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WINTER2007

In this issue . . .

H International Air Cadet Exchange . . .

H Galvan’s Flying Knights . . .

H National Powered Flight Academy . . .

. . . And Much More!

Space Shuttle lands at Amarillo Airport.

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

HEADQUARTERSTexas Wing, Civil Air Patrol

USAF AuxiliaryP. O. Box 154997Waco, TX 76715

Please send articles and digital photos for publication to:

woteditor@yahoo.comPlease do not insert thephotos into the articles,

rather make the articles and photos separate attachments.

Col Joe R. SmithCommander, Texas Wing

Maj Patricia P. DarbyEditor, Wings Over Texas

For information onAdvertising Rates and SpacePlease Call 1-800-635-6036

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

Continued . . .

IACE Cadets Visit Central Texas

C/SrA Evan Petrosky, Pegasus Composite Squadron

The International Air Cadet Exchange was the first major event that I partici-

pated in when I joined CAP a year ago, when my family hosted two exchange cadets. We had a really fun time and learned a lot about different cultures and countries. Just like the cadets at my national activity last June, the exchange cadets were a great group of peo-ple. I was excited to hear that our squadron would receive IACE cadets again, and that my family would host two of them this year.

The exchange cadets had already been to Dallas and Houston before arriving in Austin

Wednesday night. Everybody met at Maj. Richard Pope’s home, where I met cadets from Ghana, the United Kingdom, and Turkey. My family would be hosting a cadet from the United Kingdom, Josh, and an escort from Dallas, C/�nd Lt. Brandon Maso.

After we left Major Pope’s to grab a bite to eat, I started learn-ing about life in England and the differences in culture. It was a great start to an event-packed very long weekend.

Thursday we took a trip to San Antonio, where we took in the mall on the River walk. Next came our

Group photo at Callahan’s, a store known for its Western clothing and riding gear.

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trip to Randolph Air Force Base, where they train flight instructors on how to teach new pilots. The aircraft that fly out of there are the T-�, T-6 Texan II, T-�8, and T-4�, all of which were seen flying that day. Our tour of the base started with the main office building they call the Taj Mahal because of its odd shape (since it also encloses the water tower that is so well hid-den you’d never know it’s there unless some one told you).

We went to the top of the tower and could see the whole base. The view was nothing less than perfect as T-6s and T-�8s took off and landed. The base’s other attrac-tion was the opportunity to fly a T-� simulator. The instruments looked a lot more complex than the Cessna I’m use to flying in. Everybody did one time around the traffic pattern, it was fun, and all the cadets talked about their simulator flight afterwards.

Friday was a great day. Nothing says Texas better than a trip to the State Capitol. We took a tour of the building, including a visit to the room where the gover-nor signs bills to enact them into law. The desk and chair where he sits were a popular photo attrac-tion. Our time ended there with a trip to the Secretary of State’s office, where we met a dignitary who works there. He gave us knowledgeable insight into Texas politics, and the problems con-cerning the state on a local and

national level. The IACE cadets were amused by this discussion.

Our next destination was the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry. It consists of displays and artifacts from wars dating from the Texas Revolution to WW II. It is a very interesting place to visit, with many dioramas and historical artifacts around.

The final stop on Friday was to Callahan’s General Store, where the exchange cadets received cow-boy hats. This, by far, was the most amusing time for them. They wanted to be real cowboys and cowgirls, which they hoped they could accomplish by wear-ing the right garments. The day ended with a trip to Lakeline Mall, where the cadets once again shopped for hours.

Saturday was a stress-reliev-ing day. Schlitterbahn is always a great time. Some cadets were astonished by how the water slides actually shoot back uphill. Best of all, thanks to plenty of sun blocker, nobody got “cooked.”

Sunday we went to the San Marcos Airport where the cadets enjoyed O-Rides offered by the Tex Hill Composite Squadron and flown by Capt. Dave Badal and Capt. Don Hart. The other cool part of this side trip was that we were allowed to hang out in the Commemorative Air Force’s hangar at the airport. Inside the hangar they had a B-�5, several T-6s, and many WW II aircraft.

It is quite remarkable to see these planes, still in flying condition, sixty-five years after they were built. Everybody enjoyed seeing the planes and getting the O-Rides on the Tex Hill CS’s Cessna �7�.

That night was the farewell dinner at the Tres Amigos res-taurant, in Wimberley. That was a bittersweet moment, since it reminded all of us that the good times were coming to a close. The final pictures were taken as the cadets shared their gratitude with Lt. Col. Debbie French and their host families. The four days they spent in the Austin area had gone by far too quickly.

After participating in national activities for a while, within my limited experience, I’ve noticed a pattern. Taken as a whole, they are fun. The people I’ve met are great and the activity itself, whether it’s been a flight academy or an IACE visit, are pretty much dream vaca-tions. National activities are a truly unique experience that every CAP cadet should strive to attend.

IACE Cadets Visit Central Texas . . .Continued

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5 5

Continued on page 13 . . .

Each year Cadets between the ages of �7 -�0 years of age who are interested in the field of aviation are selected to participate in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE). Essentially this program is designed to promote character, good-will, and cooperation among the world’s civilian auxiliary avia-tion constituents. Participants come from a variety of places such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Cadet Corps, Civil Air Patrol and other equivalent groups in other nations. This year the cadets vis-ited Sheppard Air Force Base, TX home of the 8�nd Training

aspects of history to include how Col. Edward C. Black became Sheppard’s first commander on July �6, �94�. George L. Strader, Chief, Office of History then guided students to a confer-ence room where they watched a video which depicted Sheppard AFB, TX as one of the busiest in the nation.

Ms Debi Smith from Sheppard’s Wing Public Affairs office gave a windshield tour of Sheppard covering brief high-lights of history and how most media stories now are available online. After receiving lunch, par-ticipants were driven to the 80th FTW where group photos were taken by T-�7 and T-�8 aircraft.

Captain Dorson of the 89th FTW then provided a tour of the Life Support and ENJJPT flight room and explained what pilots in training go through on a day-to-day basis: “studying, test-taking to flight planning…” Capt. Dorson stated that as stu-dents pilots fly more hours, they then progress to the next level to expand their flight training.

Probably the most exciting feature of the IACE itinerary was the tour/rides in T-�8 simula-tors. IACE members from United Kingdom and Canada were in

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

By Captain Michael A. Reese

Wing and 80th Flying Training Wing Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program which had its inception in �966.

Participants from the IACE and CAP members from both the Texas and Oklahoma wings were in attendance as the itinerary for the day kicked off with a tour of the Sheppard Heritage Center. With its legacy “Training Today for Tomorrow” participants were reminded why the Heritage Center was a place where the past and future meet. Historian, Dwight Tuttle, PhD gave a �0 minute museum tour covering various

IACE members Nel Ben Ami (Israel), Dana Viskin (Israel) and Victoria Gibbs (United Kingdom) listen intently as a Team Sheppard member explains operations at the Sheppard Tower.

7 7

Continued on page 17 . . .

Civil Air Patrol bid a fond fare-well and safe landing to Brigadier General David Lee “Tex” Hill. The World War II triple ace passed away at his Terrell Hills, San Antonio, Texas home on �� October �007.

David Lee “Tex” Hill gained renown as one of the United States’ most capable and adven-turous pilots during World War II. Gen “Tex” Hill is listed in the National Aviation Hall of Fame. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star, Chinese Order of the Cloud Banner 4, 5 & 6, �-Star Wing Decorations, Chinese Victory Medal, and the British Distinguished Flying Cross.

Brig. Gen. Hill’s most recent award, the Distinguished Flying Cross, was awarded at a banquet in San Antonio, Texas. The award citation specifies that Gen. Claire Lee Chennault rec-ommended Hill for the award 59 years ago following an aerial battle with Japanese fighter pilots while successfully escorting a group of bombers on their mission.

As a member of the Flying Tigers formed by Lieutenant General Claire Chennault to fight Japanese fighter squadrons over China, Hill flew in Curtis p-40s and served as both squadron leader and flight leader with the �nd

Civil Air Patrol Bids Fond Farewell to Brigadier General David Lee “Tex” Hill

squadron. After �94�, Hill was com-

missioned in the U.S. Army Air Force to activate the 75th Fighter Squadron, known as the Flying Sharks, to continue his work in the skies over the Pacific fighting as part of the ��rd Fighter Group. By �945, Hill was credited with at least eighteen confirmed aer-ial combat victories (more than twenty probable victories). He went on to join the Texas Air National Guard, gaining the rank of Brigadier General.

After joining the U.S. Air Force Reserves in �95�, Hill came to Brooks Air Force Base in �954 as commander of the 8707th Pilot Training Wing. There he flew North American T-�8 Trojans while training reserve pilots. Hill remained in the active reserve until �958, and retired from ser-vice in �968 with over �,500 fly-ing hours.

Brig. Gen. Hill continued to serve his community during his

retirement. He continued to fol-low the changing technologies of aviation and the modernization of the U.S. Air Force. Hill articu-lated pride in the achievements of the U.S. Air Force at a Civil Air Patrol awards dinner held by his namesake squadron in �005.

Former Squadron Commander Capt. Tom Adams, currently sta-

tioned in Iraq, wrote: When I took over the

Squadron in �00�, I wanted to rename it because I thought that San Marcos Composite Squadron did not reflect our mission, as we covered most of central Texas. The P-40 at CAF hangar has a “Tex” mark-ing. That was the first spark. Dick Rossi, who is Flying Tiger Ace, put me in touch with General Hill. (In) the first contact I had with

him, he asked, “ Why would you want to name your Squadron after an old broke down fighter pilot?” Gen. Hill was made an Honorary CAP member. I last heard from him on �5 Sept. �007 when he told me he was praying for me and to come home and visit.

A close friend of the David Lee “Tex” Hill Composite Squadron current commander, Captain David Badal ensured that General Hill

By Captain Robert Spiegel

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9 9

How do you prepare for the unexpected? Helping to assess such a situation, rendering assis-tance, and paving the way for the quickest and most effective recov-ery possible would be the job of the Civil Air Patrol. This is why the. Civil Air Patrol trains con-stantly, at all levels.

Saturday, September �5, �007 was a nearly perfect day for flying at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as six CAP airplanes sat in a neat line, awaiting aircrews. CAP personnel had arrived from as far north as Tyler, and as far southwest as San Antonio. This was one of three key places in Texas where the normal weekend routine would be altered.

Friday afternoon, in prepara-tion for the Wide Area Exercise

Preparing for

DisasterCapt. Arthur E. Woodgate

that was to take place, the Austin Mission Base communica-tions officer, C/CMSgt. Michael Moody, assisted by Capt. John Benavides, had set up a 90’ folded dipole radio antenna on top of the TXDoT building. This would be needed in order to operate the CAP radios that were to be used during the exercise.

On this weekend, a Wide Area Command Post would function at Addison, TX, which would coor-dinate and direct the activities of three satellite units. Located in Austin, Houston, and north of Dallas, each one of these three

semi-autonomous locations would operate as Incident Command Posts and concentrate assets from a much larger part of Texas.

The first aircraft to take off, with Maj. Dan Williams at the controls, was sent on a long-range mission to coincide with its actual destination of El Paso, TX. There, Maj. Williams, commander of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, would land and report for duty as he takes on a week-long commitment to participate in Exercise FALCON-VIRGO. Soon after, the remaining CAP planes got their aircrews and flew off on local missions of their own.

Since there were no ground teams available for this exercise, all operational activities would be restricted to air sorties. By early afternoon, the previously clear skies had given way to bro-ken clouds. This was a relief for those on the ground, but at times it limited air-to-ground visibility. In spite of this, air missions were completed and observation objec-tives were met.

