VOLUME 2 Issue 33 Corpus Christi, Texas 7 & 14 AUG 2007 Keep the Momentum Going and Keep em Flying

This issue
Remarks On Vigilance: The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron Sound Off .....1 CC-CAP Prepares for 17-19 August 2007 SARex..........2 Unit to be visited by Senator Carlos Truan ..2 Kudos to CC-CAP Officers...3 CC-CAP Compliant with Wing Banker Program...3 San Angelo Squadron Tours Johnson Space Center.......4 A little More Bit History, Photos of Coastal Patrol Base 15.5,6,7 So, Just here is Kingsville, Texas..8 CORPUS CHRISTI , TEXAS

If you would like to contribute to this newsletter, please send your article to: jecarrales@yahoo.com Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Remarks On Vigilance: The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron Sound Off

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP Greetings CAP Officers and Cadets, my most dear friends, I want to thank everyone for their dedication to their CAP unit, our CAP unit. I say that in just that way because we have worked together since late in 2005 to build a unit that is in every way ours. Each and every CAP Officer and Cadet in this unit should be justifiably proud of that we have done. Shock of the recent suspension of the of the National Commander by the Board of Governors of the Civil Air Patrol and our recent quest to find a permanent home have drifted over use like dark storm clouds. However, these are also, the best of times for us. Our unit is poised for the most growth we have seen in modern times. We welcome in our new and returning brother and sister airmen. He have no time to focus on the negatives our zeitgeist is to keep the momentum going. I had an opportunity to converse with Col Russ Hodgkin, USAF, the Commander of the CAP-USAF body that oversees CAP. He expressed our task in very eloquent and simple terms. The current situation is serious, Col Hodgkins begins, and has the attention of my superiors at the 3- and 4-star level. But we have advised them to be patient and allow CAP to work this out. So far they are satisfied with this course of action. Col Hodgkins expressed that , CAP-USAF will ensure that "the process" is followed to the letter and the rights of all concerned are to be respected. He went on to express, and has asked me to share this will the CAP Officers and Cadets of the CC-CAP unit... As for you, and the others in the CAP rank and file, the absolutely most important thing you can do now is safely execute the mission. The last thing CAP needs now is a mishap or a mission failure. Imagine the controversy and adverse press attention if we had an aircraft accident on a cadet O-ride. Thus, it is our tasking to insure that the good works of the unit are known as we weather the storm. As for a new meeting place, there are processes in the works hammering that out now. Lt Col Gordie White, of Texas Wing, is awaiting a report from us on possible meetings spaces. 2d Lt B. Sam Kimbrell is working on that. We are also meeting at Signature Air Center at CC International Airport. Let us make a good impression!!!
Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

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CC-CAP Prepares for 17-19 August 2007 SARex

By Major Joe Ely Carrales Texas Wing- One of the on going goals of our unit is to attend the SARex activities of the given quarter. The next such activity is slated for 17-19 August 2007. As was reported in the 31 July 2007 issue of this Almanac, the August SARex will run differently than the usual WING-wide activities in that this SAREX will use an "Area Command" approach with Amarillo to be the wing HQ command post with 4 subordinate Incident Command Posts around the state. The various Incident command posts will have a full staff, with the main command post operational 24/7. All assets will report to one of the command posts, with the exception of El Paso and Brownsville due to distance considerations, they are to operate as a traditional staging area, reporting to their host ICP. The Unit is planning to send its air arm to San Antonio and its cadet/ground resources for additional training in Brownsville. Those in attendance will need to make arrangement for transportation and billeting. Funding may be available to those that choose to carpool to the event provided they respect the spirit of a carpool. One objective of this approach, said Lt Col Eddy Billman Commander of Group V, is to allow for mission base participation to count towards qualification. This is different from standard DSARs. We want to take advantage of this and get folks trained and perhaps signed off on some mission base staff specialties. Aircrew members should expect to fly AND work mission staff to maximize training. Major Carrales has been in contact with Brownsville via Major Juan Arredondo and Major Sean Crandall. Some cadets from the Brahma Cadet Flight may accompany Major Carrales. These details will be finalized at the 14 August 2007 meeting in Kingsville. Final contacts will be made following the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Regular meeting, which will be held at the Signature Air Center at Corpus Christi International Airport at 1900 hrs.

