A Good Run

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – In the late 1960s as a young man living in Manhattan, I was hired by the now-defunct investment banking firm of Kidder, Peabody & Co. During my training and internship to become a registered representative, I worked a full 10-hour day that included lectures, hands-on work, tests, and mentoring by seasoned employees. The interns had to know all about municipal bonds, corporate bonds, stocks, retirement accounts, interest-bearing securities of all kinds, deferred-income returns, and the many ins and outs of what to do with money so it would make more money – with a minimum of taxation.

The days were very busy, we ate a quick lunch at one of the many little eateries and deli stores that dotted the area, and when the day was over the out-of-town and out-of-state interns went back to their nondescript, gray hotels, while the locals – I among them – retreated to our apartments. One balmy, sunny day, quitting work at about six in the afternoon, I got into the elevator that at that hour was often empty. That day, only one other person was in it and he smiled at me. ("A nice old man," I thought)

"I've seen you around," he said. "Yes, sir," I replied, "I'm in training for registered representative." The elevator doors opened at the lobby and we headed for the glass doors that opened on the street. "Where do you live?" asked the old man. "I've got an apartment on East 85th Street, sir," I replied. "Good," the old man replied. "Then we can walk together. You do like walking, don't you?" "Yes, sir!" He was taller than I, perhaps over six foot. As we started off at a brisk pace, "Call me Al," he dropped, casually.

By design, my daily routine included exercise. I got up at daybreak and walked two blocks to the hardball court off the FDR Drive, where I played about half an hour of vicious, all-out handball with Jim Gisondi, my neighbor one floor down. He was an accountant and single, the same as I. This got the day started right for us. He wanted to keep his weight down, and I felt the need to stay in shape and alert. We both succeeded. If it rained or snowed, I just ran up and down the apartment building's inside emergency stairs, from my 19th floor down to the basement and back, until I'd met my half hour quota.

That first walk with "Al" was quite pleasant. He asked questions and I answered them. He was interested in what I liked and did, and gave me some advice. I had no idea who he was, but it didn't matter to me. When we reached 85th Street, some 3 miles up from the Kidder building at 10 Hanover St., in the Wall Street area, Al said, "You peel off here, right?" "Yes, sir... I mean, Al." As he waved at me, he said, "I've got a few more blocks to go. See you tomorrow."

Instantly, this "walking home with Al" became an established routine, and after he warmed up to me, he revealed himself as a caring and wonderful man, mentoring me and cautioning me about the ins and outs of investment banking. It never occurred to me to ask him what he did at Kidder. Anyway, I liked the man, though I must confess that he looked ancient to me. But everything is relative. Today I learned that he had been barely over sixty in those days.

One afternoon, a senior representatives who was mentoring me saw me from across the street as I walked away with Al. The following day he asked me why I was walking with him. "We walk home almost every day," I said. "He lives a few blocks further uptown than I do. Why do you ask?" Then the rep told me that "Al" was really Albert H. Gordon. When the name mean nothing to me, the rep said, "His office is on the top floor." Now that meant a great deal more. The top floor was where "the board lived" and also where the really big deals were cooked. My Al was really the Chairman of the Board – and largest stockholder – of Kidder, Peabody & Co. My Al wasn't a stingy old man who was too cheap to spend the 15 cents to buy a subway token to go home. He was rich as Croesus, and in fact he could have had a fleet of limousines carry him back and forth everywhere he wanted to go. But he walked for the exercise and liked congenial company while doing it.

One day we talked about the Crash of 1929 and the Depression. "It wasn't economics that did it," he said, "It was dishonesty. Never compromise your ethics." It was the best advice he ever gave me, and stayed with me permanently. Then life went on, I left Kidder, and lost sight of Al.

This morning, my daughter Alicia sent me a link to a New York Times obituary. I read it with great interest. My friend Al had been a highly successful but frugal man, intent on having a good run in life, business, and personal enjoyment. Also, he didn't just walk; the obit revealed that he had started running marathons in his 80s. During his long life, he was lionized in financial circles, having achieved fame and recognition. He had been born on July 21, 1901, two years before the Wright Brothers made the first powered flight, and lived to see the creation and fall of the Soviet Union, as well as America's planning of a permanent base on the Moon.

Preceded by his wife, Albert Hamilton Gordon died at his Manhattan home on May 1st, age 107. He is survived by 3 sons, 2 daughters, 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Al had a good run.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Making a Difference

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, CAP, Commander

CAP's Expanded Role in Homeland Security

From: Debardelaben, Julie
To: Arthur Woodgate
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 8:32 AM

Subject: FW: House passes Congressman Dent's bill to expand Civil Air Patrol's role in Homeland Security

Please disseminate to PAOs in your region. Consider posting this news on your Web sites and running it in your newsletter.

Julie DeBardelaben, Deputy Director, Public Affairs

Subject: House passes Congressman Dent's bill to expand Civil Air Patrol's role in Homeland Security

Office of Congressman Charles W. Dent
Proudly Representing Pennsylvania’s 15th District
For Immediate Release
May 12, 2009

Press Contact: Gregg W. Bortz
610-861-9734 or (cell) 202-222-5118

House passes Congressman Dent’s bill to expand Civil Air Patrol’s role in Homeland Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill by U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15) requiring an assessment of how the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) can support homeland security missions was approved by the House of Representatives today. Congressman Dent is a member of both the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Homeland Security Committee.

The bill (H.R. 1178) directs the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the ways in which the CAP may assist state, local, and tribal governments and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by:

• Providing aerial reconnaissance or communication capabilities for border security;

• Providing assistance in a collective response effort, including damage assessment, search and rescue, and evacuations;

• Assisting in departmental training exercises.

GAO’s report to Congress must assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing CAP assets and the ability of federal and state agencies to request CAP support. Upon completion, DHS must review and analyze the report and, within 90 days, submit recommendations to the Congress for further action.

Congressman Dent has long advocated the use of CAP pilots and aircraft for homeland security missions. He conceived this legislation in 2007 after a visit to the border town of Laredo, Texas, to address concerns raised to him by officers of Customs and Border Protection, who said they lacked sufficient aviation assets and resources for their important mission.

“Continuing a proud tradition, a CAP force of 57,000 volunteers and over 500 aircraft across the country stand ready to support the Nation’s homeland security mission,” Congressman Dent said. “I believe this study will find that using CAP resources to bolster our border security and assist in disaster response is a sensible and cost-effective measure.”

The Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). First organized at the beginning of World War II, the CAP is a volunteer cadre that handles 90 percent of inland search and rescue missions in the United States. Civil Air Patrol planes have been among the first to survey the aftermath of such disasters as the attacks of September 11, 2001 and Hurricane Katrina.

“The passage of Congressman Dent's Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security bill in the House today marks a major step forward in ensuring that Civil Air Patrol's emergency capabilities are fully utilized by all Federal agencies,”  said Maj. Gen, Amy Courter, CAP  National Commander. “With 550 aircraft, thousands of trained and experienced aircrew, and a nationwide communications system CAP can be a valuable component of our national defense.”

OPSEVAL, 22-24 May

Members of the Texas Wing

An exceptionally talented group of CAP volunteers did a superb job and achieved an overall Excellent rating at the 2009 Texas Wing SAR Evaluation. The individual area ratings are:

Special recognition was awarded to Major David Ogden in FLS, Major Jack Lewis in IT, and Lt. Col. Theresa Alexander in Finance/Admin who all clearly performed in an above-and-beyond manner.

A lot of hard work over a long time went into achieving this success, but the most important result is the fact that the Texas Wing is more than ready to perform our emergency services missions for our Nation, our communities, and our organization.  I am exceptionally pleased with the results (especially that Outstanding rating in Safety!).  We appreciate the assistance of CAP-USAF in helping us identify opportunities for improvement, and we are already developing plans to make our processes and training programs more effective.

Congratulations to Lt. Col. Brooks Cima and her ES team, the 243 volunteers from all over the State, Oklahoma, and Southwest Region Headquarters who participated in the mission this weekend, and the many others who have contributed over the past two years to this very significant validation of our ability to perform Missions for America.

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

[1] Lt. Col. Melanie Capehart, Southwest Region; Hal Gary, OK State Director; and Lt. Col. Don Hensley, CAP-USAF SWLR. [2]-[3] C/2nd Lt. Michael Moody posts the planning board and handles the flow of information into the Incident Command Post. [4] Lt. Col. Hensley checks on Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, Incident Commander, and Lt. Col. Dennis Cima, Agency Liaison. [5] Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Deputy Incident Commander, confers with Lt. Col. Theresa Alexander, Finance/Admin. [6] Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt with the Texas Wing Commander, Col. Joe Smith.

7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

[7] The Air Force evaluators line up as they act like aggressive reporters at an evaluated mock press conference. [8] Lt. Col. Owen Younger capably fields questions during the mock press conference. To his left, Lt. Col. Rick Woolfolk, Information Officer. [9] Maj. Randy Russell, Operations Chief. [10] Lt. Col. Tim Taylor, CAP-USAF SWLR Director of Operations, starts the end-of-exercise briefing and announces the rating merited by each section. [11] Lt. Col. Don Hensley, CAP-USAF SWLR Commander, announces the names of participants meriting special recognition. [12] (L-R) Lt. Col. Tim Taylor, Maj. Jack Lewis, Lt. Col. Theresa Alexander, Finance/Admin, Maj. David Ogden, Flight Line Supervisor, and Lt. Col. Don Hensley, as the latter presents a challenge coin to each of the three CAP members deserving special recognition. (Photos: Capt. Sandra Smith, Oklahoma Wing)

Col. Joe R. Smith, CAP, Texas Wing Commander

Former Texas Wing Commander Dies, 25 May

From: Frank Eldridge
To: All SWR Staff ; wing-command@swr.cap.gov
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 9:42 AM
Subject: [SWR Staff] {:2009 Southwest Region Cadet Competition Results:}

On behalf of Colonel Joseph Jensen, Southwest Region Commander, we wish to pass on our Congratulations to the 2009 Southwest Region Cadet Competition Winners.

