Yes, Geography Does Matter

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – In Houston in the early 1960s, I was a young magazine writer during the day for a paying job, and painted and sculpted in the evenings and on weekends. I had taken some art lessons at the school of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, mostly academic and technique instruction, but soon left to do what I wanted (which the faculty actively discouraged), using unconventional media. My paintings sold poorly, but my sculptures did well. They were mostly welded steel, some times brazed, lacquered or bronzed, and they found a ready market in a brash city that was growing by leaps and bounds. The Houston I had first seen in 1960, with a population of 250,000, by 1968 would have reached 2 million.

The established art galleries declined to handle my work, which they pronounced too avant-garde, so I sold through two rakish new galleries, each owned by an adventurous and open-minded woman. Each gave me one-man and two-man shows, with cheese nibbling and wine tasting. Since I was yet unmarried, "Bring your girlfriend along," they told me. "Why?" "Because that will make you look more accessible and eligible," they said. I never understood why that might make a difference, but I did as they asked. It must have worked, because soon I began supplementing my income nicely. In fact, it was the money I earned through the art galleries that paid for my FAA Class III Private Pilot license.

There were a good number of wealthy Houstonians interested in the arts in those days, and some of them liked to go rummaging around the little galleries' shows in search of some bright new talent they could parade at their own parties. That's how I entered what I called the "Houston New Artist Cocktail Circuit." I use the expression cocktail loosely, because most of the guests drank either beer or whiskey. However, since they were held between 5 pm and 8 pm, they qualified for the cocktail label.

One time, someone said he wanted to meet me, so the hostess introduced him to me. That was quite nice, by the way, in my 20s, to have mature and wealthy people introduced to me. He was a pudgy little man, holding one of my small metal sculptures in his hand that the hostess was promoting on my behalf. "How much, did you say?" he asked, as he showed it me, with the sticker on the base that said $350. It didn't take a genius to reply, "Three hundred and fifty, sir." "Oh, I didn't ask you the right question. How much for 100 of them?"

The thought stunned me. "Sorry," I replied, "It's a one-of-a-kind. It's welded by hand, from sheet metal and steel rods. Do you like it?" "Oh, yes, I love it." He stared at it, weaving back and forth a little. "You see, I'm a developer," he went on, "And my new development will have a 500 ft-long driveway for the entrance, with a landscaped median, and I want 100 of these, to place along the median. But they have to be bigger. Maybe 15 feet tall. Yes. I'll put them on 5-foot pedestals, but you don't need to worry about that, I'll build those." "Wouldn't you prefer to have 100 different sculptures? I can do that for you." "No, they have to be the same." I thought he was drunk, and the thought of building an assembly line to create practically infinite replicas of my unique, original piece turned me off.

I excused myself and moved on. That's when the tall man in his 40s (wearing high-heel elaborately tooled cowboy boots and a belt with an enormous buckle that had a steer's head on it with rubies for the eyes and tongue, seemingly made of silver overlaid with gold) intercepted me and said, "And I noticed you have an accent, young man," in that thickest Texas accent that today has nearly disappeared from the State. His was so perfect, that I have every confidence some anthropologist must have heard it and recorded it for posterity. "Yes, sir," I said, tactfully refraining from commenting on his own brand of Southwestern drawl. "And where are you from, young man?"

He was predictable. He definitely liked "And" and "young man," but he was obviously well off too (a prospective customer) so I let it go. My girlfriend, by this time, was getting bored and wanted to leave. "I was born in Argentina," I replied. His eyes lit up as he gave me the broadest smile of utter satisfaction I had seen that evening. "Ahhh! That's the capital of Rio de Janeiro, isn't it?" My girlfriend's hand tightened around my arm, so I put my other hand over hers, to calm her down, as I smiled and replied, with pristine precision, "Yes..." Pleasantly, I bowed slightly and walked away.

"Are you going to let him get away with that?" she asked me impulsively, probably angry at the man for not having paid any attention to her. "Hush! Why not? You don't think I can teach anything to a man who asks such a question, and is wearing a belt buckle that costs more than what I earn in two months, do you?" "But it's wrong!" she insisted. "Never you mind. Now he'll go around telling it to other people and making a spectacle of himself, and he'll argue that he heard it from the mouth of a native, with his own good ears, and that the native ought to know."

I never established whether my girlfriend wanted me to teach the man geography or manners towards the fair gender. Of course, I never asked, either.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

The Long Blue Line

I spent Sunday, 13 June visiting the 2009 Texas Wing Summer Encampment. This visit was long overdue because, in my time as a Senior Member, I had never served on encampment staff. Being a former cadet, I was initially drawn toward the Cadet Program when I rejoined CAP as an adult, and my initial CAP duty was that of Squadron Activities Officer. Eventually I rose to be a squadron DCFC and attained a Master Rating in Cadet Programs, but over the years I was moved away from my Cadet Programs role (my unit and group commanders needed me to do other things) and eventually I found myself drawn to the challenges of many other Civil Air Patrol activities. I've always felt that my choice to focus my CAP experience in other directions (namely our Emergency Services mission) was satisfactory, but my absence from encampment has sometimes led current and former Wing DCP's to make their dissatisfaction known to me; mostly, the current one. :-)

My visit was an interesting mix of excitement at seeing the ALERT Academy facilities for the first time, combined with the nostalgia of remembering my own days as a cadet. It was a sort of dichotomy of the new and old, presenting me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on my own cadet experience, and the nature of the Cadet Program. Those of you who read my editorials know that I spend a lot of time reflecting. The Program as we recognize it today was created in the 1960s, and while it has undergone many changes over time, its mission has remained fundamentally the same: to help prepare young Americans to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.

While I was thinking about this, an image of a long line of cadets came to mind. This line of cadets extends back fifty years, and forward into uncharted paths of the future – where new challenges await America and the world. That Long Blue Line of cadets is not hypothetical but real, and it leads into virtually all walks of life, and even across the world. Right now, as you read this, former cadets are defending America and our way of life while deployed to a war zone in the Middle East. Right now, as I write this (and you read it), somewhere a former cadet is at the controls of a commercial aircraft helping to safely convey its passengers or cargo to their destination. Right now, somewhere, former CAP cadets are working as accountants, doctors, firefighters, attorneys, judges, teachers and college professors, engineers, or information technologists – to name a few. I'm willing to bet that all of them without exception feel that the Cadet Program enabled them to succeed in life.

The cadets we work with every day at our units, and all cadets at the Encampment, are exposed to lessons that they will be able to apply to the rest of their own lives. We have this unwritten expectation of our cadets that even after they leave us behind and begin their adult lives they will continue to live up to the decades' long tradition of achieving excellence in life that their predecessors have striven for. While the expectation of achievement lies on the shoulders of the former cadets, ironically, the custodians of that tradition are not the cadets themselves but, instead, the Cadet Programs officers who administer the program.

Every day at local units, every summer and most winters at encampments, and at many activities in between, a nucleus of officers who are willing to devote time and energy to the program actually make it work. Cadet Programs officers are frequently the unsung heroes of Civil Air Patrol. Being a TAC officer at encampment does not have the glory of being the Air Ops Branch Director at a SAREVAL, or the glamour of being a pilot, but the work is every bit as important. The responsibility of serving as a Cadet Programs officer is tremendous, and we owe those members our gratitude. This is why the staff of the encampment has my heartfelt thanks and deepest respect.

I didn't really know it at the time, but the officers who oversaw my progression through the Cadet Program had a tremendous impact on the adult I became. The names Hettich, Bryant, Desjardins and Douglas may not be familiar to you, but when I was a young person these people were giants to me. Each one of those names, and many others, helped me find my way in the world. They helped me earn my place in the Long Blue Line. And I hope every senior staff member at the encampment realizes that, whether they know it or not, they had an impact on the life of some young person, and some day that young person will look back at them and remember them as giants.

For many of the cadets who will someday take their place in that line, whatever success they achieve in life will have some roots in the heat of an East Texas summertime, bound to those cadets standing on the shoulders of the giants who made the Cadet Program happen. It's a privilege to serve with you.

Have a safe and wonderful 4th of July,

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, CAP, Commander

Anderson County Composite Squadron, 1 June

The Anderson County Composite Squadron has spent many good years in service to Civil Air Patrol. This unit is based at the Palestine Municipal Airport (PSN), and some of you may recall that following the Space Shuttle Columbia Tragedy in 2003, this squadron played a central role in assisting with the recovery effort. In fact, air traffic around PSN was so high during that time – with all the debris-recovery flying taking place – that the FAA even erected a temporary air traffic control tower on the field. During that time, the members of the Anderson County Composite Squadron made their community, state and nation proud.

But things have changed. For the second time in my tour as Group III Commander, I have the very unpleasant duty of deactivating a squadron. I have reflected on this at length, I have worked with the local unit and with the Group III staff, and we believe that this is the correct course of action. We have a plan in place to allow the members of the unit to continue functioning as a flight attached to the Tyler Composite Squadron, and I hope to see this smaller unit begin a revival capable of returning it to full status.

Within the next few days, I will forward the CAPF27 to Col Smith, seeking his approval to deactivate TX-438.

To the few remaining members of TX-438 I have this to say. Be proud of your unit's tradition of service, don't lose heart, and redouble your efforts to build up your unit and regain your rightful place as a full squadron.

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, CAP, Commander

National Commander Safety Letter - Cadet Activities

Vacancy Announcement - Louisiana Wing

USAF Academy Contact Information - Lt. Col. Gary Morgan

Members of the Texas Wing:

Below is contact information for Lt Col Gary Morgan, the USAF Academy Liaison Officer who spoke at our encampment.  As an AF Academy graduate, I would also be happy to answer any questions you might have.

133 North Friendswood Drive, #233
Friendswood, Texas 77546-3755
Voice (281) 482-8225
Fax: (281) 648-2402
contrail@swbell.net
http://www.academyadmissions.com/

Group III's Newest C/Colonel, 15 June

Edward M. Brown, GS-12, (DAF Civ),  CAP-USAF Texas State Director
254-751-7047 (v) 254-751-7048 (fax)

SWR Cadet Leadership School

I'm proud to announce the 2009 SWR Cadet Leadership School to be held 13 - 19 July 2009(Staff will need to report in on 11 July), Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. 

If you are interested in applying for cadet, senior staff, or as a seminar instructor for selected classes, submit CAPF31 and Resume by 30 June 2009, to Major Fernandez.

See the attached OPS Plan for additional details.

Please contact Major Joe Fernandez for any additional information (Please read the Ops Plan First), his contact information is listed in the Ops Plan.

Our goal is to have cadet participants from all six wings within SWR.  We've listed a goal for each wing, see below:

• AR Wing - 2 Cadets

• AZ Wing - 5 Cadets

• LA Wing - 2 Cadets

• NM Wing - 4 Cadets

• OK Wing - 3 Cadets

• TX Wing - 8 Cadets

• SWR Total - 24 Cadets

Please help your wing meet this year's goal for participation. Please distribute this information to all your units. Your help is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Frank Eldridge, Col, CAP, SWR DCS for Cadet Programs

Awards Made Easy - New Edition

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, SWR DPA

NASA's New Site: U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee

    GEORGETOWN, Texas – At the request of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, NASA has established the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee. The Committee will conduct an independent review of ongoing U.S. human space flight plans and programs, as well as alternatives, to ensure the nation is pursuing the best trajectory for the future of human space flight - one that is safe, innovative, affordable, and sustainable.

