Frieden für alles, wem auf dieser Erde lebt

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – No, this won't be a German lesson. Although it is interesting to note that the statement Frieden für alles, wem auf dieser Erde lebt is very close to its English translation, Peace for all who live on this Earth. Neither will it be an art lesson, even though the sculptor, Veryl Goodnight, captured admirably the immense joy of the moment in her monument "The Day the Wall Came Down" installed on the central courtyard of the George H. W. Bush Library and Museum complex at Texas A&M University, in Bryan, Texas. This is the "American" casting, set down permanently upon the buildings' inauguration in the fall of 1997. The second one, America's gift of friendship to the people of Germany, was unveiled in a reunited Berlin on Jul. 2, 1998 by former president George H. W. Bush, during whose presidency the Wall had fallen.

      Rather, this is a belated double anniversary commemorating the 20th since the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 10th since the sculpture's installation in Bryan, Texas.

The Berlin Wall was part of the forceful separation between NATO countries and Warsaw Pact nations, built by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and dubbed "An Iron Curtain" by Sir Winston Churchill in his historic speech at Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri, on Mar. 5, 1946.

Much unrest overcame the Communist area in the latter part of the 1980s, as the USSR's credibility and authority eroded rapidly. The Warsaw Pact people rose in protest across the land, not just East Berlin, and on Aug. 23, 1989, Hungary took down its border defenses with Austria. This was followed by the escape of 13,000 East German tourists who had been visiting Hungary and fled to Austria. The chain of events that ensued was unstoppable, culminating with East Germany's leader Erich Honecker's resignation on Oct. 18, 1989.

Across East Germany, the people rose to the cry of, Wir wollen raus! (We want out!), and then, Wir bleiben hier! (We're staying here! -- in the sense of "why are we still here?"). This came to be called the Peaceful Revolution, and by early November the number of East German protestors had risen to half a million. Mass movements of Eastern European citizens towards the West followed and, to ease the congestion, the East German government decided to allow free passage from East Germany to West Germany.

On Nov. 9, 1989, as the floodgates opened, the Berlin Wall fell. Not long afterwards, the USSR disintegrated, falling without fanfare into the ash-heap of history and becoming just another failed socio-political system. The Berlin Wall, 14 feet high and 105 miles long, had completely encircled the free enclave of West Berlin that, with about 2 million inhabitants, was the most populous center in Cold-War Germany. Far from being a defensive wall designed to hold invaders out of West Berlin, East Germany had built it in 1961 to keep East Germans from stampeding into West Berlin – from where they could easily filter into the peace and freedom of Western Europe.

For over 28 years, the Berlin Wall had been a symbol of tyranny and enslavement, as well as an object of derision. Before its completion, an estimated 3.5 million East Germans had escaped into West Berlin and, from there, to West Germany and Free Europe. Once it had gone up, in spite of its formidable dimensions and its wide "death strip" on the Communist side (in turn separated from the rest of East Germany by an equally high chain-link fence topped by razor wire), over 5,000 others had tried to escape. Of these, over 900 – the most determined and bravest – had been killed.

Seen from East Berlin, it had been a forbidding, cruel, bleeding gash on the cityscape, kept meticulously free of obstacles and vegetation, guarded day and night, devoid of any decoration. Its stark appearance, all buildings next to the chain-link fence permanently shuttered, the desolation of the "death strip" itself and the commonplace sound of rifle and machine-gun fire were constant reminders that East Germany was an imprisoned, dangerous and unhappy land.

The view from West Berlin was different, as the Wall was covered in graffiti, mostly written in German, some in English and other Western European tongues. This was a constant reminder that on the other side uncertainty, strife, enslavement and death reigned. When if finally fell, without ceremony, it wasn't bombs, or tanks, or mines, or even the decay of weather and time that had torn it apart. Instead, it was the sea of unhappy people who rose in protest, and their muscle and spirit, armed with crowbar and sledgehammer, as thousands upon thousands wielded these simple tools with the pent-up energy and fury accumulated through years of frustration, isolation, suffering and – yes – hatred.

Goodnight's work of art is not "authentic" in that the fragment of Berlin Wall is not the real thing but a re-creation. What are real, though, are the chosen graffiti, reproduced as found on the actual Wall. Peace to all who live on this Earth is a powerful and universal statement. The sculptor's choice of a stallion leading four mares as they leap across the rubble is an allegory of strength, purpose and procreation that harks to the well-known news photo of a jack-boot shod young member of the Volkspolizei (VoPo, or People's Police), leaping joyfully over the remains of the Wall as he throws away his slung rifle and embraces West Berlin's promise of peace and freedom.

On Oct. 3, 1990, not quite a year after the Berlin Wall's fall, German reunification became a reality. Then, on Christmas Day of 1991, USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev resigned, declaring the office extinct. That was some Christmas present, as the Russian Federation was simultaneously born.

The new rule took on some of the trappings of the Russian Empire, including the flag, the Romanov's double-headed eagle, and the Imperial national anthem (omitting any mention of the czar, of course). But 71 years after the Russian revolution, the people were no longer familiar with the old music, so it was finally decided to keep the Communist tune, to which they would sing new words extolling Russia's vast lands entrusted to the generations by God. This acknowledgement of a deity was a significant departure from the USSR's official Atheism.

 As change raged within the USSR, and other enslaved Eastern European countries followed Germany's example, a major stumbling block on the road to personal and collective freedom fell, and the right of self-determination once again became a reality in not only a reunited Germany but other lands as well. The prospect and benefit of peace had been extended to a long-embattled region, a series of puppet states ruled by a foreign power bent on world domination whose hallmark had been total disregard towards the rights, well-being and happiness of its people. In fact, strategically, rather than referring to East Germany as a member nation, the USSR lumped it with the other conquered lands under the banner of The Near Abroad. The USSR's purpose of annexing these European countries had been for them to fight and die in their efforts to delay any Western invader, giving the USSR more time to react. It was a clear trade of lives for time. Other countries' precious lives for the USSR's luxury of time.

Humanity's traversal from its humble origins as tribal, social, and defensive groups, through kingdoms and principalities, and various republican governments (some equitable, some not, yet others mere excuses for a clumsily veiled tyranny), once again seemed headed in the right direction.

Now, only time will tell whether universal peace will ever be achieved. But at that lyrically heady Berlin moment in the fall of 1989, the world caught a glimpse of a happier, more durable European order. That 9th day of November will be long remembered.

But the dream is not yet realized. Not until peace does come to all, cradled in the joined hands of freedom.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Where Have All the Missions Gone?

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, CAP, Commander

Corporate Service Uniform Phase-out

Wreaths Across America - Wearing the Uniform

NASA Sponsors Student Water Recycling Competition - Deadline for Submission is Feb. 1, 2010

     CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA is inviting fifth through eighth grade students to participate in a waste limitation management and recycling design challenge. Participants in the competition will design and test water recycling systems that could be used for future exploration of the moon. The top three teams will receive awards, and the first place team will receive an expense-paid trip to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Teams of up to six students and one teacher or mentor should submit their proposals and results to NASA for evaluation by Feb. 1, 2010. Schools in the United States and its territories, science museums, science centers and home school groups may host teams.

