Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030

 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond

Newsletter - July, 2008

The Art of Giving

Not everyone understands real success. All that is given to us, in our human condition, is a series of small successes, balanced by little reverses. If the reverses are few, the miniature triumphs accumulate and at times build themselves into a step forward. In his Meditation XVII, John Donne (1572-1631) observed that, "No man is an island, entire of itself..." Although this thought was expressed in a religious (almost metaphysical) context, it is applicable to everyday life as well. This is especially valid if we accept that, as a rule, we never traverse our path alone, but remain in the company of others, especially when we belong to an organization.

That's a fascinating word, organization. Although rooted in organ, a part of the body, some look upon an organization as an impersonal and detached entity, an exploiter of souls and bodies, a concept born many centuries ago as a consequence of poor leadership when authoritarian government was the norm, not the exception. Gradually, absolute monarchies evolved into parliamentary reigns, bringing greater personal freedoms and rights. In an effort to shift the focus created by organization as a symbol of authoritarian rule, the body politic was coined, at first referring to the reigning monarch, but afterwards extended to embrace the just ruling and managing of cities and states, in that representatives of the people were doing this, individuals who had feelings, and emotions, and thoughts of their own, yet they willingly laid these down in the service of the community.

A present-day organization is also directed and led by people, individuals gathered in a unique body politic. The Civil Air Patrol is one such organization, and the definition fits it well. It is easy to look "up" and identify the people at the top. Those who get there, on the other hand, when they've been selected for the right reasons, look "down" and know that it is thanks to the "bottom tier" that they hold their position. This "up" and "down" has little to do with personality, education, training, or personal commitment. It has to do with duty.

Four years ago, having retired after an Army career, I started (almost) all over again in the Civil Air Patrol. I met many people, most of them dedicated and wonderful volunteers. In serving the organization, I served the volunteers, who gave me the opportunity to tell their story. This I did with pleasure and conviction, and have never ceased doing so. As I followed my path from assignment to assignment, in the company of many, I helped others do the same. Most of them did well, some excelled. As they grew, so did I. And as I got to know them, and wrote about them, unable to hide my admiration for them, they got to know me as well.

Years ago, I had an Army buddy who was always volunteering (he lived a long and productive life, and retired covered in honors). His favorite saying was, "Lay it on. I have broad shoulders." The irony of it is that he didn't. He was slightly built on the outside, but inside he was a giant. His sense of humor was legendary. I learned from him that the more you give, the more you receive. One day I asked him, "How do you do it?" "One at a time," he replied, "Just one at a time."

I started doing that myself, and once the habit set in, it never occurred to me to stop. Part of this "one at a time" routine is glancing over your shoulder to see if you left anything undone before you move on to the next one. In life, there's no "back" or "forward." There's just life. Life lived, life being lived, and life to be lived. All equally precious. All fleeting. You and all those with whom I've worked are part of my life lived and life being lived. My life to be lived will bring others; it always has.

So to you, who helped me get here, I pledge my support and friendship. For all time. I wish you the very best, to your greatest satisfaction. You deserve it. As for myself, bearing witness to your own success will be my greatest joy.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages

Group Commander

All edits, big and small

Last month (June) was significant for this newsletter, and yet it passed without comment from me. June of 2008 marked the beginning of the third continuous year of this monthly Group III publication, which has been as faithful to us as its editor has been. June of 2008 also marked the ascension of Capt Arthur Woodgate, the aforementioned (I wonder if he'll edit out the word "aforementioned"?) editor, to the lofty heights of Southwest Region Staff.

Arthur, sir, this newsletter is your legacy. You had the vision, you had the talent, you had the commitment, and you have made this happen. The job of editor for the newsletter of an organization like Group III is a big one, and you knocked the ball out of the park. All edits, big and small. I want you always to consider Group III your home, and this newsletter your refuge. Thank you for your years of service, both to Group III and to America. They have been impactful, and you have made a positive difference for us. Tertia semper primoris. Oh... and don't think for a minute that your cushy new job up at SWR somehow means you can't or shouldn't keep coming around down here in the trenches anymore! We wish you the best of luck as SWR Director of Public Affairs.

June was also significant for another reason, because I personally learned a pretty good lesson about the spirit of volunteers, and about the incredible impact of morale on volunteer spirit. My advice to you as CAP members is to always be aware of the limits of what you can sustain in your work with CAP. If you have never considered where that threshold is then you need to do that. In my experience, I have found that when morale is high members are willing to do more and push themselves further, but when morale is low members tend to disengage. Set your threshold to something that is sustainable to you, and your CAP experiences will not only be more rewarding but will also be more lasting.

As July 4th comes up and we start to think about celebrating our nation's birthday, let that be a touchstone for you to remind yourself ultimately what you're volunteering for. One of us alone may only be able to effect small changes to make our community, state, and nation a better place. But together, the 762 members of Group III can really do significant things for America. And that's why we're here.

If you ever get to the point where you've had enough and just can't do any more, that's ok. Talk to your commander! Then step back and take a break. If you're in a leadership role as a commander or in a senior staff position, pay attention to the volunteers who have entrusted their time and energy to your leadership. Paying attention to the cues that your members give you about their morale and about how sustainable their workload is for them may be one of your most important responsibilities as a leader in a volunteer organization like CAP.

Together we really can make a difference.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris

Wing Commander

Flight Safety, 4 June

Below is an important safety message from the Region Commander.  Pay close attention to the requirement for all pilots, observers, and scanners to complete two online FAA safety courses.  It is especially important to note that all pilots must complete these courses before flying a CAP aircraft - effective immediately.

Please develop a tracking mechanism for 100% accountability of the certificates for both courses.  The mandatory safety briefing for all flying units must be documented in WMU prior to 4 July 2008.

Ensure this message is distributed to all unit commanders, safety officers, Flight Release Officers, pilots, observers, and scanners.

Thanks.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander


From: Jensen Joseph Col CAP SWR/CC [mailto:Joseph.Jensen@swr.cap.gov]
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 10:24 PM
To: wing-command@swr.cap.gov; staff@swr.cap.gov
Subject: [SWR Wing Command] URGENT SAFETY INFORMATION

(Please widely distribute to all units in Southwest Region)

Team members:

I am sorry to report that we have recently had two hard landings in Southwest Region resulting in damage to CAP Aircraft. Fortunately, no one has been injured. Lt. Col. Hensley and I agree that immediate corrective action is required to maintain the safety of flight operations in Southwest Region. The following corrective action is to be implemented immediately:

1.  All CAP Pilots in Southwest Region are to complete the FAA FAAST Team on-line courses “Maneuvering: Approach and Landing” and “Normal Approach and Landing” before the next time they fly CAP aircraft, effective immediately. Wing Commanders may waive this requirement on an individual flight basis, for emergency or urgent flights, for the next fifteen days (only if necessary for an emergency or urgent flight and only if the Wing Commander determines that the flight can be conducted safely). This authority shall not be delegated, and each waiver shall be reported to me by e-mail. Pilots who have not completed these courses within fifteen days are grounded, without exception, until they do so. The courses are available online at http://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/course_catalog.aspx free of charge. Online registration may be required for those not already registered with the FAA FAAST program. Pilots who have previously completed these programs within 15 days prior to today are exempt.

2.  All non-pilot aircrew members (i.e. observers and scanners) are to complete the same courses within the next thirty (30) days. Non-pilot aircrew members who do not complete these two courses within 30 days are grounded, without exception, until they do so. CAP aircrew members are eligible for FAA FAAST Team courses even if they are not pilots.

3.  Approach/Landing procedures, go-arounds and emergency landing procedures are to be briefed to aircrews in each SWR flying unit within the next 30 days.  Conference call briefings are acceptable if in-person briefings are impossible. Aircrew members unable to participate in these briefings shall complete make-up training as assigned by their unit commander. Completion of this requirement by all SWR units is to be reported to SWR/SE, through channels, by July 15, 2008.

4.  Approach/Landing procedures, go-arounds and emergency landing procedures are to be special emphasis items on all CAPF 5 check rides for the next 12 months.

Let’s take this opportunity to re-focus on safety and proficiency in this critical phase of flight. Call me if questions.

Col. Joseph Jensen, Southwest Region Commander

Wing Commander

 

CAP 15-Passenger Van Reconfiguration, 11 June

Additional information on 15-PAX van seat removal.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander


From: Schneider, Gary [mailto:GSchneider@capnhq.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 10:17 AM
Subject: Reconfiguration of CAP 15-Passenger Vans

Ladies and gentlemen,

During the recent National Executive Committee meeting, members voted to remove the rear seat from all 15-passenger vans. Attached is General Courter's letter describing this initiative. Please relay questions concerning van configuration or the use of cargo nets to Mr. Duane Schultz, CAP/MXV or to me.

Best regards,

Gary Schneider, Deputy Director, Fleet Management

Aerospace Education

2008 Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy Scholarship Awardees

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

Ops Plans for this event will be posted on the Texas Wing Website.


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

Cadet Programs - COS

 

Cadet Officer School, 16-26 June

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - “Estamos aquí (We are here, in Spanish), Sir!” shouted Flight One during Colonel Governale’s unique roll call.

On June 16, 2008, cadet officers from all over the country, some even from Puerto Rico, flew far and wide to reach Montgomery, Alabama for a National Cadet Special Activity: Cadet Officer School. This course, hosted at Huntingdon College in Alabama, was a ten-day journey strictly for cadet officers ages 16 to 21. Over 120 cadets eagerly showed up at the event. C/Col Elizabeth Dumont, Michigan Wing, commented, “The primary purpose of COS is to produce the best leaders in the Civil Air Patrol.”

Upon arriving, the cadets were divided into ten flights, with one CAP Senior member and one Air Force member assigned to each one. The next day, the cadets’ journey would begin.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] CAP National Headquarters. [2] The subjects were taught in an atmosphere of relaxed seriousness. [3]-[4] The campus was beautiful [5] The traditional architecture was conducive to learning and camaraderie.

Throughout the week, the cadets heard lectures presented by various people. If one were to attend these lectures outside of Cadet Officer School, the cost would have amounted to thousands of dollars. The speakers included: Dr. John Ackerman on critical thinking, Major General Stephen Miller on senior officer perspective, Captain Shon Dodson on talking papers, Colonel John Warden on strategic thinking, Charles Lawler on speaking effectively, Colonel Hank Fowler on courage under fire, Dr. Hank Dasinger on foundations and psychology of leadership, Chief Master Sergeant Sam Whalum on leadership and followership, Dr. Tom Hughes on evolution of airpower, Dr. Phil Chansler on innovation and creativity, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hower on evolution of space power, Colonel George Boyd on Tuskegee Airmen, Second Lieutenant Kyle Yates on small unit leadership, and Chaplain Robert Hicks on leadership and ethics.

“The speakers were absolutely fantastic,” said C/Maj Chad Aukerman, Tennessee Wing.

 The speaker who influenced me the most was Colonel John Warden. It is just so amazing that one man could create such an intricate thinking process that it even came to be used in U.S. wars. Surprisingly, he brought hundreds of copies of his book, Winning in Fast Time that cadets could purchase, and he autographed them for the cadets, including mine.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

[6] The world is uncertainty, where the unexpected is the norm. [7] Lt Col Rob Smith was always there for us. [8] Our mascot, Wilson, having a bad hair day. [9] Every class was a challenge of the mind. (2nd from right, C/Capt Tiffany Hamm - Ed.) [10] Every evening we tested our volley ball skills. (Photo 9, unknown. All others, C/Capt Tiffany Hamm.)

In addition to everyday lectures, the flights held volley ball matches every day as well. We played three games a night. If one team won two out of three games, that was the winning team. My team, Flight One, lost only one game, which in turn shows how much teamwork and practice we put into our effort.

“You can tell when the cadets begin to ‘come out of their shells.’ That’s usually when the flights start to advance,” said Major Brandon Ford, USAF, Nevada Wing.

Towards the end of the week, the cadets were able to participate in a special treat, Project X. Although it was fascinating, the details cannot be disclosed to the public; but I can say that contributing to Project X was an incredible experience.

Some flights chose to have their own mascot. Flight One’s mascot was Wilson, a volley ball. Wilson was based on the volley ball from the movie Castaway, although the flight members gave it hair made out of paper.

