SPRING2009

In this issue . . .

H Member chosen to participate in NASA’s experiment . . .

H Lubbock cadet earns wings . . .

H Stinson Municipal Airport ribbon cutting . . .

. . . And Much More!

Apollo Squadron laying wreaths during remembrance ceremony.

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Wings Over Texas is the autho-rized publication of the Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol. It is pub-lished by a private firm in no way connected with the United States Air Force or Civil Air Patrol Corporation. The opin-ions expressed in the articles and advertisements in this mag-azine are the sole responsibility of the contributors and in no way constitute an endorsement by the United States Air Force or the Civil Air Patrol Corporation.

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DEADlinES:Feb. 28; June 28; Oct. 28

At �0am on 29 November 2008, Friends of the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery (FCTVC), assisted by the Central Texas-Fort Hood chapter of the Association of the United States Army, orga-nized a wreath-laying ceremony at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas. According to Jean Shine, FCTVC president, “The group was born three years ago, at the prompt-ing of many local gold star fami-lies who wanted a remembrance ceremony in November, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day.

APoLLo SquAdRoN

Laying of WreathsBy Capt. Cheri Fischler

The first such event, three years ago, had about �50 participants. This year, the estimated headcount was 2,500 (the cemetery grounds manager didn’t know where to put all the cars), most of them relatives of the service members interred in the cemetery.”

The Apollo Composite Squadron, Group III, Texas Wing, volunteered to assist, and their offer was immediately accepted. Squadron members arrived at 9:�5 am on 29 November and made themselves available for the event,

Continued . . .

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that was reported in the Killeen Daily Herald.

Immediately upon arrival, all squadron members present were assigned their tasks. The honor of holding American flags at the front of the cemetery fell upon the cadets. Senior members went to work preparing the wreaths for placement, by attaching the ribbons and arranging them for family and friends to place on the grave sites of their loved ones. Family and friends of service members buried in the cemetery laid the wreaths first. Afterwards, numerous vol-unteers decorated the headstones of the hundreds of fallen service members who did not have rela-tives or friends presents.

When the Ceremony started, I found myself standing next to a grieving mother, who had recently laid her son to rest a few feet from where we stood. The pain the woman felt was only sur-passed by her gratitude at seeing that so many people had shown up to participate in honoring the American heroes that lay on their

final resting field.The ceremony impressed upon

us all that “Freedom is not Free.” It is our duty to take the time to honor those who have given all they had so that we might go on living in a free country. My personal belief is that we should include honoring the parents who gave their child, the wife and husband who gave their spouses, and the children who

lost their parent. By doing this, we truly honor the service member who gave talent, effort, and life itself to secure for us our way of life. My mission is to lend a help-ing hand to those left behind, never forgetting their sacrifice.

Today there were more wreaths than grave sites, and more people in attendance than wreaths. It was windy and cold in the cemetery, but the warmth emanating from those attending the ceremony was more than heart-warming.

The Apollo Composite Squadron is proud to have been given the opportunity to participate in this event, and be able to do our best to live up to the honor bestowed upon us today, as we honored those to whom we owe so much. H

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The Legislative Squadron has a new member in State Representative Richard

Peña Raymond, who was just re-elected to an eighth term in the State Legislature, Texas’ 8�st since joining the Union in �8�5. Rep. Raymond, who represents the Laredo area, earned a law degree from the University of Texas, is happily married, and has three small children.

Deeply committed to his call-ing and the betterment of the State of Texas, he said, “I am eager to address the issues affecting fami-lies in my district. I’m in Austin to serve as the voice of my constitu-ents, and I’m completely commit-ted to that calling.”

Rep. Raymond has been active in the Texas Legislature as a member of the Defense and Government Relations commit-tee, sharing fully in the planning and work. As a close friend of Congressman Henry Cuellar from Texas, who is a member of the CAP Congressional Squadron, he has been interested for some time in aviation and its impact on the civilian and military affairs of the state and nation.

Rep. Raymond is particularly interested in education, having experienced first-hand the benefit

State Rep. Richard Raymond—Newest Member of the Texas Legislative Squadron

of good schooling in achieving academic honors and becoming a valuable and productive member of society. He greatly values the CAP Cadet Program, since he has seen how much CAP cadets profit from their involvement in Civil Air Patrol activities. “It’s amazing to see how quickly cadets become self-assured and expand their knowledge,” he said. “And most

of them learn so much in the CAP program that soon they’re getting better grades in school.”

As a member of the Legislative Squadron, having been accepted with the CAP grade of Major, Rep. Raymond will have access to quick information whenever there is a natural or man-made disaster affecting his district.

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A team of educators from across the state of Texas have been selected for a NASA research pro-gram that will fly experiments on the NASA Reduced Gravity Aircraft. Four educators: Captain Michael Parkhill from ERA ISD in Era, Texas and Aerospace Officer for the Civil Air Patrol (United States Air Force Auxiliary), Angaleta Crenshaw from Sunray High School in Sunray, Texas, Katie Maybaum from Brushy Creek Elementary in Round Rock, Texas, and Lanette Miller from Judson ISD in San Antonio, Texas will conduct scientific experiments aboard NASA’s reduced gravity aircraft in January 2009 while teachers Sara Hemenway from Hutto ISD and Sharon Smith of Lake Travis will serve as ground crew members of the team.

The group, which will soon be floating in zero gravity, will fly “Challenger’s Lost Lessons” in tribute of educator Christa McAuliffe who lost her life when the Challenger exploded upon launch 25 years ago. Test videos and lesson plans from the first Teacher selected for Spaceflight were uncovered and re-packaged for teachers last year by NASA Engineer Jerry Woodfill. The LiftOff teachers are flying updated experiments from Challenger’s Lost Lessons with updated technol-ogy and enhanced by students in the classroom.

Although over �00 miles separate these educa-tors selected to participate, distance does not sepa-rate their commitment to education and engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and math activities. The team members are excited about the adventure and the students are their big-gest supporters.

Reprinted with permission from the Texas Space Grant Consortium

Texas Wing Member Will Participate In Experiments on NASA’s Weightless Wonder

The team will conduct two experiments, one on Magnetism and one testing Newton’s Law of Acceleration while flying �2 parabolas per day – �0 in zero g, � in Lunar g, and � in Martian g. Students of teachers who have attended the LiftOff Summer Institute will replicate the same experiments in classrooms across the state. “As the plane flies, we have 20 seconds of weightlessness to conduct the experiment,” said Margaret Baguio, Education and Outreach Coordinator for NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium and advisor for the project. “It is cer-tainly the team’s hope that if they prepare themselves, they won’t have any problems and can overcome the nickname of the NASA craft, often referred to as the ‘vomit comet’, Baguio said.

The group said they are proud to be selected and believe that this is a wonderful opportunity to actively engage their students in NASA research. Students will continue as part of the experiment through web cams and blogs with these teachers during their experiment time January 8 – ��. The aircraft, through controlled dives, can simulate zero gravity in its bay.

The team members, who met each other, face-to-face for the first time last week as they learned their project had been selected, have already con-ducted research and simulated experiments in the classroom with their students. A winning student Robot design will fly with the team as part of the Newton’s Law Experiment.

For additional information, please contact: Margaret Baguio, Texas Space Grant Consortium at 5�2-���-�922 or baguio@tsgc.utexas.edu.

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Continued on page 17 . . .

As a small child in Argentina, barely out of kin-dergarten, a distant war seeped into my life. The newsreels brought the thunder of cannon, the terror of dive-bombing, the sinking of huge war ships, the plodding crowds of displaced people escaping from one terror towards another, the endless swarm of tri-umphant tanks and infantry rolling over the hills and valleys of Europe. Ruling powerfully over this chaos were Hitler and Mussolini. Poland, Britain, France, Holland, and Belgium were the initial victims.

Meditations on Veterans’ day11 November 2008

Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate

Argentina, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, who had been and remained a school teacher all his life, and was beloved of all children because his presidency had been marked by school building. Paraguay fought long and hard but lost, and Argentina and Brazil won about 55,000 square miles of territory.

My grandfather, who died after I was born but before I could get to know him, had been an Argentine naval officer, a status I grew up dreaming to achieve. World War II was over before I was old enough to apply to the Naval Academy, and poor eyesight kept me from doing so anyway. Then I came to the United States and my immediate future was set, as I got my greetings from the President of the United States and my “friends and neighbors” to report for induction into the U.S. Army. I served on active duty, then the reserves as I returned to civilian life. Sixteen years after leaving the Army, the military came back look-ing for me; they needed linguists.

I retired from the Army after having served with distinction in a theoretically bloodless Cold War. It had its casualties, of course, but these were hardly known to the common man. The desperate (and nameless) Germans trying to escape to the West by climbing the Berlin Wall and dying in a hail of machine-gun fire have been immortalized by Hollywood – but these were Germans, not Americans. It wasn’t well known that Americans, too, had died in secrecy and loneliness, caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Everyone thinks that he or she is the cat, until learning that the other one was the cat all along, a hopelessly tardy and useless bit of knowledge that invariably requires pay-ment in blood. Your blood, of course.

I had started out in the infantry, before the Army had a military intelligence corps. But experience taught the Army the value of knowing the enemy better than the enemy knew us, Military Intelligence became an Army branch of service in �9�2, and I was destined to be drawn into that select world. There, I learned a lot, swore never to tell more things than I cared to know about, and made (and lost) many friends. The Navy

In school, I was learning about old wars without much detail (that would come later). Studying the �8�0 war of independence from Spain was largely composed of singing patriotic songs. The “war of the triple alliance” in which Paraguay had opened hostilities and fought against Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay from �8�� to �8�0, was just a string of battle names to us; our teachers didn’t tell us that it was (and still is) the bloodiest war in Latin America. At the time, of course, America was resolving its own issues between the North and the South, as American blood was being spilled on the fertile fields that had enriched the land. For us, the children of Argentina, the war with Paraguay was personalized because it counted with a famous casualty: the son of the president of

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LLt. Col. Louis Stephen “Steve” Manley, the Group

III Inspector General, died on 2� November 2008. We knew he had developed a medical problem, but thought he would soon mend. Unfortunately, we were wrong. He is survived by his son Phillip, a reserve Marine Lance Corporal and, until fairly recently, a CAP Cadet Second Lieutenant.

On 2 December, at the Red Oak Funeral Home, there was a visitation open to personal friends and family. These were accom-panied by many Civil Air Patrol members, as well as reserve Marines. On the following day, at �� am, the Group III Color Guard presented the colors, Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt, the Texas Wing Chaplain, delivered tender and heart-felt words of comfort, and Lt. Col. Owen Younger, the Group III Commander, delivered the eulogy, prefaced by, “I’ll try to say this without breaking down.”

We all knew Steve, and respected him. We also esteemed and loved him. In the Civil Air Patrol, wherever he went, and whatever he did, he always acted in the best interest of the service and its members. That is what he had learned in the Navy while serving during the Vietnam War, re-learned as a Travis County deputy sheriff, and practiced habitually as a

A Military BurialCapt. Arthur E. Woodgate

private investigator and a mem-ber of the Civil Air Patrol. He was a great father, true mentor, and steadfast friend. He had a keen sense of humor and loved life. He was a generous and kind man, intent on doing what was right. These short though reve-latory statements describing the man and his heart fall short of the “real Steve” and his enthu-siasm for the mission and devo-tion to his family and friends. He was true to himself, com-passionate in comforting others, and welcomed everywhere.