The review is being led by an independent, blue-ribbon panel of experts working closely with a NASA team and will be reporting progress on a regular basis to NASA leadership and the Executive Office of the President. For ongoing details, please visit the site at http://www.nasa.gov/offices/hsf/home/index.html

Essay's

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

Rover Namer's Unique Prize

GEORGETOWN, Texas – Clara Ma, the sixth-grade student who submitted the winning name of "Curiosity" for the new Rover, has been rewarded with an unusual prize. Her signature will be on the Rover's belly. A Chinese-American, she wrote her name in English and in Chinese characters: Ma (horse) followed by two characters meaning Jade from Heaven. http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars/images/msl20090611b.html

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

A Bittersweet Farewell, 4 June

TYLER Texas – This is an open letter to one of my dear friends in CAP. Not only is she a good friend, but an extraordinary leader, role model, and mentor. Ever since the day I met her, I have looked up to, respected, and aspired to be like her. I work hard to match her integrity; she motivates me to be more that I can be, because she has shown me that it is possible to reach higher. Her respect is total, respect for herself and others around her. The way she treats other cadets and senior members is the perfect example of the core value of Respect. 

I have watched her in leadership positions; I have seen how she reacts in many situations. She is an amazing cadet. As she departs Texas Wing, she leaves behind a legacy of greatness. This cadet has given me sound advice concerning CAP and my personal life. She has shown me that there is more than just the uniform and ribbons. There is much more than the medals and physical things left behind. Many times I see people around me and catch myself striving for the trappings of achievement, the awards, medals, ribbons. We forget about the abstract, the things that are worth more than seventy-five cents' worth of items from the Hock Shop, and those that take just than a valid credit card to get. 

I am writing about the leadership qualities and character traits that stand out to others. The things that make the first impression, and by which others will get an idea of what you are like. We look at the little picture, instead of the big one, the one that shows everything around us, and proves that there is more to life than awards and greatness. I see great leaders, I watch how they perform, and I want to be like them. I want to be taught, but not so that I can be great and receive awards, but so that I might be able to lead as they do. So that I may teach, mentor, and inspire others to be successful and productive.

In my CAP career I have begun to give back to the cadet program by holding staff positions and training new up-and-coming cadets. While doing this, I discovered something – after two encampments on line staff, I watched cadet basics succeed and graduate, cadets that I taught and instructed. I am convinced that there is no greater feeling than being able to assist those in need and then watch them prevail. Not because it makes us look great, but because when you leave they'll continue to grow and develop… and you'll realize that it was you who affected them.

Until I joined CAP, I never imagined it would be possible for me to affect and help people the way I have, watching those around me, my friends and I, too, grow in this program and become leaders – an extraordinary and memorable experience. So now I reflect. Without leaders and mentors like the cadet I am speaking of, this personal growth of mine never would have been possible, not without someone there along the way to help me get up when I stumbled. I am thankful to all the cadets who stayed and gave back to the cadet program, so that I could become the cadet that I am today. Those in my generation, and I, have great respect for you.

I realize now that it is my responsibility to do as they did. Carry on and hand the reins to the next generation that will follow mine, while at the same time leading and guiding them through their ups and downs. My CAP cadet leaders and mentors have influenced me in more ways than they can imagine. At times when they might have felt they weren’t doing anything, I still saw them, watched them, took note of what they did and said, and noticed how they acted.

So to my friend and fellow cadet I say, "You are leaving behind a legacy of greatness and honor among Texas Wing cadets, and you will be remembered for years to come. Thank you for being there when I fell, when I needed a steady hand to guide me, a friend to coach me back up, and an instructor to teach me. I'll try to do the same."

C/CMSgt Jesse Carr, CAP, Tyler Composite Squadron

The Search Continues

I've kept in touch with "Ch. Marc" and his health, which has had its ups and downs. But that's only the body. Inside, he is as young and vigorous as ever, with a clear mind and a keen sense of humor. Occasionally I phone him and we chat, as time permits (his and mine). We reminisce, having had some of the same experiences, and trade notes on the times and tribulations of the day. Best of all, we share.

Since no replacement looms in the horizon, and my dear friend Ch. (Maj.) Ron Whitt, the Texas Wing Chaplain, is a very busy man, often traveling out of state for outreach and pastoral work, I send the USAF commentary I've selected to Ch. Marc for comment, which is never too long.

His reaction to this month's message takes the cake for brevity. He wrote, simply, "YES!"

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Emergency Response Training

This link http://www.teex.org/search.cfm?pageid=search&area=teex  will take you to the TEEX webpage – the state agency responsible for all ground operations. They do monthly training at their Disaster City facility, and need volunteers to be victims, assist with logistics, set up victims with moulage injuries, and other essential tasks. They train in a number of areas, including dog teams.

If you have ground team expertise, I strongly urge you to put on your best BDUs and go train with the TEEX professionals.

Check out the website above. TEEX has a fantastic volunteer appreciation program.

Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, CAP, Texas Wing Director of Emergency Services

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

Social Media - Love It Or Hate It, We Probably Need It

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – This month, there was a lively discussion on the CAP PAO Forum over the merits or shortcomings of various social media. The thread started on 10 June, when a member who had established a presence on a given site complained about the ads and endless invitations, the online games, and other irritations. "How do I turn these off?" he asked. Col. Stan Skrabut, the Wyoming Wing Commander and a staunch advocate of social media, immediately offered a link http://delicious.com/skrabut/facebook that listed a collection of useful documents and links that he had gathered for his personal use and to use in teaching these skills.

Other members complained about how difficult it was to learn the ropes, and the danger of having a unit use social media, and in so doing expose the unit to its own members' expressing their less-than-complimentary thoughts or complaints publicly, embarrassing both themselves and their unit.

Col. Skrabut, by this time the unofficial, impromptu moderator for this exchange, offered some timely advice, pointing to the benefits to be derived from participating in social media, and some members piped in that they had some good experiences with it too.

A notable post came from my friend Maj. Paul Cianciolo, National Capital Wing, who wrote, ""I have noticed that about 20 percent of the referrals to our wing Web site are from Facebook. That means people are getting to our CAP site by clicking a link in Facebook. It is a good PR tool."

Col Skrabut, who obviously believes in striking the iron while it's hot, rather than restricting his comments to a single source of information selected 8 more links (each richer in content than the next), and posted all 9 of them as a set. These were,

http://delicious.com/skrabut/blogs

http://delicious.com/skrabut/del.icio.us

http://delicious.com/skrabut/linkedin

http://delicious.com/skrabut/netvibes

http://delicious.com/skrabut/facebook

http://delicious.com/skrabut/marketing

http://delicious.com/skrabut/socialnetworking

http://delicious.com/skrabut/twitter

http://delicious.com/skrabut/web2.0

Folks, this is useful stuff. Thank you, Col. Skrabut. It will take me a while to digest it all, but I'll wade through it.

Thinking the thread exhausted, I reasoned this article would end here and was ready to close it, but it was not to be. On the following day, 11 June, I felt compelled to point out that often this sort of communication leads to bragging, posturing, and generally misbehaving in writing (even the use of careless wording that could be considered rude). I mentioned that such behavior could project the wrong image and therefore damage not only the individual's standing, but also that of the organization associated with that person (branding). For some advice on how to protect one's brand, I offered the following link,

http://online-reputation.axiopole.info/

By the way, the thread lasted into 13 June. A vigorous exchange, with not too many feathers ruffled.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

Freedom of Speech

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – In the United States, we take freedom of speech for granted. It is part of our historical tradition, as well as a right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. But this is not a universal right. There are many countries where freedom of speech is a hope that might never materialize. In these lands, as a rule, the government is far from open and seldom truly democratic. In order to bolster their grip over their people, they actively censor information and deal harshly with anyone trying to circumvent their oppression.

The Internet wasn't born out of a social revolt against censorship. Rather, it was born in Academia as a means to make communications easier, serving to bolster freedom of speech, not squelch it. The majority of Internet users, too, take freedom of expression for granted, until reverse tracking makes it possible for someone to pin-point the source of a "forbidden" message; that's when reality sets in, and punishment follows. Also, this is when hackers and independent programmers go to work to help keep the Internet free.

Thanks to an anonymizer program that hides all traces of the sender's identity, the voice of dissent in some of these oppressed lands is free to speak. Will this new-found freedom loosen the reins of totalitarian governments? Perhaps not. But the rest of us will be kept aware of what's really going on. Read all about it.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

When Outlook Express Acts up on "Send Mail"

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Since the Windows environment powers most PCs in the United States, and Outlook Express comes free with it, most people use it for their default mail software. I've covered some of this program's quirks before, but here is one I left out. And it is an important (and inevitable) one.

During normal use, the program uses three main "folders" – Inbox, Outbox, and Sent Items. We take these for granted, and just e-mail away, until one day we get an odd symptom. We try to send an e-mail, notice that the Outbox shows a (1) next to it, meaning that there is a file waiting to go out, then we are presented with a "send" graphic box showing a progress bar and, as the bar reaches the end, we get an error message with no error number. When that happens, most probably, your Sent Items folder is "full." Even if you have plenty of disk space left, that directory (or folder) cannot be larger than 2 GB.

Ah, yes. If your "store" directory gets to the 2 GB limit, it will stop accepting any more messages too, so you'll have to create another one.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

What Kind of War is Cyberwar?

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – One thinks of war in terms of armed conflict, two or more uniformed sides, battles, skirmishes, deaths, troop movements, destroyed cities, displaced civilians and all that. This would be the traditional definition of war that, all along, has been fought over terrain. And to gain terrain, of course, you need to take it and hold it. Why terrain? Because since the beginning of time, land ownership has been synonymous with wealth, since without land it's hard to grow crops, and crops are food, sustenance, and wealth at its most basic level. An added wrinkle discovered fairly recently has been the mineral wealth beneath the surface of that soil.

For an interesting view on this newest kind of warfare, do take a look at 10 things you didn't know about cyberwarfare, written by Carolyn Duffy Marzan, a staff writer for Network World.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

The Brave New World of HTML

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Originally, the Internet's forerunner consisted of character-based communications, since its creators thought of it as yet another teletypewriter (TTY for short). Since the rudimentary modems that drove that traffic could hardly handle much more, this was OK for a while. However, as more users got into it, hardware got more powerful, communications became more reliable, and the novelty of having an e-TTY, if you will, wore off, it soon became obvious that for the medium to be useful it would have to fulfill two main requirements.

1. Transmissions would have to be hardware and operating-system independent, and

2. Image transmission would have to become practical.

Answering this need, in 1980, physicist Tim Berners-Lee proposed a system capable of sharing text documents electronically. After trying it and liking it, since it was no more than text with added directives embedded into it, they proposed it as a standard. All this took a while, but it finally became a standard. The first official description of this system, which called the instruction set "Hyper Text Mark-up Language," or HTML, was published in 1993.

As computing power and transmission speed kept increasing by orders of magnitude, further development moved rapidly until the latest standard, HTML 4, was published in 1999. As you would expect, along the way, software developers heaped add-on programs that could introduce animation and special effects, most notably the original Flash (from Adobe), and more recently Silverlight (from Microsoft).

Then ... you guessed it. The keepers of the standard mused, "Why don't we make the HTML language complete, so it won't need any of those add-on packages?" Thus HTML 5 is now being proposed, and we wonder, could it be the death of Flash and Silverlight? This thought-provoking article, by Paul Krill, appeared in Linux World on 16 June 2009.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

TSA Lists Airports Affected By New Security Directive

A total of 454 airports will be subject to the TSA's latest Security Directive (SD-8G) restricting the movements of transient pilots, EAA said this week. The list includes airports in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam as well as in the U.S. Click here for the full list (PDF). The directive took effect June 1 and requires pilots to "remain close to their aircraft," leaving it only for trips to and from the FBO or airport exit, according to AOPA, although some airports may also offer escorts to transient pilots.

