Tyler Squadron “Wings of Freedom”

In this issue . . .
H Texas Wing visits Congress . . .
H Wing Conference . . . SUMMER
. . . And Much More! 200 9

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.
HEADQUARTERS
Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol
USAF Auxiliary
P. O. Box 154997
Waco, TX 76715
Please send articles and digital
photos for publication to:
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Please do not insert the
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rather make the articles and
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Tyler Squadron
Wings of
Freedom Tour
1st Lt. Rodney Saucedo
On 29 March, two cadets and
one senior member of the Tyler
Composite Squadron stepped off
the beautiful B-17 Flying Fortress
and the powerful B-24 Liberator,
respectively, to a cheering crowd
of spectators who had come to
witness “The Ultimate Living
History Experience” promoted by
the Wings of Freedom Tour.
Two legendary WWII bomb-
ers and one undisputed fighter
plane were the featured aircraft
used in the tour. The Consolidated
B-24 Liberator (the only bomber
of its kind in the world still fly-
ing), the Boeing B-17 Flying
Fortress, and the North American
P-51 Mustang were the stars
of the show. For the three Tyler
Squadron members, their flight
experience will be forever etched
in their minds and hearts.
Cadet Airman 1st Class Sarah
N. Fitzgerald and Cadet 1st Lt.
Isaac R. Niedrauer had won their
free B-17 Bomber rides through
an essay contest within the Tyler
Composite Squadron. The flight
tickets had been donated by the
Tyler Historic Aviation Memorial
Museum (HAMM). “All cadets
who wished to compete had to write
Continued on page 8 . . .

Deadlines:
Feb. 28; June 28; Oct. 28

Col. Joe R. Smith

Commander, Texas Wing
Lt. Col. Patricia P. Darby
Editor, Wings Over Texas
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Advertising Rates and Space
Please Call 1-800-635-6036

 
Texas Wing Visits Congress
By Lt. Col. Gordie White
Last February, Lt. Col. Gordie White, Commander of the Legislative Squadron, Texas Wing, was joined by Texas
Wing Commander Col. Joe Smith and his wife Maj. Harriet Smith, Southwest Region Director of Administration/
Personnel, during a trip to Washington D.C. to interact with legislators from the State of Texas. They are pictured
here visiting with some of the members of Congress they saw and exchanged ideas with.
The team also met with Representative Henry Cuellar (28th District of Texas), Kay Granger (12th District
of Texas), Al Green (9th District of Texas), and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, Texas. 

Lt. Col. Gordie White, Maj. Harriet Smith, Col. Joe

Smith, and Senator John Cornyn, Texas. The team
visited with the Senator and were glad to hear that
he is completely supportive of our activities and
loves our work training cadets. Senator Cornyn is a
member of the Armed Services Committee.
Lt. Col. Gordie White, Congessman Mike McCaul,
Texas, Col. Joe Smith, and Maj. Harriet Smith. Serving
the 10th District of Texas, he is also a member of CAP’s
Congressional Squadron and a strong supporter of
Texas Wing. He had his CAP membership certificate
presented to him while visiting Texas Wing.

Maj. Harriet Smith and Lt. Col. Gordie White,

Congressman Pete Olson, Texas, and Col. Joe Smith.
The Congressman, who serves the 22nd District of
Texas, represents an area that includes Ellington,
Sugarland, and Hobby International Airport. A new
member of Congress occupying the seat vacated
by Tom DeLay, he is a Reserve Naval Aviator and
a member of CAP’s Congressional Squadron. He is
keenly aware of CAP’s involvement in disaster relief
and emergency services, and thinks very highly of
Texas Wing.
Lt. Col. Gordie White, Congresswoman Sheila
Jackson Lee, Texas, Maj. Harriet Smith, and Col. Joe
Smith. Congresswoman Jackson, who serves the
18th District of Texas, is a friend of Texas Wing. She
often works with the President and is very supportive
of Texas Wing’s services to the community, state,
and nation.

 
2009 Southwest Region Cadet
Color Guard Competition
The 2009 Pegasus Composite
Squadron Competition Color Guard
Uniform alterations, hair cuts, an extra bit of
cramming one more mile-long sprint, and that final
run-through; these were some of the final touches the
Pegasus Composite Squadron Color Guard were mak-
ing in preparation for their great experience to come.
Just a few months before, they had won the Texas
Wing competition, garnering five first-place finishes
and earning the chance to compete at the Southwest
Region level. Now, they were ready to prove them-
selves once again.
With all loose ends tied, the van packed, and
the team bouncing off the walls with excitement and
anticipation, they started their eight-hour road trip to
Oklahoma City, home of Tinker Air Force Base. On
the way, they diligently searched for VW Bugs and out-
of-state license plates while they kept reviewing their
study material. During the trip, they saw some really
nice cattle, slept, played some card games, snacked,
made restroom breaks, and generally had a great time.
Upon arrival, the team unloaded and checked
into their billets. Each person got a single small room
with a microwave, little refrigerator, flat screen TV,
enough storage to bring your house, personal bath-
room, shower, and a little coffee maker. When the
team finished putting away their baggage, they made
their way to the general briefing, where they met
Col. R. Frank Eldridge, the new Southwest Region
Director of Cadet Programs, and Maj. Joe Fernandez,
the Southwest Region Cadet Activities Officer. After
the briefing, the team returned to their rooms, grabbed
all uniforms and accoutrements, and somehow man-
aged to cram themselves into their commander’s tiny
room for final touch-ups, inspection, and approval as
they got set to wear them on the following day. Done
for the evening, the team retired to their rooms and
rested up for the big day ahead.
Friday morning was the first day of competi-
tion. The team got up and ate breakfast at the Tinker
Air Force Base dining hall, a few miles away. It was
 
wonderful. Pancakes, waffles, eggs, and a generous
assortment of breakfast items for just two dollars. No
longer hungry and now ready to go, the team headed
back to the RTI center and prepared for Inspection,
the day’s first event. Texas was last in the rotation,
so the team did a lot of waiting as the Honor Guard
scrutinized each team before them. After Inspection,
they were off to lunch.
Next came the indoor practical event. Again, Texas
had a long wait during which they told endless jokes to
keep from exploding with anticipation. Once that was
over, they waited in the building for their turn at the
Outdoor Presentation event. During this time, Texas
enjoyed meeting some of the other teams, which was
fun and a big relief against the boredom of waiting.
Texas finally finished with the Outdoor Presentation
and then it was time to head to the Garrity Gym for the
Standard Drill event. This was the first event where
Texas was able to see how their peers performed, and
it was slightly unsettling. The Texas Wing team could
tell that these teams had made it to Region for a reason;
they would be tough competitors.
Following this event, the cadets got to meet the
judges, and that was really cool. With the day’s com-
petition events completed, it was time to get to know
the other cadets who had made it thus far. How?
With a Pizza Party! Back at the billets, there were
hundreds of slices of hot fresh pizza, just waiting to
be eaten. The billets’ common area was a great place
for the cadets to get together and hang out, with its
pool tables, air hockey, foosball, darts, and big-screen
TV. Some cadets wanted to burn a little energy, so
they grabbed a football, went outside, split into teams
and had a great time. When the activities died down,
Texas hit the books, studied for a while, and then went
to bed. They wanted plenty of rest under their belt for
the following day.
On Saturday, the final day of the competition, the
team filed into the CAP van and headed for break-
fast. After “refueling,” the team progressed to the
552nd TFW building, where they would be taking
their Written Test. After cramming in some last-min-
ute studying in the van, they moved into their testing
rooms, hoping they were prepared. Following the 50-
question test came the Mile Run, and Texas was last
to compete once again. Seeing all the runners finish
in six minutes, and some even in the fives, the team
promised themselves that they would run the fastest
they ever had. Soon came their turn.
Just before starting, they stretched and anxiously
made their way to the starting line. “Go!” called the
tester, and they were off. They ran well, but now the
starving team went to lunch for relief. Cafeteria trays
got piled up high with food that was all gone in a matter
of minutes, and that’s when the arm wrestling started.
To pass the time, some color guard teams started an
arm wrestling match until it was time for the Panel
Quiz. It was really fun, and eventually it turned into a
push-up, sit-up, and chin-up contest outside.
Next came the Panel Quiz, the final event for
the day before the awards ceremony. Once again, the
team crammed in a little bit more, studying right up
to the instant they went into the Panel Quiz room.
They came up against the first team in the first round,
which they won – four more to go. As they faced the
next team, feeling confident after having won the first
round, they were disappointed as they lost the next 3
rounds just by five points each. The team then headed
back to their rooms and got into their blue service uni-
forms, anxious to hear the results of the competition.
After some opening remarks and a buffet dinner
that no one really tasted, everyone eagerly awaited the
final scores. Individual awards were presented first,
C/SMSgt. Austin Lowery (Texas) received the award
for the highest written test score. C/SSgt Dakota
 
