Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030

 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond

Newsletter - June, 2008

And in the Fall, the Loss

This monthly vest-pocket history of the world has brought us to an uncertain present, which I observe and live as a retired military officer and a member of the Civil Air Patrol. In CAP, we derive our traditions from the U.S. Air Force, which inherited them from the U.S. Army, which in turn got them from the British Army, which adopted them from its own origins in the Age of Chivalry. Today, all military services have a tradition of saluting. This comes to us directly from the British Isles, where today's military salute in two distinct ways, with the palm facing outwards (Army and Royal Air Force) or downwards and inclined towards the face (Navy and Royal Marines). Why is that?

In the days of Knights in Armor, it was customary for knights meeting on the road to recognize each other's "arms" (they wore their crest - called "the arms" - painted on the shield, and it was often embroidered on a jerkin that went over the armor), but since they wore a helmet with a face plate that hid the knight's face, they would also lift the faceplate to show that, indeed, they were the rightful owners of the arms they wore. That motion of the hand ended at about the forehead, with the palm pointing outward. Thus, the hand salute rendered by today's British Army and its offshoot, the RAF. But why the British Navy's tradition of "palm down inclined towards the face"?

In 1588, thirty years into Queen Elizabeth's reign, the French-Spanish "Grand Armada" sailed against England. For this discussion, the reasons are immaterial, but Queen Elizabeth's problem was very real and pressing. Britain had a relatively small naval force, having relied on privateers to raid Spanish and French ships at anchor and at sea (at great profit to the Crown). The most notorious and successful of these was Francis Drake. Learning of the impending sea trouble, Elizabeth enlisted his support, knighted him, and made him vice admiral of the fleet. Thereupon, she decided to inspect his vessel in person, a display of great favor.

To all accounts, Elizabeth was less than beautiful and liked to dress with a glittering array of jewels distributed over her clothing, cutting a decidedly odd, though magnificent, figure. Drake, worrying that his rowdy crew might find this funny, told them that they were unworthy of even looking at their Sovereign, and ordered them to cover their eyes with the right hand before she set foot on the ship, and keep that stance until she had disembarked. He added that he would personally hang whoever dared sneak a peek at her. To this day, the British Navy salutes with the palm of the hand pointing downwards and towards the face.

The brash Americans, not wishing to adopt either tradition, decided that the palm would point downwards roughly parallel to the ground. In this simple gesture, our forefathers threw out over 500 years of British historical tradition, starting their own instead.

Where is this going? I'll get to that right away, but first, please give some thought to two questions. When is a courtesy not a courtesy? When is a salute not a salute?

Let's say that you, John Jones, are a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol, and you and your wife Jane go to a party where no one knows your CAP affiliation. For the occasion, you dress in appropriate civilian clothes. You might be introduced as John and Jane, or Mr. and Mrs. Jones, or some combination thereof. And you wouldn't give this a second thought. Now, let's put on our Civil Air Patrol hats. A CAP member who is also a Captain, knows your CAP grade and position, and wants something from you, sends you an e-mail reading, essentially, "Mr. Jones, Can you do XYZ for me?" Just like that. In this context, is the Mr. a courtesy or a discourtesy? Is the request phrased appropriately? Mind you, you're not a mind reader, so you can only go by the words.

Let's say that you take it as a discourtesy, since "Mr." goes with Senior Member, and definitely not with Captain, therefore making it inappropriate. How do you handle it? The individual is not in your direct chain of command, so you decide to mention it to someone who is. Not only is the person not addressing you by your grade, a fact known to that person from previous contact, but the person chose not to use the magic "please" customarily used by individuals seeking favors. Now then, a direct, factual and literal reply to the person's message might be, "Yes, I can," and let it go at that. And do nothing, of course, since action was only implied. Or, alternatively, do nothing at all, other than ask someone else to explain to this person the advantage (and obligation) of observing proper manners between CAP members. Especially since the Civil Air Patrol has published a Pamphlet on that very subject (CAPP151).

Is this the individual's personal fault or a reflection of the times? Whatever it is, in this case, you need to deal with it. The saddest part is what it says about our day. We seem to have impoverished ourselves in spirit, and some of us have lost both perspective and respect. Yet, we want the Air Force to take us seriously. And there is an even larger issue, of course. As senior members and mentors, we are charged with mentoring and guiding others. What kind of mentoring or guidance can anyone give, if not willing to apply the same standard to personal behavior?

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages

Group Commander

Lasting Words

Occasionally, as I read someone else's thoughts, I find myself drawn to them as if they were my own. And when these thoughts are so right that I feel compelled to share them with others, I follow my instincts. Our core values impact our CAP experience and our very lives, and should exert a direct influence on our safety culture. If they don't, then we're doing something wrong. Please take a few moments to absorb the lesson. The article below appeared in the May, 2008 issue of The Sentinel.

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris

Morality and Safety

While attending the Texas Wing Conference, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Nancy Smalley approached me and wanted to discuss her views on the moral obligation CAP members have towards one another. Not wanting to argue or disagree with any person "of the cloth,” I listened intently to the Chaplain’s comments and realized how right she was. The Chaplain talked about the moral obligation we each have to not only keep ourselves from harm, but to keep our fellow CAP members from harm’s way as well. How do we do that?