    2009 Southwest Region Drill Team - Texas Wing (Sheldon Cadet Squadron, TX-802)
    2009 Southwest Region Color Guard Team - Texas Wing (Pegasus Composite Squadron, TX-351)

The Southwest Region Competition was held on Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. on 22-23 May, 2009. The following color guard teams competed:

Arkansas Wing,

Arizona Wing,

New Mexico Wing,

Oklahoma Wing, and

Texas Wing.

Col Jensen presented the following awards on Saturday evening, during the awards ceremony.

Individual Awards

    Special Team Award - Arizona Wing

    Outstanding Cadet Award - C/TSgt Dakota Swearengin (Arkansas Wing)

    Highest Written Exam - C/SMSgt Austin Lowery (Texas Wing)

    Male Fleet Foot Award - C/TSgt Dakota Swearengin (Arkansas Wing)

    Female Fleet Foot Award - C/SSgt Hannah Disraeli (Texas Wing)

We would also like to pass on our appreciation for the outstanding work Oklahoma Wing provided as the host for this year's competition.

Sincerely,

Frank Eldridge, Col, CAP, SWR DCS Cadet Programs

Do You YouTube?

GEORGETOWN, Texas – NASA thinks that lots of people do, so they've opened an annex of their stunning new website in YouTube. It's everything you would expect, and then some. Treat yourself. Visit http://www.youtube.com/user/NASAtelevision for a TV feast.

How About Flickr?

GEORGETOWN, Texas – NASA's photostream posted on Flickris is en eye-opener. Please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/ and see what it's like.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

The International Space Station in Vivid Profile

    GEORGETOWN, Texas – The multinational partnership that has made the International Space Station and its work possible is a project that just a generation ago was considered if not impossible at least unlikely. Today, it is a marvel of cooperation and scientific sharing and discovery. Celebrating this success, NASA has created and released an interactive 3-D set of views of the Space Station and the new Mars Rover.

Do visit this page, that to display properly requires Adobe Flash to be installed on your computer. The best part is that you can contact NASA to tell them what you think. I thought it was terrific.

Follow this link to view this great project.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

Cadet Aviation Scholarships

The Seidel AFA Chapter voted to provide scholarships to the following cadets. 

2009 Texas Wing Glider Academy – ($450 Scholarship)

• Brandon J. Billstrand - TX-390

• Olivia Jane Kearny - TX-391

• John Lockhart - TX-133

• Nicholas Schroder - TX-354

• Robert Severance - TX-076

2009 Texas Wing Powered Academy – ($600 Scholarship)

• Brandon Billstrand - TX-390

• Andrew Smith - TX-214

The Dallas Daedalians is providing Nicholas Schroder with a $750 Scholarship.

Congratulations!

Maj. Phyllis Sutton, CAP, CAP Liaison to the Seidel AFA

Taking Things for Granted

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Human beings are creatures of habit, and one of them is taking things for granted. Being human, I feel qualified to write about this, having had years of experience. Those of us who have nearly always enjoyed good health tend to notice how good we had it only when we get sick; but even then, the expectaction is the same, "I'll be well soon." When it involves physical health, it is easier for others to notice our diminished condition. For instance, my dear wife assures me that I make a terrible patient. Perhaps I do.

It is quite another matter when our wounds are of the spirit. Although the loss of an arm, for instance, being an irrevocable condition is best handled by acceptance and getting used to a prosthetic arm in no time, the loss of peace of mind, for one, is not so easily handled. The average person tends to blame others, when often the problem lies within, thereby delaying a return to the previous level-headedness and harmony by denying its etiology. The medical profession and mental health practitioners make a big deal out of that one, etiology. It means, literally, "study of the origin(s)" because it is important to know how people got to be where they are.

When someone has once enjoyed vision and then lost it, that person is seldom as well adjusted as someone who has been blind from birth. The problem is that the knowledge of having had sight never goes away, so it is hard to accept its loss. But there are wounds of the spirit that have little to do with our physical side, and instead are rooted in the mind and thinking processes. Developing the ability to cope with spiritual wounds takes time, openness, and courage. And discernment, too. Rarely are these traits found together in someone able to apply them internally. Even less are they found in someone able to figure out a future not yet lived, and the consequence of falling into a wounded spirit's trap.

When I find someone capable of seeing that far in both directions, outwardly and inwardly, past and future, a very rare talent, I count myself lucky, and want to know that person. If this individual is also young, the urge is even greater.

This month I saw that spark in a young person, a cadet, who wrote about it.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Plan Your Summer

If you are coming to the ALERT Academy for either the Encampment or LESA, please bring portable VHF radios from your squadron. We can have too few radios, but never can we have to many!

If you have E. F.Johnson mobile radios that have not been programmed with the interim code plug, please bring them also.

This year, I hope to see every one of you at Big Sandy.

2nd Lt. Roger Courtney, CAP, Communications Officer

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.

• Schedules and program details are available at www.preparingtexas.org

• Visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ftp/dem/training/08trainingcal.pdf and read page 9 for information regarding reimbursement.

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

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

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, CAP, FO

The Life and  Death of Wired Ethernet?

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – About 35 years ago, Bob Metcalfe who worked for Xerox Corp. wrote a memo outlining what he envisioned as a better, more reliable network topography that referred to "The Ether" and promised a speed of 3 Megabits/second (Mbps). Folks, that was very fast in those days. Three years later, he published the first paper calling it "Ethernet." Thirty years ago, Bob Metcalfe left Xerox and founded 3Com (thus memorializing his break-through 3Mbps invention). A year later, the standard had moved up to 10Mbps. Since then, we've traversed through 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and now 10Gbps has been fielded, looking at a future in the range from 40/100Gbps to a dazzling 1Tbps.

Parallel to this, network connection went through expensive shielded wire, through inexpensive unshielded twisted pair, to wireless. Now a question is being raised. Some large companies have invested heavily in wiring hundreds or thousands of PCs, yet many of these users prefer to connect wirelessly. John Cox, senior editor on infrastructure for Network World, asks, Is it time to cut the Ethernet access cable?

Remembering the words of Mark Twain (1897), "The report of my death has been grossly exaggerated," I need to sound if not a clarion call, at least a quiet whistle in favor of wired Ethernet. I feel that current wireless technology is lacking in bandwidth, security and reliability. Every now and then, out of curiosity, I look for a signal and catch one of my neighbors' unguarded wireless ports, just waiting for me to share their connection. So I login in the spirit of scientific inquiry, so that I can immediately logout and turn off my laptop.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

What Dangers, IPv6?

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – The current Internet standard (IPv4) is quickly dwindling down, as the world's current population has expanded into the standard's ability to provide unique addresses, and this has created a problem. How are we to continue Internet expansion, without sufficient unique addresses for every node? The solution, of course, has been self-evident: increase the number of addresses available. This is what IPv6 does, but it's no immediate panacea.

Just looking at the names of the standard, the naive outsider might expect that IPv6 would be 50% larger than IPv4, but that's not the case. Far from it. We're dealing with orders of magnitude here. The new standard will provide 2⁹⁵ addresses for each of the 6.5 billion or so people alive in 2006. How large is 2⁹⁵? Very large. It is just shy of 4 followed by 28 zeroes. From a different perspective, it will be able to allocate about half that gigantic figure to every observable star in the known universe. To be honest, I can't really think in numbers this vast.

Of course, the goal is to assign a unique URL to every singe device on Earth, connect them all via the Internet, and perform automatic communications, from figuring when your refrigerator will break down, to when your car will need servicing, to how much water you used per day, to anything else that you will consent to. The problem is that we won't be able to lay the entire structure and sort of "throw the switch" for instant activation, as it were. Instead, IPv6 will need to coexist with IPv4 for a while, tunneling the "6" through the "4" – thereby creating a security risk.

Brad Reed, in his article FutureNet 2009: IPv6 coming, ready or not (NetworkWorld, May 7, 2009), explains it better than I can. I just hope I won't be important enough to future hackers after me.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

How to Achieve Maximum Networking Success

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Social networking, at the birth of this game, was thought of as just a game. Well, it isn't a game any longer. The friendly crowd of all-forgiving and all-encompassing peers you were used to share ideas with has been infused with a large dose of Corporate America types that will evaluate you from the soles of your shoes to the top of your head. And it all goes to image.

If you are a twenty-something liberal soul, you'll probably think nothing of someone whose e-mail address is kingoftheworld-45-deathfromabove@gmail.com, but Joe Robinson, whose e-mail handle is Joe.Robinson@corporationX.com, might find it very difficult to cotton up to someone with that e-mail address. Here's why. His e-mail address only offers a name and a corporate identity, while the other one projects an image of fantasy, possible lack of judgment, and perhaps irresponsibility.

Let's say that you are King of the Hill, and you think it funny to post a photo of yourself with some special hair modifications, such as bright blue on the right part of your hair, and Kelly green on the left side. Joe Robinson's photo, on the other hand, shows him with a neat haircut, in a dark business suit, with a white shirt and a dark tie. You might think Joe looks old-fashioned and stiff, but he will probably think you couldn't mesh in with his corporate culture. So if you apply to him for a job, you'll be less likely to get it. That's image; it can work well for you, but you need to know your audience.

If you wear white tie and tails to a football game, you'll look ridiculous, but if you wear sandals, torn jeans, and a Mad Magazine T-shirt to a business cocktail party, you'll look unacceptable. When it comes to hiring you, people are not supposed to look beyond your qualifications, but people are people, and they will be less likely to hire someone who projects a counter-culture image than another candidate who "looks right." Moreover, you won't be able to prove that you didn't get the job because of personal bias, because the job can always be tailored for the "right looking" person.

Keep the above in mind, as you take in what C.G. Lynch, a staff writer for CIO magazine, has to say in his article Four Steps to Social Networking Success.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

The Software/Hardware Leapfrog Game

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – About 25 years ago, before Windows was a serious contender for the business desktop, I researched a possible new publication on operating systems and viable platforms. At that time, the undisputed Big Boy was Unix, with a plethora of specialized offshoots that did something very well, largely divided into two camps: the data desktop and the graphics workstation. These were the days of Sun Microsystems, Silicon Graphics, Alpha-chip minicomputers, and Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) that was waved vigorously as the futurists' rallying banner. It all hinged on the Central Processing Unit (CPU), or "computer chip."