Swearengin (Arkansas) received the male fleet foot
award, and C/SSgt. Hannah Disraeli received the
female fleet foot award. Cadet Swearengin also
received the outstanding cadet award. The first event
award presented was for the written test; the team’s
hopes began to build up as Texas Wing placed first.
The next award, for the Panel Quiz, went to the
Arkansas team. When they heard the next first place
go to Texas, the Texas Wing team realized that they
might have a shot at winning the competition itself.
Then followed a streak of first place awards
handed over to the Texas team, The Indoor Practical,
Outdoor Practical, Standard Drill, and Mile Run
awards were all presented to Texas Wing. The
Inspection award went to Arizona. With smiles from
ear to ear, realizing they’d won, it came as no surprise
to the Texas Wing team when it was announced that
the first place winner of the Southwest Region Color
Guard Competition was Texas Wing. The overjoyed
team practically jumped out of their chairs as they
went up to the stage to receive their first place trophy.
Smiles and congratulations ended the evening, and
the excited team went to sleep in total happiness.
After a very exciting evening, the next day dawned
and it was time for the team to pack their things and
clean their rooms. After saying their goodbyes to
all the new friends they’d made during the competi-
tion, they repacked the van and got started on their
eight-hour drive home. When they got back to Camp
Mabry, to their surprise, their parents were waiting to
congratulate them with signs, banners, and lots, lots
of hugs. After unloading and cleaning the van, they
posed for more pictures with families, and finally
went home for some well deserved rest.
The Southwest Region competition was an amaz-
ing experience for the Texas Wing Color Guard, and
it will be forever in their memories as one of those
cadet activities that make CAP such a fun and excit-
ing experience. This year’s team included C/SMSgt.
Austin Lowery as Commander and US Flag bearer, C/
CMSgt. Aaron Harold as 2nd Flag bearer, C/CMSgt.
David Hamman as US Flag guard, C/SSgt. Hannah
Disraeli as 2nd Flag guard, C/MSgt. Ali Pautz as 1st
Alternate and C/SSgt. Russell Darr as 2nd Alternate.
The senior member advisor to the Pegasus Color
Guard was Maj. J. D. Draper. H
Cadet Officer Training School:

The place to be
C/CMSgt. Christian Nelson

Most cadets that achieve their Mitchell Award

will need to rethink their approach to leadership if
they want to succeed as cadet officers. Cadet Officer
Training School (OTS) is designed to give cadets the
chance to transition from cadet NCOs to cadet offi-
cers, polish their teamwork skills, and improve their
self-discipline and professionalism. Cadet NCOs are
focused more on hands-on leadership and immediate
tasks, whereas cadet officers must use tactical leader-
ship to ensure direction and purpose for their com-
mand, and project their vision for the unit far into the
future. In short, cadet NCOs get the job done right
now, while cadet officers keep the action going for the
long-term and their unit’s greater good.
I am proud to say that I attended the latest OTS
(Spring ‘09) and graduated with my class. From 1800
to 1900 on 13 Friday, we signed in at Mt. Lebanon
Encampment, just south of Dallas. After stowing
our gear in our billets, we met our instructors: lead
instructor C/Maj. Jose Machuca and assistant instruc-
tor C/Lt. Col. Kayla Stiles. No sooner had we sat
down than the latter had us get out pen and paper.
Barely five minutes in the classroom, we were writing
our first assignment already: a one-page essay on the
importance of having a command philosophy.
Our assignment completed, we started in on our
first class: Memorandums. Since most cadet officers
serve on the Cadet Advisory Council, where all advis-
ing is done in writing, learning how to write a good
memorandum is a very useful skill for a future cadet
officer. That evening we were dismissed for the night
at approximately 2200, with two assignments to be
completed and turned in before midnight. The first
one was a memorandum dealing with a difficulty we
thought needed addressing in our own squadron, in
which we would “advise” our Squadron Commander
accordingly. The second was preparing a 3-6 minute
speech to be presented to the whole class right after
breakfast on the following day.
Midnight came and, having finished our assign-
ments, we hit our bunks. It seemed as if we had just
fallen asleep when our alarms went off. Time to get
up! No one is happy at 0430, but we started our day
with minimal friction. Breakfast was very enjoyable,
especially for those who were hungry (most of us),
who soon felt better thanks to the cooks’ and their
helpers’ great efforts – delivered to our classrooms,
no less. What service! Mess Ops really did a great job
that weekend. Breakfast over, it was time to deliver
our prepared speeches. Each cadet was cheered on by
all teammates, as each took the spot.
Speeches over, we wrestled briefly with the pro-
jector and started our classes for the day. After lunch
and several additional classes, C/Maj. Machuca
offered us a challenge. We could either have one
more class, or take on a Group Leadership Project
(GLP). Being tired of sitting down, we opted for the
GLP. Our class couldn’t have been more surprised
when we found out what we were expected to do.
C/Lt. Col. Stiles took a box full of puzzle pieces and
dumped them on the floor.
Simultaneously, C/Maj. Machuca laid down the
law, “No talking, no noise. If one of you so much as
utters a word, it’s all over and you get extra assign-
ments tonight. Use your imagination and what we
have just taught you to solve this problem. Any