The answer is simply that a moral obligation is to always do the right thing. Morality is the standard of conduct that is generally accepted as right or proper behavior. It is behavior conducted in accordance with acceptable moral standards. It is that moral behavior that sets the tone for a positive safety culture.

How does that relate to safety? It is your making the right decisions before you take on a task or involve yourself with other CAP members. Take, for example, a cadet orientation flight. You have a moral obligation towards the cadet’s safety, the care of the CAP property, and yourself. You should be asking yourself if you are properly fit for the flight. Have you met all currency requirements and, more important, feel that you have maintained your own level of proficiency and training for flying? Is the weather within safe limits for winds, clouds and visibility? Is the airplane in proper working order and meets all requirements of a safe flight (and the list goes on)? The cadet doesn’t know if you are safe at this very moment, only you can know and that’s the blind trust we all have in each other.

We can expand our moral obligations towards any activity in CAP by measuring our commitment to always doing the right thing. Doing the right thing might help mitigate the risk of our activities. Doing the right thing includes staying proficient and accomplishing your training in an honest and effective manner, as well as following the regulations and recommendations given by your safety officer. Keeping your ego in check and knowing when to step back if it interferes with good judgment is part of it, too. It’s a matter of being honest with yourself and keeping your moral integrity high; for doing so keeps you and your fellow CAP members safer.

I thank Chaplain Smalley for sharing her views on safety and morality. Just as with teaching right versus wrong, it is important that we all keep morality in the forefront of our safety lessons.

Lt. Col. Larry Mattiello, Assistant National Safety Officer, Air

Wing Commander

SWR Director of Public Affairs, 28 May

Please join me in congratulating Captain Arthur Woodgate on his new job as Southwest Region Director of Public Affairs.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander


From: Joseph Jensen [mailto:jensenjosephc@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 5:43 PM
To: wing-command@swr.cap.gov; staff@swr.cap.gov
Subject: [SWR Wing Command] SWR Director of Public Affairs

I am pleased to announce that Capt. Arthur Woodgate from Austin, Texas will be joining Southwest Region HQ as our Director of Public Affairs. Please join me in welcoming him aboard.

Col. Joseph Jensen, Southwest Region Commander

Wing Commander

 

NIMS Training Requirement

I've sent this e-mail out before, but I am concerned not enough people realize the significance and impact of this new NIMS training requirement.

A very large number of currently qualified emergency services personnel will lose their qualifications after 31 December 2008 if they fail to obtain the necessary NIMS certifications. For instance, well over half of our Incident Commanders will be decertified on 1 January 2009 because they have not completed ICS 300. This same course requirement affects the CUL, LO, MSO, IO, AOBD, GBD, PSC, FASC, LSC, and OSC specialties. We could lose almost all of our Communications Unit Leaders. Most of our Mission Pilots will be decertified for failure to complete IS 200 and IS 700. IS 700 is a NEW requirement for every ES specialty.

Most of the NIMS courses are available online. However, ICS 300 and ICS 400 are in-residence/classroom events. The time to start working on missing NIMS credentials is NOW. ICS 300 will be available at LESA in June. It will also be available at the CAP National Board meeting in Orlando, Florida, in August, if you show up two days early. These courses may be offered in your local community. A Google search found an ICS 300 class in Wichita Falls on 17-18 June. There is one in College Station on 14-16 July. If you need this course, you can find one.

If you are emergency services qualified, or hope to be, this policy change affects you, and you need to take action now to ensure that Texas Wing will still be able to perform an emergency services mission on or after 1 January 2009.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander

National HQ

Vehicle Major and Preventive Maintenance

In this letter, Executive Director Mr. Don Rowland outlines a National Headquarters initiative to increase the level of support for CAP vehicle major and preventive maintenance. A recent NEC approved a proposal that will allow NHQ to subsidize vehicle preventive maintenance and other repairs, previously funded by our wings. 

Funds derived through efficiencies gained in the CAP Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Program will be used to supplement the vehicle maintenance program. Maintaining a fleet of safe, roadworthy vehicles has always been a priority. This initiative will certainly help us achieve those goals, and should  also significantly reduce the financial burden for our wings. Please relay this information to your transportation officers, immediately. 

Best regards

Gary Schneider, Deputy Director, Fleet Management

Group Commander

New Group III PAO, 29 May

Please welcome 1st. Lt. Richard Hacker as the new Group III PAO. He will replace Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, who has accepted the position of Director of Public Affairs, Southwest Region.

Captain Woodgate suggested Lt. Hacker for the position based on the latter's writing ability, excellent inter-personal skills, and professional development. Lt. Hacker is a well-qualified pilot/observer and well-grounded in emergency services, has a keen interest in serving Group III, and is up to the job.

During the transition period, Capt. Woodgate will assist Lt. Hacker as he gets started in the job, and will remain on staff as the webmaster and newsletter editor, in addition to his duties at Southwest Region.

Please join me in congratulating Lt. Hacker for his new role. We wish him every success!

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Commander

Aerospace Education

2008 Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy Scholarship Awardees

DALLAS, TX – The Executive Council of Seidel Chapter - Air Force Association (AFA) Dallas 232 is pleased to announce the scholarship awardees for the 2008 Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy. 

The Seidel Chapter will place with the project officer a $600.00 scholarship in the name of each of the awardees listed below. Scholarship funds will be dispersed only to those awardees that attend the encampment. Scholarships, which are not used during this academy, will be returned to the Seidel Chapter.

