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

Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond

Newsletter - November, 2008


Ethics's Thorny Side

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – When I teach a Public Affairs seminar or workshop, I like to ask my students to articulate a definition of "language." Some get close, but only the very few ever hit on the heart of the matter. The answer, of course, is quite simple – if we reason how a language is born and develops, as the spoken reflection of the distilled essence of what is important in the life and history of the people who created and use it. As the people progress through the societal stages of tribal subsistence, trade and expansion, birth of government, growth of cities, intellectual refinement, and social fulfillment their language becomes progressively enriched with the appropriate vocabulary needed to express their needs and thoughts. Sadly, as the march of progress slows and then reverses course, the language goes along too, in a downward spiral of impoverishment.

Having a language is how people are able to speak (and eventually write) about food and shelter, social order, intelligent decision-making, right and wrong, and even excellence as they traverse the path of their culture's growth. Part of this process involves the creation of philosophy and its many disciplines, ethics among them.

Ethics is a principle of behavior that is hard to define, because it is related to the culture in which it is practiced. What might be ethical for a head-hunting savage would probably be totally unethical in our culture. In English, its etymology is direct, stemming from the Classical Greek ethos (ήθοσ), meaning both custom (of the people) and moral character (of the individual), a word coined about 2,500 years ago. But if what we seek is the authority of years, it might be more profitable to look at Chinese culture and its ideograms (also called ideographs or pictographs), said to have been invented about 4,500 years ago. The oldest known example of Chinese writing is the Oracle bone script, that has been dated to about 3,200 years ago.

Chinese ideographs were created as symbolic representations of the objects they define, so that "man" – for example – in its simplest form, is represented by a stylized stick figure. Ideographs became more complicated as they needed to stand for ideas dealing with behavior or abstract concepts, rather than concrete, visible objects. The Kangxi dictionary contains over 47,000 Chinese symbols.

Anyway, what does all of this have to do with ethics? It might seem a fruitless chase through the varied history of language, until we look at the Chinese ideograph for ethics and take note that it is derived from a pictograph of a man walking the "proper" path in life. Today, the Chinese have a saying that one should not undertake anything if there is no honest or legitimate way to do so. An added complication is that ideographs hold no clue as to what sound ought to be used for them in speech. As a result, China has a diversity of peoples who speak totally different languages, incomprehensible to each other as verbal communication. Yet, these same people are unified by a common written language based on the same symbols. Thus, people who cannot converse orally can communicate via the written word.

The English word ethics has no intrinsic meaning other than the one we assign to it. The problem is that, over time, it could vary in meaning, first donning a cloak of appropriateness as contemporary ethics, which would beg referring to old ethics, and new ethics would soon follow, and it would be only a matter of time until it became new ethics of progress or some variation on this theme... (I leave it up to you as to whose progress this might refer to.) This is what in philosophy is called a slippery slope, as we embark on a line of thinking – or justification – that could easily be tied to something external or personal ("...love of money is the root of all evil." Samuel Butler, Erewhon, 1872).

In early Chinese philosophy, Confucius (551-479 BC) stresses honesty above all. Other philosophical currents in ancient China proposed that there is always a correct path, and that it is up to the individual to follow it. This moral principle is built into the Chinese ideograph for ethics, to the point that the ideograph itself is the reader's guide in life. The universal question, though, still remains. Of these paths open to me, which is the best one?

And once again the thorny side of ethics rears its ugly head, "Would I be justified in tacking for me at the end of that question?"

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor

Group Staff Messages
Group Commander

Happy Veterans' Day

Have you ever noticed that the month of November has several significant events united by a common thread? This is especially true during election years. If you'll indulge for a moment, I'd like to share some thoughts with you about that. Voting in an election is the embodiment of participative democracy; you might say that it is the quintessential act of good citizenship. American democracy is the oldest in the world – no other country on the planet shares our record of 43 peaceful changes of executive power (there have been 43 Presidents) over a period of more that two hundred years as laid out in Article II of our Constitution. No other country has even come close. But American democracy is much more than just participative self-government, it also represents – and defends – a way of life. In America I'm not confined to one career or trade just because it was what my forebearers did. In America all opportunities are available to me. If I choose to, I can work toward and receive a higher education, I can create my own business, I can take ownership for my own success and future, and I can pass on those same freedoms to my children. Our individual and collective right to have our voice counted in determining the direction of our country, in essence our right to vote, and for that matter our very way of life, was secured by the sweat, sacrifice and blood of patriots who in some cases lived and died hundreds of years before we were born. In light of that recognition, how appropriate it is that the holidays of Veterans' Day and Thanksgiving would occur in the same month.

In the past few weeks, as I thought about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, I realized that this month provided some good perspective about what I am thankful for. I live in a country where I can determine my own future. I live in a country where my voice counts. I live in a country where opportunities abound. I live in a country where the changes of political fortune do not require bloodshed. I live in a country where I am free to agree or disagree with my government while remaining a loyal citizen. And I'm able to live in this country because for over two hundred years it has been defended by the sweat, sacrifice and blood of patriots.

Each of you is a veteran. Thank you for your service. Happy Veterans' Day.

Lt .Col. Owen Younger, Commander
Wing Commander

Uniform Issues, 22 October

From: Joe R. Smith
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 11:28 PM
Subject: [texaswingcap] Uniform Issues

I’m looking forward to participating in the mountain flying clinic at Alpine, Texas, this weekend. I was there last year and was impressed with the serious and professional approach applied to the mountain training and the excellent command and control exercised by the mission staff. One thing that was not so impressive was aircrew compliance with uniform requirements.

In 2002, there was a significant CAP aircraft accident that changed a lot of the procedures we use to authorize, release, and fly CAP missions. The changes were required because the aircrew made some very significant errors in planning and conducting that flight. The aircrew members all died, so we can’t ask any questions about why they decided to violate so many rules.

In addition to violations and errors in mission authorization, flight release, and CAPR 60-1 restrictions, some members of the crew were not in appropriate CAP uniforms. The DOD decided that because of all of these regulatory violations this was not an Air Force authorized mission, so none of the family members received the insurance or death benefits called for in CAPR 900-5. This decision was eventually overturned, after six years of expensive and painful legal action on the part of the surviving families.

I find it strange that an otherwise intelligent and thoughtful person would decide, unilaterally, to deny insurance benefits to the surviving family members of another crew member. When an aircrew member decides to wear an Air Force style flight suit with a non-compliant name tag, incorrect rank, or non-authorized patches, that individual is in fact making a decision that invalidates insurance benefits for other people. I don’t understand why anyone would decide to additionally penalize spouses and children of deceased crew members, but I can’t come to any other conclusion.

As the wing commander, I am responsible for ensuring compliance with CAP rules and regulations. That includes uniform regulations. I’m not going to allow someone to deny insurance benefits to surviving spouses and children in the event of a fatal CAP accident. I will not tolerate uniform violations. Do not expect to fly if you are not in an authorized and compliant Air Force style or CAP uniform. That includes rank, patches, name tags, foot gear, and outer garments. The only authorized jacket with the AF style flight suit is a green flight jacket. You need to wear black socks. Only white, black, or brown T-shirts are authorized. If you wear the AF style green flight suit, you must meet weight and grooming standards. These rules are all explicitly spelled out in CAP Manual 39-1. The instructions contained in this manual are as binding as those in a CAP regulation. They are not new. They are not optional. I will enforce them.

Col. Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing Commander

Aerospace Education

NASA Kids' Club

     DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – NASA has a new site. "NASA Kids' Club is designed for children but deals with real-world (or out-of-world) subjects and thinking. Some adults, when they discover that their children know more about aerospace than they even understand, immediately want to know where they learned all that. Well, folks, here it is:

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html

Do visit this site, whether you're an adult or not, for an informative and entertaining view of the universe and its secrets. There is something for everyone here. NASA has done a terrific job opening the window to the marvels of space and science. You'll find here Space exploration, Space Station and its crew, Images of all kinds, and science primer, all rolled into one.

Have fun and learn some. I did.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
Cadet Programs

How Civil Air Patrol Changed My Life

GEORGETOWN, Texas – When I joined the Civil Air Patrol 14 months ago, I certainly wasn't the same person I am now. Growing up and hitting my growth spurt had a lot to do with it, but there was more to it than that. Through the Civil Air Patrol, I have been developing and improving my social skills, leadership abilities, responsibility, goal setting, and physical fitness.

