Civil Air Patrol - News

Md. Wing readies possible response to tropical storm, moves planes inland

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration map showing the expected path of what was then Hurricane Earl.

Maj. Brenda A. Reed
Public Affairs Officer
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – Members of the Maryland Wing and their counterparts in other Civil Air Patrol wings along the East Coast are busy preparing for the impact and potential aftermath of Tropical Storm Earl, a now-downgraded Category 2 storm expected to pass by the mid-Atlantic coast today.

Preparations began Thursday despite the uncertainty of where the storm, then classified as a Category 4 hurricane, was going to make landfall and how many miles of coastline would be affected. Throughout the day, staff officers analyzed weather models to see if they could discern any hint whether the storm was going to maintain the track posted or if any changes were in store.

In the afternoon, officials decided to move CAP aircraft from a possible danger area based on the models available at that time.

Within minutes, four airplanes were in the air, with three being ferried to a secure area and the fourth being used as the ferry aircraft to bring the other planes’ pilots home. Members of the Maryland Wing's Group 1 worked to secure areas at both Hagerstown Regional Airport and the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport for the planes and pilots, as officials were unsure how far the storm and its damaging winds might reach.

The planes remained at the Hagerstown airport and the pilots were shuttled home to be able to take care of their families and property.

Further up the East Coast, aircraft from the Connecticut, New York and Rhode Island wings made 10 flights today over southern New England as part of pre-storm damage assessment missions under the direction of Maj. Mike Heath of the Connecticut Wing's 399th Composite Squadron.

The flights over Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Providence and Province Town and other areas allowed Federal Emergency Management Agency officials and search and rescue team leaders to get good aerial views of sensitive areas before Earl’s arrival.

South of their home state, Maryland Wing members were also assigned to support FEMA and the North Carolina Wing with the wing's Gippsland GA-8 Airvan and the airborne real-time cueing hyperspectral enhanced reconnaissance, or ARCHER, system. Aircrews had already been set up and within an hour were ready to deploy. The mission has been cancelled, but the crews have been alerted to be ready for possible missions in the south or in CAP’s Northeast Region.

The wing may also be assigned to perform reconnaissance flights in and around Maryland to determine the extent of any damage that may occur. The wing has a representative at the state emergency operations center to liaison with the Maryland Wing incident commander, Maj. John Henderson, homeland security officer for the wing. Any missions requested will be managed through the center and processed through the established structure.

Local Maryland units are being requested to remain available to their group staff duty officers to allow for rapid response to any requests for service.

"Please take the time to assess your personal situations and your family and relatives' conditions as soon as possible after the storm,” Henderson told members.

Updates on the storm are available at the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration's website.

Information for this report was contributed by 1st Lt. Robert Johnson, Connecticut Wing public affairs officer.

Pentagon tour impresses Va. Wing visitors

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Members of the Virginia Wing’s Langley and Newport News composite Squadrons pose for a group photo during their tour of the Pentagon.

Photo by U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Bobb

Senior Member Jackie Barton
Emergency Services Officer
Langley Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Thirteen senior members and cadets from the Virginia Wing’s Langley and Newport News composite squadrons broadened their knowledge of the Pentagon with a 45-minute walk-through Aug. 16, absorbing historical facts and trivia throughout the tour.

“I’ve never learned much about the Pentagon in school, so it was really interesting to learn all these little facts,” said one of the Langley members, Cadet Staff Sgt. Edisannette Santiago . “I probably never would have learned this if my squadron hadn’t come on this tour.”

Sights during the visit included numerous historical paintings and portraits and a NATO display.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the tour was a stop at the 9/11 Memorial Chapel, erected where American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks nine years ago.

The chapel features a five-sided window depicting an eagle, a rendition of the Pentagon, the American flag and an olive branch. Two rings surrounding the display consist of 184 pieces of red glass, representing the 184 victims of the attack on the Pentagon.

The tour stemmed from Civil Air Patrol’s dedication to the enrichment of aerospace and military education for its senior members and cadets.

Miss. Wing wraps up oil spill flights for state agencies

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(From left) Maj. Gary Hornosky, commander of the Mississippi Wing’s Diamondhead Composite Squadron, prepares to fly with 1st Lt. Darrin Stewart of the Col. Berta A. Edge Composite Squadron, an employee of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, and Kayra Johnson, an environmental engineer from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
Photo by Maj. Keith Riddle

(2)
A Mississippi Wing aerial photo of the barrier islands shows no oil in sight.
Photo courtesy of Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

Col. Becky Tilton
Public Affairs Officer
Mississippi Wing

MISSISSIPPI -–The Mississippi Wing has suspended its flights in support of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.

The two state agencies requested the CAP flights -– suspended Aug. 27-– nearly four months ago in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. Aircrews began flying May 3, a couple of weeks after the explosion, and helped officials with both agencies assess and monitor environmental impact issues related to the ensuing oil spill and helped them manage the after-effects of the crisis.

“The Civil Air Patrol has been playing a key role in the response to the Deepwater Horizon incident by partnering with the state and providing us with the means to conduct oil surveillance flights of Mississippi’s territorial waters,” said Chad Seymour, an environmental scientist with MDMR.

The Mississippi Wing has a longstanding relationship with the MDMR and a history of support for coastal flying, which prompted the requests for assistance.

Within days of the explosion, CAP aircrews were carrying representatives from the two agencies over the Mississippi coastal areas. Still imagery, digital video and other reconnaissance activities from the flights provided a valuable resource for planning, reaction, logistical placement of oil containment booms and information to the government officials and general public.

First Lt. Darrin Stewart, the Col. Berta A. Edge Composite Squadron’s safety and transportation officer as well as an MDMR employee, took photos for the agency and provided reconnaissance of the oil. Stewart’s ability to distinguish between oil types and the natural algae and vegetation in the waters proved critical to interpretation of the photos.

“CAP was not just a resource; it was an integral part of our actions,” said Joe Jewell, assistant director of MDMR’s Office of Marine Fisheries. “By using the eyes in the sky, we were better able to respond to reported sightings, direct our boats and crews to the affected areas, and provide information to the cities and counties.”

The reconnaissance assisted MDMR and MDEQ in assessing the oil’s potential effects on the Mississippi coastline, barrier islands, wetlands, fishing industry, businesses and tourists. Later, the agencies used the flights to monitor the movement of the oil and to mitigate damages.

“As we began to move toward opening up our waters and coastline for commercial and recreational fishing, we were required to respond to any reported oil,” Jewell said. “We could call the CAP, launch a mission and within hours have feedback supported by photographs and hard data, thus allowing us to open the areas or provide the appropriate response.”

In all, Mississippi Wing aircrews made more than 70 flights in support of the two state agencies, accumulating more than 170 flight hours and countless additional man-hours of ground and communication support.

The flights allowed the state agencies to focus their resources where they were needed most. “The pilots were thorough and took us anywhere we needed to go,” Seymour said. “It was truly an honor to have flown with such a great group of people and to know that we can count on the CAP to be there in times of need.”

Trudy Fisher, MDEQ executive director, said that her agency “appreciates the active participation of the Civil Air Patrol in our efforts to protect Mississippi’s coastal natural resources from the intrusion of the oil in the Gulf.

“My father was a fixed-wing pilot for over 52 years, and I was lucky to grow up flying in a Cessna 182,” Fisher added. “Having firsthand experience and knowledge of the benefits of fixed-wing aircraft made it clear to me early in the oil spill the valuable role the CAP would be able to play.”

The CAP flights with MDEQ and MDMR staff were vitally important, she said, making the agencies immediately aware of possible problem areas.

“The professional, working relationships with the CAP helped us fulfill our obligations. Their members possessed the equipment and expertise to do the job, and their willingness to help benefited all of us immensely,” Fisher said.

Col. Tim Carroll, Mississippi Wing commander, praised the CAP members for their dedicated daily support of Deepwater Horizon missions, including those in support of the U.S. Coast Guard, which continue.

“As I see it, CAP brings availability of aircraft and trained aircrews (and) low cost-per-flight-hours, which ensure that more flights can be conducted for a given budget, and a volunteer commitment that is unequaled,” Carroll said.

Maj. Hank Rogers, the wing’s director of emergency services and commander of the Berta Edge squadron, was one of the first CAP pilots to fly as part of the oil spill response. “We are proud to know that we are helping in this crisis,” said Rogers, whose comments echoed those of the many volunteers who answered the call for help.

Members from throughout the state are providing ongoing support to the Coast Guard and will be a resource on the Gulf as long as they are needed, Carroll said.

Air Force intelligence officer takes Central N.Y. Group command

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

1st Lt. Bob Stronach
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
New York Wing

NEW YORK -- Lt. Col. Kenneth O. Field, an Air Force intelligence officer who transferred from active duty to the New York Air National Guard in Rome in 2009, has been named commander of the New York Wing’s Central New York Group.

Field succeeds Maj. Carl Anthony, group commander for four years.

Field joined the group more than a year ago with responsibility for overseeing pilot and aircrew proficiency and training. Several months later he moved into the position of deputy group commander.

As commander, he works out of group headquarters at New York Air National Guard Base at Hancock Field in Syracuse, overseeing the Mohawk Griffiss Senior Squadron, Fort Drum and F.R. Sussey composite squadrons and Rome City School District, Syracuse and Utica cadet squadrons.
Field works at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome as chief of intelligence.

In CAP he holds airline transport pilot, multi- and single-engine aircraft ratings and is a certified flight instructor. He has more than 1,700 hours as pilot in command, and has flown the Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cessna 210, GA-8 Airvan, Maules glider tow planes and the SGS 2-33 glider and L23 Super Blanik glider.

During his CAP tenure, he has served as wing public affairs officer, squadron commander and safety officer. He was honored as pilot of the year in 2001 by the Hawaii Wing and again in 2008 by the Nevada Wing.

His Air Force career includes stints at:

The U.S. Air Force Academy, where he was an academic program manager after graduating from the academy and earning his commission.
Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., where he was an instructor and flight commander and director of operations.
Royal Air Force Base Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, where he was an aircrew trainer and flight commander.
Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he was an antiterrorism senior watch officer.
The U.S. Embassy in El Salvador, where he was the Air Force attaché.
Creech Air Force Base, Nev., where he was senior intelligence officer with the 15th Reconnaissance Squadron.
The Combined Air Operations Center in Quatar, where he served as chief liaison officer for unmanned aircraft systems, making him the focal point for all Predator and Reaper flights supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Conn. Wing aircrew assists Coast Guard by spotting submerged boat

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0000

U.S. Coast Guard crew members approach the submerged vessel spotted from a Connecticut Wing plane.

1st Lt. Robert Johnson
Public Affairs Officer
Connecticut Wing

CONNECTICUT – A Connecticut Wing aircrew assisted the U.S. Coast Guard recently by locating a partially submerged, potentially hazardous abandoned boat drifting in the Groton-New London area.

After a performing an area search at the Coast Guard’s request, the aircrew – Capts. James W. Fearon of the 103rd Composite Squadron and Leonard Kimball of the Pilgrim Composite Squadron and 2nd Lt Donna E. Yount of wing headquarters – spotted the completely swamped vessel. The boat couldn’t be seen by other boaters traveling in Long Island Sound.

After locating the target, the Civil Air Patrol members orbited the site until a Coast Guard patrol craft arrived. The aircraft safely guided the patrol craft to the swamped boat so its crew could take charge of the recovery.

Such missions are funded by a grant from the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management Services and Homeland Security. Throughout the summer Connecticut Wing members fly periodic patrols along the state’s Long Island shore area.

Whenever required, they assist the Coast Guard and other Connecticut agencies in search and rescue as well as infrastructure surveillance operations. The program is administered by the Connecticut Wing liaison officer, Maj. Jack Shapiro.

N.H. member's pointers expand Mass. aircrews' photo mission services

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Richard Cox of the New Hampshire Wing’s Greater Nashua Composite Squadron instructs Massachusetts Wing members in technology and processes for rapid GPS location annotation of aerial photographs.

(2)
Several photo-documentation flights were dispatched by mission base staff – (from left) Maj. Jerald Vinokur of Massachusetts Wing Headquarters, flight line supervisor; Capt. Steven Goldman of the Massachusetts Wing’s Hanscom Composite Squadron, incident commander; Capt. David Kent of the Hanscom squadron, communications officer; and Capt. Richard Cox of the New Hampshire Wing, photo-documentation instructor – operating directly from the flight line.

(3)
The flights produced photographs such as this – taken, geo-tagged and transferred to a USB memory stick in-flight, ready for delivery to the mission incident commander immediately upon the aircraft's return to base.

Photos by 1st Lt. Reid J. Leonard

1st Lt. Reid J. Leonard
Public Affairs Officer
Hanscom Composite Squadron
Massachusetts Wing

MASSACHUSETTS – Massachusetts Wing aircrews’ photography mission capabilities took a big leap forward recently, thanks to instruction from Capt. Richard Cox, a member of the neighboring New Hampshire Wing's aerial photography geo-tagging team.

The tools and workflow developed by Greater Nashua Composite Squadron member Cox and his team equip CAP aerial photographers to collect and transfer GPS-derived location information to digital images in-flight, ready to deliver to an incident commander or other customer immediately upon landing. As a result, vital photo-documentation information can be analyzed with minimum delay.

In addition, aircrews can be debriefed more quickly, allowing more missions to be flown during a given period.

The hands-on classroom training, which lasted three hours, was immediately put to use in a photo-documentation training mission.

Aircrews from both the Massachusetts and New Hampshire wings completed 12 flights practicing in-flight procedures and crew coordination to deliver “customer-ready” photographs rapidly and efficiently.

The exercise provided the additional opportunity for incident command staff and communications officers to set up and operate a remote mission base directly on the flight-line.

“Massachusetts Wing photographers have become quite accomplished at aerial photography,” said Maj. Derrell Lipman, the wing’s director of operations. “Until now, however, our turnaround time to get the photos to the customer has been a bit slower than we'd like.

“Once all of our pilots and photographers are trained in this new process, we expect to be able to provide location-stamped and geo-coded photos to our customers extremely expeditiously."

Said Cox, “The New Hampshire Wing's adoption of in-flight photography workflow processes has greatly increased the relevance of our photography to federal, state and local agency collaborators in times of crisis. It is an honor to have the talented photographers of the Massachusetts Wing leveraging our system.

“I look forward to our shared experiences driving continuous improvements in CAP photographic capabilities.”

Capt. Steven Goldman, incident commander for the training exercise and health services officer for the Massachusetts Wing’s Hanscom Composite Squadron, added that “our team really benefitted from real-life training conducted immediately after the classwork.

“Many thanks to the New Hampshire Wing for helping us," Goldman said.

Minn. unit dedicates flagpole, honors former cadet wounded in Afghanistan

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Army Pfc. Matt Birr shakes hands with Greg Swanholm, legislative representative for U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar

(2)
(Left) Tera Dahl, legislative representative for U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, addresses those gathered for the dedication ceremony.

(Right) Blaine Mayor Tim Ryan speaks to the audience as Capt. George Supan, Anoka Composite Squadron public affairs officer, stands by.

(3)
Part of the audience attending the dedication ceremony.

(4)
Pfc. Matt Birr presents Capt. Shelly Supan, Anoka Composite Squadron commander, with a U.S. flag flown over Afghanistan when Birr was wounded Aug. 9, 2009.

(5)
Anoka Composite Squadron Color Guard members salute after the flag-raising.

Photos by Lloyd Johnson

Capt. George Supan
Public Affairs Officer
Anoka Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – The Anoka Composite Squadron recently dedicated its new flagpole by raising a flag flown over Afghanistan the day one of the unit’s former cadets was wounded while serving there.

Army Pfc. Matthew Birr was sitting in a tent in Afghanistan on Aug. 9, 2009, when a bullet struck the back of his head, passed through his brain and came out the front, lodging in the computer at which he was seated. Birr, who now carries the retrieved bullet with him, has since undergone multiple surgeries, and man-made material makes up part of his skull.

Later presented with the flag flying over the area when he was wounded, Birr wanted to see it flown on his old Civil Air Patrol squadron’s flagpole.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t one – the pole in place when Birr was a squadron member had been removed after being damaged.

After Birr made an on-the-spot contribution to acquire a new pole, the unit’s finance officer, 2nd Lt. Kris Brown, president of Brown Technologies, began soliciting donations. Contractors Interstate CM provided the material and labor to construct a pole area and base, while Muska Electric Co. and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 110 installed lights and wiring to illuminate the flag at night. Ground Tech, Brown Technologies and Total Fire Protection also contributed time and material.

Through their and others’ efforts, a 25-foot industrial flagpole was installed at Anoka County-Blaine Airport. The dedication ceremony followed July 20 in front of an audience of squadron members, representatives of federal lawmakers, local officials, friends and family members – as well as Birr, who had flown in for the occasion from Colorado with his mother, Frieda Birr.

As they looked on, the squadron’s color guard raised the flag while reveille was played at Birr’s request. When the flag reached the top, those present joined in the singing of the National Anthem.

The ceremony concluded with 1st Lt. Don Raleigh, the unit’s deputy commander for seniors, calling Birr to stand n front of the flag pole as those in attendance saluted him in honor of his service and sacrifice.

Among those present:

Legislative representatives Greg Swanholm from U. S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s office and Tera Dahl, from U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann’s office.
Blaine Mayor Tim Ryan.
Metropolitan Airport Commissioner Andy Westerberg.
Bill Willis, U.S. Air Force Reserve state director.
Minnesota Wing staff.

Birr was presented with a plaque bearing the picture of the flag and pole, and certificates of appreciation were given to all who contributed time and material.

Wilcox, former CAP national commander, passes

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William W. Wilcox, Civil Air Patrol national commander and CAP-USAF commander from May 1967-October 1968, died Aug. 24. He was 94.

A celebration of his life is set for Sept. 11, which would have been his 95th birthday, at Savannah Center, 1545 Buena Vista Blvd., The Villages, Fla.

Wilcox was a command pilot with more than 4,400 hours of flying time. During World War II he flew 73 combat missions and served as commander of the 81st Bombardment Squadron (Light) in the Middle East and the 12th Bombardment Group (Light) in Italy and in the China-India-Burma Theater.

He was decorated with the Silver Star for his sustained leadership in combat in Africa and the Distinguished Flying Cross for combat in the Libyan campaign.

After the war Wicox was assigned to the Air Training Command and then to a tour with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, following by a stint as an instructor in the U.S. Military Academy’s Department of Mathematics.

He was promoted to full colonel in 1950 while on duty with the Directorate of Intelligence, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. He remained in Headquarters U.S. Air Force Intelligence until August 1953, when he was enrolled in the Air War College, after which he was assigned to the Far East Air Force. He commanded the 581st Air Resupply Group on Okinawa and then the 322nd Troop Carrier Squadron at Kadena Air Force Base on the island.

Wilcox's initial assignment in Strategic Air Command was early in 1957 as deputy commander of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan. After that, he commanded the 90th Bombardment Wing, Forbes Air Force Base; the 4080th Reconnaissance Wing at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas; and the 4130th Strategic Wing at Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas.

Wilcox was then assigned as chief of the Operations and Training Division, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. He assumed command July 6, 1963, of the 4th Air Division – part of SAC’s manned weapon system. Just over a six months later he received star rank.

His assignment to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., as CAP national commander followed. He retired Nov. 1, 1968.

La. Wing academy offers full slate of training options

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadets take in a classroom presentation.

(2)
Lt. Col. Pat Yglesias (left), Louisiana Wing vice commander, and Maj. Dan Chase, communications officer for the Gen. Claire L. Chennault Senior Squadron, participate in a communications briefing in a CAP van.

(3)
Cadets in formation.

(4)
Academy participants sign in at the University of Lousiana at Lafayette’s Hamilton Hall.

(5)
Members listen during a lecture.

Photos by Senior Member Dwayne Angelle

Maj. Michael James
Public Affairs Officer
Louisiana Wing

LOUISIANA – A full range of training opportunities were available when more than 100 Louisiana Wing members, including 35 cadets, gathered for a two-day training academy Aug. 14-15 in Lafayette

The cadets were offered training in Airman Leadership School and Noncommissioned Officer School classes. Fifty senior members could choose from a number of classes, such as Mission Pilot, Mission Observer, Mission Scanner, Squadron Leadership School, Corporate Leadership Course, Unit Commanders Course, Basic Communications, Urban Direction Finding and Incident Command System (ICS-300 and ICS-400).

In addition, more than 30 members served as instructors or staff members, bringing total participation to more than 100.

Aircrews trained both in the classroom and aboard single-engine Civil Air Patrol aircraft at Lafayette Regional Airport.

“We had an excellent academy,” said 1st Lt. Mike Smith, director of the academy as well as director of safety for the wing, “I’m very pleased with the number of senior members and cadets that took advantage of this outstanding training opportunity. “I’m also very thankful to the University of Louisiana for granting us the use of Hamilton Hall here on the Lafayette campus.”

Ariz. Wing., Pima Co. execute aerial photography agreement

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1-2)
Photos taken Aug. 11 during the first mission conducted under theArizona Wing’s memorandum of understanding with Pima County.

(3)
An aerial photo taken Aug. 18 over Tucson’s Tangue Verde Wash by Lt. Col. John McFarland of William Rogers Memorial Senior Squadron 104.

(4)
Capt. Larry Bernosky (left), commander of William Rogers Memorial Senior Squadron 104 in Tucson, and Col. John Eggen, Arizona Wing commander, display the memorandum of understanding between Pima County and the wing.
Photo by Lt. Col. John McFarland

1st Lt. Cindy Beck
Public Affairs Officer
Arizona Wing

ARIZONA – The Arizona Wing has officially agreed to provide its aerial photography services to Pima County, as outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed July 31 by the wing’s commander, Col. John Eggen.

The first photography mission followed Aug. 11, with a second mission conducted a week later. The pact makes the wing’s 13-Cessna fleet and its pilots and photographers available to the county.

The agreement follows area CAP members’ yearlong campaign to showcase the services available from the organization. Capt. Larry Bernosky, commander of William Rogers Memorial Senior Squadron 104, and other members of his unit worked diligently to finalize the agreement, with aerial photography by squadron members playing a key role in the county’s decision. Members also conducted flights with county officials aboard.

The agreement provides Pima County with a cost-effective means of obtaining photos and video of infrastructure and identifying damage in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

“Civil Air Patrol was mandated by the US Congress to provide volunteer service to our communities, state and nation,” Eggen said, “and when given the opportunity through these agreements we are an outstanding cost-effective asset.”

Jillian Bradshaw, training and exercise program coordinator for Pima County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said the aerial photography services should prove especially value in allowing for before-and-after analysis of areas traditionally affected by storms and floods as well as for disaster recovery damage assessments, which she said become essential in applying for federal assistance.

Crash scenario tests N.M. members' search skills

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt Michael E. Eckert, Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron deputy commander for seniors, consults a map during a land navigation exercise.
Photo by 2nd Lt. Nicki Voights

(2)
Cadets receive a mission briefing.
Photo by Capt. Charles W. Matthews Jr.

(3)
Cadet 2nd Lt. Haley E. Barela, the Albuquerque Heights squadron’s cadet commander, conducts a briefing.
Photo by 2nd Lt. Nicki Voights

(4)
Cadets and senior members break camp on the last day of training.
Photo by Capt. Charles W. Matthews Jr.

(5)
Participants in the field training exercise – (front row, from left) Cadet Airman Basic Shannon Welch, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Michael R. Eckert, Capt. Lloyd J. Voights, Cadet Airman Hunter Atwood, Cadet Airmen Basic Daniel Zhang and Connor Welch, Cadet Airman 1st Class Dakota Sidden, (back row, from left) 1st Lt. Dale R. Perry, Cadet Airman Basic Nathan Best, Cadet 2nd Lt. Haley E. Barela, Cadet Airman Jesston A. Rich, Cadet Airman Basic Tomas Gallegos, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Hoppe, Cadet Senior Airman Kaycee Voights and Capt Michael E. Eckert.
Photo by 2nd Lt. Nicki Voights

Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel
Public Affairs Officer
Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron
New Mexico Wing

NEW MEXICO – Twenty members from the Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron headed to the Jemez Mountains outside Ponderosa from July 30-Aug. 1 to hone their search and rescue skills through a field training exercise that involved both ground and air.

The exercise scenario involved an overdue aircraft that turned out to have crashed. Ground teams and an aircrew were needed to find and recover the downed plane.

“This was not a camping trip,” said Capt. Lloyd J. Voights, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets and project officer for the exercise, in which five senior members and 15 cadets participated. “This training was designed for realistic conditions.”

Cadet Airman Basic Tomas Gallegos, a squadron member since May, agreed: “I have been on several camping trips, but they are in the shadows compared to this. We were actually looking for something and had an objective with a timeline.”

Ground team members arrived at the mission base the afternoon of July 30 and set up air and ground operations for the next morning. Two ground teams, mostly cadets, were assigned missions and began navigating toward the crash site. They were assisted by a CAP aircraft with full fight crew — mission pilot, mission observer and mission scanner — that flew a route search and picked up the aircraft’s emergency locator transmitter signal.

Attempts to pinpoint the ELT signal proved unsuccessful, and after two hours the aircraft diverted to Los Alamos to refuel for a second flight.

In the meantime, both ground teams arrived at the same water point to resupply and continue the mission. One team was to locate the crash site, while the other team was to locate a cache of MREs—Meals, Ready to Eat—buried on a nearby hilltop.

The first team, which didn’t have an ELT detector, came across the crash site and reported it to the mission base. The second team did have a detector and was tracking toward the crash site, communicating by radio with both the aircraft and the mission base while using signal mirrors for the aircraft to see their position. The aircrew immediately identified the site and directed the second team there.

After a photo reconnaissance of both the ground team and the crash site, the aircraft returned to base at Albuquerque. The second team found the ELT about 150 meters from the crash site, and the first team located the MRE cache.

Upon returning to the mission base, the cadets received additional training in mission radio operations, safety and mission staff assistant specialties.

The squadron participated in a land navigation course the final morning before braking camp at noon.

The exercise qualified one mission observer, one mission scanner, one ground team member Level 3, and one planning section chief. In addition, the squadron trained six ground team members Level 3, three ground team members Level 2, two ground team leaders, one operations section chief, four mission radio operators and three mission staff assistants.

The cadets agreed that the training was grueling. Both ground teams traveled 7 ½ miles, descending as much as 700 feet and climbing as much as 900 feet. Cadet Airman 1st Class Dakota Sidden said the ground team members “trudged through thick brush, vertical mountains and a hot afternoon, with a side of poison ivy and fresh bear tracks,” but as far as she was concerned the effort was worth it.

“I cannot wait to train myself to face it again,” Sidden said.

Gallegos agreed: “It was very challenging but a very great and exciting experience, and I cannot wait for the next one!”

Capt. Lloyd J. Voights, Cadet Airman 1st Class Dakota Sidden and Cadet Airman Basic Tomas Gallegos contributed to this report.

Pentagon, Arlington visits make deep impression on Va. unit

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(From left) Cadet Airmen Nate Watkins and Ian Cox, Cadet 2nd Lt. Chris Colvin, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sam Walker and Cadet Staff Sgt. Isaac Baumhoefener stand in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as the sentinel passes behind them.
Photo by Capt. Christopher Colvin

(2)
(From left) Cadet Airman Nate Watkins, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sam Walker and Cadet 2nd Lt .Chris Colvin await the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Photo by Chris Watkins

(3)
Posing in front of a simulated briefing room set in the Pentagon are (from left) 1st Lt. Linda Groves, Cadet 1st Lt. Ulrich Groves, Cadet Airmen Ian Cox and Sierra Baumhoefener, Cadet Staff Sgt. Isaac Baumhoefener, Cadet 2nd Lt. Chris Colvin, Cadet Airmen Nate Watkins and Rene Long, Capt. Christopher Colvin and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sam Walker.
Photo by Chris Watkins

Capt. Christopher Colvin
Commander
Winchester Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing

VIRGINIA – A tour of the Pentagon and a visit to Arlington Cemetery left Winchester Composite Squadron senior members and cadets with a new appreciation for some of the national capital’s landmarks, the history and traditions behind them and those who help uphold them.

One of the most memorable stops on the Pentagon tour was the memorial erected inside the building a few feet away from the section where a terrorist-hijacked Boeing 757 crashed the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial is dedicated to the servicemen and -women, civilian contractors and aircraft passengers who lost their lives that day.

Looking out from the windows from the memorial inside the Pentagon, visitors could see the outdoor memorial that President George W. Bush called “an everlasting tribute to the 184 souls who lost their lives.”

“I thought the tour was excellent,” Cadet Airman Nate Watkins said. “I learned quite a bit from the lance corporal who was out tour guide.” Watkins also learned that each tour guide has 10 days not only to memorize a 25- page script but also to learn to navigate the 1 1/2- mile while walking backward the entire time.

Later in the day, squadron members visited Arlington National Cemetery, where they paid their respects at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite and witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Many of the cadets hadn’t realized what was required to achieve the privilege of becoming a guard sentinel. The Sentinel Creed helped everyone understand the honor that each such soldier commits to:

My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted. In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter. And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection. Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements, I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability. It is he who commands the respect I protect. His bravery that made us so proud. Surrounded by well-meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.

13 attend Middle East Region's 1st aerospace education officer school

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Middle East Region Aerospace Education Officers School participants pose in front of an A-10 Warthog at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Middle River, Md.

Maj. Robert E. Terry
Director of Aerospace Education
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – The Middle East Region recently held its first aerospace education officer's school at the Glenn L. Martin Learning Center in Middle River, with 13 members participating in the three-day session, including a wing commander, two wing directors of aerospace education and a mixture of experienced and brand-new aerospace education officers.

Organizers of the school, hosted by the Maryland Wing, followed a very flexible agenda, with the first day including introductions and discussions of the school’s goals and aerospace education in CAP, as well as hands-on activities, a current events share-a-thon, a lesson plan example for senior members and a tour of historic aircraft at the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, led by Al LaPorte of the museum staff. Afternoon discussions included model rocketry, the Team America Rocket Challenge and a discussion of aerospace education reference materials and websites.

After an evening dinner, attendees enjoyed a climate change seminar by Charles Walthall, U.S. Department of Agriculture national program leader for the Climate Change, Soils and Emissions Program.

Walthall’s presentation covered basic definitions, characterizations and indicators of climate change and then moved on to particulars. He ended the presentation by highlighting opportunities for CAP's hyperspectral and other imaging capabilities which could play an important role in tracking the climate's impact on vegetation.

Walthall, a former CAP cadet himself, also agreed to join the Maryland Wing speaker's bureau and offer this seminar or similar talks to other squadrons and groups.

The second day began with a visit to the 175th Wing of the Maryland Air National Guard at Warfield Air National Guard Base in Middle River, a composite fighter and tactical airlift unit. The CAP members viewed the A-10 and C-130J flight lines and aircraft maintenance operations facility.

Air National Guard Master Sgt. Ed Bard supervised the visit to the Maryland Air National Guard station. The group was treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the A-10 Warthog, and several participants were able to operate a full- scale A-10 simulator.

Back in the classroom, students discussed AE reports, awards, plans, compliance inspections, AE specialty track advancement, continuity notebooks and working with public schools, then concluded the day with a tour of the Martin aviation museum.