During the last few years – from the point of view of the subordinate Staging Areas

Continued on page 33 . . .

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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.

On �5 July, squadron members departed San Angelo for a �-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, allow-ing for a more personalized experience. The group toured the Sonny Carter Neutral Buoyancy Lab, the Astronaut Training Facility, the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory, Space Shuttle Mission Control, Space Station Mission Control, Historic Mission Control, and the Saturn V Rocket.

On �7 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. Seniors and cadets enjoyed walking amongst an eclectic collection of aircraft on display or in various state of restoration from different peri-ods of American aviation history.

The next day, �8 July, the group headed to Galveston’s Moody Gardens - - a wonderful attrac-tion including a rainforest, aquarium, IMAX and �-D

San Angelo Squadron Tours

Johnson Space Centermovie 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 oth-ers, but spirits were not dampened. Everyone pitched in to return the campsite to normal, hoping for better weather the next day.

�9 July started sunny, but Galveston’s fickle weather produced more rain after breakfast. Another plan adjustment took squadron members to the board-walk and when the rain subsided, the beach for sand and surf.

The �0 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 members who participated were: Cadets SMSgt. Linden Lansford, MSgt. Bessie Knight, SrA Chris Brown, SrA Robert Foate, A�C Cody McCallum, Amn Sean McCallum, and AB Dylan Simkins. Seniors Lt. Col. Don Roberts, Capt. Bill Knight, �st Lt. Carol Roberts, �nd Lt. Lisa Knight, and �nd Lt. Johanna Augustine.

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

Squadron members examine the Saturn V rocket.

By 2nd Lt. Johanna O. Augustine

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awe as they each received basic instruction and actual fight time.

To wrap up the day partici-pants were split into two groups and given a courtesy tour of the new Sheppard Tower. Equipped with high tech, state of the art features, participants learned that Sheppard AFB plays a key role in organizing the safe flow of arriv-als and departures in a fast paced environment. This tour proved to be very unique in that participants got the chance to separate theory from reality. This rare opportunity afforded participants with a rare, but memorable opportunity to see what happens in the real world.

Although the Sheppard itin-erary finally drew to a close, all participants including IACE, CAP and Team Sheppard members gained a renewed sense of respect and understanding for each other. The respect, goodwill, friend-ships, and continuous collabora-tion re-affirm why Sheppard plays an integral role in continuing it’s legacy “yesterday, today and tomorrow.” H

International Air Cadet Exchange . . .Continued from page 5

On �5 August �007, the Tuskegee Airmen held their tradi-tional Youth Day at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, TX, with a large crowd in attendance. All branches of the military were represented. Civil Air Patrol cadets from local squadrons, especially the Addison Composite Squadron, provided security, parking assis-tance, crowd control, and an Honor Guard. JROTC Army, Navy, and Marine Corps cadets from local high schools were also there. It was time for the young to honor the aging Airmen. The Army cadets staged a march-ing and rifle drill demonstra-tion; the Sea Cadets piped the Airmen aboard as they made their way to the stage; and the Young Marines provided cer-emonial escort and security.

This day had been a very long time in coming; some sixty years and counting, in fact. Starting in June, �94�, and ending in �946, against the odds, nine hundred and ninety four bright young Americans (who happened to be black) graduated from aviation training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama, earned a U.S. Army commission and Army Air

Corps silver wings, and went on to serve their country with distinc-tion and true heart.

Today’s event honoring the Tuskegee Airmen was the cul-mination of a two-year process, which started when the Civil Air Patrol’s Southwest Region aligned itself with the North Texas Tuskegee Airmen, in honor of Capt. Claude Platte, USAF (Ret), himself a Tuskegee Airman and for whom the chapter has been named. This alignment came about thanks to the concerted efforts of Colonel André Davis, Major Pat Benoit, Lieutenant Colonel Larry Mattiello, and Master Chief Dale Dixon, U.S. Navy.

This informal union has proved beneficial to both orga-nizations. The Tuskegee Airmen have been able to reach a wider audience, and the Civil Air Patrol has profited by increasing its num-bers with aviation-minded new volunteer members. Both orga-nizations, in effect, bridge a gap between history, dreams, and the reality of offering young people a conduit for their personal develop-ment through membership in the Civil Air Patrol.

Honoring the Tuskegee

AirmenCapt. Arthur E. Woodgate

�4 �4

More does not always mean better. Never take over-the-counter medicines for longer-or in higher doses-than the label or the doctor advises. If any symptoms do not get better, than you need to see your doctor.

No matter what types of discomfort you are having, there usually is a OTC (over-the-counter) drug that can help.

Keep in mind drugs sold over the counter also can have potential side affects and can also cause harm. If used incorrectly, they can cause serious illnesses.

Here are some points to ponder to help ease your pain and your mind.

• If you have gout or diabetes or are taking a prescription blood thinner, do not take any products containing aspirin without checking with your doctor first.

• Be sure to call your doctor if nauseated or vomiting before using any kind of laxatives or antiemetics.

• Avoid medicines that treat sleeplessness if you are taking prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. Also do not take any sedating medicine while flying or driving or using heavy equipment.

• Never give any medicines to children without checking with your doctor first.• Read the label every time you buy nonprescription drugs, even ones you have taken before.

Labels change as new information becomes available.• Check with your doctor before using nasal decongestants if you have diabetes, heart

disease, or thyroid problems, or if you are taking a prescription medicine for depression or hypertension.

• Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any OTC pain relievers or fever reducers if you drink alcohol of any kind. These include acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen, and naxproxen sodium.

Shelley B. Thibeau, BSN, RN, C, Margaret Pizzitola, RN, C, Kathy Bell, aprn, nnp, Dawn Ricouard, BSN, RN, C, Hartley G. Ginsberg, MD and Mersina Lawrence, PharmD, all at Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans reiterated organizational safety cultures are needed to increase awareness of the need for medication safety.

Remember if your taking over-the-counter medicine or prescribed medicine always check with your doctor to avoid potential side effects. As always put SAFETY first in all things we do.

References1. Health Matters (Fall 2007), Precautions with OTC Medicine 2007. Web=www.medicalcenterofplano.com2. Advance for Nurses (Sept 2007), Improving Medicine Safety 2007. Web=www.advanceweb.com/nurses

Take Caution When Taking Over-the-Counter Medication

By Lt. Col. Melanie CapehartTexas Wing Safety Director

�5 �5

At the beginning of the glider academy I told you that this would probably be the most intense week of your life. I knew this because I attended my first glider academy as a �6-year-old cadet 40 years ago. I saw you leave a week later a changed cadet and a new pilot. You really enjoyed yourself and you were rightly proud and excited about what you had done.

Truthfully, you don’t truly realize what you have accom-plished. Things were happening too fast for you to fully understand what you were learning and doing. As the sands of time pass you will look back and wonder, “How did I do that” or exclaim “I learned that at the academy.” Since a few months have passed, let’s look back and see a few of the things that you learned, what you over-came, and see how your academy will affect you in the future.

Two of the biggest things that you had to do that week were to give your total commitment and to overcome your fears. Your flying experience was limited and some of you had never even flown. The beginning of the week was filled with excitement and wonder and it left you a bit scared and doubting your ability to learn to fly. Lots of expectations were placed on you and you had to mature quickly. The days were long and filled with responsibility. You overcome your fears though and I saw your deter-mination and confidence grow each day.

You formed and bonded into flights and quickly mastered the procedures for safely launching,

To a . . . . . Cadet Glider Pilotretrieving, moving, and secur-ing the gliders. You strapped in pilots and launched gliders mak-ing sure that everything was safe and secure. Your head was always moving and you made constant calls, “glider on down-wind” or “towplane on final” so that everyone would know what was going on. The days were long and busy and you handled the pace of operations safely, competently, and efficiently.

You quickly became a pretty good micro-meteorologist too. You learned about wind and ground speed by watching cloud shadows move across the ground, and observing your ground speed changing around the pattern. You learned to anticipate and correct for cross and gusty winds on take offs and landings. You learned about lift from soaring with hawks and sink by having to adjust your pattern as you flew in and out of thermals in the pattern.

You learned things that only a glider can teach. After seeing the adverse yaw produced by those big long wings you learned what the rudder is for. That simple piece of yarn called the yaw string taught you about coordinating the con-trols. A glider’s instruments lag waiting for gravity to catch up and you learned to fly by sight, feel, and sound looking at the instru-ments only after they had settled in. Pilots have argued the point for years, you learned without a doubt that pitch controls airspeed and your dive brakes (throttle) control altitude. These skills will serve you well in your career and when

you will fly with those who have not mastered these basics you will shake your head in wonder.

You truly excelled in two areas of flying. You mastered taking off and following that towplane on a �00’ piece of rope. This was the scariest thing you had to learn and your greatest struggle to overcome. You did it though and for that you should be very proud; learning the aero tow has shown you that you can handle anything that life throws at you. There is something else too; you are probably the only pilot in your squadron who can do this? Pretty amazing isn’t it. There is something else to take pride in. The FAA requires you to land and stop a glider within �00’ for your private pilot’s license. You didn’t know this, but that canopy on the flight line was your �00’ mark. By the time you soloed we made sure that you could hit that mark every time. It is a joy to watch you enter the pattern, set your pitch attitude, move your hand to the dive brake and then confidently and safely fly to that spot; your head on a swivel looking where you want to land with your left hand making fre-quent yet subtle dive brake adjust-ments to get you there. Your abil-ity to learn and master glide path control to a spot landing never ceases to amaze me. You will see airplanes floating down the run-way or coming in much too low in the future and wonder why?

That is enough about the fly-ing. You probably haven’t been out in the country much. Those views, the quiet, and the stars at

By Maj. Randy Auburg

Continued on page 31 . . .

�7 �7

Tall, steel communication towers are an essen-tial part of our nation’s communications grid. The devices mounted on them bring entertainment, news, emergency alerts and telephone service to millions of homes and businesses. Without them, wireless internet and cell phone service would be impossible. But, these same towers can present serious hazards to low-flying aircraft, especially if they have not yet appeared on navigational charts. For student jet pilots and instructors at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, the need to know where towers are located is especially critical. Their training routes can take them below �000 feet above the ground, at speeds in excess of �00 miles per hour. At those speeds, a pilot might never see an obstacle before he hits it. Collision avoidance must be planned in advance.

Fortunately, Civil Air Patrol has been making these training routes safer. Aircrews from Amarillo in Group � and Denton, Ft. Worth, Sulphur Springs and Wichita Falls in Group � flew sorties from early April to early August to locate new towers, mark their position by GPS, describe them and report this vital information to the Air Force. The search grids can only be flown on weekends, because the Air Force trains during the week and bad weather created other delays, but the project was completed before the August �� deadline. According to Project Officer, Maj. Larry Gunnell, over �00 sorties were flown, covering �6,000 square miles, an area roughly the size of Indiana.

Coordinating this project required many hours

Texas Wing Makes Sheppard AFB Training Flights Safer

of planning, helped by the special expertise of Capt. Ronald Van Steijn. Capt. Van Steijn is a member of the Royal Netherlands Air Force and Rio del Fierro Composite Squadron in Wichita Falls. As a T-�8 instructor pilot, “Ron” provided valuable experience and insights for planning the mission and also assisted as an aircrew member. Special thanks also go to �st Lt. Randy Stafford and �st Lt. Jeremy Humphrey for many hours of work on administrative and after-action reports, as well as being aircrew members. The efforts of all who participated in this project are deeply appreci-ated by the instructors and students at Sheppard AFB.