All CC-CAP Cadets and Officers are encouraged to attend this activity. Unit to be visited by Senator Carlos Truan
My Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP Corpus Christi, Texas On 14 August 2007 the CCCAP Unit will be visited by notable community leader Senator Carlos Truan. Truan served more than 30 years in the Texas Legislature as a senator from Texas District 20. The Senator will visit to examine our unit and possibly to assist us in addressing many of our needs. A short staff briefing will be conducted during the General Assembly of the 14 August meeting for the benefit of the Senator. All are encouraged to attend to present the best possible showing. Senator Carlos Truan was born June 9, 1935, in Kingsville, Texas. He received a B.B.A. from Texas A & I University in 1959. Truan was elected state representative for Nueces and Kleberg counties in 1968; after serving four terms he was elected state senator from District 20 in 1976. Senator Truan has been a successful life insurance agent since 1960 and has been active in many organizations. He has served on the Texas Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Contact person for this speaker is Major Fidel Alvarado, Deputy Commander.

Source: 2002 - The University of Texas at Arlington, Tejano Voices

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Kudos to CC-CAP Officers

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP Corpus Christi, Texas- Major Carrales sends out a word of thank you to the CAP Officers and Cadets of the CC-CAP unit who held down the fort while he was in attendance of the PAO Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. A commander finds it hard to be away from his weekly squadron duties, Said Major Carrales, But I rest easy knowing that the unit is in good hands. Major J. E. Carrales and 1st Lt Sandy Phelps traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to represent the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron at the first Annual Public Affairs Officer Academy and the Summer National Board Meeting, respectively. Additionally, 1st Lt Phelps also represented to Unit at the Training Leaders of Cadets pre-conference academy. More on this will be published following Major Carrales and 1st Lt Phelps reports to the unit on said activities. WE had a good meeting turnout on the 7 August 2007, Said Major Fidel Alvarado, Unit Deputy Commander, Three new members. Additionally, 1st Lt. Michael Garmon made a presentation on radio air to ground procedures. Thank to all present that continue to keep the momentum going in our unit. I look forward to meeting the new

CC-CAP Compliant with Wing Banker Program

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP Corpus Christi, Texas- During the final week of July 2007, Lt Col Eddy Billman, Commander of Group V/Texas Wing, put out a reminder about the recent shift in Finance in the Civil Air Patrol. Wing Banking is here., said Lt Col Billman, All units must have their conversions done before the end of August. I realize this may seem daunting. Let's just work our way through this together starting out by taking a deep breath and trying to read through the documents. The announcement for this shift was made public during the last quarter of 2006 and was presented officially to the Texas Wing at the 2007 Texas Wing Conference in Austin, Texas earlier this year. In preparation for this, the CC-CAP unit established a Finance Committee which met in July to discuss the change to the Wing Banker system. 1st Lt Dalia Castro began the paperwork the move and made the necessary contacts. The account was closed and the unit transferred its funds to the WING BANK. On 9 August 2007, while Major Carrales was returning from Atlanta, Georgia, he received confirmation that the Unit was not in compliance with the Wing Bank. A Presentation of that report will be made and filed at the 14 August 2007 meeting of the unit. The WING BANKER program was mandated by the National Headquarters of the Civil Air Patrol to rectify some accounting issues, it consolidates all the capital in the Civil Air Patrols various squadrons so that one might make an accurate reporting of CAP holdings. Stacy Jackson, of National Headquarters CAP, spoke to Major Carrales over dinner on 6 August 2007 and expressed that these actions would allow CAP to be eligible to apply for various grants that the prior accounting system would not allow. 3

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San Angelo Squadron Tours Johnson Space Center

