Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 Celebrating 50 years of service in 2007

Full Throttle
Monthly e-newsletter of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, Arizona Wing, U.S. Civil Air Patrol
Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona

50 years of service to Arizona and America 1957-2007

Capt. Paula Ramage, Squadron Commander Vol. 2, No. 2 October 2007

FTX:
Training to save lives

Cadets from Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 gained valuable ground-team experience and certifications as part of the squadrons fieldtraining exercise (FTX) conducted in September near Strawberry. Among the activities were basic survival skills, map-andcompass class, fire building, Elper training for pinpointing emergency locator transponders, and shelter building, says C/Lt. Col. Matt Ramage, squadron (continued on page 2)

Inside Full Throttle

Ground-team experience demonstrates CAP is more than meets the skies

Performing Missions For America

Cadet leader stepping down Getting to know Wing SAREX follow up Mayoral congratulations Group IV Dining Out Sound barrier anniversary

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See the Quarterly Training Schedule (QTS) for upcoming events and contact information. Also, go to http://azwg.us for the calendar of activities within the Civil Air Patrols Arizona Wing.

Semper Vigilans (Always Vigilant)

FTX emphasizes ground-team training

(Continued form page 2) cadet commander. The cadets learned more on this activity because the focus was on sign-offs for ground-team qualifications, and they practiced until they were proficient at the task. Squadron cadets participating in the FTX included Leanne Albillar, Travis Babcock, Kyle Corales, Blaine Esgar, Kegan Edmondson, David Matteson, Michael Padrick, Jacqueline Shortridge, Daniel Vogt, Robert Gassert and Matt Ramage. Squadron commander Capt. Paula Ramage and Group IV director of operations Lt. Col. Ken Ramage supervised the event, with Lt. Col. Bohn Wanamaker conducting certifications for Ground Team Member - Level 3. While aerial searches by the U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) tend to garner the most public awareness, ground teams play an integral part in search-and-rescue operations. Ground-team members often are the first to reach the sites of downed aircraft or to locate missing persons and provide immediate aid. The importance of ground teams is among the reasons why the national organization is introducing more than meets the skies as the theme (Top photo): Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 cadets (from left) of its new marketing and pub- Blaine Esgar, Daniel Vogt, Michael Patrick and Kyle Corales learn about lic-relations efforts to acmap reading and UHF directional finding from Lt. Col. Ken Ramage quaint the public with CAPs (right). (Bottom photo): Squadron cadets Michael Padrick (left) and Kyle various service roles. Corales prepare a shelter. (Photos courtesy of C/Lt. Col. Matt Ramage.) Full Throttle October 2007 P age 2

Ramage to step down as cadet commander

C/Lt. Col. Matt Ramage, who has served since January as cadet commander of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, has elected to step down effective Monday, Oct. 1, to devote more time to his studies at Arizona State University-West, where he is a sophomore majoring in global business. During the squadron open house on that date, C/2Lt. Robert Gassert will be installed as the new cadet commander. C/2Lt. Gassert recently was appointed as the squadrons cadet executive officer in charge of the cadet support staff. The four-year squadron member is past flight commander of both Alpha and Bravo flights and served as commander of the squadron color guard. He is a solo glider pilot who is continuing his training to become a powered-aircraft pilot. The Mountain Ridge High School senior seeks to beC/Lt. Col. Matt Ramage C/2Lt. Robert Gassert come either a flight pilot or transport pilot in the U.S. Air Force. With his experience, C/2Lt. Gassert is well-prepared to step into this leadership role, says C/Lt. Col. Ramage. The outgoing cadet commander, who joined the squadron in 2002, completed a two-week stay this summer near Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as a participant in the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) program. His other U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) accomplishments include serving as a member of the Southwest Region Drill Team that won the Civil Air Patrol Cadet National Competition in 2006. Buchanan is appointed He also attended CAPs prestigious 2006 National Blue interim commander Beret at Oshkosh, Wis., was a member of the Honor Flight at the 2005 Cadet Office School at CAPs national headof Deer Valley squadron quarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., and participated At press time came an announcein the Air Education Training Command in 2004 at Laugh- ment Lt. Col. Chas Buchanan, direclin Air Force Base, Tex. tor of homeland security for the AriC/Lt. Col. Ramage earned his private pilots license in zona Wing of the U.S. Civil Air PaApril 2006 and is pursuing his instrument/commercial pi- trol, is succeeding Capt. Paula lots rating. In addition, he has soloed in a glider and reRamage and will serve as interim ceived a scholarship from CAPs Arizona Wing to pursue commander of Deer Valley Composhis pilot training. ite Squadron 302. His CAP citations include the Wright Brothers, The leadership Mitchell, Earhart and Eaker ribbons as well as Comchange is effective manders Commendation and Exceptional Service awards. Oct. 1, announced He is qualified as a ground-team member and radio opera- Maj. Adam Such, tor. Group IV commander. Full Throttle October 2007 Page 3