Mission Pilot trainee Capt. Ronald Van Steijn flies a sortie.

highest caliber,” Governor Rick Perry said. “Whether he was fly-ing from the decks of a carrier as a naval aviator, fighting with the legendary Flying Tigers of the American Volunteer Group, winning a Distinguished Service Cross, or commanding the first jet unit in the Army Air Forces, he always led from the front.”

A Fond Farewell . . .Continued from page 7

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was laid to rest at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery. At the funeral service on �5 Oct, the flag was folded and �-star General Looney presented it to Mazie Hill. A ��-gun salute was rendered and taps played, then Amazing Grace on bagpipes closed out the service.

“Tex Hill was a genuine American hero and a Texan of the

stayed informed of the squadrons accomplishment until his passing.

Captain Badal paid the squadron’s respects to the fam-ily, wife Mazie, and daughters Shannon Schaupp and Loma Skinner. Services were held at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. Brigadier General Hill

By 1st Lt. Lisa Gunnell

�9 �9

Major Gary Nussey, Safety Officer, presented the National Civil Air Patrol mandated safety briefing to San Angelo Composite Squadron members on 8 Sep �007. In accordance with National Headquarters, Major Nussey covered a myriad of topics to included personal, family, and aircraft safety.

The briefing began with a reminder to squadron members to exercise care in their activities around their home and to generally be aware of their sur-roundings. Citing a safety briefing on poisonous spi-ders from a few months ago, Major Nussey spoke of a recent, personal experience about an encounter with a black widow spider and how one must be careful while working in the yard.

Another topic covered was how a family could prepare for a catastrophic event. West Texas is in tor-nado alley and everyone should have a plan in case of an emergency, severe weather or otherwise. Major Nussey solicited ideas from the audience who pro-vided suggestions on what to do if family members became separated and what items to have available if water and electrical power was unavailable.

Next on the agenda was aeronautical safety. Major Nussey explained the safety issues surround-ing the tragic accident of the Civil Air Patrol aircraft in Wyoming resulting in the death of three Wyoming members. Pointing out information about local con-ditions from a news report, he explained how condi-tions such as temperature, load, humidity, and actual altitude could have affected the flight characteris-tics of the Cessna �8�. Additionally, he stressed how squadron pilots should remind themselves to priori-tize activities within the cockpit of the aircraft and to concentrate on the safety of flying the aircraft over other activities.

Major Nussey also explained the safety issues surrounding the crash of two helicopters in Arizona. The accident between two news helicopters following a police car chase were unaware that they were in the same air space. Pilots were not only responsible for flying, but reporting the events on the ground. Pilots were once again reminded that flight duties take pre-cedence over all other activities in the aircraft and to

avoid multi-tasking when possible. The briefing concluded by outlining the Civil Air

Patrol Safety Pledge:“As a Civil Air Patrol member I pledge to promote

an uncompromising safety environment for myself and others, and to prevent the uncompromising safety environment for myself and others, and to prevent the loss of, or damage to Civil Air Patrol assets entrusted to me. I will perform all my activities in a professional and safe manner, and will hold myself accountable for my actions in all of our missions for America.”

In attendance for the National Safety meeting were Group I Commander, Major Bill Darby, San Angelo Squadron Commander, Major Maurice Clement, Lt. Col. Dana Gray, Larry Gray, and Tom Strickland, Capt. Bill Knight, �st Lt. Denise Lansford, �nd Lt. Johanna Augustine and Lisa Knight, and Senior Member Dave Augustine. Cadets in attendance were Senior Master Sergeant Bessie Knight and Linden Lansford, Senior Airman Matthew Barnes and Robert Foate, Airman Dylan Simpkins, and Airman Basic Sonja Hernandez.

Maj. Gary Nussey commenting on a photograph of two helicopters crashing mid-air.

San Angelo Safety DayBy 2nd Lt. Johanna O. Augustine

�0 �0

sion for the U.S. Marines and the United Kingdom, and the “car-rier variant” (CV) version for the U.S. Navy. “I had no idea there were three very different kinds of fighter jets being built for this pro-gram,” commented one of the CAP adults in attendance. The cadets and adults had some g o o d questions for Diehl, a retired U S A F c o lon e l , who once v i s i t e d Phoenix to give the squadron a fascinating briefing about employ-ing F-�6s in the Gulf War. Diehl, who has 5,000 hours in fighters, enjoyed telling Phoenix about the “5th Generation” Lightning II jet. “A very attentive group of young men and women to give a briefing to,” commented Diehl.

Following the briefing (includ-ing some interesting videos of the F-�5’s sensor and weapon systems capability), the visitors were split into two groups, one to go on a factory tour and one to visit the

On a warm Saturday in July, fifteen members of Phoenix Composite Squadron were treated to a visit to one of the world’s largest fighter plants, Lockheed Martin (LM), located in western Fort Worth. Squadron Commander Major Rubby Smith, 6 other adults, and 8 cadets (including � young prospective member) were hosted by the company for the half-day visit. They received an interest-ing, in-depth mission capabilities and overview briefing on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)—the F-�5 Lightning II, got to visit and fly in one of the F-�5 cockpit simu-lators, and had a one-hour tour of the mile-long production line.

Billy Diehl, LM Business Development, who interfaces with the Air Force customer for the F-�5 program, gave a 45-min-ute overview on the three differ-ent aircraft variants—the USAF “conventional take off and land” (CTOL) version; the “short take off, vertical land (STOVL) ver-

Phoenix Visits Huge Lockheed PlantBy Bob Russell

Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) F-�5 cockpit simulator.

Providing the instruction and education at the simulator were two other experienced aviators. Lt. Col. Mike Skaff, Phoenix Deputy Commander for Seniors, who leads up the F-�5 PVI product team, led half the cockpit dem-onstrations, and Lt. Col. USAF (retired) “Stormy” Boudreaux, who leads the Man-in-the-Loop (MITL) simulation team for veri-fying the F-�5’s combat capabili-ties, led the other half of the dem-onstrations. “It is always fun to show off the F-�5 cockpit to peo-ple—and especially my squadron. We did this three years ago and it was such a success, we planned another visit,” explained Skaff, a former F-�6 pilot. Boudreaux, who also flew fighters in the Air Force, offered, “I had fun talk-ing to the unit a few months ago about flying the U-� and SR-7� aircraft, so I was happy to be part of today’s program.”

(The F-35 flying near the plant): “Phoenix CAP members were able to see how the 5th generation F-35 Lightning II fighter was produced, the first test airplane shown here in its maiden flight on 15 Dec 2006.”

�� ��

mented Russell. During the tour, the visitors heard the plant’s his-tory, got to see several high-pres-sure, high-temperature autoclave ovens that “bake” the composite materials used on the three air-craft, were able to see how the three main sections of the F-�5s are put together using advanced radar and laser technology, viewed an amazing “robotic” forklift and how it will lift and move huge jigs around the plant, and got to see the “moving production line” that will allow LM to produce �0 Lightning II aircraft each month when full-scale production begins.

In addition to the main factory area, Russell took the visitors to the F-�6 final production area in a modernized hangar near the mile-long factory. “Since we have only one F-�5 that is flying and the oth-ers are not completely developed, visiting the F-�6 hangar allowed the squadron to see what a fully-designed fighter looks like,” explained Russell. About 4,�00 F-�6s have been produced for �5 nations over the last �0 years and the plant continues to build them for a few nations while ramping up the F-�5 production.

Following the briefing, tours, and cockpit demos, the unit received some complimentary posters and pins, then departed the plant. “Boy, this was a great way to spend a Saturday,” smiled one young cadet as he and his father handed in their visitor badges to the LM security offi-cers. “Just great!”

H

Phoenix Visits Lockheed . . .Continued

Most of the adults and cadets had time to “take a spin” in one of the many F-�5 simulators and experience a taste of what it will be like to fly such an innovative, advanced tactical fighter. “It was really cool,” said one young cadet. “The colored glass displays made it almost like a video game!” Another cadet was speechless, his face beaming when he climbed out of the simulated ejection seat. After half of Phoenix visited the cockpit while the others were doing the factory tour, the two groups switched.

“Welcome to one of the most advanced, largest defense plants in the world—a factory one mile long, a quarter of a mile wide, and six stories tall—which has been in continuous operation since early �94� and has produced over 8,500 aircraft,” announced Lt. Col., USAF (retired) Bob Russell. Russell, the PAO for Phoenix, is a member of the Lockheed Aeronautics Fort Worth MITL team and spends many hours fly-ing various simulators. “Lockheed has �45 buildings on about 750 acres, encompassing about 7.5 million square feet of engineer-ing, production, and simulation space for the development and production of the F-�6, the F-�5, and part of the F-�� Raptor (which is assembled in Marietta, GA),” said Russell, a former F-�5 pilot, as he led each group of Phoenix members on the tour.

“I give lots of tours to visitors to LM and it was fun to be able to let my fellow squadron mem-bers spend a half day here,” com-

The Midland Civil Air Patrol worked crowd control at the CAF Airsho on September �9-�0, �007.

The Commemorative Air Force of Midland puts on an awe-some airshow every year with aircraft from WWII to present. Airsho is an event to commemorate the veterans that fought in historic wars such as Vietnam and World War II. There were lots of added attractions, like flights from F-�5s and F-�6s, and in previous years, we have had F-��7 stealth fighters and even the Blue Angels!

Midland hosted five squad-rons this year, Odessa, Amarillo, Georgetown, Cleburne, and Grandbury. This year, for the first time, we used radios to keep in contact with the base leadership.

Because of the awesome lead-ership, the Civil Air Patrol side of this event ran fluidly, efficiently, and in a very organized, military manner. We had time for getting to know the people that we were working with which made for a great time.

I made some new friends, and had a great time seeing the airshow.

I was given a wonderful oppor-tunity to act as part of a team, which was out there to promote and enforce public safety.

The Civil Air Patrol played a critical role in this operation, I have no doubt that I will never for-get this experience.

ByC/SSgt. Christopher J. Lien

Midland Squadron at Airsho 2007

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Nighthawk Composite Squadron recently hosted a two-day Texas Wing-

Group II Cadet Observation Flight event at Denton Municipal Airport which was held in conjunction with the unit’s regularly sched-uled squadron O-flights. Over the course of two busy Saturdays in July, �9 cadets from eight dif-ferent squadrons were provided with hands-on flying experience thanks to volunteer CAP pilots from within Group II.

Prior to the flights, Cadets received classroom instruction in basic aircraft ground school. They then moved to the ramp for detailed preflight inspections. Five CAP aircraft were utilized and kept both cadets and pilots active over the course of the two ten-hour

Nighthawk O-Flight Extravaganza

days. Flights were coordinated and launched from Lt. Col. Don Windle’s spacious hangar.

From an organizational view, considerable effort from many Senior CAP volunteers was essen-tial to initiate and sustain such a successful, large scale activity as the Nighthawk undertaking. Ground transportation, paperwork, flight scheduling, safety, commu-nications, food and fuel are just a few of the challenges. However, from the cadet viewpoint, it’s all about the excitement of flying.

C/Amn Taylor McNeill is typical of those cadets who gath-ered for what was, for many, their first flight in a CAP aircraft. Her comments are typical of many CAP Cadets.

“As cadets from eight different

squadrons gathered, we enjoyed easy camaraderie in the hangar’s cool breeze. We visited about the planes, uniform tricks, and recent encampments. Senior members also shared with us stories of their love of flying and their lives as pilots.”

