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In this issue . . . H Houston Air Show . . . H Safety Briefing . . . H Frisco Sq. Honor Veterans . . . . . . And Much More!
WINTER 2010
Air Show
Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Isaac Acay
woteditor@yahoo.com
Please do not insert the photos into the articles, rather make the articles and photos separate attachments. DEADlinES: Feb. 28; June 28; Oct. 28 Col. Joe R. Smith Commander, Texas Wing Lt. Col. Patricia P. Darby Editor, Wings Over Texas For information on Advertising Rates and Space Please Call 1-800-635-6036
Possibly the biggest reason teenagers join Civil Air Patrol is to experience airplanes and flying in every way they can. The Wings Over Houston Air Show can give CAP cadets a vision of their future. Seeing the high-flying performances can show a cadet that the sky might not be the limit. Pilots from all over the country come to Wings Over Houston to put on a high-flying extravaganza on the weekend of Oct. 23-24, 200. This year, the Thunderbirds boomed through the sky above an awe-inspired crowd. From exploding bombs to pounding engines, Wings Over Houston entertained with rhythm. From the agile F-6 Fighting Falcon to the enormous Boeing C7 Globemaster II, the Wings Over Houston Air Show put on a spectacular performance with a good variety of airplanes. Knowing from past experience how good this annual event can be, spectators flocked to the air show. CAP cadets also came from all over
the Houston area, from Sheldon Cadet Squadron in Houston to Marauder Composite Squadron in Kingwood. The show was scheduled to begin at ten oclock sharp and the pilots were ready. They had prepped their planes at ninethirty, and flight after flight took to the air, their pilots eager to show their prowess. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are an amazing aerobatic team, and one of the many high-flying examples of discipline and teamwork, which are key principles in how CAP cadets conduct themselves. From early Friday morning until late Sunday evening, cadets were hard at work making the air show efficient. Cadets who volunteer to work at Wings Over Houston are given a variety of tasks. The
cadet staff is charged with dividing all cadets into teams. While one team would help rehydrate the pilots and spectators, another one would clean up any trash or debris in the general public areas. Over the weekend, the most responsible job cadets handled was the CAP recruiting booth. On Saturday, Oct. 23, 200, the Boys Scouts of America came to earn their Aeronautical badges at the CAP booth. All the while, the cadets worked diligently and continuously throughout the show. As CAP cadets helped the Wings Over Houston Air Show, they also helped put the air in air show.
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During mid-show, the pilots had a special treat for the spectators, a Pearl Harbor Day re-enactment. While the Japanese planes soared over the field in front of the spectators, remote-controlled explosives were detonated to simulate bombing runs whenever a plane would dive down over an enemy target. This year, there was another rare treat: U.S. Air Force Special Forces paratroopers made a beautiful entry from the great blue frontier. This years show included a spectacular NASA project: a prototype jet car. With the body
of a dragster and the engine of a fighter jet, the car is truly unique. As it reached four-hundred miles an hour in four seconds, the car astonished the crowd. On the second run, the prototype raced against a biplane across the length of the runway, starting as the biplane was already in the air. At the beginning, the biplane was ahead, but it was quickly overtaken and left in the wind. Cadets and spectators both wondered in amazement how NASA pulled off such an amazing creation. This spectacle truly made this years show unique. H
the experience and wisdom of the best PA practitioners CAP has to offer plus the resident FEMA G-289, Public Information Officer Awareness Course. The PIO/PAO advanced course added to this the resident FEMA G-290, Basic Public Information Officer Course, and G-29, JIS/ JIC Planning for Tribal, State, and Local PIOs. Both courses also included on-camera work, practice interviews and simulated media briefings. Students reported other LESA schools in words and photos, and generally worked as both PAOs and PIOs. It was a total-immersion experience, they did very well, and the great experiment worked as well as expected. To put it all together for the activity, LESA staged a Search and Rescue Exercise with the cooperation and participation of local emergency services and
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law enforcement agencies, creating a multi-agency response team charged with dealing with a simulated critical situation. Adding to the realism, a professional moulage expert team made up the volunteers playing the role of victims with such realism that it was hard to tell they were really unharmed. Some ALERT Academy families volunteered and brought their preteen children to work as victims, with astonishingly realistic results. In the midst of the manufactured misery, a hardened fireman just shook his head, This is incredible. It looks so real that its hard to stay detached, he said. Then he thanked me for the training, as I thanked him for having helped LESA put it together. This leads to the real breakthrough here. National PA Team Leader Maj. Al Pabon and I worked out the curriculum that the PIO/ PAO School taught at LESA, and for the first time ever the National Emergency Services Academy taught this same curriculum. At LESA, the youngest member of the PIO/PAO basic course was a cadet age 4; he did so well that he was selected the honor graduate. The advanced course had only two cadets, one age 8 and the other 7. As soon as he takes the ICS-300 resident course, the cadet age 8 will be a full-fledged PIO, ready to do missions. And yes, the new PIO-to-be was the honor graduate of the advanced course. Bottom line? Unless a PAO trains for and does missions, that PAO wont go very far up the ladder in PA. H