Each of the awardees will be invited to attend a Seidel Chapter membership meeting in the fall of 2008. At that meeting, the awardees will be encouraged to detail their encampment experience to those AFA members in attendance.

Each of the 1,000 Seidel Chapter members extends to the awardees our sincere best wishes for a great encampment. Remember – U.S. Air Force … no one comes close.

The squadrons and names are as follows:

TX390 – Addison CS TX354 – Lakeshore CS
Nathan Carey Craig Bennett
Parth Patel  

Ric Hamer, VP Education
Seidel Chapter – AFA Dallas 232

Cadet Programs

Cadet Protection Program Training

I'd like to remind everyone of how important Cadet Protection Program Training (CPPT) is. This training is mandatory for

  • All senior members (it is an element of the senior member’s Level One professional development);

  • Cadet Sponsor Members (it is an element of the senior member’s Level One professional development); and

  • Cadets age 18 and older. “Completion of the Cadet Protection Program Training (CPPT) is required of all cadets within 6 months following their 18th birthday, or if a promotion is due during that 6-month period, prior to the promotion. Cadets will not participate in CPPT if they are under 18 years of age.” (CAPR 52-16 1-3d)  This means that cadets who turns 18 must take CPPT before they are eligible to promote. 

To complete CPPT go to http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=6476  and simply follow the instructions. Your Squadron Commander will then go over your paperwork and make sure that you get the proper credit. 

OPSEC Training

While doing a spot check of cadets across Group III, I noticed that quite a few have not yet completed OPSEC training. It is very important that cadets do this as soon as possible, and make sure that they understand and agree to the Non-Disclosure agreement. All members must complete OPSEC training and agree to the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) by 1 April 2008, or they will not be allowed access to e-Services, the Web Mission Information Reporting System (WMIRS), or any other CAP system that requires a unique login and password.

Any member who has not completed this training can do so online at: https://tests.cap.af.mil/opsec


Cadet Promotions Online, 15 March

National has created a new system to upload cadet promotion information, as an aid to unit commanders and cadets alike. As an added bonus, National will be able to track a cadet's progression through the cadet program. Here's the Memo from National


Plan Your Summer Flying Now

Now is the time to plan your summer activities. The Texas Wing Flight Academies are a couple of great opportunities.

The Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy will take place on 7-14 June 2008 at Brazoria County Airport (SW of Houston). Cadet students must be current members, at least age 16 by 13 June 2008, must have attended at least one cadet encampment, and have their unit commander's recommendation. The Flight Academies will be limited to 20 cadet students and 12 staff members, so be sure and get your applications in early.

The Texas Wing Glider Academy will be held at the Bishop Airport 76T (Decatur, TX)  8-16 August 2008.

Ops Plans for both events will be posted on the Texas Wing Website shortly.


Group III CP Staffing Needs

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

1st. Lt. Opal McKinney, CPO

Chief of Staff

Staff Call Notes, 14 May

  • Bob Mullen to work an exemption with NTTA for CAP vehicles.
  • David Medders to contact Vanessa Smith regarding SLS/CLC.
  • Paul Perkins to contact Opal McKinney regarding monthly CAC report to G-III staff call.
  • Pat Benoit to regularly publish Action Log with sensitive information redacted.
  • Pat Benoit to complete PA updating Test Control Officer.
  • David Medders to develop and publish a G-III staff roster.
  • Identified Wing issues:
    • ES Evaluator list updates.
    • Issue/reissue of CAP driving license.
  • Face-to-Face CC and Staff meeting July 19, 2008, schedule:
    • 1000 to 1130 Staff
    • 1300 to 1430 CC
    • TBD CAC
  • Brendan Goss and Phil Raines to arrange facilities for the Face-to-Face meeting.
  • Nolan Teel is Project Officer for the G-III holiday party.
  • Paul Perkins to development mandatory training for ES Renewals.
  • Nolan Teel and David Medders to develop and publish processes for FEMA training and FAA WINGS approvals.

Capt. David Medders, COS

Chaplain

The Journey of Life

It finally came, the call I had been waiting for since last spring. “Hi, Marc? This is Gail Smith (used to be Knowles?) from the Woodbridge High School 42nd year anniversary reunion committee? We can't wait to see you. Are you going to be with us? Oh, Barbara won’t be there, because Gary is coming and Nick you remember Nick? –  he divorced Vivian and is now living with Ivy, and her husband was a member of our class, so..." (A lot more of this ensued. Ten full minutes of it, to be factual.)

During it all, I decided two things. The first one was that after 42 years, nothing had changed, and some people had never grown up, still burdened by immature tales. The second one was that, sadly, I simply wasn’t going to go. I had grown up and away from all that. I was older, more mature, and life had a different meaning for me. Why didn't it for them?

When I thought about this, I recalled something that my friend Ken had once shared with me, "Life is a journey. It’s not important what you did yesterday, as long as you learned from it, and continued your journey more enlightened and a fuller person from the experience." Some of us, sadly, are blind to that lesson.

During my years on the road after Viet-Nam, I experienced many things. Some I wouldn't want to repeat, others I enjoyed thoroughly, and all taught me something. A salad is made up of many types of vegetables. Some I like more than others, but their combined flavors lend themselves to a feast which I thoroughly enjoy. Something to savor.