Getting to know

Wingards motivation is warrior spirit of service

Chris Wingard, R.N., B.S.N., one of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302s newest members, is assuming responsibilities as the squadrons health-services officer, announced Capt. Paula Ramage, squadron commander. Following are questions and answers intended to acquaint squadron officers, cadets and supporters with this highly qualified healthcare professional and pilot: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Q: When did you join the squadron? I joined the squadron in May after learning about the community services provided by CAP and Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302. Q: As a new member, what motivated you to join the squadron? My motivation is serving others. I could see immediately how my professional experience as a critical-care nurse combined with being a pilot would provide many opportunities to serve my community. Additionally, I see CAP as a way I can serve my country. I am a patriot at heart and feel CAP allows regular Joes such as myself to make a great impact on our country and communities. My wife and I adopted two boys last year, and CAP is a way for me to model the quality expectations of young men. I look forward to when they can join as cadets. Q: What are your areas of interest within the squadron and CAP? My strongest area of interest within the squadron is creating the avenue for emergencyresponse education for cadets and senior members alike. I am looking forward to serving as the squadrons health-services officer because my background in intensive care and clinicalteaching skills can be of value as CAP further defines the health-services specialty. Full Throttle Helping us to be better prepared as first responders to disasters will make Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 Senior Member Chris Wingard stronger. We have plans to conduct a first aid/CPR provider course later this fall and then offer a12-week first-responder course in the spring. Q: How would you describe your first mission as a squadron member? It was exhilarating! My first mission was as a scanner trainee on a SARX (search-and-rescue exercise) mission. As a pilot, I love to fly even if I don't have the yoke in hand. Having never flown a CAP mission, I had difficulty sleeping the night before because I was so excited. I was honored to fly with Maj. Attila Szokol, who exemplifies enthusiasm and professionalism for us new folks. I look forward to future missions. Q: How long have you been a pilot, and what are your flight qualifications? I have been a private pilot since 1994 singleengine land, 260 hours as pilot in command. I just completed my SQTR (Specialty Qualification Training Record) for mission scanner and am anxious to complete my SQTR for mission observer. I want to be checked out as a mission pilot but also learn the many roles available in CAP. Q: Do you have military experience? No. I am a civilian with a warrior spirit who serves his country/community/brother as a volunteer. On the other hand, my wife was a captain in the U.S. Army. She also is a nurse. (Continued on page 5) Page 4

October 2007

 Health-services officer brings experience

(Continued from page 4) Q: What is your current occupation and career experience? I am employed as a manager in critical care at Sun Health Boswell Hospital in Sun City and have been in a leadership position for the last 10 years. I fell into nursing by accident. Growing up on a farm in Alabama, I worked my way through business school as a nurse aide in an intensive-care unit, never realizing one day I would become a nurse. During my last semester of business school at Auburn University, a corporate recruiter told me I looked too young for many first-line marketing jobs and advised me to get a job at Wal-Mart and work myself through the ranks. That wasnt what I had in mind. New squadron member Chris Wingard found his first Instead, my nurse manager encouraged me mission as a scanner trainee to be exhilarating. A pilot to go to nursing school. I was the only male in and critical-care nurse, Senior Member Wingard looks my class and hated every minute of it. NOT! forward to serving as the squadrons health-services officer. Actually, I never had dated much until I went to nursing school. Man, was that fun! I had to date almost all of the other nursing students in order to meet my wife. My career has been focused primarily in critical care, and I spent six years in the area of organ donation and transplantation. In fact, it was organ donation that brought my family and me to Arizona. I left the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1999 as transplant director to assume the directorship of clinical services for the Donor Network Members of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 particiof Arizona. I came to Sun pated in early September in an Arizona Wing search-andHealth in 2004 as the patientrescue exercise (SAREX) that involved a total of 11 aircraft care manager of critical care. and 101 personnel statewide. Operations were coordinated Q: What are your hobbies? through four mission and remote bases. I have too many hobbies if A total of 23 air sorties were flown, totaling 33.4 hours of flight you ask my wife and kids, altime. The SAREX also included seven ground sorties. though each of my hobbies We established communication with all bases using the IMU, keeps them entertained. FM & HF radios, the internet, instant messaging and telephones, Among the top contenders I notes squadron member Capt. Michael Rich, who recently gained enjoy the most are carpentry, his qualification as an incident commander. It was impressive to landscaping, painting, paintbe located in the Arizona Mission Base and watch the sortie inforball, camping, fishing and mation being updated from the remote bases in real time. hunting.

