Misdeeds, Cover-ups and Guilt

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – A number of Hollywood and European movies have shown various versions of the plight of ordinary citizens caught in the agony of foreign invasion. A favorite subject has been the German occupation of France in WWII, showing a land under the control and power of a foreign country, torn apart, humiliated, forced to comply with the demands placed upon it by the occupier. In telling the screen story, the internal and external conflicts have been well depicted at the military level, but the intimate aspect of human emotions has not always been treated kindly – or fairly.

Trusting in the Maginot Line, France had expected to sit out indefinitely any attack from Germany, naively trusting their border fortification to hold, when it had been built only along the French-German line. The problem was that on the South it stopped at Switzerland – the perennial neutral power – and on the North it ended at Belgium. In a brilliant, massive attack ("Blitzkrieg" or Lightning War), Hitler ordered the invasion of Belgium on May 10, 1940 and – triumphant just three days later – an immediate combined bomber-tank-infantry attack on France  across its unprotected boundary with Belgium. The swift campaign ended with France's unconditional surrender on Jun. 22, 1940, the creation of Vichy France (the nominally free southern part of the country that was also under German control), and the creation of De Gaulle's Free French Forces.

After the surrender and demobilization, many French soldiers returned home, but some had died and yet others had fled to England to join De Gaulle's Free French. The latter declined to recognize Vichy France as the legitimate government of France and, instead, kept fighting in the name of France as its government-in-exile. They created for themselves a new banner, augmenting the French flag with a red Cross of Lorraine (St. Joan of Arc's cross) centered on its central white bar.

These affairs of state and war matter little to the housewife, the school-age child, the old man on the street. The reality of life, a job, food on the table, roof over one's head, relative peace and human solace are a separate need, and they're all necessary for personal balance and fulfillment. Recently, I was surprised to learn that an estimated 200,000 French children had  been fathered by occupying German soldiers (I had thought the number to be much lower). During the occupation, the local German military commander would billet his troops in private homes (the vast majority run by women with no man in the house), who were compensated with extra rations with which to feed their "guests" as they housed them, and some went to the host family too. Gradually, the host family became dependent on the German soldier, and vice-versa. More often than not, a relationship developed.

It has been said that, during the German occupation, most French were collaborators. Yet, after the Liberation of Paris on June 25, 1944, they all became Resistance Fighters. Dismayed by the thought of what they had been forced to do, they needed scapegoats, easy targets on which to vent their wrath and shame. They chose to deal harshly with women known to have had a relationship with "their German," and shaved their heads. Some, they killed outright – no questions asked, no defense allowed, no trial possible. Their children – with or without a mother – grew up jeered at, both in school and Church, called "child of a Boche" – the latter a terrible and shameful slur.

In Rhinebeck, New York, about 50 years after the war had ended, my wife Audrey and I met Jacques Kervin, a Frenchman who had fought in the RAF as a Free French navigator. He was a successful art dealer when we met him, as well as enchanting and every bit a gentleman – a bona-fide French Baron of pre-Napoleonic lineage. He and his wife Celia had a small weekend house not far south from us, in Staatsburg, New York, and kept a small apartment on Manhattan's East 60s. He called me Le Général, and I called him Monsieur Le Comte. Once they came to dinner and, just past the front door, Jacques said to me, "Would you believe I've been to every jewelry store in New York City and I couldn't find a Cross of Lorraine? Can you imagine that?" He remembered the years just after WWII in New York, and how he had been able to buy one in any jewelry store. "How can they forget so soon?" he asked me. I had no answer. He had wanted to give one to his wife, on a gold chain, for her to wear as a memento, but supply and demand were against him. No matter, he was not to be defeated. Unable to find one, he had one made.

He died a few years later. We still miss him.

In France, as the WWII generation began to die off, old papers and photos started to emerge out of old trunks and locked drawers, and some of the "occupation children" decided to search for their German roots. Recognizing that an injustice had been made, the Government of France formally apologized to them for the maltreatment they had been subjected to at the hands of their own countrymen. Further recognizing that no reparations had ever been extended to them, the German Government granted dual-citizenship privileges to all who could prove that they had been fathered by an occupying German. The latter, of course, is a privilege that goes beyond having a second passport; it also includes civil rights, pension, medical care, and other benefits.

It is the same with every war. Casualties go far beyond those lost in the field, or killed as collateral damage.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

CAP and Your Personal Time

Lt. Col. Owen Younger, CAP, Commander

Uploading Documents and Images into WMIRS

Requests for Promotion Action

There are four provisions for appointment or promotion of senior members: Duty Performance, Special Appointments, Mission Related Skills, Professional Appointments. Every provision requires that the member "Be performing in an exemplary manner meriting promotion to the grade recommended". The key word is "exemplary." When submitting a CAP Form 2 Request for Promotion Action, the remarks section is your opportunity to show the approving authority how the member is currently contributing to CAP. Even with outstanding member backgrounds, requests have been returned from approving authorities when these criteria have not been met.

