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In this issue . . . H International Air Cadet Exchange . . . H Galvans Flying Knights . . . H National Powered Flight Academy . . . . . . And Much More!
WINTER 2007
Group photo at Callahans, a store known for its Western clothing and riding gear.
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Please do not insert the photos into the articles, rather make the articles and photos separate attachments. DEADlinES: Feb. 28; June 28; Oct. 28 Col Joe R. Smith Commander, Texas Wing Maj Patricia P. Darby Editor, Wings Over Texas For information on Advertising Rates and Space Please Call 1-800-635-6036
he International Air Cadet Exchange was the first major event that I participated 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 people. 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 Popes 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 Popes to grab a bite to eat, I started learning 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
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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 CSs Cessna 7. That night was the farewell dinner at the Tres Amigos restaurant, 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, Ive noticed a pattern. Taken as a whole, they are fun. The people Ive met are great and the activity itself, whether its been a flight academy or an IACE visit, are pretty much dream vacations. National activities are a truly unique experience that every CAP cadet should strive to attend. H
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.
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 worlds civilian auxiliary aviation 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 visited Sheppard Air Force Base, TX home of the 8nd Training
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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
Civil Air Patrol Bids Fond Farewell to Brigadier General David Lee Tex Hill
By Captain Robert Spiegel
Civil Air Patrol bid a fond farewell 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 adventurous 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. Hills 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 recommended 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
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squadron. After 94, Hill was commissioned 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 aerial 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 service in 968 with over ,500 flying hours. Brig. Gen. Hill continued to serve his community during his
retirement. He continued to follow the changing technologies of aviation and the modernization of the U.S. Air Force. Hill articulated 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 stationed 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 marking. 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 Continued on page 17 . . .
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that was to take place, the Austin Mission Base communications 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 coordinate 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 weeklong 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 broken 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 objectives 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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Cadet Amn Sean McCallum examines a control panel in the Historic Mission Control Center.
movie theater, paddlewheel boat ride, and manmade beach and pool. The weather began to deteriorate and upon return to camp, many tents were down, and all had water inside. Some were less fortunate than others, but spirits were not dampened. Everyone pitched in to return the campsite to normal, hoping for better weather the next day. 9 July started sunny, but Galvestons fickle weather produced more rain after breakfast. Another plan adjustment took squadron members to the boardwalk and when the rain subsided, the beach for sand and surf. The 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, AC 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.
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. References 1. Health Matters (Fall 2007), Precautions with OTC Medicine 2007. Web=www.medicalcenterofplano.com 2. Advance for Nurses (Sept 2007), Improving Medicine Safety 2007. Web=www.advanceweb.com/nurses
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To a . . . . . Cadet
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 dont truly realize what you have accomplished. 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, lets look back and see a few of the things that you learned, what you overcame, 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 determination and confidence grow each day. You formed and bonded into flights and quickly mastered the procedures for safely launching,
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Glider Pilot
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 isnt it. There is something else to take pride in. The FAA requires you to land and stop a glider within 00 for your private pilots license. You didnt 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 frequent yet subtle dive brake adjustments to get you there. Your ability to learn and master glide path control to a spot landing never ceases to amaze me. You will see airplanes floating down the runway or coming in much too low in the future and wonder why? That is enough about the flying. You probably havent been out in the country much. Those views, the quiet, and the stars at Continued on page 31 . . .
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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 appreciated by the instructors and students at Sheppard AFB.
A Fond Farewell . . .
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stayed informed of the squadrons accomplishment until his passing. Captain Badal paid the squadrons respects to the family, wife Mazie, and daughters Shannon Schaupp and Loma Skinner. Services were held at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church. Brigadier General Hill
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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
highest caliber, Governor Rick Perry said. Whether he was flying 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. H
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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.
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(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.