Naturally, I established contact with both hardware and software luminaries. Each crystal-baller had a different focus on what would be the winning combination capable of taking over the IT world, and since they were all industry people, their vision was heavily influenced by their own product. For me, the challenge was establishing a trend and making sense of all the answers I got. The one common thread throughout them was that software led hardware in expectation of hardware being able to catch up to the demands placed on the computer by the new software. These were offered as fact. But when I asked for the individual's own opinion, the most common aside by the hardware guru was, "We'll end up giving away the software so we can sell hardware." Naturally, the software magician said, "Hardware will become a very low-priced commodity item, which we might need to subsidize in order to sell software."

But none envisioned that the rules of the game might change. Moore's Law, of course, kept working away, so hardware became ever smaller, faster, and cheaper. And the extraordinary "open source" movement gathered steam, led by Linux and its many followers. The one stumbling block to progress has been the PC's own success, driven by the so-called "Intel architecture." As the installed base has increased (by the end of 2005, there were 822.15 million PCs in the world, a figure that must have been greatly exceeded by now), new generations of CPUs had to innovate while preserving compatibility with existing PCs. Not easy. The article below presents a latter-day instance of this quandary.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

Will Your Computer Run "XP Mode" In Windows 7?

Dave Methvin
infoweek@methvin.com
www.informationweek.com

Do You Like Googling?

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Who doesn't? Googling is almost a national online hobby, since they have the greatest success finding things for you. No doubt this is a great benefit, but it ought to be a worry as well. When Google obediently retrieves the information you want, it also knows who you are, and there is nothing to prevent that magical database of theirs from capturing your personal information, associating it with your search.

You might remember an instance not too far back last year, when the U.S. Government wanted the search engines to turn over the files detailing of their search results. There was a stir about it, and in the end Google stood its ground and didn't surrender its database. However, could the time come when the Judiciary might take a hand in this, and leave no option but to comply?

Robert L. Mitchell, a Computerworld columnist, offers 6 ways to protect your privacy on Google. It turns out that Google gives you the tools to protect your privacy, but it is up to you to take action. Have an interesting read.

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

Do You Think Linux is Not for You?

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – In the dawn of shipping, when "pilots" were expected to draw their own charts of the oceans (which they guarded jealously), and when it was dangerous to even hint that one didn't believe the Earth was flat, surviving maps showed land masses, some of the coastal waters, and on the edges of the uncharted waters there usually was a drawing of a sea serpent with the legend "Here Be Dragons."

"My, that was then!" you say with a smirk, "We're a lot smarter now..." And that we are, at least where it concerns the near sphericity of the Earth. But when it comes to computer operating systems, fear of the unknown can grip the heart of the fiercest full back, turning him into a Jell-O of a man.

For those who don't know the history, Linux was a college project of a doctoral candidate, designed to be a knock-off of the then-reigning multiuser operating system, UNIX. It was so good that it was sought after by others in Academia, and is probably the most famous "open source" software in the world. Unexpectedly, it made room for "support organizations" to exist, since some of its features require some programming skill, but the most recent versions have worked their way around it.

If you have an old, slow PC that is still serviceable, and you would like to get it to do something useful for you, consider loading Linux into it, It might surprise you. And in this PC World Video,

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

Gladewater Corsairs Gets a PAO

GLADEWATER, Texas – I've used this space for cadets making their first efforts into the Public Affairs world of writing, reporting, and photo taking. These have been the new Cadet PAOs of Group III, a nebulous assortment of young people that waxed and waned as CAP and home-life obligations permitted. Some of them did well, wrote many articles, and learned a great deal in the process, bettering their education and their chances in life. Some became Squadron Cadet PAOs under the supervision of an established adult PAO – or even the squadron commander – having been eased into the job after a period of many months.

Today, what I suspected would happen, has indeed become a reality, and very quickly too, about three months after assignment to the squadron. C/CMSgt. Kayla Cassel, formerly a member of the Gregg County Composite Squadron, first wrote for the newsletter over a year ago. It was a short and hesitant article, as many first efforts are, but it showed promise. I encouraged her to tell the whole story, describe what people looked like, did and said, how the author herself felt about it all, and just allow herself to become the reader's eyes, ears and heart. She tried it, and did well.

When she transferred to the Gladewater Composite Squadron, she immediately wrote some articles and I could see that she had come into her own. It takes a writer to recognize another one. A scribbler tells it as if it were an entry on a police blotter – detailed but dry, just the facts.

A true writer has the ability to plunge the reader into the action, offering him or her full participation, and transferring to the outside observer the full details and flavor of what happened, allowing the outsider to get a taste of what it had been like. It takes more than language ability to do this; it also takes honesty and selfless desire to share the event with others. Being able to do this takes personal daring and commitment, because when the real writer "tells all," the write also bares personal feelings, and this requires courage as the reader is allowed to share them.

The present one, then, is an unusual welcome, because Cadet Cassel had been ushered into the Group III PAO Program already. This time, it is my true joy to welcome her as a Group III PAO.

Cadet Cassel – may your pen be fruitful and your life abundant in observation, honesty and sharing...

Capt Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

PAO Update from NHQ

To all CAP PAOs:

It's time for another PAO Update.

Motorcycle Ride Across America – In a nice twist on yearend Wreaths Across America ceremonies, the Reno (Nev.) Composite Squadron and its PAO, 2nd Lt. Janice McElhaney, are participating in the 2009 Road to Thunder-The Journey Home MCC ride across America in May, which is National Military Appreciation Month. Beginning Saturday, May 16, in Grass Valley, Calif., the 16-day motorcycle ride in support and dedication of the U.S. military and America's freedom will come through Nevada and make at least a dozen more stops along the way to Washington, D.C. The riders will arrive in the nation's capital during the Memorial Day weekend and will host honor ceremonies at VA hospitals, including Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington; the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall; and Arlington National Cemetery. Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members will participate in the ceremonies and place wreaths at the Wall and at Arlington to call attention to CAP's ongoing partnership with Wreaths Across America.

Last year nearly 240 Civil Air Patrol squadrons sold 15,300 wreaths and participated in about 400 Wreaths Across America ceremonies nationwide and abroad. With efforts like those planned this month by Lt. McElhaney and the Reno squadron, those numbers will continue to grow. Congratulations to all!

Contact: 2nd Lt. Janice McElhaney at 775-741-1547 or shandak33@gmail.com for more information. 

Amendment to CAPR190-1 – The following amendment to CAPR 190-1 (in blue) was approved by the National Executive Committee in November. It was recently published for 30-day comment:

7. Functions of Public Affairs Officers.

a. Planning. PAOs shall develop an annual public relations plan to promote CAP, its goals and missions for internal and external audiences, and a crisis communications plan to deal rapidly and effectively with crisis situations. The plan will follow the four-step planning process for public affairs: Step 1- Determine PA needs and opportunities; Step 2- Establish objectives designed to fulfill needs and opportunities identified in Step 1; Step 3- Establish goals and action strategies for each objective; and Step 4- State the desired impact envisioned for each goal provided in Step 3.

The comment period has closed; member input is currently in the process of being addressed and the regulation is pending publication.

Contact: Julie DeBardelaben, deputy director of NHQ/PA, at jdebardelaben@capnhq.gov for more information.

Rewrite of AFIADL CAP PAO 02010 – CAP public affairs officers have been complaining for years that the outdated ECI and AFIADL CAP Public Affairs Officer 02010 correspondence course talks about mimeograph machines, typewriter ribbons and gluepots, but makes no mention of the Internet, Web sites or e-mail. A PAO committee is developing a new training program for CAP PAOs based on a new manual specifically designed to complement CAPR 190-1, so that every requirement spelled out in the regulation has a corresponding how-to-do-it section in the new manual. Also, an online test to measure knowledge of the material will be produced to complement the manual. It is the intention of the committee that the manual be reviewed and revised as needed annually to ensure it is does not become outdated. In the meantime, a waiver application process has been developed, so CAP PAOs able to demonstrate mastery of the specialty through educational background, training and experience do not have to complete the outdated AFIADL CAP Public Affairs Officer correspondence course to satisfy the CAPP 201 Technician Rating (3d) requirement.

Contact: Maj. Steven Solomon at steven.solomon1@verizon.net for more information.

New Promotional Posters/Videos – NHQ/PA has reprinted the 16-page coverage of Sr. Mbr. Eric Boe's recent NASA mission as pilot of the STS-126 Space Shuttle Endeavour that appeared in the March-April issue of the Volunteer. A poster for download is currently nearing completion and a promotional video on Boe will soon be available as well. Other posters and videos on high-profile members that will be generated in the near future will designed to help PAOs effectively market and promote the CAP brand. Stay tuned...

Contact: Julie DeBardelaben at jdebardelaben@capnhq.gov to obtain copies of the 16-page Eric Boe reprint or for more information.

Initiatives On The Horizon – NHQ/PA and CAP's region PAOs are hard at work developing an array of resources designed to provide the PAO the tools required to succeed in today's marketplace. Here's what is currently being developed:

• A new online "ezine," which will replace CAP News Online. (There is an anticipated live date of June and will include resumption of the RSS feed.)

• National Speaker's Bureau.

• Media training program for high-profile event spokespersons.

• Continuity book template.

• Orientation kit for PAOs and commanders at all levels.

• Resource store created from existing resources in the field.

• Recruitment materials in Spanish.

• Official social media pages.

• PSAs.

Contact: Julie DeBardelaben at jdebardelaben@capnhq.gov to obtain copies of the 16-page Eric Boe reprint or for more information.