Duty performance promotions can be processed in e-Services rather than on CAP Form 2. Online promotions may be initiated by the personnel officer or any member designated by the unit commander.

With the exception of professional appointments, the approving authority for the grades of first and second lieutenant is the squadron commander. These requests do not need to be sent to the Group Admin Officer, but should be sent to national if using the CAP Form 2.

See CAPR 35-5 CAP Officer and Noncommissioned Officer Appointments and Promotions for the complete regulations. 

1st Lt. Brandon Dunlap, CAP, AO

NASA's Mission Science Website

     ROUND ROCK, Texas – NASA has created a new website designed specifically for teenagers who are interested in space exploration and aerospace education. THE Journal commented that the new site is "potentially taking school science projects to a new level."

Through this NASA site, teenage students will also have the opportunity to conduct experiments with NASA scientists, get a unique view of current research designed to advance space exploration, and gain a better knowledge of the universe. In addition, it provides social networking possibilities, links to special science contests, and information on college research programs and space-related summer internships. As if that weren't enough, visitors would have access to NASA images, videos, animation, and podcasts.

Please visit http://missionscience.nasa.gov/ and start your adventure of knowledge and hands-on possibilities.

New Issue of the Air & Space Power Journal

The Air & Space Power Journal's Winter edition has been posted at http://www.airpower.au.af.mil/

 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

The Aerospace Education Annual Report

ROUND ROCK, Texas – For some reason, this one may be the hardest Texas Wing/National Headquarters report to get 100% participation. This is really strange, because it is very easy to fill out.

The first stumbling block is that you must not use the form that appears at the end of CAPP 215. Instead, you need to use the Texas Wing form posted on the Texas Wing website. Just download it now so you can start working on it for this year.

I sent this notice to every squadron in Group III, addressing it to more than one person because I needed to know that it had reached at least one, who hopefully would be the AEO for that squadron. If not, I hoped that person would give it to the AEO. Be that as it may, I didn't get all the reports I was hoping for.

2009 has been a very busy, rather hard year, yet I hope every AEO is looking forward to 2010's wonderful Aerospace Education trail. Without active, fun-loving Aerospace Education officers, where oh where would CAP be? With all the Holiday rush and other year-end distractions, I can understand that filling out the AE Report may have been bothersome, but although your calendar might be full, this is one of those things that needs to be done and turned in on time.  

You must not send it directly to Wing but to Group. Once I have all the squadron reports, I'll consolidate them and send the whole thing to the Wing AEO.

Please don't forget to answer all questions, and document them too. I do hope all of you took lots of pictures. Please share the pictures along with any written documentation you might have. That includes articles, even film clips.

I've copied and pasted the instruction from the top of the Squadron Yearly Aerospace Education Activity Report, Texas version CAPP15  below. Please use this version and not the one from National. You'll find a link to the correct form in the second paragraph, above.  

• Squadron AEO completes this report, signed by the AEO and the squadron commander – unless done electronically.

• Please fill in the form completely and attach documentation of AE activities.

• If the form is completed electronically, please type in name and grade of AEO and Squadron Commander.

• Submit the report to Wing DAE, txwgdae@sbcglobal.net , and to your Group AEO no later than January 15th.

I know it says January 15th, but I would really appreciate it if you could get them to me by the end of the first week, rather than waiting until the deadline.  

Also, while you're thinking aboout all the things you need to do for Lt. Col. Owen Younger, please go to CAP National e-Services and sign up for the AEX program for this year. It's easy, it's fun, and the phenomenal books are free. National will send them to you; order all of them, and then share the ideas with your neighbors, the cadets' teachers, church groups, boy scouts, everyone you know. Let your cadet officers teach from them. It really can be a lot of fun, not to mention how very happy it makes National to be able send them to you. 

I look forward to your reports, and please plan on filling yours out as you go along, from now until the end 2010. That way, you'll be on time for 2011 and bead the deadline easily.

Thanks for all you do.

1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen, CAP, AEO

Aerospace News

GOES-10 Deactivated, GOES-12 Jumps In

A Cadet's Dream Takes Shape, 22 January

Life Without a Chaplain

Group III still has no chaplain, but – though retired – Chaplain Marc is as busy as ever. His son, who had been deployed to the Gulf, will soon be home, and this was a great blessing to his family. Which he shared with all of us, being the generous soul that he is.