The winning teams will be announced in May 2010. During the winning team's visit to Kennedy, students will gain first-hand knowledge about NASA's missions, receive behind-the-scenes tours of NASA's launch facilities, and learn about future aerospace and engineering careers.

The competition is designed to engage and retain students in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines critical to NASA's missions.

For information about the challenge and how to apply, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/centers/kennedy/home

 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

Refurbished Hubble's Gift of Marvelous Images

GEORGETOWN, Texas – The Hubble Telescope was extraordinary when it first went into orbit, but that was a while back. Now it got a face lift that is far more than skin-deep. The images NASA has posted on the Hubble website are truly stunning. Each one comes accompanied by illuminating narrative. Please take the time to read what each image means, as you look at the photo. And each photo can be downloaded in great color, from small to full-size.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

NASA's Great Observatories Celebrate International Year of Astronomy

GEORGETOWN, Texas – The observatories used infrared light and X-ray light to see the images hidden by cosmic dust, showing the seething activity near the Milky Way's core. The photo combines the images recorded by NASA, ESA, SSC, CXC, and STSi. This image of our galaxy commemorates the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first observation of the skies in 1609.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

Why the World Won't End in 2012

GEORGETOWN, Texas – Did the Maya calendar end with December 2012? It did, but not because the world would end on that day. The Maya calendar was far more exact than its European counterpart, in that it accounted for leap years and other errors in trying to count the exact length of a year. It was just like our calendar, that ends on Dec. 31st, and right after it another one starts on Jan. 1st.

But the myth got a big boost in the Columbia Pictures' block-buster, "2012" -- and NASA was not happy. You may  now visit their website for more information about this.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

NASA's Images, Videos, and Audio

GEORGETOWN, Texas – Thanks to the San Francisco non-profit "The Internet Archive," all image, video and audio NASA collections are now available online, in one spot, fully searchable and well organized. However, be warned: visiting this site might well make you lose track of time.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

Aerospace News

Amazing image from planet Mercury: NASA

Elevator to the Top: Space Elevators Climbing Towards Reality

Once a Beret… Always a Beret, 8 October

Life Without a Chaplain

Group III still has no chaplain, so your busy Newsletter Editor rummaged and found something that touched his soul. As is my custom these days, I sent it to Chaplain Marc. Then I talked with him. He is doing better, enjoying his family, and sends everyone his blessings.

I had sent him this month's selection, A Holiday to Remember by Chaplain (Capt.) Dan Giorgi, 12th Flying Training Wing, that focuses on the essential things in life and the gift of love.

Chaplain Marc, as if he didn't know, gave it his blessing, "Where do you find these wonderful words?"

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Thanksgiving Day

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Lost in the mists of time lie the cold ashes of countless religions, some of them known today only by their idols and inscriptions found buried together with the broken remnants of temples long ago destroyed in cataclysmic, no longer remembered battles. Those ancient worshipers of primitive times thought of their own god as unique and true, and considered all others false. In the early civilizations, Sumerian, Mede, Egyptian, Persian, Greek, and Roman to cite a few, polytheism became commonplace. From a sociological point of view, this was an improvement over the previous, "Believe in my true god or die" attitude of more primitive peoples, because the new practice opened the door to tolerance. Thus polytheism became commonly associated with religious freedom.

Judaism was unusual for its day, in that it was practiced by a civilized people who were monotheistic – worshipping just one god – and had no bellicose expansionist ambitions. From this religious trunk branched out both Christianity and Islam. During its earliest expansion, Christianity reached out to the "gentiles" – a label that included everyone who was not a Jew, as the original meaning of the Latin word gentilis was "foreign, heathen, pagan." That included the rest of the whole world, with whatever non-Jewish religion (or lack thereof) they professed. Some were warriors, others farmers, yet others tradesmen, all dependent on the seasons and at the mercy of good weather for their survival. Curiously, it did not occur to those early Christians to think of themselves as "gentiles" in relation to the unconverted gentiles.

Given their dependence on nature, it is not surprising that, at Christianity's birth, the most common deities of the non-Jewish world were the sun and the moon. The former was the life-giving god of the day that nurtured the crops, and the latter the goddess of the night – a symbol of recovery, rest, and rebirth. (Or vice-versa, since the German language preserves that ethos in that the sun is a feminine noun, and the moon a masculine.) Through the early centuries, perhaps to gain the pagans' acceptance, Christian saints and holy figures began to be depicted with a sun disk behind their head. This was not a saintly halo in the current sense of the word, but taken from the ancient Greek halos meaning "disk of the sun or moon, ring of light around the sun or moon" used by the pagans to depict their major sun god. Thus, through the centuries, some religions have taken on the trappings of others as a means to gain easier acceptance and widen their reach.

Thanksgiving Day is an American and Canadian holiday. In America, it commemorates the Spanish Colonists in Saint Augustine, Fla. on Sept. 8, 1565 and the American Colonists on Plymouth Plantation in 1621 when they paused to thank God for the harvest, their preservation, and the promise of peace and prosperity. In the approximately four intervening centuries from then to now, from having been first celebrated as a Christian religious holiday, Thanksgiving Day has evolved into a non-denominational holiday, but recently has turned into an increasingly lay day, taken over by commercial interests.

In the past few decades, Thanksgiving Day began to mark the beginning of "the Christmas Shopping Season" first, and now "the Holiday Shopping Season." [The major irony here is that in that context there is no "holy" left in "holiday."] Accompanying this re-labeling, ever fewer people choose to visit their church, temple, or other house of worship on this day. This saddens me, but I have a personal solution.

Bucking the trend, I attended Thanksgiving Day religious services, just as I've done almost every previous year. During my celebration, I expressed my thanks for yet another year in good health and the opportunity to do good things for other people, as I have volunteered my service. I also said a prayer for those who hold shopping as being more important than praying.

My closing prayer thanked our American service members -- past, present and future --, who by their work and sacrifice have secured for us the luxury of doing what we want.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

North Richland Hills Amateur Radio Club Presentation, 26 October 

As it turned out, several club members are prior CAP members as cadets and/or senior members.

1st Lt. Roger Courtney, Communications Officer

Interoperable Communications

Interoperability broadly refers to the ability of emergency responders to work seamlessly with other systems or products without any special effort. Wireless communications interoperability specifically refers to the ability of emergency response officials to share information via voice and data signals on demand, in real time, when needed, and as authorized. This page on the www.LLIS.dhs.gov site presents planners with Lessons Learned Information Sharing's full collection of federal, state, and local interoperable communications guidance, research, and plans.

The subject of "Interoperable Communications" is treated in depth at https://www.llis.dhs.gov/member/DynamicPage.do?pageTitle=interoperablecomms - Access to this information requires (free) registration.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, 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.

Maj. 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

IT Tools, Science and More

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Below are some helpful IT, defense and high-tech links.