The Volunteer: Coming Soon – The May-July 2009 issue of the Civil Air Patrol Volunteer – featuring three stories ripped from America's headlines – will be off the press in a few weeks. The stories feature CAP's connection to Air National Guard fighter jet pilots in Wisconsin, who helped secure American airspace in early April when a Canadian flight student took an unlawful flight into the nation's heartland.  CAP members also played a role in the high seas rescue of a U.S. ship captain kidnapped by pirates and the EMT response to the massacre of U.S. immigrants in Binghamton, N.Y.

Contact me at scox@capnhq.gov for extra copies of the May-July issue, or for other back issues.

Publication Changes – Keep in mind that NHQ/PA has previously announced a publication change for the Volunteer for the remainder of 2009. For the rest of this year, we will be publishing a May-June-July issue in May, an August-September-October issue in August and a November-December issue in November.

Removable Labels – I know you've heard this for months now, but it bears repeating. The cover of the Volunteer now sports removable mailing labels, which permits CAP members to recirculate their magazines in their communities.. NHQ/PA encourages PAOs to develop a plan to pull in members' magazines after they have read them for redistribution in doctors' offices, hospitals, restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, airports and other places where people congregate in your communities.

AP Style Preference – Please keep in mind that Associated Press (AP) style is preferred for CAP Online News and Civil Air Patrol Volunteer submissions. Both are oriented toward internal (CAP) and external audiences. For that reason, we use the AP style for such things as military abbreviations. The AP style is the standard used for most newspapers and magazines. Official internal CAP communications should continue to use the U.S. Air Force rank abbreviations found in CAPR 35-5.

News Release Prototypes – Sample news releases written by CAP PAOs covering a wide variety of topics are now posted in the PAO Toolkit on the NHQ/PA page at  http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/cap_national_hq/public_affairs/cap_pao_toolkit/news_release_prototypes.cfm. PAOs are encouraged to rely upon these prototypes in developing news releases.

Contact: Kimberly Wright, NHQ/PA's public relations specialist, at kwright@capnhq.gov for more information.

Hometown News Releases – The hometown news release page for the National Cadet Competition (NCC) scheduled for July 9-13 has been posted. The link is: http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2009_NCC_htnr_03C3B669E0B2F.doc The NCC news site is now live as well. It includes a media kit: http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/news/ncc/index.cfm

Contact: Kimberly Wright, NHQ/PA's public relations specialist, at kwright@capnhq.gov for more information.

Disaster Response Link – Also, there is now an online disaster response news link: http://www.capmembers.com/news/disaster_response_missions/index.cfm which features disaster response-related stories from CAP News Online.

PAO Academy –The North Central Region and its director of public affairs, Maj. Al Pabon, invited every public affairs officer in CAP to attend a 2009 NCR Public Affairs Leadership Academy at Camp Ashland, Neb. June 26-28. The academy will provide training on the basic tasks of a squadron PAO. Tentative topics include: Planning for Success as a PAO; Creating and Publishing Effective Press Releases; Editing Informative and Entertaining Newsletters; Developing Effective and Informative Squadron Web Sites; and Letting the Community Know Who You Are With Effective Community Outreach. An entire day of the academy will be devoted to basic level Mission Information Officer training. The academy will count as the two PAO workshops required to earn the PAO Technician Rating and these can be carried over for the Senior and Master ratings. Go to www.ncrpao.org/paoa.htm for program information, curricula details and online registration. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other CAP PAOs who face the same challenges you face every day.

Regards,

Steve 

Steve Cox, Public Affairs Manager, CAP National Headquarters
105 S. Hansell St., Bldg. 714, Maxwell AFB, AL  36112
Office: 877-227-9142, ext. 251 or 334-953-7748, ext. 251 - Cell: 334-296-5881
scox@capnhq.gov

If you have questions or comments about this PAO Update, please contact me or NHQ/PA's deputy director, Julie DeBardelaben, at jdebardelaben@capnhq.gov or 877-227-9142, ext. 250.

Owen Younger, Lt Col, CAP, Group III Commander

Texas Wing OPSEVAL (2), 22-24 May

WEST HOUSTON AIRPORT, Texas – Excellent!  That's what the USAF overall ruling was. They told us that Outstanding had been within our reach, just a hair above our performance, so that's what we'll shoot for next time. The time and effort spent to choreograph this event was huge, but it paid off very well. 

Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Col. Joe Smith and many others worked for months trying to make sure this OPSEVAL came off without a hitch. Every detail had been previously covered or was immediately handled. During a disaster (or in this case an OPSEVAL) quick and accurate thinking and implementation on the part of those in the hot seat is essential. And our leadership at the top, these three superior individuals I just named, gave us the guidance and momentum that kept us on an even keel.

The USAF wanted to see the plan, change the plan, and then change the plan again. They tried to create a climate of uncertainty to see what we would do. Their aim was to test the reaction of those in charge. Not even a dozen inspectors from the great USAF were able to shake the ground our leaders were standing on. Our CAP leadership knew the job, realized it was an important test, and measured up with flying colors.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] The morning briefing at the Incident Command Post. [2] A family affair: 1st Lt. James Moody, C/TSgt James Moody Jr., and C/MSgt Elyse Moody work the Spot Tracking station. [3] Cadets get ready to work the fligh-line. [4] The Incident Command Post hard at work. Deputy Incident Commander Lt. Col. Owen Younger stands facing the camera, as he confers with Incident Commander Lt. Col. Brooks Cima. [5] The Air Force evaluators played verbal hardball with the briefing team, who acquitted themselves well.

This event provided a showcase for our strong points, but it also revealed our weaker points. On the plus side, it showed that success is only as good as our training and participation on previous missions and exercises. Most striking – and ever so scary – is the realization that, every time, we depend on the same people to pull it off, however complex it might be. In a real disaster, we see these faces. In training, we see the same faces. During an OPSEVAL or SAREVAL, the very same faces are everywhere. You might even run into these familiar faces at an OPSEVAL in a different state. 

But what if disaster were to strike the Incident Command Post itself? Who would be ready to step up and carry out the mission? How would continuity of operations be achieved? Whose place would I need to take – and would I be ready to do so? Frankly, I have a lot of learning and work to do if I ever intend to fill Lt. Col. Theresa Alexander's shoes. 

Lt. Col. Theresa Alexander, Maj. David Ogden, and Maj. Jack Lewis were all recognized by the USAF for their contribution to the mission. Having worked with them many times, I've always seen them do a great job. At the end of the day, I was glad that it was noticed and publicly appreciated.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, Group III AEO

Texas Wing OPSEVAL (3), 22-24 May

TYLER, Texas – For the Tyler Composite Squadron, this was not just another training mission; it was an Operations Evaluation (OPSEVAL), an evaluation training event, rated by the U.S. Air force, designed to determine how well the Civil Air Patrol can conduct its missions. With OPSEC papers reviewed in detail, squadron members looked at ways to improve performance and achieve the requirements successfully. Excitement ran through the squadron participants, a group that included members of the Black Sheep Composite Squadron in Mesquite, Texas. 

As Saturday morning kicked into gear at the Tyler Staging Area (Tyler Base), safety briefings were a hot topic as unstable weather loomed and IMU registration difficulties threatened to delay mission directives. Fortunately, calls to designated mission support staff quickly resolved the issues. Taking advantage of favorable flying conditions, the first aerial sortie was launched on an aerial photographic mission over East Texas.

Mission pilot Lt. Col. Terry Howlett, mission observer Capt. Bruce Folks, and mission scanner Lt. Col. Dennis Bennett flew the milestone sortie for the Tyler Composite Squadron. “It was the first time we had used our Nikon DC200 (a high resolution camera) in combination with the Garmin hand-held GPS unit on a mandated mission,” said Tyler Squadron Commander Capt. Robert ‘Skip’ Smith. “Our SAR teams have accumulated extensive training using this camera combo, but until now it had all been done on our own training time.”

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

[1] Participants during the briefing. At left, Lt. Col. Mike Cobb, Southwest Region. Standing at right, Capt. Robert "Skip" Smith, squadron commander. [2] Lt. Col. Lou Thomas, Staging Area Manager, instructs mission pilots with taxi route. [3] Lt. Col. Terry Howlett, mission pilot, checks with Tyler Pounds Airport tower while planning his upcoming sortie flight path. [4] Capt. Bruce Folks makes ready the CAP plane during low ceiling weather delays. [5] Black Sheep Composite Squadron members Capt. Ron Marshall and Capt. Bill Landgrover discuss OPSEVAL mission with Lt. Col. Lou Thomas. [6] Sample aerial photograph showing a controlled fire, includes coordinates and other flight information superimposed onto the bottom of the photo by the RoboGEO software.

The Tyler Composite Squadron has also taken this camera technology to a higher level by integrating the coordinate-embedded GPS photos and processing them with RoboGEO software in conjunction with the plane’s tracking paths into Google maps. “This step serves two purposes: it lets us evaluate the search patterns used by the mission pilots, and it also provides added-value to the parties evaluating mission results,” said Capt. Smith. “It’s the most amazing visual feature I’ve seen in a long time, and we expect increased demand for our services as we meet the needs of our community and mission calls.”

“I was very impressed with the Tyler Composite Squadron’s use of the GPS camera system,” noted Southwest Region's Lt. Col. Mike Cobb, as he participated in the OPSEVAL as a member of the Tyler Base staff. “This makes the Squadron better able to handle the missions." Then Lt. Col. Cobb quipped, "The only weakness is that this Squadron has a terrible weatherman,’” as the East Texas weather soon grounded all scheduled sorties.

“Despite the limited sorties, we had a great exercise,” noted Lt. Col. Lou Thomas, Station Area Manager. “But I would like it better if we had more qualified members to work the missions."

“No matter what; our Squadron is proud to serve in any capacity, at any time,” said Capt. Smith. "We will train and train often, so as to be ready for the real thing, when it does come.”

1st Lt. Rodrigo Saucedo, CAP, Tyler CS PAO

Texas Wing OPSEVAL (4), 22-24 May

WEST HOUSTON AIRPORT, Texas – The biannual U.S. Air Force evaluation of Civil Air Patrol capabilities in Texas began at 8 a.m. May 23 and continued over the next day and a half. Observers from the Air Force evaluated flight operations, ground search teams, logistics, safety, mission planning and communications operations.