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On June 2, 200, I spent some time with Ground Search and Rescue Specialty School (GSARSS) students, who go through several challenges. One of them is the river crossing. One cadet would swim to the other side, carrying the end of a rope and tie it to a tree. The other end, of course, has already been tied to a tree on the opposite river margin. Cadets would then make a Swiss seat and clip themselves to the rope with a carbiner (an oval metal ring with a secured hinged gate). To get to the other side, they needed not only physical strength, but also the will to keep going no matter what. Even though difficult to cross, they were all glad to succeed. The challenge was hard, but the will to prevail over the competition (they divided into teams) was greater. The physical challenge was pulling themselves along the rope uphill. However, their will to succeed spurred them to complete the mission. Also, the mental mentality was not easy. However, for some students, the greatest challenge was from the inside. Some were afraid of either the river or heights, but that didnt stop them from completing the challenge. Whatever the assigned task, GSARSS students will do their best to get it done. The strength involved is more than physical, as it comes from
the mind. The encouraging words spoken by their teammates helped them push themselves towards the goal. Their will to never give up kept them going, even when the instructors swayed the rope and tried to dunk them into the river. Along with that will, was the urge to complete the task, the need to be able to say, I crossed the river, and did so even when I was physically exhausted. For them, even when they couldnt help their teammate because they crossed the river one at a time, a piece of their souls was shared with others. They do everything together, from meals, to exercising, to sharing sleeping quarters (though males and females are housed separately). They work together when they study and quiz each other to test their knowledge. Teamwork makes passing GSARSS a great deal easier. The river crossing was hard, but all GSARSS students crossed quite fast, overcoming without much trouble any problems they might have had. Their strengths came together and figured what they would do. GSARSS training stresses working together, fitting into the team, and encouraging one another. No matter what the obstacle, GSARSS students will always complete the challenge.
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with the hotel staff. On that final day, the hours sped by as we helped the hotel personnel set up the tables, lay out the dance floor, and piece together the decorations. With the finishing touches in progress and nearing completion, we donned our uniforms and prepared for our guests to arrive. Slowly, couples and groups started to walk in, many showing up early to make sure their pictures were taken. As they entered the hotel a well-known city landmark the guests were surprised and thrilled at its vintage style and homey atmosphere. Located on a city block by the McKinney Square, it provided a warm, old-fashioned environment. We had picked it as the perfect setting for a traditional ceremony that has been part of military life for centuries. On that Saturday, during the Military Ball, we conducted a change of leadership ceremony, as Cadet Maj. Addison Jaynes relinquished his position of Chairman of the Texas Wing
Cadet Advisory Council, and I, until then the Councils Vice Chairman, accepted it. To get things going, the Master of Ceremonies, Cadet st Lt. Isaac Niedrauer, called on the assembled guests to stand by their table, the head table party filed in and took their seats, and everyone sat down. The Texas Wing Commander was represented by Maj. Jane Smalley, Director of Cadet Programs. Those sitting at the head table were introduced, the colors were posted (American Flag and Civil Air Patrol Flag), and the noble tones of our National Anthem filled the room. Cadet Niedrauer then asked me to say the invocation. I stepped up to the microphone, the fear and stage fright that would have been there three years earlier now absent, replaced by confidence. From the podium, I saw many faces I recognized; they were my CAP brothers and sisters with whom I had worked in many CAP activities. I asked for heavenly blessings, and the 200
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for the previous nine months. The Phoenix Composite Squadron Commander, Maj. Rubby Smith, served as the senior official, while the Deputy Commander for Cadets, Maj. Greg Bowman, served as the Master of Ceremonies. I am very excited to be able to lead the Phoenix cadets to even greater accomplishments, said Cadet Capt. Clark. Cadet st Lt. Martin did a great job, and I enjoyed supporting him. I have
been a member of the squadron for almost three years, and this is the highlight of my time with a great unit. After the ceremony, Maj. Smith offered, I know that Cadet Clark will be a strong leader for our squadron and I wish her the very best.