Just before he got his joyous news, I'd sent him this month's selection, Building Foundation for Relationships Through Faith by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mike Lovett, 437th Airlift Wing chaplain, that examines how we can better relate to others through faith.

Chaplain Marc, without hesitation, gave it his blessing, "I've done it all my life..." he said.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

ORMS and Inventories

Progress Report

Another year has passed, and  CAP Communications is ready for a great start in 2010. Group III has completed the first phase of our narrow-band transition. All radios (or close to it) have been programmed with an interim channel plan. We have replaced our North Dallas repeater with new narrow-band equipment. We’ve added a Rapid Deployment Package (RDP) High Frequency (HF) Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) transceiver to our cache of equipment. We have three new HF ALE base station transceivers complete with new broadband antennas. One each have been delivered to the Georgetown and Tyler Composite Squadrons. The third one will be delivered shortly to a squadron in the Dallas area. We have a new tactical portable VHF repeater that can be deployed on the ground or flown in our airplanes. All in all, we are moving right along nicely, with upgrades and new equipment.

Are you prepared to help provide radio communications should the need arise? All this new technology will require training or retraining en ensure that all can use it effectively. Look for training opportunities in your squadron or at group/wing exercises. Ask your Communications Officer when the next training opportunity will be. We are still giving BCUT courses and issuing Radio Operator Authorization cards, so make sure you have yours. Watch for Intermediate Communicator User Training (ICUT) to be announced soon.

The new Online Resource Management System (ORMS) is online,  and it is a real improvement. Logistics and Communications Officers can now manage resources more effectively. If you are a Communications Officer, make sure you can access ORMS to manage your squadrons’ assets. You should see an option in e-Services to access ORMS. If you do not have access, please let me know immediately. If you need training, I am planning a one-day class in February. Watch for announcements on the Group III Communications Yahoo Group “group3txwingcomm.” If you are interested in CAP Communications, please join this group to keep up with Group III announcements.

Watch for the following announcements on Communications:

1. ORMS Training Day (February) – Hands-on record management training.

2. Spring Communications Day (March) – Come out and train with the radio gear.

If any of you have specific training needs, please let your Communications Officer know. I will assist as necessary to help you get the most out of your CAP Radio assets.

1st Lt. Roger Courtney, CAP, Communications Officer

FEMA Redesigns the LLIS Website

When is the last time you visited the LLIS website? It has been redone very nicely. A slick appearance promises to make available thousands of Lessons Learned covering all major incidents and many local events that offered opportunities for learning a better way.

Do visit https://www.llis.dhs.gov/index.do and see for yourself. To enter the library, you must be a member, a formality easily satisfied. Be aware, though, that your username and password combination will work for only 45 days after your last visit. On the 46th day, your password will expire and you'll have to call in your request for re-instatement. The site design is optimized for Internet Explorer. Other browsers might work, but they do not guarantee it.

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.

5 Steps for Keeping Your Corporate Secrets Safe

10 Sites and Services That Will Matter in 2010

Encryption busted on NIST-certified Kingston, SanDisk and Verbatim USB flash drives

Work More Efficiently With Free AutoHotkey Tool

The ten worst passwords on the web, and why you really should read this article

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

Interesting Links and Downloads

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

TweakNow PowerPack 2009 1.7.2 (Windows)

10 Free, Must-Have Windows Tools for IT Pros

Systeminfo - Full run-down on your PC's hardware and network connections.

SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition - Zaps dangers for free; you run it by hand.

Vista Start Menu - Works on Vista and XP

Win7 Library Tool - Supports network locations.

Opera 10.5 Beta Adds Private Browsing and Excellent Windows 7 Integration - Downloads

Instant Mask - Get rid of an image's unwanted background.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, ITO

WMIRS Discrepancies

Once again our WMIRS discrepancies have dropped dramatically, mostly because of your efforts to educate your pilots and FROs. I commend you. However, there are still a few areas of emphasis, and I would request that you correct the listed individuals, and educate your Groups as a whole. The areas are:

1. The most serious problem is flights not even reported in WMIRS. This is inexcusable, and the offending pilots and FROs must be counseled.  The good news is that there were only two of these in December. Once again, all flights in TXWG must be listed in WMIRS and have an e-flight release before the flight.

2. Another serious problem is a different mission symbol listed in WMIRS than on the flight log. This results from a misunderstanding of mission symbol between pilot and FRO. It can be serious because if the pilot thinks he/she is under B12 but the FRO lists it as C17, in the event of an incident, the pilot will not be afforded the protection of FECA and FTCA. The best way to avoid this is to instruct pilots to enter their own sortie in WMIRS, then just have the FRO e-release the flight. The pilot will choose the mission symbol and the FRO will agree to it by releasing the flight.