So it is with our jobs or professions, interests, fraternities and sororities. Civil Air Patrol is no different. I remember meeting some CAP members as far back as 20 years ago, who used their position or job for personal gain often at the expense of others. Some were given the opportunity to profit from their experiences and, unfortunately, took umbrage at the occasion. Happily, as you would expect, most simply enjoyed the journey and grew into better, more complete persons. 

This is true in all aspects of life. Where are you? What have you learned from life that has made a positive impact on your life? I hope you'll use that experience, and then turn a more mature, positive face to others. As the movie went, Pay It Forward.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marc Ben-Meir

"Chaplain Marc"

Emergency Services - Wing Announcement 1

Mark your calendar! 21-28 June 2008 - Important Update

The Lone Star Emergency Services Academy will be held June 21-28 in Big Sandy, Texas, at the ALERT Academy. We've made a great arrangement with a facility designed for indoor-outdoor training, offering us suitable billeting, small and large classrooms, conference hall, and generous grounds. It will definitely be more comfortable than the National Guard facility we've been using up to now. To obtain the great rate we've negotiated, students must bring their own sheets, blankets, and towels. Also, participants will be expected to clean their own space and classroom.

The curriculum for each LESA School will be geared to senior member career track requirements. Cadet participation will be allowed, provided they can keep up with senior members.

We know Big Sandy is a long trip for many of you. However, an inbound or outbound sortie to cover the cost of fuel should help make the drive easier.

This new facility is a great place, and at a very reasonable cost. Each school fee will be priced according to the cost of classroom and field training aids required, but they will all be bargains. The course fee will cover three meals a day, lodging, classrooms, and wireless Internet access. It even has its own air field. We're trying to develop a long-term relationship with the ALERT Academy, and you can help: be neat, watch your manners, and behave as you would in the best of company.

Mission Air Crew flight and fuel costs are funded for Texas Wing members. CAP members from other wings, unless they are supported by their home wing's AF budget, will be charged the standard CAP flight fee.

We'll be offering a host of exciting schools some that you know already, plus new ones.

  • GSARSS A and B will be back offering great training

    • Great CAP GT/GTL skills,

    • NASAR training, and

    • An opportunity to test for SARTECH II and III.

  • Comm School Love radios?

    • This is a great place to learn from the best guys in Southwest Region.

  • Mission Staff School – Have you always wanted to work at the ICP? Be at the heart of the event? Then...

    • ICS classes,

    • Mission staff training,

    • Sign-offs, and

    • The opportunity to run the Wing SAREX at the end of the week can all be yours.

  • Mission Aircrew School Forget the ground below. Think of it:

    • A week of flying and fun!

  • Flight Line Management School Keep those planes moving, without mishaps.

    • There's a lot more to this than Flight Line Marshalling.

  • PAO/IO School – Tell the complete story, and make the reader experience it!

    • Learn the skills,

    • Take the photos,

    • Write the articles and newsletters, and...

    • Get the sign-offs for IO!

  • Mission Chaplain School – A 4-day course for chaplains, taught by chaplains.

    • Comfort family and survivors,

    • Help the rescuers deal with their feelings,

    • Work through real-life situations as others have experienced them.

  • CISM – A 4-day course on Critical Incident Stress Management

    • Fundamental techniques, principles, and practice,

    • Counseling and acceptance,

    • Work with the experts and learn coping strategies.

Although by now we have selected many of the key senior instructors who will put together these schools, we still need additional staff. Please contact me if you're interested in managing the following –

  • Admin/Finance

  • Kitchen Support

  • Chaplain Services

  • Cadet Support Staff

  • Computer/IT services.

If you're interested in taking on any of these positions (openings for cadets and seniors) or if you would like to be an instructor (for a block of instruction, a couple of days, or for the week) in one of the schools, please e-mail me.

We're working on a website that will let us do electronic enrollment. By the end of February, we should be ready to announce this site's URL and release both the Ops Plans and packing lists.

Mark you calendars and watch your e-mail InBox for more information slots will fill up fast!

Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, DOS

Emergency Services - Wing Announcement 2

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

Emergency Services - Training Opportunity

 

Special Training Opportunity for Texas CAP Members

It is a fact that NIMS training is mandatory, but the ICS 300 and ICS 400 courses cannot be taken online. They must be taken in person at an approved location, taught by certified instructors. Many TXWG members who would otherwise be able to take these courses, at times cannot because of the cost, since they are taught in few places, mostly the large cities in Texas.

This is a Great Deal!

ICS training is available through the Governor's Division of Emergency Management. This program will reimburse CAP members for travel and living expenses incurred to attend mission-related training.

If in doubt, or if you have any other questions, please contact the Group III Emergency Services Officer.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Finance

Group III Patch Available

     Are you on Group III Staff? Wear the Group III Staff patch proudly. At $5.00 each, they are a bargain and show your commitment to Group III and the CAP program. (Click on the image for a larger view.)

Group III Coins Available

     Our mint has delivered a batch of new Group III Commemorative Coins, and you may own as many as you wish, for $10.00 each. They make wonderful gifts for your loved ones ... or even yourself. (Click on the images for larger views of the obverse and reverse.)