C/Amn McNeill related how, “We cadets first learned to go over the preflight check list. Once that was completed, it was off to the runway where we learned how to takeoff. Paired cadets took turns in the front seat where we assisted in the take off and experienced flying by taking control of the yoke. After taking to the air, our flight path turned west toward Decatur. After circling over the Decatur airport, we headed north toward Gainesville. Landing at

Gainesville, we got a drink, cooled off and then it was back to the plane for the return trip to Denton by way of Decatur. Immediately after touch down at Denton Airport, we piled into the van and enjoyed a tour of the Denton control tower. This was a unique opportunity to see what goes on in an air-port tower. Thanks to the staff at Denton Airport, cadets got to see first hand how they control aviation traffic. Afterwards, we visited the vintage aircraft at the Hangar �0 Museum.”

By C/Amn Taylor McNeill & Maj. Monte Miller

�5 �5

The ���st Search and Rescue Flight of the Civil Air Patrol was designated a squadron and renamed the ���st Johnson County Composite Squadron to represent the greater Johnson County community and the squadron’s �� members.

���st Johnson Co. Composite Squadron has been in continu-ous operation since �958 and has held three unit names since its inception: Cleburne Composite Squadron, ���st Air Search and Rescue Squadron, ���st Search and Rescue Squadron and later flight. The names selected reflect-ing the roles and changes in the unit during 49-years of service.

The squadron has been involved in a rebuilding effort since June �007, coupled with an appointment of a new unit com-mander. Captain Robert Benton was appointed commander of the ���st SAR Flight in late June �007. Benton, an active mem-ber for over seven years, serving on the squadron, group and wing levels of CAP, launched an active recruiting and fundraising effort

The squadron held a Safety Day and Open House on �� October �007 in conjunction with the Cadet O-Flights that were held during the day bringing atten-tion to Flight Safety in the air and on the ground while inviting the general public to learn more about Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet and Senior opportunities.

Johnson County Squadron Receives Designation and holds Safety Day and Open House

Fort Worth Senior Squadron members Capt. Thierry Champailler and �st Lt. Karen Slater briefed the five Cadets and six Senior Members in attendance on the ground before the Cadet O-Flights commenced on the ramp in front of the unit’s hangar where two corporate aircraft were parked. �nd Lt. Jaret Burgess, Capt. Mark Burgess and �nd Lt. Michael Paris assisted during the briefing and throughout the day.

Champaillar and Slater walked around the aircraft point-ing out and demonstrated how to check for potential safety issues on corporate aircraft and aircraft ramp conditions in general when operating an aircraft in the area and what precautions to take.

During the afternoon family,

friends and visitors from Johnson County area visited with flight members and learned more about the CAP Cadet Programs, as well as Emergency Services and Aerospace Education.

The visitors watched the Cadets take flight in the C-�7� and C-�8�, visited with the Cadet Color Guard team practicing and talked to members of both the ���st SAR and Fort Worth Senior about CAP.

By Capt. Robert Benton

�7 �7

I drove out to Bishop Airport (76T) Tuesday morning, �4 July �007, not only to watch Lt. Col. Zoeller take a check ride for Glider Instructor but also to participate as wing runner. Lt. Col. Zoeller and I watched Carol Walker, Designated Pilot Examiner fly into Bishop Airport from Midway Airport in her Citabria �50S. Carol has twenty years of glider experience and has much expe-rience towing banners. She is a wonderful lady and showed a lot of interest in the TX Wing Cadet Glider Flight Academy.

Before the flights we received a safety briefing from Maj. David Kinney, CAP, tow pilot, and Lt. Col. Zoeller. David is a very expe-rienced pilot and tow pilot with

Lt. Col. Jim Zoeller (FWSS) Earns CFI – Glider

over five thousand tows, one thou-sand in the CAP program. David joined CAP in �97� and is a mem-ber of the Denton Nighthawk CS and is DO for Group II. Lt. Larry Vieregge received instructions for the relay person and I received instructions for the wing run-ner. Jim and David covered every aspect of the flight because safety is primary; aircraft left, glider right; rope break at �00 feet, and other emergency situations. (Trivia note from David....spell Citabria backwards. Close anyway.)

Lt. Col. Zoeller received a Commercial Glider Rating in December �968 and has around one hundred and fifty flights. Jim is experienced on both ends of the rope with over two hun-

dred and fifty tows, most during the last four years in the CAP glider academy.

Jim, as Project Officer, and David are gearing up for the upcom-ing Group II hosted TX Wing Cadet Glider Flight Academy, 4 Aug. - �� Aug., located at Bishop Airport, Decatur, TX. It fea-tures one week of ground school, designed to teach the principles of glider flight, FAA regulations and safe ground and flight operations. The flight training covers all sub-jects required for glider flight operations per FAA and CAP regs and SSA (Soaring Society of America) recommended safe ground and flight operations. There will be ten cadets attend-ing requiring thirty flights each to solo.

One of the wonderful benefits of aviation and CAP is you never stop learning! CAP offers many opportunities to get involved in diverse activities, and not only to continue your own education in aviation but to help others pur-sue their dreams. Hats off to Lt. Col. Jim Zoeller who never stops learning and giving. Jim said, “I hope this is the last certification ride of my life!” That remains to be seen. Just like “I am going to retire from SimuFlight in twelve to eighteen months” remains to be seen. Thank you for your dili-gence and faithful service to CAP and your country!

By Capt. Laurie Prior

�8 �8

Group II cadets with great anticipation and pilots with con-cerns about the weather showed up early Saturday, �� July �007 at the Nighthawk Composite Squadron’s hangar at Denton Municipal Airport, Denton, TX. Cadet Orientation is designed to introduce the cadets to general avi-ation through hands-on orientation flights in single engine aircraft.

Capt. Thierry Champailler, nicknamed Champ, Fort Worth Senior Squadron, was the Project Officer for the Cadet Orientation weekend. Based on the response Champ had received, he was expecting about �4 cadets and even contemplated canceling after speaking to a wx briefer (low

Twenty Six Group II Cadets Attend

Orientation Flight Weekend

clouds). Much to his surprise he found a hangar filled with around 50 people! Champ and �st Lt. Karen Slater, Fort Worth Senior Squadron, flew the Regional �8� in from Meacham. Maj. Alan Kinsey and I, Fort Worth Senior Squadron, also flew in from Meacham (FTW). �st Lt. Steve Hudson flew in from Sulphur Springs and Maj. Larry Gunnell flew in from Wichita Falls.

Eight pilots with �6 cadets flew �9 flights with a total of �� hours of flying time. Also assisting were �� Senior members which facili-tated in a smooth flow and efficient operation. SM Tom Dowdy, Fort Worth Senior Squadron, was there early and handled the sign in table

and provided support for parking some of the planes. Tom and Karen Slater answered many questions while Champ briefed the pilots. Chaplain Alan Kinsey started us off with a prayer and crews began to launch at 9:00 am. While pilots were flying cadets, Karen Slater was briefing the next cadets to fly. She provided preflight training and answered questions which resulted in less ground time.

Champ, with the assistance of the senior members, did an excel-lent job keeping the cadets mov-ing and learning by providing new experiences and opportuni-ties. When cadets were not fly-ing or being briefed, they went to tour the tower and got to see some aviation history at the Hangar �0 Flying Museum.

Considering this was Champs first time to be a Project Officer, he did an outstanding job. It was a successful operation which equates to learning, new experi-ences, happy pilots and smiling cadets. Champ’s impression of the day was, “Lots of good people working hard; coming together to give the cadets the ride of their life. I saw their happy faces when they got out of the planes and I was very proud to be part of this. It was just incredible. To me, this was a perfect example of teamwork.”

By Capt. Laurie Prior

�9 �9

Eleven cadets from all over Texas attended the TX Wing Glider Flight Academy, 4 Aug - �� Aug., at Bishop Airport, Decatur, TX. Hosted by Group II Commander, Lt. Col. Tom Bishop, who also instructed along with Project Officer Lt. Col. Jim Zoeller, Ft. Worth Sqn. and Maj. Randy Auburg, Midland Sqn. Tow Pilot was Maj. David Kinney, Denton Nighthawk CS. Keeper of the logs and radios was Capt. Leonard Saddler, Victoria CS. Capt. Saddler also was known as the “Mom after dark”. Capt. Dianne Wieman-Deyeso, Squadron Commander of Alamo CS, pulled a trailer from San Antonio with a glider on it that she and her squadron spent one and a half years restoring.

These gentlemen and lady bring an abundance of CAP years and an abundance of glider and powered aircraft experience to the academy. The number one goal at the academy is safety. Everyone participating in the academy is safety minded, has a servant’s heart, teaches safety and strives to con-tinue to be incident free every year.

Maj. Auburg said that CAP gave him an introduction into avi-ation as a cadet when he attended a CAP glider academy in �967, 40 years ago in Reno, Nevada. He holds a Commercial License, Instrument, CFI, SEL, Multi, Glider and is a Wing Check Pilot and Squadron Commander. He says that the glider experience really helped him advance in aviation. He has participated in National, New Mexico and Texas Glider Academies. He has 650 hours in

TX Wing Cadet Glider Flight Academy

a glider, �000 flights, �000 tows. Maj. Auburg was very proud of the cadets saying how much they have learned and developed during the week. They work hard keeping the camp clean; pulling the gliders in and out of the hangar. They develop good stick and rudder skills and learn to judge the weather and the effect of wind.

All eleven cadets soloed by 7:�0 pm Friday �0th. Each cadet had to have a minimum of thirty flights; the total: �60 tows. During a brief-ing I heard Lt. Col. Bishop tell the cadets, “You are ready to solo when you can do three TO’s and landings without me saying a word!”

Cadet Russell Elliott was all smiles when he talked about expe-riencing a real rope break. He said, “I had a good tow, lined up straight; when I reached the han-gar, the rope snapped. Instructor Randy remembered an old landing field by the house; we landed and pulled to a stop in Lt. Col. Bishop’s front yard!” I think he will remem-

ber that for a long time.Cadet Ghenesis Cordero

earned the nick name “Breaker”. She said it was her fault that the rope broke, being too high. She said, “I was scared at first but I made a perfect landing!”

I’m sure, just like Maj. Auburg 40 years ago, that one week at TX Wing Cadet Glider Flight Academy will have a positive impact on the rest of their lives. Hats off to the staff that unself-ishly gave a week of their summer to impart to these cadets the skills and knowledge that they can use for a lifetime. A special thank you to the Bishops for opening their home for the academy. Not only is it hard work for every one but it is a great deal of fun for the cadets and the staff. You can see the joy and excitement on their faces and hear it in their voices. Is there not a cause? Yes, to give to someone else what you have received and help fulfill a young person’s dream or even destiny.

By Capt. Laurie Prior

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On �8-�9 August �007, for the first time, Texas Wing ran a decen-tralized Wide Area Exercise (WAX) that met with good initial results. For the last few years, the wing had been practicing the Distributed Search and Rescue Exercise (DSAREX) concept, where a central Command Post coordinated the actions of one or more remote Staging Areas, each with a Staging Area Manager. This represented an improvement over the previous concept, which called for concentrating all assets at a single location, then operating from that location as a single mission base with a single incident commander.

The flaw in the Distributed Command concept is that “targets of opportunity” are often missed because the Staging Area Manager must obtain specific administrative and command authorization before executing them. On the other hand, concentration of all assets represents a waste of resources, time and effort, in a state that – at �67,000 sq. miles – is larger than many nations (New Zealand, for instance, is slightly smaller than Texas).