He was buried at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with military honors. Many of us accompanied him to the cem-etery. To name a few, the follow-ing were there: Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Nancy Smalley, Southwest Region Chaplain; Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt, Texas Wing Chaplain; Lt. Col. Melanie Capehart, Texas Wing Director of Safety; Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Group III Commander; and Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Southwest Region Director of Public Affairs. Steve Manley will be sorely missed.

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Members of the San Angelo community united to participate in the Wreaths Across America Ceremony held at Belvedere Memorial Park in San Angelo.

The ceremony began with the playing of the National Anthem and the posting of the colors by the Goodfellow Air Force Base Joint Color Guard. After a short pause to remember those who made the ulti-mate sacrifice so we can enjoy our freedom, representatives from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Forces, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, and POW/MIA laid holiday wreaths in memory of those who served and who are serving today.Representatives were:Army - Lt. Col. Bichson Bush,

Commander ���th Military Intelligence Battalion GAFB

Navy - Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Zimmerman, Center for Information Dominance Detachment GAFB

Marines - Capt. Henry Billings, Commander Marine Corps Detachment, GAFB

Air Force - Col. Richard Ayres, ��th Training Wing GAFB

By1st Lt. Johanna Augustine

SanAngeloSquadron

Wreaths Across America Coast Guard - Navy Senior Chief

Petty Officer Abel GriegoMerchant Marines - Mr. Bob

Bryant, Retired merchant marine

POW/MIA - Mr. Gary Flanagan, former Casualty Resolution Specialist Joint Task Force-Full Accounting, representing all POW/MIA

After the last wreath was laid, Mr. Chris Morgan of Fort Concho played a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace on his bagpipes.

Following the retirement of the colors, attendees were invited to place a wreath on a veter-an’s headstone, write down the information from that veteran and research their name on the Internet to find out about that per-son, and reflect that these veterans were real Americans with fami-lies, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles.

Civil Air Patrol cadets handed out ��5 wreaths to those who wished to help place them on headstones. The unusually warm weather encouraged everyone to

linger and reflect on the purpose of the ceremony.

The Wreaths Across America story goes back over �5 years ago when Worcester Wreath Company (a for-profit commercial business from Harrington, Maine) began a tradition of placing wreaths on the headstones of our nation’s fallen heroes at Arlington National Cemetery during the holidays.

Over that period, Worcester Wreath has donated 90,000 wreaths, which volunteers placed in wreath-laying ceremonies each December. As word spread, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach about the sacrifices made by our veterans has captured the hearts and minds of many com-munities across the country.

In December 2008, over �50 participating locations hosted Wreaths Across America ceremo-nies overseeing the placement of more than �00,000 wreaths on the headstones of those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.

To find out more about Wreaths Across America go to wreathsacrossamerica.org.

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For most teenagers, time stuck in traffic is no big deal. That is unless you’re flying and it happens to be five commercial jets lining up behind your small plane. It didn’t take too long before the Approach Controller realized he had to get the single engine Cessna out of the way, but for nineteen year old Cadet Staff Sgt. Evan Petrosky it proved to be one of many memo-rable experiences that occurred on the way to earning his pilot’s license with help from the Civil Air Patrol.

“I wonder if those commercial pilots realized that a student pilot was flying amongst them during a time of heavy traffic?” asked the Texas Tech student and current member of the Lubbock Composite Squadron cadet program. A few turns later and he was looking down on airliners flying their final approaches into Austin-Bergstrom Airport, from a vantage point that few ever get to see.

Petrosky’s path to pilot began in the summer of 200� when he attended a Civil Air Patrol National Flight Academy, a pro-gram that works with cadet ages sixteen and over to learn enough about flying to solo in an airplane during two weeks of training. While he wasn’t able to earn his license that summer, the experi-ence did open a door at Texas Tech University when he received a full scholarship from the Air Force ROTC program.

“Being in CAP helped to set me apart” said Petrosky about the Texas

Lubbock Civil Air Patrol Cadet Earns His Wings

Tech ROTC selection process.Petrosky’s training took �2

hours of which �� were spent training in a Civil Air Patrol air-plane, a real cost savings since CAP cadets only pay for the cost of the fuel because the instruction time is donated. What can cost someone outside of the Civil Air Patrol nearly $5,000 in expenses can be done by Civil Air Patrol cadets for half or even a third of the cost. It’s also a benefit that applies to cadets only, adult mem-bers are not allowed to train in CAP aircraft until they have their Pilot’s License.

“Thanks to CAP, I was able to get two-thirds of it done. Every

instructor I had along the way helped me in the process of get-ting my license, in particular, the CAP instructors who dedicated their time to help me. I have also noticed that CAP members are there to help whether it’s with flight training, emergency ser-vices, public affairs or any of the other fields CAP is involved in. The opportunities are there, take advantage of them and you can accomplish anything.” Petrosky plans to move onto F-22 Raptor fighter jets once he finishes at TTU, but he will always remain a CAP member. “It’s given me so much opportunity. I can’t help but pass it along.”

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On the evening of February 9th, Spindletop Composite Squadron held a promotions ceremony for its cadets. Nearly thirty parents, family members, and friends attended to watch cadets receive their awards. Cadets Marcela Leano and Chris Wooley both received the prestigious Earhart Award and were promoted to the grade of Cadet Captain. The Earhart award is the third milestone in the Cadet Program and is earned through much hard work and dedication on the part of the cadets.

Cadet Marcela Leano, age ��, has been an active member in CAP for three years. She is currently the Cadet Commander of Spindletop Composite Squadron and has served in that position since September 200�. During her time as cadet commander, she organized recruiting drives and helped the squadron start a

By C/1st Lt. Juliana Leano

Spindletop Composite Squadron Cadets Receive Earhart

Color Guard. Cadet Leano said that she, “enjoys staffing events to help teach cadets, and especially enjoys the leadership side of CAP.” She has attended five Texas Wing encampments serving in various staff positions, and most recently commanded the 2008 Winter Advanced Training Squadron (ATS). In the summer of 200� Cadet Leano graduated from the Regional Cadet Leadership School as the Alpha Seminar Honor Cadet. She has attended all of the CTEP schools, receiving the Best Speech Award in the spring of 2008 upon graduating from OTS, and was awarded Honor Graduate of CCSC in the fall of 2008. This past summer she attended the Texas Wing Powered Flight Academy and hopes to one day get her pilot’s license. Cadet Leano is a dedicated mem-ber who serves her fellow cadets with enthusiasm and integrity and is looking forward to teaching at CTEP this spring.

Cadet Chris Wooley, age ��, joined CAP three and a half years ago. He has attended Wing encampment, Advanced Training Squadron (ATS) and Regional Cadet Leadership School. Before he transferred to Texas Wing, Cadet Wooley was a member of Racine Squadron located in Wisconsin, where he was a mem-ber of the squadron’s drill team. While on the drill team he had the exciting opportunity to compete in Wing, Regional, and National Drill Competitions. Cadet Wooley enjoys participating in Emergency Services. He currently serves as the Emergency Services Officer at Spindletop Composite Squadron and where he is helping cadets to obtain their GTM qualifications. He is GTM2 qualified and is working towards complet-ing the requirements for a GTM � qualification. After transferring from the Wisconsin Wing to the Texas Wing, Cadet Wooley has been a valuable asset to the Spindletop Composite Squadron.

Other cadets promoted at the ceremony included Cadet Juliana Leano who was promoted to C/�st Lt., Cadet John LaRue who was promoted to C/CMSgt., and Cadet Kevin Smith who was promoted to C/A�C. Congratulations to these cadets on their promotions and good luck to them with the rest of their CAP careers!

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Area cadets and community residents gathered Tuesday to hear the history of manned space exploration from a retired National Aeronautics and Space Administration executive who spent nearly four decades in America’s space agency.

Tommy Holloway, former Flight Director at NASA’s Mission Control and Director of the Space Shuttle Program, provided an inside look America’s history in space during a lec-ture at the �-� Air Cavalry Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.

“Space exploration has been an important part of America’s past,” he told attendees at the monthly �-� AirCav educational presentation. “It will become increasingly important in the future as well.”

Holloway’s presentation reviewed the major manned space programs launched by NASA in the last 50 years: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, the Shuttle, and the International Space Station.

“The next phase will be called Exploration,” Holloway said. “With the support of Congress and the public, we’ll return to the moon and go on to Mars.”

Previous benefits of space exploration have been advances in research, technology, education, and astron-omy. Future benefits will come from diplomacy and a better working relationship with partners from other countries.

“Politicians may argue,” he said, “but scientists can find a way to work together.”

While Holloway spent nearly �0 years at the center of the NASA space program, he never reached outer space himself.

“But I’d have gone in a minute,” he said with a smile.

By Brad Meyer, Courier staff

High FlyersNASA veteran tells cadets to reach for the stars

Re-printed with permission from The Conroe Courier

The �-� Air Cavalry Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol offers a variety of volunteer and educational programs for youth and adult participants. For information on active involvement or monthly educational programs, visit www.�-�aircav.com.

Brad Meyer can be reached at bmeyer@hcnonline.com.Thanks to The Conroe Courier and Mr. Brad

Meyer for permission to re-print this article.

Members of the Lackland Cadet Squadron Honor Guard were recently called upon to present the colors for the ribbon cutting ceremony at Stinson Municipal Airport. The ceremony signified a nearly $�.8 million dollar project that started in 200�, and added two wings to the Airport tower and terminal. Stinson Airfield is the nation’s second-oldest city airport where it sits in southern San Antonio as a general aviation reliever airport. The airport was started more than 90 years ago by the Stinson family of aviators.

The Honor Guard consisted of C/Lt. Col. Gus Rojas, Honor Guard Commander, C/�st Lt. Colleen Rojas, C/2nd Lt. Kris Kerr, and C/CMSgt. Nicole Miglis. Nearly three hundred people were in attendance. Also in attendance of the ceremony was Phil Hardberger, Mayor of San Antonio who thanked the cadets for all they do in addition to their already jam-packed daily schedules.

Lackland Squadron Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Stinson Municipal Airport

2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr & C/Lt. Col. Gus Rojas

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After completing the first eight achievements of sixteen achievements of the cadet program on 22 Sep 08, Cadet Kristopher Kerr completed the second mile-stone of the Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award.

On 2� Sep 2008, Cadet Kerr’s paperwork was filed and his effective date for Cadet/2nd Lieutenant became official. To highlight the significance of this accom-plishment, 5�,�2� awards have been earned since the Mitchell Award’s inception in �9��. Another signifi-cance is that the Billy Mitchell certificate that C/2nd Lt. Kerr received, is signed by Maj. Gen. Amy Courter, the first female National Commander in CAP’s ��-year history. In Aug 2008, Maj. Gen. Courter was elected to that position—a historical election.

On � Oct, the squadron held a promotion ceremony, where the Lackland Cadet Squadron commander, Maj. Howard and Cadet Kerr’s mother, Nancy Kerr, assisted in “pinning” the new grade insignia on Cadet/2nd Lt. Kerr.