I owe my state of physical fitness to the Civil Air Patrol. CAP sets very reachable goals for its cadets, though each is more challenging than the previous one. In August of 2007, I could barely knock out ten push-ups; now, after fourteen months, I can do at least thirty. My all-time record for sit-ups in one minute is 92, and I ran my best ever mile in 5:54 (that's under 6 minutes). The scary part is that I am not even close to being the best. I've heard stories of 108 sit-ups per minute, and 60 push-ups. I've seen a cadet reach about 35 cm (over 13 inches) past her toes, which shows extraordinary flexibility. I still have plenty of room for improvement.

At age 14, before joining, responsibility was something that grown-ups showed, or what was expected of people in high positions, but it was far from a reality in my life. I was the doesn't-want-to-clean-his-room-in-the-morning boy, and the has-to-be-goaded-to-do-his-schoolwork kid. I understand these are more common problems in home-schooled students, as I am. Thanks especially to CAP, I've grown into a more responsible young man. The way it works in home schooling is that I'm largely in charge of teaching myself, then giving progress reports to my Dad at the end of every week. With a little help, I make the weekly schedules based on what I can handle in a week's time (who would know better than I?).

Everybody knows that teenagers are averse to public speaking, and I was no exception. When my squadron held an impromptu public speaking class, my presentation was filled with crutches (where "umm," "hmm," and "uhh" abounded). This spring I went to Noncommissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) and learned how to speak more eloquently, and to be at ease while speaking. This fall I'm going to Senior Noncommissioned Officer's Academy (SNCOA) and plan on polishing a lot more corners.

When I was little, I set goals like crazy. One week I'd want to be an Airborne Ranger; the next, a fighter pilot; and the week following, a priest. The list went on and on, but it didn't matter, because I thought that all of it would be a long time coming. The Civil Air Patrol offers a view through many windows. Through them, I've found my groove. I definitely want to be in the Air Force when I'm old enough.

Most important, in the relative solitude of home-schooling, I had been a boss. My desire to lead, and the opportunities that CAP offered, led to a potentially disastrous result. I imposed my will on those who would listen or weren't exactly sure of what they were doing. Fortunately for me, I didn't get away with it for very long at all. I'm not ashamed to say that my superior officers took me down a notch and told me that I was not being a good example for the cadets I was trying to lead. Since then, I have learned many more aspects of how to lead, rather than bossing cadets around; how to temper my own wishes and allow others to lead, as I make myself be a follower. If it hadn't been for those officers, I could have been an obnoxious brat for the rest of my life, and would have had nasty surprises down the road.

So, thanks to CAP, I have changed for the better, learning valuable skills that will help me for the rest of my life.

C/SMSgt. Christian Nelson, Apollo Composite Squadron
Chaplain

Health is a Wondrous Gift

That state of easy-going nonchalance, so natural to people in excellent health, is a sign of inner harmony with others and a comfortable relationship with God. It is also a celebration of life. In the old (ignorant) days, health was defined as "the absence of pain." That is not a definition but as short-sighted an opinion as you can express. I'm sad to say that circumstances, through no fault of my own, in the past long weeks have made me a near expert on pain.

I have not lost my sense of humor, but the pain killers I must take keep me in a state of semi-detachment. At least I have not turned into a grouch, but I do seem less ready to embrace serious thinking. I don't find it difficult to be pleasant, even affable. But my thoughts wander a bit, and my dear wife puts up with me with that expression of, "Oh, dear," that she can summon so well.

I wish all blessings to those in good health, as I rejoice in their good fortune. I wish even more blessings to those less lucky, in the hope that they'll soon recover. Since at the moment I am firmly placed in this second category, all I can offer to you at this moment is a promise. "Next month, you'll get a heart-warming message from me."

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marc Ben-Meir

"Chaplain Marc"
Communications

Software-Defined Radio Technology

It is generally accepted that one of the greatest spurs to technological advancement is human conflict. During a time of war, it soon becomes evident that the training, safeguarding, and mission capability of human assets are the key to victory. Objects can be replaced fairly quickly, but trained personnel need to be taught and have the necessary experience to do the job, and these cannot be injected on an assembly line. Getting trained replacements takes time as well as talent.

An unsung weapon of war is the equipment that makes communications a reality. If one hand doesn't know what the other one is doing, chaos soon follows, and human assets are likely to be squandered in combat. WW II was the first great conflict where communications became fairly reliable as a mobile field asset, but those old radios were so large and heavy that only the biggest and strongest warfighter could carry one. Naturally, the enemy soon caught on, and they were the first target, with the main intent of destroying the radio that he carried. An immediate result, as a rule, was the radioman's death or incapacitation.

Radios got smaller at a price: their range of available frequencies remained severely restricted. This tended to isolate small units, creating confusion and perhaps lack of command and control, keeping armed conflict not only risky but also unpredictable. Better radios were built and installed on vehicles of all kinds: on land, in the air, and on the sea. The reach of radio signals was improved by erecting very high antennas first, flying repeater aircraft later, and finally using satellite-based communications.

Today, the modern battlefield is networked with considerable efficiency, and software-defined radios have become a reality, capable of transmitting under most circumstances, on many frequencies. They are not perfect yet, but they're getting there. Also, many fit in the palm of a warfighter's hand and are very light. For the current state of the art, its applications across the military, and its potential for civilian use, please read the Special Report published this month in Military & Aerospace Electronics.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
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 "Look and Feel"

The problem with the idea of "look and feel" is that it can apply equally to a good design as a poor one. In designing a website, the whole idea is to create something distinctive that, when the visitor sees it, will immediately identify it with your site and what it represents. But there are many websites, some good and some bad. We could say that they parallel the difference that exists between a famous American president and the latest serial murderer. People will readily identify them, although not with the same state of mind.

Remember our chosen major players in the world of websites? They were: 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 others in the same league. They all share something other than uniqueness. They treat the visitor as a respected and worthy person, don't force endless meandering and mouse-clicking in order to find a wanted page, present the information in a logical and understandable fashion, and generally impress by their courtesy and respect. The eye is pleased to travel around the page, rather than frantically darting from corner to corner in an effort to find some relief. Yes, some websites do seem designed by a webmaster adept at visual torture. Of course, it is all a matter of taste, but that is easier mentioned than explained.

There's nothing new about the above. I seem to remember that a famous painter (Michelangelo comes to mind, but could have been someone else of that period) needed two male models to use on a commission for a painting of Abel and Cain. He readily found one for Abel, an angelic youth of fair countenance and likable demeanor, who agreed to pose for him. He painted his likeness, paid him, and then started looking for someone else to pose as Cain, without success. The painting languished for a few years until one evening, when the painter caught a glimpse of his ideal subject. Although still young, the sullen model looked dissipated, unkempt, and bordered on repulsive. He, too, agreed to pose for the painting. When the image had been created on the canvas, relieved at no longer having to be in the company of this person, the painter paid the model more than agreed upon. As he was leaving, the model turned and said, "The master pays Cain better than Abel." The artist had used the same model for both brothers.

The chosen models had been unique and ideal for each role, yet they awakened different emotions on the artist and those who saw them. The same with a website. Most artists tend to portray beautiful people, mostly because true ugliness is hard to find. But the real-world reason, of course, is that beauty sells, and ugliness doesn't. If your website is beautiful, that's a start. If it does the job, that's how you'll get return visits. And if it is friendly, with easy and intuitive navigation, visitors are likely to come back to it, again and again.

So, what is truly ugly? Again, it is a matter of taste, but seeing some examples can help you learn what to avoid. This month, the editors of PCWorld spent some time finding The Bottom 10: The Web's Most Useless Sites. Please take a look. I promise - it will be an education.

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

Online Courses

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.

How to Record OPSEC Training in e-Services.

Please visit https://www.capnhq.gov/News/Recording_OPSEC_Training.ppt#1 - for a new e-services power point on how to record  OPSEC  training,

Capt. Vanessa Smith, PDO
 tx438pdo@yahoo.com 
Public Affairs – Commentary

 

Largest Re-enlistment Ceremony Ever, 4 July

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Why is this article in the November issue? That's easy to explain. Even though this happened on the 4th of July, it was news to me because I hadn't heard about it. My friend Lt. Col. Tom Traver, the ORWG PAO, sent me this link, wondering if I'd known about the event. He also wondered whether it might be true, because he found it hard to believe. In fact, I didn't think it was true either, until I got confirmation.

When I set out to write this article, I didn't have an exact number to peg on the ceremony's attendance, but I did know that there had been enough of them to eat 2,000 pizzas. Some re-enlistees had traveled all the way from duty stations in Kuwait to take part in the event – and the pizza party that followed.

1. 2. 3.