From Texascadet.org SAN ANGELO - One very successful fundraiser and months of planning by senior members culminated in a weeklong camping and education trip to Houston and Galveston for members of the San Angelo Composite Squadron, Group 1. On 15 July, squadron members departed San Angelo for a 2-day stay in the Houston area, where they were treated to an exclusive Level-9, "behind the scenes" tour at NASA's Johnson Space Center (http://www. jsc.nasa.gov/), allowing for a more personalized experience. The group toured the Sonny Carter Neutral Buoyancy Lab (http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/shuttle/ support/training/nbl/), the Astronaut Training Facility (http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/index.html), the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory (http:// Squadron members examine the Saturn V rocket www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/aviation/lab.htm), Space Shuttle Mission Control, Space Station Mission Control, Historic Mission Control (http://www.nps.gov/ history/nr/travel/aviation/apo.htm), and the Saturn V Rocket. On 17 July, squadron members returned to the Johnson Space Center for the tram tour and then it was off to Galveston. The first stop was the Lonestar Flight Museum (http://www.lsfm.org/). Seniors and cadets enjoyed walking amongst an eclectic collection of aircraft on display or in various state of restoration from different periods of American aviation history. The next day, 18 July, the group headed to Galveston's Moody Gardens (http://www.moodygardens.com/) - - a wonderful attraction including a rainforest, aquarium, IMAX and 3-D movie theater, paddlewheel boat ride, and manmade beach and pool. The weather began to deteriorate and upon return to camp, many tents were down, and all had water inside. Some were less fortunate than others, but spirits were not dampened. Everyone pitched in to return the campsite to normal, hoping for better weather the next day. 19 July started sunny, but Galveston's fickle weather produced more rain after breakfast. Another plan adjustment took squadron members to the boardwalk and when the rain subsided, the beach for sand and surf. The 20 July morning weather started clear but a large, ominous cloud loomed on the horizon. Everyone worked quickly to pack vehicles before rain poured from the sky. A lightning storm greeted us heading off the island and rain continued all the way back to San Angelo. Squadron member who participated were: Cadets SMSgt Linden Lansford, MSgt Bessie Knight, SrA Chris Brown, SrA Robert Foate, A1C Cody McCallum, Amn Sean McCallum, and AB Dylan Simkins. Seniors LtCol Don Roberts, Capt Bill Knight, 1Lt Carol Roberts, 2Lt Lisa Knight, and 2Lt Johanna Augustine.

Cadet Amn Sean McCallum examines a control panel in the Historic Mission Control Center

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A little More Bit History

Photos of Corpus Christi Coastal Patrol Base 15 from the Library of Congress
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP During the last part of July 2007, I undertook a big task. That task was to find out a reasonable history of the Civil Air Patrol in Corpus Christi, Texas. It is not all that easy, many records from that era do not exist or were destroyed. Most of us, as per our physical existence, live in the present and dont give much thought to record the regular goings on of what we consider mundane activities. In fact, our own present efforts in rebuilding our Squadron and maintaining it are in danger of being lost to history. If not for a few photos and the occasional story told by the more experienced CC-CAP members, the works and legacy of the unit is in danger of dissolving into oblivion. Because of that simple truism, the task of unAn emblem seen in Corcovering the history of the unit is a daunting one. pus Christi Coastal Patrol photos. A RECAP of COVERED GROUND In the 23 July issue of this Almanac, we traveled back to the 1930s and early 1940s to examine what Corpus Christi was like in those prewar days and even discussed the formation of the Civil Air Patrol taking into account how that process was undertaken in Corpus Christ and the Greater South Texas areae. Meetings had been held at the Plaza Hotel in January of 1942, made more poignant by the events of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Representatives from nearby places like Kingsville and Victoria were present as well as notable names from Brownsville and other parts of Texas, (if you missed that issue, never fear...once this research is complete it will be compiled into a history of the unit) THE MAN WHO SAVED COASTAL PATROL BASE 15 for POSTERITY In this installment I will present some raw photos from the American Memory Project of the Library of Congress and further the story a bit. A search of Civil Air Patrol tends to bring up lots of images for Bar Harbor, Maine, but as one scrolls, the images of Corpus Christis efforts are seen in stunning beauty. Many of these images were taken by photographer John Felix Vachon, 1914-1975, whos papers are archived at the Library of Congress. During this period, Vachon worked as a junior photographer for the Farm Security Administration and later for the Office of War Information. After a stint as a photographer for Standard Oil of New Jersey, he served in the U.S. Army. After the Second World War he went of assignment for the United Nations and snapped photos for LIFE and LOOK magazines. Ironically, sources reveal Vachon had no intention of becoming a photographer when he took his position in 1936, but as his responsibilities increased for maintaining the FSA photographic files, his interest in photography grew. This is fortunate for us, because that interest allows us to have a glimpse into Corpus Christi CAP Operations early in WWII.