On � Nov 08, the Lackland Cadet Squadron held a Brigadier General Billy Mitchell Award ceremony for Cadet/2nd Lt. Kristopher Kerr with family, friends, and cadet squadron members. The Chaplain, Col. Littlefield pronounced the invocation. The Group V Commander, Lt. Col. Ed Billman, welcomed everyone and spoke to the cadets about dedication, the core values, and integ-rity. Lt. Col. Billman presented the Billy Mitchell Award to Cadet/2nd Lt. Kerr. Reception immediately followed the ceremony where cake and munchies were served.

Lackland Cadet Kerr Receives Mitchell Award

By C/1st Lt. Colleen Rojas

has had its silent service for almost a century now: the submariners. The Army created its own too, and its members called it just MI. Glory comes hard in the Army’s silent service, because when you earn great praise for having done something about that which no one can reveal, it’s hard to find a way to give you an award. I got a few. I probably earned many more that I was never cleared to receive. But it didn’t matter to me; I knew I’d done what was needed.

In the Army, it was jokingly said that it took 9 support soldiers to keep � combat soldier in the field. There were many support personnel working to keep that one soldier supplied, informed, and as safe as possible. I took my chances, as everyone else did, but through no fault of my own I was never deployed. After being an accomplished practitioner, I had become an excellent trainer – many of my students were sent into the fray, where they acquitted themselves very well. In the end, most of us retired, the survivors of both combat and non-combat. A few of my friends left the service before retiring. And some others live only in my heart.

Not all veterans are military retirees, yet all veterans have done their share, run their risks, and helped build and shore up our peace. The Romans, at the height of their empire building, reveled in their Pax Romana, which they maintained for nearly �50 years. We can think of our Pax Americana, about a third of that, after which American blood was again being spilled systematically on distant soil.

Today, my brothers and sisters in service suffer in the intense heat of the desert, and the cutting cold of frigid nights, under the terror of sudden suicide attacks, in the loneliness of a wretched life of danger away from family, friends, and peaceful surround-ings; fear and ever-present dust are their constant companions. Theirs is the glory, too, unsung, endur-ing, selfless, and honorable. May each one live a long and healthy life.

Veterans’ Day is supposed to be an occasion for celebration and rejoicing in honor of our veterans. Please remember what actions, dangers, and suffer-ings have led to that honored status of veteran.

And never forget the families, especially those who have lost a son, daughter, husband, wife, parent...

Veterans’ Day . . .Continued from page 8

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Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadets and Senior Members from the Lackland Cadet Squadron (SWR-TX-00�) were among more than 2�0,000 people who attended the 2008 Lackland AirFest. Adding to the excitement were the Navy Blue Angels, who performed for the first time at Lackland/Kelly Field Annex at Port San Antonio. Senior Members in attendance were Maj. Robert Howard, 2nd Lt. Vicki Jewel, 2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr, and 2nd Lt. Jeff Barton who effortlessly passed CAP information out to as many people as their hands could allow! The cadets from the Lackland Squadron were also in attendance raising awareness about the Civil Air Patrol by catching the attention of thousands as some of their Honor Guardsmen performed high-speed and dan-gerous rifle movement routines to include long range tosses and exchanges, over the head aerials and also never before seen precision routines. Cadets who attended were C/Amn. Andrew Guevara, C/2nd Lt. Kris Kerr, C/�st Lt. Colleen Rojas, C/Lt. Col. Gus Rojas, C/Amn. Ryan Barton and C/A�C. Taylor Barton.

The Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team was the main highlight of the entire weekend. The Blue Angels’ aircraft, the F/A-�8 Hornet is the first dual-role fighter and attack aircraft. The Blue Angels are stationed at Forrest Sherman Field Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. Other aerial demonstrations included performances by the F-�5E Strike Eagle, the F-�� Fighting Falcon, and the Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier which demonstrated the ability to take-off or land vertically or on short runways. The Air Force’s new-est fighter, the F-22 Raptor demonstration is the Air Force’s newest fighter. Other performances included the Army parachute-jumping Golden Knights team, and the Tora! Tora! Tora!, a re-enactment of Pearl Harbor. Other activi-ties included military working dog demonstrations, displays showcasing some of the top weapons systems and vehicles from all of the services.

By 2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr & C/Lt. Col. Rojas

Lackland Cadet Sqdn. Participates in AirFest

Brooks City-Base, home of United State Air Force Aero-medical research, was once again the site of experi-mental testing for rocket flight as miniature rockets soared into the night sky.

Energized by members new to Civil Air Patrol, the Alamo Composite Squadron launched their 2009 Aerospace Education Program with an introduction to the forces of flight.

The cadet squadron classroom was a beehive of activ-ity while young minds set about creating model rockets from cardboard tubes, construction paper, paperclips, and magnets. Crafting stabilizing fins at the rockets base proved the most daunting task. They shared the strategy for cus-tomizing flaps on the triangular fin which allow the fin to be attached perpendicular to the cardboard tube. Final adjustments completed and the cadets were ready for their first lesson in powered flight.

Squadron Commander Maj. Wieman entered the meet-ing room to wrap up the activity and present the mission state-ment of CAP’s Aerospace Education placing an emphasis on the aviation and related career choices the program encour-ages. An engineer herself, Maj. Wieman is well aware of the crucial need for young, bright minds to enter these technical fields. The exposure to the math and sciences that the AEX curriculum provides is an opportunity not to be missed. The cadets form a line to exit the squadron room; each carrying their miniature rockets outside. Wieman reminds them to ask questions every time they don’t understand why or how something works. “The great minds never stop asking, ‘why’ and ‘how come’!”, she extorts.

One by one, small cardboard rockets lift off on a explo-sive combination of cola and mentos tablets. A full moon rises over the last remaining buildings of the former Brooks Air Force Base and home to a new era of rocketry testing; perhaps shining down on the next generation of the NASA team that will return us to the moon; and beyond.

Alamo Squadron Begins AE Program

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The Texas Wing Cadet Training and Education Program (CTEP), prides itself on being the best in the nation. Other wings look at our pro-gram and some of them wish they had the equivalent. Our CTEP pro-gram includes Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy, Senior Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy, Officer Training School, and Cadet Command Staff College.

The CTEP courses, although they last only a weekend, are very demanding. In that short span of time, a cadet will attend as many as ten classes, write two to three essays about given topics, and do intensive Physical Training in the morning before anyone else would dream of waking up. In spite of all this work, cadets that attend CTEP love it. It is a challenge that they enjoy taking on – and beating. Its two major benefits are (�) learning skills that they can take with them to their squadrons and (2) acquir-ing lasting leadership skills.

This fall I attended the Senior Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy, and enjoyed it very much. We learned time manage-ment: how to multitask and do any set of given duties in the short-est time and the most effective way possible. We also learned the Cadet First Sergeant’s duties: how to lead Physical Training

By C/CMSgt. Christian Nelson

Alamo Squadron Cadet Senior NCo Academy - The First Sergeant’s School

properly, how to counsel cadets who are having trouble adjusting to the program, how to resolve con-flicts, and how to inspire cadets to become self-motivators.

I believe every cadet that seeks to be an effective leader should go to CTEP as soon as eligible. In Texas Wing, the instructors at CTEP schools are some of the most respected and highest ranking cadets in the Civil Air Patrol. The Instructors concentrate on teach-ing cadet students the correct way to lead other cadets, the best way to inspire cadets, and the most intelli-gent way to manage their own time.

CTEP is known for producing qualified, responsible, and profes-sional cadets. Future staff positions for Basic Encampments depend on whether or not the applying cadet has graduated from or is planning to attend the next CTEP session. Both cadet and senior members across the nation prefer their staff cadets that have graduated from CTEP. They want to be able to interact with these cadets and give them responsibility, because they know they are capable and can handle the job.

Every cadet striving for excel-lence and professionalism should attend CTEP. Graduates return better leaders and will be quali-fied for cadet staff work at the flight and squadron levels.

2� 2�

By Major Joe Ely Carrales

Corpus Christi’s Brahma Cadet Flight Excels in Winter and Spring

In March 200�, the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron attempted a bold experiment. At a time when that unit was struggling to rebuild and retool for greater existence, inroads were made for an ambitious expansion of the Cadet Program far beyond the city limits of Corpus Christi, Texas. That project became the Brahma Cadet Flight of Kingsville, Texas.

The purpose of this article, however, in not so much the history of the Brahma Cadet Flight as it is the more recent activities thereof. Late 2008/early 2009 has been a great time for the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron in general and has seen unprec-edented growth for the Brahma Cadet Flight.

In September 2008 Texas was shaken by the dev-astating effects of Hurricane Ike. This took Lt. Col. John Barfoot, Lt. Col. Rene Velazquez, Major Carrales and �st Lt. Bill Barnes away from the new cadets for a few days. This caused the cancellation of two meet-ings. New cadets were disappointed, however, Major Carrales found a way to make it up to them.

The Brahma Cadet Flight was offered the opportunity to participate in a GEAR UP/FACE grant activity on �� November 2008 . This was held at Boy Scouts of America’s Camp Karankawa on Lake Corpus Christi near Mathis, Texas. The “Nature Safari” activity and opportunity to attend was extended to the Brahma Flight due to the fact

Cadet Matthew Spencer scores a Bull’s Eye during the archery section of the Nature Safari opportunity offered to Cadets from Memorial Middle School.

Aerospace Education Officer 1st Lt. Nick Lindsay instructs the preflight at O-Flights in Kingsville.

Continued . . .

2� 2�

that the flight is closely associated with Memorial Middle School, which is currently part of the GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Federal grant.

The first stop was to visit the “Living History” US Cavalry exhibit put on by Jorge Luna. Here the unit was able to learn a few things about branding, life on the range and how to throw a Tomahawk in the traditional fashion. Cadet Mathew Spencer was the only member of the unit to actually hit the target and sink the blade into the log. Cadets were allowed to keep the leather hides they branded in the activity. It was a good juxtaposition, frontier life in a military setting among modern day cadets.

Once the Cadets returned from the life of the �8�0s and 80s it was time to see if they could hone their skills with weaponry. Archery and Marksmanship was the next item on the agenda.

From the “firing line” the cadets made their way to the water sports area. An assortment of canoes and kayaks were on hand for the cadets to try. For many, it was their first time on the lake. One would not know based on their performance. While other “land lov-ers” overturned their craft rather quickly, not a single Brahma Flight Cadet had to be fished from the lake’s murky waters. Kudos for that, otherwise a certain Major Carrales would have gone home quite WET!!!

Once the group had recovered from its substantial mid-day meal, the group decided to revisit the archery exhibit. Earlier it had been full and this was more of a class than just a smattering of shots at a target.

The Brahma Cadet Flight realized a long time wish, to participate in the La Posada De Kingsville Parade. Cadets practiced long and hard to look sharp among the various bands, floats and other color guards. Fortunately the weather provided excellent conditions for marching, not too cold/not too hot.

C/SSgt. John M. Flores led the color guard that occasion with back an element commanded by C/SSgt. Jonathan Garza. Cadets were initially nervous, but soon were marching in step and walking tall.

Additionally, the cadets were able to march in the second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The unit had marched in the parade a year before. This occasion Cadet Garza took the lead on the color guard and C/Amn. Nathan Hawks was able to conduct

the second element. Again, the weather was “with us” and the cadets were able to diligently represent the unit to the community.