[1] The soldier on the right, facing the massed formation of service members, with his right hand raised as he administers the oath of re-enlistment, is General Petraeus. [2]-[3] The Grand Hall of the Al Faw Palace in Baghdad was standing room only for the service members that elected to re-enlist rather than return to America and fade into civilian life.

It seems that the photos above have made the rounds on the Internet, but ruse-and-spam-hardened browsers that we are, none of us paid much attention to them. After all, "The Internet is a hot-bed of hoaxes and exaggerations," we thought.

The article billed this one as a huge mass re-enlistment in Baghdad, though the event was seemingly ignored by the main-stream media. My friend Tom said to me, "I guess it didn't fit with the media's reporting of the 'hollow force,' poor morale, and all those overblown negatives they insist on associating with the Gulf. In my day, reputable editors bent over backwards to report both sides of the news. Those days are gone, apparently."

General Petraeus administered the oath on the 4th of July, 2008 at Al Faw Palace, Baghdad, Iraq.

For the event, a pizzeria in Chicago donated 2,000 pizzas that were made, frozen, shipped on Sunday, arrived in Baghdad Wednesday, and served to the troops on the 4th. The media did report on the 2,000 pizzas – just not what had happened on that day.

American men and women volunteering to stay longer in Iraq so that, when America's armed forces choose to leave, the new democracy will have a chance of surviving. This isn't quite the focus of the media's message about Iraq. However, when there's tragedy, that's the kind of news editors seem eager to spread across the front page.

Earlier I said that I went from skeptic to believer. I owe this change to 1st Lt. Scott Maguire, PAO of the Columbia Composite Squadron, PCR-OR-073, a friend of Lt. Col. Tom Traver's and editor of Oregon Wing's WingSpan. Tom had copied him on the same message I got, and Scott was quick to respond to us all.

"This is fact," he said. "My half-brother, Clifford Bergstrom, Chief Master at Arms, is a Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Reserve and on active duty in Kuwait at this time. He attended this ceremony in Baghdad (notice the arrow in the picture) and ate some of the pizza. Please see the attached photo."

Subsequently, Clifford also confirmed that 1,215 service members participated in the re-enlistment ceremony, "I wasn't there just for the pizza. I, too, re-enlisted. I believe I talked to someone from Afghanistan, but now I can't be sure. But I do know that there were people from all over Iraq and Kuwait, and all four branches of the service were represented, not counting the Coast Guard."

This is supposed to have been the largest re-enlistment ceremony ever held in military history. My thanks to Tom, Scott, and Clifford for helping tell this story.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
Public Affairs – Wing Level Training

 

Alpine Mountain Flying Clinic, 24-26 October

ALPINE-CASPARIS AIRPORT, Texas – On 24-26 October, flying from Alpine-Casparis Airport, Texas Wing conducted its annual exercise designed to provide special training in the peculiarities of mountain flying to our already highly qualified aircrews. The Alpine area has become a favorite location for this activity because of its unique combination of mountains, high valleys and pleasant climate.

1. 2.

[1] The Civil Air Patrol fleet at Alpine-Casparis Airport. [2] Sunrise over the mountains at Alpine, Texas. (Photos: Capt. Chuck Tetlow)

On Friday, 24 October, pilots, crews, staff and supplies descended upon this high-altitude airport like bees carrying pollen into the hive. Here, they took up the business of practicing their skills in search and rescue, damage assessment, and disaster relief flying techniques over mountainous terrain. It is an event that these volunteers look forward to, not only for the excitement of the training but also to see old friends once again and the opportunity of making new acquaintances.

Such activities are at the heart of the Civil Air Patrol, a 66-year-old service to our country.

Maj. Robert Brecount, Information Officer

An Alpine Portfolio

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1]-[2] Taken using a Nikon D200 on Sunday morning, 26 October, prior to the sortie's takeoff time. Pilot in command was Capt. Thomas King, flying his own Cessna Skyhawk. This is what Alpine-Casparis Airport looks like from the air, when the Civil Air Patrol comes to town. [3] Lt. Col. Gwynn Groggel, beloved and hard-working Commander of the Alpine Mountain Flying Clinic. She is justly credited for being the reason the event is such a success every year. [4] Learning how to fly safely in and around the mountains is part of the job; learning how to fly keeping the wing and other parts of the airplane out of the camera's lens is harder. Working hand-in-hand with the photographer in the plane's rear seat, this takes real talent on the pilot's part. (Photos #1-2, Capt. Chuck Tetlow); #3-4, 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen)

5. 6. 7. 8.

[5]-[7] What do the mountains around Alpine look like? Very exhilarating eye candy, that's what. Just one more of the great many wonders of Texas. Flying here takes talent, skill and practice. Our pilots were learning how to look for the missing person... but what a wonderful place to do it in. [8] Get them fueled and back up in the air. You can't ever get enough training. (Photos: 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen)

9. 10. 11. 12.

[9] Pilots and crew take time out to eat.  [10] Flight planning. The more aircrews and planes, the more tables and chairs you need. [11] Morning briefing. [12] Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith, Lt. Col. Tex Collins, and Texas Wing Director of Operations Maj. Randy Russell. (Photos: 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen)

13. 14. 15. 16.

[13] Southwest Region Director of Personnel/Admin Maj. Harriet Smith about to go on her sortie. She did a great job. [14] Former Texas Wing Commander Col. R. Frank Eldridge worked Air Ops all weekend. Seen here with Maj. Randy Russell. [15] Col. Joe R. Smith and Lt. Col. Gwynn Groggel, the two major players during the weekend. [16] Capt. Chuck Tetlow and his wife 1st Lt. Lorrie Tetlow did a great job working Air Ops. (Photos: 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen)

17. 18. 19.

[17] Lt. Cols. Jan and Max Hays enter online data for the CAPF 107. [18] The Information Officer, Maj. Bob Brecount, hard at work preparing the next news release. [19] Once again, Maj. Jack Lewis handled communications for the Alpine Clinic, using what he calls his "terse" technique. It was short, factual, and done. Just one more example of the volunteers we call the Civil Air Patrol. (Photos: 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen)

20. 21. 22.

[20] Former Wing Commander Col. R. Frank Eldridge and Wing Commander Col. Joe. R. Smith working the Air Ops desk. [21] Early morning on the flight-line. [22] The husband-and-wife team of Capt. Chuck Tetlow (right) and 1st Lt. Lorrie Tetlow. (Photos: Maj. Robert Brecount)
Public Affairs – Commentary

 

On Language

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – In helping beginner PAOs learn the tools of the trade, I've come to the conclusion that – as a culture that uses the English language – we lack a clear understanding of how "words work." In language, thoughts are expressed in sentences (that is, a collection of words that has a verb used to describe some action), or phrases (that is, a thought or expression that is not attached to any particular action – therefore it lacks a verb). Of these two, phrases usually wind up as clauses (or if used by themselves they might be interjections or comments), while the glory of full accomplishment is reserved for the sentences.

The sentence, having a verb that shows an activity, requires an actor or "doer" that is called "the subject." As a rule, it is easy to identify the subject, that normally precedes the verb. And the verb, also, is pretty obvious within the sentence. The rest of the sentence is a description of "what happens" once the subject and verb have set in motion the idea or collection of ideas contained in the sentence. And that's where the trouble starts. The result is often "speaking by approximation" that is a very bad habit, because it usually leads to confusion or, at best, misinformation.

Take the following sentence (the title of an article) that appeared recently in an aviation news online publication: General Atomics Lynx Radar Test Demonstrates Abilities Along US/Mexico Border. What does this mean to you? You might argue that this is just a hot link and not necessarily how the article itself reads. Go ahead. Click on the link and see for yourself. Or take my word and believe me. The title of the article reads exactly as written on the link above.

The verb, of course, is "Demonstrates" and the subject is "General Atomics Lynx Radar Test" – a compound statement that can be boiled down to simply "(The) Test." I've placed (The) in parenthesis because this article (in pronoun role) replaces the descriptor of the item tested, which is now tacit (if not implied).

All right, so what does (the) test demonstrate? "Ability Along US/Mexico Border" is what the title promises. But let's think about this. Does it demonstrate it only "Along US/Mexico Border"? That is what the test did, of course, but doesn't this also imply that it might not work along the US/Canada border, for example? Do you see the quandary here? In this case, "Along US/Mexico Border" is a condition of the test, so it rightfully belongs with the premise itself, the subject of the test, not tacked on at the end of the result of the test, which in this case is, "Abilities"

Notice how the meaning changes if the title had read, "Along US/Mexico Border, General Atomics Lynx Radar Test Demonstrates Abilities." Now, that is a clear sentence, if you ask me. You give the place of the test, name the product being tested, then state that the tested object did the job. You don't promise that it might work elsewhere, but neither do you disallow the possibility that it might, indeed, work elsewhere – presumably, equally well.