Since individual airports may develop a variety of programs that would satisfy the TSA directive, pilots need to call ahead to their destinations and ask the airport operator or an FBO on the field for information about that airport's security requirements, EAA says. The TSA is expected to provide future guidance regarding self-fueling and emergencies. The full text of the security directive has not been made public. The new listing of airports is not the same as a list of airports (PDF) released by the TSA in January for the Large Aircraft Security Program.

(The link to this article published on www.avweb.com was sent in by Maj. Jack Lewis)

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Preface

Strictly speaking, the article below seemed to belong in the Cadet Programs section, but that would have done both the article and Group III's senior members a disservice. Why? Because mentoring is a very important part of the CAP Professional Development program, and also because mentoring and teaching are not synonymous. Teaching, technically speaking, is relatively easy. The instructor lays out the material, answers questions, and directs the students to other sources of information. The students internalize the information. At a later time, the instructor tests the students to see how much knowledge they have acquired. This is when the students get graded and the instructor moves on. But, how does this differ from mentoring?

CAPP 50-7 is quite explicit about it. "The goal of mentoring in the Civil Air Patrol is to help all members reach their full potential, thereby enhancing the overall professionalism of CAP." When we mentor as CAP members, we're asked to find the way to make the mentored achieve maximum progress. We are not supposed to dump a lot of information and walk away. On the contrary. We are expected to adjust the process to the level the mentored can sustain, encourage the mentored, and allow for what in psychology and pedagogy is called "successive approximations." Teaching, on the other hand, especially in a school environment, through necessity must move along a given curriculum at a specific pace, within the frame of the school year. This method, unfortunately, means that some students will probably be left behind.

In that light, I believe the short essay below is revelatory.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Mentoring and Leadership, 10 June

TYLER, Texas – Every time I leave a CAP activity I experience the same feeling. The sense of joy, success, and excitement at seeing younger cadets prosper. But occasionally I can also experience sadness and heartache. As a staff member at activities, I can't help but develop a type of connection, a connection with the younger cadets that I'm mentoring – teaching, leading, and instructing. These cadets entrusted to me who have been my responsibility, and for whom I decided to sacrifice a weekend or a week, not to mention the days and hours it took to prepare for the activity. I also develop a connection with the staff, an additional group of people willing to make the same commitment as mine, motivated by the same thoughts and feelings. I have served as staff at many activities, in many positions. However, the position that has affected me the most has been that of Flight Sergeant at an encampment.

As the Flight Sergeant, you are required to be with your cadet basics at all times. At encampment, this is one of the toughest, most stressful and demanding jobs, both mentally and physically. However, being the Flight Sergeant is also one of the most rewarding CAP jobs. I remember beginning my first staff encampment with thirteen cadet basics, brand new, fresh, cream of the crop. At first glance, they looked like a widely diverse bunch. I figured that about half-way through I would end up wishing I could make them disappear. But, as the encampment progressed, my Flight Commander and I mentored, taught and instructed them, watching them grow, develop, and change.

From brand-new, lost, very young and inept cadets, they progressed to a mature and self-sufficient team, a group of cadets that learned to rely on each other and work together in harmony. I watched them develop into this throughout the week, as the days moved forward. Then, on the last day, when they graduated, I witnessed what to me seemed like a miracle. My basic cadets, those bewildered young people I had seen arrive as individuals who only knew how to depend on themselves, in that new environment had seemed lost and confused. But that had been a week earlier. Now, as I watched them leave, they were united by the drive to succeed, a group of young cadets relying on one another, working together to achieve a common objective.

As I was leaving that first encampment, I had an odd feeling, undefined and somewhat confused, almost as if I were leaving something behind… or I had something missing. For weeks before encampment, via e-mails and phone calls, I had spent a lot of time preparing for it, and for those seven days of encampment I had led my basics, instructing them hands-on, and teaching them how to be CAP cadets. I had seen their confusion, anxiety, suddenly bright eyes when they understood what was required, their faltering fumblings turning into purposeful and sure steps, their cautious recovery of their own sense of humor, their generosity in helping each other, their happiness at mastering what they hadn't known before...

They were now gone, having departed encampment with a lot more knowledge than they'd had upon arrival. And now it was my turn. I was leaving knowing that I had impacted a group of very young cadets to such an extent that their attitude and knowledge had changed dramatically for the better, and I had managed to do so in a remarkably short time. It was a wonderful feeling. At that moment I realized that there is more to it than the fleeting pride of earning Honor and Academic Flight. At heart, I had the immense satisfaction of seeing my people advance. Those cadets I had been singly responsible for, who were now taking their training home to their units, were also much better people, and so much sure of themselves.

My cadet basics had exceeded my expectations beyond belief, and to this day I'm proud of those young cadets that were able to overcome the heat, take the stress from the staff, and rise above the shock of the environment in which they'd been plunged. Those cadets had become the living examples of the Cadet Oath, as they'd advanced their education and trained rapidly to prepare themselves to be of service to their community state and nation. My cadet basics had gone above and beyond… just as all Texas Wing cadets ought to.

Today, the week of that encampment seems like such a long time ago, yet two years haven't quite passed since then. As I progressed in rank and climbed up the chain of command, I have reached the stage where I'll train the cadet basics through my staff. While I prepare to be a Cadet Command Chief Master Sergeant, I wonder what it will be like, as I look forward to the new challenge of training the staff, instructing on a higher level, and passing my knowledge on to others. It will now be their turn to experience that progression of others towards total accomplishment that I hold so dear, and avoid the unacceptable pitfalls I have participated in, experienced, and overcome.

For me, it isn't a matter of leaving behind a record of how great I was. Instead, what matters is leaving behind a record of how great my subordinates have been. If we as cadet leaders only focus on ourselves, then we are not honorable leaders. Our job, duty, and responsibility, when accepted into a leadership position, is to train others to surpass us. This is a mandate that some cadets have lost sight of, a responsibility we can easily forget, and a standard of excellence that through neglect could erode over time.

If we hold instructor positions, we do so in order to create more capable, admirable, and magnificent leaders who, in turn, might become better role models than we are. That is the whole purpose of this program. As time goes on and we perfect our own training, we are entrusted to produce more advanced cadets. Because we're not building only ourselves, but also our organization and those around us.

C/CMSgt Jesse Carr, CAP, Tyler Composite Squadron

From Addison Eagles Composite Squadron.

TYLER, Texas – C/TSgt Kenneth Herrmann is home schooled, has a keen eye for photography, and had never attempted to write for publication before. Selected as one of four C/PAO for the 2009 Texas Wing Summer Encampment, working under the direction of 1st Lt. Rodrigo Saucedo, he surprised everyone (perhaps even himself) by co-bylining three articles, and writing three more articles of his own. And his own literary efforts, rather than dry retellings of some stiff activity, are actually miniature essays, well thought out, and well crafted. (Please see below.) I was impressed.

After encampment was over, I spoke with Cdt. Herrmann over the telephone, and he sounded just as he had been described to me. Lt. Saucedo had said, "He's quiet, not at all pushy, but he thinks a lot. He's very nice." And so he is. Productive, too. I believe Cdt. Herrmann has written more articles, in a shorter period of time, than anyone else in the Addison Eagles Composite Squadron – at least in recent memory.

Cdt. Herrmann has a good eye for photo composition, captures action very well, and likes people. These are excellent qualities for a writer, and he put them to good use. It is my hope that Cdt. Herrmann will go on writing, chronicling his squadron's many interesting activities. Doing so would be a great service to his unit, as well as excellent practice for himself, as he polishes his knowledge of English. I am always pleased to welcome a new-comer to the Group III Cadet PAO Program. Well done, Cdt. Herrmann.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

A Meditation on D-Day, 6 June

TYLER, Texas – Tuesday, 6 June 1944 – D-Day – started just after dawn at 0630 (British Double Summer Time). Allied forces launched a massive bombing/paratrooper drop air assault and the largest single-day amphibian invasion in history. Plagued with off-course jumps and landings, many American divisions were forced to improvise. Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr, the American 4th Division's Assistant Commander and the only general officer to land on the beaches with the initial sea-borne assault wave on that history-making day, upon discovering that some of the landings were off course, said, "We will start the war from right here." A motivational quote that energized his command, and a scene repeated across Normandy on that day, as many commanders were forced to do just that.

On Saturday, 6 June 2009, the 65th anniversary of D-Day, we honored, remembered, and showed our respect for the 32,807 Allied Soldiers killed on D-Day. Today, there are few survivors left to tell their stories, yet these are stories worth telling – and worth hearing.

As we honor those wounded, missing, and dead in the years past, we must also remember our armed forces currently fighting abroad. The men and women who, at this moment, fight and die for this country, persevering when times get tough, pushing the mission through, wholly for you and me. They make sacrifices most of us will never know, not even imagine, yet they suffer them without hesitation.

As I sit here writing, I wonder, "How can we ever thank them enough? How can we let them know how thankful we are, how much we appreciate them, how much we love, respect, and admire them?" I see what they do, and I know that nothing any of us could ever do would be enough to repay them, or even match what they have given. They are my heroes. They are the people who have made our lives possible, and all I want to do is thank them.

So I do, "To the armed forces of this great nation, to my heroes, thank you. Thank you for pouring your sweat, tears, and blood that has nurtured this country. Thank you for your honor, dignity, respect, and humility. There is no one I appreciate more or have greater respect for than someone serving in the armed forces of the United States of America.

Should I meet them, what would I say to them? "I would do anything for you, anything to somehow, in the slightest bit, pay you back. I can only do so much, and I know it won't be enough, yet I must be satisfied with hoping that even the littlest things I can do might help, even in the smallest way." I feel this in my heart, it encourages me, it sparks a fire within me to do more, go as far as I can – and beyond –, assisting in any way I can. What else would I tell them? "As you sit in your foxholes, tents, barracks, or shelters, suffer the heat of Afghanistan, Iraq, and other far places, remember this one thing: many of us care, revere you, love you, and are thankful for what you are doing."

As a Christian believer, I take to heart what St. John said (15:12-13), "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” I also remember that, “A strong man stands up for himself, a stronger man stands up for others.” (Ben Cow, Barnyard). "You, the fighting force of the United States Military, are those strong ones, strong enough to stand up for yourselves and passionate and stronger enough to stand up for others."

When you come home, we'll be here to show you the respect, honor, and recognition you deserve. I know this, because this is America, the land of the free and the home of the brave, the land where we honor and respect our heroes, as we mourn, love and honor our fallen warriors. As I go about my daily life I am constantly reminded of you, quickly saying a prayer, asking that all of you come home safely. I wish I could meet every single one of you, just to shake your hand, look into your eyes, and say, "Thank you." So to our armed forces, my heroes, don’t ever forget, we are here for you, just as you are there for us.

Today we remember the veterans who served on D-Day, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, holding them dear with the dignity and glory they deserve. But the fighting has not stopped. It's just gone elsewhere. We are also indebted to today's Americans fighting abroad, and we must thank them now and forever, because to them we owe our freedom and way of life, and whatever else we might earn is thanks to them, whom we thank eternally and unconditionally.

We salute you all.

Photos: Top left, Utah Beach (U.S. Army); center right: Omaha Beach (U.S. Army); bottom left: Joint Service Color Guard at the National D-Day Memorial (National D-Day Memorial).