3. A number of flights were listed in WMIRS, and did fly, but there was no hobbs time listed in WMIRS. This means that someone did not go back into WMIRS after the flight and closed the flight. Either the PIC or the FRO can do this, but it must be done. I recommend that the FRO do this after the PIC calls the FRO after the flight. Probably the FRO thinks the PIC did this, and the PIC thinks the FRO did it, but of course, neither one did it, and it must be done. This misunderstanding can be avoided in the after-flight call, if the PIC and the FRO will just talk about who will do it.

4. Lastly, some times the hobbs time reported in WMIRS is other than the one on the flight log. The flight log is the more accurate, because every tenth of an hour must be accounted for. This is again a reporting misunderstanding between the PIC and the FRO.

One more and very important item:  We have discovered that if the WMIRS entry is changed in any way before or during the flight, that voids the e-flight release. If anyone changes the WMIRS entry, the flight must be e-released again.

Thanks again to each of you for your good work. Please correct the listed individuals and brief these items to your Groups.

Lt. Col. Rand Woodward, CAP, TXWG Deputy DO

ORMS Demystified

ROUND ROCK, Texas – I have received several e-mails concerning the Aircraft inventory in ORMS.

All CAP Aircraft in Texas are assigned to Wing and located at the Custodial Units.

Every unit must do an annual aircraft inventory, even if that unit has no aircraft assigned to it (that includes those who are not Custodial Units).

How do you satisfy this requirement? It is a very simple process:

1. Enter ORMS from e-Services.

2. Under "Aircraft," click on the "Conduct Inventory" link.

3. When the screen refreshes, choose "Annual."

4. The system will now recognize that you do not have an aircraft assigned to your unit, and automatically complete your inventory.
   Once this is done, you will show up on the report as "Complete" instead of "Not Complete."

The same goes for any other field in which you do not have items... Don't have a vehicle assigned to your Unit? You still must do the Annual inventory under "Vehicles."

Maj. Cheri Fischler, CAP, DL

Meditations on Gen. George Washington

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – A Virginian, born on Feb. 22 1732 near Colonial Beach, he was the son of a wealthy family that farmed tobacco and, for that purpose, owned slaves. At the age of six, he was taken to the family's Ferry Farm in Stafford County, where he was home schooled and learned the fundamentals of science, music and the classics, as any young gentleman of the day was supposed to do. In his youth, he worked as a surveyor. He became related to the powerful Fairfax family when his elder brother married into it, As a result, George Washington gained the patronage of Thomas, 6th Lord Fairfax of Cameron, a man backed by considerable wealth thanks to his five-million-acre Northern Neck property. Thus, at the age of 17, George became the Surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia, a newly-created position.

He soon turned into a planter, a title applied to those who owned at least 20 slaves. In 1752, using his family connections, personal enthusiasm, and slight acquaintance with military organization, he applied for command of one of four regions of the Virginia Militia, but was appointed a Major and district adjutant general instead. His involvement in the French and Indian War soon made him realize that membership in the militia, at any rank, made him subordinate to any regular officer commissioned in the service of the Crown. However, in 1755, as an aide to General Braddock, he was granted command over regulars. By 1758, George Washington served as a Brigadier General in the successful Forbes expedition. In those days, when family or political connections – and purchased commissions – led to almost assured success, it was not uncommon to find 23-year-old generals. However, there was a catch. Once the opportunity presented itself, it was up to the individual to make the right decisions, and George beat the odds by taking the right path. After the campaign, he resigned his commission and went back to managing his land and fortune.

Wealthy and influential, George Washington lived an aristocrat's life. Smart in business, he increased his fortune by diversifying into more profitable lines of business, all related to the land. As a religious and moral man, he delved into philosophy, morals and theology. This was the man who, 20 years later, when Congress created the Continental Army, received command of the fledgling American Army and was soon promoted to Major General. This was the man who, with no lengthy formal military training, was entrusted with the defense and survival of the new nation in its fight against the British Empire's overwhelming and feared might.

The country aristocrat, accustomed to comfort and leisure, made the switch to leadership in the field with successful determination, sustaining the hardships of military campaigns, adverse weather, short supplies, lack of troop strength, constant training of new personnel, mentoring of his officers, and creating a functioning and effective force with which to face a powerful and committed enemy. In this he triumphed, though not alone. Others helped in the fray, notably the German Baron Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus von Steuben with his highly effective troop training program, and French naval forces. These were tests of leadership and vision that the former country gentleman passed with flying colors. (The portrait of George Washington resigning his commission as Commander in Chief [John Trumbull, 1756-1833], hangs at the Capitol's Rotunda in Washington, D.C. – Full painting above right, detail below left.)