When writing a sentence, please remember that a modifier (a word or a clause) normally works on the greedy principle. It tends to latch on to the nearest part of the sentence. Therefore, place it carefully.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
Public Affairs – Commentary

 

Thanksgiving Day, 27 November

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – We all know the official story of the First Thanksgiving in America. A day now remembered as "immediately after the harvest" of 1621, on Plymouth Plantation, when the settlers (later called "the Puritans") gathered with the Native Americans who had helped them with the plantings after the newcomers' arrival in 1620. Over the years, the date of this feast moved around, and the occasion wasn't always observed, until President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1939 proclamation, officially establishing America's celebration of Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday in November. Many people believe that this is a uniquely American festivity. Even more, they hold it as a North American tradition related to the harvest. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

In the Americas, the earliest observance is believed to have taken place on an island on the Lesser Antilles on 12 October 1492, a Friday in the Julian calendar (before 1582, the Gregorian calendar hadn't been created yet). It is known that Christopher Columbus had no priest aboard any of his three ships on that famous first voyage of discovery, but being a devout Catholic, to the point that he wrote his ship's log under the heading In nomine D N Jesu Christi, Latin for "In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ," Columbus is sure to have given thanks to his God after this difficult voyage that had lasted 70 days – much longer than he had expected. Besides, he had reason to be thankful, since as provisions ran low his crew had been on the verge of mutiny. On his second voyage – also to the Lesser Antilles –, Columbus' much better outfitted 17 ships had a crew of 1,000 that included 5 priests, and at least one of them must have conducted a religious service on the island of Guadaloupe on 4 November 1493, in thanksgiving for safe passage across the Atlantic Ocean. In those days, sailing across the sea could be planned to the minute, but arrival was never a certainty.

The first such celebration on North American soil appears to have occurred soon after 2 April 1513, when Juan Ponce de León landed near Saint Augustine, Florida, claiming the territory for Spain. On the following day, Easter Sunday, he named the new land mass "La Florida" because in Spanish culture Easter Sunday is still commonly known as Pascua Florida. The occasion would have required an obligatory high mass, since Easter Sunday is a major feast day. Except that this religious service was probably conducted not only in ritual celebration, but also in thanksgiving. And, as it is true today, since Easter Sunday marks the end of the Lenten Season, it would have been followed by gathering in love and friendship, sharing the fruits of the land and rejoicing in the blessings of life.

A Catholic mass of thanksgiving is said to have been celebrated on 8 September 1565, when Pedro Menéndez founded the city of Saint Augustine, Florida.

In August 1578, the Englishman Martin Frobisher, upon arrival at Newfoundland and Labrador, offered a payer of homecoming at the end of his third (and final) voyage in search of the Northwest Passage, the sought-after trading route to India and China (the latter then called Cathay). Although the actual day was not recorded, the name of the officiant was; that honor fell upon the Rev. Robert Woolfall. This occasion, by the way, is the origin of Canada's own Thanksgiving Day.

But none of the events above were ever an official declaration. The only one to have enjoyed this status from the start, to my knowledge, is that of 14 May 1607, marking the founding of the Virginia Colony. Its charter required that the day of arrival be observed as a "day of thanksgiving" yearly, in perpetuity. Therefore, the first official American Thanksgiving Day celebration appears to have been Virginia's in 1607, and not that of Massachusetts in 1621.

Does this matter? Only to historians, really. As for the rest of us, we're used to the Puritans in broad-brimmed black hats carrying their muskets, with their women in plain clothing, roughing it in the raw northeastern winters. We've become accustomed to the Plymouth Colony and its struggle for survival. The idea that they fought to establish a colony where none had existed before still appeals to us. So we're happy to go along and have them stand for us all.

On this coming Thanksgiving Day, let us give thanks for our blessings, that are surely plentiful, as we enjoy America's rights and freedoms. Also, let us forget our differences in the interest of the common good, and let us resolve to build a stronger America and a more harmonious nation. Let us give thanks for our Armed Forces and their readiness to stand vigil over us, protecting and preserving our land and government. And let each one of us hope that those we meet will be better off for having met us. That's my personal goal.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Editor
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

The Active Runway

Whether heading out to fly, or returning to land, one bit of information every pilot needs is an answer to the question, "What's the active runway?" At towered airports you'll get the answer on the automated weather recording or when ATC replies to your call-up with instructions: "Taxi to Runway 33." At non-towered airports, procedures are less formal, but usually the correct course of action is clear. Automated weather will provide surface winds. The fixed-base operator may respond to your request for an airport advisory with runway information. Or monitoring the common traffic advisory frequency may reveal which runway is "active."

Occasionally the runway in use seems badly matched to the winds. It could be that a student pilot is getting a lesson in crosswinds. Or a large aircraft may opt to use the longest runway available. Now you have a decision to make. "Remember, this is a non-towered airport. The fixed-base operator providing you with active-runway information is not an air traffic controller and cannot require you to land on a runway that you consider inappropriate, if, for example, winds favor another," explained the Sept. 16, 2005, "Training Tip: Airport Advisory."

Scenarios like that are common. "Whenever a student asks me what the active runway is, my response is to shrug my shoulders and reply, 'I don't know, you're the one landing the airplane, not me. If it were my landing to do I would probably pick the runway with the most favorable wind conditions," said one flight instructor in Instructor Reports: Pattern Operations Revisited. The article also discusses the provocative case of a business jet and a single-engine training airplane seeking to use opposite ends of the same runway, a situation that raised challenging questions for all pilots.

What if the winds are calm? Then the runway choice is yours—in most cases. Prepare to fly by always checking AOPA's Airport Directory for any special procedures, such as this requirement in effect at Bar Harbor, Maine (BHB): "durg VFR conds when wind speed is less than 5 knots as rprtd by AWOS or UNICOM; all acft using ry 4-22 shall tkof & lnd ry 22."

If there's an active runway, make sure it is also the correct runway to use.

An AOPA ePilot Training Tip

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. Briefings need not be lengthy presentations - a 10 to 20 minute talk (and optional group discussion) is enough.

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

November Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

November Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)
Safety

The FAA's New Lessons Learned Safety Library

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a one-of-a-kind online safety library that teaches "lessons learned" from some of the world’s most historically significant transport airplane accidents — especially how that knowledge can help maintain today’s extraordinary aviation safety record.

Back to the Future

Why study aircraft accidents that happened as long as 40 years ago? The FAA believes many of the lessons learned from these tragedies are timeless, and are relevant to today's aviation community. By learning from the past, aviation professionals can use that knowledge to recognize key factors, and potentially prevent another accident from occurring under similar circumstances, or for similar reasons, in the future.

The FAA’s Lessons Learned library, in its initial release, lists 11 major airplane accidents that made an impact on the way the aviation industry and the FAA conduct business today. The FAA’s goal is to stock the library with 40 more historically significant accidents by the end of 2009.

Each accident entry features the accident investigation findings, resulting safety recommendations and subsequent regulatory and policy changes, if any. The entry also includes sections on the unsafe conditions that existed, precursors that pointed to an impending accident, and the basic safety assumptions made during the airplanes’ design, or that led to the airplanes’ continued operation.

Most important, the lessons learned from the investigation are explained in detail, and grouped into relevant technical areas and common themes, such as organizational lapses, human error, flawed assumptions, preexisting failures and unintended consequences of design choices.

Knowledge is Power

The FAA believes that the Lessons Learned library can help foster a culture in which aviation professionals capture and use day-to-day information from certification, maintenance, and operational activities to improve safety. The expected benefits from examining the library include more consistent safety decisions and fewer safety problems caused by breakdowns in communication between design, maintenance and operational organizations.

The Lessons Learned library is at: http://accidents-ll.faa.gov/

Beyond the Tarmac

The model developed to create this Lessons Learned library may have applications beyond airplane accidents. The library format and lesson development process could be valuable to non-aviation disciplines in developing lessons learned for other industries. For example, universities could develop curricula addressing safety training for other occupations, especially in the human factors arena.