Migrating to Windows 7: Final Touches

MyLife.com scam  

Free Tools for Fine-Tuning Your Windows 7 Setup

Seven perfectly legal ways to get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)

NSA helped with Windows 7 development

Finding Your Photos Online

UAV miniature weapon technology contract won by Boeing

Harvesting energy from vehicle air flow using piezoelectrics

Dissolving wound dressing could vastly improve treatment for burns victims

Advanced Antivirus

Fingernail-sized implant successfully eliminates tumors in mammals

Home networking: How to avoid traffic jams

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

Interesting Links and Downloads

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Below are some interesting links to free software.

10 Essential Windows 7 Downloads

Yoono Desktop social network unifier (Beta)

Freenet anonymizer

Image Analyzer and other graphics goodies

Photo Filmstrip - Make a movie with still photos

IObit Security 360 - Free malware package

BitTorrent - tap the Internet's goodies

Peerblock - Prevent others from snooping into your PC

NetWorks - Keep tabs on your network

Riva FLV Encoder - Limited video file converter

TrueCrypt - Free file encryption

Picasa - Free photo editor

SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition

Paragon Partition Manager

WindowsPager - Up to 4 virtual desks

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

From the Tyler Composite Squadron

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Cadet Staff Sgt. Peter Goodwin is one of the youngest I've ever mentioned in this section, yet I have every confidence that his first contribution, My OLS Experience, won't be his last. He hopes to become a civil engineer, is active in church, and has an interest in the theater, which he is pursuing through the Tyler Civic Theatre. Although he is home-schooled, he also took a high school course in public speaking and did very well. Musically inclined, he is studying the piano, which at the moment is restricted to the rudiments of solfège and keyboard practice.

Last summer, he completed his Basic Encampment at Big Sandy, and wants to attend the Advanced Training School there in the summer of 2010. I invited him to stay over at Big Sandy and attend the PAO school at LESA as well. He probably will.

He is pleasant, respectful, catches on quickly and likes to explore new ideas. He wonders whether he should study a foreign language. With so many to choose from, which one? Why did he join the Civil Air Patrol? He wanted to do something with his life, and helping others seemed like a great idea.

And, as an accident of page layout, his contribution comes at the end, as this issue's "dessert."

It is with great pleasure, in the hope of a long and fruitful literary life, with many contributions to the Group III Newsletter, that I welcome Cadet Staff Sgt. Goodwin to the ranks of Group III's Cadet PAOs.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Reflections on Veterans Day, 11 November

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – We think of Veterans Day as an American observance, first established on Nov. 11, 1919, a year after the signing on a French railroad car, near Compiègne, France, of the armistice that ended The Great War (1914-1918), also called at the time "The War to End all Wars." (Twenty years later, the promise not kept, this older conflict would be re-dubbed World War I.) President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed "Armistice Day" in 1919, and the U.S. Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later, requesting that the President issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies, eventually approved on May 13, 1938.

In 1939, another global war broke out, and when a new armistice was signed between France and Hitler's Germany in 1940, the German delegation ordered the very same railroad used in 1918 for the 1940 ceremony. This artifact of defeat and victory, CIWL #2419, was known in France as Le Wagon de l'Armistice and had become a museum piece. After the signing, the carriage would be taken to Berlin as a trophy of war, and eventually destroyed by the SS in 1945 in Crawinkel, Thuringia, as the Third Reich accepted the inevitability of defeat.

On Dec. 7 1941, America was plunged into that second global conflict it had chosen to ignore and forced to fight on two fronts – Europe and the Far East –  eventually emerging victorious. After WWII, the American remembrance was expanded to include all veterans, not just those who had served in World War I. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed this initiative into law on May 26, 1954, amended by Congress by replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," as it has been known ever since.

What has not changed is the gallantry, the spirit of service, and the reaching for excellence of the millions of Americans who have engaged in battle through the centuries, all of whom are remembered on this day.

There are similar days in other countries. Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand, Vokstrauertag (national day of mourning) in Germany, Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom, some remembering Nov. 11, 1918, others making it extensive to all veterans. The exception in this list is Vokstrauertag, that simply honors the loss of life and sacrifice of those fallen in battle, but de-emphasizes its military nature – as a reflection of Germany's abandonment of its militant ways.

The word Veteran is derived from the Latin vetus, meaning old. A War Veteran is anyone who has served in the military, or is currently serving and has acquired military knowledge and experience. In doing so, some veterans so distinguished themselves that they earned military honors. When valor was involved, these veterans are called "heroes," a word derived from the Ancient Greek ήρως or heros (after a demigod) that means, literally, "protector" or "defender."

Thus, it is in combat that most heroes are found, as they "protect and defend," even at the risk of their own life. Because, upon entering the military, all American fighters swear, in part, to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic" and "bear true faith and allegiance to the same." In short, they are prepared to defend the nation, its government and its traditions, come what may. This is why military veterans, whether they participated in combat or served in some other capacity, are held in honorable esteem.

What is it like to serve in the military?

Coming up through the ranks, I met all kinds of people, learned to work with them, looked after them as they looked after me, and our lives became inextricably linked. It was more than affection; it was a bond of brotherhood and peer dependence, a veritable commonality of living, since in combat my life would depend on what they did, and theirs on what I did. Some of the names that I learned, held in high regard, and felt to be members of my extended military family, now afflicted by the burden of years have faded. But the memory of those who bore these names is still fresh in my mind's eye. It is hard for me to accept, on this far removed day, that they no longer have the bloom of youth about them. I do know that they, the same as I, share the kind of external envelope that is subject to the ravages of time, but my memory has frozen them at that distant past, and that's how they live in my mind.

In the military, time hardly exists. It is the moment, the training, the unit, and the immediate future. It is doing your very best, striving for perfection and devoting total commitment to the mission. These are essential to success, and when you hear, "Jump!" you learn not to even pause to ask, "How high?" Delaying execution of the order could cost you not only your life but those of your brothers in arms too.

When armed conflict finally arrives, some make it, others don't. Those who fail to return become etched in your mind and heart, as you carry them with you wherever you go. They are with you and protect you, in some mysterious way. It is as if they had sacrificed themselves so that you could live. And whether you are religious or not, if you are a Christian, you remember John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Eventually, higher duties removed me from the field, but I always felt a close affinity towards those still there, especially on the front lines, and did my very best to do my part as completely and efficiently as I could. I felt that doing so would buy them some time, give them an extra edge, preserve them from the danger of making a silly mistake, often fatal. I did so with the secret hope that they would all come back to home, family, and "life as usual."

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

My "Wall" on Veterans Day, 11 November

GLADEWATER, Texas – Some time ago, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron was contacted by the Mineola, Texas Detachment of the Marine Corps League with an invitation. We were asked to assist the Detachment as they hosted a visit of the “Traveling Wall,” which is an 80% scale replica of the actual Vietnam Memorial Wall located in Washington, DC. Considering The Wall's historical nature, I jumped at the chance to expose our cadets to this very significant and patriotic symbol of America’s fighting forces, and the sacrifices that they made during the Vietnam War. Since it is unlikely that any of our members would be able to experience the impact of visiting the actual Wall, the Traveling Wall was almost a “must see” for senior members and cadets alike.

