Colonel Jack Jackson and President Bush at the Texas

State Operations Center after Hurricane Ike.

In this issue . . .
H Hurricane Ike Aftermath . . .
H Sertoma Celebration . . .
WINTER
H Cadet Receives Two Prestigious Awards . . .
2008-2009
. . . And Much More!
 
 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. Texas Wing Responds
HEADQUARTERS
Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol
USAF Auxiliary
to Hurricane Ike
P. O. Box 154997
Waco, TX 76715 Aftermath
Please send articles and digital Lt. Col. Dana Gray
photos for publication to:
woteditor@yahoo.com After Hurricane Ike came on shore on 13 September over Galveston
Please do not insert the and Houston, the Texas Wing was called upon to assist with disaster relief
photos into the articles, efforts. Mission base was established in San Antonio to begin the Texas
rather make the articles and State Operations Center (SOC) flights, with additional assistance from
photos separate attachments. the Arkansas and Oklahoma wings. Mission Base was moved from San
Antonio to West Houston Airport beginning on Tuesday, 17 September
Deadlines: and was ready to fly mission beginning Wednesday, 18 September.
Feb. 28; June 28; Oct. 28 Besides working with State of Texas, cadets and seniors helped
FEMA at PODS (Point of Distribution) distributing ice, water and food
Col. Joe R. Smith in the Manville and Alvin areas. Additionally, there were ELT Ground
Commander, Texas Wing Team missions around Houston and Galveston trying to locate and dis-
Maj. Patricia P. Darby able any signals. Some of these they have not been able to turn off as the
Editor, Wings Over Texas boats are under water, unsafe to board or unable to find the owners to
gain access to either the plane or boat.
For information on
Advertising Rates and Space As of 24 September there were 313 sorties completed, with 163 sor-
Please Call 1-800-635-6036 ties for photo missions and more than 26,000 photos taken for Texas
SOC. Assets used during this time were 171 seniors and cadets, 20 air-
craft (flying about 6 hours per day) and 17 CAP vehicles. There were 3

 
Hurricane Ike Aftermath . . .
Continued
interviews in Texas with TV Stations about the mis-
sions CAP has accomplished. Two of those interviews
were in Houston with ABC – KTRK Channel 13.
Texas Wing would like to say thanks to Oklahoma
and Arkansas personnel for their assistance in help-
ing with the mission.
My Time at
Houston Mission
Base
By Cadet Michael Moody
“The most Civil Air Patrol aircraft I had ever seen
in one place” was how I described it to a fellow mem-
ber of my squadron who asked how the hurricane Ike
mission was. Because all of those aircraft not only
 
from all over our great state of Texas, but also from
Arkansas and Oklahoma, was a visual reference of
the huge amount of power and force we the Civil Air
Patrol came out with in response to one of the worst
natural disasters to hit this country. It did not matter
where you came from or what squadron you claimed,
all that mattered was the mission at hand.
I, as someone who has worked a few missions
in my four and a half years in the Civil Air Patrol,
am very proud to say that we did a great job! From
the people that were running the mission even before
the hurricane made land fall, to the people that could
only stay at mission base long enough to fly two sor-
ties; everybody did what they could to help the job get
done. During the day things were never calm, every-
thing moved at lighting speed, and never stopped
moving. Mission base was up before the sun, and they
weren’t asleep until well after sunset.
I as a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol am restricted
by a lot of regulations that seniors are not. I don’t get
to go on certain missions seniors get to go on, even
those that I train for meeting after meeting, weekend
Continued . . .
 
 
Hurricane Ike Aftermath . . .
Continued
after weekend, training school after training school.
For this reason I did not believe that I was going to
be call out to help on the mission. There were e-mails
requesting for people with qualifications, each e-mail
I sent in response brought me hope that I would get
to put my countless hours of training and studying to
work in a real life situation where there might be lives
at risk. It was not until the third e-mail I sent did I
receive a response and I was off.
“Michael, sit down in your seat. The bells not
going to ring for another 30 minutes.” my history
teacher said as I paced around the door with all my
school stuff already packed up and ready to go. I had
just read the text message that my mother was coming
to pick me up so I could go and work the mission that
devastated so many; the mission that I trained for and
that was going to set records. Six hours later I was
signing into mission base, getting my first glimpse of
what the next 12 days were to bring me.
I immediately began to work, helping set up the
mobile radio system that was brought in to improve
communications. The first day for me was slow, still
trying to get a feel for things, but as the days pro-
gressed, it seemed like everything was just a blur; I
was waking up at o-dark thirty and the next thing
I knew I was going to sleep only a few hours before
I would be up again. The first five days I was there, I
worked in many dif-
ferent jobs; I was
on the flight line
for over half of the
time. The amount
of aircraft on the
flight line amazed
me. At one point
in time I counted
twelve aircraft,
including three G-
1000, 182’s and
the G-A8. With all
these aircraft I am
proud to say that
while I was there
we had no incidents
or problems with
any aircraft, pilots,
 
pedestrians or the civilian cars whose road ran right
through our flight line.
After my first five days at the mission I returned
to home, this was not a decision made by me, but my
mother. I, being a sixteen-year-old Junior at Stony
Point High School (go Tigers!!), needed to return to
school so that I would not flunk out. When I walked
into my school and returned to my classes it did not
feel right to me. I could not understand what I was
doing sitting in a desk staring at a white board when
I could be working in possibly the biggest mission in
my career.
I was back in school for two days, before and
after the normal hours to make up my missing work,
and in two days I had completed everything. So what
was I to do now, why not skip three more days to go
back to the mission? These next five days were faster
and more crazy then the first five. We were running
low on staff all around the board and we didn’t have
enough air operations, radio operators or pilots; how-
ever the mission must go on, and so it did. We ran
sortie after sortie after sortie. Pictures of the damage
were flowing in, in massive amounts; one sortie alone
brought back two thousand photos. By the last day we
were low on sleep, patience and staff, but we were not
low on “amazingness”. Through to the end we per-
formed, exceeded expectations, and made a name for
the Civil Air Patrol.
When everything was done, I had learned a lot,
did a lot and achieved some more, however I was not
ready to go back home or to back to school. I wanted
to continue to work, but we were done and packed up.
Continued . . .
Hurricane Ike Aftermath . . .
Continued

We had taken the last photo, flew the last

official, signed the last form and were on
our way home. For some of us that home
still didn’t have power and those people are
the ones that need the most recognition; the
people that were helping others while they
needed help themselves. Everybody gave
160% of themselves, worked hard, did a
great job and everybody will do a great job
next time.

Working
Hurricane Ike
Maj. Robert Brecount
On 14 September, Texas Wing gathered air and
ground assets from all over Texas, expecting to be
tasked with taking aerial
photographs of the coastal
area extensively damaged
by Hurricane Ike. The
Incident Commander was
Lt. Col. Gwynn Groggel. As
the sorties to
be launched
progress,
they will
report any
people in dis-
tress to the authorities. As the mission
starts, several agencies have requested
these services, for an indefinite period
of time. Louisiana, just recovering
from the effects of Hurricane Gustav,
also suffered the effects of Hurricane
Ike, though to a lesser extent than
Texas.
With electrical power restored to
the area, operations moved from San
Antonio to the Houston area, signifi-
cantly shortening the distance from
mission base to the target areas. The
Incident Commander was Lt. Col. Brooks Cima. It
became apparent that the photo reconnaissance effort
in support of Hurricane Ike damage assessment
might become the most massive such operation ever
attempted by any non-military organization. By 22
September, 173 CAP senior members and cadets have
volunteered, contributing 3,250 man-hours to the
mission. At any one time, 55 to 60 volunteers are on
duty. There are 20 aircraft flying in and out of mis-
sion base, so that eight to ten are available for the job
every day. That’s how the
mission was able to mount
10 to 15 daily sorties.
Ground teams were
busy too, finding their
way to the seemingly end-
less radio signals from the
Emergency Positioning
Indicating Radio Beacons
on the boats piled up, hel-
ter-skelter, along the shore.
Their job was to turn off the
beacons. There were also
many Emergency Locator
Transmitters in airplanes
stacked up on Galveston
Island and other places
along the coast. These, too,
must be switched off. The

 
relentless heat made the work harder.
By 23 September, FEMA asks the CAP team to
photograph enough of east Texas to outline the dam-
age wrought by Hurricane Ike to the coastal area. This
was a monumental task that CAP volunteers resolved
to finish, no matter how long it takes. By the end of
the day, aircrews have taken a total of 24,361 photos.
“And we still have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
to go,” said Lt. Col. Brooks Cima.
On 24 September, Texas Wing’s Group III
Commander, Lt. Col. Owen Younger, had been the
Incident Commander for the previous two days, while
Lt. Col. Brooks Cima and Lt. Col. Dennis Cima took
a two-day break. “We never know exactly where a
hurricane will hit or who will be affected, so we
maintain a high state of readiness,” said Younger.
After a moment of reflection he added, “The Civil
Air Patrol is proud to have the opportunity to serve
our community, state and nation in its time of need.”
That pride is reflected in the quality of work carried
out by CAP members.
The highlight of the day was a visit from Texas
Governor Rick Perry, on a tour with various officials,
to see for him self the extent of the damage.
On 25 September, more planes and aircrews were
rotated. Arkansas and Oklahoma aircrews return
home, and planes from west Texas began arriving in
the afternoon. New Mexico Wing had been ready too,
but not called.
It is now 26 September, and the latest photo
count stands at 27,536, filling 99 gigabytes of stor-
age. Second Lieutenant James Moody manages the
collecting and forwarding of this daily data stream.
“We’re sending photos not only to the Texas State
Operation Center but to FEMA, the Army Corps of
Engineers, the Harris County Emergency Operations
Center and other requesting agencies,” he says. And
the job goes on.
By 27 September, the work pace had yet to
slacken. CAP volunteers continue to perform at peak
level, as ground teams find and silence emergency
radio beacons, helping in whatever way they can.
The aircrews have been ferrying officials and carry-
ing supplies, in addition to taking yet more photos of
the damage wrought by Hurricane Ike. So far, 212
men, women and cadets have worked 13 days for a
 
total of 18,793 man-hours, using 22 aircraft, 21
vans and 10 Nikon D200 cameras in 340 sorties to
acquire an astounding 31,417 high-definition photo-
graphs. These record the entire width and length of
the coastal damage done by Hurricane Ike in Texas.
From CAP’s Southwest Region, two planes and crews
from Oklahoma, and two more from Arkansas have
contributed to the mission, but most of the work has
been done by Texas volunteers.
Already, the photo collection is by far the largest
ever done by a civilian organization. Gov. Perry, the
Texas legislature, and many Harris County offices
are using it to facilitate their plans for recovery.
Other customers are the National Weather Service,
NOAA, Homeland Security and FEMA. The assem-
bled photo-mosaics were shown to our Commander-
in-Chief at the morning briefing during his visit to
the Texas SOC. This amazing record might well be
used for years.
Before the hurricane hit, 1.2 million people had
evacuated the threatened coastal area of Texas. CAP’s
current customer is the Harris County EOC and Judge
Ed Emmett, focusing on images of damaged homes.
Hurricane Ike, that damaged an area equal to that of
the entire State of New Jersey, triggered the largest
search and rescue mission in history. By the end of
Saturday, 27 September, CAP had taken 33,999 pho-
tos (requiring 121.91 GB of storage space). Although
the client agencies were surprised at the uniformly
high quality of the images, 46.84% of the photogra-
phers were first-timers, most of whom had attended a
Wing or Squadron camera training course. Each CAP
sortie took an average of 430 images. At last tally,
there had been 219 volunteers who contributed 8,692
man-hours.
Continued . . .
Hurricane Ike Aftermath . . .
Continued

Black Sheep vintage airplanes.