The final morning offered a hands-on lab that measured model rocket engine thrust (or impulse) output with a ballistic pendulum and a summary discussion of the school.

Since the school's agenda actually served as more of an outline to ensure thorough coverage, a good deal of the learning time was spent reviewing resources on hand, in addition to the contents provided on the memory sticks given to participants.

The resources filled three large tables and included most of the curriculum materials provided by CAP National Headquarters. Additional books and non-CAP materials, especially NASA-provided information, were also available.

Participants reviewed the materials, selected an item new to them, studied it and then presented what they found to their colleagues. That approach allowed everyone to become familiar with a wide variety of AE resources.

The memory stick provided to each participant included a large assortment of materials useful to AE officers, such as:

Lists of CAP aerospace education members in the Middle East Region.
Files useful in creating an aerospace education officer continuity notebook, complete with a video describing in detail what goes into such notebooks. Complete continuity notebooks appropriate for wing- and squadron-level inspections.
Cutouts for several paper cardstock airplanes, including a CAP Cessna 172, a simple F22 model suitable for elementary school children and a Wright Flyer detailed enough to be built by advanced cadets or even adults.

The memory stick contents can be accessed online.

Participants also discussed the Satellite Tool Kit, and a website that locates the International Space Station, showing times and path across the sky, was demonstrated.

In addition, the participants created a variety of their own aerial devices, including a flying ring, a helicopter, a foam plate glider and a sled kite made from a brown paper shopping bag.

Maj. Sean Lee from Maryland's CAP Reserve Assistant Program visited with the group and described his duties and the strong ties between CAP and the US Air Force. He also led a Q/A session and even participated in our model rocketry discussion.

Maj. Bob Beichner, Middle East Region director of aerospace education, served as the school's director, with local organization handled by Maj. Robert Terry, Maryland Wing aerospace education officer, and Capt. Mark Kukucka, aerospace education officer for the Glenn L. Martin Composite Squadron. Additional assistance was provided by Col. Larry Trick, former Maryland Wing commander and aerospace education advocate.

Former Sen. Stevens recalled as great friend of CAP, Alaska Wing

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Col. Carl Brown, then commander of the Alaska Wing, presents U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens with mementos of their CAP Legislative Day visit in the senator's office in February 2008.

Photo by Susan Robertson, National Headquarters

ALASKA – When former U .S. Sen. Ted Stevens died in an airplane crash Aug. 9 in southwest Alaska, Civil Air Patrol had to say farewell to a man who had been one of its strongest supporters for decades in Washington, said Col. Carl Brown, former Alaska Wing commander.

As wing vice commander from October 2003-October 2005 and then as wing commander until April, Brown called on Stevens many times in either the nation’s capital or in his local office in Anchorage. “I’ve never known him to be anything but strongly supportive of Civil Air Patrol as a whole,” he said.

Stevens was extremely mindful of the critical role the wing plays in assisting with emergency services in the nation’s largest but least densely populated state, Brown said.

“He was very proud of us,” the former wing commander said, recalling that when the Alaska Wing made its first find using surplus military de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beavers about 10 years ago, Stevens interrupted his address on the Senate floor to announce to his colleagues that because of the role they had played in providing the aircraft, a life had been saved.

The senator was also extremely personable to deal with, recalled Brown, now the assistant inspector general for CAP’s Pacific Coast Region.

“If he felt comfortable with you it was an instant friendship,” he said. “We were always on a first-name basis.”

Stevens also took a particularly personal interest in addressing concerns related to the wing in particular and CAP in general, Brown said, recalling that “I’d call his office, and it was not at all unusual for him to come on the phone himself.”

“I don’t know of anybody who took a more energetic approach to the organization and the nation,” Brown concluded.

Stevens served in the Senate from Dec. 24, 1968-Jan. 3, 2009, making him the longest-serving Republican senator in history.

A military pilot in the Army Air Force during World War II, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying C-46 and C-47 transport planes behind enemy lines with the 14th Air Force Transport Section in the China- Burma-India Theater.

Enola Gay navigator shares lunch, stories with Ga. cadets

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Gwinnett Composite Squadron cadets listen as U.S. Air Force Maj. Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk holds court over lunch.

2nd Lt. Toby Palmquist
Public Affairs Officer
Gwinnett Composite Squadron
Georgia Wing

GEORGIA –Gwinnett Composite Squadron cadets had the opportunity recently to talk with retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk –- navigator for the Enola Gay’s mission over Hiroshima – over lunch at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, courtesy of the Atlanta Chapter of the Army Aviation Association.

The association was gracious enough to give the cadets a special table of honor in the center of the room, where they could get the best view of Van Kirk’s scheduled talk after the meal.

Just as lunch started, though, Van Kirk decided to sit with the cadets rather than up front with other distinguished guests present for his appearance. That gave the young Civil Air Patrol members the chance to listen to great personal stories not found in any history books as he presented a first-hand account of events leading up to the invasions of North Africa and the dropping of the first atomic bomb.

The major seemed to have a great time telling the cadets his stories, which sometimes were laced with laughter and at other times took on a serious cast and led to knowing glances.

After lunch Van Kirk took his place on the front stage and recounted the Aug. 6, 1945, bombing mission that changed the world. He shared a wide range of insights, from worrying about the new detonators that were charged with black powder while in flight to the drop zone, to the description of Hiroshima as looking like black, boiling oil after the bomb’s explosion, as well as the strange sound the Enola Gay made as the successions of shock waves hit it.

Van Kirk is the only surviving member of the Enola Gay crew.

Minn. storm cleanup campaign includes Ground Team Academy graduates

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
A cadet portraying a casualty is checked for injuries during the 2010 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy.

(2)
Cadets prepare to move a mock casualty.

(3)
A ground team prepares for a mission during the 2010 Minnesota Wing Ground Team Academy.

(4)
Maj. Jay Craswell, ground team instructor and the 130th Composite Squadron’s emergency services training officer, provides urban direction finding instruction.

(5)
Ground team members conduct a line search.

Photos by Maj. Richard J. Sprouse

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
2010 Minnesota Ground Team Academy
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – Some of the Civil Air Patrol members who helped clean up debris after storms struck the St. Cloud area did so just after graduating from the Minnesota Wing’s Ground Team Academy some 75 miles away.

The 50 members attending the academy had been honing their ground team and emergency responder skills at the Arden Hills Army Training Site when severe weather wreaked havoc in the St. Cloud area.

“We heard that hundreds of trees had been downed, thousands of people were without power, and there was a need for volunteers to assist with the cleanup,” said Lt. Col. Chet Wilberg, academy commander and assistant emergency services officer for the wing.

“What better way to apply what you’ve just learned?”

With plenty of open space and varied terrain and scenarios at the 1,500-acre Army training site, the academy participants had trained for an event similar to what happened in St. Cloud.

"It was a good training experience that gave us the opportunity to train together in simulated real-world situations as a team and evaluate individual capabilities,” Wilberg said, “You never know when to expect a call for assistance from other local, state and federal emergency responders.

“We didn’t expect the call to come within 24 hours of GTA graduation.”

That call came Aug. 14. when participants were asked to assist with cleanup efforts the following day in the St. Cloud area, which had been hit hard by tornadoes and straight-line winds late in the week.

"Some of the challenges our members encountered during the GTA were invaluable in accomplishing the mission in the St. Cloud area," Wilberg said.

"As expected, our members deployed with the proper training, motivated to help, and did an outstanding job working there," he said.

In years past the academy has been held at Camp Ripley, the 53,000-acre training facility in central Minnesota, but record troop training levels there had the wing searching for a new site. Arden Hills was a perfect fit.

“Our St. Paul squadron has utilized the facility for some of their training and recommended it when Camp Ripley wasn’t available,” Wilberg said. “The good relations established between St. Paul squadron and the AHATS staffs made it happen.”

The Minnesota National Guard uses the site to conduct land navigation, driver’s training, small unit tactics and headquarters training. A $15 million readiness center to house several Guard units and about 240 soldiers is scheduled for completion in September 2011.

Casaday, former national commander, passes

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – Brig. Gen. Thomas C. Casaday of Birmingham, Ala., Civil Air Patrol’s national commander from September 1976-September 1979 and a 1980 inductee into the CAP Hall of Honor, died Aug. 16. He was 92.

“He was one fine man,” said Brig. Gen. Johnnie Boyd, national vice commander in 1978 during Casaday’s tenure as national commander. “I am saddened to hear of his passing.”

At the time of his death, Casaday was a lifetime member of CAP. Medically discharged from the U.S. Army in 1946, he joined the organization in 1948 and began a distinguished career, serving in various leadership positions within the Alabama Wing, including wing commander.

He was appointed Southeast Region commander in 1971 and served in that position until 1973, when he was elected vice chairman of the National Board. He was elected national commander in September 1976 during CAP’s annual conference in Philadelphia.

Casaday served as national commander for three years, through September 1979, when Boyd succeeded him. During his tenure Casaday worked to improve training for the organization’s senior members.

In his last “Civil Air Patrol News” column as national commander, he said, “One of the things that has been most gratifying to me has been our progressive development of a career training program that will help increase overall professionalism and job knowledge of our senior members.”

One year later, in 1980, he was inducted into the CAP Hall of Honor. A bronze plaque bearing his likeness was dedicated and put on exhibit at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. To date, only 33 CAP volunteers have been inducted into the Hall of Honor.

“Tom was a good leader,” Boyd said. “He was a lot of fun, a jolly guy, but he took CAP very seriously.”

Boyd said Casaday led “through his example.” He cited Casaday’s insistence that senior members wear their uniform only to appropriate venues. “He would say, ‘Don’t wear it anywhere you wouldn’t take your wife.’ ”

In addition to his induction into the Hall of Honor, Casaday was inducted into the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame at the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, where he was specially recognized for his contributions to aerospace education. He later served as president of the Alabama Aero Club and of the Southern Museum of Flight. He was a lifetime member of the Daedalians, a fraternity of military pilots, and a member of the organization’s “Founders Flight” at Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Among his other CAP decorations and awards were the CAP Distinguished Service Medal, Exceptional Service Medal, Meritorious Service Award, the Search and Rescue Service Ribbon, the Rescue “Find” Ribbon and the Frank G. Brewer Sr. Civil Air Patrol Memorial Aerospace Award.

Casaday was born in Birmingham in 1918 and grew up in Montgomery. He briefly studied at Bob Jones College in South Carolina before transferring to Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, where his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War II. He later furthered his business studies at Howard College, now Samford University, and the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Casaday served with the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1946 as a B-24 pilot and flight control officer with the 2nd Air Force Training Command. A veteran multi-engine rated pilot with more than 2,500 flying hours, he used his own Cessna Skylane 182 for CAP search and rescue missions and other humanitarian operations.

In civilian life, he was president of ElCasa Enterprises Inc. and director of Union State Bank in Pell City, Ala. He was the developer of Pine Harbor Marina on Logan Martin Lake, east of Birmingham. He was later vice president of V.J. Elmore Stores Inc. in Birmingham.

Casaday was a founding member of Canterbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham and a member of the Birmingham Country Club and The Club. He was a 32nd order Mason and a member of Shades Valley Lodge No. 829, as well as a Shriner and a member of Zamora Temple.

A memorial service will be held at Canterbury United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Sunday with visitation to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Southern Museum of Flight, Civil Air Patrol at Maxwell AFB or to a charity of choice.

3 from Idaho receive Teacher Orientation Program flights

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Teacher Anne Stafford and Col. David Guzman, Idaho Wing commander.

Lt. Col. Lynn Colson
Public Affairs Officer
1st Lt. Bill Johnson
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Idaho Wing

IDAHO -- Three teachers from Treasure Valley schools were able to take in bird’s-eye views of Boise and Nampa recently, thanks to the Idaho Wing and Civil Air Patrol’s Teacher Orientation Program.

Receiving one-hour flights through the TOP program were Kimmie Arrasmith and Anne T. Stafford of the Boise School District and Lisa Triolo of the Nampa School District. All flew aboard CAP Civil Cessna 182s equipped with the latest Garmin 1000 flight control system, and before their flights all took part in preflight briefings on the aircraft’s operations and on safety procedures.

Col. Ralph Getchell, deputy commander for cadets for the Boise Composite Squadron, piloted Arrasmith’s flight. The educator’s husband, Seth, and their two children watched the Cessna’s departure and landing from Western Aircraft at Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, and when she returned Tom Luna, the state’s superintendent of public instruction, was there to greet her as well.

Luna thanked Arrasmith for participating in the orientation flight program and for being one of the first teachers in Idaho to provide classroom aerospace education through CAP.

Capt. Bill Zerfas, the Nampa Composite Squadron’s deputy commanders, did the honors as pilot for Triolo’s and Stafford’s orientation flights, taking off from the squadron’s hangar at Nampa Municipal Airport.

Through the Teacher Orientation Program, educators enrolled as CAP aerospace education members are able to experience what flight in a small plane feels and sounds like – impressions they can pass along to their students while generating enthusiasm in the classroom.

Pa. ground team finds missing man in state park

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

1st Lt. James Bruck
Public Affairs Officer
Wayne Composite Squadron 201
Pennsylvania Wing

PENNSYLVANIA – A 30-year-old man lost more than a day in Promised Land State Park was found about 3½ hours on a rocky outcropping after cadets and senior members from eastern Pennsylvania launched a ground search.

Members were called out at 9 a.m. Saturday to help Department of Conservation and National Resources employees look for the man, who had been reported missing Thursday afternoon. The search began at 1 p.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m. with the discovery of the man, who appeared to have fallen onto the cropping. He was dehydrated and showed signs of exposure.

The man was given first aid and water before being carried out of the woods, then taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital by the Promised Land ambulance.

The team that found him consisted of five members from Wayne Composite Squadron 201 and three from Mount Pocono Cadet Squadron 207, as well as three from the state agency .

In all, some 57 Philadelphia Wing members supported the search, including members of the Allentown Optimist, Bangor Slate Belt, Hazelton and Quakertown composite squadrons.

Md. Wing Solo School marks 20th anniversary

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(Clockwise, from top right) Cadet 2nd Lts. Maria Brown and Nicholas Oland, Cadet Capt. Isaac Breen-Franklin, Cadet 2nd Lts. Kyle Higgins and Gregory Mayer and Cadet Capt. Colleen Casey, selected for the 20th annual Maryland Wing Solo School, with a CAP Cessna 172.

Photo by Maj. John Henderson

Maj. Brenda A. Reed
Public Affairs Officer
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – When six cadets recently took to the skies above Hagerstown in Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172s with the goal of soloing for the first time, they were taking advantage of what has become a tried and true tradition for the Maryland Wing -- its Solo School, held this summer for the 20th consecutive year.

Lt. Col. Robert Ayres founded the school in 1991 at the request of Col. Eugene Przybylowicz, then Maryland Wing commander. Since tthen, more than 130 cadets from all over the wing have become pilots through the program.

Each year, cadets apply for the school and then participate in a rigorous and competitive selection process in which they are evaluated on several areas, including grade point average, interview, resume and an essay explaining why they want to attend the school and what they will do with the training.

Applicants are ranked numerically and the top six are chosen to attend the school. All cadets must be at least 16 and have earned their Gen. Billy Mitchell Award.

“To dream of flight is one thing, but to actually achieve it is an experience that one who has not will never be able to understand," said Maj. John Henderson, project officer for the school.

Cadets participate in a weekend ground school at Hagerstown Composite Squadron headquarters a month before the academy’s flight portion, held at Hagerstown Regional Airport.

The goal of the program is for the cadets not only to solo in the aircraft but also to pass the written Federal Aviation Administration private pilot exam, administered at the 10-day flight academy’s end. Lt. Col. Robert Ayres, wing aircraft maintenance officer, was the primary instructor during the ground school, assisted by Capt. Sandra Fox, the Hagerstown squadron’s deputy commander for seniors.

Three instructors work with the six cadets in an intense 10 days of flying and continued ground school instruction. Three cadets are in the air at a time, while those on the ground study for the FAA exam. Evenings are classroom training and practice FAA exams.

Those participating in the program are housed in the Hagerstown squadron headquarters at Hagerstown Regional. Simple meals are served for breakfast and lunch, while members of the Hagerstown unit serve home-cooked dinners to the staff and cadets each evening.

Led by Henderson, the selection process began in February with a call for applications. While cadets around the wing assembled their application packages, Henderson put together a team of well-qualified instructors to assist with selection and to teach at the school.

Joining Ayres as flight instructors for the week were Maj. Pete Loewenheim, the wing’s standards and evaluation officer, and Capt. Kevin Martin, wing director of Operations.

The six cadets selected for this year's school:

Annapolis Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Colleen Casey and Cadet 2nd Lt. Maria Brown.
Arundel Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Isaac Breen-Franklin and Cadet 2nd Lt. Gregory Mayer.
Calvert Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Kyle Higgins.
Carroll Composite Squadron – 2nd Lt. Cadet Nicholas Oland.

The cadets worked together in teams of two, each paired with an instructor for mentoring and training throughout the week. Once the instructor felt the cadet was ready, he would take his place on a hill at the airport, watching his student taxi down the runway and take off.

After three takeoffs and landings, the student would pick up his proud instructor and taxi him back to where the rest of the school waited for the congratulatory handshakes and photos.

Each cadet, upon successfully completing his first solo, was then congratulated by his classmates with the traditional water dousing. The instructor would then cut the back off the student’s shirt and later inscribe it for display during the graduation ceremony.

Knowles, the wing commander, paid a midweek visit to the school.

"I was very impressed with the level of focus of the cadets on achieving their goal of passing the FAA ground school exam and soloing,” he said. “With the record heat the week of the school, the staff and the cadets kept their sights on the end goal and tried not to let the 99-degree heat affect them. The cadets all expressed gratitude to the staff and to the wing for giving them this tremendous opportunity.”

The wing’s vice commander, Lt. Col. Wes LaPre, also spent two days at the school, and Col. Russ Chazell, CAP national chief of staff, visited during the week. Col. Joe Vazquez visited the school not only in his official capacity as Middle East Region commander but also as a former instructor. Lt. Col. Leslie Vazquez, national standards and evaluation officer, also attended the graduation ceremonies.

An activity of this level is only possible with the support of many people and organizations. Providing meals for the participants were the Hagerstown Composite Squadron’s Maj. Raymond Feliciano and Capts. Curtis Berry, Sandra Fox, David Hartung and Charlie Summers.

Once again, the Maugansville Goodwill Volunteer Fire Company provided shower facilities for the school. The Sierra Nevada Corp. allowed the use of allowed the use of their ramp and Hagerstown Regional Airport permitted the use of the terminal building for the graduation ceremony.

Maine ground team finds crashed plane

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Capt. Mary J. Story
Public Affairs Officer
Maine Wing

MAINE – A Maine Wing ground team found a crashed Taylorcraft BC-12 airplane in dense woods about 6 a.m. Sunday, a few hours after a call from the Air Force Rescue and Coordination Center alerted wing officials that the 64-year-old single-engine plane was missing.

Air and ground teams were assembled by 4 a.m., then waited for first light before starting the search. Local officials had narrowed the search area to the town of Harrison by using the pilot’s cell phone signal.

The pilot and a passenger were killed, officials said.

Some members drove several hundred miles to participate in the search, wing officials noted.

Gabreski members provide leadership at N.Y. Wing Encampment

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet 1st Lt. James Mizvesky arrives with Bravo Flight members at an encampment activity.

(2)
Cadet Airman 1st Class Theresa Nelson poses in front of an Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter flown in for display.

Capt. James Ridley II
Public Affairs Officer
Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron
New York Wing

NEW YORK – The Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron made its mark on the 2010 New York Wing Encampment, providing not only the event’s executive officer but also its deputy cadet commander, a flight commander, a flight sergeant and four other staff members.

The squadron accounted for 11 of the encampment’s 255 participants, with Maj James Ridley Sr., public affairs officer for the Northeast Region and the New York Wing, . Of the 255 participants, serving as executive officer.

Joining him were Capts . Diane Collazo and James Ridley II, mentors for the Delta and Charlie flights, respectively.

Cadet staff members from the Gabreski squadron:

Cadet Lt. Col. Zeki Ozyilmaz, Squadron 2 commander.
Cadet Capt. Carissa Lackey, deputy cadet commander.
Cadet 1st Lt. James Mizvesky, Bravo Flight commander.
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Aysha Ozyilmaz, Alpha Flight sergeant.
Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Ambar Durango, standards and evaluations team.
Cadet Master Sgt. Erik Collazo, services crew.

.Also attending as in-flight members were Cadet Senior Master Nicholas Woytowitz and Cadet Airman 1st Class Theresa Nelson, both members of Foxtrot Flight.

Four of the Gabreski members received this year’s New York Wing Encampment Challenge Coin for Exceptional Service for exemplifying one or all of CAP’s four core values -- integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect:

Maj. Ridley, for his outstanding work as executive officer.
Capt. Ridley, for his smooth recent transition from cadet to senior member as well as for exemplifying the core values.
Lackey, for her outstanding work as deputy cadet commander.
Nelson, for exemplifying the core values as well as her beautiful rendition of the national anthem during the graduation ceremony.

After the encampment, Maj. Louis Fenech Jr., Gabreski squadron commander, told all the participants, “I would like to express my pride in the job you all have done. Not only have you become better CAP members, but through your actions and work ethic, you have brought honor to our squadron.”

Minn. units help clean up debris in wake of storms

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Members of the Mankato Composite Squadron remove debris left by tornadoes and straight-line winds that hit the St. Cloud area late last week.

(2)
Cadet Airmen Travis Fisher (left) and Anthony Miller of the Mankato Composite Squadron carry off debris in Rice.

(3)
The Mankato unit’s squadron activities officer, 2nd Lt. Dan Sargent, hauls felled timber during the cleanup campaign in Rice.

(4)
Members of Nechama, a Jewish disaster response organization based in the Twin Cities, worked with members of the Mankato squadron during the Rice cleanup effort.

Photos by Maj. Richard Sprouse

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
Group II Headquarters
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – Members from across the state spent the weekend in the St. Cloud area assisting with cleanup efforts after tornadoes and straight-line winds late in the week snapped or uprooted hundreds of trees, toppled silos and cut power to several thousand homes.

Strong winds Thursday evening led to an initial request for Civil Air Patrol to provide aerial photos to assess storm damage, but that mission was delayed by weather. Less than 24 hours later, severe storms and winds rocked the area, causing reported damage in three central Minnesota counties.

Fortunately, only one injury was reported when a semitrailer was blown over near the small town of Rice, which bore the brunt of the storm.

Aircrews from the 130th, Brainerd and North Hennepin composite squadrons later provided the National Weather Service with aerial photographs of the storm’s path.

“The aerial photos CAP provided verified that tornadoes and straight-line winds in excess of 80 mph blasted through the area,” said Maj. Paul Pieper, the wing’s emergency services director. “It’s fortunate that no one was seriously injured or killed.”

Cleanup over the weekend brought ground team members from the 130th, Grand Rapids, Hutchinson, Mankato, Northland, St. Cloud, St. Paul and Viking composite squadrons to the area.

Mankato members teamed up with members of Nechama, a Jewish disaster response organization based in the Twin Cities. Nechama, whose name is Hebrew for comfort, deploys volunteers to help communities clean up after floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters.

The two groups worked together removing dozens of felled trees from neighborhoods in Rice, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and St. Cloud.

Their efforts were much appreciated by Gene and Betty Kirchner, an elderly Rice couple who shook the hands of each CAP and Nechama member.

“We are so thankful for all you’ve done for us. Saying ‘thank you’ just doesn’t seem enough,” Betty Kirchner said.

Cadet Airman Travis Fisher of the Mankato squadron summed up the feelings of everyone who assisted with the aerial imaging and cleanup efforts.

“It’s a good feeling you get when you do something like this. The people are so appreciative,” Fisher said.

“It makes being a Civil Air Patrol member really worth it.”

Cadets encounter space-age technology in Colo. course

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Course participants at the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station Complex entrance.
Photo by Russ Huard

(2)
Maj. Gen. Amy Courter (red shirt), Civil Air Patrol’s national commander, speaks with cadets at the Peterson Air Force Base Museum.
Photo by 1st Lt. Stefanie Hudgins, Colorado Wing

(3)
Cadets and senior members in the 2nd Space Warning Squadron’s lobby.
Photo by U.S. Air Force Capt. Chad Grondahl

(4)
Cadets take in the view at the Pikes Peak summit.
Photo by 1st Lt. Stefanie Hudgins, Colorado Wing

(5)
Cadets and staff visit the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center in Colorado Springs.
Photo by 1st Lt. Stefanie Hudgins, Colorado Wing

Capt. Donald Ells
Activity Director
Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course

COLORADO – Two dozen cadets from across the U.S. learned about space careers July 24-31 at the Air Force Space Command Familiarization course, which exposed them to day-to-day operations at Air Force Space Command and various military installations and left them with an in-depth understanding of satellite command and control, space-based missile warning and commercial satellite development.

The weeklong course at Peterson Air Force Base – one of two offered this summer by Civil Air Patrol, with the other held at Florida’s Patrick Air Force Base – is designed to provide the foundations for space-related careers within the military and civilian sectors.

“It’s a great opportunity for select cadets to learn about military life and space operations of the United States Air Force,” said Capt. Donald Ells, activity director for the course and commander of the Maryland Wing’s Fort McHenry Composite Squadron.

As part of the course, the cadets toured Peterson, Schriever and Buckley AFBs, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station and Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver.

At Schriever the cadets were exposed to the satellite command and control operations of the GPS, the Milstar communications satellite and the Defense Satellite Communication System.

They also toured a radome at PIKE, a command and control site in the Air Force Space Control Network. There, satellite dish operators demonstrated how the antenna worked by maneuvering a satellite dish in multiple directions.

During the Buckley tour, the cadets learned about Space-Based Infrared System, controlled by the 2nd Space Warning Squadron.

Finally, they got a look at commercial satellite operations while touring Lockheed Martin’s Space Division. They were able to view Juno, a satellite expected to launch in August 2011 to study Jupiter’s atmosphere and gravitational and magnetic fields.

During their free time, the cadets went hiking at Muller State Park and traveled 14,110 feet to the summit of Pikes Peak.

At the course’s conclusion July 31, each of the 24 cadets received a graduation certificate, a coin and a patch at the graduation banquet, held at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Officer Club. The guest speaker was Lt. Col. Rommel Villalobos, chief unmanned aircraft systems strategist for U.S. Northern Command.

First Flight Society honoring CAP for National Aviation Day

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

One of the 14 pylons in the Monument to a Century of Flight will be dedicated to Civil Air Patrol.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – The First Flight Society, the organization that helped establish the Wright Brothers National Memorial in 1927, is celebrating National Aviation Day with a salute to Civil Air Patrol that includes dedication of one of the Monument to a Century of Flight’s 14 stainless steel pylons the U.S. Air Force auxiliary.

The society’s daylong salute on Aug. 19 – Orville Wright’s birthday – will begin with a special exhibit honoring CAP in the Wright Brothers National Memorial’s Centennial Pavilion Auditorium and adjacent open areas at the memorial in Kill Devil Hills in Dare County on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Aircraft displays and flyovers are also planned.

“It seems fitting that the Civil Air Patrol is recognized and honored in Dare County because of its long active presence in our history,” said Alvah Ward, First Flight Society president. He referred to the CAP’s anti-submarine patrols during World War II and to its members’ continued presence on the front lines with service to their communities since those early beginnings.

“One of the pylons representing the CAP will stand proudly and permanently to recognize this outstanding aviation organization,” Ward said.

From 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., exhibit visitors will learn more about CAP’s key missions of search and rescue and disaster relief operations as well as aerospace education and youth development. The exhibit will be manned by CAP personnel throughout the day’s events.

The pylon dedication is set for 2-3 p.m., with Friends of The Monument to a Century of Flight conducting a formal ceremony in support of the salute to CAP. The pylons, wing-foil shaped and arranged in an orbital pattern, represent aviation entities and individuals.

Joining dignitaries at the ceremony will be CAP’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter. Maj. Gen. Dwight H. Wheless, former CAP national commander who lives in North Carolina, will also attend along with other national CAP officers. A North Carolina Wing cadet color guard will participate in the ceremony.

The public as well as all current and former CAP members are encouraged to attend. The monument is located in Kitty Hawk, N.C., adjacent to the Aycock Brown Visitors Center at Milepost 1 on the U.S. 158 Bypass.

“The exhibit salutes Civil Air Patrol members’ service to America for nearly seven decades,” Courter said. “Our 60,000 members’ selfless service annually touches the lives of thousands of citizens through emergency services, disaster relief, homeland security, cadet programs and aerospace education.

“They are most deserving of this honor.”

CAP cell phone forensics expert honored with Public Benefit Flying Award

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(2)
Capt. Justin Ogden participates in a U.S. Air Force search and rescue planning session at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown, Va.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – Capt. Justin Ogden of the Arizona Wing, whose work with cell phone forensics has helped save numerous lives, will receive the 2010 Distinguished Volunteer Public Benefit Flying Award next month at a prestigious awards ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

The National Aeronautic Association, in partnership with the Air Care Alliance, a nationwide league of humanitarian flying organizations, sponsors the awards, which honor individuals and organizations flying the benefit of others.

“Just as in years past, this year’s Public Benefit Flying honorees symbolize the very best of the people, organizations and equipment which make up the aviation community in America,” said Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO of NAA and chairman of the Selection Committee. “These awards reflect the selflessness of our industry and the benefit it provides to people throughout our continent. We are very proud to be part of this program.”

Ogden is CAP’s national go-to resource for cell phone analysis. Combining his passion for electronics with his devotion to volunteering, he has developed a system for triangulating signals emanating from victims’ cell phones that help locate the sites of air crashes and missing persons.

A valuable search-and-rescue tool for the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Ogden has participated in 77 searches resulting in 28 finds and 10 saved lives.

“I’m very excited about being this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Volunteer award,” he said. “Having been nominated by CAP National Headquarters in the first place is very meaningful to me.”

Ogden has been a member of CAP since age 12. As a cadet and senior member he has creatively combined his interests in electronics, CAP and community service to develop an analysis program that keeps pace with current technology.

“I enjoy contributing on searches where cellular forensics is involved,” he said. “It’s been a passion of mine for over four years now.”

Ogden attributes many positive aspects of his adult life to experiences as a cadet. “I’m grateful to be able to contribute something back to the organization, as I feel I’ve gotten so much out of CAP in my life,” he said. “Being selected as the recipient of the award takes the recognition to the next level.”

The Public Benefit Flying Awards were created in 2003 to honor volunteer pilots, other volunteers and their organizations engaged in flying to help others, and those supporting such work. Since then, dozens of awards have been presented at the celebratory Above and Beyond Awards Ceremony, held each fall at the Capitol.

Previous recipients include radar analyst Capt. Guy Loughridge of the Colorado Wing, who received the Distinguished Volunteer Award in 2007 and often works in tandem with Ogden, particularly in cases involving downed aircraft.

Besides Ogden, 2010 Public Benefit Flying award recipients include:

Distinguished Volunteer Pilot – Gene Schmidt, Bahamas Habitat.
Outstanding Achievement in Public Benefit Flying – Bahamas Habitat .
Teamwork Award – all volunteer pilots and other volunteers conducting flights in support of the Haitian relief efforts.