(Lt. Col. George Mihalcik)
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

 

November 2008

  
1 Nov Group II – Over Water Training Contact: Maj. Rick Woolfolk
1 Nov Hobby SS – PCT Contact: Capt. Mike Turoff
8 Nov Dallas – Instrument PCT Contact: Capt. Leonard Laws
7-9 Nov Tyler – Group III ALS - Open to all TXWG cadets. Cost: $35.00 Contact: Lt Timothy Gandy
8-9 Nov Denton – ICS 400 Contact: Lt Col Paul Spencer
14-16 Nov Group II – WAX SAREX (Group III ICP @ Waxahachie - IC: Capt. David Medders) Contact: Lt Col Brooks Cima
28-30 Nov Camp Mabry, Austin – Fall CTEP / STEP Contact: Maj Jane Smalley
30 Nov San Antonio – Glider PCT Contact: Lt. Col. Ed Billman
     
 

December 2008

  
5-7 Dec Ellington Fld / Hobby SS – AFRCC SAR Mgt, ICS 300/400, IMU, Eval & Camera/SPOT Tng Contact: Lt. Col. Dennis Cima
26-31 Dec Camp Swift – Cadet Winter Encampment Contact: Maj Jane Smalley
26-31 Dec Brownsville – Winter GT School / Brownsville SAR TX Contact: Maj. Sean Crandall
     

2009

 

January 2009

  
10 Jan Houston – Over Water Training Contact: Lt. Col. Dennis Cima
10 Jan San Antonio – Instrument PCT Contact: Capt. Leonard Laws
11-13 Jan Group III – WAX SAREX Contact: Lt Col Brooks Cima
     

Editor
A USAF Chaplain's Guest Commentary

Celebrate the joy of Thanksgiving, tradition

11/28/2006 - LANGLEY AFB, VA. -- Do you remember the joy of fall in elementary school? First came Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and of course, Christmas and Hanukkah. The classroom was filled with drawings, decorations, and crafts according to the holiday. For most children it is a time of excitement and anticipation.

It's possible that you may not have thought much about the historical meaning of Thanksgiving since elementary school, unless you're a parent.

According to Encarta Encyclopedia, Thanksgiving was first celebrated by Pilgrims and Native Americans in colonial New England in the early 17th century. It is believed that the colonists drew on the tradition of harvest festivals celebrated in many parts of the world since ancient times.

Thanksgiving also has roots in the Puritan custom of designating special days of thanksgiving to express gratitude for God's blessings.

After the Civil War, Congress established Thanksgiving as a national holiday. In the 19th century, Thanksgiving's emphasis on home and family appealed to many people across the United States. Thanksgiving was also considered an introduction to American values for millions of immigrants. Over time, Thanksgiving became ingrained in American culture.

As we approach another Thanksgiving Day in the history of our nation, think for a moment about the joy you may have felt in elementary school every fall during the holiday season.

There was joy in learning and in discovering new things. There was joy in being with family and friends. There was joy in creativity. Did you ever make a turkey with colored paper and pipe cleaners? Do you remember tracing your hand to make turkey feathers?

There was simple joy as a child in learning about faith, culture, traditions and our American history. There was also joy in helping make Thanksgiving dinner, in smelling the wonderful aromas and in decorating.

If you're a parent you probably remember those feelings through the wonder you see in your child's eyes.

For those who may not have the privilege of occasionally getting a glimpse of life through the eyes of youthful innocence, reflect on that distant time in your own life.

You may find that you re-discover, if only for a moment, that all that joy and wonder are still there.

Thanksgiving Day is a time when we are reminded to step out of our ever-increasing hectic American lifestyle and reflect on all that is good in our lives.

Time may have passed. The faces and scenery of our lives may be vastly different from childhood. But what made the holiday season so exciting in childhood has not changed. In America we have freedom -- freedom of religion, freedom of choice, and freedom to learn, discover and reach our highest potential. We are blessed with material abundance, and with family and friends.

As Airmen in the world's most powerful Air Force, we have the privilege of helping to preserve our American heritage. May you experience the Thanksgiving tradition with a renewed sense of joy, for we have much to be thankful for.

Chaplain (Capt.) Terri Gast, 1st Fighter Wing Chaplain
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Anderson County CS

County’s Civil Air Patrol cadets are flying high, 11 October

PALESTINE, Texas – A volunteer civilian auxiliary of the Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is charged with three primary missions — aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services.

Best known for their work in search and rescue and disaster relief missions, CAP also has performed aerial reconnaissance for homeland security, provided disaster relief to support local, state and national organizations, and helps with damage assessment, such as after a hurricane. The CAP saves an average of 80 people per year. In fact, the CAP conducts approximately 90 percent of inland search and rescue in the United States, as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and at the request of other agencies.

Locally, the Anderson County Composite Squadron consists of 16  members who meet from 2 to 4 p.m. each Saturday at the Palestine Municipal Airport. “We are always recruiting new cadets and senior members,” said Major Bryan Smith, the squadron commander.

Through the Cadet Program, CAP educates youth in four main program areas: leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness and character development, offering orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft and flight training scholarships. The Cadet Program provides about 10 percent of each year’s new classes entering the U.S. military service academies, and provides activities and competition for cadets at local, state, regional and national levels. Cadet Major Andrew Smith, 18, an aeronautical engineering student at Jacksonville Baptist College, has enjoyed his time in CAP.

Cadet Major Andrew Smith, 18, of the Anderson County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, checks flight controls on a Cessna 150 Saturday afternoon at the Palestine Municipal Airport. (Photo: Cheril Vernon)

“I’ve served 3 1/2 years in CAP and have been flying ever since. I love it,” Andrew Smith said. “I hope I can go out and be part of the Air Force and serve my country.”

As the squadron’s Cadet Emergency Services Officer, Smith also has helped hurricane victims in shelters. “We participate in parades, Christmas drives and other big events such as encampments and flight academy,” Andrew Smith said. Smith finds CAP rewarding because it gives him a unique opportunity. “In no other organization are you able to go out and fly or go out trampling through the woods as a ground crew member for search and rescue missions without being signed up with the military,” Andrew Smith said.

During special encampments held on local, state and national levels, cadets are introduced to even more opportunities. Some of Cadet Major Andrew Smith’s encampments on the national level include a special leadership academy; the opportunity to work a week at a Cessna plant in Kansas where cadets helped turn sheet metal into brand new $250,000 airplanes; and visits to Auburn University to explore the different fields of engineering through hands-on project such as helping build an airplane wing.

One of Smith’s joys of serving in the CAP is mentoring other cadets. “Civil Air Patrol has changed my life. It’s made me a better person,” Andrew Smith said. “I’ve seen cadets who’ve been in trouble come in and through the Civil Air Patrol’s structure, changed their life for the better. I’ve seen some teens who weren’t even expecting to finish school to not only complete high school, but go on to college or go into the military. “I love working with the cadets, mentoring them, helping keep them out of trouble,” Andrew Smith added.

Peter Goodwin, 12, is one of those new cadets, having joined less than a month ago. “I love everything about planes and aviation,” Goodwin said, noting that he learned about the CAP program through a friend in Longview.

Squadron commander Major Bryan Smith also has seen the change that can happen when youth are put in the cadet program. “We try to make leaders,” Bryan Smith said. “We had one cadet who continually was in and out of trouble who ended up taking on a leadership role and started doing well not only here but in school and that year turned out to be our Cadet of the Year.

“You don’t always know if there’s a key – you just hope there is a key,” Bryan Smith said. “Something just clicked.” Several past cadets have gone on to serve for their country in the armed forces, one as a commercial pilot and four currently in the National Guard, Bryan Smith said. “Adam Collie is a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Airborne,” Bryan Smith said. “He’s one of our guys.”

A special guest, Lt. Col. Wilbur Dixon from the Civil Air Patrol’s Tyler Composite Squadron and a World War II and Vietnam veteran who trained in aviation at the famous Tuskegee Airmen Program and served the military for 26 years of active duty, was on hand Saturday at the Anderson County Composite Squadron meeting.

Dixon added a membership ribbon to promote Anderson County Composite Squadron senior member Bill Kapela to the rank of captain, and also presented the prestigious Grover Loening Award to Anderson County Civil Air Patrol Squadron Commander Major Bryan Smith of Fairfield.

The Grover Loening Award is given to CAP members who complete Level III of the Senior Member Professional Development Program. It recognizes those members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in the CAP. Of CAP’s 35,000 senior members, only about 350 earn the prestigious award each year.

Dixon retired in 2005 as a physician’s assistant at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Gurney Unit.

(Cheril Vernon, The Palestine Herald)
Apollo CS

Working the Hurricane Ike Mission, 14-28 September

GEORGETOWN, Texas – "The most Civil Air Patrol aircraft I had ever seen in one place," is how I described the scene to a fellow squadron member who asked me how the Hurricane Ike Mission had been. Because all those airplanes – not only from our great state of Texas, but also from Arkansas and Oklahoma – were a visual reference showing the size of the effort that we, the Civil Air Patrol, came up with in response to one of the worst natural disasters to hit this country. It didn't matter where you came from, or what squadron you belonged to; all that mattered was the mission at hand.