Winning the revolutionary battles had been easy compared to winning the peace as the First President of the United States of America. The Electoral College gave him 100% of the vote twice, in 1789 and 1792, a record never again achieved by any other presidential candidate. Although Congress had voted him an annual salary of $25,000 (extremely generous for the day), George Washington made valuable political coin by declining it, relying on his considerable private fortune instead. His is a shining example of "Integrity," "Volunteer service" and "Excellence." Moreover, his unbounded respect for the rule of law and human dignity is legendary.

Washington's two presidencies are marked by successes both domestic and foreign, yet his most lasting contribution to the nation was his Farewell Address. Issued in 1796 as a public letter, it outlined American political values, deeply influencing his generation and those to come. It was a political and ethical testament that summarized the new nation's rules of survival and decency. The new country's form of government had to be re-invented, since until the United States of America came into being, no previous republic had been a lasting success. His advice to the nation, breaking away from monarchist doctrine, created the foundations of the new republic, taking the basic principles of the ancient Greek republic and updating it to the climate and needs of a contemporary, enlightened society. He radically changed the focus from acting for the good of the Crown to acting equitably, calling morality "a necessary spring of popular government,"

George Washington was also a religious man. In his Farewell Address, he said, "Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

I cannot say it any better.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

Our Peacetime Heroes, 29 January

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Today is NASA's Day or Remembrance, a time when we honor those who have died in the service of America's exploration of space. It takes more than self-confidence to brave the complete unknown. It takes the irresistible impulse to find out, to learn how to vanquish ignorance and uncertainty, so we formulate a theory, reason it through and, as a corollary, test it.

Just imagine what they must have felt, those explorers of centuries ago, when they decided to sail into an unknown ocean, trusting themselves to fragile cockleshells of wooden ships, sailing into waters so wide that no known far shores had yet been confirmed, an ocean so unforgiving that countless ships had failed to return to port. An ocean perhaps populated by awsome monsters, possessed of perverse currents, prone to rising in anger when driven by storms so powerful that a single wave could swallow any ship of the day.

Yet, brave men dared set sail into that ocean, and some discovered new lands or better routes. Even if Christopher Columbus thought he had reached the Far East – a land the Europeans called "The Indies" – when, in fact, he had stumbled onto an entirely new continent. Within a few years, the enigma of the high seas was solved, the art of navigation became a science, ships improved in design and reliability, and crossing the oceans grew into a commonplace occurrence. Trade followed the explorers. Mankind had learned how to survive in another hostile environment, and profited from it.

Other brave men flew ever-faster airplanes, and eventually noticed that when a certain speed was reached, the aircraft became difficult to control and, if they didn't slow down, they died in a fiery, seemingly unavoidable, instant plunge into the ground. These test pilots didn't know why this happened, but they risked almost certain death anyway, until the mystery of The Sound Barrier had been lifted. The aviation industry grew and prospered. Mankind had solved the secret of speed, and air travel was transformed from a luxury into a necessity.

When we think of heroes, as a rule, we envision them against a scenery of war and strife, instant annihilation, a life snuffed out in an instant. But there are other heroes, those devoted to science and exploring the unknown, those who risk life and limb for the sake of a greater goal. Those who plunge into a raging fire in the hope of rescuing others who are trapped within. And those who climb into the top of a monstrously powerful rocket, launching themselves into space, a totally hostile environment where nothing grows, no firm ground exists, life cannot be sustained, and even the oxygen we need we must take along with us.

By now, many have braved the hostile frontier of space and returned. But some have perished.

Today, NASA's Day of Remembrance honors those who died in the giant dare of space exploration. The crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia. Men and women; scientists and former military; husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, friends...

However, we don't need a special day for this. Let's remember them always. Whenever we see a condensation trail crossing the sky, or the sun rising above the horizon, or the moon set on a velvet-black sky as it beckons us with its ghostly glow – let us pause and remember. Let us keep a moment of silence. Let us say a spiritual "thank you" to the memory of those who have died, and be thankful for those who have returned.

Their space exploration efforts have not been in vain. We have profited from their work and learned much about our own planed in the process. And some day, hopefully very far into the future, their pioneering work might save mankind when our own planet has become depleted, endangered, exhausted – and we find ourselves forced to leave it in order to survive.

Let us remember our peacetime heroes every day of the year.

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

USS Independence LCS-2

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – Last Dec. 18, 2009, the U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the General Dynamics-designed USS Independence (LCS-2) that promises to be a powerful weapons platform for shallow-water operation. This is the second class of this new type of vessel (Littoral Combat Ship), designed to be used against piracy and other surface and deep dangers, since thanks to its a draft of less than 15 feet it can go where other, non-LCS Navy vessels cannot venture.