NOTE: In 2008, World War II veterans were dying at a rate greater than 1,000 per day. It is estimated that none will be left alive as early as 2020, and as late at 2035. – Editor

C/CMSgt Jesse Carr, CAP, Tyler Composite Squadron

In Memory of a Soldier

     DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Born on 20 Nov 1927, the sixth of nine children, Capt. Ed W. "Too Tall" Freeman led a life of service and dedication to his fellow man. He fought in the Korean War and received a battlefield commission, an action that qualified him to apply for flight training. However, although otherwise in perfect health, he was rejected for being "too tall," a nickname that stayed with him for the rest of his days. Undeterred, when in 1955 a pilot's allowable height was raised, he applied a second time and became a fixed-wing pilot, later switching to helicopters. He served in Vietnam with distinction, eventually receiving the highest military honor the Nation can confer.

Freeman's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

Captain Ed W. Freeman, United States Army, distinguished himself by numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have gone down, with much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman's selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Correcting the omission, Freeman belatedly received his award on 16 July 2001 at the White House, presented by Pres. George W. Bush. He died at the age of 80, on 20 August 2008, of complications from Parkinson's disease.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Flag Day, 14 June

     DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – In 1912, Chicago's Standard Publishing Company was first to mention that in 1861, George Morris of Hartford, Connecticut, had flown the American Flag in honor of the American flag's official adoption on 14 June, 1777 by the Second Continental Congress. The colors, derived from those of the English flag, have deep heraldic meaning.

Red (called Gules in heraldry) is the military color for excellence and fortitude. Ancient laws restricted its use to princes and their families. It is symbolic of nobility, boldness, and ferocity.

White (Argent in heraldry is not a color but a metal: Silver), which is associated with nobility and purity. White is the color of peace, sincerity, and faith.

Blue (called Azure in heraldry) represents the color of the eastern sky on a clear day. The word azure was introduced from the east during the Crusades. It is symbolic of piety and sincerity.

Originally, flags were used to mark the point where the commander was posted during an armed engagement. Later, flags were flown over the castle where the monarch resided. Then it was borne by the country's armed forces in the name of the crown. Today, it is flown by governments, military and citizens, generally from a mast.

But there are many ways to show your love of country. I know you'll enjoy this unusual display of our National Colors, sent to me by my friend Lt. Col. Amanda B. Anderson, to whom I'm grateful.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: Staff Training, 11-12 June

ALERT ACADEMY, Texas – Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members have been excited for months about Texas Wing Summer Encampment 2009. Long before they started packing, they resolved to make this year's encampment the best in the history of Texas Wing. The staff arrived to encampment two days early, in order to prepare themselves for the arrival of cadets attending Basic Encampment, Intermediate Encampment, and Advanced Training Squadron (ATS). The staff had been planning for the cadets' arrival, practicing the duties they would need to perform, and other tasks related to their assigned positions. An important part of Staff Days is the Required Staff Training (RST), in which the entire staff learned about various topics, including safety, avoiding hazing, the proper attitude to use when training their cadets, the importance of mentoring, and the roles of the Charge of Quarters staff. Much of the meeting focused on avoiding hazing.

Capt. Robert "Skip" Smith, Commander of the Texas Cadet Training Wing (TCTW) (who also commands the Tyler Composite Squadron), led the training along with C/1st Lt. Tim Gandy, TCTW Commander of Cadets (and also Tyler C.S. Deputy Commander for Cadets). Capt. Smith had begun the first session by reminding the leaders of cadets about why they were there. Encampment focuses totally on the Basic Cadets. Staff members are there to help the cadets become better than the staff themselves, ensuring better encampments in the future. “Civil Air Patrol is a family, so all new cadets should be treated as brothers and sisters. Families take care of each other,” said Capt. Smith. “What we should do extremely well is take care of each other,” said Lt. Gandy. "Basics will be pushed to better themselves, but in the process no one will fall behind or come to harm in the CAP family." The RST Training sessions had their heavy and lighter sides, but even amidst the jokes and funny demonstrations, the staff took the briefings quite seriously, determined to remember it all in the week to come.

Some of the training focused on hazing. Though rare in CAP, it must always be addressed when working with cadets. “Hazing is against CAP regulations, and will not be tolerated,“ said Capt. Smith. Since false reports of hazing can occur, the group learned some valuable lessons. What is the definition of hazing? How do we separate normal discipline from hazing? Some define hazing as intense physical activity for no reason, others define it as mental harassment, while most say it’s a little of each.

The Department of Defense defines hazing as, "Any conduct whereby someone causes another to suffer or to be exposed to any activity that is cruel, abusive, humiliating, oppressive, demeaning, or harmful." This definition leaves some loose ends, so CAP leaders were directed to fill in using the CAP Core Values. There is a fine line between pushing cadets to their limits and hazing. Encampment is held to push cadets' mental and physical envelope but not in excessive amounts; it's there only to be challenging and server as encouragement. Encampment life is supposed to be an enjoyable and life-changing experience for all cadets. “Any problems with hazing will be dealt with swiftly, to ensure the utmost protection of the basics' mental and physical well-being,” said Capt. Smith sternly. "It’s up to staff members to use their best judgment in training and caring for the cadets who have also given up their time to attend the 2009 Summer Encampment."

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Cadet Leaders attend RST.  [2] Flight leaders take stage during RST recognition. [3] Capt. Robert "Skip" Smith (center) demonstrates the relation between water consumption and body weight, using demonstrators C/2nd Lt. Christian Nelson (left) and C/Amn Aaron Fish. [4] C/1st Lt. Isaac Niedrauer and Capt. Smith cover the encampment layout and restricted zones to for the RST attendees. (Photo #1, C/2nd Lt. Emily Crouse; Others, C/TSgt Kenneth Hermann)

The Cadet Safety Officer, C/1st Lt. Isaac Niedrauer, marched on stage and told the encampment staff (and those cadet basics who had arrived early), about the important safety measures everyone must be aware of and enforce during encampment. He said everyone is responsible for making sure that Cadets and Staff are properly hydrated at all times. Proper hydration consists of drinking 1 to 1½ canteens of water per hour (depending on body size), as well as an adequate consumption of calories, carbohydrates, and electrolytes during meals.

Another important topic that Cadet Niedrauer touched upon is the wildlife found at the ALERT Academy. Many areas are maintained as natural habitats, including the entire northern section of the encampment grounds, and these are restricted to all personnel. Because of in-ground hornet dens, cadets are not allowed to wander off into tall grassy areas. Attendees were also cautioned regarding the types of snakes that could be found in the deep grass areas and other off-limits places. All members learned what they look like, and how to avoid them.

Cadet safety is such an integral part of encampment that in 2008 a new staff section was created to focus exclusively on it: Charge of Quarters (CQ). Before CQ had been created, the cadet staff had to take turns standing night fire watch, and this cut down on their already meager time for sleeping. During nightly fire watch, they took turns patrolling the encampment to make sure everything was in order and no cadets were out of their barracks. At Summer Encampment 2008, the first set of cadets staffed CQ, and took over the fire watch job. Now, CQ cadets roam the barracks all night, every night, ensuring the safety of cadets as they rest.

Should a fire be detected, CQ would ensure that everyone got out of the barracks safely, directing safe exit and assembly. The cadets on CQ live a largely nocturnal existence, staying awake for most of the night and sleeping for much of the day. In RST, the staff learned about the history and role of CQ. As important as CQ is for safety, the main focus of encampment is still on cadet training, and RST also covered the proper attitude toward the cadets being trained.

The culmination of two days' spent on Staff Leadership Training came on the evening of Friday the 12th. As the RST sessions were coming to an end, Capt. Smith reminded the leaders of cadets of the CAP Core Values. “We will leave no cadet behind; we must care for each cadet and the program.” He then added, “This encampment is not about you, and it is not about me, it is about the cadets. And to make this the best Texas Wing Encampment ever, we must remember these things.”

C/CMSgt Alexandra Falken, C/2nd Lt. Emily Crouse, C/TSgt Matthew Bruce and C/TSgt Kenneth Herrmann
Under the direction of 1st Lt. Rodrigo Saucedo, CAP, Encampment PAO

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: In-Processing - A Cadet Deluge, 13 June

ALERT ACADEMY, Texas – An hour past noon, vehicles began streaming through the Alert Academy gates. The moment the Staff had been waiting for was upon us: the arrival of the Basics, Intermediates, and ATS cadets. They unloaded and reported to the stations corresponding to their flights, in order to have their bags checked. Then, they moved to the Administration station, where staff checked their paperwork and discussed any missing items. Next, they lined up at the Finance station, where encampment fees were verified. Next came the Medical section, where staff received any medications the cadets had brought, for controlled dosage during the cadets' stay. Here, they also got tips on hydration and healthy eating. Finally, the cadets reported to their squadron cadet first sergeant, signed their flight sheets, and joined their flights. At this stage, the cadet first sergeant gave them a motivational talk, and distributed the Standard Operation Instructions (SOI), a little white booklet containing much of the information the cadets will need to learn at encampment.

“It takes a lot of work to plan cadet in-processing,” said Cadet Deputy Commander Derek Prucha, “Especially for a large event where almost 300 participants have registered.” Overall, registration went smoothly, even though a few cadets were missing paperwork. Still, the system ran so well that the Administration Cadet in Charge C/CMSgt. Baucom explained, “They came in and reported, we checked their paperwork, and sent them on their way.” How had everything gone at his station? Cadet First Sergeant Frasier replied simply, “Outstanding,” the highest expression of satisfaction known to a Civil Air Patrol cadet.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

[1] Cadet basics await their turn as their respective flight sergeants start their in-processing. [2] A Cadet Intermediate goes through bag inspection prior to assignment to the Advanced Training Squadron. [3] Cadet basics study their Standard Operating Instructions manual, as one of them asks a question. [4] Encampment cadets line up for final paperwork processing. [5] A Cadet Leader directs a cadet intermediate to next processing station. (Photos: C/TSgt Matthew Bruce)                      

From an observer’s point of view, once the basic cadets arrive, the mad dashes start and everything seems chaotic. Cadets run everywhere, looking for their Cadet First Sergeants and Cadet Flight Sergeants. The Cadet Command Chief and cadet officers are constantly on the move, working to keep things running smoothly and quickly. For the occasion, they have to put on their best stern faces, giving an appearance of being rushed and stressed. Actually, the pre-training is helping them keep a cool head, as they give calm and explicit directions. “You have to know your part, do your part, and when you’re done with your part, help others,” said C/Lt. Col. John Rios, the Cadet Commander and a veteran of six encampments. It takes solid leadership to be able to keep in-processing in smooth working order.

An amusing part of in-processing is watching the cadet basics’ hauling their luggage. Since the items packed for encampment are very important, some time before encampment the cadets have received a full page listing what items to bring. Some cadets prefer store-bought suitcases and luggage, while others favor military duffle bags or the larger 72hr packs used during longer emergency services missions. Their preference is sometimes dictated by their personal style, whim, or length of service in CAP. Items such as electronic devices, books, snack food, and larger than average utility tools are considered contraband. Senior members check all bags and remove contraband (which is returned after encampment is over) to prevent the entry of harmful substances or distractions, thus ensuring the safety of the cadets and the facility.

From a leadership perspective, the routine is pretty much set, and individual ideas must be presented to the encampment leadership for approval. It's Administration's job to get the paperwork in order and obtain all necessary information. The paperwork is vital to understanding every detail for each cadet, and senior members and cadet leaders will depend on that information to make appropriate decisions during the cadets' stay at encampment. “The chain of command works well with these large endeavors," commented Cadet Commander John Rios, adding, “When the right people are in place, and the flow of communication is effective, the decision-making process is also effective.”