All this is in preparation for the day the unit is able to march with the rest of the Squadron in the Corpus Christi Buccaneer Days Parade later this year.

Cadets from Kingsville and Corpus Christi were able to take advantage of local aviation train-ing at NAS Kingsville. The activity was able to be more authentic with the presence of �st Lt. Nick Lindsay. Lindsay is also an active duty US Navy Ensign currently in jet training at NAS Kingsville. On several occasions, Lt. Lindsay has been able to offer tours of the air training facility and Naval installation at Kingsville.

Brahma Flight Cadets took a tour of NAS Kingsville’s Flight Facilities, Air Traffic Control and Control Tower during the regular meeting of � November 2008 .

Brahma Cadets have also been active in Cadet O-Flights. On 22 November 2008 and again on � February 2008 Brahma Flight Cadets were able to join other Corpus Christi cadets in O-Flights. It was fun for all and now the presence of an aircraft assigned to Corpus Christi will insure that all South Texas cadets will get a chance to soar.

If growth holds up, and all signs point to yes, there will be much more to do at the Brahma Flight. Already �2 year old �th grade cadets from the Gillette Intermediate School are joining the unit. Later this year, C/CMSgt. Bryce A. Nix, an original Brahma Flight Cadet, is poised to complete the Billy Mitchell Award. That is a major milestone for the entire unit.

All-in-all, the “Kingsville Project” has been very successful. It is hoped that the unit can one day charter as a full cadet squadron. But…until that time, the fun between Corpus Christi and Kingsville will continue. H

When invited to publicize a pilot training meet-ing, most newspa-pers act as though they’d prefer a crash. Recently Mid-Valley Senior Squadron used public interest in the airliner ditch-ing in the Hudson River to lure pilots to its safety meet-ing, while gaining publicity and attracting prospective members.

Anyone can imagine the captain’s stress and his difficulty of doing everything right in the last three or four minutes of flight. Stress and decision-making were among the subjects of the squadron’s safety meeting.

Capt. Sullenberger was a former F-� pilot, a glider pilot and an accident investigator. Major Paul Chapman, the CAP’s speaker and deputy commander of the Harlingen, TX squadron, was also militarily trained, a glider pilot and a long-time student of acci-dent reports.

The similarity between the two people and the topicality of the subject seemed likely to intrigue the Media. A news release was sent to three major news-papers, two weeklies, three TV stations and the PBS radio station. The Valley Morning Star, a major paper in the Rio Grande Valley, publicized the meeting with a �- by �0-inch article in advance the meeting and a later �- by �0-inch report.

Of the forty-one people who showed up, �� were CAP members. The others included interested mem-bers of the public, a “pinch-hitter” (a person who’s been trained to land a plane in an emergency) and several pilots. Not bad for the new squadron’s first Pilot Continuation Training session.

After the squadron commander, Lt. Col. Chris G. Bujanos, Jr., described the CAP’s activities, four visi-tors expressed interest in joining.

Major Chapman said a person’s ability to cope with stress depends upon factors like fatigue and

By Major Neil Macdougall

Mid-Valley Senior Squadron’s Busy Year

pre-learned behav-iour. His every-day examples and avoidance of avia-tion jargon sparked favourable com-ment afterwards.

The first ten rules of aviation are “Fly the airplane”, he said. To do so well, pilots need not just currency (the legal minimum) but the proficiency that

comes with additional practice. You need to be alert at all times, especially during the critical �� minutes of every flight (three minutes during takeoff and eight during landing). “Once a week, someone runs out of gas in the U.S. and it’s easily avoidable.”

Stress is so powerful that one veteran pilot faced with an engine failure couldn’t remember the emer-gency radio frequency. One way to minimize stress is to trim the plane full nose up, when many aircraft will be at their best glide speed.

Mid-Valley Senior Squadron was formed in late 200�, and flew its first air force mission in January 2008. In addition to search and rescue and emergency services, the squadron provides cadet orientation flights to the CAP squadrons in Brownsville (noted for its out-standing ground training program) and McAllen.

During Hurricanes Dolly and Ike the squadron’s Cessna �82 flew over �0 hours. During a typical four-hour flight, �00 to 500 digital images of damage were taken. Airfields were checked for serviceability and other sites were scouted for other emergency uses.

Photographs had to be sharp and show no part, not even a wingtip, of the aircraft. Therefore crews kneeled on the floor of the rear seat and took pictures out of the open pilot’s window. Not a comfortable position for such a long time. Missions were flown by Lt. Colonels Bujanos, Florentino Galvan, Major Paul Chapman, and Captains Lee Jinks and Hector Galvan and SM Frank Ruiz.

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Wreaths were placed at graves of Veteran’s of the Civil War to present day at the City of Cleburne, Texas cemetery during a Wreaths Across America ceremony conducted by 20 participants from the ���st Johnson County Composite Squadron, American Legion Post 50 and the Patriot Guard Riders group on Saturday, December ��.

At eleven o’clock central standard time, as the wreath ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery began on the east coast. The ���st Johnson County Composite Squadron Color Guard Team led by Cadet Airman First Class Ghenesis Cordero with Cadet Airman First Class Richard Donahoo, Cadet Airmen Collin Crosier and Joseph Gould marched along main thoroughfare of the cemetery to the Cleburne Military

131st Johnson County Squadron Honors Veterans

By Maj. Robert Benton

Memorial Garden with a procession of nine motor-cycles led by Ride Captain, Wendi Ingersoll from the Patriot Guard Riders.

The Patriot Guard Riders is a national organi-zation of motorcycle riders, many of them Veteran’s who pay tribute to fallen military service personnel past and present, and promote patriotism during pub-lic ceremonies and events.

At the memorial garden the participants gath-ered as American Legion District � Chaplain, Jerry Bailey, gave an invocation accompanied by open-ing comments by squadron commander Maj. Robert Benton and Ingersoll honoring the Veteran’s at rest beneath the hollowed soil of the site. Also present was the Cleburne American Legion Post 50 commander Joel Franklin, whose post was an active participant with the CAP to wreath sponsorships for this years’ ceremony.

In the background Patriot Guard Riders members Assistant Rider Captain Mark Ingersoll, members John Blaze, Walter Gill, David Gonzaloz, Bill Mayo, Charley Money Jr., Gail and George Raglin, and Bill Sneed held U.S. Flags on poles.

Following the opening comments the participants were paired up, with each team member carrying a wreath that was placed on the Veteran’s headstone then taking a moment to remember them. Civil Air Patrol members SM Brady Rusk, 2nd Lt. Donald Henry, Cadet Airman Basic Marysa Johnston and 2nd Lt. Robert Streiferd joined in and helped lay wreaths.

The City of Cleburne Cemetery has been the final resting place for Johnson County Veteran’s since the mid-ninth tenth century.

Wreaths are purchased by individuals and orga-nizations at $�5 dollars per wreath from Wreaths Across America and are tax deductible. $5 of each wreath purchase is returned to the coordinating com-munity organization in that area, in Johnson County it is the Civil Air Patrol.

December ��, 2008 was a mon-umental day for Civil Air Patrol (CAP) units across America—for dozens of squadrons in other states, for many Texas CAP units, and for the seniors and cadets of Phoenix Composite Squadron, Fort Worth. The Wreaths Across America non-profit organization formed in 200�, an offshoot of an Arlington National Cemetery wreath project initiated by the Worcester Wreath Company in �992, offers all CAP units an opportunity to be part of a moving, memorable, and monumental occa-sion each year and, last December, Phoenix was an integral part of the solemn ceremony at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery (DFWNC).

“When we heard of the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful service for our fallen veterans, our cadets enthusiastically and unanimously agreed to participate fully,” offered Major Rubby Smith, Phoenix squadron commander. Major Greg Bowman, deputy commander for cadets, added, “I am so proud of the hard work and support this squadron gave to this amazing event.” Cadets and seniors began their quest by selling wreaths; before too long, �� wreaths were sold for the first year the squadron participated in this event. In all, over �00 wreaths were purchased for the DFWNC event—therefore, Phoenix was responsible for lion’s share, roughly 25% of all wreaths laid that day. “We were thrilled to be part of a movement that ended up seeing ��,000 wreaths provided at various ceremonies across America,” remarked Lt. Col. Mike Skaff, the squadron’s deputy commander for seniors.

Phoenix Chaplain Iona Smith, wife of Major Rubby Smith, spearheaded the efforts and was amazed at the sincerity of the cadets actively involved. “It is a joy to see cadets work together on an event such as this and, when we were at the cemetery, it was clear that the impact of their hard work was felt as they

By Lt. Col. Bob Russell

Phoenix a Leader for Wreaths Across America Ceremony

watched a wonderful ceremony unfold,” she said. Chaplain Smith and three other Phoenix seniors par-ticipated that day, along with �� cadets. The support from parents was admirable: seven parents helped transport the cadets to and from the cemetery, located just southwest of Dallas. And one Phoenix Cadet, A�C. Joseph A. Hayden, got the chance of a lifetime during the day.

Each of the four major services (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines) had representatives from the active or reserve forces to lay a wreath on behalf of their component in the formal ceremonies of the day. The Army representative, however, could not be there, so cadet Hayden was allowed to represent that service—the only cadet actively involved in that special part of the day’s ceremony. Everyone could plainly see that Joseph rose to the occasion; he represented CAP in general and Phoenix in par-ticular extremely well during the ceremony—cadets, seniors, and parents alike were exceedingly proud of his conduct that day.

The ceremony consisted of a Color Guard posting the colors, the escort of the wreaths and display of a number of American flags by the Patriot Guard Riders

Continued on page 29 . . .

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The CAP Lakeshore Composite Squadron of Rockwall recently hosted a rocketry day on January ��, 2009. The event lasted from �0:00 am to �:00 pm at Robertson Park near Lake Ray Hubbard. More than 8� youth and adults participated in the event enjoying a beautiful day and the special event. The purpose of the event was to share information about the excit-ing world of model rocketry and share more about the cadet program within the Civil Air Patrol.

The Lakeshore Squadron invited local Home School groups as well as the Royal Rangers Youth Group to come and spend a few hours learning about things that go up! CAP Cadets from the squadron dis-cussed the principles of rocket flight and provided a chance for the students to build and launch their own 2-Ltr bottle rocket. The rockets were carefully crafted

Lakeshore Squadron

Hosts Rocketry DayBy 2nd Lt. Steven Jaynes

by our very excited guest under the supervision of the squadron cadets. Then for hours the countdowns went off �,2,� . . . as each guest enthusiastically launched their very own rocket. Many of the cadets also dis-played and launched a variety of advanced rockets that they had built on their own.

Lakeshore Squadron is fast growing composite (Adults and Cadets) squadron with approx. �� mem-bers that meet at the Rockwall Airport each Tuesday night from �:�5 to 9:00 pm. New prospective mem-bers both cadet and seniors are welcome to visit at anytime. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered auxiliary to the US Air Force. We have � primary missions, Cadet Programs, Emergency Services, and Aerospace Education. For more infor-mation please visit our website at caplakeshore.org.