CAP members from as far away as Corpus Christi and College Station joined with members from the Houston area at West Houston Airport, one of seven statewide staging areas for the exercise. “This exercise demonstrates our readiness and ability to perform emergency services missions for America,” said CAP Capt. Bob Beeley, Houston staging area manager. “The Air Force will rate us on how well we perform the various missions that we are assigned, from planning to execution.”

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Civil Air Patrol members check in at the West Houston Airport Staging Area, as they get ready to be evaluated by the U.S. Air Force. [2] Staging Area Manager Capt. Bob Beeley gives the initial briefing to Civil Air Patrol members at the West Houston Airport Staging Area. [3] Lt. Col. John Barfoot (Corpus Christi Composite Squadron), Capt. Brian Callahan (Texas Wing Recruiting Officer, Spring) and Flight Officer Logan Caveri (standing - Thunderbird Composite Squadron, Houston) plan an aerial photo mission during the USAF evaluation. [4] Cadet Senior Master Sergeant James Moody (Nighthawk Composite Squadron, Denton), and Cadet Master Sergeant Danielle Lamphier and Cadet Airman 1st Class Tristan Raykovich (both members of the George H.W. Bush Composite Squadron, College Station) marshal a Civil Air Patrol aircraft as it departs on a photo mission.

The Delta Composite Squadron, currently based at Tomball Jet Fixed Base Operation, also participated in the evaluation.

Missions assigned included aerial photo sorties, distress targets and ground searches for hazardous materials. The ability to work around unexpected circumstances, such as ground vehicles that broke down, grounded aircraft and weather, plays a major part in the process. “These are the types of every-day problems that we face when planning and executing missions when it really counts,” Beeley said, “so we need to demonstrate the ability to adapt and execute, while lives are not at stake.”

2nd Lt. David McCollum, CAP, Delta Composite Squadron

Texas Wing Conference, 1-3 May

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Embassy Suites and Conference Center, in San Marcos, was the setting for the 2009 Texas Wing Conference. A fairly new building, it was well suited to the occasion and had ample parking for all. The General Assembly was well attended, and everyone enjoyed hearing from Julie DeBardelaben, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, who represented CAP National Headquarters. Present also were Lt. Col. Tim Taylor, USAF, CAP-USAF SWLR Director of Operations; Col. R. Frank Eldridge, CAP, representing Southwest Region; and Mr. Ed Brown, Texas State Director. Col. Joe Smith, Texas Wing Commander; Lt. Col. Jack Jackson, Texas Wing Vice Commander; Lt. Col. Max Hays, Chief of Staff; and Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt completed the head table.

To start the session, the Pegasus Composite Squadron's Color Guard, winner of the Texas Wing Cadet Competition, presented the colors. Lt. Col. Max Hays opened the proceedings, and was followed by a Texas State representative who delivered a proclamation signed by the Honorable Rick Perry, Governor of Texas, distinguishing Texas Wing for its good work during Hurricane Ike, an honor accepted by Col. Joe Smith, Texas Wing Commander.

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

Julie DeBardelaben, representing the National Commander, thanked the wing for its good work and gave an overview of the Civil Air Patrol from the point of view of National Headquarters. Lt. Col. Tim Taylor, USAF, followed her, expressing his admiration for Texas Wing and its capabilities, praising the many volunteers who are always ready to render aid when disaster strikes. Col. R. Frank Eldridge, representing the Southwest Region Commander, expressed the Region's satisfaction with Texas Wing and its proactive response to tasking. Mr. Ed Brown, the Texas State Director, was humorously serious about Texas Wing's work, and how much it means to the community, the state and the nation. Lt. Col. Jack Jackson, one of the most active officers in Texas Wing and a key player at the Texas State Emergency Services level, gave an overview of how much improved the wing's relations with the state and national agencies were, and how these in turn rely on Texas Wing to do what CAP does best.

Lt. Col. Steve Haney, Texas Wing Director of Communications, made an excellent presentation on the Operational Resource Management System. Later, in the breakout sessions, this was a well attended subject, reflecting the increasing emphasis on Internet resources and operations. Perhaps the most intriguing breakout session was the one devoted to Aerospace, Rockets and Robotics. Overall, the business side of the event was informative, entertaining, and useful.

The banquet was pleasant, with congenial company, and then the awards were called out. Numerous awards. Notable were a clutch of six Gill Robb Wilson Awards, the highest level of achievement in the CAP Professional Development career system.

The Exceptional Service Award, a very high distinction, was bestowed upon Lt. Col. Jack Jackson (Texas Wing Senior Member of the Year), Lt. Col. Gwynn Groggel, Lt. Col. Owen Younger, and Lt. Col. Brooks Cima.

The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Maj. Robert Brecount, 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, Lt. Col. Dennis Cima, and many more, in recognition of their service.

[13] Col. Joe Smith presents the Exceptional Service Award to Lt. Col. Jack Jackson. [14] Lt. Col. Gwynn Groggel accepts the Exceptional Service Award. [15] Lt. Col. Brooks Cima received the Exceptional Service Award. [16] Lt. Col. Owen Younger, commander of Group III, accepts the Exceptional Service Award. [17] Col. Smith presents the Meritorious Service Award to 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, Group III Aerospace Education Officer. [18] Lt. Col. Dennis Cima receives the Meritorious Service Award. [19] C/2nd Lt. Michael Moody receives a Commander's Commendation Award.

A long list of Commander's Commendation Awards followed, the most notable presented to C/2nd Lt. Michael Moody, who had also merited the Texas Wing Cadet Male of the Year, the Texas Wing Brewer Award, and the Southwest Region Brewer Award. This cadet's contribution to Texas Wing in the areas of communications, aerospace education and cadet programs has been exemplary.

What truly brought the house down was the Texas Wing Squadron of the Year Award, earned by the Apollo Composite Squadron. Maj. Cheri Fischler, the squadron commander and Group III Area Deputy Commander (South), accepted it and said, "They earned it." The Wing Commander looked in the direction she had pointed and asked, "Are they here? Bring them over!" Not the entire squadron but a good chunk of them gathered around the wing commander and their squadron commander.

It was a very good evening.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Southwest Region Director of Public Affairs

Modeling the Role Model - A Reflection for Memorial Day, 24 May

TYLER, Texas – In today’s society, many young people look to movie stars, professional athletes, singers, entertainers, and other celebrities as role models. I see this and ask myself, what ever happened to genuine role models? The real people who have done more for our country than hit a home run, catch a game-winning pass, star in a famous movie, or produce a platinum album? Our culture has become corrupt – teenagers idolize movie stars who are involved in scandalous behavior showing no morals, spending their money only on themselves. We look to professional athletes, many of whom have defiled games once respected, loved, and cherished by the American people. These are the athletes who engage in illegal activities, injecting themselves with performance-enhancing drugs; the singers who destroy their lives with "recreational" drugs, the entertainers who are involved in questionable and immoral activities. Sadly, these people exhibit base traits that through their example are carrying over into our everyday lives, poisoning our young culture.

A recent study shows that in 2001, a total of 10% of students eighth through twelfth grade reported using performance-enhancing drugs. In addition, a 2002 survey reported that 22% of eighth graders, 33% of tenth graders, and 46% of twelfth graders said that steroids were “fairly easy” or “very easy” to obtain. With the exception of a few athletes, our professional sports players are teaching young people a new game – a game of cheating, where there is little love for what the sport truly is or represents.

As an athlete myself, I have witnessed the change: many players no longer play for the game; instead, the game has turned into a competitive race to see who can outdo the other one, make more money, score more points, endorse more products, and be most popular. In previous years, the general public found that sports provided relief, a point of relaxation in hard times. However, they now have become another cause of grief, stress, and anxiety, even destroying homes and families.

1. 2.

[1] Cadet Carr stands in the Squadron's communications room as he learns yet, another aspect of CAP services. [2] Cadet Carr sits next to C/Capt. Kolby Elliot, one of his cadet leader mentors and former Tyler Composite Squadron cadet commander.

Today, the people that we look to as “role models” are influencing young adults and tender youth with the wrong perception on life. Potentially, they are creating the role models of the future, who will display the same self-centeredness and arrogance, rather than the true role model's ideal character traits. But not all is lost. Thankfully, we still have many authentic role models. I have met many veterans throughout my teenage years, talked with them, interacted with them, listened to their stories, and learned from them as I am still doing today. I have witnessed honorable veterans ill-treated, disgraced, disrespected, and ignored by our country and my fellow teenagers.

How can we as a people lack respect for fellow Americans who have made our way of life possible? Many of us care not for our fellow citizens who sacrificed time, peace of mind, sanity, limbs, and even life itself so that we could be free. Through CAP I have developed a greater, more realistic understanding, passion, and even love for our veterans. I have explored history, studying many of the things they have done, gone through, and in most cases sacrificed for. I learned that even if they did not lose their life, or suffer a severe physical injury, many sacrificed mentally and emotionally, a sacrifice greater than anyone can imagine.

I have deep respect for the men and women who have been through so much for this nation and its people, who even when they are disgraced and disrespected when they come home they still nurture a greater love, passion, and genuine desire to serve our country. These are America's true heroes. They are greater than any athlete or movie star. They are our veterans. I look to them, knowing that they have stories to share and lessons to teach, yet many are seldom given the chance to share of their rich experience.

But where there's a will there's a way. Through CAP, many veterans have continued their service to our country. They have found CAP squadrons across the nation, filled with eager, young and aspiring cadets who are bouncing off the walls with the energy of youth, anxious to learn, excel, and become like these great heroes of our recent past.

These men and women are the true role models that we should be looking up to. I have met so many veterans that have been role models for me –  and mentored me in so many ways – that I can’t even begin to count them, let alone name them. They have influenced me to seize my dreams, and want to be the best I am given to be. Always and forever reaching for more, showing me how to bounce back up when I fall, and how to lend someone a helping hand when needed.