In my four and a half years in the Civil Air Patrol, I have worked a few missions, large and small, and in this case I'm very proud to say that we did a great job! From the people that were running the mission even before the hurricane made landfall, to the people that could only stay at mission base long enough to fly two sorties, everybody did what they could to help the job get done. During the day things were never calm, everything moved at lightning speed, and the momentum never slackened. Mission base personnel were up before dawn, and they weren’t asleep until well into the night.

As a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol, regulations restrict me in what I can do. As a cadet, I don’t get to go on certain missions that senior members get to go on, even those that I've trained for – meeting after meeting, weekend after weekend, training school after training school. For this reason I did not believe that I would be called to help and be a part of this mission. Many e-mails went out seeking qualified members; each e-mail that I sent back in response brought me hope that I would get to put my countless hours of training and studying to work in a real-life situation, where there might be lives at risk. It was not until my third e-mail that I received a response – and I was off to work.

"Michael, sit down in your seat. The bell's not going to ring for another 30 minutes," said my history teacher, as I paced around the door with all my school stuff already packed up and ready to go. I had just read the text message that my mother had sent me. She was coming to pick me up so I could go, go and work the mission that had devastated so many, the mission that I had trained for, the mission that I was sure would set records. Six hours later I was signing into mission base in Houston, getting my first glimpse of what the next 12 days were to bring me.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

[1] The mobile communications van from the Nighthawk Composite Squadron is an awesome piece of equipment. [2] 2d Lt. Kimberly Reitz, Arkansas Wing, and Capt. Stephen Hudson, Sulphur Springs Composite Squadron, plan a flight. [3]-[4] Flight-line marshalling was a seemingly non-stop job. [5] Air Operations ran smoothly. [6] At the heart of the mission (at center), Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, Incident Commander for most of the mission, made sure that everything ran efficiently and smoothly. Her husband, Lt. Col. Dennis Cima (at left), was a key member of the command staff. [7] The flight line ebbed and waned, as aircrews took off and landed. Although busy, the traffic was orderly. (Photo #1, 2nd Lt. Kimberly Reitz, Arkansas Wing; #2-7, 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, Apollo Composite Squadron.)

I got to work immediately, helping set up the mobile radio system that was brought in to improve communications. For me, the first day was slow; I was still trying to get the feel of things. Then, as the days progressed, everything seemed to blur; I would wake up at 0-dark thirty, and the next thing I knew I would be going to sleep only a few hours before I would have to be up again. The first five days I was there, I worked in many different jobs; I was on the flight-line for over half of the time. The great number of aircraft on the flight-line amazed me, at one point in time I counted twelve aircraft, including three G-1000, several Cessna 182s, and the G-A8. With all these aircraft coming and going, I'm proud to say that while I was there we had no incidents or problems with aircraft, pilots, pedestrians, or the civilian cars that went back and forth on the road that ran right through our flight-line.

8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

[8] C/TSgt Elyse Moody ran the tracking system. Airplanes and ground teams carried a GPS-based SPOT tracker. If communications failed, Cdt Moody would check the tracking system to verify vehicle movement. [9] Everyone helped. [10] In the communications van, C/2d Lt. Cody McComber and C/MSgt J. Wesley Moody, both members of the Nighthawk Composite Squadron, man the radios. [11] C/MSgt J. Wesley Moody and C/2d Lt Michael Moody (no relation) on the tarmac. 2nd Lt. Jim Moody, father of Cdts. Wesley and Elyse Moody, did a superb job running the photo lab. [12] Airport employee moves a CAP plane. [13] New age whiteboard. (Photos #8-13, C/TSgt Elyse Moody, Nighthawk Composite Squadron)

After my first five days at the mission I returned home. This was not my decision but my mother's. As a sixteen year old Junior at Stony Point High School (go Tigers!!), I needed to go back to school so I wouldn't flunk out through too many absences. When I walked into my school and returned to my classes, I didn't feel right about it. I couldn't understand what I was doing sitting at a desk staring at a white board, when I could be working possibly the biggest mission in my CAP career, when I could be doing something useful, when I could be helping.

For two days I went to school before normal hours and stayed past them to make up my missing work, and in those two days I completed everything. So what was I to do now? Why not skip three more days and go back to the mission? The school bent a little and I was allowed to return to Houston.

14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

[14] At the end of an exhausting day, the Incident Commander, Lt. Col. Owen Younger, works at keeping up morale and helping the volunteers relax. [15] The communications board conveyed both information and encouragement. [16] Every evening after dark and every morning before light airport staff moved the planes to and from the hangar. Some nights there were more planes than this hangar could hold, so they hangared them elsewhere on the airport, returning them safe and sound in the morning. West Houston Airport did better than above and beyond. Their support was amazing. [17] Planes, planes, and more planes. [18] After a very busy day, Maj. Robert Brecount, Information Officer, takes a cat-nap. (Photos: #15-16, 2nd Lt. Kimberly Reitz, Arkansas Wing; #14, 17 & 18, 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, Apollo Composite Squadron.)

The following five days were faster and crazier than the first five. We were running low on staff all around, we didn’t have enough air operations, we didn’t have enough radio operators, we didn’t have enough pilots. However, the mission had to go on, and so it did.  We ran sortie, after sortie, after sortie. And endless coming and going. Digital images of the damage were flowing in, in massive amounts; one sortie alone brought back two thousand photos – all good ones, too. By the last day we were all low on sleep, low on patience, very low on staff, but we were not low on amazing performance and spirit. Right through to the very end we performed well, exceeded expectations, and made a name for the Civil Air Patrol.

19. 20. 21. 22. 23.

[19] A morning briefing. [20] Maj. Robert Brecount, PAO of the Victoria Composite Squadron, was the Information Officer for the mission. [21] With a vintage plane for a background, an aircrew relaxes after a long flight. [22] The Safety Officer hard at work: from Form 71s to wasps' nest, no job is left undone. [23] Maj. John Ureke, Commander of the Lone Star Composite Squadron, helped where needed. (Photos #19-23, 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, Apollo Composite Squadron.)

When everything was done, I had learned a lot, I had done a lot, and I had done more that I thought I could; however, I wasn't ready to go back home or to school. I wanted to go on working, but we were done. We packed up, took the last photo, flew the last official sortie, signed the last form, and now we were on our way home. For some of us, that home still didn’t have electrical power, and those are the CAP members who deserve the most recognition, the mission workers who were helping others while they themselves were in need of help. Everybody gave more than 100%, everybody worked hard and smart, everybody did a great job, and everybody will do a great job the next time they are called.

(C/2nd Lt. Michael Moody)
Black Sheep CS

Black Sheep Cadets Attend Fort Worth Alliance Air Show, 12 October

FORT WORTH, Texas – On 12 October 2008, cadets from the Black Sheep CS traveled to the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show to watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. 

Black Sheep senior member 1st Lt. Jerry Barron drove C/CMSgt Andrew Smith, C/A1C Garrett Porter, C/Amn Jesse Barron, C/Amn Brandon Keehan, and C/Amn Sean Linsley to Alliance airport.

The event had several exhibitors, static displays, and various other military and private aerial performances.

The grand finale involved the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, performing their breathtaking show before the large crowd in attendance.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] The Black Sheep CS cadets watch as Thunderbird jets perform overhead. [2] In Thunderbird #6, Major T. Dyson Douglas, Opposing Solo, does a slow fly-by before making a quick take-off. [3] In Thunderbird #5, Major Samantha Weeks, Lead Solo, startles the crowd with a thunderous afterburner pass. [4] Cadets try to keep an eye on a jet that soared straight into the sun. [5] Standing in front of an F-16 (L-R) are C/Amn Brandon Keehan, C/Amn Sean Linsley, C/CMSgt Andrew Smith, C/A1C Garrett Porter, and C/Amn Jesse Barron. (Photos: Capt. Kelly Castillo)

(Capt. Kelly Castillo)
Gladewater Corsairs CS

Kiowa Warrior Visits the Squadron, 7 October

GLADEWATER, Texas – On 7 October, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing, received a surprise visit from a United States Army aviator. He is Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brad Gaudet, who stopped by to make a short presentation to the squadron, as he prepared to deploy to Iraq.

Mr. Gaudet (Army Warrant Officers are addressed as “Mister”) spent about an hour and a half in a lively, interesting presentation. During that time, he discussed how he entered the Army aviation program and gave some details about the helicopter program. Mr. Gaudet is a Gladewater High School graduate who first earned a college degree and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After serving an infantry tour in Iraq, he applied for Army aviation.