29 29

our way of life—we live free and without fear because of what they did for us.”“This was an occasion that cadets and seniors will never forget,” explained Lt. Col. Bob Russell, the squad-

ron’s public affairs officer. “I have been privileged to play ‘Taps’ for many veteran’s services at DFWNC and I know how being part of the honors afforded our nation’s fallen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines can be so moving—I am sure that all who participated in this annual event will not only remember it as a highlight in their lives, but will want to be part of this again in December 2009.” H

Phoenix Wreaths Across America . . .Continued from page 27

Members of TX ��0, Rio del Fierro Squadron, were introduced to canine police officers at the squad-ron’s meeting on November �, 2008. Officer James Jackson and his canine partner, Ward, of the Wichita Falls Police Department gave a demonstration of the dog’s ability to find hidden drugs. Officer Jackson explained the techniques used to train dogs for this work and how they are cared for and work as a team. He also brought some of the equipment they use, including Ward’s bulletproof vest. Members learned that police dogs are considered to be police officers. Anyone who harms them can be prosecuted and sen-tenced as if they had harmed a human officer.

Ward is a six year old Belgian Malamois and has lived and worked with Officer Jackson for four years.

Rio del Fierro Sqn Gets a Visit From a Canine officer

By 1st Lt. Lisa Gunnell

Canine Officer visits Rio Del Fierro.

Rio del Fierro Senior Member Ada Matthews was featured in the January-February 2009 issue of Aerospace Education News for her work with Aerospace Connections in Education, the new CAP program for elementary school teachers and students. Ada holds an ACE meeting for future cadets at the same time as the regular squadron meetings and has taken an orientation flight with Emergency Services Officer Robert Pohlman to help teach her students.

After the tragic loss of her daughter several years ago, Ada began raising her two grandchildren, joined CAP, and learned about the ACE program. Her daughter had a keen interest in aerospace and the program was perfect for the children. Ada works with SM Al Gonzales, an emergency services coordinator for the Wichita County Health Department in teaching the ACE curriculum to children of seniors and younger siblings of cadets. She has seen how the program has had a positive impact on the students and in her own life as well. It is truly her daughter’s legacy for these young people.

Rio del Fierro Member Featured in AE News

By 1st Lt. Lisa Gunnell

(a motorcycle organization made up of veterans), the formal laying of the service wreaths, an address by a former prisoner of war, and then laying of the dozens of wreaths at grave markers in the national cemetery. Cadet SMSgt. Mary Clark, the Phoenix recruiting non-commissioned officer, put the day in perspective. “It was a beautiful ceremony. It impressed upon all of us how important these veterans’ sacrifices were to

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Continued . . .

I have been in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for a little over a year now and finally got the opportunity to attend an encampment. On December 2�, the day after Christmas, I loaded up the car and was driven to the Air Land Emergency Resource Team (ALERT) Academy in Big Sandy, Texas. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived. When I got there I was told to sign-in and get my SOIs (Standard Operating Instructions). You get your own copy of the SOIs when you sign-in at encampment. You are expected to memorize the contents of this little book.

After that, I was shuttled off to my barracks where I would live for the next week. I changed into my util-ity uniform—battle dress uniform (BDUs) and, along with other cadets, marched in formation to the chow hall for dinner and then to my first class. The first class was about hazing. We were taught to recognize the signs of hazing and other important things about CAP’s position on hazing. When the class was over, it was off to bed. This brought an end to my first day at encampment and, already, I suspected that I was going to like being at the academy.

The first two days were difficult, but, by the third day, I was getting used to waking up at 0500 hours and doing physical training (PT) in what felt like freez-ing temperatures. My barracks were starting to look really nice as I was getting better at making my bed for inspections. This was important, since cadets have a barracks and uniform inspection every day. I also worked hard to memorize the “chain of command” in my SOI. This is very important because you will be quizzed on a number of things you are required to memorize from your SOI.

One of my favorite parts about encampment was morning and evening formation. At evening forma-tion the cadet commander announced which flight got Honor Flight that day. On the second day of encamp-ment my flight (Foxtrot) got Honor Flight of the Day. We were so happy to see that our hard work was pay-ing off. After evening formation we marched over to the chow hall for dinner, then back to our barracks and had personal time to get ready for the next day.

After lunch the next day we had a class about

aerospace power and the CAP Aerospace Education program. After the class we got a rare opportunity to launch different kinds of model rockets. It was a lot of fun to watch the rockets soar high into the sky. In addition to things like the rocket launching, through-out the encampment we had many talks given by Air Force officers and former CAP cadets on many differ-ent career opportunities in the military. Some included how to enroll in the military academies and the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program.

I learned a lot at encampment. One of the many things I learned about was Customs & Courtesies. Customs & Courtesies is about knowing when, and to whom, you are to salute. I also learned about the National Cadet Special Activities or NCSA. NCSA is a program that offers various cadet activities held all across the country. There are many different kinds of activities you can participate in such as the Hawk Mountain Ranger School in Pennsylvania or the Air Force Pararescue Orientation in New Mexico.

The day before encampment came to a close we had the Cadet Olympics where we got to play bas-ketball, volleyball, and ultimate Frisbee. After the Cadet Olympics we had all worked up a big appetite. We headed over to the chow hall to participate in a Dining In and, while there, we watched a slide show of pictures taken throughout the week at encamp-ment. We all enjoyed seeing ourselves in action.

Phoenix Cadet Enjoys CAP Winter Encampment

By C/SMSgt. Clark

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we woke up at 0500 hours and found out, much to our relief, we didn’t have to do PT. We cleaned our barracks from top to bottom, got into our dress blues uniform, and got ready for Pass-in-Review (PIR). The PIR is a formal event so that the parents can watch the cadet’s graduate. The event sig-nifies that we officially made it through encampment! It was very cold outside that day so we did the H

Nine members of the ���st Johnson County Composite, Irving Composite, and the Shumaker Composite Squadrons participated in a communica-tions training and U.S. Air Force Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) exercise on 20 – 2� Dec at the Cleburne Municipal Airport.

The exercise conducted by Incident Commanders Lt. Col. Bobby Thomas of Shumaker Composite Squadron and Lt. Col. Dietrich Whisennand of Irving Composite Squadron trained beginning and advanced communicators, introducing the Johnson County members to their first MARS exercise. The Cleburne communications exercise was conducted to test the communications network during low solar activity that was also hampered by weather conditions during the weekend.

The MARS program provides localities, the nation, and internationally a military “auxiliary emer-gency” communications network of highly-skilled amateur licensed radio operators, according to the MARS website located at: http://public.afca.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=�0��.

Lt. Col. Cynthia Whisennand, Irving Composite Commander, and Irving member �st Lt. Ralph Rogers assisted with basic and advanced communications

Maj. Robert Benton131st Johnson County Composite Squadron

Johnson County Squadron Holds Communications and First MARS Exercise

training as well as FEMA training with Johnson County members 2nd Lt. Kenneth Cowell, C/Amn. Collin Crosier, 2nd Lt. Donald Henry, C/Amn. Joseph Gould, and Maj. Robert Benton.

Participants also received training and a refresher lesson in the basics of field dipole VHF antenna installation and a high frequency antenna that was used during the MARS exercise during the week-end taught by Dietrich Whisennand. Also, improve-ments were made to communications facilities at the Johnson County facilities.

While we were at Dining In, they made the announcement of who was selected as the honor cadet of this encampment. Also, we (Foxtrot Flight) and all the other flights got to perform a skit that we made up. It was great fun to watch everyone’s skits.

On the last day of encampment

PIR in the huge ALERT Academy gymnasium. Our parents got to see the slide show of the pictures of what their sons and daughters did at encampment. After I graduated, I had to say good-bye to all the new friends I had made during encamp-ment, which wasn’t easy, but I look forward to seeing many of them again at other CAP activities. It was a challenging but fun week that I will always remember.

Encampment . . .Continued

�5 �5

Continued on page 41 . . .

When I joined the Civil Air Patrol �� months ago, I certainly wasn’t the same person I am now. Growing up and hitting my growth spurt had a lot to do with it, but there was more to it than that. Through the Civil Air Patrol, I have been developing and improving my social skills, leadership abilities, responsibility, goal setting, and physical fitness.

I owe my state of physical fitness to the Civil Air Patrol. CAP sets very reachable goals for its cadets, though each is more challenging than the previous one. In August of 200�, I could barely knock out ten push-ups; now, after fourteen months, I can do at least thirty. My all-time record for sit-ups in one minute is 92, and I ran my best ever mile in 5:5� (that’s under � minutes). The scary part is that I am not even close to being the best. I’ve heard stories of �08 sit-ups per minute and �0 push-ups. I’ve seen a cadet reach about �5 cm (over �� inches) past her toes, which shows extraordinary flexibility. I still have plenty of room for improvement.

At age ��, before joining, responsibility was some-thing that grown-ups showed, or what was expected of people in high positions, but it was far from a real-ity in my life. I was the doesn’t-want-to-clean-his-room-in-the-morning boy, and the has-to-be-goaded-to-do-his-schoolwork kid. I understand these are more common problems in home-schooled students, as I am. Thanks especially to CAP, I’ve grown into a more responsible young man. The way it works in home schooling is that I’m largely in charge of teach-ing myself, then giving progress reports to my Dad at the end of every week. With a little help, I make the weekly schedules based on what I can handle in a week’s time (who would know better than I?).

Everybody knows that teenagers are averse to public speaking, and I was no exception. When my squadron held an impromptu public speaking class, my presentation was filled with crutches (where “umm,” “hmm,” and “uhh” abounded). This spring I went to Noncommissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) and learned how to speak more eloquently, and to be at ease while speaking. This fall I’m going to Senior

Noncommissioned Officer’s Academy (SNCOA) and plan on polishing a lot more corners.

When I was little, I set goals like crazy. One week I’d want to be an Airborne Ranger; the next, a fighter pilot; and the week following, a priest. The list went on and on, but it didn’t matter, because I thought that all of it would be a long time coming. The Civil Air Patrol offers a view through many windows. Through them, I’ve found my groove. I definitely want to be in the Air Force when I’m old enough.

Most important, in the relative solitude of home-schooling, I had been a boss. My desire to lead, and the opportunities that CAP offered, led to a poten-tially disastrous result. I imposed my will on those who would listen or weren’t exactly sure of what they were doing. Fortunately for me, I didn’t get away

By C/CMSgt. Christian Nelson

Apollo Squadron—How Civil Air Patrol Changed My Life

Cadet Nelson in June, 2008, after being promoted to C/TSgt. (Photo: 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen)

�� ��

On Dec. ��, 2008, at �:�0 p.m., the Tyler Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol, held its annual Christmas Party at the squadron headquarters, in Tyler Pounds Airport. The guest of honor was City Mayor Barbara Bass.

Mayor Bass, surprised to learn about the squadron’s emergency ser-vices capabilities, said, “That’s won-derful! I had no idea you could do all those things. It would seem to me that we can work together more often.” She was also impressed by the Tyler cadets, ranging in age from �2 to �8, whom she found to be respectful, courteous, and capable.