The 2010 honorees will be recognized at a special invitation Public Benefit Flying “Above and Beyond” Awards Ceremony on Sept. 16, scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Lyndon B. Johnson Room of the U.S. Senate.

Ill. competition produces 'King of the Rock': McHenry Co. Composite cadets

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Lewis Composite Squadron cadets give as good as they get in the water cannon fight.

(2)
Boone County Composite Squadron cadets use boards and tires to construct a bridge to cross a raging "river."

(3)
Cadet Lt. Col. Seth Thomas (left) of the Lewis Composite Squadron and Cadet Capt. Christopher Gallman of the Woodfield Composite Squadron receive the Honor Cadet award, for which they tied.

(4)
McHenry County Composite Squadron cadets receive the Cadet Maj. Jacob Rueth Memorial trophy from Maj. James Kalemis, commandant for the competition.

Maj. James Kalemis
Deputy Chief Staff, Cadet Programs
Great Lakes Region

ILLINOIS – More than 70 cadets on a dozen teams faced off in mental and physical challenges at Rock Cut State Park in the annual competition for the Cadet Maj. Jacob Rueth Memorial trophy and the honor of being called King of the Rock.

Each year, cadet teams camp out over the weekend and are expected to be self-sufficient. They compete in 10 challenges and also make a dinner that is judged. As well as receiving points in each event, each team is judged on leadership, followership, military bearing, attitude and ability to work as a team.

This year, 19 senior members and 74 cadets made up the teams and judges. Maj. James Kalemis served as commandant and Cadet Capt. Danny White of the Lake in the Hills Composite Squadron as cadet commander.

The teams competed in such challenges as building a tent blindfolded, using tires and wood to cross a "river", building a LEGO model without instructions, going through an obstacle course blindfolded, facing off in a water cannon duel, passing the egg crash test and completing a compass course with CAP knowledge questions.

The teams included cadets from Groups 2, 14 and 22 and the Boone County, Chicago Midway, Cornelius Coffee, Lake in the Hills, Lewis, Lincoln Way, McHenry County and Woodfield composite squadrons.

The winning team was McHenry County's Battle Toads -- cadets Luis Castillo, Michael Chappell, James Eddy, Andrew Gohl, and Keyah Vinson, with Cadet Maj. Ethan Peterman serving as team leader. The team was presented with the Rueth trophy, named for a Lewis Composite cadet killed Dec. 1, 2006, when his plane crashed in northwest Minnesota.

The choice for Honor Cadet, selected by the senior members for showing exemplary leadership and teamwork, was a tie – Cadet Lt. Col. Seth Thomas of the Lewis squadron and Cadet Capt. Christopher Gallman of the Woodfield unit.

"I have been at this event for many years," Kalemis said, "and this is the largest and best yet. The teams showed incredible teamwork in the diverse challenges and every team left with a better sense of leadership and followership."

Additional photos by 2nd Lts. Marzena Lecka and Frank Wayne, both members of the McHenry squadron, can be seen in an online photo gallery. Video from the competition can be viewed online as well.

CAP members to converge on San Diego for Annual Conference, National Board

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Teresa A.H. Djuric, commander of Air University’s Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development and keynote speaker for CAP's 2010 Annual Conference and National Board banquet Sept. 4.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – More than 500 Civil Air Patrol members are heading for California’s South Coast for the organization’s 2010 Annual Conference and National Board, set for Sept. 1-4 at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina.

“The conference is a celebration of our members for their service to America and their extraordinary achievements above and beyond the call of duty,” said Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP’s national commander. “I am looking forward to the chance of greeting each and every one in attendance, honoring them with much-deserved awards and participating alongside them in training seminars customized to fulfill their unique needs.”

Conference participants will hear remarks from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Teresa A.H. Djuric, keynote speaker for the conference banquet at 7 p.m. Sept. 4.

Djuric is commander of Air University’s Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., site of CAP National Headquarters, and acts as a liaison providing assistance and oversight for CAP.

She is expected to talk about an administrative shift last year by Air University that realigned CAP and CAP-USAF, the liaison between CAP and the Air Force, under the Holm Center. The supervisory realignment has already proven effective, streamlining Air Force and CAP youth programs and allowing the 110,000 Junior Air Force ROTC cadets and 24,000 CAP cadets to attend the same encampments, greatly expanding the programs available to both groups.

The commander’s son, Cadet Capt. Hayden Djuric, is a member of the Alabama Wing’s Maxwell Composite Squadron.

Other conference highlights will include:

Ten preconference courses Sept. 1-2 and nearly 60 learning labs Sept. 3-4. The seminars will target such topics as chaplains, cadet programs, finance, disaster relief, homeland security, communications, safety, aerospace education and public affairs.
An awards ceremony honoring exceptional CAP members – including the Cadet of the Year and the Senior Member of the Year – from 8:30-9:45 a.m. Sept. 4.

Registration for the annual conference can be completed online through CAP’s national website.

Patrick AFB course sharpens cadets' focus on space

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(Left)
Cadets pose in front of the Endeavour orbiter’s nose inside the Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center.
(Right)
Cadet Capt. Kathleen Crockett of the Maryland Wing’s Frederick Composite Squadron prepares to release a weather balloon at Patrick Air Force Base after a briefing at the weather station.

(2)
Col. Lee Rosen, 45th Space Wing Launch Group commander, receives assistance from two cadets during a briefing.

(3)
Second Mate Allan Gravina welcomes the cadets aboard NASA's Freedom Star solid rocket booster recovery vessel.

Maj. Steven H. Solomon
Public Affairs Officer
2010 Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course

FLORIDA – Cadets from 18 wings expanded their aerospace horizons at Civil Air Patrol's annual Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course from July 31-Aug. 8 at Patrick Air Force Base – home of the 45th Space Wing, responsible for processing and launching U.S. government and commercial satellites from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

For the 31 cadets, highlights of the week included:

Being welcomed by and receiving a mission briefing from Col. Lee Rosen, 45th Space Wing Launch Group commander.
Visiting the Morrell Operations Center, where all launches from Cape Canaveral are controlled and tracked.
Touring the radar/optical tracking facility.
Meeting with company grade officers for a career roundtable.
Touring the Air Force Space and Missile Museum.
Received a briefing and launching two balloons at the weather station.

"We've got the coolest job, because we get to put fire in the sky," Rosen told the cadets, pointing out that every GPS satellite in orbit has been launched from CCAFS. "But we don't do it for the fire, we do it for the war fighter.”

Inside the operations center, Lt. Dejon DeMille, the range control officer, talked about the scheduled launches of an Atlas V on Wednesday and a Delta IV in October. Cadets sat in the mission control room, where they were briefed on its function during a launch and on the controllers’ various roles and responsibilities, and also learned about the jobs in the surveillance room.

During the week, daily classroom instruction about astronomy and the space program was presented by three CAP members:

Lt. Col. Stephen DePalo, activities officer for the National Commander’s Reserve Unit, a NASA senior systems engineer with 25 years of aerospace engineering experience assigned to the Goddard Space Flight Center.
Capt. Gary Dahlke, aerospace education officer for Florida Wing Group 4, a United Space Alliance orbiter thermal protection system engineer who works on the Endeavour orbiter and is an Air Force veteran who served nearly eight years on active duty in the fields of ballistic missile maintenance and command and control.
Capt. Theo Spanos of the Florida Wing Support Squadron, former wing director of aerospace education and a United Space Alliance orbiter thermal protection
system engineer who works on the Discovery orbiter heat shield at Kennedy Space Center.

"Cadets got many first-hand opportunities to meet the many talented men and women of the 45th Space Wing who are part of the exciting business of space launch and exploration," said U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Paul M. Dickinson, activity director for the course. Dickinson has been with the Air Force Space Command since 1996 in various capacities, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, operation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and satellite acquisition and deployment.

The cadets also got an opportunity to tour NASA's Kennedy Space Center, actually going inside the massive Vehicle Assembly Building and boarding the NASA vessel Freedom Star, used to recover used solid rocket boosters from the ocean. They also asked questions of shuttle astronaut John Blaha, a retired Air Force colonel, and went inside the Orbiter Processing Facility to walk underneath and around the Endeavour orbiter.

In addition, the cadets made and launched model rockets at SpaceTEC, were taken inside the SpaceX facility to see the Falcon 9 rocket being processed for its next launch, visited the Astronaut Hall of Fame and saw an astronomy show at the Brevard Community College planetarium.

"Outer space exploration has always been a hobby of mine," said Cadet Capt. Kathleen Crockett of the Maryland Wing’s Frederick Composite Squadron, who is studying tropical meteorology as an Air Force ROTC scholarship student at Texas A&M University. "This program offered the opportunity to see hands-on the places and technology I have only read about."

"My whole family is space-geeky," said Cadet Master Sgt. Nicholas Shermer, 15, of the Virginia Wing’s Leesburg Composite Squadron. "So I wanted to learn more about our awesome space program."

Shermer’s sister and fellow Leesburg Composite member, Cadet 2nd Lt. Rebecca Shermer, and Cadet 2nd Lt. Sarah Folse of the Alabama Wing’s Redstone Composite Squadron shared the top academic honor award at the activity graduation banquet. Rebecca Shermer also received an award for the best essay on NASA’s “new vision for space exploration.”

The guest speaker at the graduation banquet, Ronald Caswell, International Space Station launch package engineer, told his audience that "I have days I go to work, honest to God, I don't believe they pay me to do this."

"You all are on the right track to have a fun life," Caswell told the cadets as he passed around parts from various rockets and spacecraft.

Liaison for the activity at Patrick was 1st Lt. Gordon Barnhill of the 45th Space Wing.

N.C. cadets provide colors, national anthem for minor league game

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(From left)
The Burlington Composite Squadron Honor Guard – Cadet Staff Sgt. Hannah Andrews, Cadet Lt. Col. Will Buslinger, Cadet Staff Sgt. Jordan Andrews, Cadet Airman Basic Joshua Jordan and Cadet Staff Sgt. Leah Shepherd – performs before the game’s start. The squadron’s recruiting and retention officer, 2nd Lt. Andrea Andrews, can be seen behind Shepherd’s left shoulder.

Photo by Capt. Ruth Buslinger.

Capt. Ruth Buslinger
Squadron Activities Officer
Burlington Composite Squadron
North Carolina Wing

NORTH CAROLINA – The Burlington Composite Squadron Honor Guard took center stage before the rookie-level Burlington Royals’ Appalachian League game July 31, not only presenting the colors but also providing the singer for the national anthem.

The honor guard’s Leah Shepherd sang the anthem before the Royals took the field at Burlington Athletic Stadium against Bluefield’s Orioles.

Attendance for the game topped 2,000. The evening ended with a fireworks display, courtesy of Lab Corp.

CAP academy gives cadets feel for civil engineering

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Maj. Kyle Zobel (center) of the North Carolina Wing’s Raleigh Wake Composite Squadron uses the radio to coordinate his unit’s response during a convoy training exercise.

(2)
Cadets work to erect a small shelter system.

(3)
Cadet 1st Lt. Noah Johnson of the New Hampshire Wing’s Lebanon Composite Squadron looks through a transit that would be used to survey a job site by Air Force engineering assistants

(4)
Cadet 2nd Lt. Nicholas Tunnell of the Minnesota Wing’s St. Paul Composite Squadron participates in a firefighting demonstration.

(5)
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Pappas of the Kentucky Wing’s Campbell County Composite Squadron negotiates the obstacle course with help from his unit.

Maj. Steven H. Solomon
Public Affairs Officer
2010 Air Force Civil Engineering Academy

FLORIDA – Civil engineering careers came into sharp focus for 37 cadets from 18 wings as they participated in the Civil Air Patrol’s Air Force Civil Engineering Academy, held July 25-30 at the Silver Flag Training site at Tyndall Air Force.

The cadets learned about heavy equipment, robotics, construction, fire and rescue and demolitions from members of Detachment 1 – 823rd RED HORSE (for Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) Squadron. Highlights for the participants included trying to avoid falling into the water when going through the obstacle course and a field training exercise in a convoy driving through a mock-up of Middle Eastern villages on a mission to recover documents and gather information.

Daily classroom instruction about the math, science and technology involved in engineering was presented by the academy’s activity director, Col. John Knowles, a vice president for Clark Construction Group, sponsor of the activity.

“It’s an exciting program that offers a select group of cadets a taste of what it would be like serving in a civil engineering role in the Air Force,” said Knowles, commander of the Maryland Wing.

Assisting Knowles with instruction was Air Force 2nd Lt. Joanna Weiss, a civil engineering officer stationed with the 460th Civil Engineering Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. She is a CAP captain with the Maryland Wing’s Harford Composite Squadron and former cadet colonel who received a civil engineering degree from Penn State University.

At Tyndall, cadets toured the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, the single agency responsible for coordinating federal search and rescue activities on land in the 48 contiguous United States, Mexico and Canada.

“Ninety-five percent of the time, it’s Civil Air Patrol that’s going to help us,” said Capt. Ken Moerscher, the search and rescue duty officer who talked to cadets inside the AFRCC. “CAP performs a huge function in search and rescue,” Moerscher added, noting that he was a CAP member for 14 years, five as a cadet in Florida and the remainder as a senior member in the Wyoming Wing.

The cadets were told that CAP had performed 300 sorties in the last few days, and that on the day of the visit CAP was conducting 10 Gulf oil missions, three training missions for the Air Force out of Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and 10 counter-drug flights for other federal agencies.

Cadets were also given a rare look inside the Deepwater Horizon situation room at Tyndall.

In addition, they toured a display of aircraft, on loan from the Air Force Museum, that have been flown at Tyndall, including the F-4, F-86, F-106 and F-15. Col. Larry Trick, an aerospace engineer at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland and a former Maryland Wing commander, gave a presentation about each exhibit.

Cadets also were given a flight line drive-by to see the F-22 Raptors, F-15 Eagles and F-4 Phantoms led by Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Tom Pelczynski, CAP-USAF liaison.

“I’m planning on a career in the Air Force, and civil engineering is one of the most important fields in the military,” said Cadet 1st Lt. Sara Fishbein, cadet commander of the Ohio Wing’s Wright-Patterson Cadet Squadron. “All the hands-on work was great.”

“I came to this activity to better understand the different jobs in the Air Force and get a concept of civil engineering,” added Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Derasse, flight sergeant for the New Jersey Wing’s Teaneck Composite Squadron. “My favorite thing about the activity was working with active-duty Air Force personnel. They encouraged me even more to pursue my military dream.”

The academy was one of 30 National Cadet Special Activities sponsored by CAP this summer. These activities allow cadets to hone their skills in a variety of areas, including search and rescue, flight and emergency services, leadership fundamentals, citizenship and military courtesies, and to explore aerospace technology and aviation careers. In 2009, 1,100 youth participated in CAP-sponsored summer activities.

“Through our cadet program CAP builds strong citizens for the future,” said Col. David Carter, assistant activity director for the academy, commander of the Virginia Wing and a retired Air Force master sergeant who served as training manager for the 203rd RED HORSE Flight from 1989 to 2001.

Cadet Roster

California Wing

Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 – Cadet 1st Lt. Michael Chung.

Florida Wing

Central Florida Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech. Sgt. Lee-Roy Hall.
Citrus County Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Melanie Lee.
Gainesville Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Tyler Gwynn and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Caleb Eades.
Naples Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Ferrao.
North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Zachary Dawson.

Georgia Wing

Sandy Springs Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. James B. Curlee.

Indiana Wing

Valparaiso Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Donald Puent III.

Kentucky Wing

Campbell County Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Pappas.

Louisiana Wing

Capital City Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Mary Palisi.

Maryland Wing

Glenn L. Martin Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lts. Bart Bartgis and. Michael Gentle and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Charles Grese.

Michigan Wing

Selfridge Cadet Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Zechariah Vinson.

Minnesota Wing

St. Paul Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lts. Nick DeMuse and Derek Fox, Cadet 2nd Lt. Nicholas Tunnell and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Joseph Pahr.
Viking Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Elias Wiff.

Missouri Wing

Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Eric Workman.

New Hampshire Wing

Hawk Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Zacchaeus Graf.
Lebanon Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Noah Johnson.

New Jersey Wing

Teaneck Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Derase.

North Carolina Wing

Raleigh Wake Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Kyle Zobel.

Oregon Wing

Medford Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Steven Ohlund.

South Carolina Wing

Sumter Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Jared Buriel.

Tennessee Wing

Murfreesboro Mustangs Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Amy Berent.
Oak Ridge Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Kendall Worthington.

Texas Wing

Addison Eagles Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Scott Gulliksen.
Pegasus Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. David Hamman.
Randolph AFB Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Luis Boothe.
Spindletop Cadet Squadron – Cadet Maj. Juliana Leano.

Virginia Wing

Fredericksburg Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathan Leon Guerrero.
Leesburg Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew Esnardo.

Md. squadron turns out to greet Honor Flight veterans from Ala., Ohio

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Larry Moore, the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron’s deputy commander for seniors as well as a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, and his 3-year-old son, Jayden, with veteran George Strohm after his Honor Flight’s arrival July 10 from Ohio.
Photo by Katherine Moore

(2)
Capt. Sherry McManus, emergency services officer for the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron, offers Army Air Corps veteran, Glenn Beaber, her appreciation as he makes his way into the terminal July 31 with fellow veterans from Ohio.
Photo by Katherine Moore

(3)
Civil Air Patrol members join in as U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Terry Hamrick Jr., commander of the 770th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group (Provisional) and a former Civil Air Patrol cadet, forms up the largest military formation in the history of the Honor Flight Network to salute 99 veterans who flew in from Alabama on July 14.
Photo by Jennifer Abner

Capt Larry Moore
Deputy Commander for Seniors
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – Eight members of the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron joined volunteers from the five military branches, the Boy Scouts of America and the Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses Club in greeting 167 World War II veterans arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Honor Flights last month -- 35 from Ohio on July 10, 99 from Alabama on July 14 and another 33 from Ohio on July 31.

Like their fellow greeters, each squadron member was given a special security pass to gain entry to the airport terminals to welcome the veterans as they exited the aircraft. Taking the visitors by complete surprise, the greeters assembled in a receiving line as they cheered, applauded and thanked each veteran for their selfless sacrifice.

Passengers awaiting connecting flights joined in the joyous, emotional celebration, which could be heard across the terminal.

Among those welcomed July 31 was Kenny Trusler, an Army Air Corps veteran who completed 34 dangerous missions over Germany as a flight engineer aboard a B-24 bomber. “This was all such a complete surprise!” Trusler exclaimed.

An Army veteran, George Strohm, who helped secure Japan after that nation’s surrender, told the CAP members greeting him July 10, “It’s an honor to be here and receive this kind of welcome.”

Each flight included friends and relatives of the veterans who acted as guardians to escort them during their journey. Among the guardians arriving July 14 from Alabama was Birmingham Mayor William A. Bell Sr., whose father, John W. Bell, was an Army supply truck driver during World War II.

Following each heartfelt greeting, the Fort McHenry volunteers escorted the veterans from the airport terminal to waiting buses. Along with the uniformed members of the armed forces, the Civil Air Patrol members assembled in a line formation to render a final salute as the visitors departed for a day of reflection at the World War II Memorial in Washington.

When the squadron members joined more than 60 armed forces personnel in saluting the warriors from Alabama on July 14, the presence of uniformed personnel was the largest for an Honor Flight event since the program’s inception in 2005.

Squadron members participating:

Capts Donald Ells, squadron commander and an Air Force staff sergeant; Sherry McManus, emergency services officer; Larry Moore, deputy commander for seniors and an Air Force technical sergeant; and Ki von der Linden, logistics officer.
Senior Members Jake Kellogg, assistant recruiting and retention officer, and Shawn Nunley.
Cadet Airman Basic Darrell Nunley.
Cadet Airman Malcolm Scott.

The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization created to honor America’s veterans. It transports veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at the memorial erected in their honor, with top priority given to senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with other veterans who may be terminally ill.

La. Wing encampment provides cadets with full slate of experiences

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Encampment cadets stand in formation for physical training.
Photo by John Zaremba

(2)
Cadets pause for a photo in front of a Dassault Mirage 2000 fighter.
Photo by John Zaremba

(3)
A water survival training session.
Photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Chad Warren

(4)
A group photo at a canine training demonstration.
Photo by John Zaremba

(5)
The encampment participants.
Photo by John Zaremba

Maj. Michael James
Public Affairs Officer
Louisiana Wing

LOUISIANA – More than 70 cadets from the Louisiana and Texas wings – 60 first-time participants and 16 returning staff members, complemented by 12 senior members serving as senior staff to mentor and supervise – convened for the Louisiana Wing’s annual summer encampment July 15-25 at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Exciting, intense and interactive activities helped introduce the first-time cadets to Air Force values and traditions while they developed teamwork and self-confidence in what for many was their first experience away from home. Stress and time management, leadership and self-discipline broadened theparticipants’ understanding of aerospace subjects.

The advanced cadets, meanwhile, applied their leadership skills while serving in positions of responsibility and teaching the junior cadets what was expected of them.

Staying in Air Force quarters, the cadets learned to make beds and keep their rooms tidy in accordance with encampment regulations. While on base, they enjoyed the great food in the dining hall; off-base, they experienced meals-ready-to-eat (MREs) and box lunches.

The first-time cadets were placed in flights with about 14 other cadets ranging in age from 12-18. Throughout each day they ate, slept, exercised and attended activities with their flight, learning to work together as a team in a challenging environment.

We had many activities that were very educational and fun for the cadets,” said Maj. Victor Santana, Louisiana Wing director of cadet programs, including anti-drug presentations and tours of Barksdale’s flight line, firing range and fire department.

In addition, personnel from the U.S. Air Force Academy and Army National Guard provided briefings about career options. Other presentations featured canine training teams and honor guard and water survival training demonstrations.

The cadets also enjoyed time in B-52 simulators and a visit to the base’s 8th Air Force Museum.

“An event of this magnitude cannot be accomplished without extensive planning and preparation. I want to extend my thanks to those who made this encampment a great success,” said Col. Art Scarbrough, Louisiana Wing commander.

Scabrough cited:

U.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Rob Corbin and Majs. Robert Morgan and Rich Svoboa.
John Zaremba, CAP-U.S. Air Force state director for the Louisiana Wing.
Lt. Cols. Edward Junk, Lafayette Composite Squadron operations officer, and Shelly Thibodaux, Hammond Composite Squadron emergency services training officer.
Majs. Dan Chase, Gen. Claire L. Chennault Senior Squadron communications officer; Leslie Fife, Barksdale Composite Squadron aerospace education officer; Judith LaValley, Louisiana Wing cadet programs officer; and Victor Santana, Louisiana Wing director of cadet programs.
Capts. John Benton, Louisiana Wing director of safety; Dennis Scalia, Lake Charles Composite Squadron deputy commander for cadets; and Nolan Smith, public affairs officer for the Texas Wing’s Lakeshore Squadron.
2nd Lts. Heidi Gomez of the Texas Wing’s Brownsville Composite Squadron; Kelly Morse, Central Louisiana Composite Squadron deputy commander for cadets; and Juliana Wellman, Hammond Composite Squadron deputy commander for cadets.

San Antonio City Council clears way for new Texas Wing HQ site

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate
Director of Public Affairs
Southwest Region
Richard Johnson
Public Affairs Manager
City of San Antonio

TEXAS – Thanks to San Antonio’s generosity, Texas Wing Headquarters is looking forward to a new home at Stinson Municipal Airport.

The City Council voted today in favor of signing a no-cost 50-year lease with the Texas Wing on a portion of airport property adjacent to an existing taxi lane, covering about 92,550 square feet.

The wing recently moved to the city of Waco, away from Waco Regional Airport, because the facility there no longer met its needs.

The new location, at a working airport, will be able to accommodate not only the wing’s headquarters but also Group V headquarters and selected squadrons under one roof, with an adjoining hangar big enough to hold six planes.

It will feature ample training facilities, conference rooms, dedicated space to run missions and temporary billets for mission personnel. Generous parking space will be available as well. Officials expect the wing's ability to conduct missions will be greatly enhanced when it is able build and move to the new location in San Antonio.

A fund-raising drive will begin shortly as the Texas Wing establishes its necessary building fund.

“We are thankful to the city of San Antonio for giving us the opportunity to better serve the community. This generous offer will greatly enhance our ability to carry out our missions,” said Col .Joe R. Smith, Texas Wing commander.

“I am so very proud of the fact that a vital organization like the Civil Air Patrol is moving its Texas state headquarters to Stinson Airfield and District 3,” Councilwoman Jennifer V. Ramos said.

“The Civil Air Patrol is the kind of organization we openly welcome and are excited to have in District 3, with its rich history and storied tradition in Texas and around the country,” Ramos said.

The Texas Wing is a member of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center and has been involved in every hurricane and major natural disaster to strike the state in recent memory.

“The relocation of the Wing Headquarters to San Antonio continues to grow San Antonio as a center for emergency response which enhances the safety of the citizens of San Antonio and all of our South Texas neighbors,” Councilman Reed Williams said.

Capt. Jack Calhoun, Group V commander, said, “I am grateful to Councilwoman Ramos and Councilman Williams, because they listened to us -- Lt. Col. Ed Billman (Group V commander), Maj. Chuck Tetlow (Bexar County Senior Squadron commander) and me -- when we came to them, and they started the ball rolling to accomplish what today has become a reality.”

Mo. cadet earns Spaatz award, top CAP cadet honor

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Future Cadet Col. Joshua Carr rappelling at the 2007 Missouri Wing Summer Encampment, where he served as a flight commander.

Photo by 1st Lt. Jennifer Carr

Lt. Col. Julie Oldham
Commander
Springfield Regional Composite Squadron
Maj. David A. Miller
Public Affairs Officer
Missouri Wing

MISSOURI – Cadet Col. Joshua Carr of the Springfield Regional Composite Squadron has earned Civil Air Patrol’s most prestigious cadet milestone award, the Gen. Carl A Spaatz Award.

Carr is the 1,761st cadet, and the 34th from the Missouri Wing, to receive the Spaatz, achieved by less than one-half of 1 percent of all CAP cadets.

The Springfield squadron’s former cadet commander, Carr is the North Central Region Cadet Advisory Council chairman and recorder for the National Cadet Advisory Council.

He served as the 2nd Cadet Training Group commander for the 2010 Missouri Wing Encampment. He was also cadet project officer for both the recent wing and North Central Region cadet Competitions and served on staff at the National Cadet Competition.

Maine contingent promotes CAP amid museum's vintage plane displays

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Staff Sgt. Alex Hebert of the 78th Composite Squadron and Capt.Mary Story, public affairs officer and recruiting and retention officerfor the Maine Wing. at the Civil Air Patrol recruiting table.

(2)
Standing in front of the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s 1912 Curtiss Model D are (first row, from left) Capt. Doug Hise of the 36th Composite Squadron; Cadet Staff Sgt. Alex Hebert of the 78th Composite Squadron; and Cadet Airman Chase Thibault, 1st Lt. Kay Buck, (second row, from left) Capt. Mark Seitz, 2nd Lt. Fred Barnum, 1st Lt. Jerry Smith and Capts. Ken Palmer and Dave Spicer, all members of the 36th Composite.

Capt. Mary Story
Public Affairs Officer
Maine Wing

MAINE -- The Owls Head Transportation Museum provided an unusually apt setting July 24-25 as members from two squadrons and wing headquarters used the facility’s Wings & Wheels Spectacular & Aerobatic Airshow to publicize Civil Air Patrol to potential members.

The event drew hundreds of visitors to the museum , home to a landmark collection of antique aircraft, as well as automobiles, carriages, bicycles and engines. Full-size replicas of the Wright brothers’ Wright Flyer and the Red Baron's Fokker triplane are particular visitor favorites, and the 1911 Farman and 1912 Etrich Taube are still being flown.

Members of the 36th and 77th composite squadrons and wing headquarters staff traveled to the museum in a pair of Civil Air Patrol vans July 25. An aircrew followed July 26 in a Cessna 182, as fog had prevented landing the previous day.

Members set up and staffed a recruiting table featuring Maine Wing history and photos from missions. Recruiting materials were handed out to museum visitors, and members answered questions.

Meanwhile, the cadets helped the younger visitors construct airplanes, and many of the handmade aircraft could be seen aloft in the hangar.

Capt. Doug Hise, aerospace education officer for the 36th Composite Squadron as well as a volunteer at the museum, arranged for the CAP presence during the weekend. The museum’s staff and board have invited the Maine Wing to return for other special events.

Overall, tourists and local residents alike received the CAP contingent with genuine interest.

CAP National Headquarters back online after relocation

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters can again be reached by telephone and computer, now that the return to CAP’s primary building at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala., is over.

The computers and phones were shut off at noon Thursday for the move, which followed an 18-month renovation project. National Operations Center and Operations staff communications remained operative for the duration.

N.C. honor guard presents colors as senior member becomes postmaster

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
The Burlington Composite Squadron Honor Guard – (from left) Cadet Staff Sgts. Hannah Andrews and Jordan Crawford, Cadet Basic Airman Joshua Jordan and Cadet Staff Sgt. Caleb Eng.

(2)
Senior Member James Constable (left) and Haw River Mayor Buddy E. Boggs

2nd Andrea Andrews
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Burlington Composite Squadron, NC-32022
North Carolina Wing

NORTH CAROLINA – When one of their unit’s own -- Senior Member James Constable – was installed July 15 as postmaster of Haw River, Burlington Composite Squadron Honor Guard cadets turned out to present the colors and then assist with the reception afterward.

Constable, his wife and their six children hosted the festivities, which included the mayor, town manager and town council members.

The honor guard cadets – Cadet Staff Sgts. Hannah Andrews, Jordan Crawford and Jordan Eng and Cadet Airman Basic Joshua Jordan – served food during the reception held after the ceremony. Those in commented on their disciplined professionalism.

Md.'s Wortman cited as NESA's outstanding Ground Team Leader course graduate

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Lt. Cols. John Desmarais (left), interim director of missions at Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters and founder of CAP's National Emergency Services Academy, and Mike Long (right), commandant of the academy’s Ground Search and Rescue School, flank 1st Lt. Andrew Wortman after presenting him with the Distinguished Graduate Award for the 2010 Ground Team Leader course.

Capt. Larry Moore
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND -- First Lt. Andrew Wortman, the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron’s deputy commander for cadets, has been recognized as the Distinguished Graduate of the 2010 Ground Team Leader course at Civil Air Patrol’s National Emergency Services Academy.

CAP’s ground search and rescue teams consist of both senior members and cadets who search for missing aircraft or missing persons, respond to emergencies and provide other services at the request of federal, state and local agencies.

“The Ground Team Leader course is the most extensive of NESA’s three Ground Search and Rescue School courses,” said Maj. Tim Strickland, the Maryland Wing’s emergency services officer. “It is a physically and psychologically challenging course designed to provide CAP’s ground team leaders with the skills needed to safely and effectively manage ground search and rescue teams operating in diverse and often hostile environments,”

Throughout the demanding seven-day course, Wortman demonstrated exceptional leadership, problem-solving skills and an extraordinary aptitude for land navigation and crisis management.

His accomplishments were so impressive that he was invited back as an instructor during the next NESA course.

In addition to being a key leader on the Fort McHenry squadron’s search and rescue team, Wortman has served as the unit’s deputy commander for cadets since April 2009. “His dedication and service in that role has resulted in the squadron maintaining a superb cadet program, ensuring CAP adults and cadets develop exceptional leadership and mentoring skills,” said Capt. Larry Moore, the squadron’s deputy commander for seniors.