Upon his selection, he was sent to Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he spent two years learning to fly helicopters in general, and then specializing on his primary mount, the OH-58D Kiowa scouting and attack helicopter. Mr. Gaudet mentioned that, at first, Kiowas were configured only for scouting work and carried no offensive weapons. However, the Army soon learned that once the scouts had detected a hostile force, they were well positioned to take action before their targets disappeared. As a result, Kiowa helicopters are now configured for offensive action in addition to their scouting mission.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Brad Gaudet talks to our squadron members. (Photo: Capt. Harold Parks)

Mr. Gaudet spent part of the time discussing helicopter controls and principles of flight. He then went on to talk about his real love, the Kiowa. There was not doubt that he has a deep attachment to this aircraft. Some of the technical and operational manuals for the Kiowa were on display, as he explained that there is a lot of material to master in order to qualify on this particular aircraft.

Mr. Gaudet went into great detail about the specific responsibilities of the two-pilot crew, and the capabilities of the aircraft itself. He showed a short film of Kiowas on a training mission in order to demonstrate some of the Kiowa’s capabilities. "It is a very capable and versatile aircraft," he said. He was excited about going to Iraq, where he would put his training to use, and proud to serve his Country.

The squadron was thrilled with the presentation, that had us all on the edge of our seats. This young Army pilot came across as quite an impressive man, and we are very proud and grateful for his service to our Country. His mother had accompanied him to our meeting, and it was obvious that she was immensely proud of her son. You could also see a bit of worry in her eyes, since she knew that he would soon be going in harms' way. The squadron perceived him as very professional, well-prepared, and realistic about what lies ahead of him.

As he was leaving, we all shook his hand and wished him “God’s speed.” We look forward to seeing him again.

(Capt. Harold Parks)

Gladewater Senior Member Promoted, 21 October

GLADEWATER, Texas – There was a surprise promotion ceremony at the 21 October meeting of the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron. Second Lieutenant Farrell Alexander had not been aware that, on that evening, he would be promoted to First Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Alexander serves as the squadron Deputy Commander for Cadets (DCC) as well as the Moral Leadership Officer (MLO). These duties are critical in a Composite Squadron, as the DCC is responsible for the Cadet Program's overall operation, and the MLO is responsible for character development in our Cadets. The squadron is very fortunate in having an MLO as experienced and qualified as Lieutenant Alexander. He serves both functions very well, in spite of having an extremely busy full-time job as Gladewater's Chief of Police.

Captain Harold Parks presents a Promotion Certificate to Lieutenant Alexander, who hadn't had time to change out of his police uniform. (Photo: Capt. Harold Parks)

Lieutenant Alexander has been a squadron member since February, 2005. He has attended many training activities throughout Texas Wing and is also quite active in squadron Emergency Services training activities. He has achieved a Technician rating in the Moral Leadership career track, and has been working towards certification as an Emergency Services Ground Team Member. Since Lieutenant Alexander is a certified National Rifle Association marksman instructor, he has provided competitive air rifle training to squadron members for some time. As the squadron's cadets have practiced and improved their skills with the air rifles, several have qualified for marksmanship medals – a very popular activity with cadets.

(Capt. Harold Parks)
Kittinger Phantom SS

Col. Joe Kittinger Visits the Squadron, 18 October

GEORGETOWN, Texas – On Saturday, 18 October 2008, Aviation Hall of Fame member Col. Joe A. Kittinger, and his wife Sherry, were guests of Capt. John Craparo's at his airpark home in Georgetown, Texas. Capt. Craparo is the Aerospace Education Officer for the Joe Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron in Austin. The reception was attended by squadron commander Lt. Col. Dan Williams, 1st Lt. Ferrill Ford, 1st Lt. Richard Hacker, Capt. Steve Barclay, many neighbors, and a Boy Scout troop.

Col. Kittinger said that he had been quite impressed with CAP's efforts during last year's search for his friend and fellow Hall of Famer Steve Fossett.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

[1] Col. Kittinger speaks to the gathering. [2] Col. Kittinger at his entertaining best. [3] Col. Kittinger and his wife Sherry. [4] Col. Kittinger enjoyed his own presentation, thanks to an appreciative audience. [5] An accidental ray of sunlight fell on the speaker, lending him unexpected authority. [6] Col. Joe Kittinger addresses the gathering during his visit to the Austin area. [7] For old times' sake, Col. Joe Kittinger poses by a small racing gondola (for use under an AX6 size envelope). In front of the gondola, John Craparo's friend Dean Holms, wife Tami, and their son's friend Chris Atkins. Behind the basket, (L-R) Lt. Col. Dan Williams, 1st Lt. Ferrill Ford, Capt. Steve Barclay, Col. Joe Kittinger, Capt. John Craparo, and Tim Bagget, of the Texas Balloon Association. (Photos #1-5, 1st Lt. Richard Hacker; #6-7, Capt. John Craparo)

At Capt. Craparo's home, he shared some of his experiences with those in attendance. "I was qualified in 93 different airplanes during my Air Force career," said Col. Kittinger, "but the P-51 Mustang was my favorite." For eleven months in 1972, he shared the infamous Hanoi Hilton with John McCain and other American prisoners, after having been shot down at Mach speed over Hanoi.

In 1960, as a test pilot, he rode a high-altitude balloon in order to test a space suit and innovative parachute systems. Until then, very high-altitude parachute jumping had been considered impossible, and all those who had tried it had not survived the attempt. He jumped from 102,800 ft. and, during the free-fall, reached a speed of 715 mph, the only man ever to break the sound barrier with his body. He landed safely. This was later dubbed "The long, lonely leap."

Read about the facts and the science behind it. (Editor)

(Capt. Steve Barclay)
Pegasus CS

Two Pegasus Cadet Officers Promoted, 11 October

CAMP MABRY, Austin, Texas – An extraordinary woman, Amelia Earhart has placed her name in our history book by being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and also to fly above 14,000 ft. To commemorate Amelia Earhart’s significant achievements in aviation, the Civil Air Patrol has named after her a milestone award in the Cadet Programs. Since its creation in 1964 as a career progression award, nearly 10,000 cadets have earned the Amelia Earhart Award.

At the presentation ceremony conferring this award on cadets Raphael Erie and Sean Stewart, squadron commander Capt. John Benavides said, "These fine young men are among the best that this squadron has to offer. They have both willingly stepped into the crucible that pursuing a leadership position entails. Their commitment to themselves and others became quite visible during the transformation process. They participated in Civil Air Patrol schools and courses at the local, regional and national levels, and have readily shared the education and experience they have acquired."

With the award comes the automatic promotion to Cadet Captain. Cadets Erie and Stewart, by qualifying for this honor, have stepped from the Command Phase into the Executive Phase of the Cadet Program, and both look forward to furthering their leadership experience.

1. 2.

[1] C/Capt Raphael Erie. [2] C/Capt Sean Stewart. (Photos: 1st Lt. Mark Petrosky)

After the event, Capt. Benavides remarked, "Cadet Captain Raphael Erie is a prolific writer and a primary contributor to the squadron's public affairs program. His varied articles inspire the deepest motivational question a cadet can consider; 'Could I, too, do that?' Daily, Cadet Captain Sean Stewart demonstrates his solid understanding of military bearing and leadership principles by teaching these attributes to new cadet members of the squadron's training flight. He serves as an excellent role model for others. Nothing imparts a deeper, longer-lasting impression than a razor-sharp cadet who knows how to walk – and talk – the Civil Air Patrol mission. I congratulate them both."

(C/Capt. Raphael Erie)

Pegasus Cadets Complete Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program, 11 October

CAMP MABRY, Austin, Texas – On 11 October, each of seven Pegasus cadets received a certificate for having completed the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program. This achievement capped a year-long effort to meet the requirements of coursework and practical exercises during “working” lunches at regular squadron meetings.

C/Capt. Sean Stewart was the local Club Chairman as the group was formed to start the program. In describing how the team worked during their lunch periods to complete the course despite challenges from other squadron activities, he said, “Each participant was required to give four or more public speeches. I observed how our skills improved with each speech. The course really increased my confidence and that of my fellow cadets.”

Cadet Stewart also spoke about the unexpected benefits of the Toastmasters' course. “We learned Robert’s Rules of Order,” he said. “I also learned to prepare and organize my information.” Stewart heard about Toastmasters from fellow squadron member C/Lt. Col. Brad Cilino and the instructor, 1st Lt. Karl Falken. “I discovered that my uncle has been a member of Toastmasters for a long time, and that most Air Force bases have a Toastmasters chapter,” explained Stewart.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Cadet Stewart addresses Pegasus cadets prior to the Toastmasters graduation ceremony. [2] Cadet Shannon delivers an address to Pegasus squadron cadets describing his Toastmasters experience. [3] He is followed by Cadet Markwardt [4] and Cadet Gross, who speak on the same subject.