An improvement over the Distributed Command concept is the Area Command, where a centralized Area Command Post exists, but the Staging Areas are now replaced by Incident Command Posts (ICPs), which are considerably more autonomous. This exercise, that received over-

Developing the Concept of Area Command Operations

Capt. Arthur E. WoodgateParts of this article were contributed by 1st Lt. Kelly Castillo,

Black Sheep CS PAO

all direction from the Amarillo HQ Area Command Post, demon-strated that Texas Wing can make the Area Command concept work.

Over the weekend, in spite of unfavorable weather, the Waxahachie ICP managed to com-plete �9 air sorties and �6 ground sorties. On Saturday, over 60 CAP members were signed in at the ICP in Waxahachie. The results speak for themselves – the added complex-ity of being a very large state with a wing that has almost 80 squadrons can be managed effectively.

During a sortie, these aer-ial photos of the Spring Creek Crossing bridge, spanning Grove Creek in North Waxahachie, were taken in order to establish whether the bridge might suffer damage from rising waters – a conse-quence of recent torrential rains that had fallen upstream.

The Waxahachie ICP, at the Mid-Way Regional Airport in Midlothian, had the following squadrons participating – Black Sheep Composite Squadron (CS) of Mesquite, Addison Eagles CS, Crusader CS of Grand Prairie, Gregg County CS, Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron of Austin, Waxahachie Talon CS, Tyler CS, and Red Oak Cadet Squadron, all from Group III. Also participating was the Mineral Wells “Phoenix” CS, near Ft. Worth and part of Group II.

night were something weren’t they? How about the food? Wasn’t it something to have home cooked meals every morning and evening? Jeanne really works hard to make sure that you have plenty of good food to fuel your long days. Isn’t Leonard the greatest? The truth is, he probably enjoys the academy more than you do. We gave you the responsibility for running the flight line and Dianne, Tom, and Elmer were always there if you needed them. You didn’t see Dave much; he made most of the tows for you. Towing a glider is one of the toughest, physically draining, and most thankless missions in the CAP but Dave comes back year after year because he takes joy at seeing you grow as a pilot. Your instructors are special too and are some of the best. The backseat of a �-�� is an uncomfortable place but they wouldn’t trade the view from back there for anywhere else. It is from there that they see the won-der of a gangly teenager growing the wings of a true pilot. What a sight it is to see.

About the AuthorMajor Randy Auburg attended the national glider academy at Reno-Stead airport in 1967 at the age of 16 and earned his private glider license there. Although he hasn’t flown gliders every year since then, he always returns to his soaring, his first love in flying. He has over 2,000 glider flights and over 3,000 as a tow pilot. This year’s academy was his 5th and he looks forward to many more in the future. H

Cadet Glider Pilot . . .Continued from page 15

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Saturday October 6th, �007 started off with a very incon-venient surprise, an unwelcome morning rain. The down pour greeted the nearly ��0 drowsy cadets with fury while the wind made it all the colder and miser-able. The cadets had no option but to stand down and wait until the rain ceased. It seemed to last for-ever but was truly only an hour.

With the sun suddenly beam-ing down on Ellington Field, the pilots, cadets, and many oth-ers began growing thirsty with this new warmth. With noth-ing to quench their thirst, they called out to the Hydration Team. Under the supervision of Lt. Col. Robert Wolin and WOH’s Debbie Gierman, the two Co-Commanders C/�nd Lt. Kayla Renee’ Davis and C/�nd Lt. Brandii Re’Ann Davis, TX448, kicked into high gear

CAP Cadets Help Wings Over Houston Air Show

along with the cadets and seniors from Colorado County Composite, Ellington, Thunderbird, Sheldon, Sugarland, 7/6 Air cav, Black Sheep, Delta, and Spindle top squadrons to name a few.

Cadets and seniors served in a variety of different areas at the Air Show such as: Metro Park and Ride, VIP Tent, CAP booth, Red Cross Tent, Press and Prime View, flight line marshalling and crowd control.

At the CAP booth, cadets were helping with demonstra-tions including both emergency procedures and aerospace edu-cation. Additionally, they were talking with civilians about the benefits of the Civil Air Patrol’s membership program. Two CAP airplanes, a Cessna �8�, with a Garmin �000 glass navigation system and a GA-8 Airvan were

placed at the CAP booth as exam-ples of the vast subjects CAP teaches its cadets and seniors.

WOH’s staff utilized the CAP cadets flight line marshalling skills. Cadets and seniors working the flight line, acting as a human path for the pilots required both concentration and maturity. These cadets were highly sought after and received the highest praise.

The finale for the cadets and seniors was a special event organized in the Warbird area. The bonus was the Canadian SnowBirds, who were the main act of the air show. The Snowbirds held a private meet and greet session with the cadets after Saturday’s show and Master Corporal Tim Collis, Snowbirds Deputy Crew Chief, provided the cadets with a tour of the Snowbirds’ CT-��4 Tutor jets.

H

– Texas Wing had been operating by establishing an elite mission base staffed by qualified personnel, who were charged with the main task of concentrat-ing most administrative tasks at that headquarters. This arrangement left a number of remote Staging Areas free to “work the field,” but it also provided few opportunities for additional personnel to become qualified in these critical staff positions – which in turn resulted in a relative shortage of mission staff personnel. The Wide Area concept of operations

Preparing for Disaster . . .Continued from page 9

seeks to rectify this by multiplying available oppor-tunities for training on mission staff positions, decen-tralized across the State.

The weekend provided unexpected lessons of its own. In some instances, senior personnel were unable to participate and others rose to fill those positions. This proved that although more training in these areas is still necessary, Texas Wing has many members who, in a pinch, can take over and get the job done.

By C/2nd Lt. Brandii Re’Ann Davis

�5 �5

On July ��, �007 Colorado County Composite Squadron - TX 448 honored their first two Cadets to receive the prestigious Billy Mitchell Award.

The ceremony was held at the Colorado County Court house where Judge Al Jamison and Major Dennis Cima, Group IV Commander presented cadets �nd Lt. Kayla Renee Davis and �nd Lt. Brandii Re’Ann Davis, sisters from New Ulm, Texas their achievement certificates.

Colorado County Sisters Earn Billy Mitchell Award

2nd Lt. Brandii Re’Ann Davis

L-R C/2nd Lt. Kayla Renee’ Davis, Major Dennis Cima, Judge Al Jamison, C/2nd Lt. Brandii Re’Ann Davis

I spent an incredible week at the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course (AFSCFC) in Vandenberg AFB, CA July �6-��, �007. I met some wonderful cadets from all around the United States, and this activity had the most amazing senior member escorts! All of the adults were willing to play games, and run around with us crazy kids. The accommodations were outstanding, all the cadets were housed one to a room... It was a treat to have my own shower and bathroom, especially after spending a week at NESA with community showers. The Dining Hall, called The Breakers, had won a trophy for having the best food in the Air Force! And it was very good food. We were able to tour parts of the base that is off limits to visitors. We got to see where and how the Air Force trains their personnel for careers in space and mis-sile operations. We visited a launch pad where satel-lites are sent into space and an ICBM missile silo. After that we went to a secured area and saw several types of guns the Air Force trains with: an M-4, a �� gauge shot gun, a Berretta M-9 and a SAW, which is a large machine gun.

The most amazing part of the week was the Huey helicopter ride! We flew all over the base WITH THE DOOR OPEN! We got a quick lesson on how helicopters work, and afterwards were able to sit in

Thunderbird Cadet Attends AFSCFC

By C/2nd Lt. Annabel Andrews

the pilot’s seat and take pictures. On the last day we went to Pismo Beach; we played games in the sand, shopped, and ate at a restaurant close to the water.

I learned about the many jobs the Air Force has to offer for those not interested in aviation. I thought the Air Force was mostly aviation but during this week long activity I learned that aviation is a small part of it. They offer many jobs in aerospace, engineering, planning and administration. I recommend this camp to anyone who wants to be part of the Air Force.

�7 �7

The Group Cadet Advisory council has imple-mented quarterly Recreation Day events modeled on the Brooks City-Base ���th Human Systems Wing Squadron Sports Day.

The idea of a Recreation Day developed from a Cadet Advisory Council (CAC) interest survey. Several responses included a request for a sports day. The suggestion easily matched the Cadet Program’s physical fitness goals and the proposal was adopted at the August CAC meeting.

Held at Group V Headquarters, Brooks City-Base, the all day event is highlighted by the many sports offered to over 50 participating officers and cadets from the many Group V Squadrons. They are introduced to each other in a fun way as they play baseball, soccer, touch football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and basketball.

Lunch, often a cookout, is hosted by Captain Diane Brymer the Assistant Cadet Programs Officer and CAC Advisor. The mid-day break gave the Cadet Commanders time to discuss upcoming programs. The remaining cadets shared their squadrons recent activities and matched faces to e-mail addresses with fascinated delight, “So your aggiefan9�…”

The time spent together brought a better under-standing of the members that make up the Group V Civil Air Patrol team.

Group V Cadet Advisory Council Organizes Recreation Day

By C/MSgt. Melissa Brannon

How do you find a downed aircraft while you are doing ES training? Short of crashing a real airplane, the 7/6 Air Calvary, based in Conroe, TX came up with a unique idea.

They designed a life size target plane fabricated out of sail cloth. Maj. Ted Tessitore, 7/6 Air Cav squadron com-mander and Maj. Ray Hischke designed the simulator based upon the scaled dimensions of a Cessna �7�. Fabricated by Dave Lindsay of Cameron Sails in Seabrook, TX, the simulator has stitched seams and grommets. Maj. Tessitore explained to me that simulators can be made to nearly any size and shape to meet whatever the training needs are.

Find the right location, add an ELT beacon simulator and you have a great training aid that is realistic, flexible and easy to set up. I recently finished training as a scan-ner and used this target. We were told to look for a white airplane on the ground. We picked up a weak ELT signal at the top of our grid pattern and moving just above the grid, suddenly the ELT came in loud and clear. One more pass and there it was, in a clearing near a house. Not easily seen from the west we circled around and began making passes north and south, directing a ground crew to the site.

The �7�ATS, as it is now called, was made near the end of last year. It has been deployed twice with excellent results. It can easily be seen from the air or the ground. “I wasn’t aware of any other simulators until we had this one made. Then, I learned of a target made out of billboard material.” he said. “Our �7�ATS is light weight, easy to carry and pack up. It weighs no more than an average camping tent. With the simplicity of the design the youngest cadets can master it.

The �7�ATS is made of sail cloth material with grom-mets to permit the sections to be easily strung up in trees or scattered and staked on the ground to emulate a broken up or bent aircraft. It can be painted to provide unique makings then easily cleaned at the end of the training exercise.

Adequate precaution should be used when setting out any practice target. In the past, actual missions have been generated from simulated distress signals that were intended to be used strictly for exercise. Notify the local Flight Service Station as to the location, timeframe, and nature of your targets--whether they are electronic, visual, or other-wise. Most importantly, ensure that you remove, dismantle and store your targets when your exercise has terminated.

Doing research for this article I found a few simple ideas for your unit to make simulated targets from simple house-hold items. You can visit the USCAP online Emergency Services page written by Lt. Col. Scott E. Lanis for more information: http://www.cap-es.net/pageuse.htm.

Conroe Squadron Finds the Target

By Maj. Ted Tessitore & Capt Denise Thompson

�9 �9

The Brahma and Corpus Christi Cadets made an impres-sion on the Naval personnel at Naval Air Station Kingsville during a visit in October. Cadets and CAP Officers were to rendezvous at the parking lot of the Wild Horse Desert Crossing Mall on US Highway 77 in Kingsville, Texas. Upon arrival at the parking lot area, Cadet Johnson took advan-tage of the down time to cover Drill and Ceremonies. Johnson gave the commands to form up, marched them single file into the simulator area and then the fun started.