Wortman’s emergency services ratings include Ground Team Leader; Ground Team Member – Levels 1, 2, and 3; Urban Direction Finding Team Member; Flight Line Marshaller; Flight Line Supervisor; and Mission Radio Operator. He holds the Basic Ground Team Badge, Emergency Services Patch and the Senior Ground Team Badge. He has also completed Incident Command System 100, 200, 700 and 800 training and was a nominee for 2009 Maryland Wing Deputy Commander for Cadets of the Year.

NESA provides a number of emergency services training opportunities to CAP senior members and cadets during multiple seven-day emergency services courses conducted at the Indiana National Guard’s Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center.

Deceased Wis. member honored on EAA AirVenture Memorial Wall

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Members of the late Lt. Col. Conrad Eggers’ family with Wisconsin Wing members at.

(2)
The bronze plaque honoring the late Lt. Col. Conrad Eggers.

1st Lt. Terese Barta
Public Affairs Officer
Stevens Point Composite Squadron
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN -- The last day of EAA’s annual AirVenture in Oshkosh was used to honor the memory of those whose passion for aviation touched the lives of others – including Lt. Col. Conrad Eggers, a 248th TAC Air Senior Squadron member when he died unexpectedly in 2007 at age 55.

Eggers’ name was among the 84 Memorial Wall inductees for 2010 announced by Tom Poberezny, president and chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association, during a ceremony at the Memorial Wall just outside Fergus Chapel on the edge of Pioneer Airport.

Following the recital of names, the aerial missing man formation was performed, taps was played and a wreath was placed at the wall.

In attendance were Eggers’ sister-in-law, Danielle; other members of his family; and friends. Many of the relatives and friends wore Hawaiian-style shirts because Eggers had a special fondness for them.

Wisconsin Wing members present to pay tribute included Lt. Cols. Marcia Cunningham, wing assistant chief of staff, and Harvey Moss, Northeast Group deputy commander for seniors; Majs. Pete Boulanger, wing director of aerospace education, and Pat Gaylord, operations officer for the Fox Cities Composite Squadron; and Capt. Robert Koehler, Fox Cities commander.

Gaylord arranged to have Eggers inducted to the Memorial Wall.

Eggers, who joined Civil Air Patrol in 1991, was very active with the Fox Cities unit’s cadets.
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“He had a quiet way in which he spent time mentoring cadets,” Moss said. “His commitment to the cadet program set him apart.”

Cunningham recalled Eggers fondly. “He loved to argue a point, but he knew when to concede,” she said. “He was great in communications and a stickler for detail.

“He was a good person who was conscientious of those around them and their feelings. He is still greatly missed.”

The EAA Memorial Wall was created in 1989 as a way for families and friends to pay tribute to their loved ones.

At the center is a monument created from thousands of stones brought to Oshkosh from EAA members’ home states and countries. Flanking the centerpiece are two walls with bronze plaques containing the names of individuals submitted for permanent recognition.

A bronze plaque on the wall now bears Egger’s name, and his biography has been added to the EAA memorial album that can viewed in Fergus Chapel during AirVenture in Oshkosh each year.

Ill. Wing's Scherer honored with Spaatz award

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Maj. Jerry Scherer
Personnel Officer
Illinois Wing

ILLINOIS – Capt. Jeramee G. Scherer has been recognized with the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet achievement, after completing the requirements for the honor as a cadet member of the Rockford Composite Squadron.

Scherer, the first Spaatz winner in the Rockford unit’s history, is a member of the Illinois Wing staff and a student at the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. Brig. Gen. James W. Schroeder, chief of staff of the Illinois Air National Guard, presented him with the award during a ceremony at wing headquarters.

Only about one-half of 1 percent of all cadets achieve the Spaatz, which requires completing all 16 achievements in the cadet program and passing a rigorous four-part examination consisting of written exams in aerospace education and leadership, a written essay and a physical fitness test.

Museum visit caps Texas unit's Aerospace Education Excellence program

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Senior members gaze at the only known unrestored example of a Japanese Type 95 artillery piece captured during World War II. While in recent years two other Type 95s have been recovered in terrible condition from jungles in the Philippines and sent back to Japan, the museum's staff has declined all requests from the Japanese government to return this gun. "Why should we?" museum manager Mike Delano said. "Our men captured it."
Photo by Maj. Richard Kolas

(2)
The Lubbock Composite Squadron's aerospace education officers, Maj. Lee Little Soldier and Capt. Terry Maroste, look at the museum’s "British Wall," which highlights the contributions of U.S. allies during World War II.
Photo by Maj. Richard Kolas

(3)
Members wend their way through the museum's indoor display, which began with World War I aircraft and finished with Operation Paperclip, the post-World War II program to import German scientists.
Photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Vernon

(4)
Members finish inspecting flak damage on an F-105.
Photo by 1st Lt. Kyle Vernon

(5)
Members look over an F-101 at the museum that Lubbock Composite Squadron cadets are patching up to prepare for painting later this year.
Photo by Maj. Richard Kolas

(6)
Found in the museum's collection: an original CAP membership card from 1944.
Photo by Maj. Richard Kolas

1st Lt. Kyle Vernon
Public Affairs Officer
Lubbock Composite Squadron
Texas Wing

TEXAS – A Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Excellence program that began in January with Lubbock Composite Squadron senior members’ reading a biography of astronaut Gordon Cooper culminated six months later on July 17 with a tour of rare aircraft at the Texas Air Museum in Slaton.

In the intervening half-year, the senior members had scrambled to figure crosswind components for a flight, built model SR-7’s from Styrofoam plates and pipe insulation, learned to use sectional aeronautical charts and delved into a variety of other projects.

While completing the program was always fun, it wasn’t always easy. Getting all the ducks to line up sometimes presented problems of its own, and when a tour of Lubbock’s Silent Wings Museum drew only a few members, the squadron knew it had to try again.

Maj. Lee Little Soldier and Capt. Terry Maroste, the unit’s aerospace education officers, went the extra mile to line up another tour, this time selecting the Texas Air Museum to cap off the program. During the last few years the squadron has had a great working relationship with the museum, and officials there were able to put together a tour on very short order.

Participating members closed out the program’s requirements gazing at and learning about the museum’s varied aircraft collection that includes a flight-worthy Messerschmitt Bf-108, a Stinson AT-19 and the sixth F-18 ever to be released to a museum for display. The senior members also were able to inspect the F9F Panther that the squadron’s cadets had painted in 2009.

Charged up from the program, the squadron senior members plan to continue on just as if the program hadn’t ended.

After the museum tour, discussions around the lunch table included such activities as traveling to the New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo, as well as helping the unit’s cadets by building a payload for a rocket the younger members hope to create in coordination with the Panhandle of Texas Rocketry Society.

Most NHQ phones, computers shutting down at noon today for move

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The long-awaited 18-month Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Building renovation project is complete!

NHQ has begun the moving process back into its primary building at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala.

Except for the National Operations Center and the Operations staff, all NHQ computers and phones will go down at noon today so all the equipment can be relocated.

It’s possible the phones and computers will be out of service until Tuesday, Aug. 3. Another announcement will be posted when computers and phones are back in service.

Thank you for your patience during this move.

'CBS Evening News' Gulf oil spill status report follows flight on CAP plane

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – The "CBS Evening News"’ segment Wednesday on the status of the Gulf oil spill 100 days after it occurred featured reporter Mark Strassman’s cooverage during and after a flight piloted by Capt. Randall Stastny of the Georgia Wing’s Peachtree City Falcon Field Composite Squadron.

The report included an aerial view of the affected shoreline as seen from the Civil Air Patrol aircraft and Stastny's remarks on the marked improvement in conditions since his most recent flight three weeks earlier.

Va. color guard steps up as state Little League tourney play opens

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Winchester Composite Squadron Color Guard – (from left) Cadet StaffSgt. Isaac Baumhoefner, Cadet Airman Adam King, Cadet Staff Sgt. DavidColvin and Cadet Airman Andy King.

Photo by Capt. Christopher Colvin

Capt. Christopher Colvin
Commander
Winchester Composite Squadron
Virginia Wing

VIRGINIA – The Winchester Composite Squadron’s color guard helped open the Little League state tournament July 22 in Clintwood by presenting the colors during the national anthem.

On a day where temperatures on the field climbed near 100, the color guard – Cadet Staff Sgts. Isaac Baumhoefner and David Colvin and Cadet Airmen Adam King and Andy King – didn’t miss a step.

The cadets “looked very sharp and did a great job,” said David Wellington, one of the organizers of the state tournament. “Their participation was extra special and added a touch of class to the opening ceremonies.”

Several members of the Little League board of directors are former military and also commented on the color guard’s professionalism.

“I am very proud of these cadets who not only took the time to participate in the opening ceremony, but also (served as) a fine example to the youth in attendance,” said Capt. Christopher Colvin, squadron commander. “It’s through activities of this nature where the Civil Air Patrol can become more visible in the communities.”

Hawaii Wing training mission focuses on GPS procedures

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(From left) Cols. Herb Kaneshige and Stanley Fernandez, both former Hawaii Wing commanders; Lt. Col. Ron Victorino, incident commander for the Port Allen Airport training mission and wing vice commander; State Rep. Roland Sagum; and Col. Roger Caires, wing commander.

Capt. Susan C. Caires
Public Affairs Officer
Kauai Composite Squadron
Hawaii Wing

HAWAII – All nine Hawaii Wing aircraft and 60 members were involved when the wing conducted a training mission July 17 at the Port Allen Airport on the south shore of Kauai.

Classroom instruction in the Inter-Island Helicopter facilities covered operation of the new VHF radio system and GPS search procedures. Outside the classroom, cadets provided ramp control under senior members’ supervision.

Making staggered departures from the airport, aircrews flew the Kauai tsunami warning route along the island’s north shore and tested their GPS skills in locating a vessel three miles out in the Pacific. .

State Rep. Roland Sagum rode on a demonstration flight and observed the training session. Sagum was presented with a certificate of appreciation during the initial briefing.

In the interest of safety, the state Department of Transportation’s Airports Division supported the training mission by providing a fire unit.

New CAP board member accepts prestigious AE award on Air Force Assn.'s behalf

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WISCONSIN – Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt, a newly appointed member of Civil Air Patrol’s National Board of Governors and the vice chairman of the Air Force Association’s board for aerospace education, accepted the Crown Circle Award for Excellence in Aerospace Education on the AFA’s behalf Monday in Oshkosh.

The award was presented by the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education, formerly known as the National Coalition for Aviation Education. CAP is a partner organization with both the coalition and the AFA.

CAP’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, was present for the award presentation, as were Don Rowland, CAP executive director, and Susan Mallett, Youth Development Program coordinator at National Headquarters.

The presentation was made at the EAA museum on the 2010 Teacher Day at EAA’s annual AirVenture in Oshkosh.

The Crown Circle Award, one of the highest honors available in aerospace education, was established in 1979 to recognize performance and outstanding leadership in the field.

To be considered for the award, an organization or individual must demonstrate involvement in and commitment to aerospace education as a local, national, or international leader in the field while demonstrating a high-quality performance over an extended period. WISCONSIN – Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt Air Force Sandy Schlitt, a newly appointed member of Civil Air Patrol’s National Board of Governors and the vice chairman of the Air Force Association’s board for aerospace education, accepted the Crown Circle Award for Excellence in Aerospace Education on the AFA’s behalf Monday in Oshkosh.

The award was presented by the National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education, formerly known as the National Coalition for Aviation Education. CAP is a partner organization with both the coalition and the AFA.

CAP’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, was present for the award presentation, as were Don Rowland, CAP executive director, and Susan Mallett ,Youth Development Program coordinator at National Headquarters.

The presentation was made at the EAA museum on the 2010 Teacher Day at EAA’s annual AirVenture in Oshkosh.

The Crown Circle Award, one of the highest honors available in aerospace education, was established in 1979 to recognize performance and outstanding leadership in the field.

To be considered for the award, an organization or individual must demonstrate involvement in and commitment to aerospace education as a local, national, or international leader in the field while demonstrating a high-quality performance over an extended period . Exceptionally unique orextraordinarily outstanding achievement or contributions in aerospaceeducation may warrant consideration as well.

The AFA has supported and been a leader in aerospace education since the organization’s inception in 1946. Its newest aerospace education activities are the Billy Mitchell Institute for Airpower Studies, the Elementary STEM Orientation Program and CyberPatriot, the National High School Cyber Defense competition..

Cadets devoting week to military civil engineering exploration

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

FLORIDA – Three dozen cadets from 18 wings are learning about military civil engineering careers this week at the Air Force Civil Engineering Academy at the Silver Flag Training site at Tyndall Air Force Base.

The academy, which began Sunday and lasts through Friday, exposes aspiring engineers to Air Force career opportunities in engineering-related fields.

The cadets learn about heavy equipment, robotics, construction, fire and rescue, demolitions and what it takes to design and construct an airfield from scratch. They take part in hands-on activities, simulations and career shadowing alongside Air Force members involved in Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, or Red Horse.

The course’s academic elements introduce the math, science and technology involved in engineering, encouraging the cadets’ continued development of those skills in fulfillment of their career goals.

Col. John M. Knowles, academy director and Maryland Wing director, said he looked forward to seeing the cadets “getting hands-on experience designing air bases, setting up clean water plants, driving heavy equipment and seeing what it is like to work in fire and rescue and demolitions.”

“My favorite quote from one of the students last year was, ‘This was the coolest experience I have ever had.’” Knowles aid.

Staff

Director

Col. John M. Knowles, Maryland Wing Headquarters.

Operations Officer/Assistant Director

Col .David Carter, Virginia Wing Headquarters.

Administrative Officer

Capt. Joanna Weiss, Harford Composite Squadron, Maryland Wing.

Tactical Officers

Col. Lawrence Trick, St. Marys Composite Squadron, Maryland Wing.
Lt. Col. Rebecca Gallagher, Sandy Springs Cadet Squadron, Georgia Wing.
1st Lt. Andrew C. Hanes, South Baldwin County Composite Squadron, Alabama Wing.
2nd Lt. Andrew D. Wortman, Fort McHenry Composite Squadron, Maryland Wing.

Public Affairs Officer

Maj. Steven H Solomon, Southeast Region Headquarters.

Cadets

California Wing

Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 – Cadet 1st Lt. Michael Chung.

Florida Wing

Central Florida Squadron – Cadet Tech. Sgt. Lee-Roy Hall.
Citrus County Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Melanie E. Lee.
Gainesville Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgts. Caleb D. Eades and Tyler H. Gwynn.
Naples Cadet Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Daniel A. Ferrao.
North Tampa-Lutz Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Zachary S. Dawson.

Georgia Wing

Sandy Springs Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. James B. Curlee.

Indiana Wing

Valparaiso Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Donald H. Puent III.

Louisiana Wing

Capitol City Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Mary Ann Palisi.

Kentucky Wing

Campbell County Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Nathan M. Pappas.

Maryland Wing

Glenn L. Martin Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Michael J. Gentle Jr., Cadet 2nd Lt. Bart D. Bartgis and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Charles A. Grebe.

Michigan Wing

Selfridge Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Zechariah A. Vinson.

Minnesota Wing

St. Paul Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lts. Derek G. Fox and Nicholas W. Demuse, Cadet 2nd Lt. Nicholas R. Tunell and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Joseph A. Pahr.
Viking Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Elias N. Wiff.

Missouri Wing

Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Eric B. Workman.

New Hampshire Wing

Hawk Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Zacchaeus R. Graf.
Lebanon Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Noah B. Johnson.

New Jersey Wing

Teaneck Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Daniel A. Derasse.

North Carolina Wing

Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Kyle P. Zobel.

Ohio Wing

Wright-Patterson Cadet Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Sara J. Fishbein.

Oregon Wing

Medford Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Steven F. Ohlund.

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South Carolina Wing

Sumter Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jared F. Buniel.

Tennessee Wing

Murfreesboro Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Amy D. Berent.
Oak Ridge Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Kendall A. Worthington.

Texas Wing

Addison Eagles Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Scott D. Gulliksen.
Pegasus Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. David W. Hamman.
Randolph Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Luis M, Boothe.
Spindletop Cadet Squadron – Cadet Maj. Juliana M. Leano.

Virginia Wing

Fredericksburg Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Leon Nathan Guerrero.
Leesburg Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew D. Esnardo.

Wis. members step up, lie down as injured for Operation Patriot

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Wisconsin Wing participants in Operation Patriot.

1st Lt. Terese Barta
Public Affairs Officer
Stephens Point Composite Squadron
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – A dozen Wisconsin Wing members suffered burns, broken limbs, gunshot wounds, food poisoning, bleeding gums and even squirrel bites during Operation Patriot – all simulated injuries, but nevertheless important in training Expeditionary Medical Support personnel during the exercises July 17-21 at Volk Field Air National Guard Base.

Operation Patriot is an annual joint forces training exercise that gives Army and Air National Guard units from across the country an opportunity to train with the U.S. Army and Air Force, as well as coalition forces, in scenarios they might encounter when deployed.

Members of the Wisconsin Wing volunteered their time to play the role of injured military personnel or civilians, whose injuries could range from bruises to post-traumatic stress.

Although mannequins can be used in some situations, medical personnel appreciate the responsiveness of live patients.

The scenarios are carefully constructed in advance, though they can also be altered while unfolding.

In a typical scenario, volunteers are briefed on their roles and may undergo moulage to simulate their injuries. They are then taken by ambulance to the Expeditionary Medical Support, or EMEDS, facility, which features an emergency room, operating room and ward capable of stabilizing the patients.

Depending on the situation, the patient could also then be transferred to CSU – the Casualty Staging Unit, a holding area that provides medical care while the patient awaits evacuation by air.

The CSU was operated by medical personnel from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. EMEDS medical personnel included members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Belgium Air Force.

Doctors and nurses already know how to take care of patients, so the exercise is really all about “patient flow,” one Air National Guard physician said, adding that “the supplemental nonpatient care is so important.”

Medical personnel worked around the clock in 12-hour shifts. Patient role-players were available for “inserts” from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Patriot exercise began in the mid-1990s. This year, about 1,000 military personnel participated, said Capt. Holly Caldwell of Air National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Ohio.

This year’s exercise was smaller in scale because of funding issues, Caldwell said, and it focused more on domestic operations.

This marked the sixth year the Wisconsin Wing was asked to participate.

Those participating:

Wisconsin Wing Headquarters -- Lt. Col Marcia Cunningham, assistant chief of staff.
Eagle River Flight – Capt. Michael Krein, deputy commander for cadets.
Eau Claire Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgts. Victoria Schell and Annaka Fischer.
La Crosse Composite Squadron -- 1st Lt. Alison Schneller, squadron activities officer.
153rd Madison Composite Squadron -- Lt. Col. John Potterton, emergency services training officer; Capt. Suzanne Potterton, deputy commander for cadets; Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Natalie Marshall; Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Alex Lengyel; and Cadet Staff Sgt. Phillip Tomovici.
Stevens Point Composite Squadron – 1st Lt. Terese Barta, public affairs officer.
Timmerman Composite Squadron – 2nd Lt. Timothy McCaigue, assistant transportation officer.

Krein was Civil Air Patrol’s point of contact for Operation Patriot this year.

“It’s not difficult to take over a project like Patriot when it has been run for so many years by Col. Potterton,” he said. “He has built a good rapport with the Air Force.

“The Army and the Air Force love us.”

Cadets participating in Colo., Fla. space command courses

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – Sixty Civil Air Patrol cadets will gain an inside look at aerospace operations through CAP’s two Air Force Space Command Familiarization Courses, set for Saturday through July 31at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., and July 31-Aug. 8 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

The 33 cadets from 17 wings enrolled in the Florida course will receive behind-the-scenes at Patrick AFB, as well as briefings and guest speakers on various aspects of America’s missions and roles in space. Cadets will get to meet the many talented men and women from NASA and the 45th Space Wing who support the business of space launch and exploration.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for some of our future leaders to gain unprecedented access into the space lift operations and support of our key East Coast spaceport,” said Maj. Paul Dickinson, director of the Florida course. “These cadets will experience a glimpse of the space world in this one week that few get the opportunity to do in a lifetime.”

Participants in the Florida course will also visit the Range Operations Control Center, where all launches from Cape Canaveral are controlled and tracked, and historic launch sites from the Mercury and Apollo programs. In addition, cadets may visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where they will observe elements of the space shuttle processing facilities, as well as Cape Canaveral, where they will tour launch facilities and historic landmarks.

The Colorado course, in which 27 cadets from 19 wings are enrolled, will include orientation tours of North America Aerospace Defense Command – NORAD – and intercontinental ballistic missile sites at Peterson AFB, giving the cadets the opportunity to meet the men and women at the heart of day-to-day space operations.

The cadets also will visit the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where future Air Force leaders study and train.

Cadet Roster – Colorado

Arizona Wing

Tucson Composite Squadron 105 – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Zachary P. Henesy.

Arkansas Wing

120th Composite Squadron ¬– Cadet Capt. Davis L. Spurlock.

California Wing

Beach Cities Cadet Squadron 107 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Mark R. Lupfer.

Colorado Wing

Air Academy Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Nathan P. Rife.

Georgia Wing

Central Fellowship Christian Academy Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew A. Newell.
Rome Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Michael B. Chickvary.

Indiana Wing

Valparaiso Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Samuel Price.

Massachusetts Wing

Hanscom Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Eric T. Leitzke.
Pilgrim Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Connor M. O’Dwyer.

Michigan Wing

Oakland Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Ashley M. Thornton.

New Mexico Wing

Eagle Cadet Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Robert L. Timmis III.

New York Wing

Canandaigua Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Margaret M. Walter.

Maryland Wing

Bowie Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jonathan S. Williams.

Missouri Wing

Northland Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Kelly K. Fuller.
Springfield Regional Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Lauren R. Faulkner.

New Jersey Wing

Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Andrew I. Knapp.
Jack Schweiker Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Nicholas Birbilis.

North Carolina Wing

Apex Cadet Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Ryan S. Beaver.
Asheville Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Greene..

Ohio Wing

Youngstown ARS Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Joseph P. Spletzer.

Oklahoma Wing

Broken Arrow Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Korey Deubler.

Pennsylvania Wing

Somerset County Composite Squadron 1502 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Emily Fabyanic.

Texas Wing

Addison Eagles Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. James A. Gulliksen.
Crusader Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Robert H. Severance IV.
Frisco Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Brandon G. Maso.
Thunderbolt Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Emily K. Crouse.

Wisconsin Wing

Walco Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Joseph S. Geldermann.

Cadet Roster -- Florida

Alabama Wing

Redstone Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Sarah A. Folse.

California Wing

Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Ricardo A. Villalta.

Florida Wing

Orlando Cadet Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Matthew G. Allen.

Indiana Wing

Rivercity Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Aaron McNabb Evans. Haubstadt.

Kentucky Wing

Campbell County Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Stephanie F. Bridges.

Maryland Wing

Annapolis Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Anne C. Sisk.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron – Cadet Capts. Kristen S. Santos and Victor S. Santos.
Frederick Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Kathleen P. Crockett and Cadet 2nd Lt. Noah Meyers.

Massachusetts Wing

Hanscom Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Kaitlyn B. McSweeney.

Michigan Wing

Selfridge Cadet Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Amanda R. Shields.

Minnesota Wing

St. Paul Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Nicholas W. Demuse.

Pennsylvania Wing

Capital City Composite Squadron 302 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Alan W. Leach.

New Hampshire Wing

Concord Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Andrew D. Sackett.

New Jersey Wing

Atlantic County Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Adam D. Tarantino.
Picatinny Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Edmont Caffarra.

New York Wing

Putnam County Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Sean D. Feldman.

Oregon Wing

Columbia Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Matthew J. Brookshire.
Washington County Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Teresa J. Gray.

Tennessee Wing

Berry Field Composite Squadron 56 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jordan M. Green.
Kingsport Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Gabriel A. Sanchez-Vinas.
Murfreesboro Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Jared P. Ver Mulm.

Texas Wing

South Fort Worth Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Moriah G. Efries.
Tyler Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jesse D. Carr.

Utah Wing

Cache Valley Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Kelsi M. Christensen.

Virginia Wing

Fredericksburg Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Joseph D. Tharp.
Leesburg Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Rebecca E. Shermer and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas R. Shermer.
Newport News Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lts. Daniel Lee Guinn and Kaleb C. Wagar.

Washington Wing

Mount Rainer Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Nathan D. Rojas.
Northshore Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Danielle Baxtermoore.

CAP academy delves into cutting-edge engineering, aerospace technologies

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

A cadet tests airfoil aerodynamics at an earlier Engineering Technologies Academy at Auburn University.

ALABAMA – Twenty-two cadets from 16 Civil Air Patrol wings will explore career opportunities at the organization’s 2010 Engineering Technology Academy, or E-Tech, beginning Saturday and continuing through July 31 at Auburn University.

The career exploration activity is designed for cadets who want to pursue an aerospace or engineering career or are interested in cutting-edge aerospace technologies. Thay are introduced to several engineering disciplines by completing hands-on projects and learning from professors and NASA or U.S. Air Force researchers at Auburn, a leading engineering university.

Capt. Phil Boylan, who is a nuclear and mechanical engineer and director of E-Teach, said this year’s class of 22 is the largest and most accomplished in recent memory.

“We have cadets traveling to Auburn from as far away as Vermont, Colorado and South Dakota,” Boyland said.

“ E-Tech offers CAP cadets a weeklong immersion as students in one of the nation’s top engineering schools. They get a rare opportunity to experience nearly all aspects of life as an engineering student – living in dorms, interacting with senior professors, working with the carbon fiber composites used in the F-22 fighter, running experiments, working side-by-side with the Auburn Hovercraft team and enjoying the university athletic facilities,” he said.

“They will also get a rare insider’s tour of the GKN Aerospace Manufacturing Plant in Tallassee, Ala. These senior cadets are treated as actual college students and given substantial liberty to manage their personal affairs responsibly during the week. They have always risen to the challenge.

“I wish I’d had the opportunity to experience an activity like E-Tech before I entered engineering school!” Boylan said.

Activities will include exploring aerospace and fiber engineering by constructing a carbon-fiber airfoil that will be tested in a smoke tunnel, as well as projects in industrial/systems engineering, mechanical engineering and materials engineering.

Cadet roster

Alabama Wing

Chilton County Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Hannah Pearson.

Colorado Wing

Fremont Starfire Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jack C. Nordell.

Georgia Wing

Calhoun Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Kaitlyn English.
Savannah Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Elisabeth S. Smith.
Sweetwater Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Brandon Aaron Jones.

Indiana Wing

Lutheran High School Flight ¬– Cadet Maj. James Sheehy.

Kentucky WIng

Campbell County Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jacob F. Bridges.

Maryland Wing

Frederick Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Rachel Petro.

Missouri Wing

Platte Valley Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Austin P. Carrill.

New Jersey Wing

Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Justin J. Weaver.

New York Wing

Chemung Schuyler Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Caleb McLean.

Pennsylvania Wing

Somerset County Composite Squadron 1502 – Cadet Lt. Col. Ryan Musselman.

South Dakota Wing

Lookout Mountain Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. David G. Small III.

Tennessee Wing

St. Edwards Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Andrew W. Fisher.

Texas Wing

Lubbock Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Michael Eckles.

Vermont Wing

Capital Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Keith Cannon.

Virginia Wing

Burke Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Madeleine E.G. Dillon.
Lynchburg Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Jeremy Sipantzi and Cadet 2nd Lt. Anson S. Branner.
Prince William Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jason R. Bailey.
Southside Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Luke J. Routhier.

West Virginia Wing

Boone Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jon Ball.

National Blue Beret cadets assisting with massive air show

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WISCONSIN – More than 130 cadets participating in Civil Air Patrol’s National Blue Beret are providing assistance through Aug. 2 at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual fly-in at Oshkosh, Wis. – one of the world’s top air shows.

For 134 cadets 16 and older from 41 of CAP's 52 wings, along with selected senior members, National Blue Beret offers the chance to work at one of the largest and most prestigious air shows in the world, which annually draws more than 500,000 people and includes more than 10,000 aircraft.

“National Blue Beret is a cadet experience like no other,” said Col. Regena Aye, the activity director. “Blue Beret allows cadets to hone their emergency services skills, to take advantage of some amazing aerospace education opportunities and to improve their leadership skills.”

Each participant works several areas of the air show, including the flight line and exhibits, learning techniques of aircraft marshaling and electronic direction-finding. Cadets are encouraged to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime events that often occur during the event, such as opportunities to meet legendary aviators, celebrities and aviation professionals and to both vintage and sophisticated aircraft in flight.

Cadet roster

Alabama Wing

Maxwell Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. David A. Carriker.
117th ANG Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Travis E. Dykes.

Alaska Wing

Juneau Southeast Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Chatham D. Holt.

Arizona Wing

Willie Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Daniel R. Haasch.

Arkansas Wing

42nd Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Crystal M. Pitts.
115th Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Dakota Swearengin.

California Wing

Sierra Composite Squadron 72 Cadet 1st Lt. Alexander James Lewallen.
Santa Barbara Composite Squadron 131 Cadet Maj. Ehren T. Rauch.

Colorado Wing

Air Academy Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lts. Kylene Eagle. Trevor J. Ellis and Deanna Harmon.
Boulder Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Lucas S. Hayas.
Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Paul E. Childress Jr.. Cadet 1st Lt. Kory L.E. Zablocki and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Dakota Panco.
Mustang Cadet Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Nolan D. Gray.
San Juan Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Daniel E. Hopper.
Thompson Valley Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Kyle J. Dietz.

Connecticut Wing

103rd Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew T. Winot.

Delaware Wing

Dover Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Branden L. Tisdell.

Florida Wing

Coral Springs Cadet Squadron – Cadet Maj. Casey A. Martin.
Gainesville Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Daniel Cook.
Lee County Cadet Squadron – Cadet Majs. Jayson Beck and Theresa Quintana.
Naples Cadet Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Keirnan Osborne and Cadet 2nd Lt. Dylan James Binner.
North Palm Beach County Cadet Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Daniel Dooley.
Oakhurst Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Justin S. Niquette
Tallahassee Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin Bowersox.
Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Alec S. Lampasona.
Weston Cadet Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Chris P. Smith.

Georgia Wing

Augusta Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Katelyn Montgomery.
Cobb County Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Galen Maret.
Griffin Cadet Squadron – Cadet Col. Ryan T. O’Connor and Cadet 1st Lt. Janet McCartney.

Hawaii Wing

Kona Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Jonathan T. Lomberg.

Illinois Wing

Chicago Midway Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Robert J. Wlosek.
Lewis Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael J. Dorencz.
Fox Valley Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lts. Steven Benson and Martin V. Perez.
Rockford Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Christian W. Ponall.
7-6 Air Cavalry Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Evan Z. Phillips.

Indiana Wing

Valparaiso Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Alistair C. Dowds.

Iowa Wing

Davenport Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Zachary Melvin and Cadet Staff Sgt. Lucas Kakert.
East Iowa Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Thomas Glavan.

Kansas Wing

Wing Headquarters– Cadet Maj. Priscilla Temaat.
Micky Axton Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Brendan K. Finley.
77th Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Marah Carney.

Kentucky Wing

Campbell County Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cory M. Baume.
Kyant Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Parker J. Hovis.

Maryland Wing

Fort McHenry Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Zachary McManus.

Massachusetts Wing

Hanscom Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Joseph D. Sievers.