1. 2. 3.

[1] A Texas relative rubs a name off the Traveling Wall. The names are arranged by the date in which the service members fell. [2] The Traveling Wall duplicates the names as they appear on the full-size monument erected on The Mall, in Washington, D.C. [3] The Traveling Wall on display, as it moves across America. (Photos: Vietnam Combat Veterans, Ltd.)

Unfortunately, though I wanted very much to be with them, I was unable to attend. This is why I couldn't wait to hear what the members who had gone had to say about their experience and feelings after having visited the Wall. Their responses surprised me and, initially, disappointed me. Instead of excitement about the Wall's history and what it represents, I got stories about the thrill of finding ones’ own name on the Wall, though the names represented people who were strangers to them.

The cadets had tales about the fun they'd had directing traffic and the pride in having provided a service for the League. There was a story about how proud they had been when the woman approached them in the Dairy Queen restaurant. I kept waiting for the “punch line” in the story, but there was none – they hadn’t got it. Or, at least, they hadn't grasped the significance of all the names, and the suffering I had expected they would get.

It really bothered me – not that I was annoyed with them, but I felt a sadness that they had failed to appreciate what the experience should have given them, from my point of view. Later, after thinking about it, I slowly came to realize what had really happened. Not only had the war taken place before they had been born, but it had happened before most of their near family had been born too. The Vietnam was was "ancient history" at home. Worse yet, they hadn't been taught about it in school, neither had it been spoken about for a very long time.

4. 5. 6. 7.

[4] In Washington, D.C., the East Wall at dusk points to the Washington Memorial. [5] The Washington Memorial is reflected on the West Wall. [6] On a sunny day in Washington, D.C., a family seeks the memory of a relative lost at war. [7] The West Wall starts at the point where the two walls meet, and the names move until reaching the end of the West Wall; from there, they leap to the outward end of the East Wall as they continue traveling towards the center. Thus, 1959 and 1975 meet at the joining point. There are 58,261 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, spanning the years from 1959 to 1975. (Photos: Vietnam Veterans Memorial, National Park Service.)

I remember the soldiers returning home from Vietnam, wounded in flesh and spirit, to unexpected scorn and ridicule. I remember them being spat upon and cursed, or called “baby killers” in derision. Korea has been called The Forgotten War but Vietnam, without having been so named, became tacitly the unmentionable war.

Whenever I visit the Veterans Administration hospital in Shreveport, La. I see and sometimes talk to the Vietnam veterans who go there. Some are very bitter about their treatment by the public; some numbly accept the way it was; and, fortunately, there are many who are beginning to realize that we do value them – and appreciate all that they have gone through for us.

Considering all these complicated issues connected with the Vietnam War, I guess I am not as surprised or disappointed that our cadets were unable to feel any emotional or patriotic attachment to The Wall. However, there are many of us who will never forget how much those brave men and women suffered for our freedom.

And we honor them.

Capt. Harold Parks, CAP, Gladewater Corsairs C.S.

Veterans Day, a Time to Honor and Reflect, 11 November

TYLER, Texas – Silence fell over the room as the color guard snapped to attention, their movements crisp and precise. The leader called out the commands in a steady, unwavering voice. As we performed our intricate movements in carefully timed rhythm, necessary to post the colors, we were embraced by a blanket of silence, almost evoking in us the memory of those we were there to honor.

Those gathered, united in the stillness of the moment, witnessed in reverence the tribute we were paying to the honored fallen, and those alive who are still visited by the memories of past wars. I felt a tingling sensation crawl up my skin, as we marched flanked by the audience, not hearing a single sound except the dull tread of our shoes upon the floor. For me, honoring our veterans is something I enjoy doing with undying reverence and respect.

This was another treasured opportunity to pay tribute to our heroes and lead by example, hoping that others would follow in our steps, recognizing and thanking those who have done so much for our country.

(L-R) Cadet 1st Lt. John Shanahan, Cadet  1st Lt. Isaac Niedrauer, Cadet 2d Lt. Jesse Carr, and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Hughes

On Nov. 11, men, women and children gathered across the nation to pay their respects to the fallen. Some gathered of their own accord, honoring a family member or someone they had known. Others attended ceremonies, banquets and memorials, in the company of dozens or hundreds of others.

For a particular group of participants, that Wednesday, Nov. 11 was more emotional, as memories of the past lapped at the edges of their thoughts while they struggled with the present. This group of participants is made up of the veterans themselves, those still fighting the scars of battlefields past, and trying to make life better for our war fighters who are now deployed abroad. These veterans continue to give back to their country, in spite of having sacrificed so much of themselves. They are unwavering in their dedication to the American war fighter.

Having been accepted as a member of a color guard, and thus being able to honor our military’s fallen, is another door CAP has opened for me so that I may serve my community, state, and nation. Every time I act in this capacity, I assume it will be like other similar occasions, and I am almost certain that I won’t feel any different or learn anything new. But that is not what happens. Every time, I am proven wrong. Each new situation, each different color guard opportunity provides a new, inspiring, skin-tingling feeling. And I am renewed.

I thank all Veterans, who are my true heroes.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Jesse Carr, CAP, Tyler C.S.

Wreaths Across America, Another Way to Honor, 22 November

TYLER, Texas – As Christmas approaches, we think of lights, trees, decorations, and wreaths on doors. Yes, wreaths. As a teenager, whenever I hear “wreath,” I think of a decorated circle – fashioned out of the branch of a tree or plant – that hangs on a door.

Two years ago, during this time of year when I had been in CAP for only six months, I saw a photograph of a senior cadet I knew who was shown placing a wreath at a Wreaths Across America ceremony. New to the program, I had no idea what it meant, but that image burned itself indelibly in my heart. To this day, I cannot remember how the article read, or what the caption to the picture said, but I can vividly see the action it in my mind, always remembering “Wreaths Across America.”

This year, the Tyler Composite Squadron – my squadron – announced its participation in Wreaths Across America. At first I was a bit confused with the process, but after some research I quickly dove into the program, as I wanted to do all I could to honor our veterans.

With senior member support, I put together packets with information about our squadron and the Wreaths Across America program, then started visiting businesses in the area. After some successful sales, and some not so successful attempts, I began to worry about the approaching deadline.

As my squadron got the program up and running, I learned of the ceremony that would take place nationally on Dec. 12. I could hardly wait. The excitement, emotions, passion… the intense desire to show the proper respect to our veterans burned a whole in my chest. Inspired by my full commitment to serve our veterans, I redoubled my efforts to sell wreaths and invite friends and neighbors to the ceremony.