The Cadets took their turns, firing the weapons, take offs and landing from land and from the boat, and of course, crashing the aircraft. It was all caught on camera, thanks to Major Joe Ely Carrales, the Squadron com-mander. The expressions say it all. Some projected surprise, others closed their eyes, some just looked in amazement, but all walked away, thanks to the world of SIMS.

This is a first in terms of numbers. There were �� cadets present, a combination of the Corpus Christi and Kingsville Brahma flights. Camaraderie, cohesion, leadership, disci-pline and a sense of excitement was all there. The cadets were answering trivia questions all

Brahma and Corpus Christi Cadets Visit Kingsville

about CAP. All of the Cadets were interacting with each other. I would say, bonding.

When the SIM time was terminated, two hours of it, the cadets marched single file out into the hallways, through doors that led into Naval student pilots de-brief-ing rooms and at one point in time, eyebrows were raised and “OOOHHH” was heard. The unit had impressed the aviators of NAS Kingsville.

Upon arrival at the Wild Horse Mall, and before all started to load into vehicles to depart the area, the Cadets all surrounded retired USAF

C/AB Christopher Carbajal gives a thumbs up after landing his simulated aircraft on the deck of a simulated US Navy Flat top. C/AB Carbajal was praised for his efforts by base staff.

(retired) Col. Bert Alvarez and thanked him for the great time they were allowed. The unit has been invited to go back another time.

“Kudos to Major Carrales, Lt. John Hoelscher, and the Navy authorities”, said Major Fidel Alvarado, “and to Mr. Bert Alvaraez, the Navy train-ing officer, Navy PAO, the Exec. Officer and last but not least, the Naval Base Training Wing Commander. Not to for-get the parents of the cadets. Without the energy from all of these people, the SIM event would not happen. Credit goes to all.”

Major Fidel Alvarado

40 40

One CAP Officer who is build-ing beyond CAP is �st Lt. Hector Galvan, CAP. Galvan is a teacher at Egly Elementary School in Brownsville as well as a long time CAP member. Three years ago, Galvan pioneered a youth group called The Flying Knights. This is an aviation based club which he created with the purpose to teach young �rd, 4th, and 5th graders the joy of flying with the use of Microsoft Flight Simulator X and Ubisoft IL� Sturmovik.

“Using these two simulators,” stated �st Lt. Galvan, “I can teach students the basic physics of flight (with Ubisoft IL� Sturmovik) at a very early age. More advance nav-igation training is done in FSX. Four of my students have even passed the challenging Private Pilot check ride this year.”

Lt. Galvan calls it challenging because of the age of the student involved. The objectives are kept simple for them: learn how to read

Presenting 1st Lt. Hector Galvan’s Flying Knights

maps, how to take off safely, how to configure a Cessna �7� for land-ing and land safely, how to read and use the instruments which include maintaining altitude, speed, and heading, how to take off and land at another airport in day/night or foggy conditions, and how to do an ILS approach.

Galvan’s father, long time Valley-CAP Officer Lt. Col. “Tino” Galvan, donated an air-plane chair with rails to which Lt. Galvan built a frame for it to hold the flight components. “I’m using a CH Products flight stick with the CH Products rudder pedals” said Galvan, “When a student is accepted into the Flying Knights, they are required to buy a $�0 Saitek ST�90 pro joystick from a local discount store so that all stu-dents have their own controller to attach to one of my �0 computers. It’s an inexpensive joystick that has the needed rudder control.”

The requirements to join the

Flying Knights are high to weed out those who just want to play around. The name Flying Knights came from our school mascot the Shining Knight. “When they leave the elementary school,” continued Galvan, “they are encouraged to join the local CAP cadet squadron in Brownsville. Three of his for-mer students joined this year.”

Galvan supplements the instruction with field trips hav-ing planned this school year trips to the Brownsville CAP squadron at the airport, NAS in Kingsville during Thanksgiving, then to the Tejas RC air show in February, and finally to the Naval Air Station air show in the spring.

The school mascot is a shin-ing knight and Galvan’s group is about flying, so the knight’s hel-met represents our school and the wings represents our aviation club. The logo has been placed on t-shirts for the group member, which the school paid for. The club uniform consists of wood-land BDU pant, combat boots, and the black Flying Knights t-shirt which they wear once a week and to field trips.

“I wanted to make it look like the CAP cadet uniform” said Galvan, “I recently modified the logo by adding the six primary flight instruments around it.” In addition to these efforts, �st Lt. Galvan is a member of the Mid Valley Senior (pilot) Squadron member in Harlingen, Texas, which is a brand new squadron.

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

4� 4�

On �5 August �007, the squad-ron hosted an Aerospace Day for local Boy Scouts, designed to help them qualify for their aerospace merit badge. Kittinger Phantom SS pilots �nd Lt. Richard Hacker and �st Lt. Ferrill Ford, and our own Capt. Len Law and �nd Lt. Joe Merle came to give the classes which included: pre-flight, the principles of lift, forces that act on an aircraft, and much more.

Since we only had the Apollo plane and there were too many Boy Scouts, Pilot’s Choice Aviation, Inc., the Fixed Base Operator owned and operated by Beth Jenkins, offered to help. Ms Jenkins, who is a member of the Commemorative Air Force, is also very active in the community and loves to teach young people all about aviation.

Thanks to her generosity, the squadron was able to borrow four planes from Pilot’s Choice, and the hands-on training went off very well.

After the Scouts had gone through the classroom instruction, they were taken out to the flight line, shown how to pre-flight an aircraft, and then were allowed to do it themselves under the super-vision of a CAP pilot. When all of them had finished a pre-flight, they were taken to see a PBJ, which is the Marine Corps version of the Army Air Corps’ B-�5, a bomber used during WW II. Ms Jenkins is also a member of the Devil Dog Squadron, an all volun-teer organization dedicated to pre-serving, maintaining and flying a

fine example of these old airplanes that helped America win WW II.

When they were done look-ing at the B-�5, they were lucky enough to get a tour of the control tower – recently installed at the Georgetown airport. It is so new, in fact, that it hasn’t been staffed yet. The Scouts were taken to the top, where they could see everything at the airport. While there, they got answers to all their questions, thanks to the airport manager, Mr. Travis McLain, who also told them how all the equipment installed there is used – and how it works.

The participating Scouts ought to be able to get their Aerospace merit badge with no problem. But on top of that, they also got some first-hand experience with aerospace and flying. When they got into the air-craft to do the pre-flight check, the look on their face showed that they would never forget that day.

[�] Kittinger Phantom’s Lt.

Hacker teaches the meaning of thrust. [�] Apollo’s Capt. Len Laws teaches the concept of yaw, roll and pitch. [�] Pilot’s Choice, owned by Beth Jenkins, graciously loaned CAP pilots four planes to be used for preflight instruc-tion for the Boy Scouts. [4] Pilot’s Choice-owned planes, CAP pilots and Boy Scouts start the hands-on training. [5] Apollo’s Lt. Joe Merle teaches preflight. [6] Kittinger Phantom’s Lt. Ferrill Ford teaches preflight. [7] Kittinger Phantom’s Lt. Hacker goes over the pre-flight check list. [8] The Devil Dog PBJ that fought in WW II. [9] Scouts and senior members listen to Mr. Wade Castellano, chief mechanic at Pilot’s Choice. [�0] Kittinger Phantom’s Lt. Ferrill Ford and Apollo’s Lt. Joe Merle teach Boy Scouts how to read a map. [��] Mr. Travis McLain, airport manager, gave the Scouts a tour of the new Georgetown airport tower.

Apollo Squadron Boy Scout Aerospace Day

C/CMSgt. Michael Moody

4� 4�

What is it like to be a C/�st Lt. who winds up holding two very import positions during a Texas Wing activity? Extraordinary! The skills that one can learn from holding a leadership position at encampment open many doors for the rest of one’s CAP career.

Upon arriving at encampment, I was prepared to do my job as a Standards Evaluation Team (SET) member. As the week wore on, I learned how to do my job more efficiently; but then two of my leaders had to leave because of personal reasons, with only two days of encampment left. This required the more experienced remaining staff members to step up and fill the empty positions. I was asked to be the new SET commander, as well as the 4�rd Squadron commander. Of course I said yes, I could not turn down an opportunity that was sure to ben-efit the cadets as well as me.

Serving as the SET com-mander and a squadron com-mander for this past summer’s encampment at Camp Maxey def-initely had a large impact on my leadership skills. More so because I had not expected it, and it also told me that my abilities had been

Waxahachie --

Doing Your Best at Summer Encampment

noticed by my peers. As the SET commander, I

learned that organization and communication were key to get-ting the job done in as short a time as possible. By 0500, the SET commander begins determining how some ambiguous issues of the day are to be resolved. These include the following: which SET members will be grouped together, which flights will be inspected first, which area the flights must report to, and what time each flight reports in for uniform inspections. Once these decisions have been made, the SET commander briefs her SET members on what she determined for conducting uni-form inspections for the day.

After breakfast, the SET team separates each flight’s inspec-tion sheets according to the order given by the SET commander; while the SET commander radios in to the squadron commanders the order of flight inspections for the day. Once inspections are completed, the SET commander begins tabulating flight scores, because this determines which will be named the honor flight of the day. After dinner, the day is finally over for the hard-working

SET commander.As a squadron commander,

I learned that memorization and communication were the key to get-ting the job done right. Squadron commanders are required to mem-orize the drill command script for passing in review (a parade that serves as a graduation ceremony at the end of encampment). Once they have memorized the script, the squadron commanders gather their cadets in flights on the parade field and practice the com-mands, movements, and drill for passing in review. On the parade field, squadron commanders are responsible for calling the correct commands, while keeping their voice under control. After the practice is over, squadron com-manders are free to go about the business of the day.

Overall, being a squadron commander is much less ambigu-ous work than being the SET commander. But, as a Cadet First Lieutenant being able to serve in both positions at the same time, I found the work an enriching per-sonal experience. It was such a wonderful privilege, that it is quite unexplainable!

C/1st Lt. Tiffany Hamm

45 45

Continued . . .

One year ago, I joined the Civil Air Patrol knowing only that it had to do with airplanes. Since then I have learned about its other missions. Flying, however, is what hooked me into joining, and this year I got a chance to do just that.

When I got word that I had been accepted into a national Flight Academy, I was excited. I would be going to Nebraska, where I had never been in my life. In mid-April, I started taking flying lessons to get comfortable with flying and to learn about the aircraft. That’s how, going into the Academy, I had a great foundation of flying basics.

When we arrived, we went into the building with all of the other cadets. It was quiet, but that would be the only time it would be like that at the Academy. The camp director introduced himself and the other instructors before sending us to our barracks. It was just like encampment but, from the outside, you never would have guessed it by the appearance of the buildings. All of the barracks were on pillars that were eight feet tall (I was told that the area is known for its flash floods), and there were picnic tables under them. The barracks had just been refurbished, so they provided a nice place to stay.

Every day we drove forty-five minutes to Fremont, north of Camp Ashland, where our planes were located. There were seven planes,

By C/SrA Evan Petroskyand three cadets were assigned to each plane. My instructor was Colonel Warder Shires. He is a retired Air Force pilot who has flown many historic aircraft that include C-��9s and B-47s. The first day we did ground school and went through the preflight procedures for our Cessna �7�P. On Saturday, the real fun would begin.

Each day, for the next two weeks, we woke up at five thirty in the morning, had breakfast at six, and drove to the airport at six thirty. After four days of this, I could feel the effects of the new routine. Sleeping in the van became a great way to catch up on rest and shorten the trip to and from the airport. Our Academy uniform was very simple: a black T-shirt with the Academy logo that we got issued to us and khaki shorts or pants.