On a warm Saturday in July, fifteen members of Phoenix Composite Squadron were treated to a visit to one of the worlds 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 interesting, 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 simulators, 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-minute overview on the three different aircraft variantsthe USAF conventional take off and land (CTOL) version; the short take off, vertical land (STOVL) ver0
sion for the U.S. Marines and the United Kingdom, and the carrier 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 program, 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 colonel, who once visited Phoenix to give the squadron a fascinating briefing about employing 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 (including some interesting videos of the F-5s sensor and weapon systems capability), the visitors were split into two groups, one to go on a factory tour and one to visit the
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 demonstrations, and Lt. Col. USAF (retired) Stormy Boudreaux, who leads the Man-in-the-Loop (MITL) simulation team for verifying the F-5s combat capabilities, led the other half of the demonstrations. It is always fun to show off the F-5 cockpit to peopleand 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 talking to the unit a few months ago about flying the U- and SR-7 aircraft, so I was happy to be part of todays program.
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mented Russell. During the tour, the visitors heard the plants history, got to see several high-pressure, high-temperature autoclave ovens that bake the composite materials used on the three aircraft, 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 fullscale 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 milelong factory. Since we have only one F-5 that is flying and the others are not completely developed, visiting the F-6 hangar allowed the squadron to see what a fullydesigned 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 officers. Just great! H
ighthawk Composite Squadron recently hosted a two-day Texas WingGroup II Cadet Observation Flight event at Denton Municipal Airport which was held in conjunction with the units regularly scheduled squadron O-flights. Over the course of two busy Saturdays in July, 9 cadets from eight different 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
days. Flights were coordinated and launched from Lt. Col. Don Windles spacious hangar. From an organizational view, considerable effort from many Senior CAP volunteers was essential to initiate and sustain such a successful, large scale activity as the Nighthawk undertaking. Ground transportation, paperwork, flight scheduling, safety, communications, food and fuel are just a few of the challenges. However, from the cadet viewpoint, its all about the excitement of flying. C/Amn Taylor McNeill is typical of those cadets who gathered 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 hangars 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 airport 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.
Johnson County Squadron Receives Designation and holds Safety Day and Open House
By Capt. Robert Benton
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 squadrons members. st Johnson Co. Composite Squadron has been in continuous 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 reflecting 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 commander. Captain Robert Benton was appointed commander of the st SAR Flight in late June 007. Benton, an active member 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 attention to Flight Safety in the air and on the ground while inviting the general public to learn more about Civil Air Patrols Cadet and Senior opportunities.
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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 units 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 pointing 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.
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Group II cadets with great anticipation and pilots with concerns about the weather showed up early Saturday, July 007 at the Nighthawk Composite Squadrons hangar at Denton Municipal Airport, Denton, TX. Cadet Orientation is designed to introduce the cadets to general aviation 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
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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 facilitated in a smooth flow and efficient operation. SM Tom Dowdy, Fort Worth Senior Squadron, was there early and handled the sign in table
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 briefing I heard Lt. Col. Bishop tell the cadets, You are ready to solo when you can do three TOs and landings without me saying a word! Cadet Russell Elliott was all smiles when he talked about experiencing a real rope break. He said, I had a good tow, lined up straight; when I reached the hangar, the rope snapped. Instructor Randy remembered an old landing field by the house; we landed and pulled to a stop in Lt. Col. Bishops 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! Im 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 unselfishly 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 persons dream or even destiny.
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seeks to rectify this by multiplying available opportunities for training on mission staff positions, decentralized 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. H
L-R C/2nd Lt. Kayla Renee Davis, Major Dennis Cima, Judge Al Jamison, C/2nd Lt. Brandii ReAnn 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 missile operations. We visited a launch pad where satellites 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
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The Group Cadet Advisory council has implemented 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 Programs physical fitness goals and the proposal was adopted at the August CAC meeting. Held at Group V Headquarters, Brooks CityBase, 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 understanding of the members that make up the Group V Civil Air Patrol team.
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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.
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-briefing 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
(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 training officer, Navy PAO, the Exec. Officer and last but not least, the Naval Base Training Wing Commander. Not to forget the parents of the cadets. Without the energy from all of these people, the SIM event would not happen. Credit goes to all.