It's competitor is the Lockheed Martin-designed USS Freedom (LCS-1), with a draft of 12.1 feet and a hull of conventional design,capable of reaching a speed of "over 45 knots."

The USS Independence innovative trimaran design makes it ideally suited for patrolling coastal waters, which until now have been a safe escape route for small-boat pirates intent on capturing vessels for ransom. This danger has become a constant feature off the Somali coast, for example. In common with other hulls of this type, the USS Independence will be quick to respond, as it is rated at "nearly 50 knots" sustained speed (said to be faster than any Navy ship currently in operation) and is also highly maneuverable – especially for its 417 ft length. Its weaponry is truly astonishing.

Able to counter a variety of surface and undersea threats, it is expected to enter active service by February, 2010. The links below show what it looks like, indicating the source.

Wikimedia	Planetagadget	Uglyships	Defencetalk
General Dynamics	Strangemilitary	Builder's trials

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

NASA's Electric VTOL Personal Aircraft

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas – It is no secret that the first workable automobiles were electric cars. In various configurations, from totally primitive engine-frame-wheels-only to converted carriages, they hit the roads in the latter part of the 19th century. Thomas Edison, of course, was quick to capitalize on it, and by 1910 had built what, for the day, was a vehicle of supreme comfort. Pictured at right in 1913, holding the hood of one of his cars, this photo is in the Smithsonian Institution's collection.

Steam-powered cars were the rage for a short while, until Henry Ford unveiled his first gasoline-powered car, the Model T, forever changing the automobile industry. At the same time that automobiles were being developed, aviation was taking its infant steps. For some time, automobiles were faster than airplanes, but that changed for ever during WWII.

The increasing price of fuel has made electric power attractive again, but until now an electric airplane had been a highly elusive target, considered unattainable on a practical level. That is, until Jan 20, 2010, when NASA unveiled its Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing Personal Air Vehicle, nicknamed "Puffin" and heralded as a "low noise" and "stealth" one-man aerial vehicle (left). (Image: NASA Langley)

Read about it and see a computer animation of its flight characteristics. (Scientific American)

Naturally, NASA's creation has a relatively low range, but battery technology promises an improvement of double-to-triple the current capacity in a few years. The carbon-composite aircraft, designed to weigh just under 300 lbs. – not counting the 100 lbs. of rechargeable lithium phosphate batteries – has a range of 50 miles. It is hoped that it will reach a range of 100 to 150 miles by 2017.

What a difference a century can make...

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate, CAP, Editor

(The above excerpted from pages 6-7, The Sentinel, January 2010)

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

February Flight Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

February Ground Safety Briefing (MS Word document)

Of Mice And Mechanics

In his detailed description of Sierra flora and fauna, the famous naturalist John Muir once called the Wood Rat a "handsome, interesting animal." However, with the onset of cold weather, these very unpleasant creatures are very often finding a new home in our vehicles.

In the past months, automotive technicians have reported a greater incidence of vehicle damage from rodents, squirrels and even rabbits! A recently parked vehicle offers a warm, dark and protected place for them to nest in and hide.

The damage done to these vehicles includes the chewing of wiring, rubber hoses, plastic covers, relays, and even fuel hoses! They will nest in the engine compartment or even in the A/C and heating ducts leading to the passenger compartment.

Although there is no safe or reliable remedy for these invasions, there are some things we can and should do:

1. Pick up and safely secure all pet food, and store these products in rodent-proof containers.

2. Not leave any food products or condiments wrapped or unwrapped in our vehicle. A mouse has no problem finding that French fry under the seat,

3. Include an inspection for rodent damage or droppings in our vehicle check list.

4. The only rodents we should embrace are the "hamsters under our hood" that power our vehicles.

1st Lt. Robert Mullen, CAP, LTG

Recurring Reports

Editor

Building Foundation for Relationships Through Faith

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. – Last week, I met with members of the construction crew who started the renovation project at the base chapel. In building a new annex, one of the most important acts the construction crew will accomplish is laying down a solid foundation. Just like buildings endure, Airmen also need a strong foundation for life. One of the strongest foundations Airmen can build is their faith.

Depending upon the individual, faith may be expressed as belief and reliance upon one's personal experience of God, or faith may likewise be focused in life-guiding principles. Whether God- or principle-centered, faith provides a crucial foundation in two areas of our lives as expeditionary Airmen. Faith provides a strong foundation in building strong relationships and sustaining the warrior.