leadership; true leaders are humble in their actions and lead by example. General MacArthur could not have put it better when he said, They teach you to be proud and unbending in honest failure, but humble and gentle in success; not to substitute words for action; not to seek the path of comfort, but to face the stress and spur of difficulty and challenge; to learn to stand up in the storm, but to have compassion on those who fall; to master yourself before you seek to master others; to have a heart that is clean, a goal that is high; to learn to laugh, yet never forget how to weep; to reach into the future, yet never neglect the past; to be serious, yet never take yourself too seriously; to be modest so that you will remember the simplicity of true greatness; the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur Although the quote explains in detail what leadership is, it doesnt mention how we can learn it. Of greater importance, it also leaves out how we need to execute it. That is what ATS is for; it trains leaders in the importance of service within leadership. ATS trains leaders through
three-dimensional thinking, as it is necessary for a successful leader to think outside of the box. By thinking three-dimensionally, we can see the larger picture, and how it can affect the short- and long-term goals. During my seven days at ATS I struggled within myself. I felt there was a subconscious wall between my classmates and me, since my grade of Cadet st Lt. made it hard for many of my teammates to see me as their peer. They saw me as Lt. Carr, or Command Chief Carr for those who had been cadet basics in the summer of 2009. As I struggled to tear down those walls and be accepted as one of them nothing more and nothing less I was also challenged because a majority of the instructors had been my former subordinates. Getting through that humbling experience, and accepting my role as a student, is one of the hardest things that CAP has asked of me. As the days progressed, my classmates and I gradually entered the first phases of a team, forming and storming. We went from a chaotic group of leaderless cadets, to slowly getting to know one another and being able to work together in harmony. As the days went by I learned how to accept failure. I also learned
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that everyone has something to offer. And the best lesson was that a team is only as strong as its weakest brother or sister. Often people confuse someone who is a member of the elite with someone who is an elitist. The difference is significant. The elite is made up of those who will do what no one else will. But elitists think that they deserve better treatment because they are at a higher point than their subordinates, or they believe that the standards subordinates must live up to are beneath the elitists, since those standards surely must not apply to them. At ATS we learned that it is, difficult indoctrination that makes one a member of the elite through trials and errors we discovered that to be a member of the elite it does take, difficult indoctrination. Halfway through the week, as a student body, we saw how our team took shape. We saw how it took everyones strengths to succeed, whether we were completing a group leadership project (GLP), doing physical training with our logs, or negotiating the obstacle course. Prejudice was nowhere to be found, arrogance was gone. Those had been replaced with a positive attitude towards teamwork, and pride in our team. ATS Class 00 is an experience I will never forget. It has refocused me as a cadet officer on what is important, and now I am starting to see the bigger picture. It reinforced my core values and showed me the importance of teamwork, and how as a team we are only as strong as our weakest teammate. H
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Texas Wing CAC Military Ball was under way! The first course, a crab cake, was delicious; next came the salad. As the guests were finishing their salad, once again I found myself with microphone in hand. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please. Tonight, as we gather for camaraderie, dancing and festivities, we take a moment to honor and remember those who cannot be with us. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on this day, nine years ago. Please join me in remembering the legacy they left behind. I said these words with a bitter taste in my mouth, thinking back to the day when I was nine years old. I had been at piano lessons and hadnt understood what was happening, my childs mind keeping me from grasping why someone would want to fly a plane full of passengers into the Twin Towers. As my thoughts flashed through my mind, I signaled for the video to play, tears soon readying themselves at the corners of my eyes, held back with effort, as the pictures and video brought back the memories, the song faded out as the screen went blank. Please join me in a moment of silence, I said hoarsely. Next on the agenda was the POW/MIA table, a token of honor in memory of our militarys suffering. The slow recounting of pain and anguish, each statement answered by all with a single
word, Remember. With the solemn ceremonies concluded, the main course was served. After the main course was finished, I introduced our guest speaker, former Cadet Maj. Joshua Vaughn. A very powerful speaker, Josh conveyed the importance of servant leadership and the different character traits of a good leader. As the night wore on, the dance floor started looking more and more appealing. The dishes were cleared, the colors were retired, the ceremonies were ended, and finally the music broke out. A handful of cadets and their dates hit the dance floor as soon as the music started. We danced into the night, for a long time, and it was rewarding to see senior members and cadets laughing together, dancing together, and enjoying themselves. It was nice to know that the event had been a success. Overall, those who attended had a grand time, many of them eagerly asking, When will the next one be? or, Could we have one closer to the Austin/San Antonio area? Although the project was long, tiring, full of details that needed resolution, and demanding some extra work, everyone on the planning committee was pleased with the results. We had been successful in bringing cadets and senior members together in a social function. We look forward to the next Texas Wing Cadet Advisory Council Military Ball, to be held in the Fall of 20! H
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we dont really see the road line correctly, or react to someones screeching horn at us, or an emergency vehicle rushing past. Make wise choices when you are out on a date and know that the driver has been drinking. Just how many drinks did he or she have, and will you make it past that date if you choose to ignore that? The trooper told of an incident when a teenager lay dead on the couch where he had laid himself down to sleep off his drunkenness. When he questioned the other teens present, they replied, He always does that. We thought he was sleeping. He had regurgitated in his drunken sleep and drowned in it. Signs of alcohol toxicity are loss of judgment, tiredness, feeling nausea and throwing up (cant hold your alcohol). Senior members and cadets alike enjoyed Trooper Gary Rozzells presentation and asked him to come back in the future, with some more Drug Demand Reduction training. During the practice session, several cadets tried walking the straight line in the hall, where a tape had been laid on the floor. Trooper Rozzell asked us to keep our balance and do the heel-to-toe test. He instructed each one of us before we attempted doing it. I was just all over the place, guest Silvia Villegas commented afterwards. There are signs that Texas State Troopers look for, but there was no doubt about having poor judgment once you put on the goggles and tried to walk. You do see the line, but it is not where you think it is. It is not easy to hold your balance and continue moving as instructed, even though you think you can. The best lesson learned is that the human body has limitations, and when alcohol is involved, a responsible party should neither drive a motor vehicle nor fly an aircraft. Please see Alcohol 0: What is a drink? for more on this subject. The cadets in attendance were; Cadet Master Sgt. Nathan Jacobi, Cadet Sr. Airman Hunter Weaver, Cadet Sr. Airman Alyssa Matthews, Cadet Airman Shayla Hopkins and Cadet Airman Thomas McKinnon. We also had three guests in attendance: Daniel Boone, Christian Honkomp and Silvia Villegas.