America’s veterans have opened my eyes. They have taught me the true meaning of Integrity, Respect, Volunteer Service, and Excellence. These veterans are passing the baton to us, a young, vibrant group that they trust to carry that baton to the next generation. As they create champions and future leaders, they instill in young men and women lasting leadership qualities and character traits that are essential to success. They are, and forever will be, a group of men and women I will always look to for advice, individuals I will always respect, and guides and teachers I will be forever indebted to.

I thank all the veterans still serving our country through mentoring me, my fellow cadets, and teenagers all over. And I am also thankful to the many veterans who are physically unable to serve yet yearn to do so, and the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

I and my generation salute you.

C/CMSgt Jesse Carr, CAP, Tyler Composite Squadron

Welcome to Social Media

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Congratulations. You have abandoned your objections and jumped in feet first into the "sociosphere." You've got accounts with the majors: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like. What do you do now? Do these replace your former "faithful" - memos, phone calls, letters, e-mail? Are these the only things you'll need to use and know from now on? How do you behave? What language and idioms do you use?

For all of the above, remember that whether you're typing a memo or making a statement to a crowd of people, what you write and the words you use, the actual meaning of your statement, and the innuendo(s) in your message will define you to your audience. In other words, you'll be the architect of your image through your own electronic voice.

Since human nature has not changed just because we've got this wonderful new tool called the Internet, you've got to be cautious about what others will think of you and how they will perceive you. Joining some of the less courteous participants and resorting to ultra curt and rude statements won't help your image one bit. To be accepted, you don't need to be fawning or obsequious in your approach, just use the Golden Rule, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. And if you are over 30, resist the temptation of adopting a "youthful" writing style, full of BTWs, 4Us, and PWs, because you'll fool no one.

Mark Gibbs, a respected old hand in the computing and networking business, as well as a successful business owner, offers some sage advice in his article 5 things not to do in the sociosphere (yes, all in lower-case), published in NetworkWorld.

Add to the above that the sociosphere should include the phone call, the friendly note and getting up from your desk for a face-to-face on a regular basis. If we forget the art of conversation – on the phone, in writing, or in person – we doom ourselves to a callous and cold existence. Worse yet, we'd have plenty of misunderstandings, too.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Five Common Photo Mistakes

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Taking a good photo isn't all that hard, but the beginner may have some difficulty doing so. Part of it is human nature, since we generally look the other way when we're in a social situation, and "forgive" what we'll later lament as we look at the image we recorded. For a CAP photo, the photographer must notice if the uniform is worn correctly, such as: all BDU sleeves up or all down (not some up and some down); on the tarmac, everyone uncovered; in formation, no dark glasses; and so on.

But there are some general pointers that work under all circumstances.

Dave Johnson, a PC World staff writer who specializes on digital images, published an excellent short article on the Five Common Photo Mistakes that beginners make. I hope you enjoy it.

Breaking the Rules Might Make for a Better Photograph

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – When framing a photograph, there are some basic rules of design, such as:

These are "old rules" carried over from the Renaissance, in imitation of what the Old Masters did to make their canvases so striking. Sometimes, though, breaking the rules might add interest to an otherwise humdrum shot. On his column, Dave Johnson, of PC World, explores photographing a silhouette and making it work for you.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Some Practical Photo Tips

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – A Group III member wrote to me,

I've heard that there is a prohibition on CAP members taking photos during activities unless:
    a) the photographer is also the PAO, or
    b) photography is part of the mission. 
In looking through the regulations that I thought might address this, I cannot find such a prohibition. Photos, of course, are an important part of the newsletter. Are you aware of any policy that would preclude us from taking photos outside of the parameters mentioned above?

The answer, of course, is both yes and no. There are times when photographs must not be taken, but all participants will be briefed on this at the time. Other than that, there is no ban on photography during normal training or (when not specifically prohibited) during a mission.

This brings me to another issue. There is something you can do to improve your photos and get them published. Below are some of the tips I gave to this member, to whom I am indebted:

Anyone can take photos. The only caveat is a photo that might be considered embarrassing or inappropriate for one or more of those being photographed, but I'd catch those and not publish them.

As for the rest, when you take a photo, please ~

• Make sure no one is out of uniform.

  • With BDUs, either all sleeves up or all down.

  • Either all hats on or all hats off.

  • Look at the metal or cloth rank insignia, the Texas Wing patch, US flag and so on.

  • No hats (cover) at the flight-line.

  • No dark glasses in formation (it's against CAPR 39-1, Sec. 1-6, Para. a).

• Avoid "trophy pictures," with everyone looking at the camera, doing nothing much. The ideal photo shows people at work (or play, if appropriate).

• If anyone has lodged a wish not to be photographed, for whatever reason, ask that anyone in that category fall out. You must make "a good faith effort" to follow their whishes, but it's up to them to keep out of the way.

• Minimize "monkeying around" photos, unless it's a party or a legitimate break from work. Make sure they are in good taste.

• For all of the above,

  • Do not shake the camera, and

  • Frame the photo without tilting the camera to the left or right. Plumb is best.

• If the camera has a combination of optical and digital zoom, please, please, do not use the digital zoom. It only ruins the resolution and the photo becomes unusuable.

• In my extreme youth, I worked for a man who taught me to, "Fill the whole frame, put people in it, and have them do something interesting." 

If you follow this advice, your photos will always be welcome. And remember that an article without photos is never as good as one with them.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

What's in a Mini Cooper?

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – In 1946, when England was starved for cars but materials were in very short supply (as practically everything had gone into the war effort), Charles Cooper and his early friend Eric Brandon started the Cooper Car Company, ready to make formula racing cars. Their first had a 500 cc (31 cu.in.) motorcycle engine. The design squeezed maximum power by placing the engine where the traction was: in the rear of the car, behind the driver. This was the diminutive Formula 500, with a strictly enforced engine size, where ounces counted. A lot. And it won.

Today we think nothing of rear-engine cars, but in those days it was unheard of to use this configuration (popularized by Volkswagen and Porsche) in designing serious racing cars. By the 60s, formula and grand prix racing had become dominated by rear-engine cars. Cooper cars won races from 1958 to 1967, though the company's height was reached in 1960. The need for more business gave birth to the Mini Cooper in 1961, that went on to dominate rally races. This was a high performance version of the 1959 British Motor Holdings Mini, and a great seller.

Originally built as the Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor (right), the car became popular under the name Mini. Ownership of the brand had passed from its founders to British Leyland, who re-branded the Mini Cooper under the Austin marque. The late 60s were a time of wholesale consolidation in the British car industry, and as companies merged in search of profits, and competition from abroad stiffened, the playing field was basically reduced to British Leyland and a few independents that eventually were bought out by foreign car makers, all of them intent on expanding their market into the Common Market.

The Mini Cooper is now owned by BMW (who chose to retain the Austin-Healey wings), but the fun of driving one is just as intense today as it was then. In keeping with the times, the Mini is far less Spartan, now packed with extraordinarily efficient engineering (as is VW's New Beetle). Why the Mini? Because, on this year, The Mini turns 50 and is being celebrated as "iconic."

Funny, how time changes things. Its designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, though it might be fun...

How Much Fuel Economy is Enough?

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Although the Mini is a great idea, with a fuel-sipping 31 cu. in. engine, it is "wasteful" – or so Volkswagen engineers thought. "Too big and too heavy," they said. So they came up with a really economical vehicle that has a Diesel engine with a single cylinder (measuring 18.246 cubic inches), seats two (front and back), is built of strong but light materials, provides reasonable safety, and supposedly will be cheap. Next year we'll know how inexpensive, once it starts selling.

The design target was 100 km/liter, but the prototype actually traveled (on the road, not a test track) 100 km on .99 liter. Don't laugh, folks. That translates into an astounding fuel efficiency of 237.6 miles per US gallon.

Funny looking little car, right? You might think this configuration is a new idea, but it isn't. At the end of WWII, Germany had a lot of left-over fighter plane cockpits (without the airplane, of course), so they used them on a simple chassis fitted with a lawn-mower engine to provide minimal transportation. In 1946, the Messerschmitt Flitzer was first on the scene, and the series – with improvements – was built until 1964. Today, the Messerschmitts are coveted collector's items. In fact, the Messerschmitt "Tiger" built in 1955 was reintroduced as a replica in 1990, selling for 36,500 Deutschmarks, a cool 10 times the price of the original.

For more on the Volkswagen 1L, please visit this site. (For the 1L, I am indebted to Ch. (Lt. Col.) George Kelly for the tip.)

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

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

June Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

June Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Recurring Reports

Editor

Don't just tolerate people's religious beliefs, respect them

RAF MILDENHALL, England -- For quite some time now, the whole concept of religious freedom has been discussed in a variety of forums around the Department of Defense, the Air Force, and even Team Mildenhall. 

In some conversations, two words have been used to describe this issue and our approach to the First Amendment right of freedom of religion. The words are tolerance and respect. 

Webster’s Dictionary defines respect as “high or special regard,” that is to be held in high esteem or respect. Tolerance is defined as “sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.” How we deal with the diverse nature of our communities spiritual belief systems, including those who do not have a spiritual belief system, could easily be defined by either of these words. However, caution is needed before we choose one word over the other to define the process of dealing with the spiritual belief systems of others. 

How many of us enjoy it when a dental technician scrapes at our teeth during our annual cleaning? Do you really like it when the doctor pokes and prods you during an annual physical exam? I’d hazard a guess based upon my own personal experience that you don’t really enjoy these things. But, if the choice is between the discomfort of the exams and a life-taking disease, I’ll put up with the pain of the process. In other words, I’ll tolerate the exam because good can come out of it. 

On the other hand, how many people respected Mahatma Gandhi? Many people of diverse faith backgrounds believed very strongly in what he did with his life. Did a devout Muslim, Sikh, or Christian in India believe wholly and completely in the belief system that Gandhi held? In a word, no. But, did they listen to him and honor both his life and his word? Yes. They did so because Gandhi called for those of Muslim, Sikh, and Christian faiths to work together and to respect each other. For it was only through respect for each other that the differences could be overcome and progress be made to benefit the newly independent India. 