Michigan Wing

Battle Creek Cadet Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Brendan M. Pheley.
Hudsonville Metro Cadet Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Matthew P. Schneider.
Lakeshore 119 Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Gordan Kovacevic.
Scott M. Burgess Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Airman Jacob Brandon.
Thunderbolt Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. John M. Martian.

Minnesota Wing

Anoka County Composite Squad Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Steven Zingsheim.
North Hennepin Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. David Chanski.
119th ANG Cadet Squadron-Hawley. Minn. Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Curtis M. Oberg.
Viking Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lts. Brett Bonine and William Schrammen.

Mississippi Wing

Maj.James McKinnie Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel L. Robinson.

Missouri Wing

Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Kyle Adams.
St. Charles Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. David Adam Daubach.
Saline County Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Brandon Bingaman.

Montana Wing

Beartooth Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Philip Raymond Schmidt.

National Capital Wing

Mount Vernon Composite Squadron-= Cadet 2nd Lt. Jonathan Fry.

Nevada Wing

Nellis Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Ariya Le.
70th Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Nicholas A. Carter.

New Hampshire Wing

Greater Nashua Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Erik C. VanDenBerghe.
Hawk Composite Squadron . Cadet 2nd Lt. Mark H. Chapman.

New Jersey Wing

Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Joshua Dworkin.
Jack Schweiker Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Peter F. Sanchez.
Bayshore Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Blaise G. Hode.

New Mexico Wing

Socorro Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgts. Alexander Cases and Sgt. Hanson Oxford.
T-Bird Composite Squadron 4 Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathanial Way and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Austin H. Brown.

New York Wing

Jamestown Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. William C. Rogers Jr.

North Carolina Wing

Asheville Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Joseph L. Houston.
South Charlotte Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Sierra W. Larson Cadet 2nd Lts. Nathan Wuerffel and Mitchell L. Wyse.
Winston Salem Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Timothy J. Johnson.

Ohio Wing

Findlay Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Christopher A. Credit.
Frank H. Kettlewood Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jonathan W. Elliott.

Oklahoma Wing

Grove Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. James G. Roberts and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Levi A. Proctor.
Oklahoma City Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Joseph N. Fellin.
Starbase Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Mason Green.

Pennsylvania Wing

Bangor Slate Belt Composite Squadron 807 Cadet 2nd Lt. Liam Morrissey.
Doylestown Composite Squadron 907 Cadet 1st Lt. George Hunter Kinsey.
Golden Triangle Composite Squadron 603 Cadet Tech Sgt. Alexander Boy.
Mount Pocono Composite Squadron 207 Cadet 2nd Lt. Audrey J. Crismon.
Morgantown Composite Squadron-Masontown. W.Va. Cadet Capt. Blaise Loughman.
Nittany Composite Squadron 338 Cadet 2nd Lt. John T. Knisely.
Willow Grove JRB Squadron 902 Cadet Master Sgt. Isaac McDermott.

Puerto Rico Wing

Catono Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Liezbeth Roman.
Dr. Cesareo Rose-Nieves Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Angel R. Valle.

South Carolina Wing

Murrells Inlet Cadet Squadron -- Cadet 2nd Lt. Brandon Benjamin
Lexington Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Ty Button, Cadet 2nd Lt. Kelsey Camacho and Cadet Staff Sgt. Antonio Passerini.
Myrtle Beach Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. John L. Mol.

South Dakota Wing

Lewis & Clark Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Benjamin S. Jared.
Sioux Falls Composite Squadron Cadet 1st Lt. Kendra May Lauer.

Tennessee Wing

St. Edwards Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew A. Branch.
Williamson County Cadet Squadron – Cadet Maj. Timothy Wier.

Texas Wing

Apollo Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Thomas Gladwin.
Dallas Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Collin Cathcart.
Ellington Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Danielle Booker.
Frisco Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Eric M. Womboldt.
Lakeshore Squadron – Cadet Capts. Addison T. Jaynes and Nicholas J. Schroder.
Lubbock Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Cameron A. Varner.
Nighthawk Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Cody D. McComber.
Thunderbird Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. James C. Shawn.
Tyler Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. James H. Schulgen.

Vermont Wing

Rutland Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Brennan Kidder.

Virginia Wing

Newport News Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Jared L. Mast and Cadet 2nd Lt. Holland Bankston.
Prince William Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lts. Krista Harbold and Cadet 2nd Lt. Nicholas R. Howe and Cadet Staff Sgts. Paige Carlson and Matthew Munson.

West Virginia Wing

Greenbrier Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Reed Moran.

Wisconsin Wing

461st Wisconsin Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Stuart Karas and 2nd Lt. Timothy Brath.
Fox Cities Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. David A. Elm. Fond Du Lac. Wis.
Kenosha Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathan E. Filippelli and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Samuel C. Filippelli.
Waukesha Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Caleb Hendryx.

Hawaii's U.S. Rep. Hirono joins CAP Legislative Squadron

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(From left, front row) Capt. Joseph Kaanapu, Hawaii Wing web security administrator; Col. Stanley Fernandez, wing director of government relations; U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono; Col. Herbert Kaneshige, deputy director of government relations; 1st Lt Marty Flynn, administrative officer for the West O’ahu Composite Squadron; and (back row) Cadet Airman 1st Class Lawrence Ross and Cadet Staff Sgt. Mathew Barton, both O’ahu squadron members.

Col. Stanley Fernandez
Director of Government Affairs
Hawaii Wing

HAWAII – Wing members recently visited U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono to confer Civil Air Patrol legislative membership on the congresswoman.

Hirono joins Sens. Dan Akaka and Dan Inouye as members of CAP’s Legislative Squadron in the nation’s capital. Membership is awarded to lawmakers for outstanding support for CAP.

The CAP delegation presented Hirono with a membership certificate, a blue CAP golf shirt and her CAP identification card.

Texas Wing duo tracks down stolen beacon

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Capt. Wayne Hensley with the stolen emergency position indicating radio beacon, which he found after helping track its signal to an abandoned house.

Capt. Mike Turoff
Commander
Hobby Senior Squadron
Texas Wing

TEXAS – Two members of the Hobby Senior Squadron tracked down what turned out to be a stolen emergency position indicating radio beacon July 10 in a Houston neighborhood.

For Capt. Mike Turoff, the squadron’s commander, the mission began when his ringing telephone awoke him at 6 a.m. It was Lt. Col. Rick Woolfolk, Texas Wing alerting officer, asking if he could assemble an urban direction-finding team to locate an activated emergency position indicating radio beacon signal that the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center satellite system had been receiving since 11 o’clock the night before. The devices, carried by boaters and on commercial shipping vessels, are the aquatic equivalent of the emergency locator transmitters found on airplanes.

At first, Turoff replied that he had to go to work, so he declined the opportunity. As soon as he was fully awake, though, he realized that it was Saturday, a day off from work. A quick return call to Woolfolk settled the matter, and Turoff accepted the assignment.

The mission was an unusual one because the beacon’s owner, contacted by the AFRCC, said it had been reported stolen before being activated.

Complicating matters was the fact that ongoing activities meant very few local Civil Air Patrol members were likely to be available for the job. As a result, Turoff called 10 local members before getting a volunteer, Capt. Wayne Hensley, his squadron’s personnel officer.

Once they met up, Turoff and Hensley had to work with a Houston police officer because the signal's location put it in a residential area of the city’s 5th Ward. Upon arriving at the signal’s approximate site, they and the officer started a slow, progressive search of the area using the Houston squadron's Little L-Per direction-finding system.

As they searched, almost 30 minutes went by with only background noise audible on the system. Finally, as the team went slightly past the designated area, the roof-mounted three-antenna system picked up a definite signal.

Turoff, Hensley and the officer proceeded to the nearest house to ask if the resident had such a beacon. The homeowner knew nothing about it, but gave permission to the officer and the two CAP members to search the area.

An apparently abandoned house, its doors and windows open, stood next door. The signal seemed to be coming from there.

The police officer entered the house, then summoned Hensley to come in with the direction-finding unit. As the officer searched, the signal seemed to be coming from a sports-type carrying bag in one of the rooms.

Once the bag was opened, there it was – the stolen beacon.

Turoff assisted the officer in turning off the device, then notified the AFRCC and Woolfolk of the search's success. After thbe police officer took possession of the beacon, its owner was contacted. He was thrilled to learn that the beacon-detecting system did indeed work and that the CAP members had been able to track the device down – and would have been able to do so had he used it if he encountered an emergency while sailing.

Minn. cadets prove their 'pride in passion' during encampment

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

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Cadet Capt. Lydia Stone of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron shares some land navigation tips with Cadet Airman Jordan Kangwijaya, a Valley Composite Squadron member.

(2)
Cadet Capt. David Johnson of the Red Wing Composite Squadron leads his 24th Cadet Training Squadron during the pass in review.

(3)
Encampment cadets are all smiles during their Black Hawk ride.

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Cadet Airman 1st Class Arden Heath of the North Hennepin Composite Squadron at prayer during an ecumenical service.

(5)
Cadets enjoy Camp Ripley’s confidence course.

Photos by Maj. Richard Sprouse

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
2010 Minnesota Encampment
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – The bays are empty, the drill pad quiet, the blankets and linens turned in, the dining facility closed.

The 2010 Minnesota Encampment and 12th Cadet Training Group, held July 10-17 at Camp Ripley, is over.

For a week, 164 Civil Air Patrol members – 75 basic cadets, 24 Staff Development Squadron cadets, 35 cadet staffers and 30 senior members – endured the heat, humidity and threat of severe weather normally associated with a Minnesota summer to enjoy the camaraderie, challenges and fun related to encampment.

“It was all awesome. I wished it wouldn’t have ended,” said Cadet Airman 1st Class Austen Smith of the St. Cloud Composite Squadron.

His thoughts were echoed by many of those attending encampment, and for good reason: There was so much to do.

Camp Ripley’s confidence course included 20 obstacles that relieved the pent-up energy of in-processing and began building the teamwork that’s so much a part of a successful encampment for cadets and senior members alike.

Later, everyone made their way into the recesses of the 53,000-care National Guard training facility to receive hands-on land navigation training. Teams using a compass employed pace counts, point plotting and map reading skills over various types of terrain to reach their objectives.

In addition, the M4 and M16 rifle simulators provided a video game few will forget.

Nor will anyone forget his ride on a Black Hawk helicopter, courtesy of the 2-147th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Two Black Hawks provided about a 20-minute ride with the sun setting, a view enhanced by the lush farm fields, rich forests and numerous lakes and rivers of central Minnesota.
The response by the choppers’ crewmembers, many of whom had completed multiple deployments in Iraq or Afghanistan, will also be long remembered.

“The Minnesota National Guard knows how hard CAP works in preparing for search and rescue missions, so having you flying with us has been our honor,” said Sgt. Erik Hite, a crew chief assisting with the flights.

Hite added, “We’ve been working hard during annual training here, we’re tired, but seeing the look on the cadets’ faces after their Black Hawk ride made it all worth it. We look forward to flying with Civil Air Patrol again.”

As the cadets and staff prepared to leave Camp Ripley, Cadet Lt. Col Billy Hoffman, 12th Cadet Training Group commander, reflected on the week.

“For many cadets, being thrown into a huge lifestyle change like encampment can be a challenge, Hoffman said, “but it’s a good chance to develop time management, teamwork and problem solving skills” – skills the 130th Composite Squadron member hopes they will take to their home squadrons and apply.

“Pride in Passion” was the official motto of the 12th Cadet Training Group, an apt description of the spirit with which the basic cadets progressed through encampment, said Capt. Nash Pherson, encampment commander and a member of the Mankato Composite Squadron.

“Each cadet proved repeatedly throughout the week that he or she possessed the pride and passion to take their places as leaders in their squadrons, in the Minnesota Wing and the Civil Air Patrol,” Pherson said.

La. Wing devotes day to standardization, evaluation

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Lt. Col. Cole Flournoy, standardization and evaluation officer for the Shreveport Senior Squadron, explains some of the features of the Garmin 1000.

Photo by John Zaremba

Maj. Michael James
Public Affairs Officer
Louisiana Wing

LOUISIANA – Louisiana Wing members reviewed standardization and evaluation fundamentals for Civil Air Patrol pilots and related information during a conference July 10 at the Surrogate Predator operations facility at Alexandria International Airport.

Lt. Cols. Brian Capone, Cole Flournoy and Thomas “Doc” Barnard.-- standardization and evaluation officers for the Shreveport Senior and Capitol City Composite squadrons and the Louisiana Wing, respectively – served as instructors.

Stressing the importance of the one-day session, Barnard declared that “our stan/eval pilots must be keenly aware of their responsibilities when evaluating pilots during annual flight checks and must be kept abreast of the latest techniques, information and applicable regulations”

He added, “The most valuable attribute demanded of stan/eval personnel is integrity. Without it, training, skills, and experience are meaningless”.

The training included an overview of the standardization and evaluation program, a review of wing pilot and aircraft statistics, proposed regulations, the Mission Information Management System, standard operating procedures, check pilot integrity, Garmin1000 training requirements and techniques, field observations, trends, remedies and shared suggestions.

CAP pilots must prove their proficiency annually by demonstrating their ability to safely and professionally operate CAP aircraft. They are also tested on their knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration and CAP rules and regulations.

Wis. color guard helps salute WASP member honored nearly 67 years after death

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Color guard cadets (from left) Travis Maxwell, Dave Weak and Daniel Haffner speak with Margaret Seip's brother, Jim, after the honors ceremony.

(2)
Brig. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, presents the U.S. flag used in the ceremony to Margaret Seip's brother, Jim, and his son, seated to his left. The Civil Air Patrol color guard is presenting the colors behind them.

(3)
Brig. Gen. Donald Dunbar and the Air Force Honor Guard prepare to give full military honors to Margaret Seip.

(4)
The headstone for Margaret Seip, engraved with the Women Airforce Service PIlots emblem, is now adorned with the special WASP flag holder.

1st Lt. Jeri Gonwa
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – With Civil Air Patrol cadets presenting the colors, full military honors were bestowed on Margaret Seip, a former Women Airforce Service Pilots volunteer and one of the Wisconsin Wing’s first female members, at Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee on July 15, nearly 67 years after her death at age 27.

Several other Wisconsin Wing members from the Milwaukee area were in attendance to help honor this pioneer in the field of aviation, along with Brig. Gen. Donald Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin; the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard; and multiple veterans groups, as well as members of Seip’s family.

The honor accompanied the Congressional Gold Medal, which Seip received posthumously March 10. A bill awarding the medal to all WASP members was signed into law in July 2009. Members of the group, which was disbanded in 1944, had received veteran status in 1977.

As a CAP member, Seip belonged to the pilot squadron that met at the Timmerman Airport back in 1942, said her brother, Jim Seip. Now 90, he remembers his sister fondly and felt honored that she is finally being recognized for her wartime efforts. Jim Seip’s son, Jim, also in attendance, was thankful his father was still alive to be part of the historic moment.

Margaret Seip helped pave the way for other women as a pioneer in aviation as well as CAP.

In the 1940s, women pilots flying military planes as WASP member did everything their male military counterparts did except fly into combat. They were often used to prove to the male pilots that the planes were safe to fly. The women also had to pay for their own training and, after the group was disbanded, had to pay their ways back home as well.

Seip joined WASP in March 1943 and died while in the advanced phrase of training Aug. 30, 1943, when her plane crashed in west Texas after a bolt on a cargo door come lose. She was not supposed to be on that plane, but she had volunteered to replace a fellow woman pilot who fell ill.

She was one of only 38 WASP pilots to die while in service and the only woman pilot from Wisconsin to have died while on duty. Because she was considered a volunteer, rather than a member of the military, she was sent home in a pine box with no flag draping her coffin and without any military honors.

Presenting the colors for the memorial service were Cadet Senior Airman Dave Weak, color guard commander, and Cadet 2nd Lt. Daniel Haffner and Cadet Tech Sgt. Travis Maxwell, all from the Timmerman Composite Squadron; and Cadet Senior Airman Jesse Hubbard from Milwaukee Composite Squadron 5.

Other members in attendance were 1st Lt. Jeri Gonwa and 2nd Lts. Lydia Gonwa and Tim McCaigue, all from the Timmerman squadron; Lt. Col. Danielle Michaels of the Milwaukee squadron; and Maj. Ron Wroblewski of Southeast Group Headquarters.

Ga. unit salutes veterans, promote Wreaths Across America at baseball game

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Gwinnett County Composite Squadron Color Guard -- (from left) Cadet 2nd Lts. Kaitlyn Barnes and Thomas Feeney, Cadet Master Sgt. Anthony Langone, Cadet Tech. Sgts. Nathan Aldana and Noah Still, and Cadet Capt. Ryan Tatum – stands at attention as Cindy Lou Harrington performs the National Anthem before the Gwinnett Braves’ Flag Day game against the Durham Bulls.

2nd Lt. Toby Palmquist
Public Affairs Officer
Gwinnett County Composite Squadron
Georgia Wing

GEORGIA -- Flag Day provided an opportunity for the Gwinnett County Composite Squadron’s color guard not only to display the colors before the start of a Gwinnett Braves baseball game but also to introduce the crowd of more than 4,000 to Wreaths Across America.

At the invitation of officials with the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A franchise, more than 30 members of the squadron were present at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville to honor Veterans of Foreign Wars members being recognized by the team and to promote Wreaths Across America.

Civil Air Patrol is a major partner in Wreaths Across America, which coordinates observations across the U.S. and overseas each December, when sponsored wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves to honor their service and sacrifice. This year, the event is set for Dec. 11.

N.Y. cadet earns Spaatz with last-week effort before joining senior member ranks

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Maj. Louis Fenech Jr.
Commander
Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron

NEW YORK – Cadet Col. James A. Ridley II of the Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron completed the requirements for Civil Air Patrol’s top cadet honor, the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, during a session at New York Wing Headquarters on July 9, only six days before leaving the cadet ranks and becoming a senior member.

Under the scrutiny of the wing’s CAP/U.S. Air Force state director, Maj. Kathy McNulty, Ridley passed the comprehensive leadership exam and met the requirements for sit-ups, sit and reach and the shuttle run. He had previously completed the other requirements, including a comprehensive aerospace exam and moral leadership essay.

Six days later Ridley turned 21 – the line of demarcation between cadet and senior member. Until then, he had served as the Gabreski squadron’s cadet leadership officer. He had previously served as cadet commander.

The Spaatz carries with it the rank of cadet colonel. On July 13, Maj. Cheryl Dorfmann, the squadron’s deputy commander for seniors, presided over a promotion ceremony and pinned on Ridley’s colonel diamonds in front of the entire squadron, family and friends.

“We wanted Jimmy to get at least one day to wear the diamonds," Dorfmann said.

A formal ceremony will be held later, with Ridley receiving his official Spaatz ward certificate from National Headquarters.

Asked how he felt after passing the final test, he said, “I am feeling great! I can’t believe how hard it is to get this award ... I worked hard and now got what I was working for.”

Ridley is the 1,762nd cadet to achieve the Spaatz award – which less than one-half of 1 percent of all cadets receive – since its inception in 1964. He plans to helping others achieve the honor before their cadet days are over.

62 CAP cadets, 17 escorts cross international borders through IACE

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS– Sixty-two Civil Air Patrol cadets from 31 wings and their escorts are helping foster international goodwill through Aug. 4 as they participate in the International Air Cadet Exchange.

IACE gives the cadets and the 17 senior members escorting them an opportunity to serve as ambassadors by visiting participating countries and promoting international friendship and understanding through a common focus on aviation.

Cadets are selected to visit one of the following countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey or the United Kingdom.

CAP members also host 78 international teens visiting the U.S., participating in aviation-related activities alongside them.

“The exchange is an opportunity of a lifetime for everyone involved,” said Lt. Col. Beverly L. Scoggins, director of the activity, who has been abroad twice – to Norway and Singapore -- as an escort cadet.

“The cadets will see the host countries not like a tourist but as a member of the local community,” said Scoggins, assistant director of plans and programs for the Pacific Region. “Many will stay with host families.”

In the U.S. in addition to three days in Washington, D.C., the international teens will spend 10 days in a host wing -- California, Colorado and Wyoming, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Tennessee or Texas.

IACE is conducted by the International Air Cadet Exchange Association, a league of 19 air cadet organizations. CAP has sponsored cadet participation in the program since 1948.

Cadets

Arizona Wing

Luke Cadet Squadron 356 – Cadet Lt. Col. Jonathan M. Yang Cadet and Maj. Corey R. Fields.
Prescott Composite Squadron 206 – Cadet Col. Matthew A. Bricker.

Colorado Wing

Broomfield Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Stephanie M. Lemelin.
Valkyrie Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Joseph Arora.

Connecticut Wing

186th Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Adam L. Trujillo.
399th Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Ryan K. Chapman.
Delaware Wing
New Castle Cadet Squadron – Cadet Col. Y. Clement Ng.

Florida Wing

Charlotte County Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Tom J. McMahon.
Pembroke Pines Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Christopher P. Pannier.

Georgia Wing

Central Fellowship Christian Academy Cadet Squadron – Cadet Maj. Nathan R. Runck.
Peachtree City Falcon Field Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Aaron J. Pendleton.

Hawaii Wing

66th Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Samuel F. Ramil.

Illinois Wing

McHenry County Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Ethan W. Peterman.

Indiana Wing

Harrison Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Bonnie C. Wilshire.

Iowa Wing

Des Moines Metro Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Amanda Veen.

Louisiana Wing

Barksdale Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Barry M. James.
Pontchartrain Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Jonathan J. Balint.

Maryland Wing

Frederick Composite Squadron – Cadet Col. Anna B. Bladey and Cadet Capt. Kathleen P. Crockett.
Harford Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Elizabeth R. Roberts.
Howard Composite Squadron – Cadet Col. Alice W. Chan.
St. Marys Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Eashan D. Samak.

Michigan Wing

Composite Squadron Livonia Thunderbolt Cadet Squadron – Cadet Col. Bermadette B. Bacero.

Mississippi Wing

G.V. Montgomery Composite Squadron – Cadet Col. Joshua David Hester.

Missouri Wing

Fort Leonard Wood Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Anamaria D. Gaitan.

Nebraska Wing

Gen. Curtis LeMay Offutt Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Daniel T. Deever.

Nevada Wing

Nellis Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Nicole J. Crisp.

New Hampshire Wing

Concord Composite Squadron – Cadet Maj. Max S. Haas.
Seacoast Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Alecia I. Hagman.

New Jersey Wing

Headquarters – Cadet Lt. Col. Zachary King.
Bayshore Composite Squadron – Cadet Capts. David A. Resnick and Philip D. Savitsky.
Twin Pine Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Joshua M. Williams.

New Mexico Wing

Eagle Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Dustin T. Wittman.
T-Bird Composite Squadron 4 – Cadet Lt. Col. Daniel R. Bracken.

New York Wing

Canandaigua Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Caitlin I. Sippel.
Syracuse Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Frederick M. Koennecke III.
Utica Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Bethany J. Hewett.
Ulster County Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Mark C. Teubl.
Williamson Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Caleb M. Irwin.

North Carolina Wing

Apex Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Joshua Gordon Cuany.

Oklahoma Wing

Flying Castle Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Jacob Landon.

Pennsylvania Wing

Capital City Composite Squadron 302 – Cadet Capt. Jordan E. Watson.
Reading Composite Squadron 811 – Cadet Lt. Col. Lauren E. Hartman.

Puerto Rico Wing

Dr. Cesareo Rosa-Nieves Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Jean Pena.
Muniz Air National Guard Base Cadet Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Pamela Blanco.

South Carolina Wing

Spartanburg Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Brian C. O’Dell and Cadet Capts. Austin M. Bryant and Sarah Sill.

Tennessee Wing

Lewis County Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Samantha May Brinegar.
Rhea County Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Daniel T. Fry.
St. Edwards Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Michael Pabon-Vega.
Tullahoma Composite Squadron – Cadet Col. Marcus More.

Texas Wing

Addison Eagles Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Parth S. Patel.
Lackland Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Gus M. Rojas and Cadet Maj. Colleen Rojas.
Plano Mustang Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Jose A. Machuca.
Shoemaker Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Joshua L. Pravel.

Vermont Wing

Capital Composite Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Devin J. Holland.

West Virginia Wing

Martinsburg Composite Squadron – Cadet Col. David F. Hill IV.

Wisconsin Wing

Stevens Point Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Steven M. Lang.

Escorts

Arizona Wing

Falcon Composite Squadron 305 – Maj. Keith A. Pierson.

California Wing

Headquarters – Col. Kenneth W. Parris.

Florida Wing

Group 6 Headquarters – Lt. Col. Antonio Barroso.
Eglin Composite Squadron – Capt. Justin R. McElvaney.

Georgia Wing

Peachtree City Falcon Field Composite Squadron – Lt. Col. David L. Austin.

Louisiana Wing

Barksdale Composite Squadron – Maj. Jason S. Smith.

Maryland Wing

Carroll Composite Squadron – Maj. Brenda A. Reed.

Massachusetts Wing

Composite Squadron – Lynne S. Putney.

Montana Wing

Malmstrom Air Force Base Composite Squadron – Maj. Andrew James Treiman.

Nebraska Wing

Gen. Curtis LeMay Offutt Composite Squadron – Jason P. Johnsen.

Pacific Coast Region

Headquarters – Lt. Cols. Christine O. Lee and Edward F. Lee.

Puerto Rico Wing

Headquarters – Lt. Col. Luis A. Cubano.

Texas Wing

Headquarters – Lt. Col. Brooks A. Cima
Sheldon Cadet Composite Squadron – Capt. Raymond L. Hicks III.

Virginia Wing

Cable Composite Squadron 25 – Maj. Robert C. Bitting.

Wyoming Wing

Cody Cadet Squadron – Lt. Col. Michael Carlson.

Cadets explore business world at Michael King Smith Aviation Business Academy

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Students and staff from the inaugural business academy in July 2008.

OREGON – Fourteen business-minded cadets from 10 wings gained an insider’s view of the aviation industry this week at the third annual Capt. Michael K. Smith/Civil Air Patrol/Evergreen Aviation Business Academy at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville.

“The academy is designed to give the cadets a leg up in the business world,” said Lt. Col. Les Peterson, academy director.

The weeklong academy, which ends Saturday, provided cadets with an opportunity to explore career opportunities in the field of aviation and business. It consisted of a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of Evergreen Aviation's worldwide operations, including business decisions, aviation business planning, heavy aircraft maintenance and helicopter operations.

This year’s guest staff member was aviation legend Col. Mary Feik, a CAP lifetime member who is the Women In Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame.

Students

Alaska Wing

Juneau Southeast Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Chatham D. Holt.

California Wing

Bob Beevers Composite Squadron 103 – Cadet 1st Lt. Joseph Vanherweg.

Maryland Wing

St. Mary’s Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Peter C. Webster.

New Jersey Wing

Picatinny Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Rachel M. Bascone and Cadet Staff Sgt. Christian S. Longhi.

New Mexico Wing

Eagle Cadet Squadron – Cadet Senior Airman Zephaniah Pilcher.

North Carolina Wing

Cape Fear Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Robert E. Dahms.

Oklahoma Wing

Flying Castle Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Landon Graham.

Utah Wing

Blackhawk Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Kerilyn Michalke.

Virginia Wing

Mount Vernon Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jonathan Fry.
Prince William Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Paige Carlson.
70th Cadet Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Stephanie Falkis.

Washington Wing

Fort Vancouver Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Kevin J. Vangelder and Cadet Airman Basic Geer P. McGee.

N.M. Wing vice commander honored by former unit for aerospace education service

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Lt. Col. Jay T. Tourtel
Public Affairs Officer
Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron
New Mexico Wing

NEW MEXICO —Lt. Col. Mark E. Smith, New Mexico Wing vice commander and founding commander of the Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron, received the Aerospace Education Excellence Award certificate and plaque July 8 from squadron commander Lt. Col. Beverly A. Vito for the work he performed while serving as the unit’s aerospace education officer.

Smith was presented with the Aerospace Excellence Award to mark the squadron’s completion of six aerospace activities and an aerospace education day, echoing suggestions in the Aerospace Excellence textbooks provided by CAP National Headquarters.

The Aerospace Excellence Award program was the last squadron aerospace activity Smith initiated before transferring out of the unit in November 2009. He also served as director of the 2010 Southwest Region Staff College — a position he is slated to hold again in 2011 — and was appointed wing vice commander in May.

The Aerospace Excellence program runs during the fiscal year, from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Members who complete their aerospace training within the year receive an individual certificate, and the unit receives a plaque.

Other recipients of the certificates included 1st Lt. Michael E. Eckert, deputy commander for seniors, and Capt. Lloyd J. Voights, deputy commander for cadets.

Wis. ground team cited as tops in CAP

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Walco Composite Squadron ground search and rescue team members – including (clockwise from left) Cadet 2nd Lt. Amelia Wills, former Cadet Capt. Colin Dunn, Cadet 2nd Lt. Charlie Holden, Cadet 1st Lt. Jonathan Walsh, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Chase Browne, Capt. Debbie Holden and Cadet 2nd Lt. – paused for a photo during their mission assisting victims of the June 2008 floods in Sauk County, Wisc.

Photo by 1st Lt. David Walsh

1st Lt. Pamela B. Thomas
Commander
Walco Composite Squadron
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – Walco Composite Squadron’s ground team, already honored this year at the wing and region levels, has been chosen as the most outstanding in Civil Air Patrol.

Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP national commander, broke the news by letter, writing, “Being singled out as the most outstanding ground team in all of Civil Air Patrol should make your squadron exceptionally proud.”

Courter is scheduled to present the unit with the 2010 CAP Col. Dion DeCamp Ground Team of the Year award Sept. 4 at the Annual Conference & National Board Meeting in San Diego.

Involved in two relief missions to presidentially declared disaster areas, five missing person searches and numerous emergency locator transmitter searches in the last three years, the ground team was recognized as the Wisconsin Wing's and Great Lakes Region's Ground Team of the Year a earlier this year.

The team’s leaders are Maj. Robert Thomas, the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets; 1st Lt. Nate Heise, assistant officer for emergency services and for emergency services training; and Cadet 1st Lt. Jonathan Walsh.

Their fellow team members:

Capts. William Gehrmann, squadron safety officer, and Debbie Holden, deputy commander for serniors.
1st Lt David Walsh, emergency services officer.
2nd Lt. Steven Wright, communications officer.
Cadet Lt. Col. Greg Thomas.
Cadet 1st Lt. Morgan Volbrecht.
Cadet 2nd Lts. Charlie Holden, Mike McErlean, Brandon Nance. Alex Nice, Amelia Wills and Kevin Wright.
Cadet Senior Master Sgts. Joseph Geldermann and Luke Gorst.
Cadet Senior Staff Sgt. Grant Delene.
Cadet Staff Sgt. Noah Rabic.
Cadet Chief Master Sgts. Chase Browne and Nicholas Wills.
Cadet Master Sgts. Max Tracy and Zack Utesch.
Cadet Airman 1st Class Kyle Gorst.

Md. cadets' rocketry project takes off at Ft. Meade

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Malcolm Scott (foreground) triggers his rocket’s ignition as Cadet Airman Timothy Jacobs (background) waits to measure the projectile’s altitude.

(2)
Cadet Airman Timothy Jacobs, flanked by Capts. Larry Moore (left) and Donald Ells, tells onlookers about his and Cadet Airman Malcolm Scott’s preparations for the day’s rocket launches.