The ceremony began with the Honor Guard marching to the center of the field, then the twosquadron formation rendered a salute to the flag, as the National Anthem was played to honor the flags long service through the years. Cadet st Lt. Benjamin Wright read the Ceremonial Final
Tribute, while a solemn patriotic medley played in the background. Flanked by the squadrons Honor Guard (composed of Cadet 2nd Lt. Shimon Cooper and Cadet Dominic Wallace), Cadet 2nd Lt. Ariel Sten presented the ceremonial retirement flag to Lt. Col. Yanaros for incineration. After the squadron rendered a final salute to the retired flag, the Color Guard and cadet squadron marched to the squadron van, where they placed each individual flag into a container for the trip to the Naval Air Station. The Phoenix Composite Squadron had done its job.
CORAL SNAKES
Within the United States, there are 2 known types of venomous snakes. One type is the vipers, which include rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, water moccasins, etc. The second are the Coral snakes. Coral snakes are found throughout Texas, Arizona, and the southeastern coastal regions. They are usually 20-30 inches long, and are rarely seen above ground. As with most other snakes, coral snakes only attack humans and other larger creatures when they are threatened or attacked. When startled, they will usually tuck their heads underneath the coil of their body. They can be found in underbrush, in holes dug out by other animals. While being well known for the distinctive red, black and yellow coloring, the specific pattern that distinguishes them from similar non-venomous species, such as the Scarlet King Snake, can be confusing. This has led to several memory tools, including the well known rhyme Red on Black... Friend of Jack. Red on Yellow... Kill a Fellow. The pattern is this verse refers to the fact that coral snakes have the red and yellow colors touching, whereas the King Snakes red and yellow colors are separated by areas of black. Keep in mind that the Western Coral Snake may have very light yellow, and even white, bands, but the pattern will be the same, with it touching the red. The coloring of the coral snakes will also begin with black at the tip of the snout, and progress from there. Although being bitten by a coral snake is a rare occurrence, with around 20 per year nationwide, it is the most dangerous snake bite in the United States. It takes a small amount of the neurotoxin, between 3- mg, to produce potentially fatal symptoms, if not treated rapidly. These symptoms include muscular failure, including paralyzation of the respiratory muscles. This is contrast to the 0-00 mgs utilized by other venomous snakes. Another difference is that where vipers will strike quickly and retreat, the coral snake has a tendency
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to maintain its bite, chewing to inject its venom. The anti-venom for the coral snake, Micrurus fulvius, is very rare. The rarity of bites made it too expensive to continue to produce it, and in 2003, the last vials were produced, with a shelf life of years. These vials were set to expire in 2008, but the FDA allowed for 2 annual extensions. Another extension past the current date has not been granted, and the stockpile will now expire in October of 200. So far, there are no current research projects to create a replacement. Please practice good ORM, and avoid these, and all other snakes or dangerous creatures during both CAP activities, as well as your daily routines. The following websites provide pictures of the snake variations so you will know what they look like if you encounter one: Eastern Coral Snake. Notice the black snout, and the yellow bands bracketing the red. http://www.snake-trap-repellent. com/gallery/snake03.jpg Western Coral Snake. Same pattern, but notice the lighter shade of yellow/white. http://www.coral-sna ke.com / images/western-coral-snake.jpg Scarlet Coral Snake. Very similar, but not venomous. http://fieldphotography.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ dpp_224.jpg H
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together. They also learn how to communicate effectively, and this helps them take care of each other in an emergency. At GSARSS, students use teamwork at all times. When they carry the Stokes basket, they must work together to move it over any kind of terrain. Being reliable in the performance of ground team duties is very important, so GSARSS stresses this at all times. For example, if the radio operator misses a message or mis-communicates with the ground team leader, the whole team could become lost. To prevent this kind of situation, attention to detail is very important, because if another ground team member hears the transmission, he/she can tell the communicator what was actually said. Without GSARSS, CAP would not be able to search very effectively. Because of GSARSS some people learn field first aid when they might have never thought about it. Having situational awareness gives everybody an edge at work. In the end, GSARSS greatly benefits CAP and can make a difference in how many lives might be saved.