The storm had
stacked some of
Squadron Works the planes on top
of each other.”
the Hurricane Ike “Our best
contribution was
Mission to help staff a
POD (Point of
Distribution) for
Capt. Kelly Castillo
water, food and
ice in areas where
On 17 September 2008, the Black Sheep
people still had
Composite Squadron sent 1st Lt. Jerry Barron, 1st
no electricity,”
Lt. Opal McKinney and 2nd Lt. Bill Landgrover to
said McKinney.
the Houston area, to assist in the Hurricane Ike relief
As 1st Lt. J. M. Coffman, Black Sheep Composite
effort, helping around the Houston and Galveston
Squadron Deputy Commander for Cadets, put it,
areas.
“While most people see the photos on TV and wonder
The squadron members, together with CAP
what it is like, CAP can say ‘We are there!’ Instead of
squadron members from around the state, stayed
being witnesses to disaster, we are participants, try-
at the West Houston Airport, which besides being
ing to make things better for other people.”
Mission Base also became the staging area for several
missions. While in Houston Barron served as Ground
Branch Director; McKinney as Ground Team Leader;
and Landgrover served as Mission Scanner. My Experience with
“One of our tasks was to go to the Galveston/
Scholes International Airport, find Emergency the Aftermath of
Locator Transmitters that had gone off, and take pic-
tures of the damage” said McKinney. She added, “The Hurricane Ike
Lone Star Flight Museum had several badly damaged
Elyse Moody, Nighthawk Composite Squadron

I recently went to Houston Mission Base at the

West Houston Airport to help with Hurricane Ike relief.
We planned to stay for two to three days but ended
up staying for nine. There was a lot to be done, from
downloading pictures to working at POD’s (Points
of Distribution) to turning off ELT’s (Emergency
Locator Transmitters). The main thing I did was
track CAP planes and ground vehicles with a new
tool from Texas Wing called the SPOT Messenger.
After I was taught how to work the program, I was
asked to teach other CAP members how to use it. It
was a lot of fun to do because I knew where everyone
was and could guess how far away they were. It also
Continued . . .

11 11
Hurricane Ike Aftermath . . .
Continued
came in handy once when a ground team was having
problems. I was able to tell ground operations exactly
where they were so they could bring them back. We
also had the chance to get a lot of qualifications like
Flight Line Marshalling, Urban Direction Finding,
Mission Scanner, Mission Radio Operator, Mission
Staff Assistant, etc… when we had time…
I had wanted to go to Galveston and find ELT’s
since I first arrived; so when I got the chance to go
out with a ground team, I jumped on it. We didn’t
find any ELT’s on that trip, but we did get hundreds
of pictures. It was amazing to see how much damage
a storm surge could do let alone a category 2 hurri-
cane. We came up on boats that were in the middle of
the highway, cars that were sunk into the ground, and
houses that were partially or completely destroyed.
While we were in Galveston, we went to the Lone
Star Flight Museum. Even though the planes were in
a hangar, whole sections of the walls were blown away
allowing water to get in. The salt water and damage
to the planes was so bad that many will not be able to
fly again.
Another reason we were in Houston was to sup-
port the photo missions. Lt. Col. Rick Woolfolk, com-
mander for the Nighthawk Squadron, bought Nikon
D-200 cameras before the hurricane; we used eight
12
of them for aerial photography. The cameras were
hooked up to a GPS that added latitude and longitude
to each picture as it was taken. When the Mission
Scanners returned from their flight, they would turn
in the cameras, and the IT (Information Technology)
Specialists would upload the GPS track information
and get the pictures off of the SIM cards. The pic-
tures would then be flown to Austin and given to the
governor, FEMA, and even the President. This turned
out to be the largest disaster photo mission the Civil
Air Patrol has ever done. It couldn’t have happened
if it weren’t for people giving up their time to help
others.
Marauder
Composite Squadron
Provides Hurricane
Relief
Capt. Glenn Shellhouse
Kingwood based Marauder Composite Squadron
cadets joined forces with the Convoy of Hope and the
First Assembly of God Church of Humble, Texas, to
distribute MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat), ice, and water
to local residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.
The eight CAP cadets provided traffic control
during their daylong stint while the church served as
a drive-through distribution point in a four-day effort
that served an estimated 7000 residents. Convoy of
Hope, a ministry specializing in disaster relief, pro-
vided the supplies and organized the relief effort.
The cadet’s ability to keep the mile-long caravan
of cars flowing briskly through the distribution line
was critical to the effort. “We have to keep these cars
moving,” noted Cadet First Sergeant Jacob Romero,
“The line shuts down at 1700 hours, and we need to
make sure nobody is left out.” H
12
From a Chaplain Texas Wing Wide
in Iraq Area Exercise
Chaplain Jim Higgins, U.S. Army
BALAD AIRPORT, Iraq – I recently attended a
showing of “Superman 3,” here at LSA Anaconda,
north of Baghdad.
We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as
well as memorial services and other large gatherings.
As is the custom in every military installation back
in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when
the National Anthem began before the main feature.
All was going as planned until the music stopped
about three-quarters of the way through the National
Anthem. Now, what would happen if this occurred
with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imag-
ine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude
comments; and everyone would sit down and call for
a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the
National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at
attention, eyes fixed forward. The music began again.
The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention.
And again, at the same point, the music stopped.
What would you expect happened now? Even
at this point I would imagine laughter, as everyone
finally sat down and expected the movie to start.
But here in Balad, you could have heard a pin drop.
Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly,
there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the
room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers,
finishing where the recording had left off:
“And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in
air, gave proof through the night that our flag was
still there.
Oh, say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free, and the home of the
brave?”
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here
in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of soldiers are
serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you!
Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever
in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here, at home
and abroad. For many of them have already paid the
ultimate price...
13
1st Lt. Richard Hacker
During 27-28 June, Groups III and II squadrons
from as far south as Austin gathered for a Texas
Wing WAX (Wide Area Exercise) in Grand Prairie
in order to hone their skills as ground team members,
radio operators, incident command staff, scanners,
observers, and pilots. With six aircraft, including a
Gippsland G8 AirVan, Grand Prairie Mission Base
ran sorties throughout the day, flying in and out of
the local airport. The Incident Command Post was
staffed by members of both Groups.
Grand Prairie, located under an outer shelf of
the DFW Bravo airspace and flanked by Arlington
Airport to the west and Dallas Executive Airport to
the east, required pilots to climb to 2500 feet avoid-
ing the adjacent airports’ airspace, yet stay under the
4000 foot shelf. Every member of an aircrew looked
for traffic and, given the active airspace, their vigi-
lance paid off in a safe mission, without mishaps. In-
cident Commander Capt. David Medders cautioned
the crews during the morning briefing that they
should anticipate being re-tasked in mid-sortie and
encouraged instrument-rated pilots to conduct a prac-
tice approach to hone those essential skills.
Cadets assisted in the construction of the radio
antennas used to provide key communications to any
incident command post. In addition, Ground Teams
went out into the field in Air-to-Ground coordinated
searches, looking for for ELTs (Emergency Locator
Transmitters).
During operations on Saturday, Wing Commander
Col. Joe R. Smith stopped by to observe. During his
stay, he made a special presentation of a photograph of
the class of cadets and instructors at the recent Texas
Wing Powered Flight Academy, signed by each of
them thanking her for her support of the Academy.
Although the exercise had originally been sched-
uled to run through Sunday 29 June, on Saturday
evening, because of adverse weather, Incident
Commander Capt. David Medders cancelled Sunday
operations. Fortunately for WAX participants, the
incident command staff had moved sorties through
efficiently during the two days, enabling many partici-
pants to achieve their training goals for the weekend.
13
U.S. Representatives Tour Mexican
Border
On October 8, Lt. Col. Jack
Jackson took Congressman Henry
Cuellar and Congressman Michael
McCaul on an aerial tour of the
Texas-Mexico border, and briefed
the Congressmen on CAP’s capa-
bilities in HLS. Afterwards,
McCaul landed at Hooks airport
for a ceremony honoring members
of the Texas Wing and to give a
quick update on border security.
Lt. Col. Dan Crum took McCaul
flying to tour the border area
between Laredo and Brownsville
to examine routes the drug smug-
glers typically use to illegally Lt. Col. Jack Jackson takes Congressman Henry Cuellar and
gain access to the United States. Congressman Michael McCaul on an aerial tour of the Texas-Mexico
McCaul also had an aerial tour of border, and briefs the Congressmen on CAP’s capabilities in HLS.
the Galveston area to assess dam-
age from Hurricane Ike. Speaking to members of Texas Wing and the news media, McCaul called for increased
funding and support for law enforcement agencies to help stem the tide of drug smuggling. He also praised the
CAP for their service during disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

Apollo Cadet Attends Southwest Region

Cadet Leadership School
C/2nd Lt. Michael Moody
C/2nd Lt. Michael Moody
from Apollo Composite Squadron
attended the Southwest Region
Cadet Leadership School  (RCLS)
held at Lackland AFB, TX on 12-
20 July, 2008.
“Teamwork, motivation, and
leadership are the fundamentals of
RCLS,” said Cadet Moody. “This
year’s school was no exception; the
cadets who attended had a great time
and learned a tremendous amount.”
What the cadets learned at
this seven-day school will not
only serve them well the rest of
their cadet career, but follow them
through the rest of their life. Skills
in areas of writing, speaking,
teamwork, and time management
will help these cadet’s do well in
school, get jobs, and have a better
chance at succeeding in life.
“It was a great week full of fun
and excitement, and I definitely rec-
ommend this school to anyone, and
everyone,” Cadet Moody explained.
The Southwest Region Cadet
Leadership School (RCLS) is
designed to provide rising cadets
with leadership training, manage-
rial skills, a deeper understanding
of all aspects of the cadet program
and prepare them to take their
place as contributing members
of our society. Lessons include:
Event Planning, Leadership Styles,
Effective Communication, Goal
Setting, Time Management, Team
Building, Conflict Management,
and Situational Leadership.
This activity is open to cadets
who are at least 14 years old,
have achieved a rank of C/MSgt.
or higher, and have completed at
least one encampment.

15 15
LESA and PAO School - You never
saw such a bunch
Maj. Robert Brecount
We were some bunch. Exactly. We
gathered from CAP units across two
states, coming together to learn, to share
what we knew, to see the task of creat-
ing newsworthy articles through new
eyes. Five senior members and three
cadets. Eagerly, expectantly, we came to
the classroom, a sanctum of knowledge,
and began spreading out our computers,
notebooks, pencils and cameras all over
the desks, enjoying the big cool room.
Cadets and seniors and this very senior
senior, with several levels of talent and
abilities, bent on learning even more
from Capt. Arthur Woodgate, the newly
appointed Southwest Region Director
Of Public Affairs, master of interacting
with the public. How would he interact
with us? We were soon to learn that, and
much more.
First, the cadets. Bright young
minds, already impressive with their
accomplishments.
Two of them have been accepted guessing we get the answer, soon forgotten by the
as Cadet Public Affairs Officers at the Air Force time we learn of the invasion of Anglo-Saxons flee-
Space Command Familiarization Course in Florida, ing Attila the Hun. History, old history, to explain the
a National Cadet Special Activity to be held by the beginnings of European languages.
end of July. This is a great accomplishment for two More and more he reveals the effect of one occu-
16-year-olds. A third one, only 15, has his sights pant or another on the local language until we see,
set on becoming a Major General. He certainly has more or less, why German sounds one way, Italian
the potential. another, and English is the way it is. “American
The senior members came from several squad- English is a mess,” he says, with reasons now under-
rons in Texas and one is the new Oklahoma Wing stood. (Not that British English is in much better
PAO. One has no experience; others have from some shape, either.) He must be a professor of history, at
to a lot. None is really expert at being a Public Affairs least. We go to bed with sounds of other languages to
Officer, let alone the new skill of Mission Information intrude upon our dreams.
Officer. That is why we’re here. Capt. Woodgate will We get to know each other by responding to his
teach us how to be that. assignments. The knowledge is disturbing to some but
“Who were the first to occupy England?”, he asks definitely heart-warming. We see each other much
at the beginning of the first session. What a strange clearer now, and the immediate effect is that we see
way to begin teaching public affairs. No one but he ourselves, too.
knows; guesses or raised eyebrows are all he gets Capt. Woodgate compliments each entry and we
for answers. After a long set of challenges and more Continued on page 20 . . .