(3)
(From left) Capt. Ki von der Linden, 2nd Lt. Josh Neel and, holding rockets they built, Cadet Airmen Malcolm Scott and Timothy Jacobs.

Capt. Larry Moore
Deputy Commander for Seniors
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – Members of the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron devoted a recent afternoon to model rocketry on and above Fort Meade’s parade field, drawing not only a crowd of some 30 spectators but also a camera crew from the Fort Meade’s public affairs TV station.

The launching June 26 enabled Cadet Airmen Timothy Jacobs and Malcolm Scott to complete a major milestone toward CAP’s model rocketry badge. Joining them for the afternoon were 2nd Lt. Josh Neel, the unit’s aerospace education officer, and Capts. Donald Ells, commander; Larry Moore, deputy commander for seniors; and Ki von der Linden, officer for logistics and for transportation.

The event was made possible by grant funding from the Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses Club, whose members publicized it on their website. That helped drew a crowd of onlookers, along with four members of the enlisted spouses club, their families and the “Meade TV” camera crew, whose report can be viewed online.

Preparations for the launches began June 22, when Neel held a rocketry workshop at Maryland Wing Headquarters. There, the cadets completed the CAP rocketry program’s first, Redstone Phase by constructing small Alka-Seltzer-powered rockets called "Fizzy Fliers." The workshop concluded with a written test covering Newton's Laws of Motion and how the center of gravity and the center of mass relate to rocket stability.

Subsequently, cadets Jacobs and Scott met with Neel and von der Linden at wing headquarters for the remaining preparations phases.

First, they reviewed the National Association of Rocketry safety codes. Then the cadets constructed their rockets and tested them for flight stability before heading to Fort Meade and its parade field, where they met the launch remaining participants.

Jacobs spoke the Enlisted Spouses Club contingent and the other spectators, telling them about all the preparations preceding the launches and the sequence of events for the day.

Neel addressed the group next, stressing the importance of CAP’s aerospace education program, which is geared towards focusing cadets on careers in science and engineering. Neel and Ells then thanked the spouses club for making the launch possible.

Watching from a safe distance, the spectators joined Neel in the countdown – "5 - 4 - 3 - 2 -1 - BLAST OFF!"

The cadets first launched their rockets using small motors providing enough thrust for to attain an altitude of about 128 feet. Next, they wowed the crowd when they moved to the follow-up series of launches, featuring motors capable of a projected altitude of 326 feet.

Von der Linden and Ells joined in the fun by launching three more rockets.

All launches were successful, and with two exceptions the rocket bodies were retrieved in one piece.

Afterward, Susan Renniger, second vice president of the spouses club and a retired teacher, described her excitement at the launches. "It was really neat to see the kids launch their rockets," she said. "It was so nice of them to invite us to come watch."

One spectator, an 11-year-old boy, was so impressed that he showed interest in joining CAP when he reaches the required age of 12.

Pamerleau, Schlitt appointed to CAP Board of Governors

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Susan L. Pamerleau and retired Air ForceBrig. Gen. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt.

(2)
Paul L. Graziani.

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – The Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors welcomes two new members – retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Susan L. Pamerleau and retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Sanford “Sandy” Schlitt.

Both Pamerleau and Schlitt are appointees of Michael B. Donley, secretary of the Air Force, and Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP national commander, who cited them for their expertise in the areas of governance, strategy, aerospace and fundraising.

Pamerleau, who serves on the Board of Directors with the Government Personnel Mutual Life Insurance Co. in San Antonio, Texas, concluded a 32-year career with the Air Force in 2000 as a commander, planner and programmer, and human resources professional.

She also serves as a trustee with the Air Force Aid Society, the official charity of the Air Force, and has chaired the board of trustees for Arnold Air Society/Silver Wings, the service organization for Air Force ROTC and Air Force Academy cadets.

Schlitt, the Air Force Association’s vice chairman of the board for aerospace education, served for 34 years in a variety of Air Force, Air National Guard and Reserve assignments, principally in the contracts management and acquisition fields. He retired in 2001.

Schlitt was a principal architect of the Aerospace Education and Field Councils as part of AFA’s new, combined governance structure, adopted in 2006. He has established or purchased several successful businesses. He served as chairman of the board of one company and was a member of the board on another, a NASDAQ-listed public company.

Both Pamerleau and Schlitt will serve three-year terms on the Board of Governors, CAP’s strategic policy-making and guidance body.

In addition, Paul L. Graziani, chief executive officer and co-founder of Analytical Graphics Inc., who just completed his first term on the board, has been reappointed to a second three-year term.

The board is a team of expert advisers consisting of representatives from CAP volunteers, the U.S. Air Force and civilians involved in education, aviation and emergency management.

As three of 11 members of the board, Pamerleau, Schlitt and Graziani join other distinguished Air Force, CAP and civilian advisers, including Courter and Air Force Maj. Gen. Garry Dean, commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-1st Air Force and Air Forces Northern.

The other members are retired Air Force Maj. Gen. John M. Speigel; retired Air Force Lt. Gens. John D. Hopper Jr. and Nicholas B. Kehoe; CAP Brig. Gens. Richard L. Anderson and Reggie Chitwood, national vice commander; and CAP Lt. Col. Edward F. “Ned” Lee, who was appointed to the board earlier this year.

N., S. Dakota wings team up for joint encampment

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Master Sgt. Jonathan Penman of the North Dakota Wing’s Grand Forks Composite Squadron stands at parade rest, awaiting orders from Cadet 2nd Lt. Miranda Boehm of the Bismarck Composite Squadron.

Photo by Cadet 1st Lt. Kendra Lauer

Capt. Todd Epp
Public Affairs Officer
Cadet 1st Lt. Kendra Lauer
Cadet Public Affairs Officer
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Buck Oberg
Joint Dakota Cadet Leadership Encampment

NORTH DAKOTA – Cadets and senior members from six wings as far away at the Atlantic Coast are participating in a joint North and South Dakota encampment featuring the theme of leadership and honor guard.

The encampment head count at Camp Graft in Devils Lake stands at 84 – 68 cadets and 16 senior members from the North and South Dakota, Colorado Minnesota, Nebraska and Virginia wings.

A Civil Air Patrol encampment is similar to basic training for the military. Cadet leaders who have progressed through the ranks by testing in leadership, aerospace education, physical conditioning and review boards actually run the encampment. Supervision comes from senior members, including clerical duties, leadership input and medical support.

“This encampment allows for our country’s youth to learn and excel in leadership for both their future and our future as our country’s upcoming leaders,” said Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Mees of the North Dakota Wing’s Bismarck Composite Squadron, cadet deputy commander for the activity.

The cadets are engaging in various activities, including Black Hawk helicopter rides, rappelling, team-building exercises, room and uniform inspections, and physical fitness.

They will take home leadership traits, discipline and better understanding of CAP. Graduating cadets will also earn an important encampment ribbon that will allow them to become officers in CAP’s cadet ranks.

Cadets' family members, the public and the media can follow the encampment on Facebook by becoming a fan of CAP Joint Dakota Encampment.

Va. squadron gets feel for medevac missions with emergency services exercise

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Scenes from the emergency services exercise.

Photos by Capt. Christopher Colvin

Capt. Christopher Colvin
Commander
Winchester Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol

VIRGINIA – An emergency services exercise with PHI Air Medical Group and local firefighters gave nearly two dozen Winchester Composite Squadron members a chance to treat a simulated patient, create a landing zone and calling in a medevac helicopter.

By allowing the squadron members to participate in a real-world scenario, the exercise left them better prepared to respond should a critical situation actually occur.

“The landing zone class this weekend was amazing,” said exercise instructor Amie Fuller, flight paramedic for helicopter Air Care 4. “The Civil Air Patrol members were attentive and inquisitive.

“The cadets’ wide eyes as the helicopter landed reminded me of my excitement when I first saw an air MedEvac helicopter land,” Fuller said.

The day started with a workshop taking members through the steps of creating a safe landing zone and addressing what obstacles to look for, no matter how small.

Fuller also talked about the information a helicopter crew looks for before landing – such as the size of the landing zone, wind direction and of course any hazards that could jeopardize the welfare of the helicopter and its crew.

The day ended after squadron members created a landing zone and called in the medevac helicopter to safely evacuate the simulated patient.

While walking away from the landing zone after the helicopter took off, one smiling cadet said she had just experienced one of her most exciting days since joining CAP.

“All of these teenagers seem to have bright futures,” Fuller said at the exercise’s conclusion, “and I look forward to working with them again."

Wisc. foursome spots interstate wreck, steps up to assist

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

1st Lt. Jeri Gonwa
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – Four ground team members from two East Central Group squadrons were headed west on Interstate 94 to help search for a missing person July 1 when they found themselves calling on some of their response skills along the highway.

Spotting an accident scene on the eastbound lane, using some of their skills, the four -- Capt. Matt Kopp and Senior Member Dan Turkal, both of the Timmerman Composite Squadron, and the 461st Wisconsin Composite Squadron’s Capt. Tom Hawes and Senior Member Michael Ollerman – quickly used the emergency turn-around to cross the freeway in order to help/

Reaching the scence, the team turned on their truck's amber flashers and arrow stick to warn oncoming traffic of the hazard. Bystanders reported that someone had called 911 but had left the scene, and no one present was providing any aid when the team arrived.

Drawing on training he had received as a Civil Air Patrol member, Kopp took charge of the situation, requesting that nonessential bystanders to leave and asking another observer to call 911. Turkal, meanwhile, made sure no fuel was leaking and assessed the damage to the wrecked vehicle.

Hawes and Ollerman held flashlights, retrieved equipment and made sure vital information was given to the 911 receptionist.

Because the vehicle was on its side, its driver was inaccessible. In addition, spider-web cracks in the windshield obscured her from view.

After assuring the injured woman – who was drifting in and out of consciousness – that help was en route, Kopp used the glass breaker on his knife to break her vehicle’s rear passenger-side window. Turkal, in turn, used his knife to saw through the windshield.

Finally able to visually assess the woman’s injuries, the members relayed her condition to 911 personnel.

Soon Johnson Creek Fire and Emergency Medical Service personnel arrived on the scene and took charge. After being extricated from the wreck by rescuers using the Jaws, she flown by a Med Flight helicopter to a nearby hospital for further care.

Minn. Army National Guard chopper rides thrill squadron

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1-2)
Two groups of Viking Composite Squadron members before their flight.

(3)
One of the UH-60 Black Hawks.

Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Matthew A. Johnson
Cadet Public Affairs Officer
Viking Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing,

MINNESOTA -- Local residents might have wondered just what was happening June 29 when two Minnesota Army National Guard Aviation UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters began flying into and out of Eden Prairie’s Flying Cloud Airport, but they had nothing to worry about – 47 Viking Composite Squadron members were receiving orientation flights in the choppers.

After a safety briefing and introduction to the aircraft by crew members, the squadron divided into five groups for the flights. The first group donned ear protection and boarded the aircraft – a maneuver known as “loading cold.”

The crew started the engines. and both helicopters took off for the first flight.

Each flight lasted about 20 minutes, following a large rectangular route around the airport, and a few fortunate members received the privilege of sitting in the gunner’s seat at the front of the helicopter. Many of the flights passed over the Lake Minnetonka area, St. Bonifacius, Waconia, Cologne, Shakopee and Valley Fair.

Upon landing, the first two groups got out and the next two came on while the rotors were spinning – “loading hot.”

After all the groups had returned, the Black Hawks returned to their base while Viking squadron members saluted them.

The members all enjoyed the flights. The squadron’s cadet commander, Cadet 2nd Lt. Elias Wiff, said simply, “This is why I joined CAP."

The participants offered special thanks to Maj. Terry Dull, the unit’s character development officer, for arranging the flights, and to the Minnesota Army National Guard Aviation pilots and crew – Capt. Andy Lang, 1st Lt. John Mitchell, Chief Warrant Officers Scott Feld and Mike Kahring, 1st Sgt. Chris Kelly, Sgts. Todd Barber and Neil Scott, and Spc. Brian Moran – for providing such a memorable experience.

Md. unit combines patriotic, anti-drug messages in parade

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(From left) Senior Member Ping Lai; Cadet Airmen Bronte Goldsmith, Malcolm Scott and Timothy Jacobs; “Cadet Ken” (Cadet 1st Lt. Stacey McManus) and Senior Member Tony Moe render a salute
Photo by Capt. Sherry McManus

(2)
Cadet Airman Malcolm Scott in the cockpit of the Maryland Wing “jet.”
Photo by Senior Member Ping Lai

(3)
Captains Sherry McManus and Walt Murphy and Cadet 2nd Lt. Stacey McManus – who later donned the “Cadet Ken” costume” -- in front of the Drug Demand Reduction truck.
Photo by Senior Member Ping Lai

Capt. Larry Moore
Deputy Commander for Seniors
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – Fort McHenry Composite Squadron members combined a salute to the Fourth of July with Civil Air Patrol’s anti-drug message July 3 when they marched in the city of Arbutus’ annual Independence Day Parade.

The nearly cloudless day began with U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolts from the Maryland Air National Guard roaring overhead to signal the start of the procession. The 11-member Civil Air Patrol contingent – 10 Fort McHenry senior members and senior members, joined by Capt. Walt Murphy, Middle East Region drug demand reduction director – marched with color guard teams, church groups, local firefighters, cheerleaders and numerous others in the procession through downtown Arbutus.

In addition to the cadets and senior members marching in formation, CAP’s presence was rounded out by “Cadet Ken,” the organization’s drug demand reduction mascot, with Cadet 1st lt. Stacey McManus braving the summer heat to don the large costume involved; CAP National Headquarters’ drug demand reduction truck; the Maryland Wing’s parade representation of a jet; and the Fort McHenry squadron van.

Throughout the day volunteers handed out CAP balsa wood airplanes and drug demand reduction stickers.

Along with McManus as “Cadet Ken,” marching in the procession were Senior Members Tony Moe, historian, and Ping Lai, supply officer; Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Zachary McManus; and Cadet Airmen Timothy Jacobs and Bronte Goldsmith.

Murphy and 2nd Lt. Jake Kellogg, the squadron’s assistant drug demand reduction officer, rode in the drug demand reduction truck, while Capt. Sherry McManus, emergency services officer, drove the squadron van. The squadron's drug demand reduction officer, 2nd Lt. Patrick McManus, towed the CAP "jet," with Cadet Airman Airman Malcolm Scott riding in the cockpit.

Course offers cadets taste of Air Force flight training

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MISSISSIPPI – Thrity-five cadets from 19 wings in seven regions are receiving flight training at the Air Force Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Familiarization Course, or SUPTFC, which began Saturday and contrinues though July 17 at Columbus Air Force Base, Miss.

Offering a head start to aspiring military aviators, the academically intense course is designed to introduce cadets to Air Force flight training. They learn side-by-side with U.S. Air Force student pilots and receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the base’s facilities, including the air control tower, aircraft maintenance hangars and the parachute shop.

Participants also receive briefings on the mission and operations of a flight-training wing, as well as academics and physiological training.

“At SUPTFC, we simulate 52 weeks of U.S. Air Force pilot training in one week,” said Lt. Col. John Davidson, course director. “Many of our graduates have gone on to ROTC or the U.S. Air Force Academy and are now active-duty Air Force pilots.”

Director
Lt. Col. John Davidson, National Commanders Reserve Unit

Staff

Lt. Col. Richard Augur, Asheville Composite Squadron, North Carolina Wing.
Majs. Keith Riddle, Mississippi Wing Headquarters, and Frank Warner, Arkansas Wing Headquarters
Capts. Joseph Jones, Central Fellowship Christian Academy Cadet Squadron; Thomas Owens, Georgia Wing Headquarters; and Lisa Worthington, Oak Ridge Composite Squadron.
Second Lt. Paulo Alves, Long Island Senior Squadron
Senior Member Josh Zeyfang, Erie Compostie Squadron 502, Pennsylvania Wing.
Cadet Lt. Cols. Kevin Bennett, Air Victory Museum Composite Squadron, and Mychal Weekes, Berry Field Composite Squadron.
Cadet Majs. Joseph Houston, Asheville Composite Squadron, North Carolina Wing, and Ian Jones, Schenectady Composite Squadron.
Cadet Capt. Hamilton Evrard, Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron, North Carolina Wing
Cadet 2nd Lt. Joshua Gonwa, Timmerman Composite Squadron, Wis.

Students

Alabama Wing

Tuscaloosa Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Austin Holliman.

California Wing

East Bay Cadet Squadron 18 – Cadet Tech Sgt. Joanna Miles.
South San Diego Cadet Squadron 201 – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Zachary Hamner.

Connecticut Wing

399th Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. William Steers.

Florida Wing

Lee County Cadet Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Scott Younger.
Tallahassee Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Airman Hans Kollar.

Georgia Wing

Augusta Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Elisabeth Wieberdink.
Central Fellowship Christian Academy Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Matthew Newell.
Peachtree City Falcon Field Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Daniel Schulz.

Maryland Wing

Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Victor Santos.
Prince Frederick Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Robbert Olson..

Massachusetts Wing

Goddard Cadet Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Nicholas Choiniere and Cadet Senior Airman Randall Flagg.

Minnesota Wing

North Hennepin Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Daniel Hage.

Mississippi Wing

Col. Berta A. Edge Composite Squadron – Cadet Airman 1st Class Christian Moore.

Missouri Wing

Fort Leonard Wood Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. William McIntyre.

New York Wing

Brooklyn Tech Cadet Squadron No. 1 – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jameson Wiener.
Col. Francis S. Gabreski Squadron – Cadet Capts. Kory Gatley and Kevin Grosshandler.
Rochester Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Eric Reese and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Donato.
Suffolk Cadet Squadron 10 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jonathan Millings and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Howard.

North Carolina Wing

Asheville Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Katherine Moore and Cadet Tech Sgt. Christopher Hewitt.
Winston Salem Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Daniel Otto.

North Dakota Wing

Bismarck Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Russell.

Oregon Wing

Columbia Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Jared Grove.

South Carolina Wing

Spartanburg Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Sarah Sill.

Tennessee Wing

Murfreesboro Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Brian Roy Jr..

Texas Wing

Pegasus Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Rand Fowler.

Virginia Wing

Burke Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Madeleine Dillon.
Fairfax Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Poussard.
Leesburg Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Johnathan DeSteuben.

Wisconsin Wing

La Crosse Composite Squadron – Cadet Airman Basic Michael Ebert.

Cadets head to N.M. for Air Force Pararescue Orientation Course

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS– Sixty-six cadets from 30 wings in all eight Civil Air Patrol regions will plunge into the exciting world of pararescue at the Air Force Pararescue Orientation Course, beginning Tuesday and continuing through July 20 at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.

The purpose of the pararescue orientation course, known as PJOC, is to expose cadets to the introductory phases of training for the Air Force pararescue, combat rescue officer and survival instructor career fields. This includes being held to the well-defined standards of each career field and participating in such activities as physical training, rappelling and basic survival skills.

“For over 30 years, PJOC has given cadets the opportunity to realize their potential by guiding them through this unique chance to participate in one of the most rigorous and esteemed National Cadet Special Activities that Civil Air Patrol has to offer,” said Capt. Pam Sever of the New Mexico Wing, course director.

The course is one of 30 National Cadet Special Activities sponsored by CAP this summer. These activities allow cadets to hone their skills in a variety of areas, including search and rescue, flight and emergency services, science, leadership fundamentals, citizenship and military courtesies, and to explore aerospace technology and aviation careers. In 2009, 1,100 youth participated in CAP-sponsored summer activities.

Student roster

Alabama Wing

117th ANG Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Taylor Powell Buffington.

Alaska Wing

Mat-Su Valley Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Levi J. Doran.

Arizona Wing

Falcon Composite Squadron 305 – Cadet 1st Lt. Katherine J. Andrieu and Cadet 2nd Lt. Jacqueline G. Andrieu.
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Breanna R. Mitchell.
Luke Cadet Squadron 356 – Cadet 1st Lt. Clifford W. Branch III.

Arkansas Wing

95th Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Jacob K. Paap and Cadet Tech Sgt. Joshua P. Lima.
115th Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Malachi J. Eliasen.

California Wing

East Bay Cadet Squadron 18 – Cadet 1st Lt. Kenneth W. Sturgill.
Marin Search and Rescue Composite Squadron 23 – Cadet Staff Sgt. William J. Campbell.
Santa Barbara Composite Squadron 131 – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Nicholas R. Okpysh.
Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 – Cadet Master Sgt. Austin E. Allen.
Travis Composite Squadron 22 -- Cadet 2nd Lt. Andrew D. Carstensen.

Colorado Wing

Air Academy Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Tyler W. Hudgins.
Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Hans K. McConnell.
Douglas Cadet Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cody A. Baxter.
Mustang Cadet Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Matthew E. Ingve.
Thompson Valley Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Andrew S.P. Constant.
Valkyrie Cadet Squadron – Cadet Capt. Alec R. Biscardi.

Connecticut Wing

143rd Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Kyle A. Johnson.
Stratford Eagles Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Sean C. Decker.

Florida Wing

Fort Lauderdale Composite Squadron – Cadet Senior Airman Alexander F. Brown.

Georgia Wing

West Georgia Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgts. Toby O. Brewster and Austin V. Williams.

Idaho Wing

Coeur D’Alene Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Hudson A. Thyr.
Eagle Rock Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Bryan D. Perry.

Kentucky Wing

Bardstown Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Victor E. Fain.

Maine Wing

75th Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Eric T.X. Squire.

Maryland Wing

Arundel Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Aaron J. Lebo.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Scott E. Maroulis.
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Brent A. Sacks.
Glenn L. Martin Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael D. Gentle Jr.
Hagerstown Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Stephen A. Spinder.
Mount Airy Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Ha G. Lee.

Michigan Wing

Adrian Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Myers.

Mississippi Wing

Olive Branch Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Arlann A. Robinson.

Missouri Wing

Platte Valley Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Garrett Hull.

Nebraska Wing

Gen. Curtis Lemay Offutt Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Noah E. Morse.

New Hampshire Wing

Concord Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Heather M. Hill.
Manchester Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Christopher W. Krebs.

New Jersey Wing

Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Anthony S. Vinci.
Teaneck Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Nadine M. DeCristofaro.

New Mexico Wing

Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Haley E. Barela.

New York Wing

Niagara Falls Composite Squadron – Cadet Master Sgt. Colin M. Stutz.
Rochester Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Elizabeth J. Chow.
Schenectady Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. John C. Shakeshaft Jr.

Ohio Wing

Columbus Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. James D. Norton.
Don Gentile Composite Squadron 709 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Elijah Sumner.
North Canton Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Heath G. Reichenbach.

Pennsylvania Wing

Delmont Cadet Squadron 1407 – Cadet Master Sgt. Bradley J. Whitacre.

South Carolina Wing

South Charlotte Cadet Squadron – Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Nicholas J. Bracco.

Tennessee Wing

Berry Field Composite Squadron 56 – Cadet 2nd Lt. Jordan M. Green.
Frisco Cadet Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Joseph M. Mallon III.
Lewis County Cadet Squadron – Cadet Lt. Col. Timothy C. Brinegar and Cadet 2nd Lt. Carson E. Scalf.

Texas Wing

Brownsville Composite Squadron – Cadet Capt. Carlos H. Castro.
Pegasus Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. David Hardcastle and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. David W. Hamman.
Randolph Composite Squadron – Cadet Tech Sgt. Daniel J. Rugloski.
Tyler Composite Squadron – Cadet Airman Joseph G. Hughes.

Utah Wing

Thunderbird Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. William H. Lee.

Virginia Wing

Roanoke Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. David B. Vigorito.

Washington Wing

Spokane Composite Squadron – Cadet 2nd Lt. Brolin J. Graham.

Wisconsin Wing

La Crosse Composite Squadron – Cadet Airman Basic John Brennan.
Walco Composite Squadron – Cadet Staff Sgt. Joseph S. Geldermann.

15 hone command, staff skills at N. Central Region Staff College

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

North Central Region Staff College staff and students.

Maj. Richard J. Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
Group II
Minnesota Wing

NEBRASKA -- Fifteen members from six squadrons and region headquarters recently sharpened the skills they exercise in Civil Air Patrol command and staff positions by participating in the North Central Region Staff College at Offutt Air Force Base.

“It was a great place to interact with colleagues from other wings and regions and allowed us to exchange ideas and methods used in our organization,” said 1st Lt. Pamela Morris, officer of personnel and of public affairs for the Kansas Wing’s Flint Hills Composite Squadron.

Region Staff College is the fourth of five levels of professional development for CAP senior members. The training provides participants with in-depth studies of management, leadership and communications skills and shows how CAP's missions are accomplished at the region level.

Seminar discussions, case studies, and practical exercises are integral parts of the program.

In addition, valuable lessons were learned about accountability and enforcing standards through a presentation about the crash of a B-52 and the steps that could have been taken to avert such a disaster.

“The discussions that ensued were animated and served to show that we are all, individually, responsible as officers to speak up and do the right thing when it is needed,” Morris said.

Although the class was split into three groups, by week’s end a tangible bond had formed between them, and strong friendships were forged.

The participants, along with Morris –

North Central Region

Headquarters – Maj. Al Pabon, director of public affairs and national public affairs team leader.

Kansas Wing

Headquarters – Maj. J-D Schlesener and Capt. Nichole Schlesener, both assistant cadet activities officers.
Lawrence Composite Squadron – Capt. Paul Bayless, emergency services officer, and 1st Lt. Lauri Emery, supply officer.
New Century Composite Squadron – Maj. Roger Eaton, aerospace education and operations.

Michigan Wing

Livonia Thunderbolt Cadet Squadron – Capt. Chris Felton, commander.

Minnesota Wing

Group II – Maj. Richard Sprouse, public affairs officer.

Missouri Wing

Lake of the Ozarks Composite Squadron – Maj. Major Ronald Beller, aerospace education and operations officer.

Nebraska Wing

Headquarters – Capts. Regenna Kristner, critical incident stress management and health services officer, and Robert Kristner, external aerospace education officer and assistant director of aerospace education.
Capital City Senior Squadron – Capt. Mike McClellan, commander.
Seward County Composite Squadron – Maj. Doris Willert, commander.

Wisconsin Wing

Timmerman Composite Squadron – Maj. Greg Schulz, aerospace education officer and wing director of professional development.

Wis. Wing encampment provides 111 graduates with full week of learning

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Flight line duty is one part of orientation rides, and these three cadets have the best view as they stand at the edge of the hangar housing the CAP planes.
Photo by Cadet Airman Darron Bruwer

(2)
Cadet Academy and Color Guard students participate in the Learning Reaction.
Photo by 1st Lt Jeri Gonwa

(3)
Cadets on the land navigation course learn to use the azimuth in order to find their target.
Photo by Capt. Cindi Wachholz

(4)
The color guard presents the colors element of the funeral detail for a retired Navy officer.
Photo by Capt. Dave Vriezen

(5)
The encampment participants.
Photo by 1st Lt Jeri Gonwa

1st Lt. Jeri Gonwa
Public Affairs Officer
2010 Encampment
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN -- The Wisconsin Wing’s 2010 encampment ended with 111 cadets graduating from four different schools – Basic, Cadet, Color Guard and Staff -- after a week spent improving their leadership skills and meeting and then exceeding their own personal goals

For participants in the Basic School, highlights of the week at Volk Field, the Air National Guard Base at Camp Douglas, included the land navigation course, tours of the base firehouse and tower, and more than 50 orientation flights. Overall, the basic cadets got a good taste of what emergency services is about.

Cadet Academy participants found that they could overcome obstacles by working as a team – a lesson made clear on the Leadership Reaction Course. The team members each had a chance to be the leader, but they also had to learn to follow. The many exercises conducted throughout the week strengthened their leadership and teamwork capabilities.

Participants in the Color Guard Academy, held for only the second time, had the honor of serving as the colors element of the funeral detail for an actual military funeral. Their role gave the cadets an unforgettable sense of the seriousness of the duties they were learning.

In recognition of their performing at their first military funeral, the Volk Field base honor guard representative, Senior Master Sgt. Jeffrey A. Statz, presented each color guard member with a certificate. The cadets also received their honor guard patch from Statz.

Attendance at the pass in review and banquet reached record numbers, with more than 150 parents and guests present. Though the banquet began a bit late, the delay gave the cadets one last chance to speak with the many new friends they made during the week.

Miss. members man CAP balloon at championship meet, July 4 fest

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Col. John Tilton (seated), pilot of the CAP hot air balloon for the weekend, and the members and family members flanking him -- (clockwise, from left) Jenny Robinson; her father, 1st Lt. Kelly Robinson, and his son, Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel Robinson; Rebecca Robinson; 2nd Lt. Joe Jacobson, Cadet Master Sgt. Nate Baker and Cadet Airman 1st Class Joshua Frelix – are all smiles at the 26th annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest and Fourth of July celebration,

(2)
Packing up after the glow requires all hands on deck, with (clockwise from center foreground) 1st Lt. Kelly Robinson, 2nd Lt. Joe Jacobson and Col. John Tilton on the bag and (clockwise from rear) Cadet Airman 1st Class Michael Jacobson, Cadet Master Sgt. Nate Baker and Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel Robinson handling the envelope.

(3)
Second Lt. Kevin Baker (front) mans the fan as Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel Robinson (rear left) and Cadet Master Sgt. Nate Baker handle the envelope before inflation.

(4)
Sunday morning liftoff.

(5)
(Clockwise from front left) First Lt. Kelly Robinson, Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel Robinson Cadet 2nd Lt. Samantha Conway and Cadet Airman 1st Class Joshua Frelix roll out the envelope in preparation for inflation.

(6)
After the CAP balloon was packed, everyone stepped in to help with this shape balloon.

(7)
After packing the balloon, (sitting, from left) Cadet Master Sgt. Nate Baker, Cadet Airman 1st Class Michael Jacobson, 2nd Lts. Kevin Baker and Joe Jacobson, (standing, from left) Col. John Tilton and 1st Lt. Kelly Robinson grab time for a quick rest.

Photos by Col. Becky Tilton

Col. Becky Tilton
Public Affairs Officer
Mississippi Wing

MISSISSIPPI – Cadets from the Jackson Composite Squadron and senior members from wing headquarters used Civil Air Patrol’s hot air balloon to make sure CAP stood out at the 26th annual Mississippi Championship Hot Air Balloon Fest and Fourth of July celebration in Ridgeland and Canton.

Activities kicked off with a launch party Thursday evening in Canton, followed Friday by an evening of fun, food and hot air balloons in Ridgeland and then, back in Canton, two days of balloon competition and glow activities.

Col. John Tilton of National Headquarters piloted the CAP balloon during the festivities, displaying a recruiting banner for Civil Air Patrol. Cadets assisted in launching and recovering of the balloon and also met other young people, with whom they shared information about the organization.

The cadets were recognized in the weekend’s closing ceremony for their participation in the activity, with the balloonmeister noting the importance of engaging youth in the experience of ballooning.

The Jackson Composite members had previously participated in crew training at the unit’s regular meeting.

The Jackson Composite members participating:

1st Lt. Kelly Robinson, deputy commander for cadets.
2nd Lts. Kevin Baker and Joe Jacobson.
Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel Robinson.
Cadet 2nd Lt. Samantha Conway.
Cadet Master Sgt. Nate Baker.
Cadet Airmen 1st Class Joshua Frelix and Michael Jacobson.

Also pitching in was Col. Becky Tilton, Mississippi Wing public affairs officer.