C/CMSgt Alexandra Falken, C/2nd Lt. Emily Crouse, C/TSgt Matthew Bruce and C/TSgt Kenneth Herrmann
Under the direction of 1st Lt. Rodrigo Saucedo, CAP, Encampment PAO

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: Take Care of My Boys, 13 June

ALERT ACADEMY, Texas – We watched as hundreds of cadet basics lined up to register for the Texas Wing 2009 Basic Encampment. They came in droves, dressed in their neat short-sleeve blues, looking well-groomed, all spit-and-polish. Right behind many of the cadets were the parents. Their eyes wide open as they watched their child disappear into the billowing lines, baggage, and endless forms to be filled. As good senior members do, we took time to greet those parents, answering many questions and encouraging them to visit the www.texascadet.org website, where they would be able to read about encampment activities and maybe catch a glimpse of their own child in the online photo album. In most cases, the parents thanked us, said their good-byes and were soon on their way.

Observing from a short distance, I noticed a particular couple being greeted by some senior members. The parents listened with their ears, as they nervously peeked around the side of the senior members, keeping a watchful eye on their two sons. As the senior members walked away, the mother exclaimed to them, or to no one in particular, “Take care of my boys.”

Her statement touched me, and I was moved to the core. We train to see these young persons as cadets, not boys or girls, not tall or short, just cadets. To this mother, though, they were much more than that, because they are her whole world. I walked up to the parents without hesitation. I had to meet them. I had to make an effort and tell that mother that we cared, that we would do our very best to protect her sons. As I came up to them, I noticed their sweet disposition as I greeted them.

1. 2. 3.

I explained how the senior members and cadet leaders had just completed two solid days of cadet leadership training, because we wanted to ensure that the entire support staff would be ready for encampment week. Her eyes perked up as I described the details of the Required Staff Training we'd held the previous evening into the night. How each cadet leader was made aware of safety issues concerning the cadets, and how the encampment commander and leadership considered the cadet basics "family". How the flight leaders – individually – would be responsible for making sure their cadet squad was hydrated with a minimum of 1 to 1.5 canteens of water per hour. How the cadet leaders knew about "hazing," were aware that it is against CAP regulations, and realized that hazing has many forms. I told her about the safety program which included the new “Charge of Quarters” unit, that replaced the old “Fire Watch” concept and is much better, and how this would enable a dedicated team to stand watch all night long and sleep throughout the day, for the sole purpose of giving the cadets a full night’s rest, in complete safety. How we had medics on staff to assist cadets with any medical needs...

It was about this point that with a gentle gesture the mother stopped me, and with a beautiful smile on her face said; “God sent you to me, didn’t He?” I almost couldn't contain myself as my eyes welled up with unshed tears. For the first time in my CAP career, I realized that my roles as a squadron Finance Officer and now the squadron's Public Affairs Officer had not been so much ends in themselves but my preparation for a far greater and kinder job. My purpose laid out for me would be to make a difference to young cadets aspiring to become part of one of the greatest organizations in the world. My sudden awareness was punctuated by the mother as she said, "I feel so much better now. Thank you so very much."

As I said goodbye and turned to walk away from this very special mom, I heard my heart telling me, “Take care of her boys.”

1st Lt. Rodrigo Saucedo, CAP, Encampment PAO

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: Ropes, Logs, and Team Building, 15 June

ALERT ACADEMY, Texas – One major goal of encampment is teambuilding. The flights begin as groups of individuals who feel they have nothing in common, and end as tightly knit groups that might stay in contact with each other for years. Since the cadets are thrust into a group with fifteen strangers, sometimes they need a little push to begin working as a team. The ALERT Academy ropes course often provides that push.

Today, the 60th squadron, comprised of Golf, Hotel, and India flights, marched over to the ropes course. The heat didn’t stop them from hurrying to the course, which for many cadets is one of the highlights of encampment. Once there, they were immediately tasked with their first challenge. The cadets were blindfolded and their flight Staff, able to see, had to lead them down a path without speaking. All three flights used the same basic strategy, holding onto each others’ shoulders with the flight staff member in front. Everyone arrived quickly, and by the enthusiastic flight cheers that followed it was obvious that they were already beginning to bond.

After finishing their first group leadership project (GLP), the cadets learned safety procedures – how to stay safe on the course and how to be spotters. After the Staff reminded them to keep hydrated, the flights split up and went to different activities. The flight and squadron cadet staff also separated, going to their own activities, designed to build camaraderie between cadet flight sergeant and flight commander, or cadet squadron commander and first sergeant.

1. 2. 3. 4.

[1] Cadets train to depend on each other while blind-folded. [2] A cadet crosses the balance log as teammates (spotters) stand by to assist. [3] Cadets practice the ropes course where teamwork is essential for success. [4] The cadets celebrate their success as they touch hands in the unity of team spirit. (Photos by C/2nd Lt. Emily Crouse)

The Cadet Basics participated in fairly simple but still challenging activities. They swung across a course of tire swings, climbed up and down two logs, and tried to switch places in a single-file line standing on a log. Each navigated various ropes and cables, all with the help of their flight members. To complete the various activities, they spent about three hours working as a team. Afterwards, the flights were obviously much more tightly-knit than before. They congratulated their new friends, then formed into their own flights and marched to lunch, loudly keeping cadence all the way. Hotel flight sergeant C/MSgt Danielle Lamphear related to the new-found enthusiasm and teamwork in her flight, saying, "At my Basic encampment, the ropes course is where I started learning everyone’s names in my flight. It was where we began to come together as a team.”

The cadet Staff, though, was also tasked, but theirs were more complicated and very challenging tasks. Their first assignment was to walk around a circle of cables, two at a time, while their only support was a rope held on either end by one of the two staff members on the course. After conquering this, they moved on to even more complicated tasks, some two-by-two, and some including the whole squadron staff. Their final challenge was the most complicated of all, and required everyone to work as a closely-knit team. The entire Staff present had to navigate a complex course of cables, at times relying only on the cadets around them to support them, until they had succeeded. When asked how the ropes course helped the staff, C/CMSgt Lincoln Andre, India Flight Sergeant, replied, “It helped us realize how easy it is for us to work together when we’re on the same page and communicating well... It was also a great motivator.”

Besides building teamwork, the ropes course is just plain fun. C/Amn Ian Kuplack commented, “It’s really fun. I’m sure everyone else would have the same answer.” By the time they were done, the cadets walked around bearing huge grins, each one thrilled to be there. The combination of fun and teambuilding makes the ropes course an unparalleled opportunity for Basics and Staff alike.

Each flight walked onto the ropes course as sixteen distinct individuals, but left it as a team.

C/2nd Lt. Emily Crouse, CAP, Nighthawk Composite Squadron

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: The Tradition of Respect, 16 June

ALERT ACADEMY, Texas – During encampment, basic cadets hold their breath as they hear the cadet officer they’d just passed say, ”Cadet, front and center!” They have just realized that they failed to engage the cadet officer in a formal greeting. Customs and courtesies are enforced everywhere on the ALERT campus. This is how cadet basics are reminded to practice this tradition and responsibility, and make it a permanent habit. The greetings are used to acknowledge staff, senior members, and cadet officers.

Greetings change according to the time of day, depending on the person you’re talking to, and whether you’re inside or outside. Cadet officers and senior members are greeted outside as "Sir" or "Ma’am," following the appropriate greeting of the day, as a hand salute is rendered. For example, "Good morning, Ma'am" or, "Good evening, Sir." Inside, it is the same, except that no hand salute is exchanged.

Points of view on using customs and courtesies are somewhat similar, but can differ between cadet officers and cadets basics regarding what they mean. C/Maj. Sean Stewart said, “Customs and courtesies help keep tradition alive. They are derived from the Middle Ages, when knights would meet on the road and lift the visor of their helmets with their right hand, so as to be recognized. This courtesy eventually evolved into today's hand salute.” He added; “Customs and courtesies also build respect and professionalism as selfless acts.” However, cadets basics see it from a different perspective. C/Amn Chris Landry believes that customs and courtesies are "a way of giving respect to superiors with an emphasis on manners.” Respect is one of the main reasons for customs and courtesies, something that C/Amn Jacob Roberson also believes. “Customs and courtesies help in life and every young person needs to know them and use them. It’s a sign of recognition, and a short thank you with respect,” he said.

1. 2. 3.

[1] Cadet leaders exchange hand salutes as one cadet leader turns the formation over to another. [2] As the cadet flight commander approaches his flight, he is immediately saluted by the cadet flight leader upon recognition. [3] C/Amn Johnathan Elliott, Echo flight, salutes his flight cadet sergeant, C/MSgt Joseph Hudges. (Photos #1&2, C/TSgt Kenneth Herrmann; #3, C/TSgt Matthew Bruce.)

When it comes to practicing this tradition, there is always a sense of honor. To be a part of an organization like Civil Air Patrol, that uses these requirements, doing so makes it worth all the effort. It plants a seed of "rightness" and honor, that eventually can grow into better leadership and professional development. It promotes the development of respectful young adults and teens, preparing them for the future of their choice, whether in the military or the civilian work force.

Finally, the hope of all involved is that Customs and Courtesies, which are clearly explained in CAP Pamphlet 151, will become part of the cadets’ personal life, where they will set the example of respect in their homes and at their schools. As cadets grow in age, knowledge and wisdom, they'll pass on this valuable heritage to everyone around them.

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: Encampment Then and Now, 17 June

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: Come On, Johnson!, 18 June

Results of Social Media Study

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – My friend Lt. Col. Karen Copenhaver, Middle East Region, posted on the CAP PAO Forum the results of an international survey of journalists on how they use social media in the course of their work. "The results are revealing," she said, and so they are. Bottom line? Pooh-pooh social media, blogs, and other online forms of communication at your own risk.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Executive Summary of Results

A broad survey of working journalists across all media was conducted for the second year in a row using SurveyMonkey.com as the data collector, and generating valid responses from 2,386 journalists, of which approximately 48% were editors or editorial staff and 34% were reporters or writers. The objective was to track year-over-year changes in journalist use of the Internet and other resources to research, follow, and report news and features material.

1. Respondents again reported that the single greatest change in journalism practices due to new Internet technology is that they can now research corporate and other news online 24 hours a day (77.8%) and they can now access media contact phone numbers and e-mail addresses online (67.5%).

2. Nearly half of all journalists report visiting a corporate website or online newsroom at least once a week, and almost 87% report visiting a corporate website or online newsroom at least once a month. Ironically, despite such heavy traffic from journalists, most corporate websites seem inadequately designed to accommodate them: Almost half of journalists complain that when they visit organizations' websites, it's often difficult to find the organizations' media representatives or to find contact information for those representatives.

3. Journalists also report a significant increase in the use of blogs, social media, and RSS feeds to stay on top of the news. Almost 75% of journalists read one or more blogs to keep up with the subject matter they cover, compared with only about 70% a year ago. Today, some 29% of journalists regularly read five or more blogs to keep up with their beat, compared with about 26% last year.  The increase in journalists visiting social media sites to do their job has risen even more dramatically: Today about three-fourths of journalists use social media to research stories, compared with about 67% last year. Almost 38% of journalists now say they visit a social media site at least once a week as part of their reporting, compared with only 28% last year. More than 53% now say they visit a social media site at least once a month, up from about 44% last year. Nearly 19% of journalists report that they receive five or more RSS feeds of news services, blogs, podcasts or videocasts every week, a gain of about three percentage points over last year, and a total of about 41% receive at least one regular RSS feed, a gain of over four percentage points.

4. While about half (48.7%) of journalists report that they never seek audio or video material from corporate websites, nearly 23% say they seek such material at least once a month-an increase of about three percentage points over the past year. Among journalists working in national television, some 10.3% seek audio or video material once a week or more and that number jumps to 46.7% seeking such material at least once every three months. Among journalists working in local radio, some 38.4% seek audio or video from corporate websites at least once a month.