16 16
PAO Academy and National Boards
Conference
On this second year of the PAO
Academy, the emphasis was on
training and planning. As a result
of the comments and evaluations
gathered in 2007 and in post-eval-
uation queries, some of the hands-
on training sessions were divided
into “basic” and “advanced”
streams, with excellent results.
Many wings were represented by
members at the squadron level,
who profited from the basic pre-
sentations. Some Wing PAOs, too,
attended the basic courses as a
means to update their own knowl-
edge in an effort to better support
their subordinate units.
As in 2007, the Interim National
Commander, Brig. Gen. Amy S.
Courter, was very much involved
in the proceedings and presided
the presentation of awards at the
Wednesday Awards Ceremony.
This year, CNN correspondent
Miles O’Brien delivered the key-
note address. Southwest Region
award winners were Capt. Jerry
Porter, Arizona Wing (2 awards);
2nd Lt. Norman D. Reames, New
Mexico Wing; and Capt. Arthur E.
Woodgate, SWR DPA (2 awards).
The event everyone was wait-
ing for, however, was the election
of CAP’s Commander and Vice-
Commander. It came as no surprise
that Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter
was confirmed as the new National
Commander. Later in the day, Col.
Reggie Chitwood was elected to
be the new Vice-Commander.
That evening, they were promoted
to Major General and Brigadier
General, respectively.
17
Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate
The breakout sessions had
something for everyone. The pre-
sentation on PA Planning was thor-
ough, stressing the 4-step planning
process, that is a recognized busi-
ness standard. CAP, as a business
(even though not-for-profit), and
the official auxiliary of the USAF,
first required that all units prepare
a Public Affairs Plan and a Crisis
Communications Plan when the
new CAPR 190-1 was published
on 4 June 2007. Although the reg-
ulation doesn’t specify how the PA
Plan is to be structured, National
requires each to include a way in
which success can be measured.
These will be considered living
documents, that must be reviewed
at least semi-annually (preferably
quarterly) and updated, added to,
or revised as often as necessary.
The posting of a new Public
Affairs Officer Toolkit was also
announced, emphasizing the PA
Planning Guidelines: Writing
Your Crisis Communications
Plan and Writing your PA Plan.
The PAO Toolkit can be down-
loaded in its entirety at the CAP
Channel site (http://www.cap-
channel.com/pao_downloads).
Approximately 100 PAOs attended
the PAO Academy, considered a
great success.
Other Public Affairs sessions
presented a variety of subjects
designed to sharpen the skills
of all attendees, including com-
manders and other interested
persons. In fact, commanders at
all levels chose to attend many
PA presentations, which speaks
eloquently about how important
Public Affairs is now considered
at the command level. PAOs have
Maj. Gen. Courter to thank for on
this count, since with her profes-
sional background she possesses
a deep understanding of the value
of PA for corporate health and
growth. It is a fact that those units
that have an active and vigorous
PA program do best at recruiting
and retention, as well as reaching
out to the community.
Opportunities to network with
old friends and meet new ones
abounded, and some very pro-
ductive high-level planning took
place as well. All Region DPAs
attended the Conference, and
there were many Wing PAOs as
well. National’s top-tier PA staff
was there as well. The result was
a series of highly productive talks
and pre-planning, establishing the
parameters for optimal corporate
growth and development.
Starting this year, the PAO
Academy will be held every two
years (2010’s will take place in
San Diego, in conjunction with
the National Boards Conference).
Since some potential attendees
couldn’t do so because of distance
and/or cost considerations, it was
proposed that Regions hold local
PAO Academies in the off-year.
As always, the banquet was a per-
fect occasion for networking, as well
as rewarding those most deserving.
The chosen location, though
expensive, was excellent. And attend-
ees were lucky in that no hurricane
decided to strike during that week.
17
Texas Wing AF-
Guided Training
Exercise
Maj. Robert Brecount
It all hinges on good preparation. Over a month
before the scheduled date of 15-17 August 2008,
Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, Incident Commander for the
Texas Wing Guided Training Exercise (GTE), put
out the call for staffing. Volunteers from all over
Texas threw their hats in the ring, and she was able
to pick from the best. So it was that thirty-one senior
members and two cadets (one of the latter qualified
as a Communications Unit Leader) from all over the
state gathered on Friday, 15 August at the Incident
Command Post, hosted by the Delta Composite
Squadron at D.W. Hooks Airport in Spring, just North
of Houston.
Among the experienced volunteers were Texas
Wing Commander Col. Joe R. Smith, Group IV
Commander Lt. Col. Dennis Cima, Group III
Commander Lt. Col. Owen Younger, and Texas Wing
Director of Operations Maj. Randy Russell. The lat-
ter was to play a major part in handling an emergency
mission on the following day.
Promptly at 4 PM on Friday, 15 August, the first
sorties were assigned to the ten Staging Areas scat-
tered across the vast expanse that is Texas and, by the
time the sun set, the results were coming in, setting an
easy pace that was to become the norm. The paper-
work started and was passed around to the several
positions where the staff began posting the data on
the wall charts and inputting it into the computer pro-
grams designed to make sense of it all (IMU, WMIRS
and CAPERS), slowly at first, then more smoothly as
remembered habits kicked in and fingers keyed their
way to success. Was this going to work out well? Of
course it was -- look who was charged with doing it.
Capt. Stuart Hagedorn set up a ground station and
settled in attentively, watching his computer screen
show the near real-time position of several sorties
carrying the Spot Tracker transmitters. Soon he was
saying, “We can track them from take-off to landing.”
The Spot Tracker is a small package that sends the
GPS coordinates to a satellite re-transmitter every
ten minutes, and has buttons that can “call home” to
19
announce that “all is OK” – in this case, Ops Normal
- , one that will call “Come get me,” and one that calls
911 for emergency assistance. Indefatigable, Capt.
Hagedorn would track his charges for the coming two
days without skipping a beat.
The ARCHER System-fitted Civil Air Patrol’s
Gippsland GA-8 airplane, largest one on inventory,
fascinated Professor Daemon Byun of the Institute
of Multi-Dimensional Air Studies at the University
of Houston. Dr. Byun had expressed an interest in
seeing the ARCHER in action, with an eye towards
having his group use it in their studies of air quality
over the United States. After Maj. Randy Russell had
given him a ground school orientation, he boarded the
GA-8 for a sortie over an area that interested him.
Upon his return, he praised the system’s performance
and capabilities.
Inclement weather over much of Texas soon hand-
icapped operations of several Staging Areas, causing
already-briefed and ready air crews to first delay, then
postpone, and finally abort their sorties. Six of the ten
Staging Areas had so much rain that they were unable
to launch any sorties over much of the day. There
was a report that the Staging Area at San Angelo was
eventually shut down on Saturday, 16 August. Houston
weather was fair to poor, with occasional showers
over and around the airport, delaying the launching
of the GA-8 and jeopardizing the demonstration for
Dr. Byun. The weather improved overnight, however,
and sorties went out Sunday in good order.
The Air Force evaluator/mentors were everywhere,
unobtrusively observing the quality and efficiency of
the staff’s work. At one point, the Information Officer
was called to the land-line where he said, “This is
Major Robert Brecount. How may I help you?” The
caller then revealed that he was ‘George, the Air
19

Force guy.’ Oh, it had been one of their little tests to
see how the IO would answer the phone. There was
a bigger test in the works, but it didn’t come from the
on-site AF team, it came from the Air Force Rescue
Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Tyndall AFB, Fla.
Saturday mid-afternoon the AFRCC activated a
mission prompted by a missing airplane that had taken
off from Steamboat Springs in the high mountains of
northern Colorado, heading for Sugarland Regional
Airport, southwest of Houston. The presumed path
of the aircraft (no flight plan had been filed) would
involve searching by the Colorado, Oklahoma, New
Mexico and Texas Wings of the Civil Air Patrol. When
the Texas Wing Redcap was assigned to Maj. Randy
Russell as Incident Commander, he immediately
set up shop at the same office where he had previ-
ously extolled the virtues of the ARCHER system to
serve at his Incident Command Post. Without delay,
he began moving assets toward Amarillo and estab-
lishing contact with his Colorado Wing counterpart,
at the same time that he kept working on the GTE.
Within hours, a hiker found an airplane crash, later
confirmed by a County Search and Rescue team
as the missing aircraft. Sadly, there were no survi-
vors. Operations ceased on this AFRCC mission on
Sunday, 17 August.
At the 4:00 o’clock briefing of Saturday afternoon,
the Air Force team was happy to report that the Texas
Wing “A” Team was performing admirably, and that
they had found no discrepancies or weaknesses in its
operation. They had nothing but praise for the whole
team, and their only advise was, “Don’t get compla-
cent or lazy.” One of the officers, Air Force Lt. Col.
George Villalobos, a 20-year veteran, wrote the fol-
lowing statement during a later interview:
“The Civil Air Patrol has some tremendous capa-
bilities – in a way they are (unfortunately) the best
kept secret in the world of emergency services. They
continually add new capabilities and assets to their
repertoire. No matter how many exercises I attend,
I am always amazed at what The Civil Air Patrol is
able to do, even more so because they do it with an
all-volunteer force.”
For the Texas Wing “A” Team, that was the week-
end that was. H
20
LESA and PAO . . .
Continued from page 16
are lifted. Maybe we’re better than we think. Then he
launches into stories and reminders and there is ease
and laughter around.
We strain to understand his charming Argentine
accent and unique humor, as we learn more about the
business of informing the public about our favorite
outfit, the Civil Air Patrol. Capt Woodgate continues
to impress us with the depth of his knowledge, which
he gives to us freely. We are drawn together into a
working team. Oh, this is good.
More and more, a demonstration, a story, an
opened magazine, something else to learn about. The
subject is more involved than one ever thought. Now
doubts creep in. Four days and evenings into it and
the end is not in sight. In a day or two we’re to be
exposed to the real world, with real-time assignments
and things to do to deliver the Civil Air Patrol in its
best possible light to the public eye. Will we succeed?
Yes, we will. He can inspire us in five languages,
maybe more.
Days pass. We feel smarter. Assignments are
met, and discussed, and critiqued with constructive
humor and kindness. Capt. Woodgate demonstrates
good and poor magazine page design and publishing
practices, and warns us about pushy media methods
aimed at “getting the story” that might end up mak-
ing the Civil Air Patrol look bad. He tells how to deal
with the media, the public, and on occasion the rela-
tives of the missing or lost.
There is a lot to being a Public Affairs Officer, and
even more to being a Mission Information Officer. He
even shows us how to build a simple website. Not easy
for some.
Tomorrow is review day. I’m sure we’ll learn
how well we have done. I’ll get a good grade, I
think, but not the best. One of those terrific cadets
will get that.
Tomorrow night there is a big barbeque over by
the lake, where we’ll get to eat and talk, compare
notes and cower or brag about what we’ve learned.
Saturday is our grand graduation day. Are we going
to be all dressed up in our finest uniforms, as we
process before the school commandant and receive
our due reward? Maybe not. I heard we won’t pass
in review.
But, oh, that will be some day. Our day. H
20
Texas Wing
Powered
Flight
Academy
C/2nd Lt.
Michael Moody
“What happens when you’re
hit by the unexpected, and your life
depends on a moment’s action?”
These words had been drilled into
us all week, and they were the only
thing on my mind as, on my first
solo flight, I realized that the engine
of the Cessna 172 I was flying had
just stopped working. The next thing
to flash brilliantly in my thoughts
were the words all cadets at the flight
academy had given as the one and
only correct response, “Fly the plane,
fly the plane, fly the plane!”
Sayings such as this one, along
with many others, will stay with
me and with all the cadets that
attended the 2008 Texas Wing
Powered Flight Academy. Not
only will they stay with us, but
for many it will get us out of tight
spots like the one I was in during
my solo. Along with those great
words and the training I received
from my instructor, Lt. Col.
Rayford ‘RK’ Brown, I was able
to bring the plane around, restart
the engine, and land it.
Back on the ground safely,
drenched in water, half of my shirt
gone to my classmates’ scissors, my
adrenalin rushing, and an ear-to-ear
smile is how the week of 7–14 Jun
ended for me. It was a perfect end
to a great week full of flying, learn-
21
ing, laughs, and excitement. Flight
Academy was the best activity I
have ever been to.
The routine was packed with
excitement and fun. We woke up
at five, and were up in the air at
sunrise. At 0700 we were having
a delicious breakfast prepared and
served by the Matagorda General
Hospital, as was every meal. By
2000 (8 pm) we were back at the
hotel, studying the flight books as
we got ready for our pre-solo test.
Most flight teams were com-
posed of two students and one
instructor pilot. If only one student
was allowed to fly at any time, the
other student would remain on the
ground studying, studying, or study-
ing.  But not all the studying was
reading out of books. A lot of the
focus was placed on the practical
aspect, so while one student was in
the air flying, the other one could be
on the ground flying. No, we didn’t
fly simulators, we flew ourselves,
on a chalk runway. We would stick
out our arms, and “fly” the pattern,
practicing the radio calls, and other
check-list items that needed to be
committed to memory.
Of course, not all of our free
time was spent studying. We liked
to have a little fun, too. It was not
a rare thing to find most of the stu-
dents hanging out on the balcony
singing, dancing, and getting to
know each other. All the students
had a great time together, and the
friendships made at that time will
last well beyond the flight academy.
For the rest of my flying career,
I know that when I get in the plane,
I will be hearing, “Right rudder,
right rudder,” “Put the aileron in
the wind,” “Keep that hand on
the throttle,” “You don’t need two
hands on the yoke,” “Let the engi-
neers fly the plane, you already
paid them.” Those sayings will be
with me and the rest of us at the
flight academy for all time, and
whenever we come in for a land-
ing we’ll hear, “Flare, flare, don’t
push the nose down, keep the nose
up.” And we will keep the plane in
working order to fly another day.
Flight academy was great, but
none of it would have been possible
without the help of SABRE, Bay
City, Matagorda General Hospital,
Bay City Airport, “Jumper”, and
“Wambo.” And a special thanks
to all the instructors who, though
already quite busy, generously
gave of their time to come train
us! Thank you to everyone that
helped us, it was great, and I defi-
nitely recommend it to all those
interested in flying.
21
Apollo Squadron Presents Colors
at the Sertoma Celebration
Capt. Tom Adams