Wing SAREX involves 11 aircraft, 101 personnel throughout Arizona

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Mayor congratulates squadron PAO on national CAP award

Following is excerpted from a letter received at Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 and addressed to 2Lt. Jerry Porter, squadron public affairs officer, who was the national cowinner of the U.S. Civil Air Patrols first-ever award for public-affairs excellence in newsletters. The letters content reflects favorably on the service of all squadron members who are the subjects of public-affairs outreach efforts: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Dear Lieutenant Jerry Porter: As Mayor, I want to extend my personal congratulations on your recent recognition as recipient of the Maj. Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement Award. Your dedicated service to our community and country has led to an increased public awareness of the Civil Air Patrol and the great sacrifices made by its volunteer officers and cadets. As I frequently tell all servicemembers I am honored to meet, your service to our country can never be overstated. On behalf of a grateful city, thank you once again for your efforts and congratulations on a job well done. Sincerely,

Note these dates of squadron events

Senior members, cadets and parents are encouraged to make note of the following October activities involving members of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302: Oct. 1 Squadron dues of $40 are past due! Oct. 1 Squadron open house and awards. Oct. 6 Heliport training at Deer Valley Airport. Oct. 13 Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Expo and Competition Carnival Event in Prescott. Oct. 20-21 Arizona Wing SAREX at Deer Valley Airport. Oct. 27-28 Copper State Fly-In in Casa Grande. Please see the appropriate commander for additional details.

Group IV Dining Out event scheduled for mid-November

Following military tradition of a formal social event, Group IV of the U.S. Civil Ai Patrols Arizona Wing is hosting a group Dining Out event on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Luke Air Force Base Officers Club (Club Thunderbolt). The event is open to members of Squadrons 302, 308, 313, 356, 508 and Group IV Headquarters staff. It is recommended attendees bring a spouse/date and for cadets to bring their parents. A social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. Attire is a mess dress, blues of formal CAP corporate blazer. Guests should wear business dress. The price is $27.50 per person. Registration forms are available from commanders and must be submitted by Nov. 2. October 2007 Page 6

Phil Gordon Mayor

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Sound barrier shattered 60 years ago

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Yeager flight ushered in new aviation era

A significant milestone in the history of aviation will be reached on Sunday, Oct. 14, when the 60th anniversary of supersonic flight is reached. On that date in 1947, U.S. Air Force Capt. Charles E. Chuck Yeager became the first pilot credited with breaking the sound barrier in level flight. Capt. Yeager propelled manned flight into the supersonic era while at the controls of the Glamorous Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager Glennis Bell XS1 rocket plane high above the California desert at what is known today as Edwards Air Force Base. Estimates of the speed he attained that day range from Mach 1.03, which is what Capt. Yeager logged in his own flight report, to as high as Mach 1.07. Today, Yeager is a retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Chuck Yeager poses in 1947 with the Bell XS-1. brigadier general living in Penn Valley, Calif. The U.S. Civil Air Patrol offers the Aerospace Education Program for Senior MemFull Throttle is the monthly e-newsletter for offibers (AEPSM) that can lead to the Charles E. cers, cadets and friends of Deer Valley Composite Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Squadron 302, Arizona Wing, U.S. Civil Air Patrol. Achievement Award (see CAPR 280-2). SenIts mission is to bolster communication with and iors may earn the "Technician," "Senior" or among officers and cadets, enhance awareness of squadron activities, and share news and information "Master" ratings in the 215 Aerospace Education Officer Specialty Training Track. about the squadron and its personnel. Seniors may use attendance at a National Story suggestions and submissions can be forwarded by the 15th of the month preceding publicaConference on Aviation and Space Education to 2Lt. Jerry Porter, squadron public-affairs tion, attendance at a Region Aerospace Eduofficer, at civilairpatrolsq302pao@cox.net. cation Conference or preparing an aerospace To guarantee receipt of the newsletter, readers manuscript for publication to fulfill certain should ensure their e-mail addresses and other consenior-member training-program progression tact information remain current with the squadron requirements (see CAPR 50-17). and on e-services at www.capnhq.gov. All senior members of Deer Valley ComVol. 2, No. 2 October 2007 posite Squadron 302 are encouraged to pur~ ~ ~ ~ ~ sue the aerospace award. Details are available National First-Place Co-WinnerNewsletters by contacting the squadrons professional2007 Maj. Howell Balsem development officer, 2Lt. Ruben KafenCAP Exceptional Achievement Awards baum, at rubenkaf@gmail.com.

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