To purchase either Group III Patches or Group III Coins, please contact Maj Laurie Lancaster - laurielancaster@yahoo.com

Maj. Laurie Lancaster, FO

Honor Guard

Honoring a Fallen Soldier, 28 May

DALLAS, TX – In April of 2007, Melissa Haddad had been engaged to be married to Lt. Peter Burks, U.S. Army, and the ceremony was to have been held at the Dallas Arboretum. Unfortunately, Lt. Burks made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq in November 2007. In his honor, on Wednesday evening, 28 May, Mrs. Ruth Pack and Mrs. Nancy Rutchik hosted a Bar-B-Q Dinner and Concert for all active and retired military and their families at the Dallas Arboretum. 

The evening started with Assembly played by U.S. Marine Corps bugler CPL Vinson, after which the Group III, Texas Wing Honor Guard presented the Colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Retired Air Force Col. Ken Cordier, former Vietnam P.O.W. Nancy Sisco led the crowd in the National Anthem. Then CPL Vinson played Taps in honor of Lt. Burks. The Honor Guard retired the colors and Congressman Jeb Hensarling spoke about American freedoms and how important the military are in their defense of these freedoms. The congressman’s remarks were followed by a brief talk by former Texas Secretary of State Roger Williams. 

1. 2.

[1] The stage with the Group III Honor Guard (L-R: James Gulliksen, Matthew Garcia, Scott Gulliksen, and Garrett Porter) and Marine Bugler CPL Vinson. [2] Sunset over the White Rock Lake, during dinner. 

 

The attendees then enjoyed the meal and entertainment by the band Emerald City, while sitting on the lush green lawn overlooking White Rock Lake.

The Honor Guard had been invited to participate by Lt. Col. Bill Solemene (Ret), who is active in the Air Force Association and a friend to the Civil Air Patrol.  While dining, the Honor Guardsmen were approached by several of the people in attendance to thank them.  Mr. Keith Fannon, Historian for the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing Association, stopped at the table to thank the cadets and tell them about his time as a Cadet Commander at his CAP Squadron in Emporia, Kansas in 1943. He explained how they had flown Pipers and Trainers to look for downed airmen in training. He later served in Korea with the same pilot who had flown him around Kansas when he had been a cadet. 

The Group III Honor Guard was commanded by C/CMSgt Sarah Heitzmann (Red Oak Talon Cadet Squadron). The U.S. Flag was carried by C/SMSgt Matthew Garcia (Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron) and the Texas Flag by C/MSgt Scott Gulliksen (Addison Eagles Composite Squadron). On rifles were C/MSgt James Gulliksen (Addison Eagles Composite Squadron) and C/Amn Garrett Porter (Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron).

1st. Lt. Don Gulliksen, HGO

Coming Events

Date Place Event
27 June Addison Model A Ford World Meet Banquet
28 June Dallas Duck Creek Parade
3 July Addison Kaboom Town Independence Day Celebration

Practice Schedule

Date Time Place
1 June 1300-1700 Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron

Join the Honor Guard

For more information on joining the Group III Honor Guard please contact TFO McKinney or 1st Lt Don Gulliksen.

1st. Lt. Don Gulliksen, HGO

Information Technology

Most Common Mistakes that Beginning Webmaster Make - Page Design

When you first look at your computer's available fonts, you discover some truly surprising examples of the typographer's art. Many of them are quite beautiful. Let us now pause to take another look at what some of the major players have done already (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), and how many have chosen that "wonderful fresh font" that you've just discovered.

If you say "none," you're being honest, because I've only found Arial/Helvetica or one of its variants in the examples listed above. And these seldom rise above 12 pt. for the headings. As for the body of the message, it is usually kept to 9 or 10 pt. Also, every one of the websites listed above, including this one - www.group3txwing.org - uses exactly one font, and only one. Notably, Arial/Helvetica (the Windows/Unix standard) that happens to be a clean, non-serif font, with the virtue of being very easy to read. (Conventional design wisdom is not to use more than two font families. I prefer to use the same throughout, as do the designers of the websites shown above.)

In the old days, when Print was King, the preferred font was some variant of the Roman serif type, such as Times New Roman, Century, Bodoni, and so on. Many of these have "Book" as part of their name, a marketing device the designers used to differentiate their finer font face from what was commonly used on newsprint. But that worked well in the world of paper.

Our subject here, by contrast, is the world of electronics and pixel-oriented displays. Creating a very fine little curve at the end of these serif fonts (very easily done on paper) is quite difficult for a computer screen, so the serif font (shown here in 12 pt. Times New Roman, bold-faced for emphasis) is not as clean as a non-serif font (given in 10 pt Lucida Sans, also bold-faced). Now, contrast the two with the current Arial 10 pt. on this page. Better yet, let me show you what happens right on your screen.

(In Arial, 10 pt., normal) - The selection of a particular text font must always take into consideration its legibility, eye acceptance, and above all its ability to convey the information easily, with the greatest economy of space. This last one is important, because a computer screen represents an expensive and finite expanse, on which you want to display your message.

(In Times New Roman, 10 pt., normal)The selection of a particular text font must always take into consideration its legibility, eye acceptance, and above all its ability to convey the information easily, with the greatest economy of space. This last one is important, because a computer screen represents an expensive and finite expanse, on which you want to display your message. (Saves space, but is it as clean and pleasing as Arial?)

(In Verdana, 10 pt., normal) - The selection of a particular text font must always take into consideration its legibility, eye acceptance, and above all its ability to convey the information easily, with the greatest economy of space. This last one is important, because a computer screen represents an expensive and finite expanse, on which you want to display your message. (It's legible, but uses a lot more space.)