For the third year in a row,

Apollo Composite Squadron sup-
ported Sertoma’s 4th of July cel-
ebration in San Gabriel Park.
Squadron members worked the
VIP and vendor parking and set
up a booth to sell T-shirts and help
recruit new members. The Apollo
Color Guard led the parade and
presented the colors at the opening
ceremonies. Several cadets also
took the stage for an impromptu
version of the Air Force Song!
Sertoma is the “short name”
for Service to Mankind, a nation-
wide non-profit organization.
Sertoma’s primary service project
is assisting the more than 50 mil-
lion people with speech, hearing
and language disorders. Sertoma
also sponsors community projects 4th of July celebration. The festiv- grown into one of the largest fam-
to promote freedom and democ- ities began at 11:00 AM and fin- ily events in central Texas, attract-
racy, to assist youth and to ben- ished with an after-dark fabulous ing over 50,000 visitors annually.
efit a variety of other local com- firework finale. Over 80 arts and The Georgetown Sertoma Club
munity needs, as identified by the crafts booths, food, vendors and a may be reached at info@george-
individual clubs. children’s area provided entertain- townsertoma.org.
This was Sertoma’s 25th Annual ment for everyone. The festival has

Black Sheep Squadron Participates in

Brand New Event
Capt. Kelly Castillo

The Mesquite Black Sheep
Composite Squadron members
staffed their own booth, with
posters and hand-out materials to
encourage youngsters interested in
becoming CAP cadets. As young
visitors asked questions, the CAP
cadets told them about the many
opportunities they would have as
members of the Civil Air Patrol.
The cadets also assisted in crowd
control, as well as helped other orga-
nizations set up their booths.
For more entertainment, the
cadets and attendees were treated
to an auto show and a live band
that performed in the afternoon.
Participating cadets included
C/2nd Lt. Mitchell Graham, C/
CMSgt. Andrew Smith, C/Amn.
Brandon Keehan, and C/Amn.
Garrett Porter. Senior members
included 1st Lt. Opal McKinney
and 1st Lt. Jerry Barron.

23 23
Dallas Color Guard
Presents the Colors
C/SMSgt. Tyler Moore and
C/TSgt. Zach Buswold
At first it was just an idea. But when the oppor-
tunity to present the colors at the 26 July game of the
Frisco RoughRiders came about, four of the squad-
ron’s most experienced cadets stepped up to the chal-
lenge. Despite the short notice, and after having prac-
ticed together for only a week, the Color Guard did its
best and had fun doing it.  cadets have earned this honor. The General Billy
And so, the newly formed Color Guard team of
the Dallas Composite Squadron presented the col-
ors to a sold-out stadium, to the sound of the open-
ing National Anthem. The U.S. flag was carried by
C/TSgt Zach Buswold and the Texas state flag was
presented by C/SMSgt. Chad Moore. Guarding the
flags were C/TSgt. Collin Cathcart and C/SMSgt.
Tyler Moore
As we walked off the field and up the steps, many
people remained standing, proudly holding their hands
over their hearts, until the flag had passed them by.
This showed the great respect that the game’s specta-
tors have for our country.  presented State Representative Leo Berman with
As the year progresses, the team will continue to
accept engagements to parades and ceremonies, and
has a second engagement booked for 12 August. Also
looking ahead, the squadron plans to enter the Wing
level Color Guard competition, which would be our
first competition at that event.
24
Four Tyler Cadets
Receive the
Mitchell Award 
Lt. Col. H. (Butch) Ragland
On 15 July, the Tyler Composite Squadron hosted
a General Billy Mitchell Award ceremony for four
squadron cadets, an event attended by family, friends,
fellow cadets, and squadron members. In recognition of
having completed the first eight of sixteen achievements
of the Cadet program, the cadets, Russell Elliott, Isaac
Niedrauer, Josiah Niedrauer, and John Shanahan, were
presented the award and promoted to the grade of Cadet
Second Lieutenant. To earn the award, the Cadets had to
pass an arduous 100-question examination, testing lead-
ership theory and aerospace topics.
Since its inception over 30 years ago, over 42,000
Mitchell Award, in existence since 1964, honors the
late Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, aviation pio-
neer, advocate and staunch supporter of an indepen-
dent Air Force for America. 
The Texas Wing Chaplain, Maj. Ron Whitt, pro-
nounced the invocation.
Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Lou Thomas wel-
comed Squadron members, family and guests. Lt. Col.
Owen Younger, Commander of Group III, Texas Wing,
spoke to the cadets about the Core Values of Integrity,
Excellence in all we do, and Service before self. 
Thereupon, Lt. Col. Thomas and Lt. Col. Younger
a Legislative Squadron Membership Certificate,
welcoming him to Texas Wing as a Lt. Col. of the
Civil Air Patrol. Representative Berman, a retired
U.S. Army Lt. Col., assisted by the cadet’s parents,
“pinned” the new grade insignia and presented the
Mitchell Awards to each cadet.
24
Gregg County Cadet LESA Experience
C/SMSgt. Kayla Cassel
After a few hours relaxing from my staff duty at
summer encampment, now it was time for me to sign
in at the Lone Star Emergency Services Academy
(LESA), also to be held at the ALERT facility. As
I signed in, I was haunted by the frayed nerves and
tiredness I dragged along from Basic Encampment.
I wasn’t worried about attending the Ground Search
and Rescue Specialty School (GSARSS), but I didn’t
know if they would let me attend, after having dis-
located my shoulder during encampment. Luckily,
Capt. Ricky Pena, the School Commandant, put my
arm in a sling and said I could still attend. Once I
heard that, all tiredness and nervousness left me, and
I felt like I had slept for a week.
Right off the bat, after signing in and finding
our assigned billets, we had our first class, dealing
with our 24- and 72-hour packs. After class we had
pizza, and got to visit with our new instructors. When
we finished, we were released to personal time. The
females had quite a walk to our sleeping quarters.
On our first morning, we had PT on the track
at around 4:30 a.m. I was not able to participate in
PT, which was a little upsetting for me, but I enjoyed
motivating my fellow cadets. After PT we had an hour
of personal time. We had been instructed to meet at
the dining hall for breakfast. After eating our muf-
fins we went down to the classroom and started our
instruction. Before the class began, though, we were
25
introduced to our best friend: the stretcher basket. We
learned how to get it through, over and under obsta-
cles while keeping it level. For our second class, we
had to perform the human crouch, the Roman chair,
and the fireman’s carry. We got to carry each other
across the field.
Throughout the week, we had at least 50 classes
covering signaling, radio use, L-Per use, and other
skills we would need to master in order to become
ground team members. Our instructors gave us
many challenges. Almost every night we would be
awakened for a mission. On our first mission, we
found the “downed aircraft,” lit the flare, and carried
back “the injured.” The injured person (me) had to
carry was C/CMSgt. Micah Pravel of the Shoemaker
Composite Squadron. Well, he wasn’t really injured,
he was supposed to be dead; but I never knew the
dead could talk.
We also got the chance to cross a river on a rope
about 50 feet above the water. Before doing this,
we had to master the Swiss seat and our rope knots.
The next morning, for PT, we had a work-out with
a ten-foot log.
One mission that we did lasted about four hours.
We marched with full packs on and the stretcher bas-
ket with a 175-pound load tied to it. Team 1 found
the “downed aircraft” and they sent three cadets to
tape it off, while the other cadets helped the “injured”
pilot. The three cadets were declared “blown up” (not
really, it was a simulation) and Team 1 radioed in that
they needed assistance. Help never came due to bad
weather. The three cadets we never got to rescue, but
somehow they lingered around the camp with us, as if
nothing had happened, with purple hearts painted on
their hard hats. When we returned to the classrooms,
we had a “naming ceremony” giving everyone call
names to write on the back of their hard hats.
The most insane thing I have ever done in my
life, at two in the morning, was finding 75 quarters
that the instructors had thrown in the field. The rules
were simple: find all 75 quarters in 3 minutes with
no light. We didn’t make the first 3 minutes, so we
did ten ranger push-ups with packs on for an extra 3
minutes. We finally found them all, and were released
Continued on page 28 . . .
25
Addison & Dallas Composite
Squadrons Stage Group III O’Flights
Was the event a success? You
bet. All you had to do was look
at the cadets, as they got into the
planes with stars dancing in their
eyes. It was the stuff that dreams
are made of. In their imagination,
they saw themselves getting into
a WWII fighter, an F-22, an SR-
71, even a space ship. Strapped in,
they taxied towards the runway.
Big deal. They’d felt that before
in a car, only this one was slightly
wobbly. “Is this safe?” no doubt
some of them asked themselves.
But they immediately answered
themselves, “I can’t give up now!
What would the others say?
They’ve all done it already...”
26
Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate
Then the airplane moved into
position, turned into the wind, the
engine revved up into a roar as the
airframe shook a little, the pilot
released the brakes, and they felt
the acceleration as the plane ran
into the wind, a little wheel noise
punctuating the loud purr of the
motor that now didn’t seem to roar
quite as loudly, then the barest hop
and the wheels fell silent, as aero-
dynamics took over and the plane
soared above the ground.
“Free as a bird,” is probably
the most hackneyed expression
that walks out of the cockpit after
a first-flight experience. Yet, in
their heart, that’s how each one of
them felt.
Their joy, too, was contagious.
Although they seemed to take it in
stride, some were so overwhelmed
by the experience that they forgot
to say, “Thank you.” The pilots
didn’t mind. They could read
each one’s heart in that marvel-
ous, slightly lopsided, half-intel-
ligent smile. But the pilots were
not fooled. They could see their
the eyes, resplendent, shining in
glee, planning the next o-flight,
and wondering how they could get
to do this all the time.
Kudos to the pilots and the
coordinator, Maj. Alan O’Martin,
for their hard work.
26
Pegasus Squadron -
My Path to Success
C/1st Lt. Raphael Erie