We could hardly wait for our first flying day. Everyone was smil-ing and excited. It was a perfect day to fly, too, and I was anxious to get going. My first lesson went smoothly. We did the four fundamentals and I was happy with my performance, although I’ve had better landings.

The second day was just like the first one, but I did more advanced maneuvers such as stalls and turns around a point. At the end of the les-son we did some touch and go’s and pattern work. These first two flights had been a review for me, thanks to my flying lessons at home, and I

felt that I could solo any day. I told myself to be patient, and concen-trated on learning all I could.

The third day became the best one yet. It was a picture perfect day. I had the first lesson out of my group and it went without any prob-lems. I executed everything Colonel Shires told me to do. For the rest of the day, I hung out with the other cadets at the Fremont CAP build-ing, which is on the airport. Several hours later Colonel Shires told me that we were going flying again.

On my second final, Colonel Grondahl radioed to ask me if I was solo. When I confirmed that I was, he congratulated me. After the second landing, I picked-up my instructor and he looked at me right in the eye and said, “Congratulations!” I parked the plane and Colonel Shires told the TAC Officer to go get the camera. I was the first cadet in my class to solo. I felt relieved at finally hav-ing accomplished my goal. During my solo, I wasn’t so much nervous as anxious. By myself in the plane, I had felt like a flying ace. I had been thrilled at how quickly the plane had taken off, so easily, with only one person in it. When I got back to the Fremont building, I told everyone, “I’ll never forget this day.”

Besides flying and ground school, we spent free time playing football and volleyball. There were also a couple of water balloon fights

CAP’s National Powered

Flight Academy The students and instructors at the CAP National Flight Academy.

47 47

H

When I joined CAP in October of �006, I dreamed of going to this academy. I wanted to be there so badly that I could taste it. Well, I made it. And yes, it was worth it.

The first day was simple. The second day was awesome. We arrived at Brazoria County Airport at 06�0, had breakfast at the Windsock Restaurant, and every day it would be the same: a buffet of donuts, fruit, yogurt, breakfast burritos, orange juice and apple juice. We were amazed at how well we were treated dur-ing the whole camp.

After breakfast, our I/P demon-strated how to pre-flight the airplane, then he let us do it on our own. That was the day I learned you need right rudder to go straight at full power, and that’s because of the P-factor.

Pre-flight, Engine start, Taxi and run-up, Radio communications, Take

off, Crosswind take off, Climbs and leveling off, Straight and level flight, Turns shallow and medium, Steep turns (50-60 degree bank), Descents and level off, Slow flight at 50 knots, Power-off stalls, Power-on stalls, Emergency procedures and forced landings, Turns on a point, S turns, Landings, Crosswind Landings, Go-arounds, Slip landings, Use of flaps, Basic instrument flight (I was the only cadet to practice this in the FA), Parking shutdown and aircraft secur-ing, Collision avoidance, Judgment, and Use of checklist. �5 things I had to do perfectly in order to solo.

The second day was another great flying experience. I got a lot of things down pat that day. For me, the hardest thing to learn on the first two days was to look outside of the cockpit 80% of the time. I found it very difficult because I’ve been playing flight simulators since

I was 5, and for �� years I’ve been used to the instruments telling me what I’m doing.

Tuesday, the third day of fly-ing, was interesting. My instructor took me up just once in the morn-ing, then he had another I/P take me up on a couple of cross-check flights to get another opinion – was I ready to solo?

Now here we are, on the 4th day, the solo day when only 5 out of �5 cadets soloed. For me, this day was both very good and very bad. I waited on a bench for 4 hours before I got to go fly, and in that time � cadets had soloed. At this time of the day, flying can be very bumpy, challenging and difficult.

Later, my I/P told me that no other cadet could have handled the weather conditions I went through and perform as well as I did. I was the third cadet to solo and I was the only one to get all 4s on everything on the �rd day. The next couple of days I helped cadets with home-work and gave them some encour-agement for their solo. On Saturday, the 4-hour ceremony rolled along, my buddy and I got our solo wings, and I can still see my mom’s smile as she pinned mine on me.

In the end, I did better than I thought I would, I really loved it, and now I’m going to work on my FAA pilot’s license. Oh, and by the way, I was the youngest cadet, had the least flight experience, was the second lowest ranking, and had been a CAP member for a much shorter time than anyone else there. Don’t let your expe-rience, rank, and age discourage you. Set yourself your own personal goal, and just go for it.

My Texas Wing Flight Academy Experience

and several parties. One day, they took us to a place called Lonoma Beach, which is a water fun-park. We definitely found great things to do when we weren’t flying.

Our trip to Offutt Air Force Base was a great experience. We ate lunch there and saw some awesome planes. We also went to the Strategic Air Command Museum. Colonel Shires had flown some of the planes that were in that museum. The cool-est planes were the SR-7� and the B-�. Everyone enjoyed that trip.

I had two more lessons that were under an hour, then I was cho-sen to do a cross-country to return my plane. It is based in Chadron,

Flight Academy . . .Continued

C/SSgt. Zach Harvey

Nebraska which is in the Northwest corner of the state. The academy is in the Southeast corner of Nebraska. I flew �.� hours to Chadron. After some free time at Chadron, we returned to the airport and flew back to Fremont. I ended up flying ��.5 hours at the camp.

Everyone soloed at the Flight Academy. At our awards ceremony, I received a completion certificate, a National Activity Ribbon, and my Solo Wings. Camp Ashland had been my home for two weeks, and it was a bummer to have to leave the friends I had made. They had come from all over the United States. Would I ever see them again?

I’ll remember those two weeks for the rest of my life.

49 49

On Tuesday, August ��, �007, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander was awarded the Air Force Sergeant’s Association “Outstanding Non-commissioned Officer Award” for �006. This annual award takes into account outstanding leadership, mentoring, and per-sonal qualities that distinguish the honored person from others. Since there is no local member of the organization, the award was presented to Cadet Alexander by �st. Lt. Harold Parks, com-mander of the Gladewater

Gladewater Cadet Earns Prestigious Award

Corsairs Composite Squadron. Cadet Alexander, who is

starting his senior year in Union Grove High School, currently holds the position of Deputy Cadet

On Saturday, �5 September �007, cadets from the Gladewater Corsairs Composite Squadron participated in their newest aerial adventure. Cadets enjoyed airplane rides provided by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Squadron Commander, �st Lt. Harold Parks.

Gladewater Cadets Take to the Skies – Again 1st Lt. Harold Parks

On that particular day, EAA had scheduled a pancake break-fast and Young Eagle flights and, coincidentally, our squad-ron had also scheduled a flying activity. Therefore, the cadets got to enjoy a good breakfast as well as two opportunities to go flying. The Young Eagles pro-gram – provided periodically by the EAA – is designed to interest young men and women in careers in flying-related occupations.

During our flights, Lt. Parks offered each cadet the opportu-nity to take the controls. On that beautiful sunny morning, depend-ing upon the individual’s previous experience in the air, each could explore dimensions of flight not attempted before. Cadets who were familiar with maintaining straight and level flight (a definite chal-lenge for first-time flyers) could

be introduced to shallow and steep turns. Once they had conquered these, cadets learned to turn to a heading while maintaining altitude. The cadets soon find out that each flight session introduces one or more new challenges.

In the near future, the squad-ron will begin an aerial navigation class. Having learned navigation on the ground, they will be able to apply that knowledge to their needs in the cockpit. The budding avia-tors – and one aviatrix – who par-ticipated in our latest aerial adven-ture included: Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Andrew Alexander, Cadet Airman John Ryan, Cadet Basic Patrick Ryan and Cadet Basic Rebecca Alexander. Also flying with us that morning was a potential new squadron member who enjoyed very much his first ride in a light airplane.

Commander for the squadron. As such, he is responsible for the men-toring, training, and leading of the squadron’s cadets, under the direc-tion of the Cadet Commander and �st Lt. Park’s overall supervision.

Jarrod’s strong performance in the community and in the squadron were key reasons for being selected for this presti-gious award.

The photo shows Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Jarrod Alexander as he receives his award from the Gladewater squadron commander, �st Lt. Harold Parks.

Cadet Basic Rebecca Alexander is at the aircraft’s controls.

5� 5�

On �4-�6 August �007, three members of the Crusader Composite Squadron attended CTEP Airman Leadership School at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. They were: C/AB Matthew O’Brien, C/Amn Kendall Pruitt, and C/A�C Robert Severance IV. The course was hosted by Pegasus Composite Squadron.

The cadets arrived Friday eve-ning for check-in. After making up their bunks, the cadets reported to their first class which was an intro-duction to ALS and overview of the rules. Afterward, they assem-bled in formation and marched to the barracks for evening snacks and working on uniforms. They hit the sack at ��00.

Saturday morning’s reveille was at 05�0. The cadets assem-bled for PT before breakfast. “It consisted of an hour and ten minutes of grueling pain,” said C/Amn Pruitt. Not to be outdone, C/AB O’Brien contributed, “One of the most challenging parts of the school was the PT.” “We did lunges, push-ups, squats, and run-ning two miles,” said O’Brien, adding, “We were sore when we woke up in the morning.”

Yes, PT was truly memorable. C/A�C Severance said, “During PT, we had to help each other and motivate each other.” “It was the first activity for some of the cadets,” said Cadet Severance, adding, “So we had to help

encourage them.”After PT, the cadets show-

ered and changed into BDUs for a breakfast of pancakes and sausages. (They ate everything in sight.) After breakfast they attended classes before lunch, then drill in the afternoon. That evening they had supper, a little more drill before sunset, and then returned to the classroom to write a �00-word essay. The cadets marched back to the barracks for a snack, then back to working on their uniforms. Again, lights out was at ��00.

On Sunday, the cadets got to “sleep in,” as they were awoken

Crusader Squadron Cadets Attend ALS

C/AB Matthew O’Brien, C/Amn Kendall Pruitt, and C/A1C Robert Severance IV

at an easier 06�0. Not to vary the routine, they did PT and drills before cleaning up and dressing in their short-sleeve blues. This time, breakfast consisted of eggs, sau-sage, bacon, biscuits, hash browns, and fruit. All the cadets enjoyed their wonderful breakfast. (“Not enough,” said some, giggling.) Afterward, the cadets drilled, had a class, and went back to the bar-racks and cleaned them up. Now it was time to pack their belong-ings and prepare for the closing ceremony. All Crusader cadets graduated.

5� 5�

The Crusader Composite Squadron recently experienced a part of history as its members par-ticipated in the camping program aboard the Blue Ghost of World War II fame – the aircraft carrier USS Lexington – now permanently berthed at Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Squadron was briefly inducted into the Navy upon arrival, and the squadron members became USS Lexington shipmates for the day. As such, they traded in a familiar language for one that translated floors into decks, wall partitions into bulkheads, restrooms into heads, mops into swabs, and water fountains into scuttlebutts – among others.

The young shipmates and their sponsors were given a sampling of shipboard life as they took their turn in chow lines, slept in racks instead of beds, and endeavored to remember which side of the ship was starboard and which port. Their stay included admis-sion to the Mega-Screen Theater, a flag ceremony with patriotic music, and an evening tour of the aircraft carrier. The next morn-ing, the shipmates were mustered out of the USS Lexington crew for their return trip home, carrying with them stirring tales of high adventure aboard a real World War II fighting ship.