 (In Commercial Script, 10 pt., normal) - The selection of a particular text font must always take into consideration its legibility, eye acceptance, and above all its ability to convey the information easily, with the greatest economy of space. This last one is important, because a computer screen represents an expensive and finite expanse, on which you want to display your message. (It uses very little space, but I defy you to make sense of it.)

(In Highlight LET, 10 pt., normal) - The selection of a particular text font must always take into consideration its legibility, eye acceptance, and above all its ability to convey the information easily, with the greatest economy of space. This last one is important, because a computer screen represents an expensive and finite expanse, on which you want to display your message.  (It wastes space. And if you can read it, you're some sort of magician.)

(In Old English Text, 10 pt., normal) - The selection of a particular text font must always take into consideration its legibility, eye acceptance, and above all its ability to convey the information easily, with the greatest economy of space. This last one is important, because a computer screen represents an expensive and finite expanse, on which you want to display your message.  (It is compact, but very difficult to read.)

(In Matura MT Script Capitals, 10 pt., normal) - The selection of a particular text font must always take into consideration its legibility, eye acceptance, and above all its ability to convey the information easily, with the greatest economy of space. This last one is important, because a computer screen represents an expensive and finite expanse, on which you want to display your message.  (And this one takes the cake. In fact, I believe this font was invented for people who have nothing to say.)

There is yet another problem with exotic type fonts. If the visitor's computer doesn't have that font, it will substitute it with something else it does have, and the result can be even worse. (You might even be experiencing this, in one or more of the samples above.) Arial, on the other hand - a Windows font - defaults to Helvetica on a Unix, Linux, or Apple computer that doesn't have it. And since Arial is a very close Helvetica knock-off, your page design is likely to remain as you intended it.

Finally, bold-face judiciously (meaning almost never) and avoid underlining at all costs, or else your visitors will keep clicking at that portion of your text, expecting to find it hot-linked to something. Then they'll e-mail you telling you that you have a broken link.

Ah, yes! Page design? Here it is. (1) Keep it simple, and (2) Don't clutter the page.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, ITO

Inspector General

Inspection Status

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

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Inspection Schedule

Charter # Unit Name Date Comment
TX-352 Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron 21 April, 2007  
TX-030 Group III 5 May, 2007  
TX-376 Waxahachie Composite Squadron Date TBD  
TX-390 Addison Composite Squadron & TCA Flight 9-10 June, 2007  
TX-148 Waco Composite Squadron 14 July, 2007  
TX-391 Dallas Composite Squadron Date TBD  
TX-351 Pegasus Composite Squadron Date TBD  
TX-133 Irving Composite Squadron Date TBD  
TX-803 Red Oak Oaks Cadet Squadron Date TBD  
TX-076 Crusader Composite Squadron Date TBD  

Capt. Steve Manley, IG


Civil Air Patrol Ethics Policy

On 25 August 2005, the National Commander issued this policy letter as a guide for all CAP members. Please make sure that you understand it, implement it, and remain vigilant concerning any violations.

Inspection Schedules

Unit inspection schedules are now posted on the Group III website's Squadron Support / Inspector General page.

Capt. Steve Manley, IG

Professional Development

 

Senior Member Training Opportunities this Month

Date School Sponsor Where Contact
3-4 May ES Training School TXWG Austin-Bergstrom Lt Col Brooks Cima
23-25 May National Check Pilot Standardization Grp III Addison Lt Col Bob McDonnell 
26-27 Jul SLS / CLC - OPLAN Grp III Tyler 1st Lt Vanessa Smith

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

Public Affairs – NHQ

Civil Air Patrol's 60th Anniversary as U.S. Air Force Auxiliary

On 26 May, CAP celebrated it's 60th anniversary as U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. To mark the date, CAP National PA issued a news release which has been widely disseminated.

Over the intervening years, our role has changed as the need arose, keeping foremost the principle that the Civil Air Patrol is a service organization devoted to helping in time of need. When disaster strikes, we are there.

In addition, Cadet Programs has become an increasingly important part of what we do, and a source of education, personal growth and recreation for many young persons who, in large part, go on to take leadership positions as they grow into adulthood.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, SWR DPA

Public Affairs – Guest Commentary

 

From a Chaplain in Iraq, 14 May

BALAD AIRPORT, Iraq I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA Anaconda, north of Baghdad.

We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom in every military installation back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature.

All was going as planned until the music stopped about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place.

Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music began again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped.

What would you expect happened now? Even at this point I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start.

But here in Balad, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly, there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording had left off:

"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave?"

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you!

Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here, at home and abroad. For many of them have already paid the ultimate price...

Chaplain Jim Higgins, U.S. Army

Public Affairs – Commentary

 

 

Reflections on Service, 27 May

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX – The military is full of traditions, and traditions sustain a unit's collective spirit as its members face adversity, privation, need, and even death. Tradition is an anchor of permanence in a morass of uncertainty. Tradition, a word derived from the Latin traditio (meaning handing over, surrendering, passing along), represents a tie to the past, reverence for the great deeds of others, thankfulness for the generosity of our teachers, and the memory of the leaders now gone.