I joined the Civil Air Patrol distractions are always at hand: that I can do anything I want, pro-
because I was interested in avia- television, video games, and the vided I want it hard enough. I’ve
tion, though I didn’t dare dream Internet – to name a few. A com- also learned that nothing worth-
of becoming an Air Force officer. mon misconception among teen- while is easy, but the rewards are
My experience in CAP, however, agers is that since distractions always great.
has opened many doors for me, will always be available, putting I understand that time man-
and one of them is the possibil- their priorities in order will never agement is not everyone’s favorite
ity of entering the US Air Force be possible so it’s pointless to thing, but it is necessary. Without
Academy. It all hinges on how I even try. it, many organizations, like the
manage my time. Most young persons don’t Civil Air Patrol, would cease
Time management is an essen- realize that this attitude only leads to exist. Worse yet, leadership
tial skill that everyone needs to to failure. In my case, CAP has would vanish, the country itself
exercise – and hopefully master taught me that the Core Values are would suffer, and nothing would
– at some point in life. With the applicable to everyday life, and get done.
world moving at such a fast pace,
falling behind can doom that per-
son’s hopes for the future.
I am grateful for having
learned this lesson early in my
life, because now I know that life
beyond high school is no walk in
the park. At the moment, I am
constantly balancing my time as
I juggle my obligations in school,
CAP, Band, and JROTC, with
school being my first priority. The
Civil Air Patrol has helped me
quite a bit with time management,
because I’ve been given greater
responsibilities as I progressed
within Cadet Programs.
I admit that I am far from mas-
tering the art of time management,
but my determination to attend the
Air Force Academy has driven me
to better myself on a daily basis.
This is not easy, because many

27 27

LESA Experience . . .
Continued from page 25
to return to bed.
The last night we were
there, we set up camp out in
the woods, where we got tested
on everything we had learned.
After we finished being tested
individually, we marched up to
the lake and attended a cook-
out with the other schools. We
visited and sang Veggie Tale
songs with Col. Joe R. Smith.
Yes, Col. Smith the Texas Wing
Commander sang Veggie Tales
with GSARSS. That is how
much we rocked.
The hamburgers and hot
dogs were delicious. It started to
get dark, so we headed back to
camp. We were taught many dif-
ferent ways to start a fire. Then,
2230 arrived and we all went
to our shelters for the night. I
shared my tarp with C/Amn.
Emma Stowers of the Randolph
Composite Squadron, because
she didn’t have one. In the mid-
dle of the night I woke up with a
snake next to me. I moved away
from it, and threw things at it,
scaring it away. And went back
to sleep without disturbing the
cadet beside me.
To survive GSARSS, you
had to be physically and men-
tally tough. You have to learn
how to work with others. So if
you attend GSARSS - which
I highly recommend you do -
make friends with everyone in
your school. It will help you in
the long run. H
28
Black Sheep Squadron
Flag Retiring Ceremony
C/CMSgt. Andrew Smith
On 17 June 2008, the Mesquite
Black Sheep Composite Squadron
performed their annual Flag Day
Ceremony, commemorating the
adoption of the United States flag
on June 14, 1777.
The ceremony started when
C/CMSgt. Brittany Stelting spoke
about the American flag and the
proper way to retire it.
Afterwards, several American
flags that were considered worn
out, damaged or badly stained
were placed into a burn pot as
part of the retirement ceremony.
Squadron members participated
in the event, as they took turns to
ceremonially place a flag in the
burn pot.
The event ended with two
final flags that were each retired
by Lt. Col. Mike Eberle, Squadron
Commander, and Lt. Col. Jack
Birchum, the Squadron Moral
Leadership Officer.
The ceremony taught the
cadets the Civil Air Patrol’s Core
Value of Respect: respect for the
flag, respect for the country, and
respect for the men and women
who have died defending it.
“Our flag deserves more
respect for retirement than just a
trash can,” said C/CMSgt. Stelting.
“We teach our cadets that this
symbol represents our freedom.”
Calvin Coolidge, 30th
President of the United States,
once said, “But when we look
at our flag and behold it embla-
zoned with all our rights, we must
remember that it is equally a sym-
bol of our duties. Every glory that
we associate with it is the result of
duty done. A yearly contemplation
of our flag strengthens and puri-
fies the national conscience.”
28
Waxahachie
Annual Pancake
Fly-in
C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm
What could possibly be better than smelling jet fuel
and fresh hot pancakes bright and early at 0700? Not much,
especially if you’re a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
On June 7, 2008, the Waxahachie/Midlothian
Mid-Way Regional Airport hosted their annual
Pancake Fly-in, and once again the airport authorities
asked the Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron to
flight-line marshal for the airport.
Throughout the day, both cadets and senior mem-
bers marshaled over 50 aircraft in and out of the taxiway.
Most of the planes were Cessnas, tail draggers, Bonanzas,
DC3s, and T28s. As an addition, some residents even
brought their antique cars to display on the ramp.
In an amusing aside, CAP Major Bill Harber was
signaling an aircraft to slow down. The pilot, a bit con-
fused by the signal, asked, “Are you acting as if you’re
an airplane?” Major Harber chuckled and replied, “No,
sir. I was trying to get you to slow down.”
Cadet Captain Tiffany Hamm commented, “I
believe we had more local residents come to the event
than we had airplanes. Although, I have to say that
the lady cooking the pancakes did an amazing job.
Her unique pancake-flipping technique was a great
hit with the customers.”
The Waxahachie Talon Composite Squadron did
it again. The event was a success, with a large turnout
of both people and airplanes.
29
Waxahachie Talon
Squadron Urban
Direction Finding
Training
C/Capt. Tiffany Hamm
On Saturday 26 July 2008, the Waxahachie Talon
Composite Squadron held a UDF training exercise
at the Midlothian/Waxahachie Midway Regional
Airport.
The purpose of the event was to teach new cadets
how to use an ELPER to find an Emergency Locator
Transmitter (ELT). A total of ten personnel, five
cadets and five senior members, attended the event.
The cadets said that the best part of the training had
been using their newly-learned knowledge to find the
hidden ELT.
At the end of the day, the Waxahachie Composite
Squadron had accomplished their goal, as they got a
few more cadets qualified in UDF training.
Second Lieutenant Taylor Stockford said, “I have
a perfect quote which fits this event perfectly. ‘If the
blind lead the blind, both shall fall in the ditch’”
The more we train our cadets, the more knowl-
edgeable they’ll be as they lead their followers on the
right path.
29

Members of Seminar #1 - (Rear, L-R) Maj. Rick
Woolfolk (Denton, TX), Capt. Steve Barclay, Maj.
Dan Shearer (Flagstaff, AZ), Capt. Robert Will (Rio
Rancho, NM). (Front, L-R) Capt. Bob Beeley (Tomball,
TX), Staff Advisor Capt. Carol Slag (Ft Worth), 2nd
Lt. Judy Candelaria (Albuquerque, NM). This group
earned the “Outstanding Seminar” prize.
Austin Member
Graduates from
Southwest Region
Staff College
1st Lt. Richard Hacker
Capt Steve Barclay, the squadron communication
officer, attended the 2008 SWRSC at Kirtland Air
Force Base, joining CAP members from every state
in Southwest Region, plus one from Nevada Wing.
Using the facilities of the Kirtland Air Force Non-
Commissioned Officers Academy, this week-long
course prepares CAP personnel to function well in
staff officer positions at wing level and above.
Students were divided into four “seminars,”
and each was assigned a Staff Advisor to make
sure that they performed the required tasks to
standard. The learning process required working
out problems in a group, achieving the desired
results within the time allotted.
Capt. Barclay said, “It was a great course, we
had wonderful instructors, and it was an outstanding
experience in leadership training and preparation for
31
Crusader
Cadets Texas
Wing Summer
Encampment
Capt. Robert Severance III
Four Crusader Composite Squadron cadets
attended the 2008 Texas Wing Summer Encampment
at the A.L.E.R.T. Academy in Big Sandy, Texas. Cadet
Joshua Gullace was a member of Alpha Flight, Cadet
Hampton was a member of Charlie Flight, Cadet
Daniel Fincher was a member of India Flight, and
Cadet Robert Severance IV was the Flight Sergeant
for India Flight.
Several cadets took advantage of a new pro-
gram offered by the squadron to help fund the
enrollment fees for cadets’ first encampment. En-
campment affords an excellent opportunity for
cadets to learn important skills that will enhance
their cadet careers.
staff assignments.” The facility couldn’t have been
better, and the active duty Air Force instructors were
really good at what they did.
As an added bonus, some of the AF instructors
were pararescue personnel, and the course students
were able to go through their V-22 Osprey, a multi-
mission, military tiltrotor aircraft with both a vertical
takeoff and landing (VTOL) and short takeoff and
landing (STOL) capability.
31
Gladewater Corsairs
Cadet Receives Two
Prestigious Awards
Capt. Harold Parks
On 17 June, a Gladewater Corsairs Composite
Squadron cadet was presented two very prestigious
awards. Cadet Second Lieutenant Jarrod Alexander
received the General Billy Mitchell Award and the Air
Force Association Cadet of the Year Award.  U.S. Air
Force Colonel Rudy Byrne presented both of these awards
to Cadet Lieutenant Alexander. 
Colonel Byrne, who stopped off on his way to a new
assignment in Germany, had been the Commander of the
314th Operations Group at Little Rock Air Force Base until
that very morning. As the 314th Group Commander, he
had been responsible for a Department of Defense Formal
Training Unit comprised of 502 personnel using C-130E,
C-130J, and C-21 aircraft. Annually, the group trains 2000
students from all services and 31 allied nations.  Sheep Composite Squadron cadets and senior members.
The Air Force Association Cadet of the Year Award
is presented by an Air Force Association member (Colonel
Byrne is a Life Member) to an outstanding cadet. Cadet
Alexander’s Squadron Commander, Captain Harold
Parks, had nominated Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Alexander for
this Award. This cadet serves as the Cadet Commander in
the Gladewater Composite Squadron and is also rated as a
Ground Team Member 2, an advanced Emergency Services
rating. Cadet Alexander aspires to achieve a Ground Team
Member 1 rating (the highest rating) followed by a Ground
Team Leader rating by the end of 2008. He leads his cadets
by example, rather than simply demanding performance
from them. Teaching them required elements of the Cadet
Program seems to come naturally to him, making him a
very positive role model. He is a credit to himself, his fam-
ily, and the Civil Air Patrol.
(L-R) Colonel Rudy Byrne, Cadet Second Lieutenant
Jarrod Alexander, and Captain Harold Parks
33
Black Sheep Squadron
Hears Decorated
Veteran Speak on
Leadership
Capt. Kelly Castillo
On 29 July, Michael Witzgall, a tactical training con-
sultant with Charlie-Mike Enterprises, spoke to the Black
Mr. Witzgall’s presentation focused on how individuals
can hone their leadership skills by understanding fear
and courage.
Mr. Witzgall spent a total of 12 years on active
duty as a noncommissioned and commissioned
officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army,
respectively. He is also a highly decorated officer
with the Dallas Police Department.
After losing part of his left leg in a vehicle acci-
dent, Mr. Witzgall began teaching courses on Hazardous
Warrant/Apprehensions, Basic and Advanced SWAT,
Basic Advanced Police Rifle, Hostage Rescue, and Counter
Paramilitary Operations. He has also written several books
on the subjects.
“Confidence is built through training, education, and
fitness,” said Mr. Witzgall as he discussed his personal
experiences while serving in the military and police force.
Following the presentation, the cadets participated in
a question and answer session. At the end of the session,
Mr. Witzgall read Rudyard Kipling’s poem “The Quest,”
explaining its message so the cadets could better under-
stand what it means to be a warrior.
“Eisenhower once said,” continued Mr. Witzgall,
“Good leadership is getting someone to do something
because he wants to do it.” As a bonus, Mr. Witzgall
explained his company’s name. “Charlie-Mike” is the
phonetic radio code meaning, “Continue the Mission.” He
ended his explanation by saying, “After losing part of my
leg, I decided that I had to continue the mission.”
33
Cadet Earns FAA Class III Pilot’s License
Capt. Leonard Laws