John Felix Vachon, as he appeared in 1942. Photo from Wikipedia

The CORPUS CHRISTI DISTRICT OFFICE of CAP OPENS

According to the 4 January 1942 issue of the Corpus Christi Caller Times, Vol. 13, No. 29 page 1A, the Civil Air Patrols Corpus Christi District Office opened on 3 January 1942 at 301 Plaza Hotel. W.U. Paul, the Director of the local District, received applications and fingerprint cards for those interested in joining the nonmilitary Civil Air Patrol. That day, Group Commander H.F. Clark received a call from Civil Air Patrol founder, Gill Rob Wilson that training directors were to leave Washington that week to create a definite training program for the Corpus Continued page 6 5

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Christi District. At that point, the initial meeting had organized 83 pilots for the effort. The 16 January 1942 issue of the Caller Times mentioned a Unified Command that was to be established between the Texas Defense Guards air arm and Civil Air Patrol efforts in Texas. The Matter had been discussed between Maj. Gen John Curry and Governor Coke Stevenson. The climate of the time was geared to Civil Defense with must news stories focusing, justifiably, on war news from the front (remember, WWII began for the US in 1941, but had been waging since 1939 in Europe) and efforts informing people what to do in situations ranging from volunteerism to how to report Axis Aliens who posses Cameras and weapons. It was in this atmosphere that the Civil Air Patrol in South Texas organized.

The Photos of John F Vachon Presented for the readers of this Almanac. I will present them to supplement the history, however, they are images with only the most minor captions and not necessarily in the chronological order of the historical documents presented. In addition to these issues, many do not have exact dates and the persons depicted are somewhat lost to history. As more information is uncovered it is my intention to redisplay the various images with the new information. Again, all of this will be compiled once the project is finished, hopefully by the 70th anniversary of the unit, in about four years.

Corpus Christi, Texas. Mechanics working on the motor of a plane at the Civil Air Patrol base. Note the uniform of the period, flight caps and khakis. At this point, most missions were flown from small airports in private aircraft.

Corpus Christi, Texas. Sergeant Pat Pate, who formerly worked in a law office in Corpus Christi, now a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Notice that she is an enlisted member based on the chevrons and also sports the CAP shoulder patch. The Wing Patch that would replace this in later years.

Continued page 7 6

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Corpus Christi, Texas. Major W.G. Green, who was formerly an oil man in Tulsa, now a commander at the Civil Air Patrol base. Maj. Green wears the RED EPAULETS and aviators wings of the period. CAP was given the right to wear US Army Air Corps Style uniforms to afford them protection from summary execution as spies under the Geneva Convention.

Corpus Christi, Texas. First Lieutenant R.V. Montague, who formerly had a hospital in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, now a doctor at the Civil Air Patrol. Dr. Montague also sports the RED EPAULETS of the period but also some sleeve badges indicating his status as a SUB HUNTER. The poster in the background is commonly reproduced today.

Corpus Christi, Texas. Lieutenant Ronnie Durham, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, instructing flight officers in radio telephone technique. Radio work was key during the Sub Hunting days. It is hoped that , in he course of research, the location of this building can be discovered. It is interesting to see the 1st Lt Mike Garmons WWII era counterpart.

Corpus Christi, Texas. Sergeant Pat Pate, who formerly worked in a law office in Corpus Christi, now a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Sgt Pate was a local, many of the others photographed we not.

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BRAHMA CADET FLIGHT LOG

KINGSVILLE, TEXAS Tales of the Civil Air Patrol from the Heart of the Wild Horse Desert

So...Just where is Kingsville, Texas?