 
communication other than that mentioned above is
acceptable. You have thirty minutes. Go.” At once,
we were on our hands and knees trying to figure out
how to communicate most effectively to assemble the
completed puzzle. Although a few of us kept overview,
the greater numbers, I included, focused too much
on the fine details of putting the puzzle together. In
no time at all, C/Maj. Machuca and C/Lt. Col. Stiles
were back in the room, announcing that time was up.
Although a few pieces and sections had been assem-
bled, the puzzle was still unsolved.
Fortunately for us, C/Maj. Machuca was feeling
generous and told us that we had probably taken on
more than we could handle. “It was rather unfair,
but I shouldn’t have to think for you. Most of you are
already cadet officers and the rest of you will be soon.
Think for yourselves.” As we were brooding over the
thought of extra assignments, he added, “How would
you like to have a chance to redeem yourselves?” As
we jumped at the chance, he said, “If you complete
this next GLP, I will cancel one of your extra assign-
ments. Please don’t fail.”
Immediately, we were told to change into PT
uniform and head for the playing field. Waiting for
us were the students from the Cadet Command Staff
College (CCSC), who held a football. This was more
like it! We split OTS into two groups of eight, so that
17 of us would not be playing 7 CCSC cadets. Since
one of our cadets was recovering from knee surgery
and couldn’t play, he prepared plays and gave crucial
advice from the sidelines. We won that game three to
two, just before supper. Victory was sweet.
After congratulating CCSC for their stiff compe-
tition, we headed to the chow hall and ate a hasty din-
ner. Back in the classroom, we discussed difficulties
and issues that we saw at our home squadrons, and
other situations we wanted our peers’ advice on.
On Sunday morning, we packed our bags and
cleaned the barracks. Next we gave our speeches on
why a cadet officer’s attention to detail is so impor-
tant. As soon we had finished, we took the final exam
(an open-book test) and we could use our notes, for
which we were grateful. Following about twenty dif-
ficult questions C/Maj. Machuca had us study our
own personality traits. He gave us lists of words and
had us choose those we thought described us best.
11
Then he projected a page that had a brief description
of each four-letter personality trait assessment. It was
funny to see the cadets’ expression when they had
“their” description read to them. Some matched well,
others didn’t.
At the auditorium for the graduation ceremony,
the NCOA and SNCOA classes successively called
their graduates forward, presented them with shoul-
der cords and then named and congratulated the
Honor Graduate of each class. Then it was our turn.
Everything went off without a hitch. When the last
OTS cadet had accepted the cord, we waited with
bated breath to see who the Honor Graduate would
be – Cadet 2nd Lt. Taylor Moellendorf, a member of
the Lackland Cadet Squadron, was chosen for his out-
standing performance.
After graduation, we each received a briefing on
our performance for the weekend. That completed, we
grabbed our luggage, signed out, and headed home.
OTS was wonderful. I learned a lot, had a great
time, and got to meet great fellow cadet officers. I
would definitely recommend OTS to any eligible
cadet. It is a great school where cadets can learn how
to improve themselves, their environment, and each
other. OTS teaches management, leadership, writ-
ten and verbal communication, counseling, correct
delegation procedures, and guidelines for meetings,
briefings, and promotion review boards. Best of all,
it transforms students into highly motivated, knowl-
edgeable cadets, who will go back home to their units
and enhance performance wherever they go. H
11
Texas Wing OPSEVAL
1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen
E
xcellent! That’s what the USAF overall ruling
was. They told us that Outstanding had been
within our reach, just a hair above our perfor-
mance, so that’s what we’ll shoot for next time. The
time and effort spent to choreograph this event was
huge, but it paid off very well.
Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, Lt. Col. Owen Younger,
Col. Joe Smith and many others worked for months
trying to make sure this OPSEVAL came off without
a hitch. Every detail had been previously covered or
was immediately handled. During a disaster (or in this
case an OPSEVAL) quick and accurate thinking and
implementation on the part of those in the hot seat is
essential. And our leadership at the top, these three
superior individuals I just named, gave us the guid-
ance and momentum that kept us on an even keel.
The USAF wanted to see the plan, change the
plan, and then change the plan again. They tried to
12
create a climate of uncertainty to see what we would
do. Their aim was to test the reaction of those in
charge. Not even a dozen inspectors from the great
USAF were able to shake the ground our leaders were
standing on. Our CAP leadership knew the job, real-
ized it was an important test, and measured up with
flying colors.
This event provided a show-
case for our strong points, but
it also revealed our weaker
points. On the plus side, it showed
that success is only as good as our
training and participation on pre-
vious missions and exercises. Most
striking – and ever so scary – is
the realization that, every time, we
depend on the same people to pull
it off, however complex it might
be. In a real disaster, we see these
faces. In training, we see the same
faces. During an OPSEVAL or
SAREVAL, the very same faces
are everywhere. You might even
run into these familiar faces at an
OPSEVAL in a different state.
But what if disaster were to
strike the Incident Command Post
itself? Who would be ready to step up and carry out
the mission? How would continuity of operations be
achieved? Whose place would I need to take – and
would I be ready to do so? Frankly, I have a lot of
learning and work to do if I ever intend to fill Lt. Col.
Theresa Alexander’s shoes.
Lt. Col. Theresa Alexander, Maj. David Ogden,
and Maj. Jack Lewis were all recognized by the USAF
for their contribution to the mission. Having worked
with them many times, I’ve always seen them do a
great job. At the end of the day, I was glad that it was
noticed and publicly appreciated.
12
Group I
Field Training Exercise
By 1st Lt. Johanna Augustine
Squadrons from Texas Wing, Group I gath-
ered at Camp Don Harrington during the weekend
of April 24-26 for a field training exercise (FTX).
Thirty-nine members from the Midland, Odessa,
San Angelo and Tigershark Composite Squadron
met at Camp Don Harrington, a boy scout camp
located in the west section of the Palo Duro
Canyon, just south of Amarillo, TX to partici-
pate in a simulated plane crash training exercise.
Seniors and cadets received training on tasks associated
with Ground Team Member Three (GTM3) over the 2-
day period. Those tasks include basic radio procedures,
ground search methods, and locating a distress beacon.
On day 1, participants were divided into 2 groups
and taught basic tasked to include basic radio
procedures for emergency services operations,
how to operate a radio and utilize the proper fre-
quencies and repeaters, and keeping a team log.
Then the two teams learned and employed on-foot
search techniques to include whistle and voice com-
munication with other members, moving together as
13
a search line, performing a hasty search, and mark-
ing search boundaries. Members were trained to
identify aircraft search clues, missing person search
clues, conduct individual actions on locating a clue,
and individual actions on a “find”. Also, everyone
was evaluated on the proper way to carry a litter.
Personnel were also instructed and evaluated in con-
ducting attraction techniques using a signal mirror.
An aircraft from the Tigershark Composite Squadron
assisted with the evaluation and then helped deter-
mine the distress beacon bearing, and locating the
distress beacon. CAP members on the ground used
a LH-16 Electronic Locator Transmitter (ELT)
receiver and antenna, which identified the gen-
eral area of the beacon’s location. The transmitter
and aircraft parts were found in a nearby canyon.
On day 2, both teams were evaluated again on com-
pleting the required paperwork for a mission and
locating an ELT. Upon completion of the final exer-
cise, 32 members completed tasks associated with
GTM3, GTM2, GTM1, and MRO.
13
Lubbock Cadets Survive the Elements
in order to open Slaton Air Show
In front of a crowd of 7,000, four Civil Air Patrol
cadets from the Lubbock Composite Squadron per-
formed a precision Presentation of the Colors to open
the Slaton Air Show on the 65th Anniversary of the
D-Day landing, June 6th, 2009. Building on their
experiences of attending Color Guard Competition at
Camp Mabry in Austin during February as well as
opening a Shallowater High School baseball game in
May, along with dozens of practices, the team was
able to put on a good performance.
That’s not to say the previous day had been easy
for them or the rest of the cadets from the Lubbock
Squadron. All of the cadets had served on aircraft fire-
guard the previous evening with each of them walking
one hour shifts around the aircraft that had arrived for
the Air Show. On top of that, a heat burst from a dis-
sipating thunderstorm struck their campsite at 2:30 that
morning flattening their tents with dusty 60 mph gusts
and a dramatic increase in the temperature.
“My flashlight was like a short range laser
because of all the dust,” said C/TSgt. Robert Vernon.
“The beam went out only a few feet.”
“First time that I’ve ever seen a tent roll by me
with the person still inside, screaming,” added C/
Amn. Joseph Garcia, talking about the squadron’s
newest cadet, 12-year old C/Basic Daniel Hernandez,
who dramatically discovered the importance of a
properly staked down tent.
The cadets stood tough during the windstorm, the
first of many unexpected challenges they would face
during the air show, and the challenges did not end
with the Presentation of the Colors either. The Color
Guard cadets quickly changed back into their utility
uniforms and went to work keeping the crowd back
behind the ropes.
“Crazy heat!” said C/SrAmn. Dillon Holloway,
“How could the airplanes move on the ground? Their
tires should have melted and glued them down!”
During the air show the temperature quickly
climbed past the century mark turning the light gray
concrete tarmac into a frying pan. One air show
patron fainted from the heat causing EMS crews sta-
tioned for the aircrews to scramble back across the
airfield to provide assistance.
15
Then when the cadets thought it couldn’t get any
worse, all of the air show food vendors ran out of
food due to unexpected size of the crowd that turned
out. Food tickets issued to the cadets were worthless
except for a chance to get out of the sun when they
were temporarily relieved of duty. It took a fast think-
ing Senior Member with a car parked outside the air
show fence to solve that crisis.
“Happy meal heaven” joked Senior Member
Christina Varner of Lubbock as she handed out the
tiny bags of McDonald’s food to the cadets stuck on
the aircraft ramp. With the highway nearly blocked
from the show traffic and local law enforcement try-
ing their hardest to keep the roads clear, SM Varner
weaved her way into town and purchased twenty
meals for the cadets. The cadets gulped down their
food and drank their water while standing on duty
wishing they could be somewhere else, but each cadet
knew the job had to be done.
And still it worked. The show went on. The air show
went ahead on schedule and the crowd was wowed by
the twists and turns of the aerobatics. Aircraft soared
and sped across the Texas skies. Rare aircraft to Texas,
such as a Russian Antonov AN-2 still in its Aeroflot
livery, or the trio of Japanese bombers that performed
simulated attacks on the airfield complete with dyna-
mite and kerosene explosions. The crowd was impressed
and pleased by the performance.
Then it was over four hours after it began. The
Continued on page 39 . . .
15
Cadets Face New Challenges and
Strive to be the Best They Can Be!
2009 Summer Encampment, ALERT Academy, Big Sandy, Texas
By Sharron Stockwell, 1st Lt., CAP
South Fort Worth Diamondback Composite Squadron
Spinks Airport, Fort Worth,
Texas – The Texas Wing Summer
2009 Basic Encampment, Alert
Academy, was held in Big Sandy,
Texas. C/SrAmn. Brian Franklin,
a member of the South Fort Worth
Diamondback Composite Squadron
submitted a report on the encamp-
ment. He stated, “Cadets learned
drills, customs and courtesies, and
how to pass inspection.”
They practiced columns left and
right repeatedly until they achieved
perfection. Additionally, they cor-
rectly learned how to perform all
stationary drills, such as half-left,
half-right, and at ease. Their train-
ing included rifle range practice and
Cadet Franklin stated their flight
shot .22 rifles on the range. This
familiarizes them with the handling
of weapons and eventually assists
them with Color Guard and Honor
Guard weaponry training.
Customs and courtesies is an
integral part of Civil Air Patrol.
This was a great opportunity for
cadets to brush up and practice their
skills. These customs and courtesies
should be observed and enforced as
an officer or cadet of the Civil Air
Patrol. Doctors and lawyers have
professional guidelines and respect
confidential traditions and these
represent our method of showing
respect to and from our peers. These
customs are inherited from the
16
Air Force but some of them origi-
nated from the Army. This training
included everything from how and
when to salute officers, as well as,
verbal greetings.
This extensive training
encampment utilizes our access
to the United States Air Force
resources. Forty hours of class
training were conducted by active
USAF, reservist USAF, and Civil
Air Patrol officers. The encamp-
ment had a full agenda with little
or no wasted time. Cadet Franklin
stated, “My favorite part of the
encampment was the ropes course,
designed to teach us teamwork.”
Before dismissal on the final
day of the encampment, they all
performed a pass and review,
essentially a military parade,
which was viewed by the par-
ticipants’ family and friends.
The close up photo includes C/
SrAmn. Brian Franklin’s flight
in the Pass & Review or Military
Parade at the end of encampment
on Saturday morning 20 June. The
picture with cadets across the field
was taken while they were form-
ing up to begin the parade. In the
forefront is Cadet Franklin from