A Group III CAP Cadet

obtained his Private Pilot cer-
tificate today. That alone is great
news, but it gets better: the major-
ity of this Cadet’s training was
done in CAP aircraft, using CAP
instructors. This doesn’t happen
very often.
Like many students, C/SSgt.
Evan Petrosky had several instruc-
tors (5, if I counted correctly) dur-
ing the course of his training. This
is not ideal, but instructional turn-
over during training has been
a problem for generations of
students. It takes a dedicated and
skilled CFI to do this while work-
ing full-time and taking college
courses too. Capt. Nicole Novack,
of Kittinger Phantom Senior
Squadron, fits that description.
Those in the flight train-
ing community also know that
there is a range in the quality of been using for training, just 3 days most significant was this plane’s
instruction. Outside of CAP, pay- before the scheduled checkride. higher idle thrust compared to
ing more doesn’t ensure better Weeks before, I had volun- that of most 172s. This seemingly
quality of instruction, but hunt- teered N98913 to go out of state for small change can make a big dif-
ing for the lowest price almost a Cadet flying academy. Unexpect- ference when switching to another
guarantees a corresponding edly, a combination of maintenance aircraft with different approach
level of quality. In the Civil Air issues and aircraft availability led characteristics. The required
Patrol, instruction is donated, to an unavoidable plane switch, short-field landings have a PTS
which can result in a rare level of just before this cadet’s practical tolerance of -0, +200 feet of the
commitment. Certainly, this was test. In other words, he was get- touchdown target. When land-
the case. ting a tough break that was pretty ing on a runway, 200 ft. looks a
I had the privilege of flying much my doing (even though it had lot smaller than it sounds. Also,
with Cadet Petrosky a few days been unintentional). Despite this N98913 handles better than most
before the practical test. In two challenge, Cadet Petrosky handled other 172’s of its vintage, so Cadet
flights totaling almost 4 hours, the change with the same unas- Petrosky was challenged in multi-
we covered emergency proce- suming confidence he displayed ple ways, which he overcame with
dures, simulated instrument fly- in flight. The quality of Capt. supreme confidence.
ing, stalls, maneuvers, short field Novack’s instruction was obvious. Please join me in congratulat-
landings, and more -- all in an Training in N98913 was dif- ing C/SSgt. Evan Petrosky and his
airplane other than the one he had ferent for several reasons. Perhaps CFI for this accomplishment.

34 34
Pegasus Cadet Moody’s
Mitchell Ceremony
Four years after joining the Civil Air Patrol, with
a BANG!, Cadet Michael Moody reached a mile-
stone. In addition to earning the coveted General Billy
Mitchell Award, C/ 2nd Lt. Michael Moody received
a certificate signed by the governor of Texas, the
Honorable Rick Perry, commemorating the occasion.
The Mitchell Ceremony took place at the Georgetown
Recreational Park Community Center, in the pres-
ence of many distinguished guests. Among them
were Texas Wing Director of Emergency Services
Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, Group III Commander Lt.
Col. Owen Younger, Group IV Commander Lt. Col.
Dennis Cima, Group III Public Affairs Officer Capt.
Arthur Woodgate and his wife Audrey, and Kittinger
Phantom Senior Squadron Public Affairs Officer 1st
Lt. Richard Hacker.
To start the proceedings, Apollo’s Deputy
Commander for Seniors 1st Lt. Jason Badder called
upon the Apollo Composite Squadron Color Guard to
present the colors. Then, he introduced 1st Lt. Richard
Hacker, the Master of Ceremonies, who welcomed the Cadet Moody has touched many lives. He has always
unit members and guests to the Mitchell Ceremony set the example and helped others reach their per-
soon to follow. Capt. Woodgate pronounced the invo- sonal goals, conducting himself as a caring leader
cation, and also offered a prayer for all those who and mentor. Knowing that his past would be looked
have given their life in service to the Nation. Then the at in jest and some detail, and not one to leave things
prescribed order of the General Billy Mitchell Award to chance, Cadet Moody prepared a slide presentation
Ceremony began to unfold. showing him at various stages in his life, even as a
Four years ago, when Cadet Moody had been a toddler. It would seem that he’s done everything, been
new CAP member, some thought of him as an eccen- everywhere, and there’s no limit to his talent. But the
tric basic cadet, with “strange ideas” who was always one thing that was most obvious is that, most of all
ready to serve Civil Air Patrol to the best of his abil- he’s had a great time doing it.
ity. Since then, Cadet Moody has been ever so active When asked about his plans for the future, Moody
in Civil Air Patrol and always ready to take on a mis- said that he would like to attend the Massachusetts
sion. He is widely known for his ingenuity and exper- Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, or
tise in communications, in which he has achieved The University of Texas. This shows that this young
the level of Communications Unit Leader. For the cadet aims high, as he works hard to assure himself
past three years, he has generously spread a wealth of a bright future. He should be proud of what he has
of knowledge by teaching in many Communications managed to accomplish thus far.
schools in Texas Wing. And a couple of months After the Mitchell Ceremony, the Apollo
ago, since he is a qualified Communications Unit Composite Squadron held an official change of
Leader, he served as Communications Officer on a Cadet Command ceremony, as Moody relinquished
real RedCAP mission. his command, which was transferred to C/Maj.
A fun-loving person who knows when to get serious, Joshua Lewis.

35 35

Rockets Fly in
October Sky
The Marauder Composite
Squadron of Kingwood invited
the entire community to join them
in launching nearly sixty rock-
ets at their fourth annual October
Sky rocket launch, on Saturday,
October 18. Flaming exhaust and
rocket smoke filled the air as nearly
a hundred guests and participants
settled in for the popular event.
The homemade rockets ranged
from one to six feet long, and spe-
cial quick-build kits were on hand
so that guests could build and
launch their own rocket during
the festivities. Marauder Squadron
cadets helped the young rocketeers
assemble and launch their rockets.
“Some of these rockets are
large, and quite sophisticated”,
37
noted 1st Lt. Erich Arbogast, the
squadron’s Aerospace Education
Officer. “They carry altimeters,
video cameras and have the
potential to exceed altitudes of
one mile and approach the speed
of sound.” For safety reasons, the
larger rockets during October Sky
launch were limited to 300 knots
and altitudes of 1000 feet.
The event commemorates the
book and movie “October Sky”,
the true story of Homer Hickam,
a teenager who was inspired by
the Sputnik launch of October
1957, to build and launch home-
made rockets. Hickam and his
high school friends were persis-
tent experimenters whose passion
for rocketry led them to become
Capt. Glenn Shellhouse
NASA scientists.
This hands-on approach to
science is part of CAP’s mission
to provide Aerospace Education to
the community, and a solid learn-
ing experience for cadets. “This
is something our cadets really
wanted to do,” observed Arbogast.
“They spend months studying,
building rockets, and working
with the community.” By the time
launch day arrives, the participat-
ing cadets have earned the quali-
fication to wear the CAP Model
Rocketry Badge.
On launch day, the squadron’s
cadets worked in teams to welcome
guests, help assemble rockets, launch
the missiles, and recover them
as they parachuted back to earth.
C/Amn. Carlos Espinola served
as Master of Ceremonies and DJ,
playing tunes and providing com-
mentary to ensure that guests were
entertained and well informed.
Good weather and a large
turn-out helped make the well
organized event a resounding suc-
cess. “The squadron is proud of
our tradition of engaging the com-
munity in Aerospace Education
and the October Sky program is
a great way for us to share our
enthusiasm with our neighbors,”
noted Arbogast.
37
Corpus Christi Comp
Squadron Officially Opens
New Facility with Ceremony
By Major Joe Ely Carrales
The Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA),
in conjunction with the City of Corpus Christi and
Signature Flight Support, held a ribbon cutting on 7
August 2008 to announce the opening of the Corpus
Christi Composite Squadron’s new home at Signature
Flight Support, 506 International Drive at CCIA.
Guest speakers at the ceremony included Mayor
Henry Garret, CAP Squadron Commander, Major Joe
Ely Carrales and Director of Aviation Fred Segundo.
“We are so pleased to have the CAP on air-
port property, where they belong,” Segundo
said. “Our community will benefit tremen-
dously thanks to this new partnership,” he added.
The Veteran’s Band of Corpus Christi was on hand to
perform patriotic and ceremonial music. Additionally,
a 21-gun salute to honor the CAP personnel who died
during World War II was fired courtesy of a rifle team
38
from Mathis, Texas American Legion Post 633. Local
pastor Reverend Eilas Vasquez presented the Invocation.
In addition to the general historical kudos offered to
CAP, the Unit also honored one of its longtime members,
Major Victor Medina, Jr., for 40 years of service to CAP.
Immediately after the ribbon cutting ceremony,
CAP cadets conducted tours of their new headquar-
ters, CAP STATION CORPUS CHRISTI, at the
Airport. CAP Officers also conducted a static dis-
play of a visiting CAP Aircraft from Victoria, Texas.
Game Time Food & Beverage, a local airport ten-
ant, provided refreshments for the event’s reception,
which played host to local dignitaries including Mr.
Ed Hicks of the local Airport board that gave praise
to the local CAP Unit, Airport Staff and its director
of Aviation, for promoting the growth of general avia-
tion in the Coastal Bend.
38
Lackland Squadron Member
Involves Great Grandfather
By 2nd Lt. Crystal Sommers
We would like to share with you an amazing story
that we have. Two years ago when our daughter signed
up for the Civil Air Patrol, her great grand father
(WWII war hero Ret. Maj. Forest “Frosty” Sommers)
was so excited to hear she wants to go to the Air force
Academy and be in the AF just like her dad (active duty
MSgt. Brian Sommers /CAP 1st Lt. Sommers), grand
father Ret. MSgt. Jim Sommers and great grand father
Ret. Maj. Forest Sommers. He
said he wanted to be the first per-
son she took up in a plane when
she got her pilots license. Well,
some unexpected events hap-
pened that has jeopardized this
dream. Ret. Maj. Sommers was
re-diagnosed with cancer a few
months ago which he was given
very bad news. The treatments
didn’t work. She doesn’t get her
pilots license for a year and a
half more so he would never get
to fly with her. That was until she
had an astonishing thought. Our
daughter who has been a member
for the past 2 years (she started
at 12) wanted to give her great
grand father a membership in the
39
Civil Air Patrol for his 90th birthday so she could take
him for her first flight at the controls on an orienta-
tion flight. We tried to keep it a secret but it was hard.
Everyone was so excited. We traveled to Wisconsin
Dells, WS for the big 90th birthday gathering. On
Oct 24th, 2008 Ret. Maj. Forest “Frosty” Sommers
(ret. AF pilot and WWII war hero) signed papers to
became a senior member of SWR-TX-007 squadron out
of Lackland AFB. C/SMSgt. Katherine Sommers put on
her uniform and we went to the gathering. As she gave
him the gift she said “We would like to honor you for
your 90th birthday, with a senior membership in the
Civil Air Patrol.” She then took a step back and saluted
him which he returned. Tears were everywhere. My hus-
band, 1st Lt. Brian Sommers CAP and 2nd Lt. Crystal
Sommers CAP (I will be a 1st Lt. in about a day or so)
are both members. This makes 4 generations AF and 3
generations CAP members. They will be making their
yearly trip to south Texas (due to the cold weather and
having partial lungs due to cancer diagnosed years ago
makes cold weather too hard to handle) in about 2-3
weeks and his health has improved tremendously.
This is one of the many stories he has of the war:
 One of the missions he was
on as a co-pilot was remarkable.
As they were bringing a shot up
and crippled B-24 back the pilot
froze at the controls. As the crew
made final plans Maj. Forest
“Frosty” Sommers took the con-
trols, flew, and safely landed the
plane which saved the lives of
the crew. After that plane landed
they assessed the damage and
determined it not flyable and
shoved it off the runway. Like
many other service men during
those times find it hard for them
to talk about things that hap-
pened but when he does talk
about it, it is amazing.
39
Lackland Cadet Color Guard March with
San Antonio’s Chief of Police
2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr

The Color Guard from the Lackland Cadet

Squadron were honored to march in the Monte Vista’s
Historical Associations 4th of July Parade for the
2nd year in a row. This year’s special guest was San
Antonio’s Chief of Police, Mr. William P. McManus.
Around 200 Monte Vista’s neighborhood’s adults,
kids and dogs all gathered at the corner of Belknap
and Lynwood at 0900 hours. The parade kicked
off promptly at 0930 hours and ended at the Landa
Library grounds for a picnic. Hot dogs, lemonade,
and plenty of food were at hand, even a fruit pie con-
test for the locals was held with blue, red, and white
ribbons awarded. The local fire department were at Kris Kerr. Rifleman duties were carried out by
hand. At the Landa Library grounds, a few words by Cadet/MSgt. Taylor Moellendorf and Cadet/TSgt.
the Monte Vista Historical Association Parade coor- Katherine Sommers, all from the Lackland Color
dinator and the Chief of Police, thanking everyone Guard. An additional CAP Color Guard mem-
who made this Monte Vista event a success. ber performing backup duties was Cadet/A1C.
The Color Guard was commanded by Cadet/ Timothy Andre from the Brooks Civil Air Patrol
TSgt. Nicole Miglis, bearing the American Squadron. Everyone’s participation helped make
Flag. Holding the Texas flag was Cadet/CMSgt. this parade memorable.