As a sponsoring CAP squadron, we would receive $5 for every wreath we sold. Although the money would be put to good use in supporting the squadron, that was not the main reason why I was so enthusiastic about participating in the Wreaths Across America project. Every time I see an American flag, a descendant of The Star Spangled Banner immortalized on our National Anthem, I am reminded of the thousands upon thousands of veterans who are mostly forgotten casualties of long ago.  My passion is fueled by thoughts such as these, and I find myself wanting nothing more than to show them the proper respect and allow them the dignity that they are so highly deserving of.

I know that our great nation’s veterans have done so much for us, much more than we can ever repay them for, that knowing that, I want to do as much as I can to give back, even if my contribution is seen as very little compared to their great sacrifice.

Now, as I think about the ceremony on Dec. 12, my heart races and my pulse quickens at the thought, the passion, the motivation… and this intimate desire I feel is like no other.

Now is our time to give back.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Jesse Carr, CAP, Tyler C.S.

Our Newest National Symbol, 11 November

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – The oldest continuously commissioned Navy vessel in the world, afloat since Oct. 21, 1797, is the USS Constitution. She acquired her nickname of "Old Ironsides" because the curved design of her hull and the strength of the American hardwood used in its construction were so effective, that most enemy cannon balls simply bounced off her sides. In turn, her firepower was a match for the enemy's capital ships, yet she held the advantage in being an agile and fast opponent. With good cause, those she engaged in battle thought that the American vessel was clad in iron plates, and thus the myth was born.

To this day, she has had a commissioned Navy officer for a commander, with a Navy crew to look after her, even though she no longer sailed the open seas after 1863. Docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard (renamed the Boston Naval Shipyard in 1945), she was a source of pride on national holidays, and through the years millions of visitors have stepped on her deck and shared her pride as she lay at anchor. That is, until 116 years later, when she was refitted and sailed on the 200th anniversary of her launching. That was a joyful occasion, indeed, but there was yet a greater honor in store for her.

On Nov. 11, 2009 – Veterans Day – the venerable USS Constitution became "America's Ship of State," the pre-eminent vessel that symbolizes America's world-wide naval might. As such, she will be used in "pertinent matters of state," such as protocol functions honoring heads of state, as well as signing armed forces-related legislation and maritime treaties.

Today, she receives about half a million visitors yearly, and is recognized as a major participant in the birth of America's standing as a world power. The honor of becoming "America's Ship of State," just bestowed on this ship, honors all sailors since the American War of Revolution and it is a distinction well placed. Thus, from having been a legendary sailing ship of the line, and then a hallowed remnant of glories garnered in years past, the USS Constitution has transcended her birth, naval warfare record, and historical interest, to become the focal point – and living history – of America's might at sea and the very land she represents.

The honor is shared by those craftsmen who built her over two centuries ago, the crews that manned her, and the long line of American sailors who have kept America safe. The USS Constitution was one of six frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, designed to be capital ships for the fledgling Navy. They were a match in firepower to the European battleships, yet far more maneuverable – and widely feared on the high seas by America's enemies, since the American super-frigates were considered unbeatable.

If nothing else, the USS Constitution's longevity is unique in the world. She was built at a time when wooden ships were expected to last between 10 and 15 years under sail, yet she fought gallantly in the war of 1812 and continued to sail the high seas and exert America's sea power until 1863, a never-before-seen, incredible, 70 years of successful naval service. The secret of her hull's durability lies in her construction and the unique properties of the Southern live oak, an extremely dense and heavy wood (75 lbs per cubic foot) that far surpasses the strength and life expectancy of the European oak (46.35 lbs per cubic foot) used on wooden European war vessels.

Afterwards, "Old Ironsides" entered her "dock years" having earned a special place in America's heart. This national affection kept her away from the scrap heap, her life prolonged as she became a symbol that slowly grew in stature to match that of the Liberty Bell and even the American flag itself.

For the full article on the USS Constitution's latest honor, published on Navy.mil, the official website of the United States Navy, please click here.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

TRICARE and Veterans' Benefits

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – There has been much speculation about the proposed cuts to medical benefits in the new national health care plan, with many alarmists claiming to have learned from "authoritative and reliable sources" that the military TRICARE program would suffer deep cuts, as would VA facilities, staffing and programs. I, for one, as one such beneficiary, worried, so I sent e-mail messages not only to my Representative in Congress but all Representatives, claiming that as a military retiree, my concern was nation-wide. I did the same thing with my two Senators and the other 98 too, for good measure.

Well, folks, it appears to have worked, because the bill that passed the House specifically says "that 'nothing' in the bill 'shall be construed as affecting' authorities used by the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to provide TRICARE programs or VA health care benefits.

The quote above is taken from the complete article linked here. The author, Tom Philpott, has been a respected columnist on military matters since 1977.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

DoD's New Social Media Site

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – My friend Maj. Paul Cianciolo, Director of Public Affairs, National Capital Wing, sent me a link to the new social media site run by the Department of Defense (DoD).

http://socialmedia.defense.gov/

It incorporates all the bells and whistles you would expect, with plenty to read and rummage about in – if you're a member of the military. Of prime importance to us, though, is the DoD's position on "cyber security." You'll find that on this page ~

http://socialmedia.defense.gov/index.php/about-the-net-smart-cyber-safe-logo/

This Net Smart page is eminently applicable to the Civil Air Patrol. At the bottom, you'll find some very good links too.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Social Media and Crisis Communications

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – My friend Maj. Steven Solomon, Director of Public Affairs, Southeast Region, sent in a link that offers much good information on the issue of crisis communications.

In CAP work, we normally think of a crisis as something external, such as a hurricane, flood, tsunami or some man-made disaster. These are concrete physical events, and they need our intervention as we become the point of contact for the mission and the media. However, there are other crises, such as the death of a member, an embarrassing episode, or even a case of illegal activity.

The article in question discusses the use of social media as a means of both keeping the public informed also containing the amount of information released during an event.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Monthly Safety Briefing

Each Squadron is required to provide both a flight safety briefing and a ground safety briefing each month. The Sentinel, the national CAP Safety newsletter, should be briefed as a minimum. Briefings need not be lengthy presentations - a 10 to 20 minute talk (and optional group discussion) is enough.

Maj Jeff Yevcak, formerly the Randolph AFB safety officer who was also the Randolph AFB liaison officer to CAP, kindly offered the following for the month of December, should you want to use them at your own squadron.

December Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

December Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Recurring Reports

Editor

A Holiday to Remember

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- December is a special time of the year for young and old alike. For most children it is the anticipation of gifts for Hanukkah and Christmas, and for those older, a time to get together to give thanks and celebrate God's provision.

This can also be a time of great despair for those separated from their families and overwhelmed by life's circumstances. However, a token of love can change a life forever.

Allow me to illustrate this in the following adaptation from an account found in Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman.

I am reminded of a tale of a father and his son during the Civil War. Charlie, the only son of a banker, enlisted in the Union Army. It was heartbreaking for the father to see his son leave, but nonetheless he did not forbid him from answering the call to arms. The father, being touched by his son's sacrifice, took every opportunity to reach out to care for other soldiers even at the expense of his business.