Lt. Col. Lou Thomas, the squad-ron commander, presented the follow-ing individual awards:• Senior Member of the Year: �st Lt. Richard

Gilmore • Air Force Association Cadet of the Year: Cdt. 2nd

Lt. Isaac Niedrauer The major event of the evening was a change

of command ceremony, as Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Group III Commander, accepted the squadron flag from exiting commander Lt. Col. Lou Thomas, and passed it on to the new commander, Capt. Robert ‘Skip’ Smith. This simple ceremony is symbolic of the unit’s ability to perpetuate its existence, as the burden of command is transferred from one person to the other. Representing Texas Wing, Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt, who had his start in the squadron, was also present, as was Maj. Michael Cobb, the Group III Deputy Commander East (and now the Southwest Region Director of Finance).

Until that day, Capt. Skip Smith had been the squadron’s Deputy Commander for Seniors, a posi-tion that ranks just below the squadron commander. Having assumed command of the squadron, Capt.

By Capt. Bruce Folks

Tyler Mayor Attends Squadron’s Christmas Party

Smith appointed Capt. Bruce G. Folks as the new Deputy Commander for Seniors.

The meal followed, with more good food than anyone could eat. Lots of brisket, ham, and turkey were accompanied by multiple trimmings contrib-uted by squadron members and their families. And, as usual, the camaraderie and enjoyment showed the squadron’s vigorous and harmonious life. Throughout the dinner, a White Elephant Gift Exchange took place, with numbers being drawn at random. For the evening, some of the usual dignity was suspended in favor of candid enjoyment. “We work hard, and we play hard,” said Capt. Folks

The new commander is busy preparing for the Texas Wing Encampment at Big Sandy, Texas which he’ll command. This will be a state-wide school with some attendees coming from other CAP wings in the country. “We’ll be doing things a bit differently this year,” he said, “The Advanced Training Squadron will place greater emphasis on training cadets on how to train cadet basics. Also, the ATS students will develop their leadership skills with the emphasis on helping the new cadets integrate into squadron life.”

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There were several promotions during November and December.

On 4 November, Cadets Antonia Ghioca, Andrei Ghioca, Nathan Hall and Jonathan Schmidt completed the Gen. J.F. Curry Achievement and were promoted to Cadet Airman. Cadet Joshua Gullace completed the Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Achievement and was promoted to Cadet Technical Sergeant.

On 11 November, Cadet Robert Severance IV completed the requirements for the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award and was promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant. Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Group III Commander, presented the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award Certificate.

On 2 December, C/CMSgt. Kendall Pruitt com-pleted the Neil A. Armstrong Achievement.

The Crusader Composite Squadron celebrated the holiday season with a Christmas Party at the Grand Prairie Municipal Airport Restaurant. The party was held on the regular meeting night, having opted for civilian attire for the evening. Everyone brought snacks or desserts, as well as a white elephant to con-tribute to the gift exchange game.

Everyone had a great and memorable time.

By Capt. Robert Severance III

Grand Prairie Squadron Cadet Promotions and Christmas Party

Senior members and cadets from Pegasus Composite Squadron attended the Lackland AFB Air-Fest held in San Antonio on � November 2008. All members were treated to an air demonstration by the Blue Angels. In addition, the crowd stood in deep respect and pride as a P-�0, F-�5, and F-�� flew the Heritage Flight formation. Another most impressive display was that of the F-22 Raptor. It thrilled the crowd with its amazing high-speed and unbelievably low-speed passes.

The show had something for everyone that also included vintage aircraft from WW II. We were impressed by the quality and detail in the restora-tion of each aircraft. Our hats are off to all that keep them flying.

For us, one of the most memorable events of the day occurred when one of the KC-�0 crewmembers invited us up to the flight-deck for a personalized tour. Having the opportunity of spending some time with the flight crew in their “office” was very special for us.

The event was well organized from end-to-end. Transportation form the parking to the show areas was as smoothly done as I have ever seen. And the activities were first-class. For those who have never been to the Lackland Air-Fest, do try to make it next year. It’ll be well worth it.

Pegasus Squadron Attends Lackland Air-Fest

By S.M. Russell Darr

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Continued . . .

The expression often used when talking about two people who are similar in the way they look, talk, and act is “they are like two peas in a pod.” In the case of Lyone and Destiny Velez, two Phoenix Composite Squadron cadets, that is an understatement. This brother and sister enjoy the same activities, laugh together as if cued, often interrupt each other with the same statement or idea—indeed, the easiest way to tell them apart is that one has braces and one does not! Well, OK, one is a male and one is a female, so that is also a pretty evident clue. In fact, were it not for the three years (and one week) in age that separates them, they could be identical twins who spoke, acted, and thought as one.

Lyone Velez, ��, and his ��-year old sister, Destiny, were born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a U.S. Territory. Their father, Noel Velez Cabrera was in the U.S. Army Reserve for a number of years and is an American Eagle captain with �9 years of commercial flying. He was once in Civil Air Patrol and, quite naturally, the two Velez sib-lings were gently “guided” toward joining an organization focused around aviation. And join they did, Lyone in September 200� and his sister, Destiny, two months later.

Both Velez cadets have worked hard since joining. Lyone is a C/MSgt. and holds the posi-

By Lt. Col. Bob Russell

Being in CAP is a Relative Thing

Velez Cadets study together.

tions of Flight Sergeant and Color Guard Commander. Destiny is a C/TSgt. and serves as an Assistant Flight Sergeant and Assistant Color Guard Commander. Both cadets aspire to attend the Air Force Academy. Sharing the same thoughts, when asked why they joined CAP, they take turns reply-ing, “learning how to drill,” “doing something good for my commu-nity,” “learning about aerospace,” and appreciating the value of

“moral leadership.” Ask one cadet a question, you will get answers from both—as they look at each other with affection and a true bonding. Both cadets really enjoy Color Guard activities; Destiny also likes Moral Leadership ses-sions and Lyone enjoys drilling.

Even their names are interest-ing—their last name is actually taken from their mother’s last name and their father’s middle name;

�� ��

additionally, Lyone’s name is a clever juxtaposition of letters (his dad’s name, Noel, in reverse) while combining it with one of their folks’ favorite cities in Europe: Lyon, France. By reversing dad’s name, changing the “e” to “y,” then adding an “e” on the end so it differs from the city, one gets Lyone! Destiny’s name is just as meaningful: her mom had health problems before giving birth to her daughter, so she felt her new baby girl was “God’s destiny”—and, to honor her dad, Destiny’s middle name is Noelle, a modification of dad’s first name!

But these two energetic, poised, and articulate cadets don’t just work hard in CAP. Their mother, Laura Segarra Velez, is responsi-ble for their diligent home school-ing, although they both attended public school earlier in their lives. Mom also stays busy as their bowl-ing coach and does some freelance graphics work. Destiny and Lyone speak Spanish and English (taught in Puerto Rico), but are currently pursuing others—Lyone is study-ing Chinese and Destiny learning Italian using an on-line program called Rosetta.

“I participate in beauty pag-eants—playing drums is my tal-ent; I also model, am in competi-tive bowling and in artistic “quad” (�-wheel) roller skating,” Destiny says with a broad smile. Lyone adds, “I also support pageants by accompanying on the piano, I play guitar, I am in competitive bowl-ing, and I also used to perform artistic quad roller skating—but not currently.” A gentle prodding reveals that these two young people

have, indeed, done well. Both have won Texas state bowling champi-onships (singles, doubles, teams) from 200�-2005 and Grand Prix state bowling championships from 200�-200�. Lyone was the 200� National Artistic Roller Skating Champion in the freshman/soph-omore division, held in Omaha, Nebraska. Destiny has won beauty pageants from 2005-2008: Miss Texas Junior Preteen, Sunburst Texas State Overall Queen, Miss Preteen Dallas/Fort Worth, and Miss Southlake Preteen. She did runway modeling of children’s clothes for Macy’s and, in 2005, she won the children’s acting and modeling competition at the Modeling Association of America Convention in New York City.

Moving from Puerto Rico to Hurst, Texas, when Destiny was in �st grade and Lyone was in �rd grade, both cadets seem to enjoy north Texas—along with their Yorkshire Terrier, Mimi, and their Dutch rabbit, Candy. Besides their busy academic and activity schedules, these two tal-ented cadets support Phoenix in many ways. Major Rubby Smith, Phoenix commander, beams when asked how these two cadets have helped the squadron. “They are hard working, well-dressed cadets who set an example for our other young men and women—a real pleasure to have in our squadron,” he offered. Both have been active in Color Guard activities, attended field trips and air shows, and Lyone has been to a basic encamp-ment—something Destiny hopes to do as soon as possible.

Their uniforms meticulously

pressed, Lyone and Destiny Velez could be poster cadets for a CAP booklet. Blending their statements, the two cadets explain, “We look forward to many more exciting opportunities in Civil Air Patrol, such as field trips and leadership training, which will prepare us for the Air Force Academy and future careers with the Air Force.” There is no doubt these two will continue their active lives and be great representatives of CAP in the future. And, they are so alike, when Destiny gets her braces off, you will have one less way to tell these two “peas in a pod” apart. H

Relative Thing . . .Continued

with it for very long at all. I’m not ashamed to say that my superior officers took me down a notch and told me that I was not being a good example for the cadets I was trying to lead. Since then, I have learned many more aspects of how to lead, rather than boss-ing cadets around; how to temper my own wishes and allow others to lead, as I make myself be a fol-lower. If it hadn’t been for those officers, I could have been an obnoxious brat for the rest of my life, and would have had nasty surprises down the road.

So, thanks to CAP, I have changed for the better, learning valuable skills that will help me for the rest of my life.

How CAP Changed My Life . . .Continued from page 35

H

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Continued . . .

January �0 was a memorable day for cadets and senior members of the Gregg County Composite Squadron. Cadets Caroline Morton and Andrew Shea received their General Billy Mitchell Award Certificates that carry with it auto-matic promotion to the grade of Cadet Second Lieutenant. These two outstanding cadets were not the only ones honored for their achievements, since all squadron members were recognized for their tireless efforts in volunteer-ing during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The program ended with a change of command ceremony, when Captain Steve Schluter relinquished command and �st Lt. Carolyn Morton accepted command of the Gregg County Composite Squadron, with Lt. Col. Owen Younger officiating.

The proceedings were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Longview. Senior Member Mark Johnson, the squadron’s character development officer, pronounced the invocation, after which Captain Schluter introduced the distin-guished guests. Among them were Congressman Louie Gohmert, U.S. Representative of this district; CAP Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Group III Commander; CAP Major Mike Cobb, the Southwest Region Finance Officer and Group III Deputy Commander (East); USAF Sgt. Erick Reynolds, an active duty airman and PAO at Barksdale AFB; and Mike Brittain, East Texas Southern Baptist Men’s Organization.

Gregg County Mitchell Awards Presented By Congressman Gohmert

By 2nd Lt. Nancy Spanial

Pastor Mike Brittain pre-sented two let-ters of appre-ciation to the Gregg County C o m p o s i t e Squadron for having helped prepare and serve meals during the hurricanes. “Over 5,000 meals were served during Hurricane Gustav, and over �8,000 meals were prepared and delivered from the shelter in Marshall dur-ing Hurricane Ike,” he said. “To accomplish this, CAP cadets and senior members worked side by side with the volunteers from the East Texas Southern Baptist Men’s organization.”