C/SMSgt Lance Shannon also graduated from Pegasus’ Toastmasters program. Describing the nature and benefits of the course, he said, “I used to be nervous before presenting to a group, but now I know how to prepare and I can think on-the-fly.” Then added, “It was kind of fun how we all struggled at first but then we improved over time.”

Cadet Shannon, who served as Secretary for the class, was required to take the minutes during each meeting. He said, “I learned how to record a lot of information very quickly by weeding out the non-essential points.” Shannon further detailed the benefits, “The feedback I received regarding my strong areas and improvement areas is very valuable to me. I gave an impromptu speech on the topic of terrorist efforts to disrupt U.S. oil supplies. I am very pleased that I was able to assess my own progress as a result of the assignment. I plan to continue in the Toastmasters program,” he concluded.

5. 6. 7. 8.

[5] 1st Lt. Falcon describes the Toastmasters program to Pegasus Squadron members prior to the graduation ceremony. [6] Cadet Shannon receives his Toastmasters certificate. [7] Cadet Gross receives his Toastmasters certificate. [8] Cadet Markwardt receives his Toastmasters certificate. (All photos: 1st Lt. Mark Petrosky)

Pegasus’ Toastmasters offering is championed by the squadron's 1st Lt. Karl Falken, who holds a “Competent Communicator” rating with Toastmasters International and served two terms as the Vice President of Education with the local Applied Materials-based “Toastmatters” chapter. Lieutenant Falken said, “Toastmasters is a time-tested program that has proven itself for over 80 years. I was very impressed with the cadets' progress, and would be happy to go on offering the training to any interested CAP members.”

Special thanks to Lieutenant Falken for sponsoring and teaching the program. The following cadets distinguished themselves by sticking-with the coursework until achieving their Toastmasters certificates. Congratulations on a job well done to C/Capt Sean Stewart, C/CMSgt Aaron Harold, C/SMSgt Lance Shannon, C/TSgt Alex Falken, C/SSgt Caleb Gross, C/SrA Justin K Markwardt and C/A1C Robert Andon.

(1st Lt. Mark Petrosky)

Pegasus 2008 Fall FTX, 17-19 October

BASTROP, Texas – The Pegasus 2008 Fall Field Training Exercise (FTX) was held on 17-19 October at the Griffith League Ranch Boy Scout campground, a 5,000 acre primitive campsite located next to Camp Swift.

The focus of the exercise was ground team training at all levels. Arriving Friday night, cadets and senior members set up camp in the dark, got dinner, and prepared for the following morning. Saturday morning was spent on primary GTM3 training, while staff members set up for the first training scenario.
After lunch Saturday, the trainees conducted their first Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) search to locate a mock aircraft crash site. The trainees split into two teams to coordinate the search and, upon reaching the site, they found simulated wreckage and a simulated survivor.

The teams located the site within two hours, secured the area, and established a marked perimeter. Within 20 minutes of securing the scene, the squadron called a Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter that landed to provide assistance. Coincidentally, the DPS pilot was the same one who had assisted in the Mark Ritter RedCAP mission earlier this year. The pilot and Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) spent time discussing their mission capabilities and how they could assist the squadron in our operations. They are a very useful resource for CAP operations, since the DPS has overall jurisdiction for aircraft searches in Texas. The DPS flight crew also participated in a guided search, using air-to-ground signal techniques to help the ground teams locate a target and set up a remote helicopter landing zone. They allowed two CAP members to fly along as scanner/observers, so they could see how this type of coordination works.

After a very welcome meal, the rest of Saturday was spent in preparing for night operations. Saturday night’s ELT search was designed to teach the CAP ground teams how to operate safely at night, with all trainees wearing reflective vests and glow-sticks for illumination. The searches were conducted so as to maximize land navigation skills and teamwork. Each of the two teams successfully located the ELT and returned for their debriefing. after which a flag retirement ceremony took place. During the course of this emotional event, all were impressed with the respect shown to the service of our flag.

Sunday morning started bright and early with breakfast and mission briefings, after which the teams split up to search for another simulated crash site. Since the property is very large and the terrain wooded, navigation and communication skills were particularly important. After locating the site, the trainees learned to secure a remote site and administer first aid. One of the simulated casualties required the teams to practice litter carry for half a mile in order to reach the evacuation site.

Overall, the exercise introduced all participants to a realistic representation of an actual search and rescue mission. By coordinating with the DPS, they learned how to coordinate with different agencies. Everyone worked hard and had a great time. The squadron now plans to host another exercise for the spring of 2009, open to all in Texas Wing, that promises to be a great and enjoyable training opportunity.

(1st Lt. Bill Davidson)
Tyler CS

Fund Raiser Event, 11 October

TYLER, Texas – The Tyler Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing participated in Atwood’s Farm & Ranch hot-dog sale on Saturday, 11 October.  Atwood’s has a monthly “Customer Appreciation” hot-dog sale, and invited the squadron to participate.

Atwood’s supplies all the hot-dogs and buns, sells them for 10 cents, and graciously donates all proceeds to the organization working the sale. Squadron members provided drinks, chips, condiments, brownies, and cookies that were sold along with the hot-dogs. Over 800 hot-dogs, dozens of homemade cookies, brownies, chips, and soft drinks were sold to the local customers, many of whom asked about the Civil Air Patrol and what we do.

The squadron used the opportunity to explain the CAP program and its three missions. Many attendees were surprised to learn that CAP even exists, and just how much we offer to the community at large. The Tyler Composite Squadron has been participating in this event for several months, as part of our fund raising and recruiting activities. In addition, we also offer a monthly Pancake Breakfast, held at the squadron every fourth Saturday. 

Five squadron cadets, C/Amn Sarah Fitzgerald, C/Amn Jonathan Quezada, C/A1C Shaun Quezada, C/SrA James Gandy, and the cadet commander, C/Capt. Joshua Jenkins participated along with the following senior members: commander Lt. Col. Lou Thomas, deputy commander for seniors Capt. Skip Smith, maintenance officer Capt. Bruce Folks, and Senior Member James Fitzgerald. 

The squadron is grateful to those who participated by working or providing drinks and dessert during the event, and especially thankful to Atwood’s for making it possible for us to raise funds to support squadron activities, as well as to promote the Civil Air Patrol, its missions, and its core values.

(Capt. Skip Smith)

The Squadron's New Emblem, 14 October

TYLER, Texas – The squadron has a new emblem. Here's the significance of the elements that appear on it.

The black field represents the sorrow of loss after any disaster, and particularly the loneliness and grief of captivity, suffered by so many prisoners of war. It also represents the night, that is often the time of day that CAP is called upon to go on a mission.

Below the squadron's Charter Number at the top of the shield, a Seeing Eye of Providence shows that the squadron is always ready to respond to a call for help, at a moment's notice. From the Eye of Providence emanate three rays of light that dispel the night, giving a clear sight of duty to squadron members, and bringing hope and comfort to those in distress.

The centered Sword of Strength and Truth, flanked by the Wings of Vigilance, indicates that squadron members will never waver in their devotion to their fellow man.

The POW watch-tower with the number 16 on top stands for one of the squadron's own members, John Roberts, who was a POW/MIA during the Korean Conflict. The number 16 represents the size of his group, who went behind enemy lines and destroyed MIG fighters that Russia had given to our enemy, who were using them to wage war against the United States.

The Four Points of the Compass show the squadron member's guide to the Core Values, which squadron members embrace as members of the Civil Air Patrol.

The motto, VIRES PER SCIENTIA (Strength Through Knowledge) is a constant reminder to squadron members to live by their promise to never cease acquiring professional skills, and be always prepared to serve the community, state, and nation.

(Capt. Skip Smith)
Waxahachie Talon CS

The stars still shine...

Although I know this may be for the best,

I can’t help but hear

     the crash of treacherous thunder.

I can’t help but feel the cold rain, so dreary,

     Or see how sudden lightning

          flashes before my eyes

 

Sometimes I wonder

     If this storm will ever pass.

But then I step outside,

     And embrace its presence

 

The raindrops drench my hair.

Slowly they collapse on my head

     and roll down my face,

          past my lips,

               falling to the ground.

 

Although darkness surrounds me,

     I can see stars shining above.

So I stop and breathe in

     the refreshing air.

(C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm)

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