To summarize my experience at Cadet Officer School, it was absolutely amazing -- and completely worth every bit of the $250.00 tuition. It was amazing to be in a group of cadets who had come from all over the country, experience our coming together, and be able to produce such teamwork without even thinking twice. I was truly in the heart of CAP activities.

“COS is the premier professional education program for our cadets. We present high standards, and every year, our cadets always rise to the challenge,” said CAP Lieutenant Colonel Rob Smith, our flight's assigned CAP officer.

C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm, Waxahachie CS

Chaplain

All You Need is Love

I remember—back in the late 1970s—that every Saturday morning my two young sons and I would enjoy a television program called The Big Blue Marble. It was a kids' program, of course, but watching it together was part of the father-son bonding we enjoyed. “Marble” had a not-so-hidden message, and the effect that this message had on my children was a blessing. The series was built upon multiculturalism. It showed kids in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, everywhere, but always with the same message: we are all the same; kids are kids. To my own children—who were the product of an American father and a Middle Eastern mother—, it brought home the point that inter-cultural bridges were there. All they had to do was take that first step onto the bridge.

As a chaplain, I have learned to see thing from many perspectives. At many of the inter-faith Jewish-Christian weddings I perform, I am always asked to either read a passage from the New Testament or choose someone to read to the congregation. I always pick 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul extols the high status of charity—Charity, a pure love, excels and exceeds almost all else. In my Jewish theological seminary, I was tasked to have a working knowledge of the New Testament. This particular text was my favorite, as it speaks about love.   

As an adult who is a child of the 1960s, I am the product of my environment and background. While I did end up serving in Viet-Nam, I always held the conviction, in my heart, that another way had to be available. My generation believed that peace and love of our fellow man must take precedence over our animal instincts, our primitive desire to war on others. I believe that the Beatles (they were not "oldies" to me) had it right, All you need is love.

I am grateful for the diverse life I have lived. Both the good and the bad. The happy times and the need for a friend to extend a hand. Most of all, my life has shown me that the ability to believe in the strength of love, the power of brotherhood, and the  family of man reinforces the Big Blue Marble. 

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marc Ben-Meir

"Chaplain Marc"

Chief of Staff

Staff Call Notes, 11 June

In attendance for the staff call were:

R Courtney

D Medders

P Perkins

D Windle

G Mihalcik

B Wilson

A Woodgate

O McKinney

M Ben-Meir

R Hacker

O Younger

D Neel

J Fernandez

R Hunt

B Mullen

B Ervin

 

 

 

 

In attendance for the command call were:

R Courtney

P Perkins

O Younger

O McKinney

D Neel

J Fernandez

B Ervin

S Schluter

J Benavides

P Crawford

L Lancaster

M Eberle

R Hill

H Parks

S Hudson

C Whisennand

 

 

 

 

(Others may have joined this call late, but I don't have those names.)


Guests

  • Lt Col Don Windle, GII Commander

  • Capt Steve Hudson, GII Deputy Commander

   Discussion Notes: Lt Col Younger invited the Group II commander, Lt Col Windle and some of his staff, to participate on these calls.


Reports

  • Flying

  • Vehicle inspection

  • Others?

  • Stay ahead

Discussion Notes:

  • CAPF34, the Chaplain statistical Report, is due in early July. Email directly to the wing Chaplain, Ch (Maj) Whitt, with a copy to Chaplain Ben-Meir.

  • Maj Perkins will be sending an email to unit CC's with a report of members in each unit who have expiring ES tasks.

  • WMU safety report for June safety must be completed by 3 July (recent Wing CC directive).

  • Vehicle reports at wing are not posted on the wing website and Col Smith is aware. Using the Group III website is not an alternative.


Operations

  • WINGS validations

  • WINGS eServices validations

  • eServices carryover tasks

  • IS-300/400 PreparingTexas.org

   Discussion Notes:

  • Maj Teel was not present due to participation at Flight Academy. He owes a follow up for Wing's validations.

  • 8410E & 982CP are way behind the curve on flight hours

  • Lt Col Younger asks the units to track aircraft maintenance days. Do not complain about maintenance as a response to low flighthours unless you can prove that your aircraft has been down literally for half the days in the year.

  • O-flights should be an emphasis item

  • Several aircraft still have missing information in CAPERS – need location, access instructions & combinations: Tyler, Waco and Georgetown, Addison

  • Please ensure that your FROs submit timelyCAPF99's.

  • The June WAX ACP will be at Houston at DWH, and Group III's ICP will be in Grand Prairie.


Safety

  • Short-Term Safety Officer Change

  • New 62-1 – Online exam, online annual survey

   Discussion Notes:

  • Maj Wilson will temporarily hand primary safety duties for Group III to George Mihalcik of the Kittinger-Phantom SS in Austin. Maj Wilson will return to his duties in September.

  • The recent aircrew training mandate is an emphasis item. FAAST course completion should be tracked at the unit level. Certificates should not be sent to Group. Units should capture all pertinent data and send summary data to Group. Refer to the tracking spreadsheet and contact George Mihalcik with questions.


Transportation

  • Status of vans on the toll way

   Discussion Notes:

  • Bob Mullen is going through the process of requesting approval from the North Texas Tollway Authority to permit CAP vehicles to use these tollways free of charge. This request will be for 6 DFW vans initially – Red Oak, Mesquite, Addison, and three from Group II.

  • Compliance with the rear seat removal for 15 pax vans is an emphasis item. Units will report to Bob Mullen when they have complied.

  • Please be wary of potential safety issues that could arise after the seat is removed. Cargo in the rear of the van should be secured to prevent it from moving, and there is a weight limit on the amount of cargo.


Professional Development

  • SLS/CLC scheduled in Tyler 26-27 July

  • Help units set up SLS and CLCs

   Discussion Notes:

  • Group III needs to continue this momentum. Lt Col Younger asked that Group III staff continue to assist the subordinate units in setting up SLS/CLC courses.


Cadet Programs

  • Status of CAC meetings

  • Monthly report of CAC discussions

   Discussion Notes:

  • The next CAC meeting will be at the 19 July face-to-face at DAL

  • All unit CC's are expected to provide transport for their unit CAC representative. CAC participation is an emphasis item.

  • Lt Opal McKinney has cadet uniforms available.


Admin

  • Action log update

  • New PA – open items

  • Staff Roster

   Discussion Notes:

  • The Group III Action Log was circulated to unit commanders & Group staff for review during the first week of June. Group will continue to do this going forward to ensure that all items have been captured. Unit CC's are expected to review this and advise Group III Admin of any missing items.

  • There are several small changes to the Group III PA that will be corrected in the next version.

  • Capt Medders continues to work on updating the staff roster.


Command

  • Annual award plaques -- status

   Discussion Notes:

Next Commander's Call and Staff Meeting: 19 July at Dallas Love Field, Business Jet Center FBO:

  • 1000 to 1130 Staff

  • 1300 to 1430 CC

  • The CAC meeting will occur during this time – CAC participation is an emphasis item

The award plaques are complete and will be presented at the face-to-face in July.


Miscellaneous

  • Face-to-face CC and Staff meeting Dallas on 19 July – rooms booked

  • Group III Awards dinner & Holiday party -- status


30-Day Calendar:

  • Texas Cadet Flight Academy,7-14 June at Brazoria County

  • Summer Encampment, 15-21 June

  • Lone Star Emergency Services Academy, 21-28 June

  • SAREX-WAX, 27-29 June

  • Wings Over Texas article submission, 27 June

  • FEMA Exercise, Victoria, 27-29 June

  • Texas Glider Academy,5-13 July


Monthly reports: Flying, Vehicle Inspection, Usage, 1 July

Safety meeting report in WMU for June, 4 July

Quarterly Report, Quarterly FRO Letter, 5 July

Capt. David Medders, COS

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

Coming Events

Date Place Event
3 July Addison Kaboom Town Independence Day Celebration

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 - The Kitchen Sink

Years ago, the first personal computer screens had a resolution of 200x150 pixels and were used for text only. The second generation doubled that, marking the beginning of "graphics" that, today, would be laughable. Then, "high resolution graphics" were designed for "advanced" screens with a "phenomenal" 800x600 pixel CRT. About the same time, people thought that a high-speed Internet connection was 2,400 Baud (that's 2.4 kilobits, by the way, not kilobytes - a great improvement over the original 600 Baud). At that time, the usual advice for website design was, If it's important, put it on the opening screen.

The intention, of course, was to save the visitor the inconvenience of having to go to another page, since each page could be counted on loading at a snail's pace. Of course, the more you put on a page, the slower it will load, so this "design advice" became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Also, navigation techniques were in their infancy then, so if you traveled away from the opening page, you might never get to see anything else on the website except for the thread you chose at that first juncture.

Today, the preceding is a sure recipe for website death. Some veteran webmasters, probably for having been too busy through the years, failed to update themselves and still remain totally committed to 1990 navigation techniques. "What's that?" you might ask. Showing you is easy; there are plenty of examples around. You can tell by the number of insets, sidebars, and stray notices all thrown helter-skelter right onto the opening screen, all clamoring for your attention, often displayed in vanishingly small typeface to save screen space as they fruitlessly try to remain "above the fold," though they usually drip down way below the bottom of the screen.

"The fold" is a carry-over expression from newspaper-talk. The morning paper comes to you folded across the middle of the front page. That crease is "the fold" that separates "the masthead" (or top half of the front page) from "below the fold" (or lower half of the front page). On any page, advertisers pay more for being "above the fold" because that ad will get looked at (though not necessarily read) first. That's the newspaper style that is still in use today.

NOTE: What works on a newspaper doesn't always work on a website. In fact, the opposite is often true.

To avoid having all your goodies – including dirty laundry and kitchen sink right there on the opening page, do spend some time and put together a good navigation scheme. The idea is to present your information logically distributed, in imitation of a modern supermarket's produce display, with fruits and vegetables placed in neat, labeled boxes, arranged in categories. You want the visitor to be able to reach any place on your website by clicking once or twice. If your know that your website will be very large, such as the one hosting this newsletter, you might need to settle for three clicks. It isn't easy, needs planning, but can be done.

After you've created your navigation scheme, populate your website, produce a hierarchical listing of all your pages, and publish that list on a Site Map page. For best results, hot-link each listing posted on the Site Map to the page it stands for. You might think this is a lot of work, or a snap. It depends on how large your site is, and how motivated you are.

If you say, "Hey, that's easy, I can do that!" you might be surprised at how many webmasters seem unable to grasp that concept. And now that you know what to look for, why don't you take another critical look at our selection of major players, and study what they have done to solve the problem? Here they are again, 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.

Oh, yes. Don't forget to take a good look at this website, of course. To get started, just click on the top-left Group III emblem on the masthead at the top of any page. If it weren't for hot links, the Internet wouldn't be what it is today.

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
26-27 Jul SLS / CLC - OPLAN Grp III Tyler 1st Lt Vanessa Smith

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

Public Affairs – New Cadet PAO

 

 

From Apollo Composite Squadron, a New Young Leader

Welcoming a new cadet voice to the newsletter is always a pleasure for me. In this case, the pleasure is rounded off by the quality of that voice. Why did C/SSgt John R. Schertz, a member of the Apollo Composite Squadron, join the Civil Air Patrol? "I decided I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy, and when I visited that website, it suggested that joining CAP would be a good idea. That weekend I went to town and saw some cadets in CAP uniform. After I asked them some questions, I joined." That was last November. A month after joining he was at the Texas Wing Winter Encampment, and now he has just finished his first leadership course. An excellent start.

Cdt Schertz likes track and cross-country running, besides playing chess as well as the classical cello. He also likes to build things, such as model airplanes and rockets. But what he likes most is running, because it taxes him to the maximum. His attitude served him well while at the Advanced Training Squadron, where he was selected as his flight's honor graduate. I hope to see many more articles written by this author. Congratulations, Cdt Schertz.

From Gladewater Corsairs, the Youngest Writer

I kept asking my friend Capt Harold Parks, "Could you get some of your cadets to write, Harold?" "I'll try," was his reply. I'm happy to say that he has finally succeeded. C/AB Corin Carter just finished (and graduated from) the Texas Wing Basic course, where he surmounted a number of hurdles. Not the least among them was an ambush on the part of some aggressive bees, that thoughtlessly stung him and other cadets in his flight. In his debut article he had written, "No one was seriously hurt, but it did sting pretty badly." So when I phoned him, I asked him about it. "Yes, Sir," he said, very respectfully, "I could have done without that." As it turned out, Cdt Carter has a sense of humor as well.

This quiet, young cadet enjoys playing football, riding his bicycle, and playing ping-pong. He is obviously interested in the written word, since the article he sent to me was an unexpected treat, especially coming from so young an author. The Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron is lucky to have him. Welcome to the Group III Cadet PAO Team, Cdt Carter. I expect great things from you.

And from Gregg County Composite Squadron, a Nice Surprise

Last November, 2007, 2d Lt. Tracy Hollinshead wrote an article on a motivated 13-year-old squadron member who, on his own initiative, secured permission from the City of Carthage to run a CAP information and recruiting booth at a city event - for free. His mother helped him set up the booth for the day-long occasion, but he ran it on his own, with considerable success. When it comes to C/SrA Nick Spanial, that's the operative word, success.

Last 28 June, I ran across him in person at the Lone Star Emergency Services Academy, recognized the name on his BDUs and the face I'd seen in earlier photographs, and spoke to him. He recognized my name as well, and responded readily. "Were you here for the encampment as well, Cadet Spanial?" I asked. "Yes, Sir. I attended ATS." One thing led to the next, and he agreed to write his impressions about the course.

I've heard many teen-aged promises before, to the point that now I'm somewhat skeptical about them. But in this case the promise was a good one, and I got the promised article in the nick of time (no pun intended). So I squeezed it into this month's issue. You've got to know Cdt Nick Spanial to realize that he has unbounded enthusiasm and seemingly endless energy, both firmly bonded to a great sense of humor. He is a hard worker, quite popular with his rural neighbors seeking his help, and his daily efforts make his PT seem like an endless break.

Oh, yes. One more thing. He aims high. Cdt Nick Spanial wants to attend the United States Naval Academy.

How is he as a writer? You be the judge. The prose was clean (only one minor misspelling) and the feelings he expressed an approximation of what actually went on. The problem is that Cdt Spanial is also modest. He sent me no photos with the story, but after a quick phone call his mother, 2d Lt Nancy Spanial, did. She also alerted me to a video clip that someone posted to UTube, so I added that link to the article as well.

It is my hope that Cdt Spanial will make the effort and go on to become a great writer. He has the potential for it. All that remains is for him to use his talent, learn by doing, and tell about all the wonderful things that go on in the squadron. And I might as well say it. I'd been hoping that this particular cadet might want to join the Group III Cadet PAO Team, and now he has.

What took you so long, Cdt Spanial?

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Public Affairs – D Day

  

 

 

Be Courageous, 6 June

AUSTIN, Texas 6 June 1944 marks a historic date. Today, 64 years later, we remember the anniversary of the largest amphibious assault in history, marking the turning point in favor of the Allies during WW II. Much has been written about D Day: the preparations before, the assault itself, the numerous battles fought on the way to Berlin, the final surrender of Nazi Germany, geopolitical dynamics and military tactics. However, the history I want to focus on unfolded itself in the hearts and minds of thousands upon thousands of young soldiers crouched in assault boats, experiencing the incessant whizzing of bullets overhead, metallic dings off the sides of their craft, explosions, smoke, surf, sand, fear and blood all around them. A purpose greater than them all gripped each young man and moved him forward with fear (who wouldn’t be afraid?) as each one vanquished it through courage. D Day reminds us of a calling we all have, as Americans and global citizens, to fight for what our Declaration of Independence so eloquently expresses, “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

What does D Day mean to you? I encourage you to deepen your knowledge of the history of WW II in general and Operation Overlord in particular. However, more important than the facts of history are the values set like jewels in that history itself. Values that created this nation and continue to imbue our national character when we are at our best. What do those who fell on that day, the men who lived to fight and die before V Day, and those who lived through many battles to return home, becoming our fathers and grandfathers and great-grandfathers have to tell us? And how do they cross the gap of years, speaking to us through their very actions?

Many young soldiers flung themselves onto a beach exploding with shrapnel and bullets, knowing the risks, and I imagine carrying quite a few  doubts about the task that lay before them. Most important, they acted in spite of the risks and in the face of their terrible doubts. While Hollywood sometimes portrays courage as a fearless superhero vanquishing the enemy, real courage, the courage you and I are called upon to demonstrate, lies on a bed of doubt and fear, and is totally dependent on our will to act in spite of those fears.

The courage of Omaha Beach is not a reckless, thoughtless activity, but rather a value calling us to be greater than ourselves. The men who stormed the shore, flew bombing runs or manned the warships stood up when every natural instinct was crying within them, urging them to run. Even General Eisenhower didn’t know whether the assault, committing almost 1.5 million young combatants potentially to their deaths, would be successful. In his pockets he carried two announcements that he would read over the radio, one announcing success and the other failure, as he stepped forward into the unknown. And the troops he commanded pushed on -- not because they sought a prize, but because a higher cause was calling them. 

While I hope none of us will ever find ourselves having to make such a life and death choice, I am also confident that we would stand up with courage when called. How do we prepare for that? How can we be ready? Some say that you don’t really know the depths of your courage until you find yourself confronted with an Omaha Beach. I say that you practice courage every day of your life. The courage to try something you have never done before, to speak out when you see a safety issue, and to stand for what you know to be right, even in the face of adversity. All of these -- and many others -- offer daily opportunities to practice courage. Every day provides the context in which we can be courageous.

The Civil Air Patrol's motto, Semper vigilans -- Always Vigilant -- reflects the Civil Air Patrol's ever-ready status. Semper vigilans means that we must be prepared to respond effectively and with courage to any situation, from being a leader, to teaching, to taking part in search and rescue or disaster relief operations.

This year, as we celebrate our Declaration of Independence, let us remember all who have gone before us, risking everything to ensure our liberty. A democracy is a nation of individuals joined together in pursuit of a higher good. We are all called upon to defend and preserve liberty. Like our sisters and brothers who have gone before us, we are all called to be courageous, in the face of fear and doubt. 

1st Lt. Richard Hacker, Group III PAO

Public Affairs – A Scam

 

 

How to Give Your Money Away, 10 June

There is a cardinal rule of financial security: Never give out personal information to someone who calls you. It's OK to give it to someone you call. So if someone calls you and wants information from you, get that person's phone number, then call the headquarters of the company that person says to represent, and find out if the number you got actually belongs to that company or one of its offices.

As times get harder, the scams get slicker, and the accents ever so American. They are clever, too, and have caught many unaware. The credit card scam presented here is pretty slick, since the caller provides you with all the information, except the one piece that's missing.

These callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it, probably stolen from an online database. By understanding how the Visa and MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

The scam works like this: The person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at Visa. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your Visa card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from XYZ Marketing, Inc. in Arizona?" When you say, "No,", the caller goes on, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching, and the chages range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most card.  Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"

You say "yes." The caller then says, "I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. When you do, please refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6-digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"

Here's the important part on how the scam works. The caller then says, "I need to verify that you are in possession of your card,"  and ask you to, "turn your card over and look for some numbers."  There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the Security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet or phone purchases to prove that you have the card. The caller then asks for the 3 numbers and, when you do, will say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?"  After you say, "No," the caller thanks you and adds, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do," and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and the caller never asks for nor tells you the card number. If a few minutes later you smell a rat and call the real Visa Security Department, you'll learn that it was a scam, and that a new purchase of $497.99 has just been charged to your card.

Now you're best advised to make real fraud report and close the Visa account, asking for a new one with a different number. What the scammer wants is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Instead of giving it away, tell the caller that you're rather call Visa or Master card directly to straighten it all out. The fact is that neither Visa nor MasterCard will ever ask for anything on the card as they already know the information, because they issued the card.

What makes this more remarkable is that, "Jason Richardson of Master Card" is likely to produce a word-for-word repeat of the Visa scam. If you file a police report, they'll tell you that they are taking several of these reports daily. They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Public Affairs – Commentary

 

 

Reflections on Flag Day, 14 June

     DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – On 14 June, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. They were to form "the American continental army," that was directed to raise ten companies of riflemen. At least some members of Congress assumed that this would be the starting point for a force that, for obvious reasons, would need to grow.

It is purely coincidental that, on 14 June, 1777, exactly two years later, Congress adopted the first official flag of the republic. This was not the first flag to wave over American volunteers, though, nor did the fledgling republic fight its war of independence under the banner of the British monarchy. A very popular earlier American flag was the Grand Union, which combined the British "King's Colours" in the canton, accompanied by thirteen red and white stripes. In fact, George Washington liked it so much that he flew it on the formation of the Continental Army on 1 January, 1776. The flag officially adopted by Congress on the following year had all the elements of our modern American flag, with a field of blue on which were sewn 13 white stars, and 13 alternating red and white stripes. Nothing was said about the dimensions, proportions, or even alignment of any of the elements used in making the flag.

Variations on the original theme followed, one of them being the Star Spangled Banner (with 15 stars and 15 stripes) which became America's official flag on 1 May 1795. This was the only American flag to have had more than 13 stripes, and was the flag that flew over Fort McHenry and entered history in 1814 through Francis Scott Key's poem Defence of Fort McHenry. The poem was quickly set to the music of a 1780 popular drinking song by John Stafford Smith, and eventually became the American National Anthem. The U.S. Navy was the first to recognize the new song for official use in 1889, and the President in 1916. Finally, President Herbert Hoover signed into law a congressional resolution on 3 March 1931, adopting it as the National  Anthem.

Just as a child is born, grows in stature and accomplishment, reaches maturity and becomes productive, and finally leaves a heritage of memories and worldly deeds behind, many flags have captured the hearts of heroes. Each one has been "the flag" for someone, and they have all been valid emblems capable of inspiring many generations into building our great nation. Each has held true because, although different in shape and design, they have all represented the same thing, and the same idea. The concept of a united country, populated by equals, all working towards the common good, and governed by representatives of the people themselves. All these flags have represented the United States of America.

This official flag (including each unofficial earlier ensign), in its many guises, has been carried into battle first by the Army, the Navy soon afterwards, and all the service men and women who have defended the Constitution, territory and government of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This official flag gained its fiftieth stars by Executive Order of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on 21 August, 1959, upon admission to statehood of Hawaii on that day.

Today, as we honor the American Flag on Flag Day, we also honor the American Army, the first armed service to serve the republic on its first hour of need after its birth. And, incidentally, that first Continental Army was composed entirely of infantry soldiers.

"What's in a name?" asks Juliet in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. "By any other name would smell as sweet." It is the same with a flag. It isn't the design, the colors, or the size that matters. It is what it represents that lends it weight and substance. It is in viewing it that the heart of the beholder gives rise to the intimate knowledge that that flag is the symbol of the cherished land, and thus honor, pride, comfort and reassurance are born and nurtured.

May our flag always wave in liberty and justice. (Photo: C/Capt Tiffany Hamm)

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, SWR DPA

Public Affairs – Lone Star Emergency Services Academy - I

  

Lone Star Emergency Services Academy, 21-28 June

BIG SANDY, Texas This year's Lone Star Emergency Services Academy (LESA) marks the start of a new Texas Wing tradition. Years from now, I'll be able to say that I was part of it from the beginning. With more than 150 participants, instructors and students, it was a smashing success. LESA was held in Big Sandy, Texas, a few miles north of Tyler, Texas, at the Air and Land Emergency Resources Training (ALERT) facility. To lower our costs, the LESA staff and students did some of the daily work, such as serving the food and cleaning the dining hall, and we were thankful to all the volunteers from ALERT that prepared the meals and helped serve them.

I was a student in the Public Affairs/Information Officer School, and had the honor of being taught by the Southwest Region Director of Public Affairs, Capt. Arthur Woodgate, along with my fellow students: Maj. Robert Brecount, 1st Lt. DeeAnna Adams-Gorman, 1st Lt. Johanna Augustine, 1st Lt. Mark Petrosky, SM Stefani Stephens, C/1st Lt Raphael Erie, and C/1st Lt Brandii Re-Ann Davis.

1st Lt. DeeAnna Adams-Gorman, the Oklahoma Wing Public Affairs Officer, participated actively in our class and, along with Maj. Robert Brecount, the Victoria Composite Squadron PAO, gave us samples of their very effective writing style. Although outnumbered 5-to-3, the three cadets in the class managed to keep up with the senior members and enjoyed the school very much. With a little help from Cdt Erie and this author, Cdt Davis summed up the week with an impressive slide-and-video-clips show set to lively music, showing all the wonderful things we had done during the week at LESA.

Mission Staff School spent much of their time practicing scenarios where they interacted with other agencies, as well as going through the needed academics. Communications School ensured superb radio coverage for the entire week, besides working very hard themselves. An additional burden placed on Comm School was a request from CAP National to take a comprehensive set of photographs and videos showing all that they did, to be posted as stock images on the CAP National website.

Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt taught and graduated one very needed Mission Chaplain, Lt. Col. Alexander Alvarez, whom we will greatly appreciate. Flight Line School also turned out a single student, C/2d Lt. Michael Moody. According to his instructor, Maj. Richard Hunt, the student could have been the teacher. Mission Aircrew turned out several more qualified Mission Scanners, Mission Observers, and Mission Pilots.

I am proud to announce that GSARSS (Ground Search and Rescue Specialty School) graduated almost fifty new ground team members. These cadets and senior members are the backbone of Search and Rescue missions, and do all the crawling around in the boonies looking for lost persons or objects. Also, Texas now has one more Incident Commander, 1st Lt. Matthew Whisennand. Hoooah!

Everyone at LESA was happy that Lt. Col. Brooks Cima and her staff were there, to help make ours a very successful week, and a special thanks to all the school commandants and their staff, who made themselves and their students available for photos and quick interviews.

I had a great time and will come back next year.

C/TSgt Christian Nelson, Apollo CS

Public Affairs – Lone Star Emergency Services Academy - II

 

Lone Star Emergency Services Academy (Take Two), 21-28 June

BIG SANDY, Texas – The unsung member of the LESA staff was Lt Col Brooks Cima, who was not only the overall Academy Commander, but also the Incident Commander for the week-long USAF mission that all school commandants used for sign-offs. Somehow, she multiplied herself and seemed to be everywhere at the same time. Given that Texas Wing was "learning" the new facility, and relationships hadn't quite reached a relaxed comfort point, just being the Academy Commander was a full-time job. Coupled to that, with air and ground crew activity at a high rate, equipment demands, scheduling crammed into the available hours and aircraft, logistics complicated by one reason or another, Internet access slowing down the online administrative tools, and the occasional bad weather stretch that grounded air assets, being the IC was also a full-time job. "How do you do it?" I asked her one day. She smiled, "I delegate."

Delegating only goes so far, though. Hard work was more like it. She was an inspiration to us all, as she never complained and treated everyone with courtesy and respect. Some issues must have exasperated her, I'm sure, but she never let on that they had. Her leadership and "can do" attitude were a model for all, and the students noticed. She was always busy and going, yet she always had a moment to drop a kind word and a smile. Leadership.

As seen by this commandant, who had the difficult task of preparing students at different levels of achievement to do a job that requires demanding and broad-based study and practice, it set a standard of excellence that was difficult to ignore. The PAO/IO School asked that all students, before attending the school, study a series of written documents, including the main regulation, CAPR 190-1. Not all did. Those who had profited readily, while the few who hadn't reacted in various ways, at times unproductive. Having to sweep over fundamentals that should have been learned before attending the course took valuable time that couldn't be found elsewhere. Time is an irrecoverable resource. Eventually, each one leveled off.

The article just before this one was written by the PAO/IO School's Distinguished Graduate. The commandant had to pick one and only one student, and Cadet Nelson's work had been comparable to that of two senior members. However, his youth and relative inexperience, as well as his positive attitude and willingness to pitch in even when not asked did the trick. So he took the prize. This is an honor that doesn't go anywhere, since the School was really a pass/fail affair. However, in being recognized for an extraordinary effort and a well-used mind, Cadet Nelson took home the knowledge that he could do anything he set his sights on. And he has a LESA Challenge Coin to show for it.

No, he isn't perfect, neither has he arrived at his peak, but the right ingredients are there. Only time will tell.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, PAO/IO School Commandant

Public Affairs – Wide Area Exercise

 

 

Texas Wing Wide Area Exercise, 27-28 June

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas During 27-28 June, Groups III and II squadrons from as far south as Austin gathered for a Texas Wing WAX (Wide Area Exercise) in Grand Prairie (KGPM) in order to hone their skills as ground team members, radio operators, incident command staff, scanners, observers, and pilots. With six aircraft, including a Gippsland G8 AirVan, Grand Prairie Mission Base ran sorties throughout the day, flying in and out of the local airport. The Incident Command Post was staffed by members of both Groups. 

KGPM, located under an outer shelf of the DFW Bravo airspace and flanked by Arlington Airport to the west and Dallas Executive Airport to the east, required pilots to climb to 2500 feet avoiding the adjacent airports' airspace, yet stay under the 4000 foot shelf. Every member of an aircrew looked for traffic and, given the active airspace, their vigilance paid off in a safe mission, without mishaps. Incident Commander Capt David Medders cautioned the crews during the morning briefing that they should anticipate being re-tasked in mid-sortie and encouraged instrument-rated pilots to conduct a practice approach to hone those essential skills.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] Safety briefing at the start of the exercise. [2] The general aircrew briefing in progress. [3] Capt Thierry Champailler conducts an aircrew briefing. [4] Cadets help erect a radio antenna. [5] Cadets practice their knot-tying skills.

Cadets assisted in the construction of the radio antennas used to provide key communications to any incident command post. In addition, Ground Teams went out into the field in Air-to-Ground coordinated searches, looking for for ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters).

6. 7. 8. 9.

[6] The Incident Commander at work. [7] Col Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander, visits the incident command post. [8] Col Joe R. Smith presents Maj Sandra Ellis with a framed, signed photo of the 2008 Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy. Maj Ellis, the Texas Wing Testing Officer, had dropped by for a visit wearing civilian clothes since she was not on duty during the WAX. [9] Aerial photo taken by an aircrew member.

During operations on Saturday, Wing Commander Col Joe R. Smith stopped by to observe. During his stay, he made a special presentation of a photograph of the class of cadets and instructors at the recent Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy, signed by each of them thanking her for her support of the Academy. 

Although the exercise had originally been scheduled to run through Sunday 29 June, on Saturday evening, because of adverse weather, Incident Commander Capt David Medders cancelled Sunday operations. Fortunately for WAX participants, the incident command staff had moved sorties through efficiently during the two days, enabling many participants to achieve their training goals for the  weekend.

1st Lt. Richard Hacker, Group III PAO

Public Affairs – Commentary

 

On goals and their intricacies, 30 June

This month, on his (very lightly edited) message to Group III, Lt Col Owen Younger chose to honor me with a generous and clear "thank you" that will last a very long time. It's the sort of thing that goes directly to the heart, you see. When we started our relationship, he said to me, "You may call me Owen, if you'd like." I replied that "Sir" would make me more comfortable, until some future date when both he and I felt that we had reached neutral ground. My position was that he was my commander, and as such bore the full weight of Group III on his shoulders. My responsibility and burden were a great deal smaller than his, so therefore I preferred to keep that distance.

Although at the instant I declined the intimacy of first-name address I had risked projecting an image of rejection, he accepted it and we entered into a friendly jousting of "Why that?" on his part, and, "Because" on mine. Some times it was a trivial issue, but others were not so trivial. We always worked it out, to our mutual satisfaction (I didn't always "win"). As a result, the newsletter, and all Group III members were the real winners.

Although as a very busy squadron commander he had paid little attention to public affairs, as a group commander he soon realized that there were units in Group III that were doing a far better PA job than others, and that this effort translated into larger membership, higher morale, and much higher participation in missions and exercises than others in Texas Wing. In a matter of weeks, he was a convert. From that moment on, his mantra became, "Thou shall drink the PA Kool Aid!" This banner of conviction was waved at commanders' calls and staff meetings, again and again. And Group III continued to flourish.

Don't take me wrong. He didn't hammer his mantra. Not at all. He smiled when he said it. But his smile broad, honest, and friendly carried the weight of his conviction, and by leading by example, it was impossible not to follow him.

One day he asked me if I thought I'd ever accept what he had written without editing it, and I replied, "I just get the words right for you, so your thoughts can come out in all their glory." He laughed disarmingly, and I think that's the point where we became friends. Until then, we had been good team workers. So as he sought to streamline and improve Group III's ability to carry out its mission, I redoubled my search for talent and mentoring, at times amazed at what had been lying there all along, waiting to be discovered.

Not for an instant do I believe that Group III is the exclusive gathering spot of extraordinary people. Not at all. They're everywhere, only not many bother or take the time to look for them. If what I've done has benefited Group III, I'm truly happy. I thought it might, so the effort was worth it to me. But my real purpose was to benefit the members of not only Group III but everywhere in the Civil Air Patrol. And, in the process, I found some good friends.

So, to my friend Owen, Sir, I say that the journey has been wonderful, the company outstanding, and the goals largely achieved. And since I never forget my friends, I'm afraid you're stuck with me.

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

Fireworks

July brings the 4th of July celebrations, with the ever-present fireworks! These, used by individuals, bring at least two concerns,

  1. The safety of the user and immediate by-standers. Yearly, some user damages hand, fingers and eyes by improper techniques. Never light a firework while holding it! Don't throw a lit firework at someone! Always, when using fireworks, have water or a fire extinguisher handy.

  2. The dry Texas summer makes wildfires a distinct probability when sparks from fireworks fall in fields or on rooftops. Many cities and counties have prohibitions against private use of fireworks because they can cause a fire. If you cannot satisfy your pyrotechnic needs by watching a public fireworks display, and feel compelled to "do it yourself," then by all means use good judgment and great caution to assure a Safe and Happy 4th.

I am also including an AOPA article on cross-wind landings. Again, Texas Summers are characterized by blustery winds that come and go, often in a matter of a few hours. You can depart in calm air, only to return with a stiff cross-wind for your landing. The following article offers good advice as well as links to other useful sources of crosswind information.

Side Loads

The landing gear on your trainer is pretty tough. It has to be, to withstand those long hours in the traffic pattern while you are learning how to air crew and land. That said, even the toughest components of an aircraft have definite limits to their tolerance for abuse. Your trainer's landing gear is at its most vulnerable when it has to cope with something called a side load. Any time the wheels can't roll in the direction that the airplane is being forced to move while on the ground, a side load is imposed on the gear assembly. The result could be pilot loss of control, airframe damage, or an accident.

The most likely time for a severe side load to occur is during landing especially if the aircraft is not under complete directional control during a crosswind landing. "Touching down while in a drift can cause damaging side loads on the tires, wheels, and landing gear not to mention you and the airplane, if it results in loss of control," wrote Chris Parker in the April 2006 AOPA Flight Training feature "Crosswind Tutorial." The importance of avoiding side loads is one reason why the Private Pilot Practical Test Standards for normal and crosswind landings strictly requires that the pilot touch down "with no drift, and with the airplane's longitudinal axis aligned with and over the runway center/landing path."

If you are already working on crosswind take offs and landings, you know that two techniques are commonly taught: the crabbed approach and the sideslipped approach. (See the Dec. 28, 2001, Training Tip: "Practicing Crosswind Landings" and the March 7, 2003, Training Tip: "Crosswinds—Again!". Both methods, improperly executed, can result in critical side loads. Six great strategies for mastering directional control are offered in the April 2007 AOPA Pilot feature "Flying Seasons: Crabbing, Slipping, and Bouncing." Other times when the aircraft is vulnerable to side loads include air crew runs and while taxiing, especially if a taxi turn is attempted with excessive speed.

Bottom line: Eliminate side loads from your takeoffs and touchdowns, and you'll never drift into trouble when tangling with tricky winds.

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

July Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

July Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Safety

Safety Course

Finally, the Safety Course is now online. This should make it much easier for all Texas Wing Safety Officers to get the test completed, and get 100% compliance with CAPR 62-1. I would like to request that all Group Safety Officers or Group Commanders send me a list of all of the safety officers who have competed Safety Course no later than 31 August 2008, please.

Also for all Texas Wing pilots and aircrew members, please try to get the two FAA FAAST Team online courses: "Maneuvering Approach and Landing" and "Normal Approach and Landing" within the time specified by the SWR Commander. The courses are easy and not hard to read or understand. I have just completed one, and will finish the second one this afternoon or tomorrow.

If there are any questions on any of the recent safety requirements, please contact me. I know it sounds like a lot, and everyone is busy preparing for summer activities, but please hang in there as we try to keep Texas Wing in step with SWR Safe.

Thanks for all of your support and hard work as always,

Lt. Col. Melanie Capehart, DS


From: Sanderson, John
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 4:19 PM
Subject: On-Line Basic Safety Course and Test

For Your Attention,

Col Letteer is proud to announce the activation of the CAP Safety Specialty Track Training on the Safety website at http://level2.cap.gov/visitors/programs/safety/basic_safety_course/

The on-line Basic Safety Course and Test replace the Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning (AFIADL) Course 02170, Civil Air Patrol Safety Officer Course. Those who have already completed the old AFIADL course do not have to complete the new on-line course.

Look for the Senior and Master Safety courses on-line in the near future. Also, the revised CAPR 62-1 and CAPP 217 are now posted at www.cap.gov/pubs 

V/R

John D. Sanderson, Safety Administrator and Publications Manager

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
1 March  S3 and Real Property Reports Due

 

2008

 

July

 
12-13 Jul San Antonio – DSAREX - Contact Lt Col Owen Younger Contact: Lt Col Dennis Cima
18-20 Jul TBD – Pilot Continuation Training Lt Col Owen Younger Contact: Lt Col Brooks Cima
25-27 Jul Houston – National Check Pilot Standardization Course (Group IV) Contact: Lt Col Bob McDonnell
26-27 Jul Tyler – SLS/CLC (Group III) OPLAN Contact: Lt Col Dennis Bennett
     
 

August

 
Reschedule Tyler – TXWG Graded Training Exercise Contact: Maj Randy Russell
     
 

September

 
5-7 Sep Dallas – NAVCOM Contact: Lt Col Mike Hopkins
5-7 Sep TBD – Group Sarex (Option I) Contact: Lt Col Owen Younger
5-7 Sep TBD – Group Sarex (Option II) Contact: Lt Col Owen Younger
     

Editor

A USAF Chaplain's Guest Commentary

Holy warrior reflects on life, service

3/20/2007 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- When you read this, I'll have celebrated my 50th birthday... hard to believe. Another milestone in my life will happen in April. I'll have 20 years of total service in the United States Air Force. Also, hard to believe. Attaining two milestones within a month forces me to reflect on life and service. So, spend a little time with me for some thoughts from a 50-year-old "holy" warrior.

I was 30 when I was commissioned in 1987 through the Chaplain Candidate program. This unique program allows ministerial/priest/rabbinical candidates to see if God is calling them to minister to military personnel.

My first Air Force experience was Pease AFB, N. H. - an old SAC base. Strategic Air Command was formed, in part, to deter the former Soviet Union from attacking the U.S. and our allies. I realized the value of an AF Chapel. I noticed people from all over the world and all sorts of faith traditions gathering in one place to worship our Creator. In the chapel, people can learn about life, find that friends will stand with them as they struggle with difficult decisions, and find peace between themselves and our Creator - especially when the mission of the Air Force can call on us to give the ultimate sacrifice. I learned that God was more alive in an AF Chapel than I experienced in my Field Education churches.

The next summer, my family and I joined the Air Commandos at Hurlburt Field. Even in 1988, there were still plenty of people serving on active duty who were part of the failed rescue attempt of American hostages in Iran (1979). The memories were real and the unit cohesiveness was tight for these warriors. I learned that people in the Air Force are a unique breed that I was proud to be part of.

I spent nearly five years with the 928th Airlift Wing, a reserve C-130 unit at Chicago O'Hare Airport. We went through Desert Shield/Storm and the fall of the Iron Curtain together. For half a decade we worshiped, played, fought a war and healed together. When I was called to active duty, it was more difficult for me to leave my reserve unit than the church where I was a pastor. I learned that the Air Force is a family. This means there may be times of disagreement, maybe times of anger - but there are always good times, special times, historic times - all great Air Force family memories.

My next two assignments taught me about deployments and Air Force connectivity. I experienced three regional and three contingency deployments in six years. From war-torn Sarajevo in Bosnia-Herzegovina to Malaysia, I learned about Air Force teamwork, sharing and caring about people outside our gates. I also learned what a small world the Air Force is as I got to work again with some old friends of the Air Commandos in Operation Joint Guard. My biggest lesson learned? We all have reputations and people will talk.

My last two assignments have been post 9/11. I, too, have been deployed in defense of our freedom and yet again, a new generation of Americans is learning that freedom is not free. Do you realize that all of us are part of history?

As my family and I watched the commercial jetliner drive into Tower 2 on that fateful day in 2001, my then 16-year-old daughter looked at me and asked, "Dad, my children are going to ask me about this day someday, aren't they?" How profound to serve our country in this time and place.

So what have I learned from 20 years in the Air Force and 50 years of life? 1. Keep your priorities straight. Faith is a personal strength-builder and a force multiplier. 2. We are part of an organization where people voluntarily serve to make our world a better place. 3. We are part of a family - not perfect and in need of correction at times, but people who take time to correct us really care about us. 4. We all have reputations and many times our reputations precede us to a new assignment. How do you want to be thought of - as a person of integrity, service and excellence, or as something else? 5. We are part of a history that people can only read about. So be proud and stand tall, no matter how long you serve or how you return to the civilian sector - because it is the civilian sector who allows us to serve.

I thank God every day for every person in this great Air Force family. I thank God every day for the people of the United States of America who send their best and brightest into our armed forces to serve, protect and be our nation's ambassadors. I thank God for the opportunities to make a difference in other people's lives. I challenge each of you to think about this and decide where you are making a difference.

Chaplain (Maj.) David Terrinoni, 354th Fighter Wing chaplain

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

Apollo CS

Cdt Michael Moody's Mitchell Ceremony, 24 May

GEORGETOWN, Texas Our squadron has just held its first Mitchell ceremony in five years. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate C/2nd Lt. Moody for all his hard work, as he proceeded to vanquished all hurdles. It is estimated that only 15% of all CAP cadets ever get their General Billy Mitchell Award. All Apollo cadets already know that Cdt Moody is a really unique person and this, this is like the cherry on top.

After the ceremony, C/2nd. Lt. Michael Moody (second from left) poses with the members of the Apollo Color Guard: C/SrA John Schertz, American Rifle, C/TSgt Christian Nelson - American Flag, C/MSgt Stephen Corley, Organizational Flag, and C/Amn Philip Nelson, Organizational Rifle.

A Mitchell ceremony is a very special event and needs a color guard. I felt honored to be asked to be in the color guard and jumped at the chance. The rest of the cadets in the Color Guard (Organizational Flag C/MSgt Corley, Rifles C/SrA John Schertz and C/A1C Philip Nelson) are sharp and professional. With these cadets, I had no doubt that we could pull it off. Though we made a few mistakes, I was far from disappointed with the results. Given how much we had improved in a very short time, I am sure that our next  effort will be much better.

It was an experience like no other, being entrusted to properly carry, post, and reverence the colors of my nation. As we marched down the center of the room, there was a deep quiet and a feeling of awe. Everyone present was looking at something beautiful and they knew it: the Colors that represent this sovereign nation; that have stood as a symbol of courage, refuge, justice, and freedom; that have been carried in the field of battle for over two centuries; and under which men and women have fought and even died for. I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.

Our squadron cadets, in Cadet Moody, have a brilliant example of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Respect, and Excellence that they can follow. Any cadet willing to make the effort and do the work can achieve promotion. It is a matter of time, attitude and hard work. Since three of the Apollo cadets are Chief Master Sergeants, I look forward to more Mitchell ceremonies in the near future, and a still greater improvement in the color guard.

Special thanks to 1st Lt. Matthew Hammond, 2nd Lt. Capo, and C/Maj Joshua Lewis for instructing the color guard, to C/CMSgt Davita Heavener for critiquing us, to Capt. Arthur Woodgate for the after-action article, and to everyone who made the color guard possible.

(C/TSgt. Christian Nelson)

Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy, 7-14 June

BRAZORIA COUNTY AIRPORT, Texas – “What happens when you're hit by the unexpected, and your life depends on a moment's action?” These words had been drilled into us all week, and they were the only thing on my mind as, on my first solo flight, I realized that the engine of the Cessna 172 I was flying had just stopped working. The next thing to flash brilliantly in my thoughts were the words all cadets at the flight academy had given as the one and only correct response, “Fly the plane, fly the plane, fly the plane!”

Sayings such as this one, along with many others, will stay with me and with all the cadets that attended the 2008 Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy. Not only will they stay with us, but for many it will get us out of tight spots like the one I was in during my solo. Along with those great words and the training I received from my instructor, Lt Col Rayford ‘RK’ Brown, I was able to bring the plane around, restart the engine, and land it.

Back on the ground safely, drenched in water, half of my shirt gone to my classmates' scissors, my adrenalin rushing, and an ear-to-ear smile is how the week of 7–14 Jun ended for me. It was a perfect end to a great week full of flying, learning, laughs, and excitement. Flight Academy was the best activity I have ever been to.

The routine was packed with excitement and fun. We woke up at five, and were up in the air at sunrise. At 0700 we were having a delicious breakfast prepared and served by the Matagorda General Hospital, as was every meal. By 2000 (8 pm) we were back at the hotel, studying the flight books as we got ready for our pre-solo test.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] C/2d Lt Michael "Yogi" Moody gets his very special T-shirt tail from Instructor Pilot Lt. Col. Rayford "RK" Brown. [2] Lt. Col. "RK" Brown with his two students, Top Gun Michael "Yogi" Moody and Second-place Gun Christopher "SpecialK" Knutsont. [3] Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith and Southwest Region Stand-Eval Officer Lt. Col. Bob "Wambo" McConnell. [4] The graduating class and instructors from the 2008 Texas Wing Power Flight Academy. (Photos 1-3: 1st Lt Sue Kristoffersen. Photo 4: Texas Wing Power Flight Academy staff.)

Most flight teams were composed of two students and one instructor pilot. If only one student was allowed to fly at any time, the other student would remain on the ground studying, studying, or studying.  But not all the studying was reading out of books. A lot of the focus was placed on the practical aspect, so while one student was in the air flying, the other one could be on the ground flying. No, we didn't fly simulators, we flew ourselves, on a chalk runway. We would stick out our arms, and “fly” the pattern, practicing the radio calls, and other check-list items that needed to be committed to memory.

Of course, not all of our free time was spent studying. We liked to have a little fun, too. It was not a rare thing to find most of the students hanging out on the balcony singing, dancing, and getting to know each other. All the students had a great time together, and the friendships made at that time will last well beyond the flight academy.

For the rest of my flying career, I know that when I get in the plane, I will be hearing, “Right rudder, right rudder,” “Put the aileron in the wind,” “Keep that hand on the throttle,” “You don’t need two hands on the yoke,” “Let the engineers fly the plane, you already paid them.” Those saying will be with me and the rest of us at the flight academy for all time, and whenever we come in for a landing we'll hear, “Flare, flare, don’t push the nose down, keep the nose up.” And we will keep the plane in working order to fly another day.

Flight academy was great, but none of it would have been possible without the help of SABRE, Bay City, Matagorda General Hospital, Bay City Airport, “Jumper”, and “Wambo.” And a special thanks to all the instructors who, though already quite busy, generously gave of their time to come train us! Thank you to everyone that helped us, it was great, and I definitely recommend it to all those interested in flying.

(C/2d Lt Michael Moody)

Flight academy trains at Bay City airport, 14 June

BAY CITY, Texas On Friday of last week, one of our reporters came to my office with an assignment she knew would be just perfect for me.

She had spoken with the instructor of the Civil Air Patrol’s Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy – an eight-day camp in Van Vleck – and been offered a seat on a plane for a photo ride-along. Since she is terrified of flying, the job was mine for the taking.

Since I love planes, and plan to fly one day myself, I was eager to take the chore from her. I made the arrangements and showed up Thursday morning, camera in hand. A signature on a release form and I was loaded into the backseat of a small, single-engine craft and ready for takeoff.

I didn’t start having second thoughts until my pilot handed me his pink sunglasses to hold while he cranked up the four-seater Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Suddenly I wondered if this was really the way I wanted to end it.

Here’s the deal: my pilot, the person at the controls with 1,500 feet beneath me and my beloved earth, hasn’t even made it to prom.

Michael Moody, a 16-year-old junior at Stoney Point High School in Round Rock, took me out on a 30-minute sortie over Bay City Thursday morning.

When I arrived at the Bay City Municipal Airport bright and early at 7 a.m. – which, by the way, is almost lunchtime for these guys – I was greeted by Col. Brian Childs, the chief flight instructor for the eight-day camp.

Col. Childs is over 40 with a military bearing, crew cut, clipped British accent and, of course, the aviator shades – I couldn’t imagine a more suitable pilot for taking the press for a quick flight.

Then he introduced me to my pilot.

Moody, call sign “Yogi”, is a confident kid who’s been flying since his 12th birthday. I was impressed with his knowledge of procedures and his “no worries” attitude. Yet, as we were taxiing down the runway, I waited for him to reach for the instruction manual or to ask 25-year-old certified flight instructor Capt. Nicole Novak (who rode shotgun while I anxiously looked over their shoulders) how to get this contraption off the ground.

The takeoff was smooth, the flight uneventful and both landings – a touch-and-go and a full stop – were flawlessly executed.

There are 23 students in the academy and 20 of those are between the ages of 16-18. The group is flying a fleet of two and four-seater Cessnas from sunrise to sunset. In eight days of constant flying, only one incident occurred, and it happened in a training craft that was not piloted by a student. There were no injuries and little damage was done to the craft.

Col. Childs’ Hunting (BAC) Provost Jet was hangared at the airport in Van Vleck. Two cadets, Moody and Christopher Knutson, tied for first on a three-part test and the reward was a ride in the jet.

An instructor took up Knutson in the jet on Thursday afternoon and, on landing, the jet went off the runway.

“The pilot is adjusting for a 15-knot wind then, like a switch, the wind stops. The jet went off the runway and a landing wheel got stuck in the mud. When the wing dropped, the tip tank hit the mud and ripped and the friction ignited the fuel,” Col. Childs said on Friday.

“There was very little smoke or flame by the time we got to the plane. No one was injured. It’s a training plane and they’re built like tanks. It wasn’t a crash; the FAA calls it an incident. Everything was very well handled by the police and fire department. We train for things like this, but there’s not much you can do if it happens.”

Moody would have been first to ride in the jet but was occupied with preparing for Master of Ceremonies duties at graduation on Saturday.

“It was interesting. I was a little freaked out at first. Anything can happen at anytime. But everyone is ok and that’s all that matters,” said Moody.

Knutson obviously wasn’t fazed by the event. He got up Friday morning and at 5:30 a.m. went on his first solo flight.

Even after the high school stories, the jet incident, the pink sunglasses – I’d fly with Yogi again any day.

(, )

My ATS Experience, 14-21 June

BIG SANDY, Texas – Going into ATS, or Advanced Training Squadron, I didn't know what to expect. I thought it might be easy because I had already gone though being a Basic. On the other hand, I thought it might be hard because as a future staff member, I would be expected to work at a higher level than as an average cadet. However, by the end, I realized how ignorant I had been, worrying about difficulty rather than what I would learn. I learned such things as stepping in to be a leader, projecting my voice using my diaphragm, and most important, helping out fellow cadets when they stumble.

ATS was split into two Flights, Juliet and Kilo, and all of ATS was split randomly into four squads. Daily, the positions of Squad Sergeant and Squad Commander were rotated, so that we could all experience first-hand what it feels like to be in command. Even though we had appointed Squad Staff, we kept a big "open-door policy," for all of us were learning together. For this long week, your squad mates would be your best friends. Squad mates would do several team-oriented activities, like creating squad chants, doing written projects together, and performing GLP's, or Group Leadership Projects. These projects would introduce essential leadership elements like communication, co-operation, precision, creativity, and in some cases good coordination. Every day, we would have three or four classes on customs and courtesies, uniform standards, morale, discipline and several other useful subjects that a cadet needs to know in order to be a good staff member.

During our long stressful days, there arose several opportunities to be a leader. For example, one could be the cadet getting everyone back on task or the cadet who grabbed the pumpkin (cooler) when the pumpkin bearers forgot it. I learned that, as a leader, one must have very good situational awareness and even when other team members fail, you must step in and help them. As a leader, you must learn to do a job because it is necessary, whether or not you want to do it. Also, a good leader does not waver or hesitate. In the military, a career that many cadets are striving to follow, if a leader hesitates, it could mean death to those he or she is leading.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Apollo cadets John Schertz, Paul Benoit, Jason Messmer, Rebecca Walden, Davita Heavener, Sarah Lewis and Priscilla Santiago with squadron commander Capt Cheri Fischler [2] Cadets John Schertz and Brandon Blackburn of the S. Ft Worth Composite Squadron practice saluting with their guidons. [3] Cadets Nick Spanial of Gregg County CS, John Schertz, and Preston Pietrzykowski of Gregg County CS. [4] C/SSgt John Schertz (carrying guidon) with ATS staff members C/Capt Annabel Andrews, C/Maj Joshua Vaughan, and C/2d Lt Jonathan Williams.

As Cadet Basics, many cadets will find that they lose their voice after a couple of days of intense yelling. This is because they make the common mistake of using the vocal cords to yell instead of the diaphragm. As a future staff member, you must properly use your diaphragm to be louder than any cadet under your command. Simultaneously, you must not lose your voice (it'd be hard to give commands without your voice). The best way I can describe it is like getting the wind knocked out of you and using this "wind" to speak. After several days of practice, I met my "command voice" and, I must say, I like it!

During the week, I could see cadets struggling left and right. By the end, I realized that as a leader I must be able to carry my own weight, plus the weight of others if necessary. If one member of your team falls behind, all of you fall behind. If one member of your team fails, your team fails its objective and therefore all of you fail. In my dorm, a fellow cadet started the week with a failing grade. However, as the week went on, my roommates and I helped out each other until all of us were near perfect. In the end, I'm proud to say that this cadet received his cord at graduation along with every other member of Summer '08 ATS.   

The week that I attended ATS was well spent. I received honor cadet of Juliet Flight, but it came down to more than just that. I learned things that I know for sure I would not have learned on my own or at any other event; things that I know I must carry on and pass on to new, up and coming cadets. I learned to be strong and to step in as a leader, to use my voice in a commanding tone, and in my opinion, I learned the true definition of leadership. I learned to treat your teammates' problems as your own and ensure your teammates' success at all costs, even if it means sacrificing your own needs before theirs. Finally, I'd like to thank all of my instructors for what they passed on to me and to promise them that their teachings will not end with me.

(C/SSgt John R. Schertz)

Fast flights - XB‑58's first supersonic drop, 18 June

ROUND ROCK, Texas – The fastest mission I was ever assigned was to try to get pictures of the bomb release from the first time that the then-new and hush‑hush XB‑58 bomber, the Hustler, made a weapons drop at supersonic speeds. So far as I know, this was the first time that any aircraft had ever made an attempt at dropping anything at a supersonic speed, and a genuine aviation first.

My commander's instructions were simple, "John, take the F [meaning the F‑100-17 two-place supersonic fighter, the first fighter that we had that was capable of supersonic flight in level conditions] and see if you can get pictures of the separation." We tried to use two-place fighters for photo work so the pilot could concentrate on flying and getting into position while the second man used a hand-held movie camera to get the pictures. (See photo at right.)

The drop was to be made at Mach 1.4 at 40,000 feet. The XB‑58 had dropped one bomb before, a subsonic drop at about 0.9 Mach. I had been the photo chase pilot for the first drop as well, so I knew about where the drop would take place, at least geographically. That was “an aviation first” in so far as the B‑58 was concerned. I also knew that the F‑100 would only do about 1.2 Mach in level flight, so I had to wait above the drop altitude and dive toward the point where I expected the bomber to be when the drop was made. I would build speed to Mach 1.4 in the dive, and hope to cross paths with the bomber at the right time. This was a guess at best, since I would not see the bomber until I went past it. The bomber was flying level and I would be in a dive of about 40 degrees. That was a rather precise point in space and time. The bomber pilot had to fly north to southern Colorado and do a turn south in order to have enough time to accelerate to the drop speed by the time he was at the drop point near Alamogordo, NM. He couldn't give his speed or position over the open radio, but he would call out for both the aerial camera team end the ground content teams such things as "4," meaning he was on speed at 1.4, and how many seconds until drop time. (A B-58 is pictured below.)

When he called "10 seconds" I rolled inverted from my waiting altitude of 48,000 feet, and pulled into a dive, building speed to Mach 1.4, toward a point that I hoped would put me off his right wing at about drop time. For once in my life I was pretty close to being in the right place at the right time and the right point in space. I dived past the bomber just at the moment of bomb release. At that point I had completed my assigned mission, but noted that the bomb and I were on a collision course. I had a trajectory that was slightly pointed inward instead of parallel to the bomber’s course. I was also intrigued by the fact that the bomb was not rotating at all, but rock steady in its descent. I could read the serial number on the side of the bomb and perhaps had a bit of fixation on it.

Somehow one's instinct for survival takes over and at the last second I pulsed the stick forward so as to duck under the bomb. I didn't think of the historic implications until later, but being the first human to die in a collision at supersonic speeds was not on the mission plan. The fact that the bomb didn't rotate, as did the bombs in the war movies and newsreels, continued to fascinate me. I didn't have anything else to do at the moment so I decided to do barrel rolls around the bomb as it descended into at an ever‑increasing angle. The bomb continued at its rock steady, non‑rotating, business. After one roll I glanced out the front windscreen and noted that the ground was coming up quite rapidly, as the trajectory was getting steeper. Our speed seemed to be holding at about Mach 1.4. A shocking thought came into my mind: I didn't have the foggiest idea concerning how much altitude it took to recover from such a dive, short of hitting the ground.

The bomb was quickly left to go its own way. The airplane was capable of sustaining 7.33 G, but I knew from experience that I would black out at between 4 and 6 G if sustained for more than a few seconds. I selected a 4 G pullout, so as to be able to see how I was doing, at least at first. I could tighten the pullout by pulling more Gs, but I wouldn't be able to tell if I was pulling out right side up, or perhaps gradually rolling into a bank without being able to see. Fortunately, the 4 G did the trick and I missed the ground with a few thousand feet to spare. I did miss the chance on another aviation first: the first pilot to die while hitting the ground at supersonic speed. Some opportunities are better missed.

After the mission was completed, a person from Convair, the company that made the B‑58, called and asked how the mission went. I reported that I saw the vapor from the exploding bolts and that the bomb did not rotate as I expected. He responded that it was a gravity drop and no explosive bolts had been used. I learned later, in engineering school, about the shock waves that surround anything going supersonic and I suspect the puff of vapor I saw was the intersection of the shock wave from the bomber and the one from the bomb as it fell away. He asked how I could tell that the bomb did not rotate. I told him I could read the serial numbers on the side of the bomb. He clearly was disbelieving, as the numbers were quite small. A few days later I received another call from the company and the person calling, perhaps the same one I had spoken with, said they had seen the film and I was where I said I was. That bomber was in our area from time to time and they liked to have a chase plane look at it after takeoff to be sure that the gear was up and the gear doors were correctly closed before they went into any high‑speed work. They also wanted a chase plane when they landed so as to check the landing gear and look for any leaks or other problems. As long as I was in that squadron, I was requested by name to fly chase anytime the B‑58 was in our area.

In case the reader might wonder, I could have ejected from the airplane since I was sitting on an ejection seat. However, at those speeds the wind forces would have separated my head and my limbs from my body. It didn't seem desirable to be the first human to be dismembered by aerodynamic forces at supersonic speeds. So another opportunity at an aviation first was missed, thankfully.

For those interested the what the figures mean, the speed of sound, Mach 1, is about 759 miles per hour in earth's atmosphere at sea level. It is a bit less in the colder upper air. For the mathematically curious, the formula for our air is 49.1 times the square root of the absolute temperature.

Airplanes meant for air shows have inverted fuel and oil pumps so they can fly upside down and still run normally. Other airplanes do not have these extra pumps so you must keep some positive G for the entire flight, or else the fuel and oil won’t be able to keep things going. That is why it is best to roll inverted to pull into a steep dive. In pilot terms, this is keeping some pressure on the seat of the pants.

(Lt. Col. John Guiling, USAF, Ret.)

Crusader CS

Cadet Awards, 17 June

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas Cdt Casey McMasters received a special surprise when he was pinned on his 13th birthday for the Cadet Airman promotion he had earned earlier in the month. 

1. 2.

[1] Assisted by SM Donnie McMasters, squadron commander Lt Col Roy D. Hill pins the new rank on C/Amn Casey McMasters. [2] A formal congratulation seals the deal and announces the cadet's birthday.

At the squadron, pinning ceremonies are usually conducted on the first Tuesday of the month, but in this case an exception was made, with good reason. Crusader Composite Squadron Lt Col Roy Hill and Casey’s mom SM Donnie McMasters participated in the pinning ceremony. Afterward, the squadron members celebrated with a birthday cake.

 (Capt. Robert Severance III)

Texas Wing Summer Encampment, 15-21 June

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas Four Crusader Composite Squadron cadets attended the 2008 Texas Wing Summer Encampment at the A.L.E.R.T. Academy in Big Sandy, Texas. Cadet Joshua Gullace was a member of Alpha Flight, Cadet Hampton was a member of Charlie Flight, Cadet Daniel Fincher was a member of India Flight, and Cadet Robert Severance IV was the Flight Sergeant for India Flight.

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

[1] Cadets are formed to pass in review in front of the wing commander, Col Joe R. Smith. [2]-[3] Cadets passing in review. [4] C/SMSgt Robert Severance IV and C/Amn Daniel Fincher of Crusader Composite Squadron were members of TCTW India Flight. [5] C/SrA Joshua Gullace and C/SMSgt Robert Severance IV of Crusader Composite Squadron. Cdt Severance was the Flight Sergeant for India Flight, while Cdt Gullace was a member of Alpha Flight. [6] Cdt Hampton is the last cadet at the right, rear rank. (Photos 1-5: Mr. Robert Severance Jr, Cdt Severance's grandfather. Photo 6: Texas Wing Summer Encampment PAO Team.)

Several cadets took advantage of a new program offered by the squadron to help fund the enrollment fees for cadets’ first encampment. Encampment affords an excellent opportunity for cadets to learn important skills that will enhance their cadet careers.

(Capt. Robert Severance III)

Dallas CS

Patrick Attends AF Academy Summer Seminar, 8–13 June

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado Attending the Air Force Academy is the dream of many CAP cadets, so it’s no surprise that C/2d Lt Matthew Patrick, of Dallas Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing has that same dream.

When considering applying to the USAF Academy, many potential candidates take advantage of “Summer Seminar,” a week-long program offered by the Academy that provides an inside look at the life of an Air Force Cadet. The 760 slots for Summer Seminar attendance are coveted, because, although not a guarantee of acceptance to the Academy, selection for this program is “looked upon very favorably.” Typically, 50% of Summer Seminar students go on to attend the Air Force Academy, while another 40% attend other service academies.

Applications, which must include the student’s GPA and a resume highlighting academic and athletic achievements, civic involvement, work/job experience and leadership positions are accepted beginning in January. Thus kicks off a months-long process of waiting and interviews by Air Force staff before the final determinations are announced. Therefore, it was with great enthusiasm that C/2d Lt Patrick heard of his acceptance into the program for this summer.

Cadet Patrick traveled to Colorado Springs for the 8 June Session “A” of Summer Seminar. Upon arrival and check-in, he received all supplies and clothing he would need for his week's stay in Vandenburg Hall, a dormitory he could potentially live in as a “Doolie” (a nickname for "4th class cadet" or, in civilian’s terms, "freshman"). Participants spent session days doing PT and in classes. From a field of 26 classes, each Summer Session student is asked to choose 9, of which they are assigned to six.

Cadet Patrick’s classes, taught by Academy professors and cadets, included:

  • International Systems Simulation – a class in which each person represented a country in a mock UN, trying to achieve goals for their country. Cadet Patrick represented Kazakhstan, the world’s largest land-locked country, straddling Central Asia and Europe.

  • Introduction to Aviation – a class consisting of 3 sessions in T6 flight simulators in which students first got used to the simulator and flying with a joystick, went on to participate in a staged mission with a mock bombing run, and finally engaged in a mock dog-fight. Cadet Patrick is proud to point out that in the final session he was not killed, while having 2 kills to his credit prior to running out of time.

  • In the Air Force Career Orientation, the potential cadets learned about the financial side of a career as an Air Force officer, to include current pay scales and the benefits they could anticipate.

  • The Flight Orientation class took place at the airfield and included a tour of three aviation programs open to Academy cadets:

    • The jump program includes five jumps, with even the first one done solo. Based on performance during the program, this can ultimately land an Academy cadet on the "Wings of Blue" jump team that does demo jumps at various public venues. 

    • The glider program, "Soaring" can result in a cadet joining a glider team for aerobatics and distance competitions. 

    • The final program, Powered Flight, is for those who enter the Academy with a private pilot's license. Historically, the vast majority of participants in this program have been given their first choice of aircraft upon completion of their pilot training.

  • Lasers & Optics – a class held in the laser lab, where a technician demonstrated a laser transmitting data to a stereo, an infrared camera, and a death ray (a high-powered laser beam that, on demo mode, can set paper on fire and subsequently bounce off a mirror to set a model satellite on fire as well). The class also looked at telescopes in the observatory.

  • Chemistry of Air Space Propulsion – a class in which various explosions were demonstrated with differing components, including a hydrogen balloon and a chemical explosion. Participants also went into a lab and used mock potato guns to figure out how much and what type of fuel would make the metal projectile go the fastest.

The final day of Summer Seminar, "Doolie for a day," lets students experience the life of an Academy Doolie, to help them determine whether the Air Force Academy is for them. The day, that started at 0510, included Basic Cadet Training and a sample of academics. Then, just as quickly as it had began, the week ended with dinner and a culmination ceremony. That evening, the students packed up in preparation for departure the following morning, leaving behind new friends and carrying many memories back with them.

So what did C/2d Lt Matthew Patrick think of his five-day experience?  "It was really fun, and definitely made me want to attend the Academy for college.  Somehow, I know it wasn’t as hard core as the actual Academy is going to be, but that’s OK."

Did Cadet Patrick bring anything back that he could use in his squadron? "I sure did. In 'military bearing competition' you were required to fill your mouth with water and maintain perfect military composure no matter what. If you laughed, your shirt would get all wet and you lost. It was a lot of fun."

Cadet Promotions, 16 June

DALLAS, Texas The squadron was short-staffed due to Encampment participation and other summer commitments, but C/2d Lt Matthew Patrick, assisted by 1st Lt Phil Rains, was there to recognize and promote those cadets who had completed their latest achievements: C/MSgt Mike Kaplor advanced another level toward his Billy Mitchell Award, achieving the Gen Jimmy Doolittle award and earning the rank of C/SMSgt. Then Cadets Collin Cathcart and Zachary Buswold became C/TSgts, having completed the requirements of the Capt Eddie Rickenbacker award.

1. 2. 3.

[1] C/2d Lt Matthew Patrick congratulates C/MSgt Mike Kaplor on his promotion, as 1st Lt Phil Rains stands in for the squadron commander. [2] C/2d Lt Matthew Patrick congratulates C/TSgt Collin Cathcart... [3] ...and C/TSgt Zachary Buswold.

(2nd Lt. Sue Cathcart)

Gladewater Corsairs CS

Texas Wing Summer Encampment, 14-21 June

BIG SANDY, Texas - This is my first year with CAP, so I was privileged to attend the Texas Wing Basic Summer Encampment hosted at the ALERT Academy in Big Sandy, Texas. We reported to Encampment at 1200 hours on 15 June to start training. Our days followed a basic routine. 

They woke us at what felt like midnight everyday, but was actually 0600 hours. Then we would go outside to do PT (and I don’t mean personal time). We would do an hour of stretching followed by thirty minutes of running equaling a mile or more, usually more. After that, we would have morning formation and then breakfast.

We then went to our barracks to dress in BDU’s for morning inspection. Then we would have an activity or we would go to the PIR (Pass in Review) field for drilling. Lunch would follow, and off to class after that, to learn about different military and Air Force related things including: various airplane types and uses, jobs available in the military and on base, and military ranks and protocol. Finally, we would have dinner and be allowed personal time or go to the devotionals offered. The devotionals were fun, but I wish there had been more than the two.

My two favorite activities during the week were when we were able to do the ropes course as a unit and the shooting range. My flight, Alpha, went to an off-site area by vans one day. When we got to the range they had the rifles on the ground by mats and we were assigned a number so we would know which weapon was ours. We had to take the clip out, load one bullet, and put the clip back in. After we fired that round, I was told that I didn’t have to take the clip out anymore, just load the next 49 bullets into the bolt. The ropes course was cool too, because we were able to work together and come up with solutions to get through. It was great fun and a great way to share ideas. 

The only bad thing was when bees ambushed us and I was stung several times on the arm and leg, along with most of the other cadets. No one was seriously hurt, but it did sting pretty badly.

Near the end of training, Alpha Flight forms for a group photo. The author is the fourth cadet from the right (sixth person from the right). His new friend Dundore is the cadet ahead of him in the line.

I made a lot of friends including cadets Velez and Dundore. It was great hanging out with people from all over Texas and some from as far away as Maine, Wyoming, California, Washington, and Florida.

That’s what I did at summer encampment 2008. It was hard work, but worth the blisters.

(C/AB Corin Carter)

Cadet Receives Two Prestigious Awards, 17 June

     GLADEWATER, Texas - On 17 June, a Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron cadet was presented two very prestigious awards. Cadet Second Lieutenant Jarrod Alexander received the General Billy Mitchell Award and the Air Force Association Cadet of the Year Award.  U.S. Air Force Colonel Rudy Byrne presented both of these awards to Cadet Lieutenant Alexander. (Photo: L-R, Colonel Rudy Byrne, Cadet Second Lieutenant Jarrod Alexander and Captain Harold Parks)

Colonel Byrne, who stopped off on his way to a new assignment in Germany, had been the Commander of the 314th Operations Group at Little Rock Air Force Base until that very morning. As the 314th Group Commander, he had been responsible for a Department of Defense Formal Training Unit comprised of 502 personnel using C-130E, C-130J, and C-21 aircraft. Annually, the group trains 2000 students from all services and 31 allied nations. 

The General Billy Mitchell Award is earned after completing the first eight of sixteen achievements in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. In addition, the cadet must pass an arduous 100-question examination testing leadership theory and aerospace topics. Upon completion of each achievement, the cadet earns increased responsibility, decorations, awards, eligibility for national and international special activities, and opportunities for both flight and academic scholarships. Completing many of the achievements also earn the Cadet a higher grade within the CAP rank structure. A cadet who earns the Mitchell Award, is promoted to the grade of Cadet 2d Lieutenant.

The Air Force Association Cadet of the Year Award is presented by an Air Force Association member (Colonel Byrne is a Life Member) to an outstanding cadet. Cadet Alexander's Squadron Commander, Captain Harold Parks, had nominated Cadet 2d Lieutenant Alexander for this Award. This cadet serves as the Cadet Commander in the Gladewater Composite Squadron and is also rated as a Ground Team Member 2, an advanced Emergency Services rating. Cadet Alexander aspires to achieve a Ground Team Member 1 rating (the highest rating) followed by a Ground Team Leader rating by the end of 2008. He leads his cadets by example, rather than simply demanding performance from them. Teaching them required elements of the Cadet Program seems to come naturally to him, making him a very positive role model. He is a credit to himself, his family, and the Civil Air Patrol.

(Capt. Harold Parks, Commander)

Gregg County CS

My Summer ATS Experience, 14-21 June

BIG SANDY, Tex - I arrived at the Texas Wing Summer Encampment's Advanced Training Squadron not knowing what to expect. Fun and excitement? Fear and hardships? I did not know, but I was sure that it would be fun for me!

The first day we were there, the instructors introduced themselves; they were C/Capt. Andrews, ATS Commander; C/1st Lt Stewart, Juliet Flight Commander; C/CMSgt. Williams; C/SMSgt. Barnes, Kilo Flight Commander.  All of them were great!

We had a class on Customs and Courtesies and on CAP Uniforms. Every day we held inspections ourselves, as part of our training in both personal integrity and self-respect. This was our first responsibility.

The billets were better than they had been at the National Guard facility, but we had to do a lot of cleaning. The food was not all that great: we needed more protein in our diet to keep up with the strenuous activities!

We  formed into two flights,  Juliet and Kilo. In those two flights there were Squads 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each Squad had a Squad Commander and Sergeant. The instructors would tell us where to go and leave the rest to us. This was our second responsibility at ATS.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Taken during in-processing, "Peaches n' Cream" is the chosen stage name of cadets Preston Pietrzykowski (right) and Nick Spanial, both members of Gregg County CS. [2] The ATS group in the gym during the volleyball tournament. "Peaches n' Cream" are the undisputed "cheerleaders" for their team, and the line's energetic momentum. [3] Cadets Nick Spanial and Preston Pietrzykowski give a "thumbs up" for ATS. [4] Bringing up the rear behind the cadet basics, the ATS contingent passes in review at graduation. (Photo captions: 2d Lt Nancy Spanial)

As the week went on, we had more classes such as Communications and Staff Positions: SET (Standards Evaluation Team), Flight Commanders and Sergeants, Command Chief, and so on.  We also had a class on Home Squadron Positions: First Sergeant, Squadron Commander, and how closely they have to work together.

We had a class on leadership: how different cadets' personality will make your job as Flight Commander or Sergeant easier or more difficult. Then we went outside and watched the flights drill, took notes on how well they did, what we saw wrong with their drilling, and what we liked about it. Then we went back inside and wrote an essay on what we had just seen.

The week went by too quickly and... Yes! I had a lot of fun! (I always do). The best thing about going to encampment is that when you're done with it, you will go home more confident and stronger than before; and 90% of the time you will see your encampment buddies at other activities.

( See the Summer ATS 2008 Squad 2 Skit video led by Cdt Nick Spanial, videographer unknown - Editor)

I highly recommend ATS before staffing anything. It gives you training and confidence; besides, it will look great on your resume. Hope to see you at Winter Encampment '08.

(C/SrA Nick Spanial)

Mesquite Blacksheep CS

Squadron Participates in Brand-New Local Event, 31 May

FORNEY, Texas On 31 May 2008, cadets and senior members from the Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron took part in the 1st Annual Celebration of Youth Sports event, held at the Mustang Creek Shopping Center, in Forney, Texas. During the day, young people had many opportunities for signing up for various sporting activities, as offered by the league organizers.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] The event drew a large crowd of parents and young people looking for a sporting activity to sign up for. [2] C/2d Lt Mitchell Graham and C/Amn Brandon Keehan help a league organizer pack up his booth. [3] C/2d Lt Mitchell Graham,  C/Amn Brandon Keehan, and C/Amn Garrett Porter help set up a booth for a league organizer. [4] C/Amn Brandon Keehan and C/2d Lt Mitchell Graham listen to a live band that performed during the afternoon. [5] C/CMSgt Andrew Smith and C/Amn Garrett Porter move barricades to let through cars from  the auto show leaving the event.

The Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron members staffed their own booth, with posters and hand-out materials to encourage youngsters interested in becoming CAP cadets. As young visitors asked questions, the CAP cadets told them about the many opportunities they would have as members of the Civil Air Patrol.

The cadets also assisted in crowd control, as well as helped other organizations set up their booths.

For more entertainment, the cadets and attendees were treated to an auto show and a live band that performed in the afternoon.

Participating cadets included C/2d Lt Mitchell Graham, C/CMSgt Andrew Smith, C/Amn Brandon Keehan, and C/Amn Garrett Porter. Senior members included 1st Lt Opal McKinney and 1st Lt Jerry Barron.

(Capt. Kelly Castillo)

1st Lt Buckalew Receives Award, 10 June

MESQUITE, Texas On 10 June 2008, the Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron recognized 1st Lt Toby Buckalew with the esteemed Commander’s Commendation Award. In making the presentation, Lt Col Mike Eberle, squadron commander, announced that 1st Lt Buckalew had distinguished himself through superior performance during fiscal year 2007, earning the Texas Wing Communications Officer of the Year as well as the Southwest Region Communications Officer of the Year awards.

1st Lt Buckalew receives the Commander's Commendation Award from Lt Col Mike Eberle, squadron commander.

“I nominated Toby for his outstanding work as both Squadron and Group III Communications Officer,” said Lt Col Eberle. “He is, without a doubt, a major contributor to the squadron's success.”

1st Lt Buckalew joined CAP on 17 November 2003. Some of his other accomplishments include qualification as ARCHER Operator, Ground Radiological Monitoring, Air Radiological Monitoring, Logistics Section Chief, Mission Staff Assistant, Mission Scanner, and Mission Observer.

(Capt. Kelly Castillo)

Flag Retiring Ceremony, 17 June

MESQUITE, Texas - On 17 June 2008, the Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron performed their annual Flag Day Ceremony, commemorating the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.

The ceremony started when C/CMSgt Brittany Stelting spoke about the American flag and the proper way to retire it.

Afterwards, several American flags that were considered worn out, damaged or badly stained were placed into a burn pot as part of the retirement ceremony. Squadron members participated in the event, as they took turns to ceremonially place a flag in the burn pot.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] American flags rest in a burn pot after years of doing their part. [2] C/MSgt Matthew Garcia presents a salute after laying a flag. He was followed by a procession of cadets doing the same. [3] C/CMSgt Brittany Stelting delivers her ceremonial speech. [4] Lt. Col. Jack Birchum, Moral Leadership Officer, lays the final flag in a burn pot.

The event ended with two final flags that were each retired by Lt. Col. Mike Eberle, Squadron Commander, and Lt. Col. Jack Birchum, the Squadron Moral Leadership Officer.

The ceremony taught the cadets the Civil Air Patrol's Core Value of Respect: respect for the flag, respect for the country, and respect for the men and women who have died defending it.

"Our flag deserves more respect for retirement than just a trash can," said C/CMSgt Stelting. "We teach our cadets that this symbol represents our freedom.”

Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States, once said, "But when we look at our flag and behold it emblazoned with all our rights, we must remember that it is equally a symbol of our duties. Every glory that we associate with it is the result of duty done. A yearly contemplation of our flag strengthens and purifies the national conscience."

(C/CMSgt Andrew Smith)

Pegasus CS

Nimitz Museum Field Trip, 7 June

FREDERICKSBURG, Texas – On 7 June, the Pegasus Composite Squadron took a field trip to Fredericksburg, Texas to visit the Nimitz Museum. I had heard of the Nimitz Museum, but never had an opportunity to visit it. The facility focuses on the Pacific War during WWII. The tour is broken into three parts: National Museum of the Pacific War, Admiral Nimitz Museum, and the Pacific Combat Zone. I was really looking forward to seeing the relics and mementos collected there, and learn as much as I could.

The National Museum of the Pacific War is the first building you walk through. It is full of astonishing artifacts. They have one of Doolittle's B-25s and a Japanese midget submarine. When I first saw the sub, I was amazed at how big it was, compared to my own size. The museum was set up really cool to enhance the experience.

Next came the Admiral Nimitz Museum, including the Nimitz family history. The museum shows the life of Chester Nimitz from his birth in 1885 to his early childhood, his appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, and his role during WWII. It was great to know that Admiral Nimitz was born in Fredericksburg, Texas.

1. 2.

[1] A Japanese midget sub was a lot bigger than I had expected. [2] One of Jimmy Doolittle's B-25s, the first bombers ever to take off from an aircraft carrier. They went on to make a surprise bombing raid over Tokyo. (Photos: Admiral Nimitz Museum)

Finally we visited the area dedicated to the Pacific War Combat Zone, where I saw the last PT boat to make it out of WWII. To see something that served in the Pacific Theater, and to know that it helped in the U.S. victory, is quite remarkable. Just to be in the presence of such equipment is humbling, as I thought of the fighting men who had manned it, and perhaps died in it. For me, this was an unforgettable experience.

An unexpected treat was the Nimitz Japanese Garden of Peace, a gift from the military leaders of Japan to the people of the United States, in honor of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, presented in 1976. It has a wooden building, replica of Admiral Togo's meditation study, built by Japanese craftsmen in Japan. It was disassembled, transported to Fredericksburg, and reassembled by the same craftsmen. It uses no nails.

After a wonderful time at the Museum, a great way to end the day in Fredericksburg is to eat at Der Lindenbaum Restaurant. The German name means, “The Lime Tree.” The food was delicious, and they had more sausages than I ever knew existed. After you visit the museum, this is the place to eat, and it is famous in Fredericksburg.

This field trip was an exciting way to spend the weekend. It is always fun to hang out with fellow CAP cadets and discover military history. Our detail for the day included Lt Col Debbie French, 1st Lt Bill Davidson, C/2d Lt Rand Fowler, C/CMSgt Zach Harvey, C/CMSgt Mark Davidson, C/SMSgt Robbie Petrosky, C/A1C Justin Markwardt, C/Amn Russell Darr, and C/AB Jake Denison.

Sometimes, it is good to skip the routine of regular squadron meetings and do something different and instructive as well. The Nimitz museum is awesome. It is something any military enthusiast ought to visit.

(C/SMSgt Robbie Petrosky)

Waxahachie Talon CS

Annual Pancake Fly-in, 7 June

WAXAHACHIE, Texas What could possibly be better than smelling jet fuel and fresh hot pancakes bright and early at 0700? Not much, especially if you’re a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

On June 7, 2008, the Waxahachie/Midlothian Mid-Way Regional Airport hosted their annual Pancake Fly-in, and once again the airport authorities asked the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron to flight-line marshal for the airport.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Unit commander Major Tom Smalley and C/MSgt Jason Myers guard the DC3. [2] Customers wait in a long line for their pancakes. [3] C/A1C Andrew Coberley parks a plane. [4] Antique and classic cars, restored to showroom condition, were a welcome attraction.

Throughout the day, both cadets and senior members marshaled over 50 aircraft in and out of the taxiway. Most of the planes were Cessnas, tail draggers, Bonanzas, DC3s, and T28s. As an addition, some residents even brought their antique cars to display on the ramp.

In an amusing aside, CAP Major Bill Harber was signaling an aircraft to slow down. The pilot, a bit confused by the signal, asked, “Are you acting as if you’re an airplane?” Major Harber chuckled and replied, “No, sir. I was trying to get you to slow down.”

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

[5] A pair of T-28s share the runway on air crew. [6] C/Capt Hamm spices up her marshalling of a Beechcraft Bonanza with a bit of "YMCA" routine on the letter C. [7] Major Tom Smalley does the “YMCA” to marshal his plane. [8] Major Jane Smalley tries to reenact the “YMCA” performance. [9] Everyone gathers before leaving for the day, happy for the squadron's success.

Cadet Captain Tiffany Hamm commented, “I believe we had more local residents come to the event than we had airplanes. Although, I have to say that the lady cooking the pancakes did an amazing job. Her unique pancake-flipping technique was a great hit with the customers.”

The Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron did it again. The event was a success, with a large turnout of both people and airplanes.

[The editor had never heard of "doing the YMCA," so he asked. There's a song by that name by The Village People that became a hit in January, 1979. This is a local variant of the routine, combining the rhythm with "playing statues" in parody of the letters Y-M-C-A. Reportedly, Y and A are a snap, but M and C are harder. My thanks to the author for filling me in on this. Editor.]

(C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm)


A Midnight Summer’s Dream

The clock strikes midnight as I lay half-awake in bed

Then, an instant later…

Paradise.

 

First, I breathe in the fresh salt-water air

As I watch the sun slowly slip just below the horizon.

I dig my feet into the cool, moist sand,

And listen to the seagulls' cry against the wind.

 

Fireflies are dancing in the muted sky,

Waves sweep across the shoreline,

Crabs scurry under the sand,

The moon glistens in a beam thrown across the sea,

As the dolphins leap gracefully out of the water.

 

It was a midnight summer’s dream.

(C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm)


 

Pause

Things seem to be falling into place.

But at the same time, they’re falling apart.

 

Love is close at hand,

But yet too far to reach.

 

Opportunities are knocking,

But the door remains closed.

 

The clock is ticking,

But time is frozen in place

 

~ Just because life seems to be on pause

It doesn’t mean you should wait for life to catch up with you ~

(C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm)

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