“SAREX at Stinson Airport”

The Lackland Squadron participates in a SAREX at San Antonio’s Stinson Airport.

41 41
Johnson County Squadron Participates
in July 4th Nationalization Ceremony
and Community Parade
Maj. Robert Benton
Members of the131ST Johnson County Composite
Squadron participated in a Citizenship Nationalization
Ceremony involving 131 new Americans in Keene and
later marched in the Cleburne parade on July 4th.
At the 10:30 am ceremony, Cadet Senior Master
Sergeant and unit First Sergeant, Tanner Spurlock
and Cadet Airman First Class Ghenesis Cordero led
the group of soon to be American citizens from the
Southwestern Adventist College gymnasium to the
lake across the road from the campus for the swear-
ing in ceremony with Neil Diamond’s song, “Coming
to America” playing in the background.
The Citizenship Nationalization Ceremony was
a first for the community of Keene presented by the
Dallas office of the Immigration Nationalization
Service according to INS and officials who spoke
before the newly sworn-in American citizens from
26-countries.
Among the 131 new citizens were eight members
of the armed forces from the Air Force, Army, Navy
and Marines. Later the service members were asked
to join and lead in the pledge of allegiance, flanked
by locale and state leaders who spoke during the
ceremony.
During the ceremony Civil War re-enactors from
Cleburne’s own “Terry’s Texas Rangers: fired off two
3-inch ordinances (cannons) with resounding booms
echoing in the background, while musicians from the
community and the college played patriotic composi-
tions and native Texas tunes.
42
Senior Officers Major Robert Benton, the unit’s
commander and unit Safety Officer, 2nd Lieutenant
Kenneth Cowell were in attendance, celebrating with
the overflowing crowd of family and friends of the
new Americans.
Cowell was personally reminded of the memory
of his grand parents who immigrated to America
from Russia years prior to the Communist overthrow
of the Russian Empire in 1900.
Then again at 6 pm at the Cleburne July 4th
parade, Cadets Spurlock and Cordero took to the
streets carrying the United States and Texas flags
flanked by rifle barriers, Cadets Airman Maria Cryer
and Airman First Class Kelly Gomez bringing local
citizens to their feet to honor the colors of the Nation
on a 15-mile parade route assisted by Senior Officers
Benton and Cowell.
The team was the only marching unit in the
parade that consisted of roaring fire trucks and police
motorcycles, stylish classic and antique vehicles,
political candidates on foot, home-made floats and
horse-mounted units from the sheriffs pose to horse
enthusiasts in the county.
During the parade, family, friends, well-wishers
and the general public cheered the cadet team on as
they made their way from the rodeo grounds through
down town.
Afterward the color guard team visited with local
residents who wanted to learn more about Civil Air
Patrol and the Cleburne based squadron.
42
The USAF 301st Fighter Wing Award
Winning and Celebrated Honor Guard
Hosts Local Civil Air Patrol Cadet Training
By 1st Lt. Sharron Stockwell
Memorial Day has come and
gone but the memories of sacrifice
never leave us. Almost every day a
life is lost, a family is devastated
and changed forever. It was the
day we honored those who have
made the ultimate sacrifice for
freedom. Many families are still
being affected by the loss of a mil-
itary loved one as we continue to
help others fight to be free. These
brave souls may be gone from our
arms but not our hearts and they
certainly will never be forgotten.
In the early hours of a Saturday
in April 2008, most of you were
still sleeping while members of the
131st Johnson County Composite
Squadron and the South Fort
Worth Diamondback Composite
Squadron were scurrying around
at 5:00 a.m. to make ready for a
training day at the Joint Reserve
Base in Fort Worth, Texas.
Some of the cadets, not yet
teenagers, had an opportunity
to learned the importance of the
Honor Guard and Color Guard.
What a great lesson and art form
of military discipline and tradition
43
through Honor Guard and Color
Guard training hosted by men-
tors like the 301st Fighter Wing
Honor Guard.
Master Sergeant Wood
worked closely with Major Robert
Benton, Commander of the 131st
Johnson County Composite
Squadron, to put this joint event
together, which included the
South Fort Worth Diamondback
Composite Squadron.
Officer Thompson with the
301st Fighter Wing instructed the
squadrons’ cadets and officers on
the importance of perfection in
performance. For many families of
those who have lost their lives, the
presentation of the flag to the loved
one of the deceased by the Honor/
Color Guard is one of the most
important, if not the most impor-
tant, and one of the last tributes the
United States of America pay to
those who have lost their lives.
This ceremony is set forth to
honor the deceased and recognize
their sacrifice. The Guard with dig-
nity and respect, with perfection in
every click of the boot, every turn
of the body, every crease in the
uniform precisely placed, every
step taken in unison, every turn
of the head exactly correct, and in
all things done with the utmost r-
e-s-p-e-c-t for that special person.
I personally like to think of it in
terms of our earthly body has been
transformed into a lovely spirit that
will always be with us as if they
were a caterpillar transformed into
a beautiful butterfly.
As one preacher preached at
a funeral, he said when people
asked him why it had to happen
to their loved one – he explained
it in a beautiful way. He said that
God was looking for that special
person that he needed to choose to
complete his beautiful bouquet of
souls for that day and your loved
one was that lucky person.
So while you are drinking your
morning cup of coffee or watching
the morning news, take a moment
to say a prayer or spend a moment
of silence to pay respect to those
special people and their families
who are in harms way and still
serving our country.
43
Cadet Recruitment at Alliance Air Show
Fort Worth Diamondback Composite Squadron
Not long ago, the Today
show and other morning news
programs reported the Civil Air
Patrol’s search and rescue opera-
tions and involvement in search-
ing for the famed downed air-
craft pilot. Our own South Fort
Worth Diamondback Composite
Squadron, whose Commander
is Captain Jay Workman, has
been participating in recruiting
our local youth and adults at the
Alliance Air Show each year since
I have been a member.
At the 2008 Alliance Air
Show at least three aircraft used to
facilitate search and rescue mis-
sions were on display at or near
45
By 2nd Lt. Sharron Stockwell
the CAP Mobile Command Post.
Officers and Cadets were acces-
sible to the public for distribution
of CAP materials, and answering
questions about aerospace educa-
tional opportunities, rescue mis-
sions, college benefits through
Cadet Programs, fire rescue train-
ing, emergency medical train-
ing, leadership programs, safety
awareness, radio communication,
disaster relief training, orientation
flights (actual flight time in air-
craft), and much more.
The first female Thunderbird
pilot started as a CAP Cadet in her
youth. The Squadron Cadets had
the chance to meet and talk with
her last year while she visited the
CAP booth. Since CAP’s inception
in 1941, the Civil Air Patrol is one
of our society’s best-kept secrets.
It should instead be one of todays
most sought after membership
organizations. It is truly a privilege
and an honor to become a member
for pre-teens, teens, young adults
and adults of all ages. If you had
a disaster or emergency in your
neighborhood, wouldn’t you want
a CAP member on your street?
Remember that today’s Cadets are
tomorrow’s leaders and could be
the person who rescues you after
a disaster.
45
 Ft. Worth Hosts June SAREX
By Capt. Laurie Prior

F
orty-six names were on the
sign-in sheet Sat. morning
June 28, 2008, at the JUNE
SAREX-WAX located on Grand
Prairie Municipal (KGPM). Due
to weather there was no flying on
Sun., but there were 20 air sorties
totaling 18:53 hours on Sat.
Five aircraft participated
in the WAX from Fort Worth,
Georgetown, Addison, Grand
Prairie, and Mesquite. The IC
was Capt. David Medders with
Lt. Col. Owen Younger (Group III
Commander) as Dep. IC.
Maj. Garrett Sager,
Commander of Fort Worth Senior
Squadron, was at the heart of the
operation as Planning Section
Chief. Under Garrett’s supervision was 1st Lt. Tom Dowdy, FWSS, as
Air Ops Branch Director with 1st
Lt. Jaret Burgess, FWSS, assist-
ing. 1st Lt. Mike Paris, FWSS,
was Briefer.
TX Wing Senior Administrator
Sandy Ellis attended the WAX
observing and receiving feed-
back regarding the paper flow.
She enjoyed being at her first
WAX and wanted to see if there
was anything she could do to help
make the paper flow more stream-
lined and efficient.
As a debrief item, Maj. Garrett
Sager said preflight planning was
identified as an area that needs
improvement and that FWSS will
schedule training to increase its
planning skills and proficiency.
Twenty sorties in one day is
an enormous amount of training
accomplished. It was a great oppor-
tunity to grow and stay ready.

47 47
Ft. Worth Cadet Reaches for the Stars
and is Honored for simply following his Dream
1st Lieutenant Sharron Stockwell
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Devon Conerly
of the South Fort Worth Diamondback Composite
Squadron flanked by Squadron Commander, Captain
Jay Workman, Deputy Commander and father Captain
Graylin Conerly along with Cadet Captain Ron Martin
was promoted to Cadet 2nd Lieutenant earning the
coveted Mitchell Award in a recent ceremony held
before family, friends and squadron members.
Conerly, who is also now the unit’s Cadet
Commander, has climbed through the ranks to become
a Mitchell Award recipient through his perseverance,
resolve, determination, steadfastness and dedication. His father Capt. Conerly who worked at the Fort
He is also an active member of the ARMY JROTC Worth based Lockheed Martin plant has influenced him.
and wants to be a fighter pilot. Cadet Conerly and his family have been involved
He served as a mentor for his fellow cadets and in aviation ever since he joined Civil Air Patrol at the
aims high and is not afraid to reach for the stars and age of 13 and his first cadet orientation flight with
grab the brass ring. Capt. Workman.
Cadet Conerly is also a high school student and In 2006 he first soloed in a glider and was a stu-
member of the Student Council at Crowley High School. dent of then Group II Commander Lt. Col. Thomas W.
Inspiring his fellow athletes where he has served as Bishop in Decatur, TX. While in 2008, he accepted
manager on the football team, basketball team, and even duties as Cadet Commander and achieved his goal of
ran track during his freshman and sophomore years. a powered aircraft solo flight.

Diamondback Squadron’s Second

Mitchell Presentation marks beginning
of Milestone for Cadet Program
Maj. Robert Benton
The South Fort Worth Diamondback Composite
Squadron has promoted another cadet 2nd Lieutenant
with the presentation of the Mitchell Award to Cadet
Chief Master Sergeant Ryan Britt, marking the unit’s
second cadet officer in a recent ceremony.
Cadet Britt was presented the coveted Mitchell award
that includes a scholarship by Group II Commander,
Lt. Col. Donald Windle with the assistance of recently
promoted C/2nd Lt. Devan Conerly in a ceremony that
included the tradition of passing down the rank from one
member to the newly promoted member.
At the ceremony 25 CAP members and family
were present as Cadet Britt walked up to the front of
the room and reported to Lt. Col. Windle followed
by C/2nd Lt. Conerly as unit commander, Capt. Jay
Workman and Deputy Commander for Cadets, Capt.
Michael McDade looked on. Senior Officers, 1st
Lieutenants Troy Fleeman and Sharron Stockwell
took photographs in the room called to attention by
Capt. Workman.
In closing the ceremony Lt. Col. Windle spoke
to both cadet Lieutenants before the attendees of cer-
emony and noted the responsibilities of being Cadet
Officers and wished them both the best.