TX-154, the cadet in the middle
is C/Amn. Chad Bryson, TX-388,
and on the far side is C/A1C John
Havens, TX-354. All three cadets
were part of Echo Flight.
The squadrons benefit from
these activities. Their efforts enable
cadets and officers to return home
more practiced and proficient than
when they left for the encampment.
They are more proficient in drill,
more knowledgeable and capable
of perfecting their customs and
courtesies, and develop a greater
respect for all of the branches of
the military including the USAF
and the Civil Air Patrol.
Special thanks goes to C/SrAmn.
Brian Franklin for his contributing
report on the encampment.
16
Aerospace Manufacturing:
What is the future of Aerospace
Engineering and will Robotics
influence production?
Local Outstanding Civil Air Patrol, Cadet Chief Master
Sergeant James Staud’s BEST Team Creates and
Demonstrates an Award Winning Robotic Creation
By 1st Lieutenant Sharron Stockwell
FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Earlier this year, the
South Fort Worth Diamondback Composite Squadron,
headquartered at Spink’s Airport, had the privilege
of witnessing an excellent demonstration by one of
our high ranking cadets, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant
James Staud. Not only is he a member of our squad-
ron but he is also a member of “Cowtown BEST” the
organization, also known as, Boosting Engineering
Science and Technology.
Area youth participate in a local competition
sponsored by Lockheed Martin, Ridgmar Mall, and
the TCU Engineering Department. The competi-
tion, which is free for school participants, includes a
multitude of engineering and design fundamentals.
These basics include, but are not limited to, website
design, research notebook, display, team spirit, com-
munity involvement, sponsorship, oral presentation,
designing and developing a robot; and of course, the
game day challenge.
Yearly competition promotes new and specific
challenges to the BEST teams. The yearly theme was
“aerospace manufacturing” and the challenge was
for the robot to manufacture an airplane in the assem-
bly area piece by piece, remove FOD (foreign object
debris), and hang the completed aircraft on a hanging
magnet, all within 3 minutes. At the beginning of the
competition, each team is given their kit and has a
total of 6 weeks to design and assemble a working
robot to meet the challenge given. If the team places,
they compete and move up to the regional competi-
tion. It was held at Denton’s University of North Texas
(“UNT”) in November.  ness, benevolence, diligence, loyalty, hospitality, and
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Staud’s specific
17
group is Fort Worth Area Homeschool Robotics. It
took the team 6 weeks to design and build the robot.
The team brainstormed, made drawings, and built
prototypes before coming up with the final design.
The team decided on the robot design based on the
challenge given. The lift was able to lift to various
heights to pick up the airplane pieces and the claw
design enabled the robot to hold the pieces in place
while in transit to the assembly area. The wheels
were formed from melting PVC and the front “golf
ball” wheel allowed for easy maneuverability. The
team spent many hours sawing, gluing, painting,
melting PVC, etc. This organization is an incred-
ible learning opportunity for these students and an
example of the fine quality of cadets we have in our
squadron. Cadet Staud’s team placed 3rd in Game at
“Cowtown BEST” and 5th in Game out of 40 schools
at Texas BEST (regionals). This is the first year for
this team and James’ 2nd year for the competition
on another team.
Congratulations to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant
and the BEST team for a job well done. These fine
cadets and youth make us proud of our next genera-
tion of adult American citizens.
A special note of thanks to Lockheed Martin,
Ridgmar Mall, and the TCU Engineering Department
for their continued sponsorship, support, promotion
and encouragement of our cadets and cadet programs.
May we, as Civil Air Patrol members, continue to
instill character qualities in America’s youth through
tolerance, creativity, discretion, endurance, meek-
sensitivity in all that we do in and for CAP.
17
Johnson County
Squadron members
Post Colors for County
Veteran’s
Maj. Robert Benton
Military Veterans of Johnson County who served
in America’s Wars and Conflicts were honored on
Memorial Day by the members of 131st Johnson County
Composite Squadron with two presentations of the col-
ors in the Cleburne and Keene cemetery ceremonies in
conjunction with locale American Legionaries.
The Johnson County Color Guard Team led by
C/SrA Ghenesis Cordero with cadets C/A1C Collin
Crosier, C/SrA Richard Donahoo, C/A1C Gina
Gomez, C/A1C Kelly Gomez and C/A1C Joseph
Gould posting and retrieving the American and Texas
flags flanked by rifle barriers carrying ceremonial M-
1 rifles at the City of Cleburne, Texas cemetery and
Keene Cemetery held at 10:30 and 1:30 on Monday.
At each ceremony the Color Guard Team leader
Cordero rotated member duties of the flag and rifle bar-
riers providing an opportunity to excel in each duty.
Squadron members supporting the effort C/AB
Daniel Armstrong, Maj. Robert Benton, 2nd Lt.
Kenneth Cowell, C/AB Paul Flurry, Capt. Daniel
Hunt and C/AB Marysa Johnston who assisted the
team and met veterans and family members of World
War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam to present day.
During the ceremony the cadets and military fami-
lies heard presentations and remembrances by Legion
officials, American Legion Auxiliary Association
President Mickie Prendergast and American Legion
Post 50 Commander Joel Franklin.
Prendergast and Franklin acknowledged Civil Air
Patrol during the ceremony.
Among Franklin’s duties at the ceremonies was
to strike a bell for every war and military action
that Americans served and all veteran’s and their
families from the American Independence, War of
1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, Spanish-
American War, World War I, World War II, Korea
Conflict, Vietnam Conflict, Granada Operations,
Panama Operations, Gulf War, Bosnian Operations,
Enduring Freedom and War Against Terror.
Squadron member SM Jerry Bailey who serves
19
TX 430 Members “Star”
in July 4th Airshow
By 1st Lt. Lisa Gunnell
When TX 430 Squadron Commander Capt. Randy
Stafford and 2nd Lt. Robert Pollman returned from a
Low Level Route Survey sortie, they never expected
to be part of an airshow. But when they landed back at
Kickapoo Airport in Wichita Falls, they were greeted by
an enthusiastic crowd celebrating the Fourth of July.
The Call Field Museum, located at Kickapoo
Airport had flown its 1917 Curtiss Jenny, followed by
an aerobatic demonstration by Mr. David Martin, fly-
ing his Xtra aerobatic plane, and an antique car “race”
for the holiday festivities. The CAP plane and crew
were welcomed as part of the show. Capt. Stafford
and 2nd Lt. Pollman were joined by Texas Wing
Commander, Col. Joe Smith, Maj. Harriett Smith,
representing Southwest Region and their daughter
Sandy in welcoming visitors. Numerous children and
adults were introduced to Civil Air Patrol and to avia-
tion through the efforts of these dedicated and experi-
enced representatives.
as 6th District Chaplain for the Son’s of the American
Legion acknowledged the Prisoners of War and
Missing In Action with a presentation and prayer.
Bailey during his presentation noted that American
remains are still being found and returned to the
United States from World War II through Vietnam.
The ceremony also featured the reading and his-
tory of the poem, “Flanders Field” by former ALA
Post 50 president Rhonda Tatum and ALA Post 50
member Michelle Bledsoe complemented by the patri-
otic vocals of Jr. ALA Unit 81 Keely Prendergast.
Legion Post 50 Chaplain Craig Rorick closed the
ceremony with a prayer followed by buglers from
Wheat Middle School playing TAPS and the retrieval
of the flag by the Color Guard Team.
19
Learning to Fly:
Civil Air Patrol teaches that but also
provides much more for local youth
By GREG LITTLE
publisher@gonzalesinquirer.com
It was an unusually cool morning last Sunday at
the airport in Gonzales.
For a Sunday, the local airport was quite a bit bus-
ier than normal. Young cadets in uniform were wan-
dering around, killing a little time as they waited.
At about 10:45 a.m., you could hear the hum in
the background. The plane was nearing the airport
and about to land.
A plane landing at an airport is anything but
unusual, but for four Gonzales youth, this was any-
thing but normal.
“Nervous,” is how Tyler Howell, 12, described
things a couple of days before the big event.
As the youngest of the Civil Air Patrol cadets
from Gonzales, that was understandable. However,
it didn’t stop him from wanting to climb aboard that
CAP airplane and fly off to Victoria.
The Civil Air Patrol is an American tradition dat-
ing back to World War II. It was formed because of
World War II and has grown today into one of the
most efficient and effective search and rescue groups
in the country.
During the war, CAP volunteers flew countless hours
around the borders of this country, looking for enemy
vessels and trying to protect our shipping industry.
Since that time, CAP has been involved in search
and rescue all over the United States, whether it’s hur-
ricanes or avalanches.
A crucial part of CAP is involving youth in the
program. Youth ages 12-21 can join CAP, which is a
branch of the Air Force Auxiliary.
The military influence on CAP is obvious, from
the uniforms to the attitude demonstrated by the youth
who learn so much more than flying.
Anne Howell, mother of Tyler, Kayla Howell,
16, and Beau Howell, 17, knows very well the role
of CAP. All three of her children are in the program
and she says it’s great. Also from Gonzales is Bobby
Corbitt, 16, who took flight last Sunday as well.
“I heard about it from a friend,” said Tyler.
“I thought it would be pretty interesting.”
20 Reprinted with permission of The Gonzales Inquirer
It’s also a lot of work.
Every Monday, no matter what, all four of the
cadets from Gonzales travel to San Antonio to par-
ticipate in two-hour meetings. It doesn’t matter if it’s
a holiday, they must attend.
The cadets learn a variety of things, including
how to march, discipline and they also have some fun
with projects. Rocket power is the current project in
which they are participating.
“Because it sounded like fun,” said Kayla Howell,
who takes her role in CAP very seriously.
In fact, when the plane landed in Gonzales last
Sunday, it was Kayla who was put in the front copi-
lot’s seat on her way to Victoria.
There were two cadets from San Antonio who
made the flight on Sunday morning. After that, two
of the local cadets flew to Victoria, one in the copi-
lot’s seat on the way down and the other on the way
back. After that, the other two local cadets did the
same thing.
“It’s really nice and a good learning experience
for kids,” said Kayla. “We learned about rocketry,
integrity, and self-management.”
For Tyler Howell, his words were music to the
ears of his parents, Anne and Jon.
“I have learned to respect my parents,” he said. “It
teaches you discipline and it teaches you responsibility.”
Tyler said the “ultimate goal” of the program is
to “learn respect, responsibility, and discipline. It’s
really good training.”
That is certainly something a parent wants to hear.
“They are learning that a lot of this stuff I’ve been
telling all the time is meaningful,” said Anne. “It is
showing them how to grow up.”
For her older son, Beau, CAP is a chance to start
his ultimate dream. “Because I’ve been wanting to
join the military,” he said of his involvement in CAP.
“It looks good on your record.”
Part of that training is search and rescue and there
20
 Sheldon Cadet
are many other disciplines taught in CAP, including
Takes Top Honors
Lego practice, communications, and much more.
“It’s okay,” said Corbitt. “They teach us how to do at Spelling Bee
things and search for people.”
Corbitt said it is “most likely” he will stay in the Lt. Col. James D. Peace
CAP program.
Last Sunday, when the plane landed at the air-
port in Gonzales, it was pilot Dianne Wieman who
stepped out from behind the controls. She is the com-
mander of the group from Gonzales, as well as others
who participate in the San Antonio chapter of CAP.
She also has connections to Gonzales County as her
parents lived in Ottine for a time.
“The kids learn discipline,” said Wieman. “They
do different drills, have aerospace education, and are
building rockets right now.”
After landing (and buzzing the airport just prior
to that), Wieman showed off her single engine plane
with the distinctive CAP logo on the side.
She said CAP has come “a long way” in the past
few years, especially when it comes to technology
which is available on the planes.
The plane she flew to Gonzales is two years old Spelling Bee Pictured with Cadet Robbins is Lt.
and has many features, including access to radar and Col. Gerry Levesque, CAP (Squadron Commander
much, much more. All, she says, makes it more help- SWR-TX-802).
ful when it comes to the crucial search and rescue
missions of CAP.
“I’ve been flying the fire out of this one,” she says Sheldon Cadet Squadron member C/SrAmn.
of the plane. Charissa Robbins took top honors at the Sheldon
Wieman has been on search and rescue missions Independent School District spelling bee for the sec-
in many parts of the country. She really enjoys her ond time in three years. Her journey to the champi-
work and says the reward is seeing how the kids react onship round began as she outlasted 1,350 students
to the program. at C. E. King Middle School. She went on to com-
Each of the youth were allowed to get a feel for the pete against the top spellers from around the district
controls of the plane during their flights last Sunday. and garnered first place by successfully spelling
She said it’s important for them to know about the “bonanza.” Cadet Robbins will now advance to the
planes as well as the program. Houston PBS spelling bee where she will represent
Wieman said for those who continue in the program, the 5,800 students of Sheldon ISD against students
they “get a good opportunity” to get into the Air Force. from the greater Houston area.
The Gonzales Inquirer, established in 1853, is Placing fourth at the district level competition
published every Tuesday and Friday and serves all of was C/MSgt. Guillermo Guerrero, another member
Gonzales County. It is one of the oldest continuously of the Sheldon Cadet Squadron.
published papers in the state of Texas. H