As we look at the dialogue that is on-going concerning religious accommodation, I would encourage you to took into your own heart, and ask at least this one question. Would I rather have my neighbor “tolerate” my religious beliefs? Or, would I rather have my neighbor “respect” my religious beliefs. The same question goes for holding a religious belief or choosing not to hold a religious belief. 

Our choice is to tolerate or to respect the varieties of beliefs in our land. Congress is prohibited from establishing a state religion. It is also charged with not prohibiting the free exercise of religion by our nation’s people. That is a freedom that has been paid for by the sacrifices of countless generations of Americans. It is a freedom you defend today. As you look at the ongoing discussions and the various members of Team Mildenhall, I urge you to respect the variety of beliefs that make up our team. A team which respects each other is a team that will stand together as one in defense of freedom.

Chaplain (Maj.) Michael Moore, 100th Air Refueling Wing Chapel

Aviation & more

Safety

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

Abundance of Patriotism at Dallas Military Ball, 18 April

ADDISON, Texas – The moment I stepped into the Hotel Intercontinental in Addison, on 18 April 2009, I knew I was in a whole different type of community. This was the Dallas Military Ball of 2009, hosted by the U.S. Navy. The ball's level energy could be best described as magnificent. The evening started with a reception. As we spoke with the attendees and mingled, I couldn’t help noticing the pride everyone had in the country they all knew and loved: America. 

As the evening went on, starting with dinner, everyone made me feel quite at home. I felt free to ask questions, tell about the Civil Air Patrol in general, and socialize with many enlisted and officer personnel. I was amazed at how everyone was acting, basically as respectful equals. The generals and admirals weren’t arrogant or egotistical as they are shown in the movies – in fact, it was quite the opposite.

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[1] C/SMSgt James Gulliksen in front of the enormous flag covering an entire wall. [2] An admiral present at the ball has his picture taken with C/SMSgt James Gulliksen. [3] C/CMSgt Scott Gulliksen and C/SMSgt James Gulliksen.

Later in the evening, it was the speakers' turn. They were very honorable, and told many stories. Finally, it was time for the honored guest: the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen. His speech was very moving as he told us how much pride he had in his country and how it was people like me and all citizens and military personnel that made things happen. It dawned on me that this whole thing was very big. I was like a drop of water in an ocean, and it felt so good to know that I was a part of it.

I was a part of it. I was a part of our country. I was a part of America.

Bass Tournament, 25-26 April

GLADEWATER, Texas – Another great weekend started off working at the Gladewater Gusher Days Bass Tournament by Lake Gladewater, an event in which the squadron has been participating for a number of years. Although we'd like it better if we had a hook and line out of a nice bass boat, our participation is limited to inspecting all the boats used by the competitors in the Tournament. For added enjoyment, we had to be at the Gladewater Lake by 0430.

Normally, we would show up, inspect the boats for fish or alcoholic beverages, and go home. This year, several challenges were added to make the entire weekend fun and productive. The cadets would camp out at Lake Gladewater on Friday night, get up early on Saturday to inspect the boats, and then move out to Captain Mouton’s property on a clean-up detail. After the day's work was completed, the group would enjoy lake-side fun and games.

On Friday evening at 1700, cadets had met at the airport for signing-in, a safety briefing and a uniform class. C/CMSgts. Andrew Alexander and Kayla Cassel reviewed proper uniform preparation and boot shining before moving out to the lake to set up camp. The squadron has had a large, squad-size tent for years, but no one could remember how to set it up or even if all the components were there. Senior Member Paul Hall brought the tent along from the airport storage area, to find out whether the tent would be usable... and the group could set it up. After about an hour or so, the tent was erected successfully. While the tent puzzle was being solved, SM Hall and our female chaperone (Cdt Lampley's mother, who is not a CAP member) were busy grilling hot dogs for all to enjoy after the project had been completed. After consuming the much appreciated meal, all retired to sleep until the early wake-up.

Reveille was at 0300 and C/2nd Lt. Jarrod Alexander made up for the pain of getting up so early by cooking pancakes and sausage for the sleepy campers, barely awake. At 0420, it was time to head out to the boat inspection area. Cadets would inspect each boat to make sure that life jackets were aboard for each occupant, the live wells were empty, and no contraband fish were in the coolers on board. Their work done at the "late hour" of 0630, the cadets moved off to their second-shift job: the lake-lot clean-up.

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[1] C/CMSgt Alexander and C/AB Word conduct a boat inspection. [2] C/CMSgt Alexander, C/CMSgt Cassel and C/AB Word enjoy lunch "al fresco." [3] C/AB Lampley polishes his boots. [4] C/AB Word and C/AB Lampley enjoy their free time on the lake. [5] The team. (Photos: 1-2, C/Amn Roach; 3-4, C/CMSgt Cassel; 5, unknown Bass Tournament participant.)

Digging in (literally), the cadets shoveled dirt out of the road, cut down trees, stacked wood, and mowed the lot. All cadets worked hard to get the job done, because they knew that as soon as they were done, they would be free to enjoy the lake for the remainder of the day. Thanks to team work and a lot of sweat, the work was done by 1100, and the fun began – after lunch, of course.

Once again fed, they enjoyed their free time. Those brave enough to endure the cold water planned on going swimming, music blared away, and a small boat was made available for their enjoyment. Since the water was colder than expected, the swimming plan was shelved, quickly substituted by floating out on the water. The row boat was popular, and cadets took turns rowing about. The cadets persuaded C/CMSgt Cassel to jump in with them, an invitation she hesitated to accept but then slowly climbed in nervously with the so-called "sailors." All went well for a short while, until Cdt Cassel's nervousness got the best of her and they returned her to the shore.

As the fun progressed, time passed by much more quickly than it had when they'd been working on the lot. Seemingly all too soon, it was time to break camp, clean up the bivouac area, and return to the airport. In spite of the O'dark hundred wake-up call, everyone had a great time. The cadets went home feeling good about themselves, after enjoying another wonderful weekend helping their community.

Participating squadron members were C/AB Jade Lampley, C/AB Tommy Word, C/Amn Jagur Roach, C/A1C Matt Brown, C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander, C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, C/2nd Lt. Jarrod Alexander, and SM Paul Hall donated their time to benefit their community.

(C/CMSgt. Kayla Cassel, CAP)

CAP Cadets Meet Air Force Blue , 9 May

BARKSDALE AFB, La. – The squadron cadets got to rub elbows with their brothers in the CAP squadron stationed at the Air Force base when they attended the Air Show at Barksdale AFB in Shreveport, La. After meeting at the Gladewater Airport at 0700 for a safety briefing and setting up the rides and making the mandatory breakfast stop, the convoy set out for the big adventure.

During the ride, we decided to use the Louisiana Wing CAP aircraft on display at the air show as the best rallying point during the day. It turned out to be an ideal choice, as it served not only as a very visible and prominent land mark, but it turned out that C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel knew a number of the cadets who were posted as custodians of the aircraft during the show. In addition to meeting a cadet from the Gregg County Composite Squadron, our cadets made new friends from the Louisiana Wing, Mississippi Wing, the Barksdale Composite Squadron, and another Louisiana Wing squadron. Once the introductions were made and stories exchanged, the cadets broke into smaller groups and scattered to see the exhibits and, later, the air show itself.

Cadets Brown and Word, who got to ride in a full-motion flight simulator, greatly enjoyed the experience. Cadet Brown particularly liked the point when he was flying the simulator belly-up in inverted flight. While Cadets Brown and Word explored the mysteries of flight, C/MSgts Alexander and Cassel went to the Marines' booth for some pull-ups and flex arm hangs (no results were reported).

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[1] C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, C/A1C Matt Brown, C/AB Tommy Word, C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander. [2] Cadets Word and Brown enjoy the Air Show. [3] The Blue Angels Pass By in formation. (Photos: #1, 1st Lt. Alexander; others: C/CMSgt. Cassel)

The multi-unit group enjoyed walking around inspecting the various aircraft on display. Cadet Brown said, "I got to talk to many of the aircrews who stood by their various aircraft, answering questions." He dreams of becoming a member of this select group of service men and women and prays that he can grow up to be half the pilot that he saw flying that day. At 1500, the show reached its climax as the Blue Angels put on their very impressive demonstration. All got a very good view of their amazing aerial stunts as they flew for about fifteen minutes of aeronautical wizardry.

After the show ended, the nearly exhausted but happy cadets sought refuge in their van, borrowed from a local church. They had spent the day in the sun, walking around everywhere, propelled by youth and excitement, but now they were ready to go home. The walk back to the van seemed longer than the one they'd taken when arriving at the air show.

Once out of the heavy traffic, as usual, hunger suddenly awakened. We went to Cracker Barrel on the edge of Shreveport for a nice dinner and a long conversation about the air show and the day's events. After dinner and now ready for more, the cadets hungered for sweets when they came upon Pop Rocks, a quick stop that provided for munchies on the ride home. From then on, the van became full of crackling and popping.

Attending the Air Show were C/AB Tommy Word, C/A1C Matt Brown, C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander, C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, and 1st Lt. Farrell Alexander

(C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, CAP)

2009 Southwest Region Cadet Color Guard Competition, 22-23 May

TINKER AFB, Okla. – Uniform alterations, hair cuts, an extra bit of cramming, one more mile-long sprint, and that final run-through; these were some of the final touches the Pegasus Composite Squadron Color Guard were making in preparation for their great experience to come. Just a few months before, they had won the Texas Wing competition, garnering five first-place finishes and earning the chance to compete at the Southwest Region level. Now, they were ready to prove themselves once again.

With all loose ends tied, the van packed, and the team bouncing off the walls with excitement and anticipation, they started their eight-hour road trip to Oklahoma City, home of Tinker Air Force Base. On the way, they diligently searched for VW Bugs and out-of-state license plates while they kept reviewing their study material. During the trip, they saw some really nice cattle, slept, played some card games, snacked, made restroom breaks, and generally had a great time.