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fine example of these old airplanes that helped America win WW II. When they were done looking 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 hasnt 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 firsthand experience with aerospace and flying. When they got into the aircraft to do the pre-flight check, the look on their face showed that they would never forget that day. [] Kittinger Phantoms Lt.
Hacker teaches the meaning of thrust. [] Apollos Capt. Len Laws teaches the concept of yaw, roll and pitch. [] Pilots Choice, owned by Beth Jenkins, graciously loaned CAP pilots four planes to be used for preflight instruction for the Boy Scouts. [4] Pilots Choice-owned planes, CAP pilots and Boy Scouts start the hands-on training. [5] Apollos Lt. Joe Merle teaches preflight. [6] Kittinger Phantoms Lt. Ferrill Ford teaches preflight. [7] Kittinger Phantoms 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 Pilots Choice. [0] Kittinger Phantoms Lt. Ferrill Ford and Apollos 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.
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Waxahachie --
noticed by my peers. As the SET commander, I learned that organization and communication were key to getting 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 uniform inspections for the day. After breakfast, the SET team separates each flights inspection 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 getting the job done right. Squadron commanders are required to memorize 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 commands, 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 commanders are free to go about the business of the day. Overall, being a squadron commander is much less ambiguous 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 personal experience. It was such a wonderful privilege, that it is quite unexplainable!
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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. Thats 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, 45
and 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 7P. 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 smiling 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 Ive 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 lesson we did some touch and gos and pattern work. These first two flights had been a review for me, thanks to my flying lessons at home, and I
Flight Academy . . .
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 werent 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 coolest 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 chosen to do a cross-country to return my plane. It is based in Chadron, 47
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Corsairs Composite Squadron. Cadet Alexander, who is starting his senior year in Union Grove High School, currently holds the position of Deputy Cadet
Gladewater Cadets Take to the 1st Lt. Harold Parks Skies Again
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.
Cadet Basic Rebecca Alexander is at the aircrafts controls.
On that particular day, EAA had scheduled a pancake breakfast and Young Eagle flights and, coincidentally, our squadron 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 program 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 opportunity to take the controls. On that beautiful sunny morning, depending upon the individuals 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 challenge 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 squadron 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 aviators and one aviatrix who participated in our latest aerial adventure 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.
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encourage them. After PT, the cadets showered 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
at an easier 060. 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, sausage, 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 barracks and cleaned them up. Now it was time to pack their belongings and prepare for the closing ceremony. All Crusader cadets graduated.
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A Cadets View of the Squadron Visit to the USS Lexington C/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 minutes 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 ceremony 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 OBrien 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!
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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
award. Judge Bill Stout of Gregg County made the formal presentation 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 responsibilities of adult life. After the ceremony, cadets and guests enjoyed a reception and took time to congratulate Cadet Whiteley for his accomplishment.
Lt. Col. Eberle salutes a flag just placed in the burn pot.
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 hardiness and courage, the white stripes signify purity and innocence, and the blue field is indicative of vigilance, 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 ceremonial 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 importance of the ceremony, Lt. Col. Younger stated, As I was watching 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 dont understand this freedom we enjoy, some hate us because theyre jealous that we have what they dont offer. Therefore, we pay our deepest 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.
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Addison Squadron -
As far as the Academy is concerned, from start to finish, there wasnt an instant that I would ever regret. It was truly an excellent learning experience for everyone, 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 surprisingly, every second of it is now permanently 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 Id 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 isnt that Im superstitious or something but on that day I decided not to count on it, so as not to be disappointed if it didnt 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 expecting 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 leaving 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 runway 7 at Brazoria County. This time, though, it was different I was by myself! No problem, I thought and talked the whole time, I know what Im 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 . . .
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the units 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 exceptional 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.
As I opened the door, I realized Id 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. Id finally accomplished something Id 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 wasnt an end in itself. I now had a new goal getting an FAA private pilots license. H
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