Unfortunately, his act of charity offended those close to him, and he was encouraged to cease spending so much time and money on the soldiers.

One day the father was approached by an injured solder. Perceiving that he was in need, the banker told him, "My dear fellow, I cannot do anything for you today. I am extremely busy. You will have to go to your headquarters; the officers there will look after you."

The young soldier, not cognizant of the remark fumbled in his pocket until he pulled out and laid a soiled noted before the banker. On it was written, "Dear Father: This is one of my comrades who was wounded in the last fight, and has been in the hospital. Please receive him as myself. --Charlie."

The story concludes with the father's surrender to the need of the wounded warrior. He brought him home to his mansion where he enjoyed Charlie's room and place at the table until he was ready to return to the fight.

Many of us are Charlie's comrade. We walk around bearing the scars of life and circumstances until someone takes us in, shows us love, and nurses us back to health. In this story we see many parallels that remind us of love--God's way.

This holiday season, let us remember to care for one another, both near and far and renew and strengthen family relations. People and freedom are what we enjoy, and fight for. Continue to pray for and encourage one another as well as for our warriors fighting for freedom.
You never know what impact a simple act of kindness will have on another. A little love and kindness can turn an enemy into your best friend. Let us not forget that some of our best allies, Germany, Japan, Italy, were once our worst enemy.

May this be a season of peace, and may the words of that angel Gabriel when he announced the Savior's birth be received by each and every one of us: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14).
As we continue to focus on God and those around us, giving thanks and praise for our many blessings, then this will truly be a holiday to remember.

Chaplain (Capt.) Dan Giorgi, 12th Flying Training Wing

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The Traveling Wall, 7 November

MINEOLA, Texas – On Nov. 7, members of the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron traveled to Mineola, Texas to assist the Marine Corps League with the “Traveling Wall” Exhibit -- an 80% scale model of the Vietnam Wall that is located on The Mall in Washington, D.C. Capt. Parks had been encouraging us for weeks to participate in this most historic activity. The group departed the Gladewater airport at 0730 to work the Exhibit for the day.

As we arrived and got off our vehicle, we decided to looked for someone who could assign us our tasks for the day. We had no sooner gathered when the man in charge of work details approached us in a golf cart asked for a cadet to direct traffic. Cadet Staff Sgt. Matt Brown volunteered, so we entered the Exhibit. We were conversing  with some of the Marine Corps veterans who were present when C/SSgt Preston Pietrzykowski was assigned to count the people who were attending the attraction.  Soon afterwards, C/2Lt Jarrod Alexander was assigned to help direct traffic as the crowd was beginning to grow. The remaining two Squadron members, Maj Gerry Davis and C/2Lt Kayla Cassel were shown how to use the computer system on site to locate names on the Wall for  people looking for specific names.

Having conquered that task, the two were asked to blow up balloons with helium. After several balloons escaped, the pair “redesigned” the restraint system to keep them secure. When not specifically assigned a task, C/2Lt Cassel was making the rounds checking on our members and bringing water to them when requested. Other tasks included finding a length of 2 X 4 lumber which was used next to a curb to assist wheel chair bound visitors and later, directing traffic at an intersection which was at a standstill because of the volume of traffic. Shortly after taking charge of the intersection, traffic was flowing smoothly.

Two of the cadets actually knew someone whose name is inscribed on the Wall. C/SSgt Pietrzykowski was able to locate the name of a very good friend of his uncle. Also, C/2Lt Cassel found her cousin’s name on the Wall. He was a New York City Firefighter who was killed on 9/11.

After the day’s work was complete, the group visited a local Dairy Queen to enjoy some ice cream. They were approached by a woman who was very appreciative of the work which they had done that day. She insisted on giving them some money to pay for the ice cream. The cadets refused, saying that they could not take the money, but she insisted. They thanked her, finished their ice cream and headed home. Squadron members who participated included Maj Gerry Davis, C/2Lt Jarrod Alexander, C/2Lt Kayla Cassel, C/SSgt Preston Pietrzykowski and C/SSgt Matt Brown.

(Cadet 2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel, CAP)

Veterans Day Presentations, 11 November

GLADEWATER, Texas – Veteran’s Day was fast approaching when several of our cadets asked me for permission to present the colors at their respective school assemblies. Each of their schools was planning a special ceremony honoring our veterans, and our cadets were motivated to participate. Cadet Staff Sgt. Preston Pietrzykowski asked to present the colors at Hallsville High School, where he would be accompanied by Cadet 2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel, an alumna of that school. Cadet Staff Sgt. Matt Brown would do the same at his school, Chapel Hill High School. His partner would be a cadet from the Sulfur Springs Composite Squadron who attends the same school as Cadet Brown.

I was very impressed that the cadets would come up with this idea on their own. They had not been prompted to do this, and it was entirely their own initiative. They followed through and accomplished their task with honor.

(Capt Harold Parks, CAP)

Squadron Field Training Exercise, 20-22 November

GLADEWATER, Texas – On the weekend of Nov. 20-22, 2009, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron held a Field Training Exercise (FTX) in Gladewater. While the Squadron was based on private property within the city limits, various training scenarios were enacted in both a Gladewater park and the Gladewater Airport.

Squadron members attending varied in experience from Ground Team Leader down to Ground Team Member 3 (GTM3) trainee, so we had an opportunity to review the various Ground Team tasks, as well as providing training for brand-new members. The training included many of the topics contained in the Specialty Qualification Training Report (SQTR) for GTM3, plus Urban Direction Finding (UDF) and use of different stretchers and/or carries that might be needed to rescue survivors.

Training sorties included both day and night problems, and incorporated line searches for missing items, stray personnel, and Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs). On this occasion, we included nearly three times as many night problems as we had ever planned on previous training weekends. Cadet 2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel planed the entire weekend, and she was placed in command of all weekend activities. Cadet 2nd Lt. Jarrod Alexander provided leadership assistance, and various other members play-acted the roles of "victims" or "survivors."

1. 2. 3.

[1] Cadet 2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel with "the missing children" Mattie and Anthony [2] During the stretcher class (Clockwise) Cadet Airman Basic De’Ja Johnson, Cadet Airman Basic Avery Bridges, Cadet 2nd Lt. (Instructor), Cadet Staff Sgt. Matt Brown (bending), Cadet Staff Sgt. Preston Pietrzykowski, and Cadet Airman Jagur Roach [3] "Ready to travel" said Staff Sgt. William Garms, as Cadet Airman Jagur Roach, Cadet Airman Basic De’Ja Johnson, Cadet Staff Sgt. Matt Brown (the "patient"), Cadet 2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel, Cadet Staff Sgt. Preston Pietrzykowski, and 2nd Lt. Brian O’Neal enjoy the instruction.