Brewer, prominent aerospace education leader, passes

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS — Col. Frank Brewer, a Civil Air Patrol member for 53 years and ardent supporter of the organization and its aerospace education program, died Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala. He was 92.

Brewer worked with CAP to establish the Frank G. Brewer – Civil Air Patrol Memorial Aerospace Awards in honor of his father, Frank Brewer Sr., in 1959. The awards recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions, out of selfless devotion, to the advancement of youth in aerospace activities.

Throughout his CAP membership, Brewer stayed actively involved in the selection process for the Brewer Awards, including this year’s selection. His son, Senior Member Rob Brewer, is also involved in the selection process.

Brewer joined CAP in June 1957. During his time in CAP, he served as Alabama Wing deputy commander for cadets, inspector, deputy commander and interim commander.

He was promoted to colonel and awarded the CAP Distinguished Service Medal in 2003.

He was born Oct. 14, 1917, in Birmingham and lived most of his life there. A 1940 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in electrical engineering, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and served as the lead radio operator on Martin B26 Marauder bombers in England and France.

During his 69 combat missions, Brewer was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 11 Air Medals.

After World War II, he became vice president and part owner of Alabama Highway Express Inc. and later served as vice president and general manager of Dixie Electrical Manufacturing Co.

The Brewer family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Brewer Scholarship Fund. Checks must be made out to “Civil Air Patrol,” and “Brewer Scholarship Fund” should be listed in the notes section. Please mail donations to: Brewer Scholarship Fund, C/O HQ CAP Ms. Marie Vogt, 105 South Hansell St., Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6332.

N.H. members head north for Air Cadet League of Canada events

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The New Hampshire Wing members with some of their Air Cadet League of Canada hosts.

Maj. Penny Hardy
Public Affairs Officer
New Hampshire Wing

NEW HAMPSHIRE – Six cadets and three senior members from a half-dozen New Hampshire Wing squadrons got a feel for their Canadian counterparts’ approach to competitions and air expos on a recent trip north of the border.

The Civil Air Patrol members’ first stop was Montreal/St.-Hubert Airfield, followed by a trip to the National Aerotechnical School for the Air Cadet League of Canada Air Expo. There, the cadets and senor members visited a number of aviation-related displays and also had a chance to sit in the cockpits of a McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fighter and an HH-1 Helicopter. They also viewed fighter aircraft simulators, flew an orientation flight on a BAE J-31 Jetstream and toured an F-86 Saber and a Canadian P-3 Aurora.

More than 1,100 Canadian Air Cadets participated in the expo, which also featured a CAP Gippsland GA-8 on display, courtesy of Maj. Sam Herr of the Greater Nashua Composite Squadron.

The next day, the contingent traveled to the Canadian Forces base at Saint-Jean Garrison in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu for the 69th annual review of the Air Cadet League, featuring six Canadian cadet drill teams and four marching units in competition.

Making the trip were:

Concord Composite Squadron – Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Drew Sackett.
Greater Nashua Composite Squadron – Maj. Sam Herr, emergency services officer; Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Eric VanDenBerge; and Cadet Staff Sgt. Eric Daigle.
Hawk Composite Squadron – Cadet 1st Lt. Mike Wallace.
Lebanon Composite Squadron – Lt. Col. Bill Moran, commander, and Cadet Staff Sgt. Rebekah Martel.
Manchester Composite Squadron – Maj. Paul Kelly, public affairs officer and recruiting and retention officer.
Monadnock Composite Squadron – Cadet Airman Basic Andrew Solomonides.

Utah Wing Glider Flight's horizons expand with new 'Super Blanik'

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capts. Ruthann Povinelli, the Utah Wing Glider Flight’s deputy commander and operations officer, and Craig Teerlink, finish another successful training mission.

(2)
Capts. Ruthann Povinelli and Stan Misiewicz, Glider Flight safety officer, prepare for a flight

Photos by 2nd Lt. David Cleveland

2nd Lt. David Cleveland
Glider Flight
Utah Wing

UTAH –The Utah Wing Glider Flight’s capabilities for providing quality orientation flights and serving outlying squadrons took a major step forward recently when members traveled to Driggs, Idaho, to acquire a new L-23 “Super Blanik” and transport it to its new base in Salt Lake City.

The L-23, manufactured by Let Kunovice in the Czech Republic, is an improved design based on the original L-13, launched in 1956. The L-23, still in production today after being introduced in 1968, is used extensively for primary and advanced glider training throughout the world. Its spacious cockpit makes it ideal for cadet glider orientation flights.

The L-23 replaces the aging Schweitzer 2-33 the Glider Flight used for many years of cadet orientation flights.

As the members discovered for themselves, one benefit of the L-23 is the relative ease with which it can be transported – not one of the Schweitzer’s particular attributes, with assembly and disassembly of the glider and its open transport trailer making relocation to distant squadrons a cumbersome task.

The L-23, while still not as easily transported as the ASK 21 still being used by the Glider Flight, features a much easier method of assembly and disassembly. It also includes an enclosed trailer for transport.

As a result, if a mission requires two gliders the unit has the capability to transport the aircraft to outlying stations for flights. That tremendously improves the members’ ability to serve some of the larger squadrons’ rapidly growing ranks.

The new Blanik made its Salt Lake debut June 22 with orientation flights conducted at the Cedar Valley Airport during the 2010 Utah Wing encampment. The previous week, Glider Flight members had conducted training and qualification exercises, with six orientation pilots became qualified to fly the L-23 during the encampment as well as for orientation flights planned for the remainder of the summer.

Once the rest of the unit’s orientation pilots become qualified in the new equipment, a full complement will be available to fly either the L-23 or the ASK 21.

More than 35 cadets and senior members at the encampment participated in glider orientation flights June 22-23 in both the Blanik and the ASK. The cadets enjoyed the Blank’s roomy cockpit and excellent visibility, and the orientation pilots commented on the plane’s excellent handling characteristics and low noise level compared to the Schweitzer.

Colo. aircrew spots missing hiker in rugged terrain

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Maj. Brian F. Smiley
Deputy Chief of Staff for Aerospace Education
Rocky Mountain Region

COLORADO – A Jefferson County Senior Squadron aircrew located a lost hiker June 28 in rugged terrain in the Comanche Peak Wilderness area, less than two hours after launching its mission.

After Latisha Tucker, 25, was reported missing by a friend when she failed to return from a day hike, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office sought the Colorado Wing’s assistance in the search.

A CAP aircraft took off at 5:15 p.m. from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport. The aircrew worked in coordination with Larimer County Search and Rescue operations to search the area while aerial firefighting operations continued nearby.

The aircrew spotted Tucker at 7:01 p.m. She was found, in good condition, in a ravine on the north side of the Comanche Peak. She ended up about a mile west in the lower, rugged terrain that leads down to the Big South Trail along the Cache la Poudre River.

“We were just glad to have spotted her before it got too late. The sun was at a very low angle already casting long shadows and blinding us any time we flew north or west,” said one member of the aircrew, 2nd Lt. Arif Gezalov. “It is not the first time we’ve helped find lost hikers in this area.”

“Our experience taught us to go back to the place where they started (or in this case, parked their car) and fly over the trails where they probably hiked,” Gezalov said. “Chances are, in this rough of terrain, they aren’t far from where they intended to be.”

That was this case this time, too.

“Fortunately, the lost hiker did exactly what she was supposed to do in a situation like that,” said George Janson, operations section chief for Larimer County Search and Rescue. “She found a small clearing near a water supply, stayed in one spot and let the rescuers come to her.

“We start the air and ground teams in areas most likely to have evidence of her passage and work our way to likely locations where a lost hiker might try to find water and shelter from the elements,” Janson said.

Another aircrew member, Capt. Sy Jenkins, the Jefferson County Senior Squadron’s administrative officer, said Janson’s office “handled things beautifully. The multi-agency communications went very well. The FAA air traffic controllers assisted in clearing us into a temporary flight restriction zone (for the Cow Creek burn area), the airborne firefighting crews communicated and cooperated with us to search in their area, the operations and ground teams were amazing.”

“It was a well-coordinated, team effort,” Jenkins said.

In July 2008, Smiley and Gezalov flew in the aircrew that found a missing hiker, a diabetic in critical condition, in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Hell Canyon. In addition, Jenkins was on an aircrew that found a couple of experienced, yet overdue campers in the National Park in the summer of 2007.

Civil Air Patrol assists in searches every year for hikers or campers who get lost in the pristine and rugged country in or adjacent to the Rocky Mountain National Park.

July 4 weekend finds Md. members on Bay Patrol

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Pat Aaron of the Carroll Composite Squadron flies over the Chesapeake Bay on patrol.

(2)
The Carroll Composite Squadron’s assistant operations officer, 2nd Lt. Cole Brown, adjusts the CAP GA-8 Airvan.

GA-8 Airvan ’s GPS system.

(3)
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge as seen by a Carroll Composite Squadron on Bay Patrol.

(4)
Chesapeake Bay, its harbors and tributaries, along with the boats and ships that sail on them, being watched by a Carroll Composite Squadron aircrew.

Photos by Maj. Brenda Reed

Maj. Brenda A. Reed
Commander
Carroll Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND -- Members of the Carroll Composite Squadron spent part of their holiday weekend flying on patrol over Chesapeake Bay, watching from the sky for distressed boaters, oil spills, threats to Maryland's bridges and other potential problems.

Each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as tasked by the state Emergency Management Agency, trained Maryland Wing pilots and aircrews fly over the bay from morning until evening observing, reporting and standing ready to assist.

Over the July 4 weekend, members of the Carroll squadron were on Bay Patrol. Crews left in the morning for Martin State Airport, where they established mission base. There, the duty officers manned the radios that would communicate with the airborne CAP GIppsland GA-8 Airvan, the Coast Guard and the state Department of Natural Resources.

Saturday’s pilot for the day, Capt. Pat Aaron, the squadron’s operations officer, conducted his preflight check of the Airvan and briefed the crew. Shortly afterward, the plane and its crew were in the air over the waters of Chesapeake Bay.

Following an established flight plan, Aaron made several flights covering the majority of the bay from the northern end to St. Mary's County, including Annapolis and Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Along the way, the crew scanned the waters in search of anything out of the ordinary.

Regularly established checkpoints keep the duty officer aware of the crews’ location. Any significant observations are radioed to the duty officer, who keeps a detailed log of the events of the mission. When needed, the duty officer calls the appropriate authorities.

Up in the air, crews are on the lookout for anything that could indicate a potential problem. Members noticed excessive smoke from one boat, but after the plane circled the vessel they determined it wasn’t an issue.

During one series of flights, members alerted the Department of Natural Resources to a small oil spill. While that could be a sign of something as minor as a boater illegally dumping fuel, it could also indicate a submerged boat and thus requires investigation.

Later Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard asked the aircrew to investigate a distressed boater whose craft was taking on water. After being provided coordinates and the boaters’ description of the location, Aaron left his regular patrol path to assist.

Fortunately, the Coast Guard was able to find the boaters with the aircrew’s assistance.

Carroll Composite has one of the largest trained aircrews available in Maryland. Regular classroom sessions and simulated training exercises help keep members' skills honed.

Not all aircrew members are pilots. Most, in fact, aren’t — instead, they serve as observers and scanners, assisting with radios and searching while the pilot flies the plane.

During the holiday weekend’s Bay Patrol flights, experienced crew members helped train newer members in critical skills that may help one day save a life.

104 from 5 wings flock to W.Va. summer encampment

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman Logan Zehrung of the Maryland Wing’s Hagerstown Composite Squadron makes his way down the 60-foot rappelling tower.

(2)
Cadet Airman Cadet Corrine Vincent of the West Virginia Wing's Charleston Cadet Squadron tackles the climbing wall.

(3)
Cadets gather around to hear instructions from Capt. Kenneth Dilley, aerospace education officer for the West Virginia Wing’s Beckley Composite Squadron, on loading their rockets’ firing components.

Photos by Major Jeffery Schrock

Maj. Jeffery Schrock
Public Affairs Officer
West Virginia Wing

WEST VIRGINIA — More than 100 cadets from five wings spent a week getting both hands-on and classroom exposure to different components of Civil Air Patrol through activities featured at the 2010 West Virginia Wing Cadet Summer Encampment.

In all, 104 cadets from not only the host West Virginia Wing but also the Maryland, National Capital, Ohio and Pennsylvania wings participating in the encampment at Camp Dawson, training base for the West Virginia National Guard and Army Special Forces.

Activities included orientation rides in a Black Hawk helicopter, building and launching model rockets, rappelling off a 60-foot tower, moral leadership courses and land survival training from the West Virginia Air National Guard's 167th Wing out of Martinsburg.

"We have had great activities here," Col. Dennis Barron, commander of not only the encampment but also the West Virginia Wing, said during the week. "We haven't had any cadets feeling homesick yet; they're being very good.

“This has been an excellent encampment," said Barron, participating in his 46th encampment.

"This is my fourth encampment," said Cadet Staff Sgt. Dana Gustafson of the West Virginia Wing's Clarksburg Composite Squadron. "You get to meet more people and make new friends. They're fun. They allow you do things other people wouldn't have a chance to do."

The encampment graduation was featured in a news segment broadcast Saturday by WVNS-TV, the CBS affiliate in Lewisburg.

Emergency beacons keep Mich. members hopping

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
First Lt. Matt Porter of the Grand Rapids Senior Squadron pulls an EPIRB out of the trash in a residential neighborhood in Grand Haven, Grand.

(2)
Lt. Col Frank Roldan (left) of the Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron and 1st Lt. Matt Porter of the Grand Rapids Senior Squadron prepare to look though a trash bag as part of their EPIRB search.

(3)
First Lt. Matt Porter of the Grand Rapids Senior Squadron assists 2nd Lt. Mary Jo Derenzo of the Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron during a search for an ELT in a Walker, Mich., neighborhood. Found in a residential garage, the device was part of a powered parachute rig.

(4)
(Clockwise, from left) Maj. Jason Sherwood of the Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron discusses the EPIRB search in Grand Haven with 1st Lt. Matt Porter of the Grand Rapids Senior Squadron as Lt. Col. Frank Roldan of the Lakeshore unit and a neighborhood resident listen.

(5)
Lt. Col. Frank Roldan finishes searching a marina pier during the EPIRB mission.

Photos by Maj. Jason Sherwood

Maj. Jason Sherwood
Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron
1st Lt. Kevin Jarchow
Public Affairs Officer
Grand Rapids Senior Squadron
Michigan Wing

MICHIGAN -- Members from west Michigan squadrons were called out on four emergency signal missions in two weeks in late June, the last three on consecutive days, tracking the signals – all of which turned out to be false alarms – to such destinations as two residential garage garages, a trash bin and an airport hangar.

The first such search occurred June 10 when members learned an emergency locator transmitter signal had been detected in the West Olive area. An aircrew from the Kellogg Field Senior Squadron -- 1st Lt Richard Lombard, mission pilot; 2nd Lt. Thomas Pero, mission observer; and Senior Member Philippe Brule, mission scanner -- began searching for the device while preparations were made to send out two ground search teams.

The first ground team, from the Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron, was commanded by Maj. Jason Sherwood and also included Lt. Col. Frank Roldan and Capt. Antonio Gutierrez. The second ground team, led by Capt. Danielle Weeter of the Lakeshore squadron, also consisted of Maj. John Johnson of West Michigan Group Headquarters, 1st Lt. Matt Porter and Cadet Senior Airman Kyle Reed of the Grand Rapids Metro Cadet Squadron and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Gordon Kovacevik of the Lakeshore unit.

The aircrew tracked the signal to the Port Sheldon area and directed the ground teams there. Ground team members located the ELT in a garage, where it was part of a powered parachute rig.
.
A nearly identical search, also involving a powered parachute rig in a residential garage, took place June 22 on the west side of Grand Rapids. In this case, the call sent to a Grand Rapids Senior Squadron aircrew -- Capt. Dan Evans, mission pilot; Lt. Col. Bob Heine, mssion observer; and 1st Lt. Kevin Jarchow, mission scanner. The aircrew assisted a ground team led by Sherwood and also consisting of Weeter, Porter and 2nd Lt. Mary Jo Derenzo and Cadet Senior Airman Lindsay Chandler, both from the Lakeshore squadron.

After a 2 1/2–hour search complicated by the transmission signal bouncing off metal buildings in the area, the ELT was located and turned out about 10:30 p.m.

The next day, June 23, the Kellogg Field Senior Squadron took the air again, alerted to an ELT activated after high winds moved through the area the night before. The device was found in a Piper Cherokee 190 in a line of hangars at Tulip City Airport.

"The owner was present and accommodating. He was happy that we were there." said Maj. Rick Crepas, mission pilot of the aircrew, which also included Lombard, mission observer and Capt. Gary McClure, mission scanner.

Two ground teams were also involved in the June 23 search – Weeter, Porter and Maj. Andy Dekraker and Cadet Master Sgt. Tyler Millard, both of the Hudsonville Metro Cadet Squadron, made up one team, while the second consisted of the Lakeshore squadron’s Gutierrez, Maj. James Cloutier, Derenzo and Cadet Senior Airmen Lindsay Chandler and David Derenzo.

The month’s fourth mission, conducted June 24, involved the aquatic equivalent t of an ELT – an emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB, carried by boaters and commercial shipping vessels.

After the 9th Coast Guard District called on Civil Air Patrol to help with a search for such a signal, ground team and aircrew members were quick to respond once more. The EPIRB was found a short time later, missing its antenna, in a Grand Haven resident’s trash. Weeter, Porter, Sherwood and Roldan made up the ground team, while the aircrew consisted of Capt. Kenneth Glidden, mission pilot, and fellow Kellogg Field Senior Squadron member Brule, a mission observer trainee.

Chandler, from the Lakeshore squadron, said after the June 23 search that “all three missions, although ending in false alarms, remind us how important our training and readiness is.”

Gutierrez, the squadron’s commander, added that “these missions are why it is so important to have the pilots of aircraft monitor emergency frequencies.”

“We ask pilots to report anything unusual while flying,” he said. “Pilot assistance helps to ensure an expedient response when ELTs are going off.”

Top cadets to train at Alabama AFB

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – A full complement – 112 – of Civil Air Patrol’s rising cadets will attend Cadet Officer School, one of the top professional development opportunities available to CAP youth, July 5-15, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., home of Air University and professional military education for the U.S. Air Force.

The participating cadets competed for selection to the school. Only the top 15 percent of all CAP cadets nationwide are invited to participate.

While at the school, the cadets will have a unique opportunity to learn about the Air Force, airpower history, leadership, teamwork, communication skills and problem-solving.

Patterned after Air Force Squadron Officer School, Cadet Officer School is an academically challenging program combining lectures, seminars and hands-on training. Cadets will practice what they learn through a series of writing and speaking assignments that will culminate with a group project testing their ability to overcome obstacles through planning and teamwork.

This leadership opportunity is one of 30 National Cadet Special Activities sponsored by CAP this summer. These activities allow cadets to hone their skills in a variety of areas, including search and rescue, flight and emergency services, science, citizenship and military courtesies, and to explore aerospace technology and aviation careers.

In 2009, 1,100 youth participated in CAP-sponsored summer activities.

Student Roster

Alabama Wing

Boaz City Schools Cadet Squadron — Cadet Capt. Ryan Erskine
Maxwell Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Joseph Spitzer

Alaska Wing

Kenai Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Derrick Bunts

Arizona Wing

Prescott Composite Squadron 206 — Cadet Col. Matthew Bricker
Falcon Composite Squadron 305 — Cadet 2nd Lt. Tyler Kidney

California Wing

Big Bear Valley Composite Squadron 6750 — Cadet 2nd Lt. Mykhaylo Shumko
Brackett Composite Squadron 64 — Cadet Lt. Col. Jonathan Khattar
Saddleback Composite Squadron 68 — Cadet 1st Lt. Veronika Tsymbler
San Diego Cadet Squadron 144 — Cadet 2nd Lt. Joshua Flewellen

Connecticut Wing

169th Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Jeremy Choleva
Stratford Eagles Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Andrew Collins and Cadet Capt. Mary Kraynak

Delaware Wing

Middletown Cadet Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Caroline Dengler

Florida Wing

Central Florida Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Scott Kennedy
Coral Springs Cadet Squadron — Cadet Maj. Casey Martin
Eglin Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Rosalyn Knaust
8049th Cadet Squadron — Cadet Capt. Ethan Ernst
Gainesville Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Tiffany Jakowczuk
Jacksonville Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. Joshua Hinson
Marianna Composite Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. Parry Thomas
Orlando Cadet Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. Austin Parsons
Pembroke Pines Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Rick Bravo
Suwanee Valley Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Gaynair Perry
Venice Cadet Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Dillon Clancy

Georgia Wing

Rome Composite Squadron — Cadet Capts. Michael Chickvary and Michael Loudermilk
Savannah Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Elisabeth Smith

Illinois Wiing

Chicago Midway Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Joshua Correa
McHenry County Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Ethan Peterman

Indiana Wing

Jasper Cadet Squadron — Cadet Capt. Al Martin Shoals
Rivercity Cadet Squadron — Cadet Capts.Jeremiah Fulton and Jacob Whitacre.

Iowa Wing

Des Moines Metro Cadet Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. James Eimers
East Iowa Cadet Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Leedy

Kansas Wing

Wing Headquarters — Cadet 2nd Lt.Jonathan James
Kansas City Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Emily Willson

Louisiana Wing

Barksdale Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Kaitlyn Fife and Cadet 1st Lt. Ashli McDonald .

Maryland Wing

Arundel Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Isaac Breen-Franklin and Cadet 2nd Lt. Alex Chang
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Kristen Santos and Cadet 2nd Lts. Catrina Johnson and Devtulya Kavathekar.
Harford Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. Elizabeth Roberts
Prince Frederick Cadet Squadron — Cadet Maj. Jason LaPre
St. Mary’s Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. Eashan Samak

Massachusetts Wing

Beverly Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Alexander Ortins
Essex County Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Abhiram Iyengar
Pilgrim Composite Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. Heidi Schneider

Michigan Wing

Battle Creek Cadet Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. Brendan Pheley
Highpoint Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Sean Hurd
Hudsonville Metro — Cadet Squadron Lt. Col Tyler Millard

Minnesota Wing

North Hennepin Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. David Chanski
Viking Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Willliam Schrammen

Missouri Wing

Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. Boone Myers

Nevada Wing

Nellis Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. William McLaughlin
Reno Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Nathanael Johnson

New Hampshire Wing

Concord Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Brittany Hanes

New Jersey Wing

Bayshore Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. David Resnick

New Mexico Wing

Concord Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lts. Nicholas Schaper and Joshua Thomas
T-Bird Composite Squadron 4 — Cadet 2nd Lts. Aaron Holets and Brad Villa

New York Wing

Canandaigua Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. Caitlin Sippel
Chemung/Schuyler Composite Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. Caleb McLean
Condor Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Moriah Davis
Williamson Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. Caleb Irwin

North Carolina Wing

Raleigh-Wake Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Kyle Zobel

Ohio Wing

Medina County Skyhawks Composite Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. Jeremy Marcum
Youngstown ARS Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Joseph Spletzer

Oklahoma Wing

Flying Castle Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Whitney Heer
Grove Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. James Roberts

Oregon Wing

Aurora Cadet Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Maryssa Yager

Pennsylvania Wing

Capital City Composite Squadron 302 — Cadet Capt. Blaise Loughman
Golden Triangle Composite Squadron 603 — Cadet Capt. Mary Russell

Puerto Rico Wing

Capt. P.R. Guisti PiazzaCadet Squadron — Cadet Capt. Jose Mercado

South Carolina Wing

Augusta Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Stuart Prettel
Greenville Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Kevin Czajka
Lexington Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Kelsey Camacho
Spartanburg Composite Squadron — Cadet Capts. Benjamin Gardner and Austin Bryant
York County Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Seth Brown

Tennessee Wing

Chattanooga Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Joshua Murphy
Kingsport Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Gabriel Sanchez-Vinas
Lewis County Cadet Squadron — Cadet Maj. Adam Smith
Murfreesboro Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. Benton Beasley and Cadet Maj. Timothy Wier
Saint Edwards Cadet Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col Michael Pabon-Vega and Cadet Capt. Hayley Dalton .

Texas Wing

Crusader Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Robert Severance IV
Delta Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. Jamie Douglas
Lakeshore Squadron — Cadet Capt. Addison Jaynes
Lubbock Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Michael Cartwright
Randolph Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Daniel Boothe
Red Oak Cadet Squadron — Cadet Maj. Sarah Heitzmann
Shoemaker Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Joshua Pravel
Spindletop Cadet Squadron— Cadet Maj. Juliana Leano

Utah Wing

Thunderbird Composite Squadron — Cadet Maj. Arielle Weeks and Cadet Capt. Rachel Niedfeldt

Vermont Wing

Green Mountain Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Cullen Schill

Virginia Wing

Leesburg Composite Squadron — Cadet Lt. Col. David Keran
Mount Vernon Composite Squadron — Cadet 1st Lt. William Vician
Newport News Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Jared Mast
Roanoke Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Jonathan Hendry

Washington Wing

McChord AFB Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Damon Poor
Mount St. Helens Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Jonathan Gilliam
Paine Field Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Allison Sjoberg

West Virginia Wing

Martinsburg Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Andrew Mitchell
Parkersburg Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Alancea Grant

Wisconsin Wing

Stevens Point Composite Squadron— Cadet 1st Lt. Mark Flage
Walco Composite Squadron — Cadet 2nd Lt. Kevin Wright .

Wyoming Wing

Cloud Peak Composite Squadron — Cadet Capt. Heather Gould

Air show soars with Minn. members' help

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Shawn Warneke, professional development officer for the St. Cloud Composite Squadron, provides flight line marshalling during the Great Minnesota Air Show.

(2)
A few of the Minnesota Wing cadets who helped out at the Great Minnesota Air Show.

(3)
Air Force Maj. Dave “Zeke” Skalicky shows a visitor some of the features of the F-22 Raptor.

(4)
Airborne acrobatics hold visitors enrapt at the air show.

(5)
The Marine Corps C-130 Hercules, affectionately known as “Fat Albert,” flies over one of the Blue Angels’ F-18 jets during the Great Minnesota Air Show held June 26-27 in St. Cloud, Minn. The C-13- flies the Blue Angels maintenance and support crew to each air show site.

Photos by Maj. Richard Sprouse

Maj. Richard Sprouse
Public Affairs Officer
Group II
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA -- Members of the Minnesota Wing joined the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Air Force F-22 demonstration team and numerous performers receiving high marks Saturday and Sunday during the Great Minnesota Air Show at St. Cloud Regional Airport.

“The flight line marshalling by Civil Air Patrol was flawless, fantastic, smooth as clockwork,” said Bill Towle, airport manager. “We couldn’t have pulled this event off without CAP’s help.”

Teamwork was crucial for the nearly 70 cadets and senior members from the Anoka, Crow Wing, Hutchinson, St. Cloud and St. Paul composite squadrons assisting at the event, said Maj. Pat Cruze, St. Cloud commander.

Nearly 70,000 people witnessed the different aerial acts, but the F-22 Raptor piloted by a Minneapolis native, Maj. Dave “Zeke” Skalicky, caught everyone’s attention.

“I was really looking forward to coming home,” Skalicky said. “The St. Cloud show was an awesome opportunity to showcase the best aspects of the Air Force, technology and teamwork.”

This marked the first time the St. Cloud squadron served as host unit at a major air show.

“With an air show of this scope we were constantly barraged with last-minute changes, and without batting an eye we adapted and overcame any obstacle placed in front of us,” Cruze said.

“I can’t tell you how many positive comments I heard from air show organizers and staff, as well as the general public, who were amazed to see cadets confidently and professionally marshalling multimillion-dollar aircraft,” he said. “I am very proud of all of our cadets.”

Cadet Capt. Lydia Stone, the St. Cloud squadron’s cadet commander, admitted to being a little nervous when marshalling a U. S. Marine Corps V-22 Osprey.

“I put the butterflies aside and did my job; all the flight line training leading up to the air show just kicked in,” Stone said. “When it was over I said to myself, ‘I just parked an Osprey – what a rush!’” She then confidently moved on to the next aircraft.

The cadets’ work was also noticed by Air Force Master Sgt. Greg Gappert, F-22 maintenance crew team chief, who visited the St. Cloud squadron along with two other crew members the day following the event.

“CAP impresses me with its discipline,” Gappert said. “During our travels I’ve seen cadets addressing other cadets on what I thought a minor uniform infraction that even had me going, ‘Whew.’ They take themselves and their organization pretty seriously.”

The St. Paul squadron’s deputy commander for cadets, 1st Lt. Amy Pahr, said that despite the intensity and volume of work, the Civil Air Patrol members also got to enjoy the air show – as well as an unexpected treat.

“We were able to get up close to the aircraft and speak with Maj. Skalicky and the Blue Angels pilots as they signed autographs, and were pleasantly surprised when people started asking for our autographs!”

N.Y. unit sees 2 cadets join 3rd at Air Force Academy

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet Airman 1st Class Bradley Heberle (left) and Cadet Capt. Matthew Buerger after a recent color guard event at Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.

Capt. Edward Dodds
Public Affairs Officer
Niagara Falls Composite Squadron 1
New York Wing

NEW YORK – This fall three cadets from New York Wing’s Niagara Falls Composite Squadron 1 will be attending the U.S. Air Force Academy at the same time – a first in the unit’s history.

Cadet Capt. Matthew Buerger and Cadet Airman 1st Class Bradley Heberle reported Thursday to the academy in Colorado Springs as members of the class of 2014.

They join former fellow Niagara Falls Composite cadet Christopher Ganczewski, who will be entering his third year at the academy.

Buerger served as the squadron’s immediate past cadet commander and is a graduate of the National Honor Guard Academy, Blue Beret, and Aviation Challenge National Cadet Special Activities.

A four-year member of Civil Air Patrol, he received the Air Force Association Squadron Cadet of the Year Award in 2009 and the Western New York Group Solo Flight Scholarship in 2008. Outside CAP, Buerger is an Eagle Scout and was the group vice commander (cadet major) in his high school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program.

“The first time that I knew I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy was during my first CAP encampment,” Buerger said. “An academy liaison officer gave a presentation and I liked everything I heard.”

In addition to the leadership and aerospace education training he received in CAP, Heberle took on three Advance Placement courses as well as college-level Spanish to help prepare him for the academy.

As captain of his high school swim team he was his league’s breast stroke champion and brought the team to first place in the medley relay. By the end of the year he was the MVP for the second straight year.

Heberle, who finally received a presidential appointment to the academy April 1 after many weeks of anticipation, said the timing made for “the greatest April Fools’ Day of my life – no joke.”

Md. squadron greets 340 WWII veterans touring D.C.

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(From left) Second Lt. Jake Kellogg of the Fort McHenry Composite Squadron, an unidentified Air Force ROTC cadet, Cadet Airman Basic Malcolm Scott, Cadet Staff Sgt. Ryan Payne, Senior Member Tony Moe and members of the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force applaud two arriving World War II veterans as they pause for a child’s greetings.

Photo by Lt. Col. Jim Steinmeier

(2)
(From left) Senior Member Tony Moe; his son, Justin Moe; World War II veteran Theodore Palis; his daughter, Ann Cooper; and Tony Moe’s son, Nathan Moe.

(3)
Greeters salute, cheer and wave flags as a bus with more than 50 World War II veterans from New York leaves Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Aiport for the National World War II Monument in Washington.

