cadets.”

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] Lt. Barron teaches an ES class. [2] C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm with Maj. Richard Hunt. [3] Flightline Marshalling cadets play around during their break. [4]-[5] Lt. Barron teaches more ES skills.

This weekend, Waxahachie was not alone in its efforts. There were two other Staging Areas, one at Tyler and the other one at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Group III gave a total of 202 orientation flights, with 119 cadets and 63 senior members participating. At the Tyler Staging Area, there were 20 members from Louisiana Wing, which are included in the total count.

When the cadets weren’t in the air, they were participating in classes. While Lt. Col. Capehart gave medical classes, Maj. Richard Hunt instructed flight line marshalling, and 2d. Lt. Barron taught emergency service classes. Once the cadets on the ground had been to all three classes, two members of the Group III Honor Guard gave a brief presentation on what the Honor Guard is all about. At the end of the day, each flight created their own Drug Demand Reduction skit to remind everyone of how damaging drugs can be.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

[6] Cadets stand in line for chow. [7] A CAP plane levels off after take-off. [8] C/TSgt. Kleinmeier and C/CMSgt Scarborough talk about the Honor Guard. [9] C/TSgt Kleinmeier tosses his rifle into the air. [10] C/TSgt Kleinmeier and C/CMSgt Scarborough team up for a toss.

Cadet Porter, from the Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron, said, “I absolutely love the idea of bivouacking for o-flights. It’s like camping out, except with CAP members."

The orientation flight weekend was a great success for Group III. Cadets who had never flown before got to experience the intense excitement of flying.

Hoooorah, Group III. Keep up the outstanding work!

11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

[11] Maj. Hunt prepares his cadets to guide a plane in. [12] A lucky cadet prepares himself for take-off. [13] A CAP orientation pilot shows cadets how to sump an airplane. [14] Maj. Nolan Teel .caught at an unguarded moment. [15] Lt. Col. Melanie Capehart instructs a medical class.

A Storm, 29 April

The shining moon slowly creeps behind a cloud

As if hiding from the tension rising in the night sky.

Clouds scurry in, only to darken the firmament.

The wind thrashes across the horizon

Then suddenly grasps the trees as if for ever.

Yet, a momentary silence triumphs...

Then thunder screams in a mockery of terror,

Lightning makes its presence known

And with a single bolt the atmosphere trembles at its feet.

Raindrops fall from the sky.

An angel’s tears falling on a wasteland.

The battle rages on throughout the night

Until the wind and lightning surrender in exhaustion.

Then the angel stems her flow of tears,

A smile returning to her face.

The sun regains its post, brightening the day.

Order and peace have been restored.

(C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm)