Group III, Texas Wing - SWR-TX-030
 Civil Air Patrol     U.S. Air Force Auxiliary 

Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond

Newsletter - August, 2008

Identity

Most people I know hang on to their identity with an iron fist, and rightly so. The safety of their money depends on it. But there's another kind of identity -- that knowledge of ourselves that we carry around with us, day in and day out, than intimate conviction that describes us to ourselves. From earliest youth, most of us have sculpted who we are, one way or another, arriving at the sum total of experiences that have gone into forming our opinion of intimate self, including worth. This process takes time, of course, and is the result of many variables. In broad terms, and focusing only on the main influences, we could say that some people have been subjected to powerful outside direction, others have been driven by their own inner goals and tendencies, yet others seem to just coast along, content with remaining anonymous faces in the crowd, oblivious to any external or internal influence. Such is human nature. So it would seem that using a single word to describe the idea of identity isn't all that smart, because it doesn't seem capable of fitting everyone. So now I feel the need to dig a little deeper.

I've already disclosed my predilection for etymology, so that's the path we'll follow in this quest for clarification. Let's take a careful look at this one, given that it is a word taken seriously by nearly all. It arrived from the the Middle French identité, having entered English in the 14th century, as the Great Vowel Shift was in full swing. In turn, it had traveled into French from the Late Latin (5th century) identitatem, which is a declension of identitas, which in turn means "sameness." This in turn derived from the earlier Classical Latin idem, "the same," and actually identitatem is abstracted from identidem, meaning "over and over," itself coined by contraction of the phrase idem et idem.

Well, I declare! That isn't quite what I had expected! But, folks, that's all we have. Besides, it might make sense after all. Let's clear the slate and think about this for a moment. "Something unique," whispers my ego in my mind's ear, "such as my identity, surely ought to be named and described by an exclusive etymological ancestry, deriving from some clearly distinguishing term and resultant brilliant verbal expression. Now, shouldn't it?" The thought has now blossomed and entered my consciousness in full dress uniform, militant and ready for battle. I am now indignant. "What do you mean, taken from over and over? That couldn't be!"

Time out... Let's take a deep breath... Let's look around... To tell you the truth, I've known some people who besides exhibiting a strong identity are also given to waxing poetic, at great length, concerning their exalted opinion of themselves. Which, of course, is seldom shared by others. Small wonder that people not stricken by this tendency generally avoid them.

What are we to make of this revelation? Obviously, the Romans coined it on their own, so that it was able to pass into French as neatly served by the Latin lexicon, fully baked in its modern sense. Come to think of it, it is also well-known that Romans were keen observers of human nature. Celebrated, too, were they for their great sense of humor (if at times it ran to slapstick). Was this their idea of using the proverbial pin on the boaster's balloon of an ego? ("Ego," by the way, is Latin for "I," the personal pronoun in first person singular.)

I couldn't find any reference to the Romans' hidden attitude towards identidem. But I must confess that I didn't look very hard, once I'd found a reference to Gaius Valerius Catullus (Roman poet who lived from about 84 BC to about 54 BC), in a poem where obviously he uses it in earnest, no discernible double meaning that I can see. Then again, that was fully 400 years before Attila the Hun hopelessly dislocated the Roman Empire, dealing it a mortal blow that was not immediately apparent. However, soon after that, the Visigoths sacked Rome, an event that precipitated its fall. Indeed, many things can happen in 400 years.

Coincidentally, nearly 400 years after Attila, the Roman Empire was "reborn" thanks to Charlemagne, the 1st Holy Roman Emperor, generally credited with having consolidated the power of Rome in the West as he united Western Europe under his own rule. By the sword, of course. The Middle Ages didn't leave much room for other methods.

You might think about this, next time someone asks you for your ID.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages
Group Commander

What it's all about...

As always, I’m sitting down to write this editorial with thousands of thoughts swirling in my mind. I’m going to do my best to connect these thoughts for you.

I’ll start with telling you why July has been a great month. It began with a visit to the Crusader Composite Squadron to present a Commander’s Commendation to Frank Stalling. Awards are always a great start. That was followed by July 4th, a Mitchell Award in Waxahachie, four Mitchell Awards in Tyler, the Group III face-to-face Commander’s Call & Staff meeting (which itself had a bunch of awards), the Mesquite Blacksheep Composite Squadron reunion (which as an alum I was invited to attend), Hurricane Dolly at Category 2, an SLS & CLC in Tyler (extremely well attended, I might add), and the IACE cadets in Dallas. It was a very busy month. It makes me tired just thinking about it!

Yet, even as I look back on July in appreciation of my CAP experience, I’m confronted with a hurricane. Shortly after it became apparent that Dolly would reach the South Texas coast at hurricane strength, I was asked by Texas Wing to serve as the IC for any missions that might develop. A hurricane mission is one of those conflicting moments for me. On the one hand I want to be able to show what Texas Wing can do. There is nothing broken about this wing, and I want to prove that we have the right stuff. On the other hand, having lived through hurricanes  as a young person in the Houston suburbs, I know and understand the havoc that such a force of nature can cause in the lives of thousands… or hundreds of thousands… and I feel a deep empathy with those who will be affected.

So here’s the thread that ties July together for me: my CAP experience puts me face-to-face with the very best and very worst of human experiences. On the one hand I get to work with the finest people anywhere. You. All of you. And that is an amazing privilege. On the other hand I am sometimes called on confront the worst disasters that nature can throw at us. And yet in confronting those disasters I am not alone, because all of you are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with me.

July has been a perfect example of why I’m in CAP: good people doing good work for their community, state, and nation; cadets who pave the way as our future leaders; fellowship with some of the best human beings I’ve ever met; the opportunity to answer the call in times of need.

And that’s what it's all about.

Thank you for the work that you do. Thank you for getting the training done. Thank you for helping our cadets grow as leaders. Thank you for making all of the administratively essential but not-fun-of-all things that support this organization and make it happen. Most of all, thank you for being there when your community, state, and nation call on you.

Thank you for being the very best Group in Texas Wing.

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Commander

Tertia semper primoris
Wing Commander

National Communications Plan, 29 July

Below is an important message from National HQ, concerning the National Communications Plan.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander

From: Salvador, John
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 2:52 PM
Subject: 2008 National Communications Plan

Here is a message from the National Communications Team Leader, Lt Col Mike Marek.

To Wing and Region CCs, DCs, and OPS Officers:

Here you will find the Civil Air Patrol National Communications Plan for 2008, as coordinated at National Headquarters and approved by Brigadier General Courter.

Although CAPR 100-1 requires this annual plan, this is the first produced in several years. It is written to reflect the "network design" of our overall HF and VHF communications network, addressing both (1) operation during missions and (2) in the routine mode of training and confidence checks.

It is my hope that this plan will help explain the context of network operations, and will also be the basis for the 2009 round of wing and region Communications Plans.

Lt. CoL. Mike Marek, Communications Team Leader

Wing Commander

 

Southwest Region Conference, 5-6 September

Below is an important message from the Southwest Region Commander, concerning the SWR Conference, 5-6 September 2008.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander

From: Jensen Joseph Col CAP SWR/CC
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 2:01 AM
Subject: [SWR Wing Command] 2008 SWR conference

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Attached is the Announcement and Registration Form for the Southwest Region Conference to be held in Oklahoma City on September 5 & 6, 2008. A couple of things of note:

1.  While we will have both an excellent awards banquet and great fellowship, we plan for this to be a working conference characterized by valuable training opportunities. These include an ICS 300 course by Lt. Col. Paul Spencer on Thursday and Friday, Garmin G1000 ground school refresher training, logistics and information technology training during the conference, and aerial intercept support training by Col. John Varljen on Sunday morning, 7 September.

2.  The hotel is located immediately across the interstate from Tinker AFB. We will have activities for cadets, including a tour of the Air Refueling Wing at Tinker on the Saturday of the conference.

3.  Our guest speaker is Lt. Col. C. David Ruvola, NYANG (Ret).  Lt. Col. Ruvola served as a pilot of the USAF HH-60 rescue helicopter in Operation Iraqi Freedom and during the famed “Perfect Storm” rescue. I expect that his presentation will be nothing less than outstanding.

It will be a great weekend. We would be delighted to have officers and cadets from throughout Southwest Region. Please make every attempt to attend if you can. Please note that hotel rooms may be limited soon, so we suggest you make your reservations as soon as you can.

Col. Joseph Jensen, SWR Commander
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

From the Interim National Commander

Please read the CAP CC Memo on Professional Conduct at Cadet Activities letter.

Please read the Clarification of CAPM 39-1, Cadet Grooming Standards

Brigadier General Amy S. Courter, Interim National Commander

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. 

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
Chaplain

Silver and Gold

This past weekend SM Roger Courtney and I went to Tyler for the Squadron Leadership School/Corporate Learning Course classes. SM Courtney was a student and I was an instructor. We were made welcome in the home of 1st Lt. Paul Paulson. 

We arrived Saturday morning for the instruction and, when we went in, a wonderful feeling came over me. Here were people I have known for many, many years. Also, here were people whom I had never met before, but were sharing the same love of CAP service that I have experienced for over 20 years. A growing and extended family.

I am reminded of the Biblical words for this feeling: Yedid Nefesh. This term is found in many places throughout the Bible and the Talmud. It means "a friend unto one’s soul." This explains the joyous feeling of the heart that the visitor experiences upon seeing friends or family members.

When I was young and in grade school, I remember sitting in the auditorium and singing. The song that comes most readily to mind went, "Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver, the other gold."  To all my gold friends, "Hi, I was glad to see you." To my new silver friends, "I am happy to have met you." 

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marc Ben-Meir

"Chaplain Marc"
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
Information Technology

Most Common Mistakes that Beginning Webmasters Make - The Chain of Command

There seems to be some confusion about how the chain of command ought to be stated on a website, largely caused by CAPR 110-1, 6. Identification, that says, "CAP operations involving web pages must set forth the name 'Civil Air Patrol' and immediately thereafter identify the name of the sponsoring unit on the main page of the site." This document is over 8 years old, and gives no other guidelines, nor specifies the size typeface to be used, or the relationship between the posting unit's type size and the National HQ name. The occasional webmaster has followed the letter of the law, creating a website that, on the main (and also every) page, shows "Civil Air Patrol" in very large letters, followed by the unit's name in fairly small lettering.

Such practice tends to give the appearance that the website in question is the main Civil Air Patrol site, with an afterthought expressed in the name of the owner unit. In years past, the U.S. Air Force made this requirement of all units, that in turn had (and still have) a unique name/charter number. The Civil Air Patrol, on the other hand, has many squadrons with the same name that are members of different wings (but do have a unique charter number). There are also many "Group 2" or "Group II" units in CAP, with their own wing affiliation, and again with their unique charter number. Surprise! CAPR 110-1 does not require that the unit's charter number be shown.

So what happens when, following the current rules, "Civil Air Patrol - Group 2" is the only designator appearing on a website's masthead? Which wing owns it? Where is it located? To see what the Air Force does today, let's visit a USAF website. We'll pick: http://www.1af.acc.af.mil/ "1st Air force," in large letters at the left of the masthead, is followed by "America's Air Force" in smaller letters to the right (on every page, not just the opening page). For the USAF, that is all that is needed, because there is only one 1st Air Force in all of the Air Force. And the "naming direction," as read, is from lower (1st Air Force) to higher (U.S. Air  Force).

Now here comes CAP. In the case of Eagle Composite Squadron (Ohio Wing, CAP), Eagle Composite Squadron (Group 1, Pennsylvania Wing, CAP), and Eagle Composite Squadron (New Mexico Wing, CAP), if the rules are followed, would it be OK to have a website headed by, "Civil Air Patrol - Eagle Composite Squadron"? The question now is, who owns that website? Is it in Ohio, Pennsylvania, or New Mexico Wing?

To solve this quandary, we can draw an analogy from signature blocks. Let's look at my own, which clearly describes my unit of assignment. Over the past four years, I have been:

  • 1st Lt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Public Affairs Officer, Tex Hill Composite Squadron, Group 8, Texas Wing, Southwest Region, Civil Air Patrol,

  • 1st Lt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Texas Wing, Southwest Region, Civil Air Patrol,

  • Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Public Affairs Officer, Group III, Texas Wing, Southwest Region, Civil Air Patrol, and now

  • Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Director of Public Affairs, Southwest Region, Civil Air Patrol.

In all except the last one, I could still have described my unit of assignment without error had I omitted the region designator. But on the last one I need to show it, since now I'm assigned to region itself. It's as simple as that.

Therefore, as I describe myself, so should I describe a CAP website.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, ITO

Information Technology - Guest Tip

 

How to add a favicon to your website

If you've ever wondered how website designers get a little graphic icon (called a favicon) into the address bar in your browser, I have just the site for you. Please visit http://tools.dynamicdrive.com/favicon/

The site has a "favicon generator" that lets you upload and convert a .jpg or .gif file of your wing, group or squadron emblem (a high-resolution image is best - a scan of your unit patch is not as good.) Now click again, download the favicon version of the emblem, and read the instructions on getting it into the address line of your website. This is another free way to make your website stand out with visitors. Seems to work OK with various browsers. (Just make sure you add the correct /[path]/[icon-name] to the single line of code needed - Editor)

Send video clips with your news release

We all send photos and press releases to the print media, with varying success. Getting the broadcast media out to a CAP event is hit-or-miss, too. A Philadelphia TV station (WPVI; visit http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/feature?section=resources&id=5791800) now appears to accept short video clips, so we're thinking about doing this. Maybe a video clip with a press release that they can turn into a voiceover. NJ Wing bought our PA directorate a pretty nice camcorder this year (Sanyo HD1000, I love this thing) which creates crystal-clear video, so we're thinking about doing this with our upcoming encampment graduation. Anyone have any experience with this?

1st Lt. Mark Swanson, NJ Wing PAO
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

Planned Unit Commanders Course

I'm planning a UCC for September or October. If you are interested in either taking this course or instructing, please let me know so I'll have a better idea of how large a facility we'll need.

I'd like to recommend an on-line course that all PDO's should take. The course materials are located at http://www.cap.gov/visitors/members/professional_development/pd_course/

This is designed to be a classroom-taught course, but it can serve you well as a self-paced home-study course just as well. If you take the course, give me some feedback, please. It might be a good addition to the 2009 Group schedule.

Capt. Vanessa Smith, PDO
 tx438pdo@yahoo.com 

Group III's SLS/CLC Course, 26-27 July

TYLER, Tex. – The Project Manager was Capt. Vanessa Smith, Group III PDO. The Program Director was Lt. Col. Dennis Bennett, a member of Tyler Composite Squadron.

Attending the Squadron Leadership School were: FO Todd Courtney,1st Lt. Justin Stringfield, SM Jacquie Ramsay, Capt. Leonard Ellis, SM Brian Peoples, 1st Lt. John Love, SM Kevin Milligan, 1st Lt. Sanford Meyerson, 2d Lt. Hal Ticknor, 1st Lt. Phillip Rains, Capt. Don Robinson, SM Roger Courtney, Capt. William Kapela, SM John Austin, 1st Lt. Dick Gilmore, FO Elisabeth Niedrauer, SM Larry Smith, SM Marcus Moffitt, Capt. Thomas Greene, 1st Lt. Joe Kaplor, 1st Lt. Juston Coffman, SM Rebecca Charrier, 2d Lt. John  McDonald,SM Darrell Smith, 1st Lt. Randy Stafford, and SM Robert Pohlmann.

Attending the Corporate Learning Course were: 1st Lt. Jerrold Barron, 1st Lt. Bruce Folks, 2d Lt. Rod Saucedo, Capt. Robert Smith, 1st Lt. Paul Paulsen, Capt. Bryan SMith, Capt. Vanessa Smith, Capt. Stephen Hundley, Capt. Jerry Jones, Lt. Col. Terry Howlett, Capt. Cheri Fischler, 1st Lt. Janet Kristoffersen, and 1st Lt. Carolyn Morton

The Instructors were – from Group III, Lt. Col. Ned Beiser, Lt. Col. Cynthia Whisennand, Capt. Carolyn Bitner, Lt. Col. Tex Collins, Maj. Mike Cobb, and Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marc Ben-Meir; from Group II, Maj. Pete Boronkay; and from Group IV, Capt. Bob Beeley.

Afterwards, the students ambushed the Project Manager, Capt. Vanessa Smith, and Lt. Col. Terry Howlett presented her with a card signed by all participants, as well as a beautiful Texas plant. It was a touching moment, and the group was very amused that they had managed to surprise the honoree. "Thank you all," she said, "and thank you for coming and making this the best attended SLS/CLC event in recent memory."

On Saturday, Lt. Col. Owen Younger, the Group III Commander, paid a visit, but – though happy to see him – everyone was too busy to take a photo of him.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Director of Public Affairs, SWR
Public Affairs – Commentary on Service

  

 

A First-Time TAC Officer's Week, 14-21 June

BIG SANDY, Tex. – In all my years of volunteer work, my first Civil Air Patrol encampment was a totally different experience. Boy Scout camps, music camps, Bible camps, and athletic events had all been great opportunities, but totally different from the 2008 Texas Wing Summer Encampment. In fact, none of them had prepared me for what I was to experience here.

When I volunteered without specifying a job, I was given the position of “Floating TAC Officer.” Later I found that “TAC Officer” stood for “Training, Advising, and Counseling Officer,” but at the time I didn’t even know what one was, let alone, what one did. I got a quick and thorough education, and learned that a TAC Officer (or just “TAC”) does many jobs and truly “wears many hats.” 

...Day One

My first “unofficial” job was rounding up early arrivals as I worked under the threat of a tornado approaching the area. After a quick look-see, under the stairwell seemed like the best place, so many introductions were made there as cadet basics got acquainted with one another in very crowded conditions. After the weather threat had passed and lunches were eaten, my first “official” job was helping check in cadet basics, going through bags and securing contraband – all the while welcoming cadets who were sometimes nervous, sometimes excited, sometimes both. First-timers were always nervous, and even though I didn’t have a clue as to what was going to happen, I tried to allay their fears by telling them that a great week lay ahead.

Drills and marching were next, all very strenuous. By the end of the day, there were homesick cadets already. I could see that one of my biggest roles as a TAC Officer would be that of “encourager.” I was there to assist other senior members wherever needed. I was soon called upon to help at the medical office, counseling a cadet from our flight that was ill and did not want to return home. She had no choice in the matter, and would be sent back home due to illness – my job was to convince her that she was not a “failure” just because she wouldn’t be able to complete encampment at this time. A fellow TAC Officer offered to talk with her parents, and in the end she left determined to graduate at the next encampment. The evening followed with more counseling as I assisted the Chaplain after the evening devotional, overwhelmed with homesick cadets who already didn’t think they could complete encampment. My job as “encourager” was getting plenty of practice. 

...Day Two

Early morning PT and late night staff meetings left very little time for sleeping. Charge of Quarters (CQ) duty at 0330 (that’s 3:30 AM) shared with other officers left even less time. Cadets were tired, too, as days were long, drill was demanding, and the weather was very hot. Full schedules kept things moving at a quick step.

As a temporary TAC Officer for one flight, we did the ropes course obstacle on Monday. My job there was to oversee safety and encourage the flight to work together as a team. The challenge called for teamwork, not individual effort, and they had to learn to “think outside of the box.” I wanted more than anything to give them some ideas for a solution to their challenge, but then they wouldn’t have learned – and have the satisfaction of having figured it out for themselves. So now my additional roles included “guidance counselor, teacher, and safety officer.” 

...Day Three

The next day I had the chance to practice more encouragement, as I replaced three TAC Officers who had been called away for other duties. Being a “Floating TAC” had an advantage – I had a chance to get to know and work with more cadets, which I enjoyed. Early Tuesday evening, the notorious “bee incident” took place, giving me more opportunities to expand my role and wear yet another hat: helping out the medics.

They weren’t actually bees but ground hornets, the most aggressive type. With the “line search” training barely under way, a cadet temporarily on crutches unknowingly stuck his crutch into a nest underground. At once, a swarm of mad hornets attacked everything that moved. Flights of screaming cadet basics scattered, a flight officer grabbed the cadet on crutches and ran, and many sought shelter in a nearby building. But to no avail – the hornets came through the open doors, got inside their BDUs, and kept attacking. Over 40 cadets were stung, many multiple times, and they were brought into a room for treatment.

My first-aid kit had “Sting Eze,” and the medics were busy elsewhere with two cadets who were allergic to stings. That’s when I assumed the role of “medic assistant” and began treating stings. Not only was I giving first aid, but I was again encouraging cadets, trying to help them see some “good” in the seemingly “bad” situation. That was a tough job, too. With each application of “Sting Eze” I asked if they were all right; some were shaken and needed more attention than others. Some were very brave and didn’t show pain, even with red welts swelling up on their faces. I joked with them, trying to make them laugh, remembering that, “laughter doeth good like a medicine.” Soon they began to lighten up and calm down.

Seeking to use the incident as a learning tool, I gave them a “pep talk” about being persistent like the hornets – never give up, keep on attacking your goals, and go through the open doors of opportunity.  When you have to be assertive, give it all you’ve got. Don’t run away from your challenges, but keep working on them. Some of the cadets liked the analogy, and decided to nickname themselves “the hornets.”

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] One of my temporary stints took me to Bravo Flight, where I met some wonderful cadets. [2] Charlie Flight, with 1st Lt. James Douglas, of Delta Composite Squadron, in the background, were another one of my temporary charges. [3] A Charlie Flight cadet, with a sprained ankle. [4] On graduation day, 1st Lt. Nancy Spanial, Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith, and Maj. Gerry Davis, the Gregg County Deputy Commander for Cadets.

...Day Four

Wednesday morning I took over for yet another TAC Officer who had been called away, this time for a different flight. More ropes course training, more marching and drills, more hot weather, more “looking after” cadets with health issues or minor injuries. Inevitably, more staff meetings to discuss the problems that cadets were having, and how to best deal with them followed. As I got to know my fellow TAC Officers, I realized what a wonderful group they were. These professionals had given a week of their time to devote to this encampment – what a privilege to be counted among them!

Not only did we counsel and encourage the cadet basics, but the cadets that had been appointed as flight officers also needed help. They had a difficult job, and were faced with challenges from their flights that no one else had to deal with. They shouldered great responsibilities, and needed adult wisdom to help them through leadership struggles, not only with the cadet basics, but also with each other as staff members. Learning to work together as a team was not just for the cadet basics!

...Days Five and Six

After a seemingly endless Thursday, full of the same little triumphs and minor tragedies as the preceding days, it dawned upon us that we were “getting short” and would soon be done here. By Friday, everyone had developed a camaraderie that can only come from sharing the hardships and hopes of such an encampment experience. As a result, no one was looking forward to going home the next day and leaving their new friends and leaders behind.

The best was yet to come, with the traditional “grog” and awards ceremony and “dining in” celebration that night. At least that was the plan, but a sudden thunderstorm took out the electricity and left the entire banquet in the dark. During this storm, one of “my” cadets was found in the restroom, crying in pain. Was it an injury from the soccer game that afternoon? Perhaps, but it surely needed to be checked out, so the medics and I drove her to the closest hospital emergency room, with another cadet along for the company.

I stayed by her side while we discussed diagnostic procedures, and phoned her mother every step of the way, keeping her informed. Together, her mother and I made the best choices for the cadet’s diagnosis and procedures. In the hours spent waiting by her side, we played silly games until we laughed the time away, and then I knew that she was going to be fine. By midnight, our fears having been unfounded, we were on our way back to the dorm.

Overcoming her temporary trouble, “my” cadet would be able to march in Saturday’s Pass In Review, as her mother would proudly watch from the bleachers. Perhaps it had been at the hospital’s waiting room that I had found my most important role as a TAC Officer. “My” cadet’s mother hadn’t been there for her, but I had. In the uncertainty of that impersonal and sterile environment, I had been once again an encourager, counselor, advisor, prayer partner, and trusted friend – with only “my” cadet’s best care and comfort as my concern.

...Day Seven

On Saturday morning, excitement filled the air as cadets dressed in their Blues, shined their shoes, and made themselves nearly perfect. It was then that I asked about the awards ceremony on the previous evening. I wanted to know which cadets had received honors, which flight had been selected as the honor flight, and who received the honorary “grog.”  As they excitedly went down the list of those who had received coveted prizes, one of the cadets said, “Oh, and you got something, too… you got Honor TAC Officer!” I just stood there, stunned, since I hadn’t even known such a thing existed. Then it dawned on me: I hadn’t been there for the awards ceremony because I’d been doing my job…taking care of one of “my” cadets.

It had been a long, challenging, tiring, and very rewarding week. I learned that TAC Officers “wear many hats” and spend the entire week giving of themselves to others, expecting nothing in return. The job description for applicants seeking a TAC Officer position should include: patience, discernment, kindness, compassion, self-discipline, ability to endure sleep deprivation and work long hours, and strength to walk many miles in the hot sun or rain. Add the talent to be able to counsel, console, guide, lead, follow, direct, and move from job to job quickly and efficiently. Wait. I’m not done yet. They also need to be able to look after the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of cadets – and be effective in each job with only a moment’s notice, with no compensation expected and none received.

My greatest reward was the gratitude of both cadets and staff members at the end of the week, but perhaps the most rewarding moment of all came as I was spending some one-on-one time with a young cadet. He was in one of the flights I’d looked after as a temporary TAC Officer for one afternoon, when their regularly assigned TAC had been called for duty elsewhere. I asked him a few questions, trying to find out what he had learned at encampment, and whether he planned to return for the Advanced Training Squadron on the following year; then I asked him what he planned to do when he grew up, after he graduated from school. 

He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “I don’t know what I want to do for a living, but I know I want to come here and be a TAC Officer for a CAP encampment!” If he had seen that much value in what we had done, I knew it had been worthwhile. That one statement took my breath away, as I said a silent prayer of gratitude for having been allowed the privilege of serving others for one very short week in the summer of 2008.

2nd Lt. Nancy Spanial, Gregg County Composite Squadron
Public Affairs – In Memoriam

  

Tuskegee Airman Dies, 24 June

Retired Lt. Col. Charles Dryden, 87, one of the famed "Tuskegee Airmen" who broke the military's color barrier by becoming a World War II fighter pilot, died on June 24 in Atlanta, Ga.

Col. Dryden was born Sept. 16, 1920, in New York City to Jamaican parents. He graduated from Peter Stuyvesant High School and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Hofstra University and a master's in public law and government from Columbia University. 

In August 1941, he was selected for Army Air Corps aviation cadet training, and was commissioned on April 29, 1942, one of three graduates in the second all-black class to graduate from the Tuskegee Army Flying School in Alabama. He was a member of the 99th Pursuit Squadron and later the 332nd Fighter Group, which served in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. 

Known as "A-Train," he remained in the military after World War II and served in additional combat during the Korean War. He retired in 1962.

After his military service, Col. Dryden traveled throughout the world to share his story with both airmen and civilians through a variety of appearances. In 2007, he flew with nearly 200 Aviation Career Education students from Atlanta to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Ohio to present the museum with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal for a ceremony.

He also wrote his autobiography, A-Train: Memoirs of a Tuskegee Airman, which was published in 1997 by the University of Alabama Press. 

"Many of us feel we have an obligation to inform as many people as possible," said Col. Dryden during a visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in February. "They need to know about this very important part of American history from our own experiences." 

His visits made an impression on many airmen. "I was so excited to see him because my grandfather was his crew chief during World War II," said Master Sgt. Jonathan Curl, of the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena AB. "It was a way to touch my grandfather again." 

His message of challenge and change resonated with those in his audience. "I believe the experiences that [he] faced during his career set the path for all who came and will come behind him," said Master Sgt. Michelle Rozier, the 116th Air Control Wing's protocol superintendent at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., where Col. Dryden gave a speech.

(From News of the Force, 1 July 2008)
Public Affairs – Lone Star Emergency Services Academy - PAO/IO School

 

 

You never saw such a bunch, 21-28 June

BIG SANDY, Tex. - We were some bunch. Exactly. We gathered from CAP units across two states, coming together to learn, to share what we knew, to see the task of creating newsworthy articles through new eyes. Five senior members and three cadets. Eagerly, expectantly, we came to the classroom, a sanctum of knowledge, and began spreading out our computers, notebooks, pencils and cameras all over the desks, enjoying the big cool room. Cadets and seniors and this very senior senior, with several levels of talent and abilities, bent on learning even more from Capt. Arthur Woodgate, the newly appointed Southwest Region Director Of Public Affairs, master of interacting with the public. How would he interact with us? We were soon to learn that, and much more.

First, the cadets. Bright young minds, already impressive with their accomplishments.

Two of them have been accepted as Cadet Public Affairs Officers at the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course in Florida, a National Cadet Special Activity to be held by the end of July. This is a great accomplishment for two 16-year-olds. A third one, only 15, has his sights set on becoming a Major General. He certainly has the potential.

The senior members came from several squadrons in Texas and one is the new Oklahoma Wing PAO. One has no experience, others have from some to a lot. None is really expert at being a Public Affairs Officer, let alone the new skill of Mission Information Officer. That is why we’re here. Capt. Woodgate will teach us how to be that.

“Who were the first to occupy England?”, he asks at the beginning of the first session. What a strange way to begin teaching public affairs. No one but he knows; guesses or raised eyebrows are all he gets for answers. After a long set of challenges and more guessing we get the answer, soon forgotten by the time we learn of the invasion of Anglo-Saxons fleeing Attila the Hun. History, old history, to explain the beginnings of European languages.

1. 2. 3.

[1] 1st Lt DeeAnna Adams-Gorman, the Oklahoma Wing PAO, and C/1st Lt Raphael Erie, Pegasus Composite Squadron. [2] Capt. Arthur Woodgate deep in dissertation. [3] C/TSgt Christian Nelson, Apollo Composite Squadron, Capt Arthur Woodgate, and C/1st Lt Brandii Re'Ann Davis trying to unravel a linguisting puzzle.

More and more he reveals the effect of one occupant or another on the local language until we see, more or less, why German sounds one way, Italian another, and English is the way it is. “American English is a mess,” he says, with reasons now understood. (Not that British English is in much better shape, either.) He must be a professor of history, at least. We go to bed with sounds of other languages to intrude upon our dreams.

We get to know each other by responding to his assignments. The knowledge is disturbing to some but definitely heart-warming. We see each other much clearer now, and the immediate effect is that we see ourselves, too.

Capt. Woodgate compliments each entry and we are lifted. Maybe we’re better than we think. Then he launches into stories and reminders and there is ease and laughter around.

We strain to understand his charming Argentine accent and unique humor, as we learn more about the business of informing the public about our favorite outfit, the Civil Air Patrol. Capt. Woodgate continues to impress us with the depth of his knowledge, which he gives to us freely. We are drawn together into a working team. Oh, this is good.

More and more, a demonstration, a story, an opened magazine, something else to learn about. The subject is more involved than one ever thought. Now doubts creep in. Four days and evenings into it and the end is not in sight. In a day or two we’re to be exposed to the real world, with real-time assignments and things to do to deliver the Civil Air Patrol in its best possible light to the public eye. Will we succeed? Yes, we will. He can inspire us in five languages, maybe more.

Days pass. We feel smarter. Assignments are met, and discussed, and critiqued with constructive humor and kindness. Capt. Woodgate demonstrates good and poor magazine page design and publishing practices, and warns us about pushy media methods aimed at “getting the story” that might end up making the Civil Air Patrol look bad. He tells how to deal with the media, the public, and on occasion the relatives of the missing or lost.

There is a lot to being a Public Affairs Officer, and even more to being a Mission Information Officer. He even shows us how to build a simple website. Not easy for some.

Tomorrow is review day. I’m sure we’ll learn how well we have done. I’ll get a good grade, I think, but not the best. One of those terrific cadets will get that.

Tomorrow night there is a big barbeque over by the lake, where we’ll get to eat and talk, compare notes and cower or brag about what we’ve learned. Saturday is our grand graduation day. Are we going to be all dressed up in our finest uniforms, as we process before the school commandant and receive our due reward? Maybe not. I heard we won't pass in review.

But, oh, that will be some day. Our day.

Maj. Robert Brecount, PAO, Victoria Composite Squadron
Public Affairs – Commentary

 

 

On the Declaration of Independence, 4 July

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

PFLUGERVILLE, Tex. – As my wife and I sat in our backyard on a warm Texas 4th of July, fireworks burst over Pflugerville Lake (yes, the Austin suburb is named after the original settlers, the Pfluger family, and it is pronounced Flugerville). We, along with millions of Americans, took time away from our barbeques and gatherings with family and friends to watch the simulation of the “bombs bursting in air.” (Photo: C/Capt Tiffany Hamm)

Until the age of about fifteen, I had taken that celebration and the words from the Declaration of Independence for granted. Of course I deserved life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – which for me involved a 1963 Rambler I had rebuilt with my dad. In the early 1970s, when the opportunity arose to go to Romania for a high school choir tour, I jumped at the chance for adventure. This trip, of course, happened  before the tearing down of the Iron Curtain and the dissolution of  communist governments in Romania and many other Soviet Union satellite nations. In Bucharest, when military security armed with automatic weapons stood watch as we disembarked from the aircraft to begin our ten-day choral tour, I knew I had stepped into a very different world from the one I had always known.

The tour went well, the concerts were well received, we had loads of fun, and we saw many sites, including several “authentic” Count Dracula castles in Transylvania. As we stepped off the tour bus one last time to enter the airport for our trip home, we stood awkwardly with our tour guide whom we had all grown to love. One of us naively said, “Maybe you can visit us next year.” 

The guide looked at the student, sadness etched across his face, his eyes on the verge of tears, and said, “I would like that very much.” Only afterwards did we learn that he would be unable to get a visa to visit the United States and that, in fact, his travel was generally restricted to where his government would allow him to go. I learned at the entrance to the International Airport in Bucharest that, in many parts of the world, those truths of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were not so self-evident.

As we all enjoy the last month of summer, take time to read the Declaration of Independence again (or for the first time), pause to think about all of those before us who have made it possible for us to go on enjoying those truths, and consider how we might preserve those truths for future generations.

Have a great August, and enjoy those freedoms!

1st Lt. Richard Hacker, Group III PAO
Public Affairs – Commentary

 

 

When Opportunity Knocks, 8 July

LONGVIEW, Tex. – Last night, my son C/SrA Nick Spanial and I had the opportunity of talking with an Air Force officer I'll call Erick, who had just returned from Iraq. He is a PAO at Barksdale AFB and had some great stories to tell. His job in Iraq entailed writing the truth about what is happening there; disseminating information about the rebuilding of schools and hospitals, construction projects, and all the good things that our military are doing there. He said it was very difficult to "sell" the good news; the media only seemed interested in the casualties and negative stories. While in Iraq, he took thousands of photos. In fact, in one instance, he was photographing some of our soldiers opening a trap-door in the sand, knowing that it was an insurgents' hideout.

When a soldier lifted the door, out popped a grenade. It actually hit him as he yelled, "Grenade!", and then it bounced off him and fell back into the hole, where it exploded and killed the three Iraqis who had thrown it out. At the yell of, "Grenade!" everyone had scattered, running away from the danger, but Erick just stood there, snapping photos. The soldiers screamed at him to run, but he just went on taking pictures. "I was too focused on my job, working the camera and getting the story," he explained. Fortunately it turned out well for him, as he got a good story, great images, and no casualties on our side.

Also, earlier this year at a Memorial Day ceremony, we ran into a veteran who used to teach at a military school. He explained to my son Nick how important writing and communications skills are to an applicant seeking entry to any of the service academies. He told Nick that the selection committee looks very favorably on any kind of writing experience, especially published articles or PAO-type experience. It is with great joy that I see how, once again, "the right people at the right time" are coming into our lives, and I feel like these writing opportunities could be more than just blind luck, as I see them opening new doors of opportunity for Nick, leading to a greater future. It couldn't be just "coincidence."

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] My son Nick last summer in Canada, on a fishing trip, had his first experience at the controls of an aircraft. It was a 1949 DeHavilland Beaver seaplane, and he got the controls between lakes in a remote area of Ontario. [2] Nick at the helm of my uncle's sailboat, last May. [3] This summer, Nick has worked from sunup to sundown. Here he's moving hay bales. [4] At the tractor, his permanent perch for most of this summer.

Nick hadn't realized how many article opportunities would come his way, until he opened his eyes to others, and let the right words and actions into his heart. Now he saw the world as the complex and ever-changing thing that it is, full of individual stories. As he experienced life unfolding, and people dealing with happiness, worry, hope, or adversity, he put himself in their place. There are many heroes, some of whom have never left home but just wait for a loved one to return. Some heroes have died, and now live on in the memory of those who knew them. Every once in a while, a school or post office is named after one of them. But there are others, countless others, who are waiting for their own, unique story to be told. Since Nick works very hard, from sunup to sundown, all day in the fields, and the work is monotonous, he has a lot of time to think. Now, with a new approach to life, events that at the time didn't seem to matter all that much are now relevant to him.

5. 6. 7.

[5] Cdts. William and Nick Spanial with their mother, Nancy Spanial. [6] Nick's scout master congratulates him for having earned merit badges. He is three badges and a service project short of qualification for Eagle Scout. [7] Nick trains at the VFD.

The squadron does some interesting things, but its most important asset is irreplaceable, precious and unique. Without its members, the squadron wouldn't exist, so Nick wants to write about the squadron's members, and the events and people that matter to them and have shaped them, taken care of them, helped them and loved them day in and day out. Yes, there are plenty of things for Nick to write about.

If the weather holds, he'll be riding the tractor and pitching hay all day long for a while. But that's what his body will be doing. His mind, on the other hand, is already planning coverage, feeling, and writing. Although riding the tractor used to bore him, now he enjoys the chance to weigh events and circumstances, considering possibilities and story lines. I am so happy to see Nick find himself, and develop a great aim, worthy of him.

I am truly grateful to all who have helped him find his way, and I'd like to thank them all, collectively and individually.

2nd Lt. Nancy Spanial, Gregg County Composite Squadron
Public Affairs – Group III O-Flights

  

Addison & Dallas Composite Squadrons Stage Group III O'Flights, 16 July

DALLAS, Tex. – Was the event a success? You bet. All you had to do was look at the cadets, as they got into the planes with stars dancing in their eyes. It was the stuff that dreams are made of. In their imagination, they saw themselves getting into a WWII fighter, an F-22, an SR-71, even a space ship. Strapped in, they taxied towards the runway. Big deal. They'd felt that before in a car, only this one was slightly wobbly. "Is this safe?" no doubt some of them asked themselves. But they immediately answered themselves, "I can't give up now! What would the others say? They've all done it already..."

Then the airplane moved into position, turned into the wind, the engine revved up into a roar as the airframe shook a little, the pilot released the brakes, and they felt the acceleration as the plane ran into the wind, a little wheel noise punctuating the loud purr of the motor that now didn't seem to roar quite as loudly, then the barest hop and the wheels fell silent, as aerodynamics took over and the plane soared above the ground.

"Free as a bird," is probably the most hackneyed expression that walks out of the cockpit after a first-flight experience. Yet, in their heart, that's how each one of them felt.

1. 2.

[1] Back Row: Lt.Col. Owen Younger, Group III Commander; Capt. George Hoyt, Addison CS; 1st Lt. Scott Kitchens Addison CS; Maj. Nolan Teel, Dallas CS; Maj. Alan O'Martin, Addison CS; Capt. Kevin Smith Addison CS; and Maj. Jeff Pearson, Dallas CS. Front Row: C/A1C Todd Kitchens, C/A1C Michael Jones,  and C/Basic Eric Furlong, all of Addison CS. [2] A man who needs no introduction, Lt Col Owen Younger. (Photos:

Their joy, too, was contagious. Although they seemed to take it in stride, some were so overwhelmed by the experience that they forgot to say, "Thank you." The pilots didn't mind. They could read each one's heart in that marvelous, slightly lopsided, half-intelligent smile. But the pilots were not fooled. They could see their the eyes, resplendent, shining in glee, planning the next o-flight, and wondering how they could get to do this all the time. In the left seat, at the controls...

Kudos to the pilots and the coordinator, Maj. Alan O'Martin, for their hard work.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
Public Affairs – Group III Staff Meeting

 

 

Group III Staff, Commander and Cadet Advisory Council Meet, 19 July

DALLAS, Tex. – The Group III Staff, Squadron Commanders, and Cadet members of the Cadet Advisory Council gathered at the Business Jet Center on Dallas Love Field for the quarterly face-to-face meeting. The groups meet on a monthly basis via tele-conference, but the quarterly meetings give members the opportunity to put names to faces, handle pressing business for Group III, and also acknowledge the excellence of members across Group III who, by their service, significantly contributed to Group III’s mission in Texas Wing.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] Group III Staff Meeting. [2] 1st Lt Toby Buckalew receives the Texas Wing Communications Officers of the Year Award.  [3] 1Lt Toby Buckalew receives the Group III Communications Officer of the Year Award.  [4] Chaplain (Major) Ron Witt receives the Group III Senior Chaplain of the Year Award. [5] 1st Lt Opal McKinney receives the Group III Senior Member of the Year Award.

6. 7. 8. 9.10.

[6] Capt Cheri Fischler accepts the Group III Aerospace Officer of the Year on behalf of 1st Lt Sue Kristoffersen. [7] Lt Col Mike Eberle accepts the Group III Cadet Programs Officer of the Year Award on behalf of 1st Lt Juston Coffman. [8] Lt Col Mike Eberle accepts the Group III Squadron of the Year Award on behalf of the Mesquite Blacksheep Squadron. [9] Lt Col Roy Hill accepts the Group III Safety Officer of the Year Award on behalf of Capt Frank Stalling and the Group III Moral Leadership Officer of the Year Award on behalf of 1st Lt Barry Hosford. [10] Lt Col Mike Eberle receives the Commander’s Commendation for Outstanding Duty Performance during the Tuskegee Airman event.

11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

[11] Lt Col Mike Eberle receives seven Commander’s Commendations for Outstanding Duty Performance during the Tuskegee Airman event on behalf of 2nd Lt Jerrold W Barron, C/2nd Lt Mitchell Graham, C/SSgt Johanna Cohen, C/SSgt Matthew R. Garcia, C/SSgt Andrew Smith, C/Amn Jeremiah D Bank, and C/Amn Timothy Kleinmeier. [12] Maj Paul Perkins receives the Commander’s Commendation for Outstanding Duty Performance during the Tuskegee Airman event. [13] 1st Lt Opal McKinney receives the Commander’s Commendation for Outstanding Duty Performance during the Tuskegee Airman event. [14] 1st Lt Opal McKinney receives the Commander’s Commendation for Outstanding Duty Performance over a three year period supporting the Orientation Ride Weekend. [15] Cadet Advisory Council at work.

16. 17.

[16] Group III Commander, Lt Col Owen Younger addresses the Cadet Advisory Council. [17] C/CMSgt Brittany Stelting receives the Commander’s Commendation for Outstanding Duty Performance during the Tuskegee Airman event. (NOTE: All awards presented by Group III Commander, Lt Col Owen Younger.)

1st Lt. Richard Hacker, Group III PAO
Public Affairs – A Cadet's Success

 

Cadet Earns FAA Class III Pilot's License, 22 July

AUSTIN, Texas – A Group III CAP Cadet obtained his Private Pilot certificate today. That alone is great news, but it gets better: the majority of this Cadet's training was done in CAP aircraft, using CAP instructors. This doesn't happen very often.

Like many students, C/SSgt Evan Petrosky had several instructors (5, if I counted correctly) during the course of his training. This is not ideal, but instructional turnover during training has been a problem for generations of students. It takes a dedicated and skilled CFI to do this while working full-time and taking college courses too. Capt. Nicole Novack, of Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron TX-352, fits that description. 

Those in the flight training community also know that there is a range in the quality of instruction. Outside of CAP, paying more doesn't ensure better quality of instruction, but hunting for the lowest price almost guarantees a corresponding level of quality. In the Civil Air Patrol, instruction is donated, which can result in a rare level of commitment. Certainly, this was the case.

I had the privilege of flying with Cdt Petrosky a few days before the practical test. In two flights totaling almost 4 hours, we covered emergency procedures, simulated instrument flying, stalls, maneuvers, short field landings, and more -- all in an airplane other than the one he had been using for training, just 3 days before the scheduled checkride. 

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] On the apron by the "hotter" N98913, C/SSgt Evan Petrosky and Capt. Nicole Novack get ready for a lesson. [2] At the controls in N98913, Capt. Nicole Novack yields the preferred left seat to C/SSgt Evan Petrosky. [3] "I've got to have a photo without sunglasses. Please?" [4] Relaxing by a "tamer" 172's tail, C/SSgt Evan Petrosky and Capt. Nicole Novack. (Photo 1, C/CMSgt Zach Harvey, Pegasus C.S.; Photo 2, Capt. Nicole Novack's self-shot; Photo 3, Mr. Pete Machued, Cdt. Petrosky's FAA examiner; Photo 4, unknown Berry Aviation employee, San Marcos Municipal Airport).

Weeks before, I had volunteered N98913 to go out of state for a Cadet flying academy. Unexpectedly, a combination of maintenance issues and aircraft availability led to an unavoidable plane switch, just before this cadet's practical test. In other words, he was getting a tough break that was pretty much my doing (even though it had been unintentional). Despite this challenge, Cdt Petrosky handled the change with the same unassuming confidence he displayed in flight. The quality of Capt. Novack's instruction was obvious.

Training in N98913 was different for several reasons. Perhaps most significant was this plane's higher idle thrust compared to that of most 172s. This seemingly small change can make a big difference when switching to another aircraft with different approach characteristics. The required short-field landings have a PTS tolerance of -0, +200 feet of the touchdown target. When landing on a runway, 200 ft. looks a lot smaller than it sounds. Also, N98913 handles better than most other 172's of its vintage, so Cdt Petrosky was challenged in multiple ways. Which he overcame with supreme confidence.

Please join me in congratulating C/SSgt Evan Petrosky and his CFI for this accomplishment.

Capt. Leonard Laws, Stan/Eval, Texas Wing
Public Affairs – C/PAOs Report NCSA

 

 

AFSPC-FC (FL) Reported by Cadet PAOs, 26 July 3 August

COCOA BEACH, Florida - On 26 July, for the first time in the history of the activity, two CAP cadets arrived at the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course (Florida) as Cadet Public Affairs Officers. Their assigned mission was to report the activity from the point of view of the participants, CAP cadets from all over the U.S. who are at least 15 years old.

The chosen cadet staff were C/1st Lt Raphael Erie, a member of the Pegasus Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing, and C/1st Lt BrandiiRe'Ann Davis, a member of the Colorado County Composite Squadron, Group IV, Texas Wing. Both of them had been among the five Cadet PAOs who reported the Texas Wing Winter Encampment in the January issue of this newsletter, and later attended the Lone Star Emergency Services Academy at Big Sandy, Texas.

The cadets are doing a great job, and are enjoying themselves enormously. The weather is fabulous, the company couldn't be better, the course material interesting and challenging, and they're learning that there is a whole lot of very complicated work that goes into sending rockets into space – and bringing the astronauts safely back home.

Cadets Davis and Erie have been published locally, on this newsletter, and on CAP National News Online.

Their daily coverage of the AFSPC-FC (FL) is being posted on the Activity's website. Cadets Davis and Erie are setting a new standard for how National Cadet Special Activities are reported, and Texas Wing is right proud of them. As is Southwest Region.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, DPA, SWR
Public Affairs – Commentary on Language