Photo by Lt. Col. Jim Steinmeier

Capt. Larry Moore
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Fort McHenry Composite Squadron
Maryland Wing

MARYLAND – Fort McHenry Composite Squadron members joined with representatives of the military, the Boy Scouts of America and the Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses Club in greeting 340 World War II veterans arriving at the Baltimore airport in May and June for visits to the nation’s capital provided by the Honor Flight Network.

Eleven members from the squadron and four of their family members were part of the welcoming crowd at Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport on May 1 and June 5.

For the veterans – 137 of whom came from New York, 100 from Alabama, 40 from Michigan, 35 from Tennessee and 28 from Ohio – the greeting came as a complete surprise. Volunteers lined up at the gate to cheer,
applaud and shake hands with them.

The encounter proved emotional for the veterans, the greeters and even bystanders in the terminals who joined in to show their appreciation for the heroes of World War II.

Among the 340 veterans greeted was Ben Antonio of Buffalo, N.Y., who served as a member of the 375th Medics during the Battle of the Bulge. Antonio reflected on his experiences while aiding soldiers who fell victim to German fire and the bitter winter weather as he put himself in the line of fire to save his comrades.

Among the greeters from the Fort McHenry squadron were:

Lt. Col. Jim Steinmeier, adviser to the commander.
Capt. Larry Moore, deputy commander for seniors and also a technical sergeant in the Air Force; his wife, Katherine, a member of the Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses Club; and their son, Jayden.
2nd Lts. Jake Kellogg and Andrew Wortman.
Senior Member Tony Moe, historian, and his sons, Justin and Nathan.
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Alexandra Green.
Cadet Staff Sgt. Ryan Payne.
Cadet Airmen Bronte Goldsmith and Malcolm Scott.
Cadet Airman Basic Jared Jackson.

Prospective cadet Sarah Cohen accompanied the Civil Air Patrol contingent as well.

Each volunteer greeted the veterans as they exited their aircraft, thanked them for their service and then escorted them to awaiting buses. The squadron members then stood in line formation and rendered a final salute as the buses departed for Washington, D.C., for the day.

A camera crew from WMAR-TV, the ABC affiliate in Baltimore, was on hand to record the May 1 event, filming a report that aired on the 11 p.m. news the following day. Among those interviewed was Green, who shared her excitement at participating in the event, showing that even the youngest generation hasn’t forgotten World War II veterans’ sacrifices.

The Honor Flight Network is a nonprofit organization devoted to honoring America’s veterans for all their sacrifices. The organization transports veterans to Washington to visit and reflect at the memorial established in their honor, with top priority is given to senior veterans – World War II survivors or other veterans who may be terminally ill.

Calif. aerospace, orientation flight day interrupted by search mission, distress find

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Some of the participants in the Aerospace Education & Flight Day.

Capt. Paul Saba
Emergency Services Officer
Inland Empire Group 3
California Wing

CALIFORNIA - As if Inland Empire Group 3’s recent Aerospace Education & Orientation Flight Day weren’t busy enough, activities ended when participants learned an emergency locator transmitter had been detected, then responded as part of a mission that led to the location of a crashed airplane.

Events at Riverside Municipal Airport came to a halt after Capt. Chris Mattson, deputy commander of Chino Cadet Squadron 20, detected the ELT while en route to an unrelated event celebrating an earlier distress find with two saves. The report came to Capt. Paul Saba, the group’s emergency services officer, who was overseeing the day’s events at Riverside.

Saba alerted Maj. Jon Wordsworth of California Wing Headquarters, who informed the Air Force Rescue Coordinating Committee, which authorized the mission. Saba was appointed incident commander, and participants from the day’s events formed an aircrew and two urban direction finding teams to search for the ELT’s source.

The aircrew tracked the signal to a crashed plane east of Moreno Valley. The ground teams found the downed aircraft’s pilot and passenger rattled but unharmed.

Both teams, Saba said, were led by Corona Cadet Squadron 29 cadets who were qualified ground team members – Cadet 2nd Lt. James Aeschliman, rated as a Ground Team Member 2, and Cadet Master Sgt. Tyler Saba, a Ground Team Member 1. The senior members on the teams, along with Aeschliman and Saba’s fellow cadets, were all trainees.

Earlier, 20 cadets from various Southern California squadrons participated in the aerospace day at Riverside, with a dozen received their initial orientation flights. The remainder took their second or third flights.

In addition to orientation flights, the cadets also participated in various aerospace education activities – such as model aircraft flying, NASA space exploration programs and other projects conducted by various aerospace education officers from local squadrons.

Finally, to ensure a safe activity, all cadets and senior members completed Basic On-Line Operational Risk Management training and Aircraft Ground Handling training, as needed.
Given the activity’s success of this activity, similar programs are in the works.

National Capital Wing cadet solos on 16th birthday

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Poussard returns after his first solo flight.

Photo by Lt. Col. Mark Bailey

Maj. Paul S. Cianciolo
Public Affairs Officer
National Capital Wing

WASHINGTON, D.C -- Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Poussard of the Fairfax Composite Squadron, who’s pursuing private pilot certification through the National Capital Wing, recently took an important step toward that goal when he soloed in a Cessna 172 on his 16th birthday, before he was even licensed to drive a car.

Lt. Col. J.D. Ellis, the wing’s director of cadet programs, said Poussard is the wing’s first cadet in years to solo at 16 – the minimum FAA requirement for soloing.

Poussard learned how to fly a single-engine aircraft under the tutelage of Lt. Col. Peter Hantelman, Mount Vernon Composite Squadron operations officer. He did so under the scrutiny of flight training within the national capital’s restricted airspace, or Special Flight Rules Area.

Many private pilots are intimidated by those restrictions and avoid Washington altogether, but Poussard handled the requirements like an old pro, said Lt. Col. Mark Bailey, director of operations for the wing.

He was similarly unfazed by the obstacles the air traffic control tower threw at him on every landing. The tower directed a something action on each landing, thanks to other air traffic and vehicles on the runway extending downwind pattern legs or circling on the downwind to re-enter the traffic pattern.

Poussard , the Fairfax squadron’s cadet commander and led the wing’s color guard March 19-21 at the Middle East Region Cadet Competition.

Mich. squadron returns home with move to meetings in Muskegon

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

The Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron's emblem and the site of its new meeting place in Muskegon.

Capt. David J. D’Arcy
Newsletter Editor
Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron
Michigan Wing

MICHIGAN – The Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron is right back where it started from, having returned to its former home of more than five decades – Muskegon -- after losing its meeting site in Grand Haven.

The unit’s return to Muskegon was set in motion some weeks ago when Gregory McCabe, president of the West Michigan Flying Club, contacted the squadron’s public affairs officer, 2nd Lt Mary Jo Derenzo, to ask if she could speak to the club about Civil Air Patrol’s mission in general and her unit in particular. Derenzo soon complied with that request, accompanied by the squadron's safety officer, Capt. Derek Stewart, and its deputy commander for cadets, Maj. Jim Cloutier.

At the completion of Derenzo's presentation, club member Ratan Khatri asked her what type of assistance the club could provide the Lakeshore unit. Since the squadron had just lost its home of almost 1½ years, Derenzo quickly replied that if anyone knew of a building its members could use one night a week, they would be most grateful.

Khatri runs a property management company in the Muskegon area, and the west Michigan economic downtown has left some of his properties underused. He offered his company's headquarters building, which includes an unfinished wing, as a meeting site for the squadron members.

The new location offers room for the unit’s cadets to drill and provides cover for formations during poor weather.

The 119th has been active in the area January 1942, having been formed to assist and train pilots who went on to fight on every front of World War II.

After the war, the unit – then named the Muskegon 119th -- shared a home with the Naval Reserve in downtown Muskegon before finally finding a home at Muskegon County Airport. Soon after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the unit had to find another location, which turned out to be second-floor classrooms in the U. S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Building.

Eventually, the squadron spent the summer months at Grand Haven Memorial Airpark and from September to May was able to use the warmer facilities at the Coast Guard Station.

In 2009 the unit officially changed its name to the Lakeshore 119th Composite Squadron, signing a two-year lease to meet at an office building in Grand Haven. Eventually, though, that space was needed, displacing the squadron. A church in Spring Lake allowed members to meet at one of its fellowship halls until a permanent home could be found.

Fla. Group 5 ground school preps cadets for pilot's seat

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
A prop proves useful as Lt. Col. Richard Petrucci of the SRQ Competent Squadron, who led the team of ground school instructors, engages Col. Christian Moersch, Florida Wing commander, in a discussion of aeronautical principles.

(2)
Cadets prepare for a practice exam for the Federal Aviation Authority's Knowledge Test.

(3)
The Florida Wing’s commander, Col. Christian Moersch, takes on culinary duties as he serves up a nutritious breakfast at the ground school.

(4)
(Left) Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Johnathan Fischer of the Lee County Cadet Squadron. (Right) Cadet 2nd Lt. Shawn May of the Hernando County Composite Squadron.

Capt. Jeff Carlson
Public Affairs Officer
Group 5
Florida Wing

FLORIDA -- Sixteen cadets from across Southwest Florida participated in Group Five’s Cadet Aviation Ground School from June 13-19 in Sarasota, with the two cadets earning the highest overall grade averages each receiving a flight scholarship made possible by the Florida Wing.

This is the third year that Group Five’s commander, Lt. Col. Fran Gleockler, has coordinated the program, designed to prepare qualified cadets for passing the Federal Aviation Administration’s Private Pilot Knowledge Test.

The comprehensive instruction includes three stage tests and a final exam. Those scoring above 70 percent on the final exam had their logbooks endorsed to take the FAA private pilot knowledge exam.

The Florida Wing has previously awarded a scholarship valued at $1,000 to the top student for use toward fight training in Civil Air Patrol aircraft with CAP flight instructors.

This year’s scholarship winner was Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Johnathan Fischer of the Lee County Cadet Squadron.

This, year, though, Col. Christian Moersch, Florida Wing commander, surprised the staff and candidates by offering a second scholarship, valued at $500.
That runner-up scholarship went to Cadet 2nd Lt. Shawn May of the Hernando County Composite Squadron.

Moersch participated in two days of classes, gave a presentation as a guest speaker and even demonstrated his culinary skills by helping the school staff serve up a nutritious breakfast meal.

The ground school is a good example of the role that CAP plays in Florida communities – in this case, a role that brings “a unique opportunity to youth, feeds their interest in aviation, and helps them to recognize that aeronautics is a realistic goal to pursue,” Gleockler said.

“The in-residence format of the school is a cost-effective way to bring this type of opportunity within reach of cadets who, for economic reasons, might not find other aviation programs accessible to them.”

In addition, she said, “Having access to the Sarasota Military Academy‘s wonderful facilities is vital to being able to offer the in-residence program.”

Throughout the school’s duration, key elements of the mainstream CAP cadet program are being reinforced. The 40 hours of class time are balanced with periods of physical fitness activity, while the demanding curriculum fosters a cooperative learning environment where cadets tutor each other and exercise leadership skills.

This type of programming is an excellent example of what can be achieved through a coordinated effort of CAP members. The fundraising efforts led by Lt. Col. Virginia Cullity, Group Five’s character development instructor; the engaging lesson outlines executed by a talented team of instructors led by Lt. Col. Richard Petrucci, safety officer for the SRQ Composite Squadron; and the hard-working support staff led by Gleockler are each seemingly independent efforts, yet inextricably intertwined and necessary for the project’s success.

The cadets accepted to attend must demonstrate a commitment to pursuing their private pilot training. They must also maintain academic rigor while fulfilling their assigned squadron duties.

Successfully completing the ground school portion of pilot training represents a significant step, whether the cadets are aiming for a military or commercial academy. This intensive training prepares them for the personal focus and determination required to complete the practical skills portion of flight training.

The high quality of instruction is possible though the generous volunteer efforts by Petrucci's team of certified flight instructors -- retired Navy Capt. Phil Yates, retired Delta Airlines Capt. Doug Kirkland; Ed Barros, chief flight instructor for Cirrus Aviation; and Kristin Incrocci, chief flight instructor for Leading Edge Aviation.

Wisc. units lend CAP touch to airport 'Emergency Services Day'

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
A young visitor to Emergency Services Days at Sturgeon Bay’s Door County Cherryland Airport tries his hand at guiding a CAP Cessna 172 using Microsoft Flight Simulator, set up in the airport terminal building.

(2)
Maj. Galen Wautier, Door County Senior Squadron operations officer, explains some of CAP’s capabilities to visitors.

Maj. Pierce M. Sherrill
Aerospace Education Officer
Door County Senior Squadron
Wisconsin Wing

WISCONSIN – The Door County Senior Squadron joined with other Northeast Group units to furnish a Civil Air Patrol presence for Emergency Services Day at Door County Cherryland Airport in Sturgeon Bay, giving members of the public an opportunity to see CAP aircraft up close, learn about the organization’s missions and even to get a feel for piloting a CAP Cessna 172 via a flight simulator.

The Wisconsin Wing units brought aircraft and other displays to the airport for the event. Other participants including the Door County Sheriff’s Department, several area fire departments, the Army National Guard, the Coast Guard, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the conservation warden. At midday, the area's medical transport team dropped by in an Eagle III helicopter

Minn. members focus on emergency response training

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Lt. Col. Barney Uhlig reviews an emergency scenario map with another team member during homeland security training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness at Anniston, Ala.

(2)
Colo. Barney Uhlig joins fellow team members in looking over homeland security emergency scenario information.

(3)
Viking Composite Squadron members who trained and qualified in Incident Command System 300 and 400.

1st Lt. Erik Lindquist
Public Affairs Officer
Viking Composite Squadron
Minnesota Wing

MINNESOTA – Members of the Viking Composite Squadron have been focusing on heightening their emergency response expertise, with one senior member going through homeland security training in Alabama and and others wrapping up incident command system courses locally.

Lt. Col. Barney U. Uhlig, the unit’s recruiting and retention officer, completed his homeland security training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness at Anniston, Ala. The center, operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, is the nation’s only nonmilitary weapons of mass destruction training facility.

Uhlig completed a curriculum aimed at providing local emergency responders with critical skills to prevent, respond to or recover from incidents involving community-level acts of terrorism employing weapons of mass destruction or other hazardous materials.

Earlier, Uhlig and 11 of his fellow squadron members completed training FEMA’s Incident Commander System 300 and 400 courses.

The Incident Command System, or ICS, is a standardized incident management concept reflecting decades of lessons learned in the organization and management of emergency incidents. A proven management system based on successful business practices, its target training audience is all emergency responders, including fire, emergency medical services, emergency management, law enforcement, public health and public works.

The 300- and 400-level courses present a more in-depth look at ICS and the vital role that emergency responders can play.

Class offers Colo. cadets chance at flight

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Cadet Airman 1st Class Carlin Idle begins a simulator lesson.
Photo by Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Cassandra Church

(2)
The Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron’s assistant aerospace education officer, 1st Lt. Richard Jessop, discusses the four forces acting on an aircraft.
Photo by 1st Lt. William Blatchley

(3)
Cadet Master Sgt. William Silvis and Cadet 2nd Lt. Gabriel Lorrig set up the simulator for a training lesson.
Photo by 1st Lt. William Blatchley

(4)
Cadet Airman 1st Class Knoa Punzal learns about sectional maps.
Photo by Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Cassandra Church

(5)
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Clarissa Quinn and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Dakota Panco study an airport diagram.
Photo by 1st Lt. William Blatchley

Michele Idle
Contributing writer

COLORADO — By day, the office of PeakVista Technology, nestled in the Colorado Springs Technical Center, is hopping with activity, ringing phones and software programming. Thursday nights, though, the office is transformed by a different kind of energy, as 19 cadets from the Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron come to learn and dream about becoming pilots.

Ground school for aspiring pilots sounds like an oxymoron: Flying occurs in the air, after all, not on the ground. Yet a pilot needs to understand many things — like wind and weather, airspace rules, navigation, weight and balance, and a host of other subjects — before taking to the air and becoming a Federal Aviation Association-certified pilot.

The Colorado Spring’s assistant aerospace education officer, 1st Lt. Richard Jessop, is an FAA-certified ground instructor. As a result, at the ground school’s conclusion he can give an endorsement that permits the participating cadets to take the FAA private pilot written exam.

Ground school at a training center would cost $500. Together, Jessop and the unit’s aerospace education officer, 1st Lt. William Blatchley, conduct the class for free.
Their goal, Blatchley said, is for the cadets taking the class to:

Attain the knowledge necessary to pass the FAA private pilot written exam.
Gain the necessary general aerospace knowledge to pass Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education modules.
Understand basic concepts in advance to make their orientation flights more meaningful.

The cadets started one recent evening in a conference room learning the finer points of aerodynamic forces, weather forecasts, takeoff and landing performance, airspace and navigation. Later in the evening, they applied this information in simulator lessons.

At the end of the 12-week course, the cadets will be tested on all of the material. Passing the final exam and completing the flight simulator private pilot check ride makes a cadet eligible to be on the squadron’s competitive (virtual) flight team, with tryouts determining who makes the two two-pilot teams.

Eventually, the teams hope to compete against other squadrons in group, wing, regional, national and even international simulator competitions. An invitation to compete has been sent out to and accepted by local Air force Junior ROTC units, and it has been accepted.

Organizers hope that around October, the Battle of Britain – or, rather, the Battle of Colorado Springs – will begin, conducted remotely via the internet. Flight simulator add-ons will monitor performance objectively.

In a competition, cadets would be challenged with a scenario that may come from a CAP mission: starting from Colorado Springs, fly to Denver to pick up the governor at 2 p.m. and fly him to view tornado damage in Limon. The cadets would determine their times of departure and arrival, calculate their fuel requirements and create a flight plan. They would then be graded based on how well they adhered to their flight plan and met the governor's schedule.

While other 16-year olds are focused on getting their driver’s licenses, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. William Hughes has already taken his solo flight and will soon take his FAA exam. In his case, ground school helped reinforce the basics of flying. He aspires to a double major in commercial aviation and air traffic control at the University of North Dakota, followed by a career in the military.

Cadet Tech. Sgt Clarissa Quinn, a member not only of the cadet squadron but also of Air Force Junior ROTC, plans to attend the Air Force Academy. She recommends the class to anyone interested in aerospace, even those who don’t intend to become pilots.

For some of the cadets, the class is a review. Others are getting their first taste of the mechanics of flying. For all, it’s a thrill to explore these topics with others who are passionate about flying.

N.M. unit's golf tourney helps raise money for planned D.C. trip

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Capt. Lloyd J. Voights, deputy commander for cadets, tees off at the Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron’s “Wings Across America” golf tournament.

(2)
Taking a break from cheering the golfers on and thanking them for their support are (clockwise from top) Cadet Airman Hunter Atwood, Cadet Airman 1st Class Kaycee Voights, Cadet Airman Jesston Rich and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Grant Calderon.

Photos by Senior Member Nicki Voights

1st Lt. Lloyd A. Calderon
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron
New Mexico Wing

NEW MEXICO – When some 30 golfers hit the fairways June 17 at Santa Fe’s exclusive Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort, they were helping the Albuquerque Heights Composite Squadron raise money to send 14 cadets and four senior members to Washington, D.C., in August for tours of the some of the nation’s most hallowed sites, including the White House and Arlington National Cemetery.

The event was the squadron’s first “Wings Across America” golf tournament, representing an initiative sparked by 1st Lt. Lloyd A. Calderon, the unit’s recruiting and retention officer. Calderon, the business development director for veterans in New Mexico, got the idea after he took a group of business leaders to Washington last October.

“They came back so pumped that I thought if they were thrilled, how much more would our cadets be?” said Calderon, who secured permission for the planned August trip from Lt. Col. Beverly A. Vito, squadron commander, who had also traveled to Washington as Calderon’s guest in October.

“His connections to the state are a tremendous value for our squadron and for Civil Air Patrol as a whole,” Vito said.

Along with the White House and Arlington, the proposed itinerary for the August trip includes visits to the Pentagon, the Capitol, the Tomb of the Unknowns and the National Air and Space Museum; a meeting with New Mexico’s congressional delegation; visits to Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and, schedule permitting, a special event with President Barack Obama.

Calderon’s ultimate goal is to take 50 cadets to Washington in 2011 and 100 individuals — both members and nonmembers of Civil Air Patrol — in 2012.

Aside from the golf tournament, fundraising for the planned trip has included Wreaths Across America, in which cadets sell sponsorships for wreaths that they place at the graves of fallen soldiers as part of a nationwide observation in December; car washes; and corporate sponsorships.

After the tournament, the Buffalo Thunder golf pro team commended Senior Member Nicki Voights, who organized the event, for a very successful venture. Participation could double next year, Voights was told.

Voights and Calderon were both instrumental in moving the tournament from a concept to reality.

“Without Senior Member Voights’ efforts, we would not have been able to accomplish this great event,” Calderon said.

The goal for of “Wings Across America” is simple, he said: “Stir the imagination and move the heart to great things."

Del. cadets meet, exceed call for care packages for deployed troops

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
(Clockwise from top left) The Middletown Cadet Squadron’s senior project officer for the care package campaign, 1st Lt. Sandra Dengler, instructs Cadet Airman 1st Class Jacob Wible, Cadet Airman Francis Wilson, Cadet Capt. Josh Ein, Cadet Lt. Col. Lauren Ewing and Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Noah Wible, on assembling the packages.

(2)
(From left) Cadet Ryan Rhodes of Middletown Air Force Junior ROTC, Cadet Master Sgt. Chris Dengler, Cadet Airmen Mikail Kane and Tyler Quick, Cadet Senior Master Sgt. Noah Wible, Valerie Huot, Cadet Airman Basic Dashaun Rogers, Cadet Capt. Josh Ein, Cadet Lt. Col. Lauren Ewing, Cadet 2nd Lt. Caroline Dengler, Cadet Airmen Francis Wilson and Nathaniel Reichlin, Cadet Airman 1st Class Jacob and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Tony Gaglio.

Photos by 1st Lt. Mike Wible

Cadet 2nd Lt. Caroline Dengler
Public Affairs Officer
Middletown Cadet Squadron
Delaware Wing

DELAWARE – When a local woman asked for care packages for her son and his battery in Afghanistan, the Middletown Cadet Squadron stepped up and fulfilled that request and more – not only organizing, sorting and assembling more than 100 individual parcels but also packing six large boxes of items donated by local families.

The Middletown Transcript’s April 15 edition featured Valerie Huot’s request for 100 packages for the battery her son, Army Pvt. Eric Huot, serves in with the 2nd Battalion of the 320th Field Artillery Regiment. Middletown members reading the article quickly recognized an opportunity for the unit’s cadets to participate in a challenging, meaningful community service project.

The senior project officer, 1st Lt. Sandra Dengler, sought local business support, as well as assistance from Middletown High School’s Air Force Junior ROTC cadets. Every business contacted responded with donations, helping convey the sentiment that “our community supports the troops and they are not forgotten,” said Dengler, the squadron’s personnel, drug demand reduction and administrative officer.

She singled out the Middletown Hampton Inn as being especially generous, with the hotel’s general manager, Linda Dunn, donating hundreds of personal-sized toiletry items, including soaps, lotions, shampoos, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, disposable razors and pens. “It’s such a small request, and we’re happy to support our deployed soldiers,” Dunn said.

Support also came from every bank in Middletown, as PNC Bank, Citizens Bank, Wachovia and Wilmington Trust each donated such articles as stress-reducing items, water bottles, pens, travel mugs and much-needed sunblock chap sticks.

Support for the project also came from elsewhere in Delaware, Dengler said, citing donations provided by the Fairfield Inn by Marriott and the Hilton and Country Inn & Suites by Carlson in Newark.

Together, the Civil Air Patrol and Junior ROTC cadets organized, sorted and assembled 120 individual care packages. They also wrote letters for the troops and packed six large boxes of items donated by local families, including 20 packs of baby wipes, cases of disposable shavers, mini footballs, Frisbees, playing cards, games, puzzle, and candy.

After completing the packing June 1 during the squadron’s weekly meeting, the cadets presented a very surprised and overjoyed Huot with the care packages. Special guests in attendance were the Delaware wing’s vice commander, Lt. Col. Robert Mooney, and the wing administrator, Barb Ewing, along with Middletown High School Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Maj. Ryan Rhodes.

Alaska members help acquaint EMTs with air transport

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

(1)
Maj. Chuck Hosack, emergency services officer for the 17th Composite Squadron, shows one team of emergency medical technicians features of Civil Air Patrol Cessna 206.

(2)
Maj. Jim McCarthy, 17th Composite Squadron commander, goes over the Cessna 206 with another team of EMTs.

(3)
EMTs practice transporting a patient aboard the Cessna.

(4)
(From left) The 17th Composite Squadron’s deputy commander of cadets, 2nd Lt. Nick Wachob; 2nd Lt. Dennis Roberts, deputy commander for seniors and search and rescue officer for the Georgia Wing’s Savannah Composite Squadron, who was training in the area with the Air National Guard; and Majs. Chuck Hosack and Jim McCarthy of the 17th Composite.

1st Lt. Pamela Speer
Public Affairs Officer
Alaska Wing

ALASKA — Ambulance crews in Alaska can sometimes find themselves in a medical emergency that requires a different approach to patient transport, thanks in large part to the state’s often-challenging terrain.

Such situations recently prompted Bill Mackreth, emergency medical services training coordinator for the Matsu Borough, to call on Civil Air Patrol and other agencies in his effort to provide local emergency personnel with practical experience in an unfamiliar environment.

On June 12, Mackreth coordinated an exercise at Palmer Municipal Airport to help acquaint emergency medical technicians with the types of aircraft they may find themselves using to transport patients. The borough’s Forestry Building was used as a coordination center for briefings and questions, and four teams of two to three medics alternated between training on Civil Air Patrol’s deHavilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver and Cessna 206 as well as LifeMed’s Beechcraft King Air 200 and A-Star helicopter.

The teams were spent about 20 minutes aloft in each aircraft, for a total of some 80 minutes in the air -- “just long enough to get a feel for it,” Mackreth said.

Calif. cadet awarded Col. Edwin W. Lewis Flight Scholarship

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cadet 1st Lt. Michael Chung

Maj. Audrey DiGiantomasso
Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47
California Wing

CALIFORNIA -- Cadet 1st Lt. Michael Chung of Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 has been awarded the 2010 Col. Edwin W. Lewis Flight Scholarship, designated to provide initial aviation training for outstanding Pacific Region cadets with a strong desire to fly.

Chung definitely meets that standard – a Civil Air Patrol member for 3 ½ years, he hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy and become a pilot for the Air Force.

He has been a member of two championship color guard teams,belongs to the squadron's Cyber Patriot team and is serving as the unit’s cadet executive officer.

“I feel extremely grateful” for the scholarship, Chung said. “As I said in my application, nobody is entitled to a scholarship. That's what makes it special; you do not deserve it, yet somebody decides to help you … I am very grateful to the selection committee for choosing me. “

Chung is now busy booking his first flight lessons and preparing to attend a CAP National Flight Academy for gliders next month..

The scholarship is given in memory of Col. Edwin W. Lewis, a 56-year CAP member who was serving as the Pacific Region’s director of operations when he was killed in light plane crash south of Las Vegas in November 2007. He was a former commander of the region and the California Wing.

This scholarship is awarded every May 28, commemorating the date Lewis joined CAP.

Mich. squadron steps up for beach line, canal cleanup after tornado

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Monroe Composite Squadron members on cleanup duty in Estral Beach after two tornadoes struck the area.

Capt. Jay Jondro
Public Affairs Officer
Monroe Composite Squadron
Michigan Wing

MICHIGAN -- Monroe Composite Squadron members helped the village of Estral Beach with beach and canal cleanup after two tornadoes ripped through the area early June 6, leaving downed tree branches and shattered decks and docks in their wake.

The twisters struck Estral Beach and neighboring Dundee just after 2 a.m. With most news reports focusing on the devastation in Dundee, subsequently photographed by a Monroe Composite aircrew, ample volunteer assistance was readily available for cleanup efforts there in the storm’s immediate aftermath, local Red Cross officials told squadron members when they offered to help.

The next day, though, the Red Cross contacted the unit to inquire if its members were still interested in helping out, for Estral Beach remained in real need of assistance. An urgent plea for help also came from Dan Swindle, village president.

When emergency crews had removed trees, limbs of all sizes were left behind on the village’s beach lines and in its emergency flood canals, Swindle said. He added that most of the cleanup work would occur on private property, and residents would be relieved to see volunteers in uniform.

The Monroe Composite crew split into two flights and hit the beaches, loading one flatbed trailer after another with limbs large and small. With the beach line cleared, the two flights then combined to work in the canals.

The work was hard and dirty, but all involved were rewarded with residents’ expressions of sincere appreciation throughout the day.

Wyo. members help National Guard, officials monitor severe flooding

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Wyoming Wing aircrew photos of flooding along the Little Wind River in central Wyoming, around Lander and Riverton.

Capt. Jeanne M. Stone-Hunter
Public Affairs Officer
Wyoming Wing

WYOMING — Wing aircrews and support staff have been assisting the Wyoming National Guard and several county agencies for the past week in their efforts to monitor severe flooding throughout the state.

Initially focused on providing assistance in Teton and Fremont counties early last week, the mission has been expanded to include the entire state, with additional flights taking place over Albany and Carbon counties.

Aircrews from the 492nd Emergency Services and Cheyenne composite squadrons, Teton County Senior Squadron and Powder River Flight have made 14 flights in four aircraft, taking more than 900 photos during more than 26 hours aloft.

Local and state officials have flown with aircrews on some of the reconnaissance and photography flights, and the wing remains on call for further requests for assistance requests, including transport of personnel or vital mission supplies if needed.

“Aircrews will remain on standby as long as they are needed,” said the wing’s incident commander, Lt. Col. Rick Fawcett, deputy commander for seniors for the 492nd Emergency Services squadron. “Additional crews and aircraft across the state are also ready for tasking.”

“The Wyoming Wing trains endlessly for just this type of mission. We are always on call to offer assistance in emergency situations,” said Col. Stan Skrabut, Wyoming Wing commander.

“Through our close partnership with the Wyoming National Guard, we’ve been able to respond very quickly and provide a unique service to their mission.”

Assisting with 1,500-sq.-foot flag highlights Ind. cadets' air show duties

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Indiana Wing cadets step in for skydiver Paul McCowan’s landing with a 1,500-square-foot U.S. flag during the performance of the national anthem at the Indianapolis Air Show.

2nd Lt. Lindsay Shipps
Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Indiana Wing

INDIANA – Cadets from six squadrons helped keep the Indianapolis Air Show flying high June 11-13 by helping with an array of duties, including runway sweeps, crowd control, water distribution and — most memorably— ground support for a skydiving performance featuring a 1,500-square-foot U.S. flag.

Two cadet teams were required to track and gather the mammoth flag unfurled beside skydiver Paul McCowan, who served as a U.S. Army Green Beret from 1966-1969 with the 10th Special Forces Group, as he descended while the national anthem was performed at the beginning of air operations for the show at Mount Comfort Airport.

Cadets came from the Anderson, Auburn, Rivercity, Titan, Valparaiso and Weir Cook cadet squadrons helped out at the air show.

“We are appreciative of the opportunity to be on the ground and part of response staff at Mount Comfort,” said Maj. Frank Merrill, Indiana Schools Group commander and project officer for the wing’s involvement in the air show.