21 21
Texas Wing Annual Conference
By Lt. Col. Dana Gray

Texas Wing held its annual conference in the great city of San Marcos on 1-3 May 2009. The
conference was held at the new beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center that has only
been open for about 6 months.
The morning session began with posting of the colors by the cadet color guard from Pegasus
Squadron. Mr. Keith Graf, Director of Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense of the Governor’s Office
presented an official recognition from Governor Perry to Texas Wing for our assistance to the State of
Texas for natural disasters for 2008.
The group was then welcomed by Ms Kim Porterfield, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of San Marcos,
with a Proclamation proclaiming the weekend of May 1-3, 2009, Civil Air Patrol Weekend in San
Marcos. I know most of the women had a great time at the “Shop Till You Drop” shopping spree at San
Marcos Outlet Malls.
Julie DeBardelaben, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for National Headquarters presented the
National Commanders Report.
I know everyone would like to thank Group II for the wonderful food served between the Conference
and Awards ceremony. I know Lt. Col. Don Windle has challenged the other groups that if they get
Group of the Year they need to continue the precedence set by Group II.
The following members of Texas Wing were presented the following awards:
Senior Member of the Year – Lt. Col. Henry L. “Jack” Jackson, Texas Wing HQ
Cadet of the Year, Female – Cadet/Maj. Kayla Stiles, GROUP IV
Cadet of the Year, Male – Cadet 2nd Lt. Michael Moody, GROUP III
Squadron of the Year – APOLLO COMPOSITE SQUADRON, GROUP III
Group of the Year – HEADQUARTERS GROUP II – Ft. Worth & East & West
Aerospace Education – 1st Lt. Erich S. Arbogast, GROUP IV
Cadet Programs – Capt. Diane M. Engelhardt, GROUP IV
Communications – Capt. James T. (Tommy) Hudson, GROUP II
Public Affairs – 1st Lt. Warren D. Graef, Jr., GROUP IV
Safety – 1st Lt. Waitus R. Watson, GROUP IV
Chaplain – Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Alexander Alvarez
Squadron Chaplain of the Year – Chaplain (Capt.) Alfred D. Climie, GROUP IV
Moral Leadership – 2nd Lt. Nicholas M. Birchum, GROUP III
Logistician – 2nd Lt. Mark A. Allison, GROUP IV
Government Relations Award – Lt. Col. Gordie L. White II, Texas Wing HQ
Senior Squadron of the Year – BAYTOWN SENIOR SQDN, GROUP IV
Wing Staff officer of the Year – Lt. Col. Orville L. Jolly, Texas Wing HQ
Counter Drug Officer of the Year – Lt. Col. Orville L. Jolly, Texas Wing HQ
Emergency Services Officer of the Year – Maj. John Ureke, GROUP IV
Squadron of Merit Award – Kerrville Composite Squadron, GROUP V
Squadron of Distinction – Lakeshore Composite Squadron, Group II
Colonel Dion E. DeCamp Ground Team of Year Award – Brownsville Composite Squadron,
GROUP V
Col Edwin W. Lewis, Jr., Incident Staff Member of the Year – Lt. Col. Brooks Cima, Texas
Wing HQ

23 23
 FRANK G. BREWER - CIVIL AIR PATROL - Memorial Aerospace Award
Category I – Cadet – Cadet/2nd Lt. Michael Moody, GROUP IIICategory II – Senior – Capt.
Michael W. Parkhill
Category III – Individual - Jan W. Hill, Grand Prairie, TX - Airport Operations, GROUP
IIICategory IV – Individual – Lt. Col. Cynthia S. Whisennand, GROUP III

Level 5—Wilson
Lt. Col. Melanie Capehart
Lt. Col. Garret Sager
Lt. Col. Don Windle
Maj. Harold B. Wilson
Lt. Col. Brooks Cima
Lt. Col. Dennis Cima

Level 4—Garber
Capt. Penny Brady

Exceptional Service
Award—IKE Awards
Lt. Col. Jack Jackson
Lt. Col. Gwynn Groggel
Lt. Col. Brooks Cima
Lt. Col. O. Younger

Meritorious Service
Award—IKE Awards
Maj. Bob Brecount
1st Lt. Sue Kristofferson
Lt. Col. Dennis Cima
Maj. George Otto
Capt. Harry Cook
Capt. Chuck Tetlow

Commanders Commendations—
IKE Awards
Lt. Col. Johnnie B. Barfoot, Jr.
Maj. Jose E. Carrales III
Capt. Thomas R. Greene
Lt. Col. John A. Hitt
Capt. James T. Hudson
Capt. Stephen A. Hudson
Lt. Col. Henry L. Howe
Maj. James K. McCloud
Cadet/2nd Lt. Cody D. McComber
Capt. David E. Medders
C/MSgt. Elyse Moody
C/TSgt. James W. Moody, Jr.

25 25
26 26
 Continued on page 29 . . .

27 27
Lackland Cadet Squadron Color Guard
and Drill Team participate in the 2009
Texas Wing Cadet Competition
Day 1:
Arrival/Departure. After months
of preparation, dedication and hard
work were ready to produce for
more than fifteen eager and pas-
sionate cadets. They started arriv-
ing between 1700-1830 hours on
Friday the 13th. The senior rank-
ing cadets were assigned a less
experienced cadet as a buddy for
the week and to help guide them.
The cadet commanders for both
the drill and color guard teams
proceeded in having the cadets
study the leadership and aero-
space facts needed for the tests at
competition. Around 1930 hours,
the bus arrived to take the cadets
to Austin. Packing was quick and
soon the trip was a go. The trip
down was longer than it seemed
with all of the study and discus-
sion over the expectations for the
weekend. Upon arrival at Camp
Mabry, in Austin, Texas around
2115, the time for complete pro-
fessional conduct came. After
signing in, and room assigning,
the cadets were allowed time to
relax and prepare for the up com-
ing days ahead. Lights out came
28
C/2nd Lt. Taylor Moellendorf
at 2300 hours and it was much
appreciated by all.
Day 2:
Competition Day. Morning came
quickly for the teams. The color
guard and drill teams were to
compete for the rights to represent
Texas at the regional competition.
The drill team members got to their
schedule immediately. Some time
was allotted for the cadets to make
any final preparations and changes
to their uniforms and knowledge.
The morning hours were filled
with multiple areas of competi-
tion. First, the judges performed
an in-ranks inspection. Following
the inspection, the cadets had to
perform a 50 step standard drill
sequence. This tested the entire
group on all basic and commonly
used commands. After this phase,
the commander was given a card
which had a second set of com-
mands only the commander could
see. This tested the awareness of
the cadets and their recall of drill
commands on the spot. The last
objective for the morning was the
innovative drill. This was a series
of movements hand crafted by each
team. The entire tested the team’s
ability to cope with the environ-
ment, weather and maintaining
military bearing. After a de-brief-
ing, the judges spoke on the morn-
ings accomplishments and did a
run down of the mistakes that were
made. Several hours were given for
lunch, free time and preparation
for PT and testing. PT came with
a sense of extreme competition and
want to do the best possible. Both
teams had outstanding times and
records for the event. Later on in
the afternoon, the judges gathered
all of the cadets for a comprehen-
sive leadership test. The test cov-
ered the first half of the cadet pro-
gram. Once the testing period was
done, the teams were taken back to
the barracks to prepare for dinner
and volleyball. After dinner, the
cadets all competed in non-com-
petitive games. The day ended with
a sense of relief and success. After
a hard days work the cadets were
allowed more time to relax, clean
up, call parents and start packing
Continued on page 39 . . .
28
Annual Conference . . .
Continued from page 27