A Cadet’s View of the Squadron Visit to the USS LexingtonC/A1C Robert Severance IV

Our squadron stayed on the USS Lexington overnight. The cadets had a lot of fun staying aboard the aircraft carrier. Most of the cadets were spooked about spending the night in a place where there were tons of ghost stories. That night, every small noise, real or imagined, became a reason for worrying. Could it be a ghost of long ago coming back for a visit? And what if it finds me here? That was the night.

The days were packed with fun, though. All the cadets and seniors enjoyed the movie Red Flag which was � hour and �0 min-utes long. It was so exciting that it seemed like �5 minutes to us and then it was over. All the cadets and seniors had three and a half hours of free time on the beach.

I wanted to know what the other cadets thought about their trip, so I asked them. C/Amn Connor Landrum said, “Food was not bad, seeing the tours was fun, and the free time was great!” C/

Amn James Hein summarized it, “Seeing the tours and driving.” C/AB Myles Holmes, after some thought, declared, “I liked the food and the beds.”

C/Lt. Col. Matthew Whisennand, cadet commander of the Irving Composite Squadron, said, “I liked participating in the flag cer-emony and exploring the parts of the ship available on tours. The mattresses for the bunks were very comfortable.” C/AB Cedric Hampton agreed, “I liked being in the flag ceremony and going on the tours. Also seeing the planes was nice.” C/Amn Kendall Pruitt and C/AB Matthew O’Brien shared the same opinion, “We liked the aircraft displays and the ghost stories.”

On �� July �00�, the USS Lexington was designated a National Historic Landmark by Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton. For more information, please visit www.usslexington.com.

The author would like to thank Capt. James Hein, Jr., Frank Stalling, Jr., and the other senior members for making this trip possible. It was very educational, and also fun!

Crusader Squadron Visits the USS Lexington

2nd Lt. Robert Severance III

5� 5�

The Gregg County Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing had some busy cadets over the summer. The week of �8 June, C/SrA Neal Byerly attended the Texas Wing Summer Encampment at Camp Maxey, in Paris, TX. Cadet Byerly said, “Having to wake up at 5AM, I really learned how to multi-task. My favorite part of encampment had to be the obstacle course. To complete the obstacles, my flight learned how to work together as a team. Some-thing else that was cool at encamp-ment was when I was given an award for outstanding motivation in my flight. The guys had started getting kind of down, and I made up some chant to boost morale, and it worked. I had a great time.” The squadron is proud of Cadet Byerly’s accomplishments.

Over the summer, C/SrA Kayla Cassel took private flying lessons in Lakeland, Florida. The 5-week training included under-standing how the engine worked, stalling the aircraft and recovering from the stall, take-offs, landings, and radio communications. Kayla received her student pilot certifi-cate and has plans to complete her training in order to be able to solo and earn her CAP solo wings.

Also, on 4 September upon receiving the Wright Brothers Award, she was promoted to Cadet

Gregg County Summer Cadet Activities

award. Judge Bill Stout of Gregg County made the formal presenta-tion of the award, and Lt. Col. Owen Younger, Group III Commander, addressed the cadets. As a former cadet himself, he shared with them how his own cadet experience had prepared him for the responsibili-ties of adult life.

After the ceremony, cadets and guests enjoyed a reception and took time to congratulate Cadet Whiteley for his accomplishment.

Staff Sergeant. Also promoted were cadets Ryan Cobb to C/SSgt., Kayla Casset to CSSgt., William Simpson to C/SrA, Andrew Shea to C/TSgt., Jared Heath to C/MSgt., and James Camp to C/�st Lt.

The highlight of the evening was C/CMSgt. Zachary Whiteley being presented his Mitchell Award and promoted to C/�nd Lt.

Major Gerry Davis, Deputy Commander for Cadets, opened the ceremony by welcoming family members and guests and explaining the significance of the

2nd Lt. Tracy Hollinshead

Support our Cadets.... They are our Future!

54 54

On Flag Day, �4 June �007, several cadets and senior mem-bers of the Black Sheep Composite Squadron, took part in a flag retirement ceremony. In atten-dance as a special guest was Lt. Col. Owen Younger – a former Cadet Commander of the Black Sheep CS and currently the Group III Commander.

The event began with the United States flag being hoisted up the flag-pole by C/SrA Tim Kleinmeier and C/A�C Kasee Niskern. Afterwards, Lt. Col. Jack Birchum gave the invoca-tion. After a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance, C/Capt. Rebecca McKinney discussed the retire-ment of several United States flags, as well as a few Texas State flags.

This year, about 75 flags had been collected from the surround-ing communities – twice as many as last year. The flags were either worn out, damaged, or badly

Black Sheep Squadron Holds Flag Retirement Ceremony, 14 June

stained, which rendered them unserviceable, and they were to be retired with honors.

Weeks before the squadron held this ceremony, the cadets had folded the flags one last time in the prescribed ceremonial triangle. During the ceremony, each cadet placed a flag into a burn pot for incineration. The line continued until all flags had been retired.

As C/Capt. McKinney explained, “The red stripes symbolize hardi-ness and courage, the white stripes signify purity and innocence, and the blue field is indicative of vigi-lance, perseverance, and justice.”

The ceremony held by the Black Sheep CS was a solemn and deeply moving event. The storms that had been forecast held off while the ritual of honor proceeded as planned. And the flags were so many, that the cer-emonial gathering lasted into the hours of darkness.

“Even though there were no ashes left after the intense fire,” said Lt. Col. Mike Eberle, Commander of the Black Sheep CS, “the smoke will symbolize that our Flag will fly forever.”

When asked about the impor-tance of the ceremony, Lt. Col. Younger stated, “As I was watch-ing this event, two things came to mind. First, an individual has the ability to achieve so much in this great Nation of ours, our home. Second, while other countries don’t understand this freedom we enjoy, some hate us because they’re jeal-ous that we have what they don’t offer. Therefore, we pay our deep-est respect to our American Flag, because our country offers so much. These temporary symbols have been retired with dignity and honor, and our Flag lives on in our heart and Nation.”

Lt. Col. Eberle salutes a flag just placed in

the burn pot.

By1st Lt. Kelly Castillo

55 55

After months of anticipation, I’d finally arrived at Brazoria County Airport for the Texas Wing Flight Academy. Of course, this was all thanks in part to a scholarship from the Air Force Association, Dallas Chapter ���. Receiving that scholarship enabled me to attend this school, which is just one of the many perks of Civil Air Patrol membership. Flying, breaking away from the land, soaring in the air free as a bird, has always given me a thrill that I know will never wear off. Nothing compares to it.

Clear across Texas from my home squadron – the Addison Eagles Composite Squadron just north of Dallas – the Academy was based at Angleton, TX, near San Antonio. The lodging accom-modations that awaited us were amazing. It was by far the best I’ve ever had at any CAP event. No, it wasn’t the Las Vegas Bellagio Hotel, for sure, but it was defi-nitely something that not I, nor anyone else, could ever complain about! My fellow cadets/student pilots and I thoroughly enjoyed everything – from the air condi-tioned rooms to the excellent food we received on-time, every day, without fail.

Addison Squadron - A Dream Comes True at the Texas Wing FlightAcademy

C/2nd Lt. Brandon Maso

As far as the Academy is con-cerned, from start to finish, there wasn’t an instant that I would ever regret. It was truly an excel-lent learning experience for every-one, and each one of us made new friends in the process. All of these wonderful things gave us the best environment in which to work toward our ultimate goals for that week – our first solo flight! Not everyone achieves this milestone, but for me, this goal and dream did come true. Since it was something I had set my heart on, not surpris-ingly, every second of it is now per-manently etched on my mind.

Friday, June 8th, �007 would be, for most kids my age, simply another day of summer ‘07. But for me it was to become much more.

I awoke that morning at an early 5:�0 a.m., still unsure of how the day would shape up. I knew I’d be flying with my IP, Capt. Nolan Teel (whose call sign is “Crunch”) as I had for the previous five days. However, I also knew that there was the possibility that I might fly solo if everything went smoothly. It isn’t that I’m superstitious or some-thing but on that day I decided not to count on it, so as not to be disap-pointed if it didn’t happen.

We got to the airport and

C/�nd Lt. Derek Prucha (call sign “Spandex”) and I (call sign “Knickers”) pre-flighted the plane like we normally had each of the preceding mornings. “Crunch” decided he was going to fly with me first, so we strapped in and got ready to go. We started the engine, taxied to the runway, took off, and flew three laps in the pattern.

After we landed, I was expect-ing to taxi to the ramp and tie down. Well, we did taxi to the ramp, but “Crunch” told me to taxi in front of the Windsock Cafe and make a full stop, while leav-ing the engine running. I held my feet on the brakes as I watched him unbuckle his seat belt, roll his seat back, unlatch his door, and step out of the plane. I grabbed his door, latched it shut again, made my radio call and taxied to run-way �7 at Brazoria County.

This time, though, it was dif-ferent – I was by myself! “No prob-lem,” I thought and talked the whole time, “I know what I’m doing, I can fly this plane!” I got down to the run-up area and went through my checklist. “Engine instruments look good, radios set, trim set for takeoff, flight controls free and correct, doors and windows

Continued . . .

56 56

On September �5, �007, the U.S. Air Force Association recognized two cadets during an awards presentation before the squadron. Both cadets are members of the Addison Composite Squadron, part of Group III, Texas Wing.

C/�st Lt. Nathan Carey (left) received the Air Force Association Award as the outstanding CAP cadet officer within the squadron. Obviously pleased with his award, Cadet Carey said, “I’ve always looked upon the AFA Cadet of the Year Award as a great honor. The Air Force is definitely my intended career, so in the near future I want to continue gaining expe-rience through serving my squadron and CAP. I’m very proud to be part of the Addison Eagles.”

C/�nd Lt. Derek Prucha (right) received the Air Force Sergeant’s Association Award, which recognizes

H

Addison Cadets Receive AFA Award

the unit’s CAP cadet non- commissioned officer of the year. Cadet Prucha has since been promoted to C/�nd Lt. When asked how he felt about his award, he said, “I had great instructors, and I try to be the same for younger cadets. I was excited to know that the AFSA decided to recognize my ability to pass the training I received from my own leaders to younger cadets, and realize my own leadership potential.”

What has Cadet Prucha been up to since then? He has just turned in his Eagle Scout Project notebook for BSA district review and approval.

Both cadets received these awards for their excep-tional leadership abilities. In both photos, the cadets are shown with Captain Bryan Uskovich, the Air Force Reservist who made the presentation, and �st Lt. Greg Thornbury, squadron commander.

shut and locked, seat belt on” – I was ready to go! That’s when I looked over to my right and saw that yes, indeed, I was truly alone in that plane!

One final �60-degree turn just to check for other traf-fic in the pattern, nobody was on final or base leg, then I made the call, “Brazoria County Traffic, CAP flight 4��7, student pilot, first solo, taking runway �7, closed traffic, Brazoria County,” and the runway was mine!

“Ok Brandon, you can do this. You got it, now go for it,” I thought to myself. I lined up the plane on the centerline, and talked myself through the entire flight.

A Dream Comes True . . .Continued

As I opened the door, I realized I’d just flown a $�00,000 piece of machinery all by myself, taken my life into my own hands, and had done something that only one in �0,000 Americans ever get to do. I’d finally accomplished something I’d always wanted to do, and it was the start of a new chapter in my life.

At that moment I realized that flying would be my future, one way or another. I finally told myself that I was done procrastinating and only flying once or twice every few months. Those �5 hours I had built up since age �0 (a long six years ago), had paid off in allowing me to solo. But that wasn’t an end in itself. I now had a new goal – getting an FAA private pilot’s license.

2nd Lt. Michael Bownds