Shakespeare made much of a name, as Juliet pondered, "What's in a name? that which we call a rose | By any other name would smell as sweet;" and came to the conclusion that it was the thing that mattered, not the name. But the name does matter, too. At least, it does in the military. The old "radio alphabet" that started "Able, Baker," and so on, has been replaced by the more universal "Alfa, Bravo," that is more readily understood by our European allies who speak languages other than English.

This photo is making the rounds on the Internet. Lofty thoughts and images, these are. 9-11 "written" with up-ended rifles stuck on the ground and topped by helmets, an American flag held by four service members, WE REMEMBER displayed by the living who stand at attention in honor of the dead. The photo has been caught at the turn of the day it's either dawn or sunset, with the sun's rays shining nearly parallel to the ground. The time of day marks the boundary between the summer day's infernal heat and the chill of the night. Who are they, these people in fighting uniform?

The legend below the photo reads, "The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq, the one way that we could think of doing that is by taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow countrymen. I was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let the world know that we have not forgotten and are proud to serve our country. Semper Fi"

It is signed by 1stSgt Dave Jobe, a U.S. Marine. Always Faithful, Semper Fidelis, Semper Fi.

Baker Company, not Bravo Company. A company of men only, since no women are assigned to combat units. Yet the whole area is a war zone, and to be in it is enough to risk getting killed. A company of men bound by tradition. The roots of tradition, planted deeply in the mind, reach to the very core of the soul.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, SWR DPA

Public Affairs – In Thanks

 

Answering the Call, 29 May

Four years ago, when I joined the Civil Air Patrol, my world was simple. The Tex Hill Composite Squadron, SWR-TX-435, in San Marcos, was the nearest unit to Dripping Springs, and on the surface everything ran smoothly. Then, as is the case with many volunteer organizations, there were disagreements, some members left, those who remained took sides, tempers flared, and the short of it is that reorganization and gentle persuasion eventually restored good will and corporate health. In the process, I had become the unit's Public Affairs Officer and, by default, their webmaster.

About a year later, Capt Kathryn Martin, the Texas Wing PAO at that time, asked me to join the Wing staff, which I did, expecting it to be more of the same, only covering a larger territory. Living through Katrina, Rita, and the Firewatch Missions, I wrote a great deal, edited hundreds of articles, published many articles of my own, met some wonderful people, and the gloss began to fall off the job, a bit at a time. Fast forward another year to the months after the massive reorganization of Texas Wing into only five groups, and Group III was limping along without a PAO. Then, the call came from Group III HQ, "Would you be our PAO?" At Wing, I had proposed some projects that were never approved. They were never disapproved, either, but since they failed to bloom, the result was the same. When it became apparent that Group III would look kindly upon my ideas, most of which are present in this publication and website, I moved over to SWR-TX-030.

Moving to Group III had been better than a promotion. I was free to do what had never been done in CAP before, and could be part of the team that would build Group III. This was a great joy to me, since at heart (you might be surprised to know) real soldiers are peace-loving builders, rather than destroyers. In the process, many members profited from the changes and were glad. Others resented it, as is always the case when "a newcomer" does well. I accepted the positives and made allowances for the negatives. My ideas required work, of course, some of it considerable, since I was building on virgin ground. Later, in conversation, someone who merited my respect said to me, "What you're doing cannot be done." I bit my lip not to laugh at this, because I knew how it had been meant. It hadn't been an oxymoron. This person had intended to say, "I think you are the only person I know who is capable of doing this."

This concept, the uniqueness of capability, the exclusive talent of the single individual is alien to me, having traversed what has been described as "a distinguished military career," and done some very interesting things in my life, many of them new. In fact, my military awards represent the highest you can go without getting shot at, since through no fault of my own I was never deployed. I was a "Cold War Warrior" and, as a military intelligence person, my war was fought with ideas, not weapons. Then I retired, found CAP, and realized that these same ideas could be used to great benefit in peace time, and that's how I got started.

Most of you got to know me through the Group III newsletter and website, being the beneficiaries of the support you got from Group III HQ, through the example I set in the newsletter, through the things that happened in Group III that had been there all along, only I was the one who reached deeply into them and brought them out into the open. This is how everyone profited from it, as each stood as an example for all others, and all realized that they were not unique, and together they became a greater body than they had been before. This is how Group III grew into a living entity, as well as a breeding ground for success.

Along the way, I had some conversations with the Wing Commander, Col Joe Smith, to whom I expressed my willingness to do for all of Texas Wing what I had done for Group III. Always polite and reserved, burdened by command and its demands, I later realized that the last thing he wanted was a PAO building sand castles on the beach. In the military, assignments usually last two years, and Col Smith, himself retired from the Air Force, was no stranger to that feeling. He probably thought that this old soldier, your editor, was having "reassignment blues." But Wing Commanders, too, are subordinates and team players. When Southwest Region needed a new Director of Public Affairs, without asking me (he knew me all too well, I'm afraid), he suggested me for the job.

It would be presumptuous of me to say that I expected Col Jensen's offer, and his willingness to have me as his Director of Public Affairs. I would also lie if I didn't admit that the opportunity flattered me as much as it surprised me. "Take your time, you don't have to answer me right away," he had written in his e-mail to me. So I did, in a soldierly, tactical sort of way. It took me less than an hour to answer my own question, "Do I really want this job?" and then tell my wife about it. Practical lady that she is, she asked me what it meant, I told her, and she replied, "You've got to take it, of course." (She, too, knows me well.) Then I spent another hour assessing what I perceived as the needs of the region and asked for a telephone interview. While Col Jensen tried to find a moment to devote to me in his very busy schedule, I had a long and charming conversation with Col André Davis, the SWR Vice Commander (East), a good, honest and always-candid friend and a perfect gentleman. He is much younger than I, yet we're bound by the same sense of humor. And his commitment to the job is as strong as mine.