C/2nd Lt. Michael G. Moody

Lt. Col. Denver A. Radford, Jr.
Maj, Nolan S, Teel
1st Lt. Lorrie A. Tetlow
1st Lt. John D. Trolinger
Capt. Richard O. Williams

Unit Citation –
Brownsville Composite Squadron, Group IV
El Paso Composite Squadron, Group I
Ft. Worth Senior Squadron, Group II

Southwest Region Awards were presented to the following people:

Aerospace Education – 1st Lt. Erich S. Arbogast, GROUP IV
Cadet Programs – Capt. Diane M. Engelhardt, GROUP IV
Communications – Capt. James T. (Tommy) Hudson, GROUP II
Moral Leadership – 2nd Lt. Nicholas M. Birchum, GROUP III
Logistician – 2nd Lt. Mark A. Allison, GROUP IV
Government Relations Award – Lt. Col. Gordie L. White II, Texas Wing HQ
Counter Drug Officer of the Year – Lt. Col. Orville L. Jolly, Texas Wing HQ
Squadron of Distinction – Lakeshore Composite Squadron, Group II
Colonel Dion E. DeCamp Ground Team of Year Award – Brownsville Composite Squadron,
GROUP V

FRANK G. BREWER - CIVIL AIR PATROL – Memorial Aerospace Award

Category I – Cadet – Cadet/2nd Lt. Michael Moody, GROUP III
Category IV – Individual – Lt. Col. Cynthia S. Whisennand, GROUP III

Congratulations to everyone that received an award and Texas Wing appreciates everyone for all the
hard work everyone contributes.
After lunch the seminar sessions began with lots of people looking for information on changes to
systems, regulations, training sessions, or just what is happening in those specialties.
I watched as people had a chance to catch up with old friends they have not seen for a while and
make new friends for years to come. You would see group huddled in conversations about new changes
to regulations or just telling a few jokes.
The evening banquet had a great buffet dinner with chocolate pecan pie for dessert (how can you go
wrong with pecans and chocolate in one dessert). We even had musical entertainment from the sobriety
group next door to help make the awards a memorable occasion. They were even giving out some
awards around the same time. I don’t remember all of there categories, but I do remember one about
best dressed or fashionable dress about the time we were giving out Exceptional Service awards. I’m not
even sure they were aware that we were next door and even who we were. H

29 29
It is Never Easy
This article first appeared as an editorial on the Group III Newsletter.
Often, I’ll write this message ahead of schedule,
maybe a month or more. Or the subject might suggest
a focus that, after it is published, I feel I should add to, experts. But we are the custodians of the memories.
so the first one turns into the prologue to a second shot
at the same theme. But not this time. For some reason,
I had nothing left “in stock” that I could put in this
place, but I didn’t worry. The comfort of liking to write
is that you’re never short of inspiration. But my read-
ers have little to worry about. In my case, this
space won’t ever carry any odes to fleas,
finches, or furies.
At times, my readers might find
this space amusing, instructional,
or even surprising. This month,
though, it isn’t really my space.
Rather, it belongs to a friend and
fellow CAP member. Someone
I respected and liked, who had
many human qualities I wish
more people would cultivate or
even develop. Besides, it is really
too soon for me, after having lost
my friend Lt. Col. Steve Manley, to
find the resignation to face yet another
loss.
The news article summarized it by saying,
basically, “On 12 February
2009, Lt. Col. Daniel Boyd On 15 September 2007, Lt. Col. Dan Williams prepares was the ultimate leader, in
to leave for FALCON-VIRGO, a week-long exercise
Williams and his wife with the Air Force and US Army Air Defense Artillery. the sense that the leader is
Rheta Lynn Williams died
when their Beechcraft
Baron was lost while attempting to land at Williams
Airport, northwest of Porter, about 20 miles from
Houston, Texas. Dan Williams was the Commander
of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron, and the
Deputy Group III Commander-South.” Short, to the
point, depersonalized, cruel, final.
On that day, he was not flying a CAP airplane but
a rented one, a Beechcraft Baron, a reliable and well-
built twin engine, low wing, retractable landing gear,
million-dollar 200-knot cruiser. A fine aircraft by any
measure. An eyewitness said that the plane first nosed
up, then banked to the left. It never recovered, hitting
the ground at an estimated 100 knots. Was it equipment
31
Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate
malfunction? Physical incapacitation, however momen-
tary? The reasons for the accident are now up to the
Dan and Rheta had been on their way to visit a
daughter, who arrived at the airport minutes after the
accident. Our heart goes out to her and the family.
Both parents gone in an instant, turning a celebration
into a great, devastating and wrenching sadness.
Dan Williams was a kind and enlight-
ened commander, a gentle friend, a great
mentor, an eminently qualified pilot.
An excellent manager of talent – an
indispensable skill in a volunteer
organization – he got things done
with a minimum of fuss. He was
the ultimate practitioner of lead-
ership as Harry Truman defined
it, “Leadership is getting a man
to do what he doesn’t want to do,
and like it.” Except that Harry
Truman had the mission in mind
when he coined it. Dan Williams,
on the other hand, never lost sight of
the people behind the mission. He cared
for and respected those who worked with
him. And that’s why his unit members were
fiercely loyal to him. He
at the service of those he
leads.
Having lost very good friends in the military, some
people think I ought to be used to this. Well, let me
tell you. You never get used to it. Each one who failed
to come back left an enormous void, an emptiness
that couldn’t be filled, an absence that would never be
redeemed. And it is never easy to accept it, nor to live
beyond it as if it hadn’t happened. The same with Dan
and Rheta. Still young, productive, and established
members of society, generous contributors to worthy
causes, now gone. Their absence will remain with us
for a very long time.
I know I’m not the only one who can say, “Dan
was my friend.” For myself, I know he’ll live forever
in my heart, where I’ll make room for Rheta too.
31
The
“Lt. Col. Dan Williams
Memorial Flight Academy Fund”
Maj. Cheri Fischler

The recent loss of Lt. Col. Dan Williams and his wife Rheta
left us all in shock and at a loss for words. To know that we would
never again see a cadet looking up at Dan in awe and wonder
before taking that first O’Ride saddened us deeply. As CAP
members we are all used to jumping in and making things happen,
so Apollo decided to do just that.
With that thought in mind, the Apollo Composite Squadron
has started the Lt. Col. Dan Williams Memorial Flight Academy
Fund. We would like to thank the Kittinger Phantom Senior
Squadron for allowing Apollo the honor of remembering their commander in this manner.
Some of our cadets took their very first flight with Lt. Col. Williams, most of the cadets flew at least
one O’ride with him. Not to mention that most of our senior members flew with him regularly. Dan’s
leadership, skill, and patience will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
If you would like to donate to the Lt. Col. Dan Williams Memorial Flight Academy Fund, please
send your donation to:

Texas Wing Flight Academy

c/o HQ Texas Wing
P. O. Box 154997
Waco, TX  76715-4997.
      (Just write Williams on the check’s memo line.)

To date – thanks to a very successfully fundraiser and an even more generous individuals donation
– we have raised $3,600.00 for the Lt. Col. Dan Williams Memorial Flight Academy Fund.
This is a very good start, but a great deal of money will be needed to ensure that Texas Wing cadets
continue to receive the opportunity to learn how to fly.

33 33
Lackland Cadet Squadron
Welcomes New Cadet Commander
2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr
Pictures by 2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr

On 2 Mar 09, the Lackland

Cadet Squadron held a Change-
of-Command (COC) ceremony.
C/2nd Lt. Kristopher Kerr met
the ultimate challenge for a
cadet officer, as he is now in
charge of commanding the
Lackland Cadet Squadron. He
took over from C/Capt. Colleen
Rojas who served as the SWR-
TX-007 Cadet Commander for
past 12 months. The Lackland
Cadet Squadron has 29 active
cadets and 16 senior members
assigned to the unit.
In Civil Air Patrol (CAP),
the Cadet Commander is the
most visible cadet, a role model
for the entire cadet corps, and
the liaison between the senior
staff and the cadet staff. The in CAP, however, after careful consideration and
COC ceremony included the traditional passing of mentorship from fellow cadets he decide to stay in.
the squadron guide on to the new commander –rep- He stated that CAP gives you an opportunity to do a
resenting the new commander’s authority. Cadet lot of different things. He thanked the people around
Commander’s key duties include, 1) setting goals for him for his success and stated, without the support
the squadron, 2) establishing plans, policies, and pro- of his fellow cadets and senior members who have
cedures, 3) coordinating cadet staff activities, 4) make mentored him over the past three years, he wouldn’t
personnel recommendations, 5) supervise and mentor be where he is today.
all cadets, 6) promote excellence, and 7) lead drill and Opportunities Knock. With Cadet Kerr’s busy
ceremonies. schedule, his accomplishments have come along
Also on 2 Mar 09, The Texas Wing Group V quickly. Cadet Kerr is an active participant in Civil
Commander, Lt. Col. Ed Billman presented C/Capt. Air Patrols three missions (Emergency Services/
Colleen Rojas the Amelia Earhart Award and pre- Cadet Programs/Aerospace Education). Emergency
sented C/2nd Lt. Taylor Moellendorf the Brigadier Services: He is a member of the Emergency Services
General Billy Mitchell Award. Reception immedi- team, participating in search and rescue missions
ately followed with cake and refreshments. since joining CAP in Feb 06. Cadet Programs: He
The new Cadet Commander stated that CAP has is actively involved in many Cadet programs, hav-
opportunities to grow and excel into various positions ing served in many leadership positions in the Cadet
within the squadron and offers leadership potential to Squadron since joining CAP in Feb 06. Since 23
those who have the desire to lead. He also told the Oct 06, he held Cadet(C) positions as a C/Guide-
crowd that at one point he wasn’t sure about staying On, C/Element Leader, C/Flight Sgt., C/First Sgt.,