48 48
Rio del Fierro
Squadron Tours
Simulators at
Sheppard AFB
On Friday August 8, 2008, twelve members of
the Rio del Fierro squadron were guests of the 80th
FTW Sheppard AFB, home of the Euro-NATO Joint
Jet Pilot Training Program (ENJJPT).
The CAP Cadets and Seniors toured the new flight
simulator training facility where ENJJPT pilots receive
introductory and proficiency training on the T-38C and
T-6 Texan II simulators, recently built by Boeing.
Over the next 3 hours, members had the opportu-
nity to receive a basic orientation in the T-38C simula-
tors. Various scenarios were provided, including solo
and formation take-off, solo flying over and through
the Grand Canyon, formation flying, flying through
Rio del Fierro Members Learn About
Landing Zone Safety
By 1st Lt. Lisa Gunnell
Members of Rio del Fierro Squadron learned the
proper way to set up and manage a helicopter land-
ing zone, thanks to a visit from Air Evac EMS in
Wichita Falls. A team from the Wichita Falls base
flew their helicopter to the squadron’s meeting at the
Army National Guard armory. Squadron members
were instructed to remove their caps and remain in a
safe area next to the building. A landing zone was set
up in an adjacent field. After landing, securing and
shutting down the aircraft, members were allowed to
inspect and sit in it.
Following the aircraft familiarization, crew
members answered questions and described the pro-
cedures for setting up a safe landing zone. Pilot Tim
Rogers spoke about the need to give the crew a thor-
ough description of any hazards or obstructions at an
emergency location. He explained the reasons for the
safety instructions the squadron members were told
49
weather and landings.
Rio del Fierro CS Commander, Randy Stafford
said “We appreciate the opportunity to provide this
wonderful experience to our members.” Special
thanks go to SM James Schaeffer, who serves as
squadron Aerospace Education Officer. A former
Captain and pilot in the US Air Force, SM Schaeffer
flew the T-38 as an IP at Sheppard AFB, and also the
C-141. He is currently a T-38C simulator instructor
with Lear Siegler, Inc.
The 80th FTW Simulator instructors and Texas
Wing CAP Group 2 plan to offer this opportunity to
other Group 2 squadrons in the near future.
to follow when the team arrived. Hats are always
removed to keep them from being blown off and cre-
ating a hazard, for example.
Members learned that in remote locations, there
may be few emergency response personnel available
to set up and secure a landing zone and that trained
volunteers make it safer and easier for the helicop-
ter crew. Squadron members received pocket manu-
als for use if they are ever required to assist with an
emergency landing zone.
Flight Nurse Shane Elmore and Paramedic Chad
Conville described their tasks and the training and
equipment required. They explained how their jobs
fit together and how they constantly train and add
new technology and techniques to provide the best
care possible. Air Evac Life Team members were pre-
sented with certificates of appreciation for their gen-
erous support of CAP Aerospace Education.
49
CAF Airsho 2008 - MIDLAND
Civil Air Patrol members
from across Texas provided sup-
port for the FINA-CAF Airsho
2008 in Midland, Texas the
weekend of 19-21 September.
Sixty cadets and 20 senior mem-
bers, Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock,
Georgetown, Midland, Odessa,
and San Angelo provided person-
nel to ensure safety along the taxi-
way before, during, and after the
show, access security at four remote
gates, and recruiting for the Civil
Air Patrol in the Commemorative
Air Force (CAF) Museum.
A close-up and personal look at
many of the finest World War II
era aircraft was one of the ben-
efits of working the Airsho. 2nd
Lt. Artie Riggs, a member of the
By C/CMSgt. Davita Heavener
After driving many hours
through beautiful moonlit Texas,
we finally reached the Texas
National Guard Armory near the
Commemorative Air Force museum
in Midland at 3 am, 20 September
2008. We softly crept into our rooms
so as not to awaken anyone, only to
rise just two hours later. We woke
up bright and early to a wonderful
breakfast that would keep us going
through the hard workday we were
50
Midland Composite Squadron and
Special Events coordinator for the
CAF Air Power Museum lead CAP
members on a tour of the CAF
museum on Saturday evening.
Sunday, the CAF provided cadets
free access to the cockpit of ‘Fifi’,
a B-29 undergoing major renova-
tion at the museum in Midland.
The CAP has provided personnel
support to the FINA-CAF Airsho
for over 25 years with this year
having the most ever CAP par-
ticipants. Lt. Col. Corey Telschow,
senior member in charge of
the event, has quite a few years
experience working the Airsho
as a CAP member. ‘I worked
it as a member of the Midland
Squadron in 1983 as a cadet air-
about to encounter.
After dividing cadets into
flights and making sure they had
plenty of sunscreen on, we marched
them out to the air show grounds.
We did everything that was asked
of us, from guarding the flight line
as CAP security guards to recruit-
ing and handing out smiles to
people who passed by. As the sun
rose higher in the sky, propellers
started spinning and the air show
man!’ commented Telschow.
Midland’s Cadet Capt. Peter
Sunderland, who served as cadet
commander of the two day event,
stated ‘I’ve never seen this many
cadets work so hard all day long for
two days straight.” This was Cadet
Sunderland’s fourth year working
the Airsho, his first as commander.
The highlights of the Airsho
were an F-16 FALCON fly-by
during the National Anthem,
the reenactment of the bomb-
ing of Pearl Harbor, and an A-10
WARTHOG aerial demonstration.
Billeting for the two days was pro-
vided by the Texas National Guard
who allowed the CAP use of their
Readiness Center located near the
CAF Museum.
had soon started.
We saw antique planes looping
the loop, with trails of pale smoke
trailing behind them. Our hearts
would race as a jet would speed
above us, making a sonic boom as it
broke the sound barrier. Especially
for those of us who like fireworks,
the wall of fire is still imprinted in
our minds and the wave of heat still
fresh on our skin.
Continued on page 52 . . .
50
Group I Involved in Simultaneous
Missions at Presidio
While Hurricane Ike was bar-
reling towards the Texas coast,
another situation was unfolding far-
ther inland. A tropical system from
the Pacific was dumping record
amounts of rain in the Mexican
state of Chihuahua, and threaten-
ing to inundate the Las Virgenes
dam which is located southwest of
Presidio on the Rio Conchas River.
Fearing that the dam would give
way, Mexican authorities opened
the floodgates and began releasing
millions of gallons of water into the
Rio Conchas, which flows into the
Rio Grande at Presidio. It wasn’t
long before the city of Ojinaga
was under water, and levees
that protect Presidio were being
breached. FEMA requested photos
of the area and Group I was con-
tacted to undertake the missions.
Shortly after Midland Composite
51
Squadron launched on a photo mis-
sion, Group I CC Maj. Bill Darby
was notified that a Cessna 421 was
missing on a flight from El Paso to
Presidio to survey the damage. On
board were the U.S. and Mexican
commissioners of the International
Boundary and Water Commission.
The Cessna had departed El Paso
to overfly the dam area and then
make a landing at Presidio, and
when they never arrived at Presidio
a search was initiated. The mis-
sion then changed from photos to
search. Crews from Midland flew
that night in an attempt to locate
an ELT signal, and the next day
returned to the area to conduct a
visual search. They were able to
take the photos for FEMA while
searching up and down the Rio
Grande for the missing aircraft.
Sadly, the U.S. Border Patrol
located the wreckage of the Cessna
that afternoon, on the Mexican side
of the Rio Grande.
Two days later, a flight crew
from El Paso Composite Squadron
flew the flood area again to take
more pictures for FEMA. Even
though the Rio Grande was still
well above flood stage, the sand-
bag levees that were put in place
held, and the water levels behind
the dam receded to the point the
Mexican authorities could decrease
the amount of water being released.
The next day, Midland Squadron
flew two NOAA hydrologists over
the flooded area from Presidio to
Big Bend so they could assess the
damages. Group I members par-
ticipating in these simultaneous
missions included Maj. Bill Darby,
Maj. Randy Auburg, 1st Lt. Nick
Roman, and Capt. Bill Johnson.
51
 ing a Cessna 172 type aircraft, which is standard for

An the CAP. We then conducted our pre-flight. We took

a few pictures, and then got down to business.

“O” We were taxied to taxiway Bravo, and were given

safety briefing India. We received permission to take

Flight
off, with the Fed Ex plane behind us. We started
increasing our throttle, rolling down the strip, and
before I knew it we were in the air, rapidly gaining
altitude. As we gained altitude, we headed towards the
western training airspace over Mertzon, 12 miles from
Mathis field Airport, in San Angelo. As we passed over

I’ll Never Forget

By Cadet Senior Airman Brian DeLaughter
Ever since I joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP),
I’ve wanted to fly. It’s been a dream of mine to one
day fly in the United States Air Force, and I believe I
will get there, eventually.
It was the 26 of June, at the weekly meeting just fol-
lowing encampment, and I had no idea we would be told
we were going for orientation flights that Saturday. 2nd
Lt. Augustine, who is our Deputy Commander of Cadets,
basically said “suit up in BDUs on Saturday cadets, your
going on an “O” flight”. I, like Cadets Ferguson and
Levesque, nearly jumped out of my seat.
Cadet Levesque and I were paired off at the 0900
flight Saturday morning. We were told to meet Lt.
Col. Gray at Skyline Aviation, hangar 22. When I
arrived, I met with Lt. Col. Gray and Lt. Col. Nussey.
We went over the exterior parts of the aircraft, what
they do, and how they help us in the air. We were fly-
Lake Nasworthy, we could see all the people at the boat
races that were taking place that weekend.
Levesque and I decided who went first in the front
seat. We decided Levesque would go first because I
was going to take pictures. The view was amazing. I
could see my house. The ground looked like swirls
of trees, lakes, and dirt. It was a little bumpy, but I
liked it. We practiced some 90 degree and 180 degree
turns, some ascents, and descents, and then turned
back to the airport to switch seats. Levesque went to
the back seat, and I went to the co-pilot seat. Finally
it was my turn to co-pilot. I banked a little too much,
but I felt I did well.
I think the back seat was a little too much for
Cadet Levesque, because coming in he couldn’t take
it, and he threw up. Thank goodness for the bag in the
glove box, or he said it would have been my canteen.
Before I knew it, it was over, and we were back on
the ground. We spent a few minutes talking about our
experience to the next cadets who were going up.
The experience was over before I knew it, and my
only though was, “when can I go up again.”

CAF Airsho ‘08 . . .
Continued from page 50
After many hours of working
the flight-line our work was finally
done, and we were ready to enjoy
the freedom and cool air condi-
tioning of our barracks. Everyone
was excited about what would be
planned for the evening of fun.
We decided that food, a movie,
and lots of laughs would be the
thing to reward the hardworking
cadets. Though excitement still ran
through our veins, the short sleep
of the night before did its work and
the cadets hit the sack pretty early.
The next day consisted of
the same work, and an even bet-
ter air show during which we saw
our beautiful Bluebonnet Belle
in flight. Regardless of how dis-
appointed we were at the show
coming to an end, we were ready
to go home after experiencing an
impressive, historical and fun-filled
weekend. I had no idea an air show
could have more to offer than hot
days and the wonder of watching
beautiful objects defy gravity, but
to my surprise leadership qualities
showed up all around me.
Between making sure that
cadets didn’t get run over, or hurt
by spinning propellers, to keep-
ing up the constant smiling, and
checking how red their skin was
getting, the event was very much
worthwhile and held many learn-
ing experiences. The weekend had
offered much more than just planes
flying about, and I look forward to
returning next year. H

52 52