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or 2 Texas teens, the meaning of summer camp has changed. While they, like many other teens this summer, packed bags full of shorts, tee shirts and sun screen, what they did was different than most. These summer campers are cadet members of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and what they did was very unique and way cool. They learned how to fly gliders. The teens joined with nine instructors and a half dozen support staff at the Texas Wing Glider Flight Academy, held July 0-7, at the Soaring Club of Houstons
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facility near Waller, Texas. Records fell by the wayside during this years academy. More than 400 tows of gliders took place during the academy. The single-day record of 90 tows, set at last years week-long event, was broken Wednesday when 99 tows took place. But the academy is not about setting records. The emphasis is on the kids. Its really neat to watch these kids grow right before our eyes, said CAP Capt. Darrell Roquemore, Academy registrar. Some of these cadets have never been off the ground and arent sure what to expect. A few of them even get sick their first time in the cockpit. But, as the week goes on, the cadets take to the skies with a confidence that occasionally surprises their parents. Once the cadets get into the daily routine of flying, ground
team work and studying, its like theyve been doing this all of their lives, added Roquemore. This experience can really motivate these youngsters to attempt things they never would have tried before. Flying gliders is not something that most kids get the chance to do, so when someone solos, its a big deal that we all celebrate. Cadet Staff Sergeant Olivia Kearney of the Dallas Composite Squadron was one of three cadets to solo at the academy. It was a little scary at first, but they let you solo for a reason, she said. I wasnt really expecting to solo, but its one of the coolest things Ive done in CAP. Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Caleb Gross of Pegasus Composite Squadron echoed Kearneys experience. He, too, was able to solo. I was nervous when my instructor told me my next flight would be my solo, but I knew I could do
it, he said. When I got up in the air, the nerves went away and it all felt natural. The cadets did more than just fly. During the 4-6-hour days, they learned how to handle the gliders on the ground, the value of teamwork, took written tests and learned how to perform all operations safely. Even in their spare time, cadets were frequently studying for the next days tests. Working with these cadets is so incredibly rewarding, said CAP Lt. Col. Jer Eberhard. When they come to us, they dont have any idea of what they are capable of. Once they solo, their eyes are opened to a world of possibilities that they carry with them for the rest of their lives. According to the cadets who left the academy after more than 400 glider flights and with new friends that share the bond of flight, the sky truly is the limit. H
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twenty-five, including members of Amarillo and Clovis, N.M., that participated in a day-long tour that included a flight on a C-30. Besides seeing the 27th SOGs aircraft, the cadets toured other base facilities such as Weather Briefing, Flight Operations, the Air Traffic Control tower, and RAPCON center. The day began with a tour of the AC-30, often described as one of the worlds deadliest weapon system. Cadets were shown the massive gun barrels protruding from the aircrafts side and briefly told of the extensive countermeasures the aircraft is equipped with to deal with anti-aircraft missiles and radartracking anti-aircraft artillery on the ground. The cadets got the impression that the AC-30 was bristling with layers of countermeasures to survive in a modern battlefield. Lunch was provided by the USAF in the Drop Zone Family Community Center. A few minutes later the cadets were led into a V-22 Osprey maintenance hangar to tour a tilt rotor, while nearby another V-22 prepared for a noisy departure. Folded and tucked away, the aircrafts massive blades fit easily into the former F-6 hangar, with room to spare. Cadets boarded the aircraft and saw the miles of tubes and wires stretching across its ceiling.
A short time later, in another hangar, the cadets observed a 27th SOG skilled airman assembling an MQ-9 Reaper Drone right out of the box . Far from the vexing some assembly required instructions, each airman in the team worked quickly and efficiently to make the craft ready for flight. Permission was given for a group photo in front of the drone. Then it was off to pre-flight. In a room filled with the flags of each of the squadrons eight AC-30 Spectre aircraft, the cadets were briefed on safety and the mission they were about to fly. Once on the C-30E, the cadets were treated to a full-power departure that had the aircraft off the ground in less than 2,00 feet. Climbing quickly through the scud, the cadets were allowed to walk around the airplane and tour the flight deck during the hour-long flight. The afternoon was spent touring the various groups that keep the planes flying. Informative visits to the Air Traffic Control tower, Weather Briefing and Field Operations rounded out an unforgettable day. On the return trip to Lubbock, a quick check revealed that now all squadron cadets wanted to join the USAF. Proof that the tour had been a perfect combination of flying, fun, and information.
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called Lt. Col. Richard Beverlin and his wife st Lt. Laurie Beverlin, and advised them that an active mission would need their help less than half a mile from their residence. They quickly agreed to participate. At 7:00 a.m., Maj. Turoff drove over to the Beverlins residence and turned on the direction finding equipment (Little L-Per on 243 Mhz and VHF radio on 2. Mhz), immediately recognizing that the beacon signal was extremely strong. The Beverlins joined Maj. Turoff in the latters vehicle and the team drove to the Marina Del Sol (less than /2 mile away), arriving at 07:2 a.m. By this time, the signal was so strong that the VHF radio couldnt squelch it out, unless the antenna was removed and it was tuned off-frequency. (Squelching
The Incident Command System was created to establish a common terminology reflecting an individuals level of training to help in emergencies that involved mission workers from different agencies working together. It is tightly structured, yet constitutes a very flexible way to manage emergencies whether small or large. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has required that all emergency services embrace this system. A mission will always have an Incident Commander (IC), a Planning group, an Operation group, and a Logistics group. Brown kept the exercise going according to the schedule posted on the wall. As he watched the clock, he commented, If I dont do this, the Planning group will take hours. All took their assignments and huddled together to cover all items. Planning done, the group presented them to the Incident Commander during the first briefing. After the IC had agreed that those would satisfy the mission objectives, they were handed over to Operations for execution. Operations in turn decided what they would need and ordered Logistics to provide the neces-
sary equipment, operators and supplies. Then there was another briefing to see if all items had been covered. Brecount went to Brown and asked, Im looking at the river in the drawing, is it navigable? Yes, said Brown. Then Brecount suggested that a boat could come downstream and enter the contaminated zone. Right away Brown said, Tell them that you heard that on the radio, and some people got sick from the fumes they inhaled. When the next briefing was nearly finished, the PIO (Brecount) injected the bad news. This simulated a real situation that would require planning to make some changes. Brown and Brecount were pleased about this little trick. Afterwards, at the summary, Brown was complimentary about everyones performance and thanked Brecount for his service. Always glad to help, Brecount answered. Lastly, the PIO enlisted Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Moody to photograph the class, satisfying a request from Cima, who wanted class pictures. Its always a treat to come to LESA, Brecount said. You never know what youll get to do.