5. While a large majority (76.4%) of journalists report that they use their local newspapers to follow the news (followed by the New York Times at nearly 63%), some 51% of journalists report that they use Google News, about 32% use Yahoo! News services to stay abreast.

Social Media on the Military Rise

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Supposedly for security reasons, some military network managers had been blocking a number of Web 2.0 social media, such as Facebook, Flickr and Twitter. Not any more. Last 18 May, the U.S. Army allowed access to five social media sites in the United States.

The military argues that this directive doesn't mean that they had been blocking these services in the past, but rather that it resolves some inconsistencies in that area. The result is that Facebook, Delicious, Flickr, Twitter and Vimeo will be available at military installations via the "Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network.

The order also specifies that Blackberry servers must be configured to allow accessed to these sites, which must not be blocked. It appears that this decision was sparked by the Military Health System, that advocated use of social media Internet sites.

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

On Knowledge, Application, and Achievement

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Socrates (yes, that one, Σωκράτης), who lived in the 5th Century B.C., is credited with having said, "One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing." Sadly, this idea has been used more as an excuse by the low achiever than as a motive for reaching higher in the tree of knowledge (the scientific one, not the Biblical one). Socrates himself was an enigmatic figure. Most of his contemporaries considered him an idler and trouble maker and, in the end, at the age of 70, he was given the choice of exile or death by hemlock. He chose death, surrounded by his students.

He influenced the youth of three or four Athenian generations, motivating them to question ideas, formulate new ones, find answers, and do something useful of lasting value that would be capable of elevating the mind and the state of knowledge. A value that at the time didn't translate well, since – for instance – most people considered building a sturdy house a far greater achievement than finding a measurement by calculation rather than actual hand measurement.

Defying the custom of the day, Socrates wrote nothing. What we know of him is contained in the writings of his students, Plato being the most notable of them. Socrates seems to have been a nice enough person, kindly, curious, and encouraging. A good mentor, in fact, helping those who would listen look harder within themselves, where there might be no answers but is the place where dreams, hopes and motivation to excel lie.

Even in the limited confines of science and humanities of Classical Greece, Socrates realized that he possessed but a small portion of the knowledge of his day, and reasoned that his greatest contribution might be not so much his own drive for individual knowledge as the fostering of that drive in those with a whole lifetime ahead of them, hoping that they would achieve much more as a group than what he could as an individual.

Today, over 2,500 years later, with well-known ups and downs along the way, here we are, able to do what a mere two or three generations ago was the stuff out of which good science fiction sprang. As a young man, I remember reading a short story about an alien race that visited a primitive planet, found a barely intelligent creature, and presented it with a shining, glimmering, slowly rotating double helix. The author did not explain what the double helix was, but the story made it quite clear that it was a great gift, and the ladder upon which this primitive race eventually would reach the stars. And the story hinted that the double helix might have been not an object but an idea...

The double helix, of course, was the representation of DNA, perhaps our own, or maybe that of the visiting aliens. The story didn't say. An open-ended narrative, written soon after 1957, when Crick and Watson proposed the double-helix molecular model for DNA. Half a century later, we're decoding the human genome, but only about 3% of the 50,000 to 100,000 genes that encode human protein have been decoded, and that deciphering has consisted of establishing the DNA sequences within each. The goal, however, is to find out what each DNA sequence does, individually, in the process of building, maintaining and repairing the human body. That search is proving to be quite slow. Very few of those genes have divulged their secrets, thus we may know what some of them look like, but not what they do. At least, not yet.

If Socrates only knew that he knew nothing, what can I say about myself? What can you say about yourself?

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

ORM Online Courses

Have you taken the online ORM Basic and ORM Intermediate courses? These are required if you want to participate in any hands-on activity. And even if they weren't, they will make you aware of where risk and hazard lie, and how then can end up in personal injury or mission failure. You'll find them on the ORM link off the Safety Page http://www.capmembers.com/safety/orm.cfm on the NHQ website. Be proactive and take them soon. Now would be even better.

2nd Lt. John Welsh, CAP, SO

Monthly Safety Briefing

Each Squadron is required to provide both a flight safety briefing and a ground safety briefing each month. The Sentinel, the national CAP Safety newsletter, should be briefed as a minimum. 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 July, should you want to use them at your own squadron.

July Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

July Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

ORM is a Safety Issue

You have already seen the attached safety letter (announced above) from the National Commander on safety emphasis in all CAP cadet program activities. I would like to expand on the information included in the letter, especially the ORM part, and relate the motivation behind this letter to real life events here in Texas.

I was at the Cadet Encampment graduation in Big Sandy last weekend, and it was an impressive affair. I talked to a lot of our cadet and senior members and got much feedback on how well the encampment had gone, which was very good news. “The food was pretty good but no one got enough sleep, and they kept us really busy but I learned a lot. And I’m coming back next year!” The encampment commander was happy to report that there were no hazing incidents. That was really good news!

After the encampment folks had pretty much hit the road for home, I went over and visited with the LESA folks who were starting to arrive. That’s a pretty exciting training opportunity, and you should all think about attending next year! While I was there, I got a call from Lt Col Don Windle, the Group II Commander. One of our cadets had an accident on the way home from encampment!

First things first, the cadet was okay. He blew out two tires when he hit the median.

The first thought that went through my mind (other than massive relief that the cadet was okay) was, "He must have fallen asleep." Almost everyone I talked to said they didn’t get enough sleep. He was alone, why didn’t he have a buddy? It was really hot in Big Sandy so I wondered if he was dehydrated and had that contributed to the accident?

In fact, the cadet did not fall asleep, and I don’t think he was dehydrated. But he didn’t have a buddy. So, what did really happen?

While he was driving, one of his tires blew out and, before he could regain control of his vehicle, he hit the median which caused another tire to fail. But he kept the vehicle mostly under control, and he was wearing his seat belt, which is why he is okay. As far as I can tell, he performed well in a tough situation. Good for him. Okay, so why are we talking about this if nothing bad happened to him, other than having to pay for two new tires?

We are talking about this because this is why we do ORM. It can work, and it does work.

I spoke about lack of sleep, dehydration, no buddy to help keep you awake. Those are risks.

Moving the encampment graduation up two hours so people could get home earlier. Providing plenty of water during the graduation ceremony. Requiring everyone to check out so you could eye-ball them before they hit the road. Those are all risk control measures. And we did all those things at encampment. And we will review what happened this year and make appropriate changes for next year.

Wait a minute! That’s just common sense!

That is absolutely correct. ORM is a systematic approach requiring people to use common sense. Think before you act. And the best part is that it really works if you pay attention and take it seriously.

The six-step ORM process is mandatory for all CAP activities, but it applies to everything else you do as well.

1.  Identify the hazards
2.  Assess the risks
3.  Analyze the risk control measures
4.  Make control decisions
5.  Risk control implementation
6.  Supervise and review

This really is just common sense. However, using ORM is also a rule (ORM Principle # 4) that we expect you to follow. Look at the attached 10 Second Risk Management article for additional examples of how ORM applies to “real life” as well as CAP. If you use it in “real life,” you are more likely to use it at all CAP activities. When the GSARSS people do the river crossing exercise at LESA it is a lot of fun, but it is also as safe as we can make it, since we have analyzed the risks and implemented control measures; also, we have reviewed our past experiences to ensure the activity continues to be accomplished safely and without accidents. And it is still a lot of fun. Check out the video on their web site.

I want every unit to brief ORM at a July or August safety meeting. Discuss the National Commander’s policy letter, 10 Second Risk Management, and identify who has not done the basic and intermediate ORM courses. There is a report in e-services that will give you that information. I looked at the ORM course completion lists yesterday, and not very many people have done those yet. There is more than just ORM in the CAP/CC safety letter, so don’t forget those other requirements, especially the ground handling video which is mandatory for a lot of our people by September.

This ORM stuff works. I expect you to use it. This common sense approach is absolutely the right thing to do to protect our people – our most important asset – and our equipment, so you can continue to do the outstanding job the Texas Wing is doing for our communities, State and Nation. 

Thanks for all you do.

Col. Joe R. Smith, CAP, Texas Wing Commander
940-704-3481 Cell - JSmith@CAP.gov

Recurring Reports

Editor

A Chaplain’s Work – More than Worship

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii – The word "privilege" is defined as freedom, license or opportunity. While serving as a deployed staff chaplain at Balad Air Base Iraq, from January through May 2007, I had the significant privilege of being allowed to travel much of Iraq to visit Airmen serving in "In Lieu Of" or ILO missions.

ILO jobs are normally Army missions that are being manned by Air Force troops in Iraq and Afghanistan due to personnel pressures in the Army. They do many different jobs. Airmen train Iraqi police in downtown Baghdad and Tikrit, others called RPAT teams' process vehicles for shipment out of Iraq from forward bases. Some troops train the Iraqi Army on base operations such as power production, water and sewage issues, and operating dining facilities to feed the troops and a host of other functions necessary to maintain an Army. Others inspect the weapons captured from the insurgents to learn how to better protect our men and women from danger. Still others train the Iraqi Army on Base defense measures. All of these tasks are hard work.

In each case these airmen make a significant contribution to the work of bringing peace and safety to the troops and the people of Iraq. They are unsung heroes who should be praised and recognized. They work long hours under austere conditions, often at Iraqi bases which have far fewer amenities than may be found at many American bases in Iraq. They overcome cultural differences, language barriers, and the obvious hardships of separation from family and their usual support systems, often for a year at a time.

As their chaplain I had the privilege..., no, the honor to meet many of these troops, and spend time with them. I listened to their challenges, walked beside them and tried to understand what their lives are like, what they do in their mission, as I ministered to their unique needs. Each one is a hero in their own right.

Who among us could know the relentless courage required to travel daily to the inner city of Baghdad in the last year, or to the city of Tikrit, and pass the day patrolling with Iraqi police, training them, and walking the city streets among the population? Improvised Explosive Device attacks against their convoys and sniper attacks against them on the ground are regular events. Many of my troops have been injured, or worse. As their chaplain, I had the sad task of officiating at two memorial services for these young heroes. They gave their lives in the performance of their duty, one killed in an IED attack, the other an EOD troop while saving the lives of Iraqi children.

While at Balad I served one day a week at the Air Force Hospital. I was on duty when four of my ILO troops arrived with serious injuries. They were heartbreaking experiences for me. Who would not be affected when dealing with such heroes? But there was joy when their faces would light up with a smile upon recognition of a familiar face.

Heroism can be measured in many ways. One of them is to learn a troop's only concern is that the injury might be too serious and prevent a prompt return to comrades in the field. I spoke with a troop with dozens of injuries to his leg and hand. I said, "You can go home now, put the war behind you."

He replied, "No, Chaplain, not until every one of my people comes home too."

It's heart wrenching to minister to these men and women who seem to have so little concern for themselves and so much care for others. These heroes may be Christian, Jewish, Muslim or have no religion at all. But they were in my care because I was their chaplain. I was privileged to hold their hands, and comforted them. As a chaplain, I was the only person at the hospital who did not poke or prod. I was there solely to minister to them as persons.

A Chaplain's ministry begins with understanding and is fostered in an atmosphere of appreciation. It is accomplished with mutual respect. I believe God uses all these elements to bring about something very special, which bears significant fruit in the here and now and for eternity. I was blessed to do this ministry because of the empowerment of my supervisors and the trust of higher Air Force leadership. I will remember all my life their gift to me in allowing me this opportunity. What has been the result?