Of course, I accepted, with humility and pleasure. It's always good for the soul to be recognized for one's ability, but then you have to live up to expectations, and that means effort. "Oh, well, you only live once, and you can't take it with you," I said to myself, "so you might as well give it away." I had great instructors and teachers in the military, college, and life. In gratitude to them, I will always try to do the same for those I lead. Because the leader cannot exist without those he leads. In turn, those being led need to trust the leader. And how can the leader trust those he leads, unless they know what they're doing? So the leader is not a leader unless he's also a mentor and trainer.

As I move up the ladder, I'll remain the Group III webmaster and editor. I will also ease the transition by helping the new Group III PAO get settled into the job. And I'll be here for all of you, to help you reach as high as you can.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, SWR DPA

Public Affairs Hurricane Relief

2005 Hurricane Relief Patch Available Now

 

The 2005 Hurricane Relief Mission Patch is in. The production sample is at left. If you want any patches, please send the following info: Name, Full address, Telephone #, E-mail address (if you want a mailing notice), Number of patches desired @ $5.00 each, plus a mailing cost of $1.00 per order (check or money order made out to Irving Composite Squadron) to:

     Irving CS
     P.O. Box 710068
     Dallas, TX 75371-0068

Orders will be mailed promptly. Project Officer: Lt Col Dietrich P. Whisennand.

Safety

Safety is Everyone's Business

Greetings to all.  Please read the May Sentinel. I has a very relevant lead article on Flight-Line Safety that every member should read.

Also Col Smith listed three building blocks for safety in his monthly page. The three are:

  1. Active Leadership that demonstrates to all a commitment to safety by following safe practices. People follow your lead by what you do, rather than what you say! 

  2. Wingmanship, being aware of others' performance and being willing to intervene if a colleague is moving into an unsafe situation. It is better to "break the chain" leading to an accident than to wonder what you might have done to prevent it - after it has occurred.

  3. Personal Responsibility, taking it upon yourself to practice safe procedures so that you remain safe and contribute to the over-all environment supporting safe practices.

The February 2008 AOPA Pilot had a pertinent article, "Lessons from the crash." It reviewed a particular accident that, like many, ended in fatalities for crew and passenger. The author pointed out that safe landings are the result of a series of safe procedures that must be followed in order to obtain the safe landing as the outcome. He suggests that accidents are the outcome of a series of unsafe practices and faulty decisions - with the crash as the outcome. One of the faulty mental processes he feels is frequently present in an aviation accident is hope! The airplane has only so many gallons of fuel and wind increases or decreases range in a predictable manner, but fuel-starvation accidents are a result of the PIC hoping it might stretch the few miles needed to avoid stopping to refuel, or hoping that our overweight aircraft will lift off regardless of the POH, and so on. He suggests that in an aviation context HOPE might stand for Horrific Outcome Per Emotions. I hope - pun intended - that you find this article and read it in its entirety. It has some real food for thought.

Maj. Wm. (Bert) Wilson, SO

June Safety Thoughts

This is the beginning of the “101 critical days of summer,” where the increase in outdoor activities brings increased safety concerns.  Highway accidents increase, water-related accidents increase and increased summer flying activity brings the potential for incidents like the one described in the AOPA Online item reproduced below. Note that the Cherokee had an instructor on board! As the picture shows, experience is not a “lucky rabbit's foot.”  You must be always alert, especially in the pattern of an uncontrolled airport on a nice summer day. I am also reproducing the article about FAA prohibiting flying while taking CHANTIX, a drug used to assist in stopping smoking.

Stay safe and alert and have a great summer.

Airplanes converging on final approach can find themselves in precarious spots. On a few occasions they've flown so close, they've gotten stuck together. On May 15, a Piper Cherokee landed on top of a Stinson at Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke, Texas. The Piper was carrying a flight instructor and a student, while only the pilot was aboard the Stinson. The Piper was apparently landing while the Stinson was starting its takeoff, according to press reports. The final approach path is obscured by trees. Luckily, no one was seriously injured. Read more on AOPA Online

FAA Prohibits Pilots from Flying while Taking Chantix

Pilots and air traffic controllers who are taking Chantix to stop smoking must discontinue using the medication in order to continue flying or controlling air traffic. The FAA on May 21 announced the withdrawal of Chantix from its allowed medications list. The decision comes after a February alert from the Food and Drug Administration that the medication could have possible severe psychiatric side effects, ranging from changes in behavior to suicide. Pilots cannot fly until 72 hours after the last dose of Chantix. The FAA will accept a personal statement from pilots stating that they have discontinued using the medication. The FAA will send a letter to all pilots and controllers who are currently certified to take Chantix under their medical. Find out what medications the FAA allows on AOPA Online

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

June Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

June Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Upcoming Events

Recurring Reports

5th of the Month

 All subordinate unit and staff reports to Group III are due

5 January

 Group Chaplain and Transportation reports due

10 January   All subordinate unit Safety Surveys to Group III are due</