Faith builds strong relationships. A shared faith provides an unshakeable foundation holding couples steady, keeping us focused and moving forward. As Airmen, our marital and family relationship may be challenged by such events as repetitive deployments, medical crises or financial distresses. A shared faith between couples and family members enables us to overcome these challenges. Serving on eight separate deployments beginning in 1988, caring for a special needs child, dealing with the loss of parents, my wife and I know from personal experience as well as from the stories of others, that a shared faith spans the distance of deployments. It provides us with strength to overcome life's daily challenges and empowers us with a constant unshakable hope. Faith keeps couples close and families united.

Faith sustains the warrior. During the battle of Iwo Jima, when the unit was accosted by constant attacks of a Japanese division, one veteran I know put it simply by telling me, "Faith sustained me." His experience has been echoed by veterans of Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

As an Air Force chaplain deployed in Baghdad recently, I ministered to both Air Force and Army service members who went outside the wire constantly. The one recurring theme I heard and witnessed again and again was how each of these men and women turned to their faith to keep them strong. Regardless of their denominational preferences, it was the prayer circles, the worship services or group discussions keeping them focused on accomplishing their daily mission. Their faith kept them spiritually strong, focused on the present and confident about their future.

After serving for more than 20 years in our Air Force, I am convinced faith is foundational to the health and strength of our Airmen and their families. As an Air Force chaplain, I encourage Airmen and families to exercise their faith. The opportunities for faith exercise are plentiful both on and off base. That exercise may be in congregational worship, small group studies, private prayers or through many other avenues as each individual Airman and his family decides is most appropriate. In exercising our faith, we build strong relationships with spouses and children and sustain our warrior capability. Together, as we exercise our faith, we reaffirm our constitutional privilege which provides for the free expression of religious faith.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mike Lovett, 437th Airlift Wing chaplain

Aviation & more

Safety

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Squadron Awards, 19 January

GLADEWATER, Texas – On Jan. 19 2010, the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron held their annual awards night. Although all members are very dedicated and performing well in their various functional areas, some were recognized for having gone the extra mile. Squadron Commander Capt. Harold Parks presented awards to 1st Lt. Farrell Alexander, 2nd Lt. Brian O’Neal, Staff Sgt. William Garms, Cadet 2nd Lt. Jarrod Alexander and Cadet 2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel. In addition, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Alexander received a Certificate of Appointment to Cadet Commander.

Lt. Farrell Alexander serves our Squadron as the Character Development Officer and Unit Finance Officer. He has been a member of our Squadron for a number of years and has always performed in an exemplary manner, providing dynamic, interesting meetings and seminars on timely and lively topics. Lt. Alexander’s presentations, while meant for the cadets, attract all Squadron members who suspend all other duties in order to participate. Lt. Alexander has been recognized in past years for his complete command of the requirements for this important function, and was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.

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[1] Certificate of Appreciation Presented by Capt. Parks to 1st Lt. Farrell Alexander. [2] Certificate of Appreciation Presented by Capt. Parks to Staff Sgt. William Garms. [3] Senior Member of the Year Presented to 2nd Lt. O’Neal by Capt. Parks.

We are fortunate to include in our membership a retired USAF Staff Sergeant who worked at the Rescue Coordination Center while on active duty. Staff Sgt. William Garms joined our Squadron some time ago to see how “the other side” performed during Emergency Services missions. His knowledge and maturity add much to our daily Squadron life. Sergeant Garms always has a “can do” attitude, and immediately takes charge of any assignment given to him. As Assistant Testing Officer and Logistics Officer he always sees to it that the functions are properly addressed and completed accurately and on time. Sergeant Garms was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.

Cadet 2nd Lt. Jarrod Alexander, too, was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his service to our Squadron as the Cadet Commander for the past two years. His leadership and skills moved the Squadron forward steadily in the organization and development of a Ground Team. Also, he mentored and trained new cadets, while introducing them to CAP's Cadet Program. Recently, he had taken charge as of Cadet NCO professional development, thereby upgrading their understanding of their responsibilities towards the Squadron and its cadets. Due to his work schedule, Cadet 2nd Lt. Alexander was unavailable for presentation that evening.

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[4] Awardees with Capt. Parks, (L-R) 2nd Lt. O’Neal, 1st Lt. Alexander, Capt. Parks, Staff Sgt. Garms, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Alexander and C/2nd Lt. Cassel. [5] Certificate of Appointment Presented by Capt. Parks to Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Alexander. [6] 2009 Cadet of the Year Presented to C/2nd Lt. Cassel. (Photos: Maj Gerry Davis)

2009 Senior Member of the Year was awarded to 2nd Lt Brian O’Neal, our Squadron Safety Officer and Deputy Commander for Seniors. All CAP and Texas Wing members are very aware of the vital importance of this responsibility and 2nd Lt. O’Neal fills the bill in every way. His monthly safety briefings are interesting and to the point at all times. In spite of a very busy job that requires a lot of travel, he always manages to make it to our meetings with an excellent presentation. His deliveries are already prepared and never impromptu, so they come across as well thought out and part of an organized program. He is most deserving of this award.