The Gregg County Composite Squadron worked alongside the Texas State Guard at the shelter, which the American Red Cross had set up at the Marshall Civic Center and sheltered over �,000 evacu-ees. Major General Christopher Powers, TXSG, Austin, Texas, wrote letters of commendation to each cadet and senior member who volunteered their time that week, extending, “…our heartfelt thank-you for a difficult job done exceptionally well.” Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Group III Commander, presented the letters, and Sgt. Erick Reynolds, USAF, presented the challenge coins. Sgt. Reynolds is no stranger to the Gregg County Composite Squadron. He is

stationed at Barksdale AFB and has been a squadron guest on numerous occasions, helping with bivouacs and giving presentations about his deployments in Iraq.

Then the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived, and Congressman Louie Gohmert, our U.S. Representative in Congress, made some wonderful remarks prior to presenting the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award Certificates to Cadets Second Lieutenant Morton and Shea. “Civil Air Patrol cadets are outstanding good neighbors,” he said. “Not only do you help oth-ers, but you go out looking for oth-ers to help!” He drew a parallel between the parable of “The Good Samaritan” and CAP members, “Willing hearts, hands, and feet, to get the job done! Ultimately, only by helping others do we help ourselves,” he said. “What has made America great is the willingness of people to step forward to help others.” In a humorous aside, he wondered how Paul Revere would have used CAP, had it been around back then, “He would have flown over Boston

�5 �5

dropping leaflets, rather than ride his horse to spread the news.”

Congressman Gohmert, who will soon join CAP’s Congressional Squadron in Washington, D.C., received a standing ovation from the receptive audience in thanks for his colorful speech. We are very grateful to have a represen-tative in Congress who not only presents CAP as a valuable asset to the nation, but holds to the prin-ciples and foundations that made our nation great. Our thanks and appreciation goes to Congressman Gohmert for his time and dedi-cated service to East Texas.

Captain Schluter then reviewed the many accomplishments of Cadets Second Lieutenant Andrew Shea and Caroline Morton, while Congressman Gohmert presented

them with their Mitchell Award Certificates. C/2nd Lt. Caroline Morton received her Second Lieutenant shoulder boards from peer cadets, while C/2nd Lt. Andrew Shea received them from his father and grandfather. Both cadets received an emotional and joyful standing ovation.

The last item on the agenda was a change of command cer-emony. Lt. Col. Owen Younger presided over the “passing of the flag” or baton, which is traditional for a change of command. The squadron’s color guard American flag bearer, C/SSgt. Samuel Morton, presented the squadron guidon to Captain Steve Schluter, who in turn handed it over to Lt. Col. Younger. As Lt. Carolyn Morton received the guidon from the Group III Commander, she said the prescribed words, “Sir, I accept command,” upon which

she handed over the guidon to C/TSgt. Morton. The latter marched it back to its place beside the U.S. and Civil Air Patrol flags.

�st Lt. Morton, not wanting to overlook the volunteer work done by senior members, presented a challenge coin to 2nd Lt. Jerry Cobb, 2nd Lt. Nancy Spanial, and Senior Member Darrell Smith, in appreciation for their many hours of service. A reception followed, with plenty of excellent food and won-derful fellowship shared by CAP members, families, and friends.

The squadron looks forward to working hard to meet future challenges under new leader-ship, and welcomes the new com-mander, �st Lt. Carolyn Morton. Congratulations also to C/2nd Lt. Andrew Shea and C/2nd Lt. Caroline Morton, as they continue their career progression in the CAP cadet program.

Mitchell Awards . . .Continued

H

An extraordinary woman, Amelia Earhart has placed her name in our history book by being the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and also to fly above ��,000 ft. To commemorate Amelia Earhart’s significant achievements in avia-tion, the Civil Air Patrol has

Pegasus Cadet

officers Promoted

By C/Capt. Raphael Erie

Cadet Sean Stewart Cadet Raphael Erie

named after her a milestone award in the Cadet Programs. Since its creation in �9�� as a career progression award, nearly �0,000 cadets have earned the Amelia Earhart Award.

At the presentation ceremony conferring this award on cadets Raphael Erie and Sean Stewart,

squadron commander Capt. John Benavides said, “These fine young men are among the best that this squadron has to offer. They have both willingly stepped into the crucible that pursuing a leader-ship position entails. Their com-mitment to themselves and others

Continued . . .

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became quite visible during the transformation process. They par-ticipated in Civil Air Patrol schools and courses at the local, regional, and national levels, and have read-ily shared the education and expe-rience they have acquired.”

With the award comes the automatic promotion to Cadet Captain. Cadets Erie and Stewart, by qualifying for this honor, have stepped from the Command Phase into the Executive Phase of the Cadet Program, and both look forward to furthering their lead-ership experience.

After the event, Capt. Benavides remarked, “Cadet Captain Raphael Erie is a prolific writer and a primary contributor to the squadron’s public affairs pro-gram. His varied articles inspire the deepest motivational question a cadet can consider; ‘Could I, too, do that?’ Daily, Cadet Captain Sean Stewart demonstrates his solid understanding of military bearing and leadership principles by teaching these attributes to new cadet members of the squad-ron’s training flight. He serves as an excellent role model for oth-ers. Nothing imparts a deeper, longer-lasting impression than a razor-sharp cadet who knows how to walk – and talk – the Civil Air Patrol mission. I congratulate them both.”

Cadet Officers Promoted . . .Continued

The Tyler Composite Squadron participated in Atwood’s Farm & Ranch hot-dog sale on Saturday, �� October. Atwood’s has a monthly “Customer Appreciation” hot-dog sale, and invited the squadron to participate.

Atwood’s supplies all the hot-dogs and buns, sells them for �0 cents, and graciously donates all proceeds to the organization working the sale. Squadron mem-bers provided drinks, chips, con-diments, brownies, and cookies that were sold along with the hot-dogs. Over 800 hot-dogs, dozens of homemade cookies, brownies, chips, and soft drinks were sold to the local customers, many of whom asked about the Civil Air Patrol and what we do.

The squadron used the oppor-tunity to explain the CAP pro-gram and its three missions. Many attendees were surprised to learn that CAP even exists, and just how much we offer to the community at large. The Tyler Composite

By Capt. Skip Smith

Tyler Fund Raiser Event

Squadron has been participating in this event for several months, as part of our fund raising and recruiting activities. In addition, we also offer a monthly Pancake Breakfast, held at the squadron every fourth Saturday.

Five squadron cadets, C/Amn. Sarah Fitzgerald, C/Amn. Jonathan Quezada, C/A�C. Shaun Quezada, C/SrA. James Gandy, and the cadet commander, C/Capt. Joshua Jenkins participated along with the following senior members: Com-mander Lt. Col. Lou Thomas, Deputy Commander for seniors Capt. Skip Smith, Maintenance Officer Capt. Bruce Folks, and Senior Member James Fitzgerald.

The squadron is grateful to those who participated by work-ing or providing drinks and dessert during the event, and especially thankful to Atwood’s for making it possible for us to raise funds to support squadron activities, as well as to promote the Civil Air Patrol, its missions, and its core values.H

When I arrived at Beale AFB, California in June of �9�� to start flight training in the SR-��, I knew instinc-tively I was about to embark in a completely different world of flying. The secrecy of its worldwide recon-naissance mission and unique flying characteristics appealed to me, and weighed heavily in my decision to leave the F-� Phantom for the SR-��. Over the next seven years, I was fortunate to be crewed up with Don Emmons, my RSO (Reconnaissance Systems Officer) in the back seat. The SR-�� program required us to fly only as a formed crew. If either one of us were sick or injured, for all practical purposes, the other member was grounded as well.

Crew mission planning began, at the latest, the day before the planned takeoff. For every operational sor-tie, a backup crew mission planned as well, ready to take our place just in case we woke up with an ailment or injury. We all met at operations with mission plan-ners who developed our routes, computerized flight plans, and maps. For several hours the pilot and RSO went over the entire route in detail. Don and I would “what if” every critical area along the entire route of flight, making sure that each of us knew precisely what we would do if something out of the ordinary came up. It could be anything from SAMs or MIGs try-ing to shoot us down, to low fuel quantity, to engine flameouts requiring subsonic flight. All this had to be thought out beforehand – cruising at Mach �+ doesn’t allow much time to think. There’s a saying we often used to describe the problem, “You’ve never been lost before until you’re lost at 2,�00 mph.”

It was about this same time that maintenance was readying the plane for flight. I cannot give sufficient accolades to the professionalism and sense of pride our maintainers had in keeping the SR-�� fleet Code One (no maintenance discrepancies). Highly sophisticated sensors for the mission had to be loaded. The mission tape, that orchestrated our flight track and when and where the sensors would turn on and off, was loaded into the guidance group and checked for accuracy. Fuel, oil, hydraulic fluid, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and

triethylborane had to be loaded at the right time. All this took painstakingly long hours to accomplish, in the hands of many dedicated individuals.

One of the most difficult flying skill SR-�� pilots had to learn was simply that you could not deviate from the “black line.” The route of flight on our maps was drawn as a black line that we had to adhere to strictly. Most military pilots were able to fly anywhere they wanted to, whenever they wanted, searching for targets of opportunity. I know, because we did this often in Vietnam. I often wondered why the interview process for getting into the SR-�� program required a long session with a psychiatrist. When I was fortunate to be the SR-�� Squadron Commander, I became part of the hiring process. It was then that I realized the shrink was trying to determine whether the applicant was the type of pilot that would take an SR-�� anywhere he felt like, or he had the mental discipline to stay on the black line. An SR-�� pilot’s flight path could make the dif-ference between a major international crisis or merely another reconnaissance sortie.

Since crews wore full pressure suit with clumsy gloves, all the switches and knobs in the cockpit were oversized where needed for manual dexterity. Strapped to the ejection seat in the cockpit, there was ample room for the pilot. However, visibility was somewhat limited because the pressure suit helmet narrowed the pilot’s field of view. All instrumentation in both cockpits were “steam gauges,” no glass cockpits here, guys!

The average mission length was around four hours, although twelve operational sorties were flown that were well over eleven hours. Strapped firmly to an ejection seat in a full pressure suit, breathing �00 per-cent oxygen for long periods was demanding. Prior to every flight, crews were required to eat a high protein/low residue meal consisting of steak and eggs. Before suiting up in the pressure suit, every crew member had to take a physical exam. This was where a final deci-sion was made as to whether you were physically fit to fly…you had no voice in the matter.

When an abrupt loss in lift occurs at a critical angle

Addison Squadron Flying the SR-71 Blackbird

Col. Richard Graham, USAF (ret)

�8

of attack (AOA), the SR-�� does not stall in the classic sense. Instead, a nose-up pitching moment develops as the critical AOA is reached. There is no recovery at this point, and ejection is mandatory. Pilots experienced this in the SR-�� simulator. The control stick incorpo-rated a shaker device that kicked in as you flew near the critical AOA. If you ignored the stick shaker warn-ing while subsonic, a stick pusher mechanism applied an abrupt �0 pounds of forward pressure on the control stick to let you know that you are close to an uncontrol-lable pitch-up and a bailout was not far away!