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qualification. To Texas Wing staff members, it was an opportunity to see and hear about the generous gift from the City of San Antonio: a no-cost lease on about two acres of land next to a taxiway on Stinson Municipal Airport. It was going to be a very nice weekend. The Incident Command Post was set up inside a warehouse, in a string of six rooms with marginal air-conditioning. There was room for the staff, but aircrews and others had to use the roomier outside, where tables and chairs had been set up; the warehouses big doors, open at both ends, allowed a breeze to sweep through. It was in the high eighties outside, and only about ten degrees cooler inside. As the Public Information
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As the PIO was about to prepare the evening press release, Maj. Henry R. (Bob) Cole asked to be signed off on three items on his Specialty Qualifications Training Record (SQTR) for the PIO rating. Cole showed him his
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Burleson Parade . . .
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record for one of the items and the PIO signed off on it. The second required two press releases, the PIO showed him what was needed. Thats your assignment for tonight, he said. Bring them to me in the morning and Ill look at them. On the previous evening, Tetlow had asked him to help any PAO who wanted to advance, and he was ready for them. On Saturday morning, the crew gathered at 7:30 a.m. The 8:00 oclock briefing went well. The PIO reminded everyone that only he and the Incident Commanders were to answer questions from anyone not on the mission. Any media or member of the public who showed up would be met by either the PIO, or the IC unless otherwise engaged. The mission staff made assignments and briefed crews, then directed the aircrews to sit tight until the cloud cover lifted enough for it to be safe to fly. The Brownsville Composite Squadron carried out the ground crew assignments. Most of the Texas Wing staff were not participating on the exercise and had finished their business on the previous evening, so they were not there on Saturday. Many mission staff members dined at the terminal cafe. Things are going well, they said. The PIO was happy about a call from a local TV station, promising a visit on Sunday. The evening press release was sent out about the time aircrews were returning from their last sorties of the day. Col. Smith was out
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in the warm open bay, wouldnt he be more comfortable inside the airconditioned part of the building? This is where the people are, answered Col. Smith. Indeed, there were others out there. Col. Smith introduced the PIO to Capt. Israel Perez, the new Texas Wing Director of Operations. The PIO was delighted to be invited to share supper with them. The food was good, but the conversation was even better. On Sunday morning, the weather had improved and the remaining sorties left the runway earlier. Tetlow was glowing about how many qualifications and re-qualifications had been accomplished. Radio communications had been good, the data had flowed to the national database in good time, and there had been no injuries or incidents. The PIO, expecting a visit from a TV station who wanted a CAP interview, asked the IC to hold a plane and crew for the cameraman, and also requested people who could answer questions on camera. Smith agreed at once, Yes, just tell me when. So did Billman, What would you like me to talk about? Unfortunately, he couldnt wait long enough and had to leave. The IC wanted to launch the plane and make the cameraman wait, so it was a relief to see Rudy, the cameraman, show up with his heavy burden. Maj. Craig Goodrich, the pilot, was interviewed in depth. He chairs the building committee for the new Wing Headquarters to be built on
Squadron, decorated their car with red, white and blue swags, Civil Air Patrol posters, flags, patriotic paraphernalia, and passed out cadet brochures, senior member brochures, and business brochures along the parade route. Kids of all ages were anxious to get materials and what greater way to encourage future cadet participation than being informed about cadet programs. Parents and children had questions and wanted to know where we meet. Many youngsters were excited to find out they could join at age twelve. We need more public awareness to encourage membership growth. This is a wonderful method of being involved with the community, increasing membership, and molding young lives into good citizens through cadet programs. H
the leased land. Smiths interview was short and up-beat. The event went off without a hitch, and the PIO thanked everyone profusely. The mission was winding down. Cole submitted a press release, the IC accepted it, and it was sent out to the San Antonio media. The PIO signed Cole off on his last task, packed up, and prepared his paperwork for his sortie back home. It had been a good weekend, with Lorrie Tetlow declaring him him a member of the family.