On Saturday afternoon, the training mission planned and executed involved a search for two missing children in a Gladewater park. To add realism to the task, two children were actually hidden in the park ahead of our arrival. The children were monitored at all times, so their safety was never jeopardized. These two brave souls, aged 10 and 7, hid out in some underbrush and remained very quiet while we searched for them. The mission briefing revealed that they were very frightened at being lost, and especially distrusted strangers. Well rehearsed, they played their roles perfectly, even after being located. It took so much gentle coaxing to get them to come out of their hiding place that their role playing was very convincingly.

The Saturday night training mission that started 30 minutes past midnight involved a simulated plane crash with an ELT going off near the Gladewater Airport. This scenario called for three occupants in an aircraft that was believed to have crashed. As we arrived at the airport, there was a good ELT signal that quickly led us to the location of three "victims" who had survived but had sustained serious injuries. Imagine our surprise when the "victims" exhibited very realistic simulated injuries – a first for our squadron.

While the team discussed how to best remove the "survivors," the aircraft in which they were "caught fire," forcing us to remove them as quickly as possible. (The "aircraft" was simulated by a trolley the City uses during celebrations; the "fire" was also simulated.) As the “injuries” were taken to be quite serious, first aid was needed before the survivors could be moved to a waiting "ambulance." Staff Sgt. William Garms took the lead, determined the injuries that each survivor had suffered, directed treatment, and then assisted in loading them up and moving them out to the "ambulance." Once the "survivors" had been taken care of, the ELT was turned off, and the team returned to base at 2 a.m. for some well-deserved rest.

Sunday proceeded at a slower pace than that of the previous day and two nights. Most of the time prior to packing up was invested in equipment checking and testing on the various training events and classes we had ran during the weekend. We started packing up and cleaning up right after lunch, as we had promised to help out with a project at the Gladewater Airport before dismissing the squadron.

4. 5. 6.

[4] Staff Sgt. William Garms and Cadet Staff Sgt. Preston Pietrzykowski "treat" Cadet Airman Basic De’Ja Johnson, the "unconscious survivor." [5] Attaching the new windsock, 2nd. Lt. Brian O’Neal and Maj. Gerry Davis in truck, Capt. Mouton in foreground, Cadet Airman Basic Avery Bridges. [6] With muscle to spare, Cadet Airman Jagur Roach, Cadet Staff Sgt. Matt Brown, and Cadet Staff Sgt. Preston Pietrzykowski pull up the new windsock. (Photos: Capt Harold Parks, CAP)

Capt. Charles Mouton, a squadron member who is also the Airport Manager, had asked us to provide manpower to help him change the windsock along the main runway. Of course, we were happy to do so. This particular job took much less time than we had expected, so we ran a number of ELT searches at the Airport in order to give newer members additional experience. Signal reflections off the metal buildings provided their normal challenge, but the newbies did quite well.

All in all, the weekend was quite successful. We had a large number of training sorties, a majority of the items on the GTM3 SQTR were covered, and we made a lot of progress. It became obvious, as each sortie progressed during the weekend, that our members were showing increasing confidence and proficiency. All are now knowledgeable in the required skills, and just need some additional practice in order to qualify as Ground Team Members 3.

Participating squadron members included: Maj. Gerry Davis, Capt. Harold Parks, 1st Lt. Farrel Alexander, 2nd Lt. Brian O’Neal, Cadet 2nd Lt. Jarrod Alexander, Cadet 2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Alexander, Cadet Staff Sgt. Preston Pietrzykowski, Cadet Staff Sgt. Matt Brown, Cadet Airman Jagur Roach, Cadet Airman Basic Avery Bridges, and Cadet Airman Basic De’Ja Johnson.

(Capt Harold Parks, CAP)

Kittinger Members Participate in Alpine Training, 30 October - 1 November

ALPINE, Texas – Senior Member Derrick Evans and 2nd Lt. Aaron Starnes attended the Mountain Training Search and Rescue Exercise which started on Oct. 30, 2009. The weekend began with the two flying the squadron Cessna 172 from Austin to Alpine, Texas, as they encountered 30 knot headwinds in route. The flight crew noted that the Air Traffic Control (ATC) center frequency was full of CAP airplanes on flight-following during the journey. After refueling at Sonora, Texas, the pair continued the flight to Alpine, arriving before nightfall. 

 1. 2.

[1] 2nd Lt. Aaron Starnes and S.M. Derrick Evans make a pass of the Alpine airfield and the CAP airplanes participating in the mountain training. [2] The mountains at Alpine are a magnificent backdrop to exercises that provide new technical flying and crew skills to the participants.

On Saturday morning, 1st Lt. Evans was assigned training scanner duty on a flight with Capt. Thomas King from the Kerrville Composite Squadron, SWR-TX-442. An hour of mission scanner training led to his completing the requirements for an MS rating after having flown his second mission of the day. On the following day, Sunday, he had a successful Form 5 check-ride with Lt. Col. Charles Whatley of the Victoria Composite Squadron SWR-TX-386. Before returning to Austin, S.M. Evans added his night and instrument endorsements as well.

Maj. Rodriguez noted that these results attest to the value of the SAREX.

(S.M. Derrick Evans)

Lt. Col. Owen Younger Officiates at Kittinger Squadron Change of Command, 14 November

AUSTIN, Texas – On the afternoon of Nov. 14, 2009, one of the great traditions of the Civil Air Patrol was carried out as Maj. James Rodriquez was passed command of the squadron in front of an audience of unit members, honored guests, friends and family. After receiving the unit guidon from current commander Capt. Alan Runge, Group III Commander Lt. Col. Owen Younger presented it to the new commander. 

Concordia University was host to the event, which was opened and closed by a Color Guard formed by cadet members of the Apollo Composite Squadron in Georgetown, Texas. Lt. Col. Younger thanked Capt. Runge for his service, and went on to talk about CAP traditions and the dedication shown by its members. Maj. Rodriguez offered sincere thanks to Capt. Runge, while honoring the memory of both Maj. Dan Williams and Lt. Rheta Williams, tragically lost near Houston in the crash of their civilian aircraft on Feb. 12, 2009. 

1. 2. 3.

[1] The Apollo Composite Squadron cadet color guard opened and closed the Change of Command ceremony. Members included Cadet Sr. Master Sgt. Stephen Corley, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Liberty Heavener, Cadet Airman Ellen Birrell and Cadet Airman Ashley Shannon. [2] Maj. Jim Rodriguez accepts command of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron from Group III Commander Lt. Col. Owen Younger, as guidon bearer Cadet Staff Sgt. Ezekiel Matzen looks on. [3] 1st Lt. John Welsh, Capt. Alan Runge, Maj. Cheri Fischler, Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Maj. Jim Rodriguez and Capt. John Craparo (event MC) following the Change of Command ceremony. (Photos: 1st Lt. Monica Corley, CAP, Apollo Composite Squadron)

The new commander plans to continue building the squadron in accordance with the CAP charter and a personal vision of inventing the future. He expressed his thanks to distinguished visitors Texas Wing Director of Logistics Maj. Cheri Fischler, and Apollo Composite Squadron Commander 1st Lt. John Welsh. 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, members and guests mixed during a barbeque supper.