Through the "ministry of presence," which involves visits in work centers, shops and offices, I get to see all of the troops entrusted to me, not just Christians who desire worship opportunities. Worship is a significant portion of my week, but there is so much more to the work of the chaplain. I am able to visit with the troops in their spheres and I can be with them when they share their fears, anxieties and problems with me. I can also offer understanding and friendship and some small advice that could help. Most of this happens almost exclusively outside of worship.

The Chaplain offers friendship and compassion to believers, atheists and agnostics alike. To Christians, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, or anyone else, there is no difference. Chaplains offer tenderness and a listening ear to any and all with marriage troubles, children troubles, or trouble with peers or countless other issues. We do this regardless of the troop's belief system. We are privileged to be there to help troops through crisis, emotional pain, and to honor their humanity, bringing understanding and compassion to their lives. All of these things have been my privilege to do, regardless of their religion or lack of religion. Ninety percent of this has taken place outside of worship and outside my office, in their space.

The heroes in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world deserve the ministry of the military chaplain. My story is undoubtedly repeated hundreds of times by other chaplains. Army chaplains, Navy chaplains ministering to Sailors and Marines, and yes, Air Force Chaplains like me. We are all constitutionally entrusted to honor the men and women of our armed forces by ensuring their free exercise of religion. But we don't stop there because our work is to every troop. The chaplain arrives bringing understanding and empathy. We never come with work or to inspect as do their commanders. Instead, we are the men and women who are charged with their care as human beings.

The priceless value of our troops demands that this privileged ministry to troops, wherever they may be called for service, never be curtailed, de-valued or denied. The men and women of America's Armed Forces deserve the understanding, the honor and the respect afforded to them by our military Chaplain Corps. Wherever our troops travel, we are called to follow and minister to their needs. They deserve nothing less.

Chaplain (Maj.) David DePinho, USAF, 15th Airlift Wing Chapel

Aviation & more

Safety

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

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: Staff Training, 11-12 June

This article is posted in the Staff Section

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: In-Processing - A Cadet Deluge, 13 June

This article is posted in the Staff Section

Texas Wing 2009 Summer Encampment: Firearms Safety Training, 14 June

This article is posted in the Staff Section

Gladewater Plane Wash Day, 23 May

GLADEWATER, Texas – On a warm Saturday morning, the Gladewater Composite Squadron hosted a plane wash to raise money for the squadron. The weather was very unpredictable, with storm clouds hanging around all day, but it never rained. As everyone arrived, we started to lay everything out on the grass, and fill up buckets with soap and water.

Our first customer was our very own Capt. Charles Mouton. Cadets pushed and guided his plane near the equipment, scrubbed bugs off the plane, and C/A1C Preston Pietrzykowski removed the exhaust soot that was caked onto the bottom of the plane. After we finished scrubbing sections of the plane, C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander came around with a hose to rinse off the soap... and got us all wet in the process. A couple of times, bubbles would be thrown around and some would wind up in someone's hair.

Capt. Harold Parks stopped by and checked on the cadets’ process for a few minutes. When he left, he must have been soaked by C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander spraying the plane, because he got everything and everybody wet too.

1. 2. 3.

[1] The squadron crew, Lt Brian O'Neal With Brush, C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander in background, C/SrA Preston Pietrzykowski underneath, C/Amn Tori Jones on ladder, and Capt. Harold Parks on right. [2] The plane belly washer, C/SrA Preston Pietrzykowski. [3] Bowling fun with C/SrA Matt Brown. (Photos: C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, CAP)

After some struggle with scrubbing bugs off the aircraft, cadets got another plane to wash. This one came to us a little cleaner, for it had been recently washed and only flown a few times since then. With only a few bugs and a little dirt, we quickly washed it nicely. Then we started waxing it and making it look nice and new. While we waxed, we ordered pizza that was delivered to the Fixed Base Operator's office, where it waited to be eaten. Cadets inspected the aircraft and did touch-ups where needed before saying they were finished.

Once the second plane had been done to everyone's satisfaction, we moved inside to enjoy our well-earned pizza. After a few hours of visiting and playing games, we decided to call it a day and go to Longview for a couple of hours' light bowling. We laughed at each other's mistakes, as we took our turns. C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander won every game easily, and the rest of us kept getting gutter balls.

Even though we only washed two planes, we still raised about a hundred dollars for our squadron. Cadets and Senior Members that helped out Saturday were C/AB Tommy Word, C/Amn Tori Jones, C/A1C Preston Pietrzykowski, C/A1C Matt Brown, C/CMSgt Andrew Alexander, C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, 2nd Lt. Brian O’Neal, SSgt. William Garms, and Capt. Charles Mouton.

(C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, CAP)

Mount Pleasant Memorial Day Fly-In, 25 May

MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas – Memorial Day looked a bit bleak as the cadets gathered at the Gladewater Airport prior to moving out to Mount Pleasant Airport. The traditional fly-in was to be held there, and our squadron had been invited to set up a recruiting booth during the festivities. The fly-in is known to attract a large number of interesting aircraft and visitors, so it seemed ideal for our aviation-minded cadets to participate.

In spite of the early cloudy, threatening weather, the day finally turned bright and many aircraft and visitors started to arrive. The cadets had a great location for their recruiting efforts, as the airport manager, Mr. Paul Henderson, suggested that they set up inside the terminal near the main entrance – what luck! The booth would be near rest rooms, refreshments, and air conditioned as well. Anyone arriving to view the aircraft and displays would have to pass right by the Gladewater group. Captain Harold Parks visited for a while after the booth was set up, admiring the great location, but had to leave for a family gathering elsewhere. Little did he know what he would be missing out on.

One of our members, C/SrA Matt Brown, who was acquainted with the airport manager, had made all of the arrangements for our visit. To make the day even more enjoyable, Cadet Brown also knew some of the pilots who flew in and out of Mount Pleasant Airport. One of them, Mr. Scott Glover, actually set up three of his personal aircraft for display – a Piper J-3 "Cub," an L-19 "Bird Dog," and a beautiful Stearman biplane. To everyone’s surprise, Mr. Glover and some of the other pilots approached our cadets and offered to give them plane rides. In spite of their splendid dedication to the recruiting cause, the offers were simply irresistible, and the booth – well supplied with recruiting material – was soon abandoned.

The Experimental Aircraft Association had also made an appearance at the fly-in, and were the first to load up cadets for some fun in the sky. C/A1C Pietrzykowski and C/SrA Brown took off in a Piper Cherokee on runway 17 south, towards Gilmer. They were immediately followed by C/CMSgt Cassel and C/Amn Jones in another aircraft.

1. 2. 3.

[1] Recruiting Table at Entrance, C/SrA Brown, C/SrA  Pietrzykowski, C/Amn Jones. [2] Cadets Brown and Pietrzykowski on Flightline. [3] View of the ground from the Stearman in flight.

While waiting their turns, the cadets were free to wander around the flight line to inspect the static displays. Pilgrim's Pride showed off their beautiful Beechcraft King Air, while Big Tex Trailers moved their Cessna Citation jet out on the apron as well. A bit later, Titus Regional Medical Center brought their Messerschmitt Bolkow Blohm BO-105 helicopter out for viewing.

The excitement really ramped up when Mr. Glover offered Stearman rides to the cadets. First to go was C/SrA Brown again. and his pilot had been Pilgrim’s Pride’s corporate pilot when they had a Hawker Jet. Next to go up was C/A1C Pietrzykowski and he got the pilot to do some limited, but very fun, aerobatics in the big biplane. Not to be outdone, C/Amn Jones, too, encouraged the pilot to demonstrate a few aerobatic moves and returned with a big grin on her face. C/CMSgt Cassel was lucky enough to have Mr. Glover take her up in the big radial-engined fun machine – and she too experienced rolls and loops before safely coming back down to earth.

Cadet Brown turned out to be a very capable ride scrounger, as he next lined up a pilot who brought in a Robinson R44 helicopter to give rides. This particular aircraft is based at Gladewater Airport, and the pilot is well known to the cadets. They have been longing for a ride in the R44 since it showed up at our airport. At any rate, Cadets Brown and Pietrzykowski got to go up in the helicopter and, for an added thrill, observed the aerobatic routine which Cadet Cassel was enjoying in the Stearman. Inspired by the demonstration, the helicopter pilot demonstrated a few fancy maneuvers of his own, only possible in a rotary-wing aircraft.

Although the squadron had expected that the fly-in would be interesting and hopefully productive in terms of recruiting for the cadets, it turned out to be much more. The cadets never expected to enjoy a mini-air show of various types of aircraft ... from the inside!

Squadron members participating in the fly-in included C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, C/SrA Matt Brown, C/A1C Preston Pietrzykowski, C/Amn Tori Jones and, briefly, Captain Harold Parks.

(C/SrA Matt Brown, CAP)

Field Leadership Training School, 29-31 May

GREENVILLE, Texas – Our weekend started with a 3-1/2 hour ride to Greenville, northwest of Dallas. Once we arrived at the activity, we signed up, set up our tents, and went our ways: C/A1C Preston Pietrzykowski to the basic class, and the rest of the school to a 2-hour Mission Radio Operator class. As the Cadet Medical Officer for the school, I got to do some first aid and help in general, including a trip to the local emergency room to stitch a cut. That first night I got to sleep about two hours.

After PT on Saturday morning, breakfast tasted great. All morning was devoted to various classes: the use of compass, L-per, and maps, as well as whistle signals and other field skills. After lunch, while the cadet staff set up a mission for the school, I taught basic first-aid: hot and cold injuries, broken bones, c-spine, and the ABC’s (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Shock). By the time we were done, the cadets got ready for a short search-and-rescue mission with air support – the ELT was in a tree, so it was difficult to find. The cadets got to practice with their signal mirrors and used their tarps to make signs to communicate with the aircraft.

1. 2. 3.

[1] The calm before the storm, C/SrA Preston Pietrzykowski and C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel. [2] The target - A tarp set out at the edge of the wooded area, as seen from the air. [3] An apparently seriously hurt “victim”, C/SrA Preston Pietrzykowski. (Photos: #1, unknown; All others, C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel)

During the break after the mission, the cadet staff picked three cadets, including Pietrzykowski, who would play the "victims" of a downed plane. For their roles, they got fake injuries painted on them: Pietrzykowski had a broken femur and some cuts; another cadet, a concussion and burnt forearms; and the third one, a stick through his neck. The makeup finished, I drove them to the downed aircraft, which they gleefully decorated with fake blood, some of which got on other cadets too, me included (it was hard to get it off, too). For this mission, the cadet had to use the first-aid lessons I'd taught them, and several hours later they had succeeded.

After Sunday morning PT, there was an impromptu missing person search. After that, they enjoyed another great breakfast and were off again with another mission. This time there were simulated victims, a helpful but bumbling fire fighter, and an angry British landowner. Some of the cadets figured out a way to calm down the civilians and move them out of the way, while the others helped the victims. The mission complete, the cadets headed back to camp thinking that the weekend was over, but they were wrong – C/1st Lt. Shroder, C/CMSgt Milbitz, and I went missing from the ground teams and the rest had to find us. I climbed up a tree, C/1st Lt. Shroder walked around aimlessly, and C/CMSgt Milbitz laid under a log. I used my compass and radioed in a bearing that the cadets would have to follow in order to locate us, which they did – and tried to assist us. Back at the campsite, we had an awards ceremony, Cdt Pietrzykowski and I said our goodbyes, we loaded our truck and left on our way home. 

The return trip was uneventful, and when we felt tired we stopped for about an hour to have a snack and rest. Squadron cadets that attended this event were C/A1C Preston Pietrzykowski and C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel.