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its control. A fund-raising drive will get under way shortly, as Texas Wing seeks donations for its building fund. Before deciding on the issue, and at the City Councils invitation, Capt. Jack Calhoun, on behalf of Texas Wing, made a short presentation outlining the work that Civil Air Patrol does in fulfilling its mission as the volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U. S. Air Force, as well as being a guiding influence for many young people who join as cadets and learn life-coping, study and character development skills. In the discussion that followed, some members of the City Council acknowledged that they had been CAP cadets themselves, and expressed their gratitude for the training they had received. A common statement was, I wouldnt be here today, had it not been for Civil Air Patrol that changed my life for the better. The measure passed unanimously. Sheryl Sculley, City Manager, expressed her thanks to Texas Wing and the Civil Air Patrol for
their work, as well as to Frank Miller, San Antonios Director of Aviation and Fred Saucedo and Mike Sedona for their diligence in preparing the needed documentation for the proposal. Many more members of the City of San Antonio staff were involved in this projects success, and were essential in achieving the final outcome. Upon hearing the good news, Col. Joe R. Smith, commander of Texas Wing, said, We are thankful to the City of San Antonio for giving us the opportunity to better serve the community. This generous offer will greatly enhance our ability to carry out our missions. I am so very proud of the fact that a vital organization like the Civil Air Patrol is moving its Texas State headquarters to Stinson Airfield and District 3, said Councilwoman Jennifer V. Ramos. Stinson air field continues to become more and more essential in San Antonio, not only serving as one of the top reliever airfields in the country, but to the Continued on page 41 . . .
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San Antonio . . .
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in Tx-4. He is a practicing attorney and never hesitates to give us advice on the proper procedures and is not afraid to tell us his legal opinions. He helps maintain discipline and guidance when it comes to rules and regulations. He truly is a benefit to the SFWDCS. He has a delightful sense of humor, as does many of our officers, and is capable of setting you straight without offending you through humor. He can also be a stern critic if you are not in proper uniform. It takes a great deal of time, talent, know-how, dedication and ability to make a squadron run smoothly. We are grateful, appreciative and indebted to these dedicate men who have risen through the ranks to become Major. Let us all be mindful of the many tasks and duties that these men do on a daily basis voluntarily in addition to working a full-time job. One day perhaps, I may be fortunate enough to hold the rank of Major. H
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continued economic development boom we are seeing in District 3. The Civil Air Patrol is the kind of organization we openly welcome and are excited to have in District 3, with its rich history and storied tradition in Texas and around the country, she added. Chartered by Congress, Civil Air Patrol is the civilian Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Texas Wing is a member of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center and has been involved in every hurricane and major natural disaster to strike the State of Texas in recent memory. The relocation of the Wing Headquarters to San Antonio continues to grow San Antonio as a center for emergency response which enhances the safety of the citizens of San Antonio and all of our South Texas neighbors, said Councilman Reed Williams. Calhoun said, I am grateful to Councilwoman Ramos and Councilman Williams, because they listened to us -- Lt. Col. Ed Billman, Maj. Chuck Tetlow and me -- when we came to them, and they started the ball rolling to accomplish what today has become a reality. Texas Wing looks forward to strengthening our participation in the San Antonio family. The City of San Antonio decided to back the non-profit, allvolunteer Texas Wing, in recognition of this major commands contributions to the community, city, state and nation. This has been Texas Wings focus in the past, and will continue to be its mission in the future, as it benefits the City of San Antonio and the entire
State of Texas. This is really an exciting time for Stinson Municipal Airport, said Frank R. Miller, city of San Antonio Aviation Department. The continued capital improvements and tenant growth, such as the Civil Air Patrol, is why Stinson continues to be one of the premier municipal airports in Texas. As CAP conducts its Congressionally-mandated missions of Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education, the City Council decided to reward the organization for their good work. CAP combines a strong adult membership trained in aviation skills and land-based search and rescue techniques with a highly effective youth program designed to help Americas young people develop in character, physical fitness and ethical conduct. Overflying disaster areas, especially after hurricanes hit, CAP is often tasked with taking high resolution photographs of the damage. In the process, its members help shorten the time to recovery, alleviate human suffering, and provide help to those in need. CAP cadets are actively involved in the local area through outreach, community service, and personal involvement in aerospace education and model rocketry. CAP cadets normally constitute about 0% of the freshman class at the U.S. Air Force Academy, as well as other military service academies. Many go on to serve the nation and distinguish themselves, as did Col. Eric Boe, USAF, who became an astronaut and has been recently assigned to pilot the last Shuttle flight to the International Space Station. H
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Cadets and Senior Members of the recently formed Frisco Cadet Squadron (Tx-389) had the opportunity to provide traffic control and parking assistance at the Frisco Memorial Day Ceremonies at the Frisco Commons Park Veterans Memorial. This was not only an opportunity to be visible in the Community, but an honor to recognize those who have given all to ensure our freedoms, as well as, recognize the Veterans who were in attendance for their service. As VIPs, VFW and American Legion Members arrived, they were rendered the proper customs and courtesies. It was truly inspiring to see our cadets honoring previous generations of our military heroes with smartly snapped salutes and salutations, stated Captain Lauren Ostrov, Deputy Commander for Cadets. You could see the appreciation in the Veterans eyes as they returned the salutes and many simply stated Thank you. Ive never been to a Memorial Day Ceremony before, said Cadet
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Airman Brittany Brogan, but now I understand why it is so important to recognize those who have served and sacrificed. The Squadrons own Colonel Richard Graham, USAF (Ret), a former SR-7 Blackbird pilot and Wing Commander, was a key speaker at the Ceremony. In addition, the squadron staffed a booth in order to take donations for the Wreaths Across America program and to answer questions for potential new CAP members. Cadet Captain Brandon Maso, who is the son of Frisco Mayor Maher Maso, represented the squadron on the event planning committee ensuring we were well prepared to execute. We were honored and privileged that our members could assist the Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Frisco Garden Club in remembering the sacrifice of our Veterans, stated Major Phyllis Sutton, Squadron Commander, and we look forward to serving our community at many future events.