(Capt. John Craparo, CAP)

Kittinger Participates in Group III Training SAREX, 21-22 November

TYLER, Texas – On Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron members Maj. Jim Rodriguez and 1st Lt. Brandon Dunlap flew the squadron's Cessna 172 to Tyler, Texas, where they joined other Group III members for a search and rescue exercise. Following a Friday night cancellation due to deteriorating weather across central Texas, they departed on Austin Saturday morning and soon flew into Instrument Metereological Conditions (IMC). By the time the flight arrived in Tyler, the weather had cleared and it had turned into a beautiful day. 

1. 2. 3.

[1] Maj. Jim Rodriguez and 1st Lt. Brandon Dunlap on the ramp at Tyler Pounds Airport as they wait for Lt. Col. Owen Younger's scheduled briefing. [2] 1st Lt. Dunlap made an extensive survey of rail yards during their photo reconnaissance mission. [3] A vintage J3 Cub pushes skyward over the squadron's Cessna 172, reminding all of CAP’s roots.

The cadets participating in the exercise were already hard at work honing their ground team skills, the mission staff trainees had their hands full learning new staff positions, and the air crews were scrambled to support the air mission. Air sorties included photo reconnaissance of a rail yard, an Emergency Location Transmitter (ELT) search, and a ground team air-to-ground coordination exercise. 

The Tyler Composite Squadron was a great host, with excellent facilities to support the mission.

(1st Lt. Brandon Dunlap)

Pegasus Members Accompany Apollo to Honor Veterans, 28 November

KILLEEN, Texas – On the day before Thanksgiving, I received an unexpected e-mail from 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen. She wanted to know if my son, Cadet 2nd Lt. Robbie Petrosky, and I would like to accompany the Apollo Composite Squadron to Killeen on Saturday and participate in the Wreath Laying Ceremony, Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Like many of us, my holiday weekend had been planned already, and I was on-call for work, so I replied to Lt. Kristoffersen that I would keep the opportunity in mind, but my ability to attend didn't seem all too promising. Then I started thinking about it.

As Saturday approached, my inner thoughts increasingly centered on the ceremony. I had never attended one, and I wondered whether I would be of use there. I thought it unlikely, but I started to question whether there could be anything more important than honoring our fallen soldiers. Finally, I firmly resolved that I would be at the ceremony, regardless of any other demands made on my time. Having made my decision, I managed my commitments in order to make room for Cadet 2nd Lt. Robbie Petrosky and I to accompany the Apollo Composite Squadron to Killeen first thing Saturday morning.

1. 2. 3.

[1] CAP cadets with Sharon Briscoe, Kevin Briscoe, and Galayum Taylor of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club. [2] Cadet 2nd Lt. Christian Nelson exchanges contact information with Lt. Col. William Williams of the Arkansas Wing. [3] CAP cadets in formation behind the local Cub Scout troop.

The ceremony at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery was so emotional that I found it overwhelming. The site is quite beautiful, nestled amongst the rolling hills of Central Texas, and the reflection areas are lined with monuments in tribute of companies, detachments, and other military units. The environment drew me into a better understanding of the reason why I had decided to be there.

I was impressed by the number of motorcycle clubs that attended the ceremony. Throughout the cemetery and out onto the highway leading to the facility, there were seemingly endless rows of motorcycles, perfectly aligned. We spoke to many bikers, Boy Scout Troop leaders, Boy Scouts, and high-school and middle school teachers with their students. The crowd seemed to be a cross-section of the best people in our community, and everyone was highly respectful and mindful of the reason for the event. Afterwards, Cadet Petrosky told me, “The way the crowd behaved opened my eyes as to how deeply Americans still care for our veterans. This experience really drives home the full impact of what it means to wear a uniform.”

4. 5. 6.

[4] Cadet 2nd Lt. Davita Heavener lays a wreath. [5]-[6] Cadet 2nd Lt. Robbie Petrosky lays a wreath on an interred veteran's marker.(Photos #5&6, 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen; All others, 1st Lt. Mark Petrosky)

For me, the Wreath Laying Ceremony opportunity was a personal and heart-felt journey. At first, I was doubtful that I would engage on it. Over the span of two days, however, my entire thought process on the event had changed from "unlikely I could make it" to "I must make it no matter what." 

Now that I have attended it, I can truly say that it was one of the most meaningful things I have ever done. The feeling of spending the morning on “hallowed ground,” in the company of special friends and some of the best Americans in the area is so rare, that I believe only by trying it and experiencing it in person can anyone really know it.

1st Lt. Mark Petrosky, CAP, Group III PAO

Redbird Squadron Member Presents AE to Parochial School, 16 October

DALLAS, Texas – On Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, Major Michael D. Marcus paid a visit to the Holy Trinity Catholic School, who had invited him to be a guest lecturer as part of CAP’s mission to educate the community in aerospace technology advancements. His presentation, entitled “The Early Days of U.S. Manned Space Flight,” was addressed to the school's two eighth grade science classes. Major Marcus had developed a lesson plan in cooperation with Mrs. Judi Jacobs, whom he had sponsored as a CAP Aerospace Education Member prior to his lecture.

Major Marcus started the presentation by discussing the Civil Air Patrol and its missions. He then proceeded to explain the basics of flight and mentioned some rocketry pioneers. When he explained the importance of Sputnik, he mentioned the challenges it presented to the United States, and the start of the “space race” between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Finally, Major Marcus took the class through the three major manned space programs; the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. He discussed the key events and goals of each program, and used scale models of the Mercury and Apollo spacecrafts to demonstrate various aspects of space flight. He also talked about the challenges that faced the crews of each mission. Major Marcus will donate to the school these models – that he constructed himself – which will be put on permanent display.

1. 2. 3.

[1] The Holy Trinity Catholic School class was spellbound by the miracles of space. [2] The large-scale model of the Mercury capsule was a hit with the students. [3] The Apollo capsule scale model. Maj. Marcus will donate both capsule to the school for permanent display.

On that same day, Holy Trinity asked Major Marcus to repeat his presentation to the two sixth grade and two seventh grade classes. He has also been asked to return to the school next semester, and give the students another guest lecture, this one centered on the solar system.

Major Michael D. Marcus has served in the Civil Air Patrol for ten years. He chose Emergency Services (ES) as his Specialty Track and qualified as a Ground Team Leader in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. He has also participated in numerous training missions in ES, Disaster Relief (DR), and Homeland Security. For four years, Major Marcus was Officer-In-Charge for the annual Holly Walk fund-raiser for the Rochester Hills Library, and earned the General Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award for his studies in aerospace history, principles and milestones. He also has qualified in CPR/AED, First Aid, and PTSS support.

Major Marcus is currently the Redbird Composite Squadron SWR-TX-428 ES Officer and continues his ES progression, having qualified as a Ground Branch Director. In his role as Master Ground Team Leader, Major Marcus has assisted in the training of cadets and senior members in a SAR environment, with over thirty training mission sorties to his credit.

(Maj. Felipe Gomez)