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Kingsville, Texas- Many folks have asked about the Brahma Cadet Flight and where it is in relation to Corpus Christi, Texas. The following are maps of the region to show where his element of the CC-CAP Squadron actually is. Kingsville is located South West of Corpus Christi on US Highway 77. It is the home of Texas A&M University Kingsville with its Engineering and Pharmacy School, the world famous King Ranch of the Running W and Naval Air Station Kingsville. There had once been a CAP unit in Kingsville, however, it did not survive into the 21st Century. In April of 2007 efforts were made to rectify that situation. It is hoped that a Cadet Squadron might develop in that -Semper Vigilans

community with in the next year.

BRAHMA CADET FLIGHT PERSONNEL

CAP Officers Major Joe Ely Carrales Commander, Corpus Christi Comp Squadron 1st Lt John Hoelscher Personnel Officer; AE Officer, Christi Comp Squadron Major Paul Treptow: Group V Assistant COMM Officer

Cadet members Cadet Airman Bryce A. Nix- Flight Cadet Commander Cadet Airman Michael Beal Flight Element Leader Cadet Airman Chelsie Skarda Flight Logistics and Supply Cadet Airman Morgun Bedynek Flight Admin Cadet Airman Basic Emily Garcia Flight Public Affairs Cadet Airman Basic Celeste Resendez Flight cadet

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Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Almanac

14 August 2007

CC-CAP GOALSTHIRD Quarter 2007 Goals: Unit autonomy and implementing 100% unit recruiting growth holding Dec 2006 numbers as the starting point. THIRD Quarter All pilots, when qualified, will be required to fly 2 hours per month and attend monthly Stan/Eval meeting. Capt Bazemore will arrange the Stan/Eval meeting on a night other than the regular meeting night to focus on safety of flight and mission issues. Ground Team goals will be developed. All pilots as of Dec 2006 obtain a current BFRFORM 5 Lt. Hoelscher and Lt. Garmon FAA pilot proficiency (Wings Program) required for all pilots. In Progress 4 Pilots MS qualified 1st Lt Jerry Lunceford. All Unit pilots as of December 2006 qualify as Form 5 CAP Pilots In Progress Capt Bazemore and 1st Lt Lunceford have Form 5 4 Additional Mission Scanners In progress, Capt Bazemore has qualified (large push to qualify membership) 5 Additional UDF qualified CAP Officers/Cadets Cadets in Kingsville continue training, training is begun in Corpus Christi/awaiting Training Activities Addition of 3 GT3 members drawn from the UDF qualified Setup a Stationary COMM set up Resolving Antenna Issues Mid-year Banquet/Picnic In Planning Recruit more Pilots, CISM, Cadets and Ground Resource personnel Cadet Growth at Kingsville & CC Attend all Third Quarter DSARS In Progress, Unit prepares to attend August SARex Conduct communication drills to test the hardware and train the squadron on use of equipment and proper communication protocols., ACCOMPLISHED Identify and develop plans to setup land based communication needs for mission base located at Robstown Airport. Bolster CISM In progress, Lt Phelps to attend CISM Activity

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14)

CORPUS CHRISTI COMP SQUADRON EMERGENCY SERVICE RESOURCES by QUALIFICATON MEMBERSHIP Total Membership: 31 Level I membership: 16

CAP Officers: 19 Cadets: 12 Cadets with Curry Achievement: 6

EMERGENCY SERVICES Qualified GES: 17 Qualified OPSEC: 25 DEPLOYMENTS THIS QUARTER: 1 GROUND RESOURCES Urban Direction Finding: 6

Skills Evaluators: 11 SAR-EX: 0

Ground Radiological: 1

AVIATON/FLIGHT OPS RESOURCES CAP Airplane Pilots: 2 CAP Command Pilot Rated: 1 CAP Transport Pilot: 2 FAA Wings Program: 2 Mission Pilots: 1 Mission Scanners: 6 Mission Observers: 1 CAP Air Crews: 1 Cadet Orientation Pilot - AFROTC 1 Cadet Orientation Pilot--Grp 2 1 CAP Instructor Pilot - Airplane 1 COMMUNICATONS Basic Communicators: 12

Advanced Communicators: 1

Mission Radio Operators: 5

The new aircraft maintenances rates effective 1 March 2007. Cessna 172 rate is 30.00 Cessna 182 rate is 41.00 Gippsland GA8 rate is 37.00

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