All of our subsonic cruising was done at 0.9 Mach. Flying the SR-�� subsonic felt very much like flying a heavy F-� to me. It handled well in the VFR traffic pattern and flying instrument approaches. Fly-ing a closed VFR pattern consumed around �,000 pounds of fuel. The aircraft was limited to 2.5 g’s subsonic. Final approach speed with 20,000 pounds of fuel onboard was �85 knots, with a touchdown speed of ��5 knots. Inverted flight was strictly prohibited.

I found refueling the SR-�� easier than the F-�. We rejoined with the KC-��5Q tankers at �25 knots and slowly accelerated throughout the refueling to ��5 knots as the tanker became lighter. The SR-�� is very stable while refueling, although in turbulence it displayed a “springboard” effect rippling down the fuselage. For me, air-to-air refueling at night over the East China Sea was particularly demanding on pilot skills.

Here’s the scenario. You’re flying on a pitch-black night, over the middle of an ocean, 500 miles from the nearest land, and you’re low on fuel. You make an elec-tronic rendezvous with the tanker, finally spotting him visually at about half a mile in front of you. It’s turbu-lent, and you’re flying in thick cloud trying to stay con-nected to the air refueling boom. Just to stay in position on the boom, all axis of the flight controls are mov-ing, and so are the throttles. As the clouds thicken and the moisture content increases, St Elmo’s fire begins dancing over the windshields. You’ve been in the pres-sure suit for over three hours and your eyes are dry, irritated, and burning from the oxygen, but you’re pro-hibited from raising the pressure suit face plate to rub them. Every distant lightning flash is highly magnified at night by being in the clouds, and the tanker’s director lights (telling you how you’re doing) become difficult to see. Your night vision is ruined with each flash.

You’ve taken on �5,000 pounds of JP-� fuel and, as you approach your last 5,000 pounds, the plane becomes thrust limited at full military power. You now

have to light the left afterburner and control the fore/aft refueling position using the right throttle only. With the afterburner lit, you now need �5 degrees of left bank to compensate for 20 degrees of right yaw created from the extra thrust of the left engine’s afterburner. You’re now refueling while flying cross-controlled. The tanker goes into a �0 degree left-banked turn to stay in his race track orbit, and you need to add more thrust and controls just to stay in position. You let out a sigh of relief at full tanks pressure disconnect from the boom. Safely clear of the tanker, you light the afterburners and climb out of the clouds into the clear night sky. I’m positive this is when my hair started turning grey!

At Mach �+ speeds, the aircraft was nice and crisp in roll. In the pitch axis, the aircraft felt sluggish to me – not immediately responsive and constantly having to work to hold the aircraft in a given pitch attitude. The Stability Augmentation System (SAS) tended to dampen out the pilot’s pitch input, since one degree of pitch up or down represented �,000 feet per minute of vertical velocity! The absolute maximum bank angle at Mach �+ speeds was �5 degrees and a �.5 g limit.

When I compare flying the SR-�� to flying for CAP, there is one distinct similarity. Every CAP flight I have flown is equally as professional as flying the Blackbird in the Air Force. From mission planning, to execution, to debriefing a CAP sortie I’ve found the same enthusiasm and dedication from a highly profes-sional group of volunteers. In a nutshell, flying both the SR-�� and CAP missions are challenging, but at the same time highly rewarding! NOTE - Col. Graham is a member of the Addison Composite Squadron. H

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50 50

“Again,” said C/SSgt. Lowry to the rest of the Color Guard in

the upstairs lounge, overlooking the hangar floor that, for the eve-ning and with the planes moved out of the way, would be the dance floor. We had to practice our complex moves for the presenta-tion that would be our respon-sibility that evening. Our squad was the featured Color Guard for the Commemorative Air Force’s annual dinner and dance honor-ing all veterans. As always, the event had a World War II theme, complete with the nose of a B-25 rolled into the CAF’s hangar at the San Marcos Municipal Airport.

The festivities kicked off at �:�0pm, when the Pegasus Composite Squadron Color Guard, composed of C/SSgt. Austin Lowry, C/MSgt. Aaron Harold, C/2nd Lt. Rand Fowler and C/2nd Lt. Ryan Pope, presented and posted the American and POW/MIA flags in front of over a thousand attendees, civilians and veterans alike. After the flags had been posted and the

By C/2nd Lt. Ryan Pope

Pegasus Squadron Twenty Again!Star Spangled Banner been played, the audience lis-tened in remembrance as a short ceremony unfolded, honoring service members who had been and are still prisoners of war or miss-ing in action. As countless soldiers and airmen expe-rienced in WW II, it didn’t take long for the solemn

mood to turn to laughter and fun.Before the dancing started,

guests got to enjoy a Texan meal of catered chicken and BBQ with beans and potato salad. As the live band struck up a lively big-band tune, couples of all ages crowded the floor and danced as if they all had been 20 years old. People danced everywhere, on the dance floor, in the aisles and on the hangar apron. It was nearly impossible to avoid running into people dancing away. Even on the outskirts of the hangar, young couples were taking advantage of the large amounts of space, obviously enjoying their very advanced swing dance moves. As I walked around the dancers, taking in their costumes and uniforms, I found that many were correctly dressed in the fashion and uni-forms of WW II. All the uniforms, representing all U.S. military branches, as well as from several other countries, were immaculate as if they had just been issued the day before. Men and women wore their uniforms with pride, as if they were still serving their country.

To go along with the dancing

in practically every available space, a silent auction was set out in one corner of the hangar. A wide variety of items were available, from two copies of King Arthur’s Excalibur sword, to kites, to an Iraqi Freedom bomber jacket. The Color Guard members were very interested in a hunting knife that had not been bid on yet, and were watching it like a hawk would view a mouse (eventu-ally, Harold won it for $�.00).

As the evening was danced through, there was a swing dance competition. The Color Guard mem-bers, myself included, got to enjoy dancing with several female con-testants. These young ladies from the local high school are currently enrolled in a swing dance class. They were kind enough to give us a crash course in swing steps, and the Color Guard members enjoyed dipping, swaying and swinging their part-ners. Several “professionals” were there also, in period dress, doing moves that were far too advanced for me to even start to grasp, but it sure was fun to watch.

At the end of the evening, the Color Guard and our young teachers exchanged many good-bys, culminating in a photo of the whole group. As guests, arm in arm, strolled past the P-�� guard-ing the entrance, they wore smiles on their faces and memories in their hearts that they will not for-get any time soon.

I believe many a veteran will come back next year, and pretend to be 20 once again.

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On � and 2 November 2008 cadets and senior members from the Black Sheep Composite Squadron participated in training courses at the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Encampment in Cedar Hill, Texas.

Michael Witzgall, a tactical training consultant with Charlie-Mike Enterprises, assisted in train-ing the cadets. Mr. Witzgall spent �2 years on active duty as a noncom-missioned and commissioned offi-cer in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army, respectively. He is also a highly decorated police officer.

The cadets participated in urban direction finding, two

By Capt. Kelly Castillo

Blacksheep Squadron Encampment Fun

On �2 October 2008, cadets from the Black Sheep CS traveled to the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show to watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Black Sheep senior member �st Lt. Jerry Barron drove C/CMSgt. Andrew Smith, C/A�C. Garrett Porter, C/Amn. Jesse Barron, C/Amn. Brandon Keehan, and C/Amn. Sean Linsley to Alliance Airport.

The event had several exhibitors, static dis-plays, and various other military and private aerial performances.

The grand finale involved the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, performing their breathtaking show before the large crowd in attendance.

Black Sheep Cadets Attend Fort Worth Alliance Air Show

By Capt. Kelly Castillo

team building exercises, a line search, ELT training, and a mock downed-pilot recovery course. “The recovery course was a lot of fun,” said C/Amn Alan Prosser Jr. “At night, we went searching for a dummy pilot that was hidden in a wooded area. We then had to return the dummy without being detected by our instructors.”

One of the team building exercises, conducted at an obsta-cle course, increased trust and effective communication between

the cadets. According to C/Amn. Jonathan Sanchez, “The obstacle course was hard, since some of the cadets were blindfolded and we had to tell them every detail to make it all the way across.”

After the encampment, the par-ticipants conducted a ramp check at the Lancaster Municipal Airport. To the cadets’ surprise, they were able to see an FG-�D Corsair plane, cour-tesy of Col. Charlie Wood, Wing Leader of the Commemorative Air Force, DFW Wing.

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On � November 2008, a number of cadets from the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron attended the air show held at Gilmer Airport. Our intention was to man a recruiting booth in one of the hangars while enjoying the show.

We had been invited by both the Gilmer High School JROTC and the Tyler squadron to join them at the air show. As the JROTC unit was set up out-side and the day was to be quite sunny, we elected to go inside a hangar, next to the Tyler squadron. ‘Our” hangar is a museum or sorts, and there were many interesting things to see while waiting for “custom-ers.” During the course of the day, many people came by the booth and some of them showed interest in the CAP program.

In spite of early morning fog, a large number of aircraft arrived. They were directed to various park-ing locations depending on whether they were simply attendees or were part of a static or airborne display. Interesting aircraft on display included a B-25, a C Model P-5� and a D Model P5�.

Although we had not intended to work anywhere other than our booth, a show official in charge of security approached us with a request. It seems that the crowd was larger than anticipated, and more secu-rity personnel were needed. He asked if some of our cadets could provide security for show visitors. We would not be marshalling aircraft but, rather, keep-ing the crowds away from taxiways whenever aircraft were moving. Of course we were more than happy to help, and C/Amn. Victoria Jones and C/AB. Matt Brown trooped off to help. They remained in that position nearly all day, and returned tired but happy to have been of service. Throughout the day, we made certain that they had water and food, and got periodic breaks too.

The Gilmer Air Show did not disappoint. The P-5�s had a nice program worked out, and a group of five T-��s performed an impressive formation flying routine. My personal favorite was an aerobatic rou-tine performed in what appeared to be a Piper Super

Gladewater CAP Cadets Participate in Gilmer Air Show

By Capt. Harold Parks

Cub. The pilot did some very remarkable maneuvers with his airplane but surprised all after landing.

After the plane was parked and the engine shut down, a woman approached the airplane pushing a wheel chair. Imagine our surprise when the pilot slowly extricated himself from the aircraft and liter-ally flopped into the chair. The man who had just given the crowd a pretty amazing aerobatic show could not use his legs. His aircraft was specially modified to be operated solely by his hands. In spite of his handicap, the man’s aerobatic routine had been very, very good on its own merits. It is truly amazing that he could perform like that without using his legs.

In addition to the fine flying which we witnessed, it was great to hear these big engines purring and roaring, depending on what the planes were doing. The B-25 made a lot of flights during the day, so we got to see the engines smoking, shaking and bang-ing on start-up. Soon they would put out a great roar when taking off, then come back barely ticking over as they parked.

P-5�s have their own kind of crackling sound on take-off and fly-overs (I’ll take that over a jet’s roar any time). It is great that some of these old aircraft are still flying and, better than that, coming to a local airport where we can see, touch, and smell them, as we marvel at them.

All in all, it was a great day. We got to meet and greet a lot of nice people, and had a chance to explain the CAP program to them. Seeing, feeling, touching and simply being near these historical treasures was wonderful, and we can’t wait to do it again.

Members participating included Capt. Harold Parks, C/2nd Lt. Jarrod Alexander, C/Amn. Rebekah Alexander, C/Amn. Victoria Jones and C/AB. Matt Brown.