It was a fun and energetic activity for one and all. Joining in the activities were residents from the surrounding cities, local dignitaries, and popular bands representing all types of music including traditional old time country and current rock bands. During a rare break, our cadets enjoyed a train ride for fun. Ah, what it would be to be a kid again! We are all simply kids in adult body suits. The South Fort Worth Diamondback Composite squadron had their kiosk set up to recruit new members. We also had displays of our activities and senior officers and cadet readily available to answer the many questions of the attendees. The squadron also has been participating in a fundraiser for the squadron and we were able to raise funds necessary to maintain the squadron building as a continued effort for our fundraiser event. Although morning weather prevented some activities, all in all, it was a successful event for everyone to enjoy. The Flying Musicians Association, Inc. was formed in 2009 by combining two passions, flying and music. John Zapp and Aileen Hummel founded the pilot/musicians organization. Their goal for the organization is to encourage, promote, educate and support both flying and music. The young cadets were impressed by all of the pilot musicians who are great mentors for the future lives of cadets.
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strategizing the arrival of cadets and materials to the parade line-up position. Lightening the mood, Cadet Master Sergeant Timothy Andre shared the construction paper peanut that would mark their vehicle line up for the parade garnering the expected laugh. Turning serious he quizzed each cadet about their attendance in the parade. Some of the cadets travel from as far away as Gonzales and Atascosa to attend squadron meetings and the awareness of the economic and time consuming burden driving places on their family showed in the conflicted hesitation to respond. As cars arrived to carpool cadets back home CMS Andre walked from car to car and assured anyone who needed assurance that he would come pick them up if they needed a ride to the parade. The Alamo Composite Squadron Cadet Color Guard, making their sixth annual appearance in the Saturday parade, revealed only pride and commitment as they presented the colors through the heart of small town Texas. Truly, Civil Air Patrols Cadet Program at its best.
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Tyler Squadron Has Special Guest Speaker Delta Squadron On Aug. 24, 200, Chuck Vincent came to the Tyler Composite Squadron not only to talk about what he had gone through in his aviation career, but also Cadet to give us advice on how we could get into aviation careers. He started his presentation by saying, I didnt come here to talk to you. I came here to talk with you. He then told us about his time in the Air Force, and what he had Change of gained from that experience. He also talked about several businesses he had after coming out of the military and how, after a while, he discovered his love Command of aviation. He saved the best part for the end, telling us about his career in
aerobatics and how amazing it is. The presentation was totally amazing, and never made us feel bored at all. Chuck Vincent enlisted in the Air Force when he was 7. He hadnt finished high school when he joined, since he had been eager to see the world and couldnt wait. However, Mr. Vincent said, After joining the Air Force I had a rude awakening, but it was a foundation for my life. He served 8 years in the military, and these were an unforgettable experience. While in the military, he flew in helicopters, and this awoke his love of flying. Then he got out of the Air Force and started working on realizing his dream: he wanted to fly. After leaving the Air Force, Mr. Vincent said he went through several different jobs. During that time, he said that not having finished high school had really hurt him trying to get the jobs he really wanted. Eventually, he was offered a job to sell airplanes. That led him to Houston, Texas, where he started taking flying lessons. He went on to say that, at one time, he had flown for Eastern Airlines, until it went bankrupt. He eventually established a computer company, Global Data Systems, which grew to be a very successful communications and networking enterprise. Mr. Vincent then said that, at the age of 60, he started doing something he had always wanted to do, and that was aerobatics. He bought himself a certified aerobatics plane, and started to teach himself how to fly it. He said , I wouldnt recommend doing that to anyone going into aerobatics. He explained that the better you are, the lower the altitude you fly. Furthermore, he said that after 23 days you can lose all your G tolerance unless you keep flying every day, pushing your body to the max. At the end, Mr. Vincent showed us a few videos of himself flying. It was thrilling. He definitely gave all of us a good look at aerobatics. It was definitely one of those amazing lectures. We learned about what he had done and, best of all, he showed us that you need courage to keep going. He told us that our first priority needs to be devoting all our time at receiving a good education. Chuck Vincent really gave us a wonderful overview of life and its ups and downs, but his lasting message was, Keep going no matter what. Having been able to come talk to us was really a blessing to us all. 48