(C/CMSgt Kayla Cassel, CAP)

An Unnatural High, 24 June

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas – Eleven Civil Air Patrol pilots are sitting across from each other in an enclosed, airtight, hyperbaric chamber, a helmet and oxygen mask covering each face, and the sound of air hissing through various hoses and valves fills the space. A USAF Airman, responsible for driving ”the flight,” has begun to evacuate air from the chamber in order to simulate an ascent from ground level to the prescribed altitude for this flight profile. At an air pressure equivalent to that experienced at 25,000 feet, the flight master instructs the participants to do the unthinkable, "Remove your oxygen masks." Trusting the directive, the participants do as asked. This is an environment that will lead to limited performance within 3 minutes, and within 30 minutes, unconsciousness and even death. 

The morning had begun at 0700 on a much more cheerful note, as Capt. Eric Powell, USAF, an Aerospace Physiologist with the 12th Physiological Training Flight at Randolph Air Force Base, in San Antonio, outlined the agenda for the day and introduced us to the physiological dynamics involved when aircrew are exposed to high-altitude conditions. Capt. Powell, who had begun his Air Force career after having been a Civil Air Patrol Cadet, introduced us to several gas laws critical for understanding the physiological issues of low oxygen environments, and the slow or sudden transition to that environment. These were:

• Boyle's Law of Gas Expansion (as pressure increases, volume decreases), which leads to trapped gases in the ears, sinuses and gastro-intestinal tract.

• Henry’s Law (the lower the pressure, the lower the amount of gas in solution), which leads to an event identical to having taking the top off a carbonated beverage. With a bottle of carbonated soft drink, the event results in that familiar hiss as the carbon dioxide escapes the solution. In the body, those gases escape from solution in the bloodstream into the body, causing decompression sickness (commonly known as "the bends").

• The Law of Gaseous Diffusion, which explains the transfer of oxygen into the lungs and tissues.

• Gay-Lussac’s Law (the pressure of a gas in a container will increase when heated), which must be considered when using any gas storage container.

• Dalton’s Law of Mixed Gases (the sum of the partial pressures of the gases is equal to the total pressure of that mixture), which describes how there are fewer molecules of oxygen and nitrogen per volume at altitude than at sea level (however, whether at sea level or 30,000 feet, the air will still contain 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen).

These laws combine to create a challenge for the human aircrew member. Fortunately, years of research and technological development not only enable us to survive rapid decompression at high altitude, but an astronaut can walk in space for hours – and even repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

The course continued into the morning, with 1st Lt. Amanda Burnett covering high altitudes threats such as hypoxia, hyperventilation, and trapped gases. She encouraged us to stay away from any gas-producing foods (such as beans and broccoli) not simply to avoid the embarrassment of excessive flatulence, but (more important yet), the pain of trapped intestinal gases. Definitely not the way any of us wanted to spend that afternoon!

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

[1] Capt. Eric Powell begins the aerospace physiology flight training. [2] Class of CAP aircrew members listens attentively. [3] Maj. Richard Pope dons flight equipment. [4] Lt. Col. Gordie White is ready for the flight. [5] Sr. Airman Boyd conducts a final briefing. The blue rubber gloves visibly demonstrate the decreasing density of oxygen as the flight ascends to 25,000 feet. Will the glove expand or contract? [6] Close-up of the oxygen regulators used in the chamber.

1st Lt. Eric Chase, who specialized in training aircrew to effectively use night vision goggles, reviewed the physiology of night vision, techniques for improving vision at night, and the effects of hypoxia on vision. Senior Airman James Lacey discussed aircraft escape and crash survival. One of his slides had the famous photograph of the Col. Joe Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron’s namesake – jumping from a balloon gondola at 102,800 feet, making him, essentially, the (unofficial) first human in space. Finally, Senior Airman Jason Boyd, who would guide the hyperbaric chamber exercise, reviewed the equipment and procedures involved in the profile our group would be flying. (See a video of the historic jump).

OK. This is it. Fully briefed, all participants filed past the life-support unit to be fitted with skullcaps, helmets and oxygen masks. Next, the group moved into the hyperbaric chamber, sitting in assigned seats. The seating assignment gave each participant a clear view of a colleague across the chamber, so as to be able to observe the effects of hypoxia on that person, while experiencing the same symptoms. After all crew members had established good seals with their masks, and a final briefing on procedures, the door to the chamber closed and the simulated flight went from sea level to 5,000 feet and then back to sea level. The purpose of this initial ascent as to make sure that all equipment was functioning correctly, and that none of the aircrew had any significant issues with trapped gases. Once again the crew ascended, this time at 2,500 feet per minute, which is about 2,000 feet per minute faster than a crew typically ascends in a Cessna 172. 

The group has leveled off at 25,000 feet, and heard the instructions, "Remove your oxygen masks." As the crew members comply, they begin to experience the effects of hypoxia.  Defined as an oxygen deficiency in the blood, cells and body tissues sufficient to creae impairment of useful functioning, hypoxia creeps up on aircrew members imperceptibly. Often, victims of hypoxia feel euphoric, failing to recognize the degradation of functioning capability. In addition, victims might experience dizziness, headache, blurred vision, increased respiratory rate, apprehension, numbness, tingling sensation, and air hunger (feeling starved for air). If you fly with a person experiencing hypoxia, you will observe symptoms such as  mental confusion, lack of muscle coordination, cyanosis (a condition in which the lips, fingers, and toes appear blue because of abnormally low oxygen content in the blood) and eventually unconsciousness.

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

[7] A final check for proper oxygen mask seals. [8] 1st Lt. Steve Gladwin and Capt. Leonard Laws.  [9] Maj. Jim Rodriguez Air Force Reserve (and SM CAP) gives the thumbs up. [10] Maj. Richard Pope and C/TSgt Evan Petrosky. [11] 1st Lt. Thomas Fowler and 1st Lt. Ferrill Ford. [12] Flight ready to go. (Center) C/TSgt Evan Petrosky CAP (and ROTC).

True to the training, within two minutes, most of the aircrew experience at least two symptoms of hypoxia. One of the crew continues to explain to the instructor how he only feels a little dizzy, clearly oblivious to the progression of hypoxia. Occasionally giggling and stopping in mid-sentence to stare into space, this highly intelligent, instrument-rated mission pilot, when challenged to do a simple math problem (counting backwards, subtracting 3, beginning from 100) begins to get lost at 89!

While most CAP pilots don’t fly at 25,000 feet, a more sobering demonstration occurs in a simulated environment of 9,000 feet for three hours (a typical altitude for high bird operations in the Civil Air Patrol).  At 9,000 feet for three hours, participants begin to feel the initial onset of hypoxia in terms of tingling and blurred vision. With the lights out, crew members experience first-hand the impact of the oxygen level at 9,000 feet on night visual acuity. Without oxygen, some colors and information simply cannot be seen, for example only being able to see the airspace markings but not the airports themselves. Breathing supplementary oxygen, vision brightens to the point that crew members can successfully read the charts as if they were at ground level.

Finally, the flight draws to a close, descending once again to sea level. Removing the flight gear, the group ponders all they have learned and the experiences they encountered during the day. Everyone has a much clearer understanding of the physiology of hypoxia and hyperventilation. And, best of all, participants now have first-hand knowledge of their symptoms at the onset of hypoxia, as well as having observed those symptoms in others. C/TSgt Evan Petrosky, the youngest pilot there, says, “It was amazing to actually be taking a class on an AFB and using the same equipment that they use. I'm glad I was able to learn my symptoms. I came out of there with a much better understanding of hypoxia, nutrition, how the human body functions, and situational awareness. The chamber was awesome.”

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.

[13] (L-R) 2nd Lt. Alan Runge, Lt. Col. Gordie White, Maj. Richard Pope, C/TSgt Evan Petrosky, and Capt. Nicole Novack ascending to 25,000 feet. [14] (L-R) 1st Lt. Steve Gladwin, Capt. Leonard Laws, 1st Lt. Thomas Fowler, and 1st Lt. Ferrill Ford ascending to 25,000 feet. [15] As hypoxia sets in, participants make notes of symptoms. [16] Hypoxia stares. [17] From the flight controls. [18] Col. Joseph Kittinger makes his final jump from the Excelsior III at 102,800 feet, exceeding the speed of sound in his free fall with his body, with an altitude suit for his sole protection. [19] 12th Aerospace Physiology Training Flight. (Photo #16, U.S. Air Force; All others, 1st Lt. Richard Hacker)

The 12th Aerospace Physiology Training Flight team conducts between four and nine flights every week. As one of the team members, Sr. Airman Eric Chase, noted, “If you fly for the Air Force, you’ve been through our chamber.” The quality of instruction and the level of professionalism clearly demonstrated that this unit's members are leaders in the field of aerospace physiology training, including high altitude, as well as night vision training.

As the saying goes, "A good pilot is always learning." In the Civil Air Patrol, that expands to all aircrew members in our shared responsibility to conduct safe operations. On this day at Randolph AFB, eleven aircrew members know they have learned much and, as a result, will be better and safer aviators for their efforts.

(1st Lt. Richard Hacker, CAP)

Flight Physiology Training, 24 June

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas – I was recently fortunate enough to be invited to participate in an altitude chamber course that Randolph AFB, near San Antonio, offered to selected CAP members. This was the same training that Air Force pilots receive. I knew a little about altitude chambers, but had never actually experienced one in action. I was excited to take part in the course, as I was eager to know more about the effects of hypoxia, now that I hold an FAA pilot's license.

The course consisted of segments covering the management of hypoxia, optimal nutrition, situational awareness, and vision. Each block of instruction was taught by an Air Force officer or enlisted person. I learned a lot in each area, applicable to all levels of flying – not just the Air Force. The presentations were very informative and treated the material seriously, but they also included humorous video clips to keep the material entertaining and engaging. Most notably, each video clip demonstrated an important point of the lesson, so the learning experience was fun and memorable. It was a great course.

After the classroom coursework, the moment of truth arrived as we moved on to the hypoxia demonstration. Each person taking part in the demonstration received a helmet and oxygen mask before entering the altitude chamber. After several more minutes of instruction, the first test began.  The chamber operators simulated an altitude of 5,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL) and then returned the chamber atmosphere to sea-level, but this was done without the benefit of our oxygen masks.  The “first-run” was just to make sure that each student was handling the chamber environment well.

On the second run, we went to 25,000 feet MSL at which point we took off our oxygen masks. This time, each person was issued a worksheet that contained simple math problems and a maze.There were also several basic word problems on the page. I completed the maze and math problems fine without supplemental oxygen, but then started having trouble with the word problems. At this point I began to recognize the onset of mental confusion, apprehensiveness, and euphoria, so I followed prescribed procedure by putting on my oxygen mask. In a few moments, my head was clear again, but it was an eye-opener to me to realize how those symptoms had crept up on me.

The purpose of the demonstration was to recognize the symptoms of hypoxia and recover by wearing an oxygen mask. The trainers recommended that the students not attempt to see how long they could last without oxygen, because if they passed out during the exercise they would not recall their symptoms. Bottom line? I recommend this training to all CAP pilots and crew members. 

When I return to Texas Tech this fall, I will once again rely on previous CAP knowledge, because I will be a flight commander in AFROTC. I will be responsible for 12 to 15 freshman and sophomore cadets in Charlie Flight. Since I started my AFROTC experience in Charlie Flight during my freshman year, being the Charlie Flight commander now holds special meaning for me. It amazes me to think that I am already halfway to commissioning as a 2nd Lt. in the Air Force. I can trace back the successful path I’m on right now to the experience and training I received from CAP Senior Members and fellow cadets.

Finally, I wish the Pegasus Color Guard team a swift victory when they compete at Nationals in July.

(C/TSgt Evan Petrosky, CAP)