34 34
C/Flight Commander, C/Deputy Commander and
now Cadet Commander which will be the ultimate
challenge of his leadership skills to date. Cadet Kerr
also served as the Lackland Squadron primary point
of contact for the Group V Cadet Advisory Council
(CAC) since being appointed in Jan 07. He served as
a recorder. In Nov 07, he earned the Model Rocketry
Badge for completing all three phases and launch-
ing several different rockets. He hopes to expand his
horizons in 2010 by serving as a goodwill ambassa-
dor at one of the many CAPs International Air Cadet
Exchange (IACE) programs--participating in avia-
tion-related activities abroad or attending the Texas
Wing Cadet Flight Academy and/or the Texas Wing
Glider Academy. He is a member of the squadron’s
Honor Guard/Color Guard team since joining CAP
and has been participating at various community
events (SPURS NBA games, Silver Stars WNBA
games, Hockey Games, Baseball games, 4th July
Parade, displaying the colors. In Sept 09, he earned
his Mitchell Award and was promoted to C/2nd Lt.
In Nov 08, he attended the Texas Wing CTEP Officer
Training School (OTS), the fourth training phase of
professional development. Cadet Kerr is currently
working on Achievement 10 towards his next rank
of C/1st Lt. (the Amelia Earhart Award). Aerospace
Education: Cadet Kerr is also involved in Aerospace
Education. He has served on several occasions as an
aerospace mentor to other Cadets who are testing on
an aerospace module. As the Cadet Commander, he
will be responsible to schedule monthly aerospace
education classes to ensure each Cadet’s aerospace
education training objectives are met.
Cadet Kerr is currently participating in an on-
going squadron community service project, collecting
Powder Laundry Detergent to donate to the Battered
Women’s Shelter and the Ronald McDonald House in
San Antonio, in Apr 09. In addition to his community
service through CAP, he also donates his time out-
side of the organization by volunteering to help out
at Church during Sunday Mass services. As a mem-
ber of the Lackland Church Youth Group, he partici-
pates in feeding the homeless at the Vincent DePaul
Church, supporting and working Youth Group bake
sales to help raise money to attend Catholic Youth
Conventions around the world.
While actively participating in CAP, Cadet Kerr
35
is currently in 10th grade at John Paul Stevens High
School (JPSHS), San Antonio, Texas. Effective Feb
09, he is ranked number 84 of his sophomore class
of 964 students. This is his second year playing soc-
cer for the school’s Junior Varsity (JV) Soccer team
which consist of 20 plus players and was one of the
2009 JV Captains for the team. On 20 Mar 09, the
Varsity Soccer Coach from JPSHS, Coach Marc
Helkey, moved Kris up to the Varsity level team ros-
ter. The JPSHS Varsity Soccer team won the 2009
District Champs Title and Kris got to play a few min-
utes in the first game of the playoffs on 24 Mar 09,
against the Judson Rockets and the JPSHS Falcons
won 3 to 0. The Falcons lost in the second round of
playoff to Reagan High School. In addition to CAP
and High School, Cadet Kerr is a race car driver. He
started racing quarter midget race cars at the age of 7,
went on to race in the minicup series and is currently
in his fourth year racing with the Texas Super Race
Series (TSRS) Allison Legacy Racing series, driv-
ing a TSRS Allison Legacy Race car--a three-quar-
ter scale NASCAR replica. He is scheduled to race
in nine races from March till Sept 09, at Thunderhill
Race Way in Kyle, Texas. On 28 Mar 09, Kris started
on the pole, led all 50 laps to secure his first win in
the TSRS Allison Legacy Race!
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official auxiliary
of the US Air Force, was founded on Dec 1, 1941,
less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl
Harbor brought the US into World War II. CAP is a
nonprofit organization with more than 56,000 mem-
bers nationwide. CAPs mission is Nationwide. CAP
members play a vital role in performing 95 percent
of continental US inland search and rescue missions.
CAP volunteers also perform homeland security,
disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request
of federal, state, and local agencies.
If interested in joining Civil Air Patrol visit the
Lackland Cadet Squadron and attend a couple meet-
ings. The Lackland Cadet Squadron meets on Monday
evenings, from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at the Lackland
Cadet Squadron Building (Bldg 1612, located on Kelly
Field Annex C, Port San Antonio) 401 S. Frank Luke
Dr., San Antonio TX 78226, For more information,
visit the squadron’s web site at www.CAPTX007.org.
For squadron CAP pictures, go to http://community.
webshots.com/user/CAPTX007. H
35
Lackland Cadet Squadron
Two Cadets Honored as VFW Officer
and NCO of the Year 2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr
Pictures by 2nd Lt. Nancy Kerr

On 6 Apr 09, two members from the Veterans of
Foreign Wars (VFW) Westside Office, Post 8936, San
Antonio, Texas, Mr. Julian Avendano, Commander,
and Mr. Jesse A. Mendoza, Senior Vice Commander,
presented Cadet 2nd Lt. Kristopher Kerr, the VFW
of the United States, Civil Air Patrol (CAP), Officer
citation and medal award for special recognition of
outstanding achievement and exceptional leadership
ability as a Cadet Officer.
Cadet Katherine Sommers was presented the
VFW of the United States, CAP Non-Commissioned
Officer (NCO) citation and medal award, for special
recognition of outstanding achievement and excep-
tional leadership ability as a Cadet NCO. The cadets
were recognized for their involved in the Civil Air
Patrol programs and the local community. Julian con-
gratulated both cadets and stressed to all the cadets
to continue to stay involved, do the right things, and
keep up the good work. He stated he is very proud of
all the cadets.

Randolph Squadron Holds Dining Out

By 2nd Lt. Teresa Spohn
The Randolph Composite Squadron celebrated a time-
honored tradition May 15 when it held their first dining-
out ceremony for cadets, senior officers, and guests.
The cadet squadron -- that falls under the Civil Air
Patrol’s Texas Wing Group V -- allows members to rou-
tinely take part in leadership activities to better prepare
themselves to be of service to their community, state, and
nation; and the social function of an active-duty-style
dining-out lets cadets and senior officers practice their
protocol, customs and courtesies. 
Cadet Col. Daniel Fowl presided, in cadet tradition, as the
“president of the mess,” overseer of social activities of toast-
ing, “grogging” (drinking from the ceremonial punch bowl)
and “points of order” (establishing the evening’s rules).  Highlights of the evening included a singing of the
“We had an awesome turn-out with 105 participants,” National Anthem by Chanine Guerrero, a special presen-
said Cadet Col. Fowl. “The cadets also got the opportunity tation on wing-tip vortex by Edmund Johnstone, a speech
to get a small taste of Air Force heritage. In addition to cadet from Michael Snedeker, and an Air Force Academy
tradition, they listened to Michael Snedeker, a former Spaatz appointment presentation for Cadet Matthew Castriotta.
cadet, U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and an accom- “This activity has taken months to plan, organize, and
plished, retired Air Force Colonel, speak on how Civil Air prepare,” said Cadet Lt. Col. Matthew Castriotta, who served
Patrol sparked his interest in integrity, service, and excel- as the evening’s vice president. “Teamwork with cadets, senior
lence. It was an outstanding experience for all involved.” officers, parents and the Kendrick Club catering staff.

37 37
Texas-Wide Exercise at
Grand Prairie Airport
Capt. Robert Severance III

In what may be the last hur-

rah for the old terminal building
at the Grand Prairie Municipal
Airport (GPM) before it is bull-
dozed to make way for a new
modern facility, members of the
Crusader Composite Squadron
were happy to host the Area
Command Post (ACP) for Texas
Wing’s statewide Search and
Rescue Exercise. This supervis-
ing command post had very few
members, yet it served as the
overall control element of four
Incident Command Posts dis-
tributed throughout the state.
Group III, Texas Wing
personnel staffed and manned
the Grand Prairie Incident
Command Post (ICP) to carry
out its share of the training missions assigned to it ing for Liaison Officer requires the trainee to dem-
by the ACP, representing the temporary Texas Wing onstrate the ability to coordinate external agency
Headquarters. Three other ICPs were also under the requests. Capt. Severance proposed to Lt. Col. Scott
ACP, and there was some direct contact between the Trepinski, the Grand Prairie (Group III) Incident
ICPs. Aircrew and ground team personnel were sent Commander, a simulated external agency request to
out in various sorties, taking photographs, following conduct aerial photography of the new 149,000 sq. ft.
prescribed missions, and identifying the exact loca- Grand Prairie Public Safety Headquarters building
tion of practice emergency beacons. that is being constructed at the southwest corner of
Maj. Russell Miller, Crusader’s Deputy State Highway 161 at Arkansas Lane (about a mile
Commander for Seniors, reported that several due east of GPM). This will be part of the 78-acre
squadron members participated in training events to Central Park project. Several man-made lakes will
improve their skills and acquire greater proficiency serve as drainage and water management for the
in their specialties. These included 2nd Lt. Josh Davis area. The $46 million state-of-the-art facility, which
who trained as a Mission Scanner, Capt. Carol Bitner combines Fire Administration, Police Services, and
who trained as a Mission Staff Assistant, C/CMSgt. Detention, is scheduled to open in 2010.
Kendall Pruitt who trained as a Communications Unit Maj. Frank Stalling taught flight-line marshalling
Leader, and Capt. Robert Severance III who trained to several cadets and C/2nd Lt. Robert Severance IV
as an Information Officer.  spent his 15th birthday studying under the Mission
Capt. Severance also began training for Liaison Information Officer (and Southwest Region Director
Officer. Part of the specialty qualification train- of Public Affairs) Capt. Arthur E. Woodgate.