Upon arrival, the team unloaded and checked into their billets. Each person got a single small room with a microwave, little refrigerator, flat screen TV, enough storage to bring your house, personal bathroom, shower, and a little coffee maker. When the team finished putting away their baggage, they made their way to the general briefing, where they met Col. R. Frank Eldridge, the new Southwest Region Director of Cadet Programs, and Maj. Joe Fernandez, the Southwest Region Cadet Activities Officer. After the briefing, the team returned to their rooms, grabbed all uniforms and accoutrements, and somehow managed to cram themselves into their commander’s tiny room for final touch-ups, inspection, and approval as they got set to wear them on the following day. Done for the evening, the team retired to their rooms and rested up for the big day ahead.

Friday morning was the first day of competition. The team got up and ate breakfast at the at Tinker Air Force Base dining hall, a few miles away. It was wonderful. Pancakes, waffles, eggs and a generous assortment of breakfast items for just two dollars. No longer hungry and now ready to go, the team headed back to the RTI center and prepared for Inspection, the day's first event. Texas was last in the rotation, so the team did a lot of waiting as the Honor Guard scrutinized each team before them. After Inspection, they were off to lunch.

Next came the indoor practical event. Again, Texas had a long wait during which they told endless jokes to keep from exploding with anticipation. Once that was over, they waited in the building for their turn at the Outdoor Presentation event. During this time, Texas enjoyed meeting some of the other teams, which was fun and a big relief against the boredom of waiting. Texas finally finished with the Outdoor Presentation and then it was time to head to the Garrity Gym for the Standard Drill event. This was the first event where Texas was able to see how their peers performed, and it was slightly unsettling. The Texas Wing team could tell that these teams had made it to Region for a reason; they would be tough competitors.

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[1] The Texas Wing team gets ready for Inspection. [2] Inspection was a carefully graded event. [3] The Outdoor Presentation gave the Texas Wing team a chance to shine. [4] The Mile Run was a true team effort, and it brought home a win for Texas Wing.

Following this event, the cadets got to meet the judges, and that was really cool. With the day's competition events completed, it was time to get to know the other cadets who had made it thus far. How? With a Pizza Party! Back at the billets, there were hundreds of slices of hot fresh pizza, just waiting to be eaten. The billets' common area was a great place for the cadets to get together and hang out, with its pool tables, air hockey, foosball, darts, and big-screen TV. Some cadets wanted to burn a little energy, so they grabbed a football, went outside, split into teams and had a great time. When the activities died down, Texas hit the books, studied for a while, and then went to bed. They wanted plenty of rest under their belt for the following day.

On Saturday, the final day of the competition, the team filed into the CAP van and headed for breakfast. After "refueling," the team progressed to the 552nd TFW building, where they would be taking their Written Test. After cramming in some last-minute studying in the van, they moved into their testing rooms, hoping they were prepared. Following the 50-question test came the Mile Run, and Texas was last to compete once again. Seeing all the runners finish in six minutes, and some even in the fives, the team promised themselves that they would run the fastest they ever had. Soon came their turn.

Just before starting, they stretched and anxiously made their way to the starting line. "Go!" called the tester, and they were off. They ran well, but now the starving team went to lunch for relief. Cafeteria trays got piled up high with food that was all gone in a matter of minutes, and that's when the arm wrestling started. To pass the time, some color guard teams started an arm wrestling match until it was time for the Panel Quiz. It was really fun, and eventually it turned into a push-up, sit-up, and chin-up contest outside.

5. 6. 7.  8.

[5] The Panel Quiz was harder than anticipated, so Texas didn't do too well. [6] Hoping to place well in the rankings, the Texas Wing Color Guard shared a table with Maj. J. D. Draper, Lt. Col. Deborah French, and Lt. Col. Dawn King. [7] When the announcement was made, the Texas Wing team nearly run up to the stage to accept the first prize. At far left is Col. R. Frank Eldridge, SWR Director of Cadet Programs, and at far right is Col. Joseph Jensen, SWR Commander. [8] The Texas Wing Color Guard team, after its win, posed for a group photo. (Photo #6, Cadet Hamm's father; All others, Maj. J. D. Draper.)

Next came the Panel Quiz, the final event for the day before the awards ceremony. Once again, the team crammed in a little bit more, studying right up to the instant they went into the Panel Quiz room. They came up against the first team in the first round, which they won – four more to go. As they faced the next team, feeling confident after having won the first round, they were disappointed as they lost the next 3 rounds just by five points each. The team then headed back to their rooms and got into their blue service uniforms, anxious to hear the results of the competition.

After some opening remarks and a buffet dinner that no one really tasted, everyone eagerly awaited the final scores. Individual awards were presented first, C/SMSgt. Austin Lowery (Texas) received the award for the highest written test score. C/SSgt Dakota Swearengin (Arkansas) received the male fleet foot award, and C/SSgt. Hannah Disraeli received the female fleet foot award. Cadet Swearengin also received the outstanding cadet award. The first event award presented was for the written test; the team's hopes began to build up as Texas Wing placed first. The next award, for the Panel Quiz, went to the Arkansas team. When they heard the next first place go to Texas, the Texas Wing team realized that they might have a shot at winning the competition itself.

Then followed a streak of first place awards handed over to the Texas team, The Indoor Practical, Outdoor Practical, Standard Drill, and Mile Run awards were all presented to Texas Wing. The Inspection award went to Arizona. With smiles from ear to ear, realizing they'd won, it came as no surprise to the Texas Wing team when it was announced that the first place winner of the Southwest Region Color Guard Competition was Texas Wing. The overjoyed team practically jumped out of their chairs as they went up to the stage to receive their first place trophy. Smiles and congratulations ended the evening, and the excited team went to sleep in total happiness.

After a very exciting evening, the next day dawned and it was time for the team to pack their things and clean their rooms. After saying their goodbyes to all the new friends they'd made during the competition, they repacked the van and got started on their eight-hour drive home. When they got back to Camp Mabry, to their surprise, their parents were waiting to congratulate them with signs, banners, and lots, lots of hugs. After unloading and cleaning the van, they posed for more pictures with families, and finally went home for some well deserved rest.

The Southwest Region competition was an amazing experience for the Texas Wing Color Guard, and it will be forever in their memories as one of those cadet activities that make CAP such a fun and exciting experience. This year’s team included C/SMSgt. Austin Lowery as Commander and US Flag bearer, C/CMSgt. Aaron Harold as 2nd Flag bearer, C/CMSgt. David Hamman as US Flag guard, C/SSgt.Hannah Disraeli as 2nd Flag guard, C/MSgt. Ali Pautz as 1st Alternate and C/SSgt. Russell Darr as 2nd Alternate. The senior member advisor to the Pegasus Color Guard was Maj. J. D. Draper.

(The 2009 Pegasus Composite Squadron Competition Color Guard)

Central  Texas Air Show, 3 May

TEMPLE, Texas – It had been a Shoemaker Composite Squadron tradition to work the Central  Texas Air Show in Temple, but that stopped for a couple of years, with Pegasus Composite Squadron (Austin) taking our place. However, this year, our two squadrons volunteered their time for the community.

Groups from Shoemaker Composite Squadron and Pegasus Composite Squadron arrived Sunday morning on the 3rd of May. The two squadrons sold T-shirts at the event, with proceeds  going to Pegasus Composite Squadron.

It was a cloudy day, raising the question of whether the show would be canceled or not. Thankfully, the weather cleared up and the air show was held as usual. The cadets moved supplies and equipment to the information booth where they would be selling the T-shirts. A layer of mud caked the CAP members' boots and van, a consequence of the previous day's rain. Major Richard Pope, of the Pegasus Composite Squadron, spent the better part of the morning cleaning his CAP van.

Parked near our booth was a static display of a CAP aircraft which attracted much attention and many members of the community asked about our program. Major Pope manned the aircraft and explained the main parts to the public, both young and not so young, who were anxious to sit inside a real aircraft and have their picture taken. We hoped, of course, that many of them would choose to join CAP.

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[1] At the "Navy Seal Accelerator," C/2nd Lt. John Gomez-Simmons and C/Capt. Joshua Pravel. [2] Members of the two participating squadrons stand in front of an A-10 "Warthog." (Photos: Lt. Col. Neal Sudduth)

The cadets were asked to check the flight line for any FOD (Foreign Objects or Debris) before the planes took off. However, after taking a quick look at the cadets' muddy boots, the organizers decided that the cadets might be more of a safety hazard than a help. Though somewhat disappointed, the cadets could still admire some of the exhibits and enjoy the rest of the show until the participants had arrived. The cadets paid special attention to the military exhibits, and talked briefly with the military recruiters.

As the opening time drew closer, the cadets made their way back to the CAP information booth, which didn't catch much attention until lunch-time. The aroma of oils and fried delicacies filled the air. The cadets took their lunch in shifts, so the booth would still be able to function.

Because the booth was set up close to the runway, we all watched the aircraft as they took off and landed, and the canopy above us offered adequate shade and visibility. To our good fortune, the group had one of the better viewing areas at the airport.

There were many flights, including an especially interesting acrobatic routine flown with T-6 Texans. Onlookers watched in awe as the pilots filled the skies with smoke.

At the end of the day, many people pressed in, anxious to get T-shirts before they ran out. And that they did. With the quick influx of prospective customers, our booth soon ran out of supplies. Because of the unanticipated high demand, the CAP members sold out the entire inventory early, which gave them time to interact with some of the pilots, a rare experience.

David Dennis, an Air Force A-10 Warthog pilot, gave the cadets some helpful tips for pursuing their piloting career. All CAP members also had a tour of the aircraft and their picture taken in front of it.

When the air show ended, the cadets gathered all the equipment they had used into the CAP van. Though the cadets worked hard, the day had been enjoyable. C/Amn. Emery Chandler of Shoemaker Composite Squadron said it best, “This is why I enjoy Civil Air Patrol.”

(C/Capt Joshua Pravel, CAP)