Although C/2nd Lt. Kayla Cassel was presented the 2009 Cadet of the Year award during our Christmas gathering, her award and the accompanying documentation were re-presented during this meeting. Since the meeting included all the other presentations, it seemed appropriate to include her award as well.  She has done an outstanding job as Deputy Cadet Commander and, with her Emergency Services training and qualifications, is rapidly moving our Squadron towards a fully certified and operational Ground Team.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Alexander has been appointed Cadet Commander for our Squadron as Jan. 1, 2020. Cadet Alexander has been a solid performer, usually working in the background and without fanfare. He has made new cadets feel welcome to our Squadron and introduced them to the “rigors” of Drill and Ceremonies gently but thoroughly. He was presented a Certificate of Appointment to this very important position. He has already taken full charge, and is now filling out his Cadet Staff.

(Capt. Harold Parks, CAP)

First ELT Search of the Year, 1 January

ALPINE, Texas – Late in the evening of New Years Day, members of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron and Apollo Composite Squadron answered the call to find an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) that was broadcasting at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. 

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[1] Maj. Fischler and Cadet 2nd Lt. Moody assemble the direction finding equipment. Majors Jim Rodriguez and Steve Barclay are in the background. [2] Cadet 2nd Lt. Moody operates the direction finding equipment on the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Services ramp. [3] Mr. James Guillory of Austin Bergstrom International Airport’s Flight Control office led the search team around the airport interior roads, using Maj. Jim Rodriguez’s car. [4] Maj. Cheri Fischler, Maj. Steve Barclay, Maj. Jim Rodriguez, and Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Moody observe the Diamond’s Emergency Locator Transmitter through the plane's rear window. [5] Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Moody speaks with Ms. Marsha Cowan, Customer Service Representative at Signature Flight Support, about getting the keys to the Diamond DA20 in order to shut off its Emergency Locator Transmitter.

In 30-degree Fahrenheit weather, Maj. Cheri Fischler, Maj. Steve Barclay, Maj. Jim Rodriguez, 1st Lt. Sue Kristofferson and Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Moody used direction finding equipment to locate the source. It was soon established that the offending aircraft as a Diamond DA-20, tail number N281DC, parked on the Signature Flight Support ramp. The Diamond’s ELT had expired in June 2009. That, and the cold weather, most likely caused it to go off.

(Maj. James Rodriguez, CAP)

Waco Gets a New Home and a Cadet Earns a Promotion, 18 January

WACO, Texas – On Jan. 18 2010, the Waco Composite Squadron chose to inaugurate its new headquarters with a verbal report on the history and evolving use of aircraft in the United States military delivered by Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jordan Peitsmeyer. This marked the conclusion of the Waco Composite Squadron’s second meeting – and first complete month – at its new headquarters, located on the campus of Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco, Texas.

Colonel Jeff Beene, the college’s Aviation Department's director and a retired Air Force colonel, was the one who invited the Waco Composite Squadron to use TSTC facilities. “I am a huge fan of the Civil Air Patrol and its mission,” said Colonel Beene. “Involvement with young people is exactly what we do,” he explained. “TSTC’s interest is young people, and TSTC hosting the Civil Air Patrol is very compatible with that mission.”

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[1] Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jordan Peitsmeyer delivers his presentation on the development of America's aviation and air power. [2] The TSTC Airfleet, showing Marine One that was a frequent visitor during the period 2000-2008. [3] TSTC's Aviation Department Buildings on the Waco campus. (Photos: 1st Lt. Joshua Collier, CAP)

Texas State Technical College currently offers courses in Aircraft Pilot Training, Air Traffic Control, and Aircraft Dispatch Technology. Recognizing that aviation plays an important role in our nation, the school is in the process of building an entirely new and modern facility for its aviation program, and plans to expand its curriculum.

Cadet Peitsmayer painted a brilliant portrait of the influence aviation has had on the security of the United States.

“At first, the airplane was considered almost inconsequential,” said Peitsmayer, pointing out that for many years air capability had been considered to be inferior to land-based forces. He added that, at the beginning, only a few people – such as Brigadier General Billy Mitchell – had understood the airplane's value in combat. It was not until almost World War II that the value of air power was accepted as a necessary and important part of the modern military.

For Peitsmayer, delivering his essay was the final task he needed in order to earn the Neil Armstrong Award. 

He is now working to earn the Billy Mitchell Award that would make a difference for him, should he choose to pursue a career in the military.

(1st Lt. Joshua Collier, CAP)