38 38
Lackland
Competition . . .
Continued from page 28
for departure the next day. Sleep
was a welcome idea for the entire
competition.
Day 3:
Departure. As a reward for the
effort during the competition, the
senior members for drill teams
let the cadets sleep in a little. The
objective for the early morning
was to pack, clean the dorms, and
prepare to leave the area. After
breakfast and cleaning the build-
ings, the drill teams went to the
classrooms near the auditorium
for the panel quiz. The quiz was
over various leadership concepts
and different portions of the drill
and ceremonies manual. Next, the
cadets were given a little while to
finish packing and loading up the
gear. Finally the big event came:
awards and trophies. Lackland
placed second overall for drill team
and third for color guard. Also,
the drill team won the 1st place
award for best innovative drill
performance. After the ceremony,
the cadets signed out and left the
base. Lackland took a quick trip to
the capitol for a group photo and
then ate lunch together at Ci Ci’s.
The weekend was fun for all and
a true accomplishment for months
of work and determination. H
Blacksheep Squadron
Experiences The
Excitement of Space
Capt. Kelly Castillo
On 3 February 2009, the Black
Sheep Composite Squadron’s
cadets were treated to a spe-
cial presentation, “United States
Manned Spaceflight – 1961 to
1972,” delivered by the Group
III Cadet Programs Officer and
squadron Deputy Commander for
Cadets, 1st Lt. J.M. Coffman.
The program covered the
exploration of outer space, that
led to a competition between
the United States and the former
Soviet Union. The history lesson
explained how the two countries
developed artificial satellites, sent
human beings into outer space,
and the United States eventually
landed astronauts on the moon
(Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin,
21 July 1969).
“The Russians may have been
the first in a lot of things,” said
1st Lt. Coffman, “but the United
States wanted to be better.”
The instructor surprised the
cadets by explaining that the
first living earth creatures in
outer space were actually Laika,
a dog from the Soviet Union (3
November 1957, she died in orbit),
and Ham, a chimpanzee from the
United States (on 31 January 1961,
he returned unharmed). He also
explained that the first human was
the Soviet Union’s Yuri Gagarin
(12 April 1961).
The program also discussed
the trials and errors of the space
race, which included tragedies
shared by the two countries.
The United States lost sev-
eral astronauts in the Apollo 1,
the Space Shuttle Challenger, and
the Space Shuttle Columbia; the
Soviet Union lost astronauts in the
Soyuz 1 and the Soyuz 11, as well
as other missions.
The program ended with
an overview of NASA’s future
plans, including completion of
the International Space Station
by 2010, returning to the Moon
by 2015, and eventually sending
astronauts to Mars.
Lt. Coffman parting words
were, “We’re on our way again.”

Slaton Air Show . . .
Continued from page 15
cadets left the ramp thoroughly cooked and tired, but
satisfied that they had stuck together and toughed out
the toughest air show they have ever worked. No one
was seriously hurt on either side of the ropes.
“I did my job,” exclaimed C/CMSgt. Varner, who
supervised the cadets on the ramp, “I kept them con-
scious!” No small affair given the 105F ground tem-
perature on the ramp with gusty thirty-knot winds.
He saw to it that every cadet working the line drank
a bottle of water every few minutes and organized
relief from Seniors when a cadet so much as looked
even a little pink.
“Mission First” took on a whole new meaning
for the cadets from Lubbock, they have experi-
enced it first hand. H

39 39
Kittinger Pilots Train for G1000
1st Lt. Richard Hacker

Pilots of the Col. Joe Kittinger

Phantom Senior Squadron in
Austin committed to the future
of Civil Air Patrol aviation by
building “glass panel” skills by
attending a course conducted at
the TXDoT Flight Center, the
squadron’s home base. Many
CAP pilots have seen or heard
about “glass panel 182s” in the
CAP fleet during a recent mis-
sion or exercise. There aren’t too
many of these around, but Texas
Wing is the custodian of two
Cessna 182s with the Garmin
1000 avionics. The two elec-
tronic video screens, as well as
all the technology behind those
screens, take the place of the
traditional “steam gauges.” This Commanders with increased or taking advantage of a simula-
unique assembly enables aircrews resource flexibility and enabling tion program that runs on their
to have an unprecedented level of our pilots to optimize their flying home computers. Within 30 days
situational awareness – from the skills for the benefits of CAP and of the ground school, pilots must
aircraft’s flight status, to terrain, our customers.” complete two flights demonstrat-
weather, and communications. Squadron pilots, including ing VFR and (if the pilot is instru-
“The future of aviation in Maj. Richard Pope of the Pegasus ment rated) IFR proficiency. A
general, and the Civil Air Patrol, Composite Squadron, and Maj. CAP Form 5 check-ride follows
is moving toward glass panel Dave Badal, from the Tex Hill these flights.
technologies in the cockpit,” said Composite Squadron, attended Kittinger Phantom par-
Squadron Commander Lt. Col. the two-day ground school led by ticipants were Lt. Col. George
Dan Williams. “As a squadron, Capt William Dew, who is a highly Mihalcik, Lt. Col. Dave Rogerson,
we have chosen to build the skills qualified Instructor Pilot and mem- Lt. Col. Dan Wiilliams, Capt.
of our pilots in the most advanced ber of the Bexar County Senior Baron Carter, Capt. Joseph
systems. Taking an entire week- Squadron in San Antonio. The Chasnoff, 1st Lt. Ferrill Ford, 1st
end for the ground school and FAA-approved Cessna curriculum Lt. Debbie Ford, 1st Lt. Thomas
then the cost in time and money for the ground school introduces Fowler, 2nd Lt. Alan Runge, and
for the training flights are a sig- pilots to the operations and com- 2nd Lt. Aaron Starmes. Also
nificant investment for these CAP plexities of the advanced G1000 attending were Maj. Richard
members. However, a pilot who avionics, in preparation for in- Pope from the Pegasus Composite
has completed a CAP Form 5 in flight instruction. Having com- Squadron and Maj. Dave Badal
a glass panel 182 will be capa- pleted the ground school, the pilots from the Tex Hill Composite
ble of flying most aircraft in the hone their skills using a G1000 Squadron, San Marcos.
CAP fleet, providing Incident simulator on loan from Cessna,

41 41
Waco CS Distributed Search
and Rescue Exercise
1st Lt. Joshua Collier

A group of camouflaged youths

moved through the woods bear-
ing radio equipment. They were
searching for a practice beacon
known as an Emergency Locator
Transmitter, which had been hid-
den inside a junked pickup truck.
Someone had provided a mock-up
mannequin (supposedly of Willy
Nelson), to place in the driver’s
seat, for added realism. Finding
the ELT inside the truck that
had Austin singer inside would
be the task assigned to the Waco
Composite Squadron cadets.
C. R. Johnson, owner of the
property where the ELT would be
hidden, with the help of Scotty,
a prospective cadet member, and
the assistance of 1st Lt. Collier, multiple suggestions, arm waving, popped into view, and the team
the “accident” was properly set up. and finger pointing, until the col- of cadets rushed forward, intent
That done, the group notified the lective decision bubbled to the top, on determining whether this was
unit commander that the signal “This way!” A few obstacles in the indeed the location of the distress
had been turned on. This team, in way, such as a fence and under- signal transmitter.
turn, hid and waited to see if and brush, failed to deter the young As they approached, the
when the cadets would zero in on explorers, who had been told that slumped puppet, hanging halfway
their target, and what they would a (simulated) casualty might be at out of the window, at once became
do when they found it. the scene of the accident. the object of their attention, as
After about 30 minutes, the Lt. Collier, worried that he they realized that they had found
squadron’s van, full of cadets might be spotted, crouched and an injured person, perhaps a casu-
and their unit commander, came half-hid himself behind a tree, alty. What to do? They decided that
lumbering up the dirt road, rather as he positioned himself to take the direct approach is always best,
slowly, missing the spot and going the needed photographic record. turned around, and said, “Sir, there
past it for about 300 feet. The van Not an easy task. Intent on listen- is a casualty here,” to Maj. Phillip
stopped, then returned. The doors ing to the sound of the signal and Crawford, their squadron com-
opened, and the cadets spilled out watching their step in the woods, mander. At this point, their leader
onto the road and moved into the the cadets looked only forward, promptly congratulated them on
woods, with their El-Per deployed, and didn’t notice the silently having succeeded in their mission.
as they tried to triangulate their operating digital camera. Finally, The cadets largely agreed that
target ELT’s location. through the branches and under- “Mr. Willy Nelson” did not look
Some discussion ensued, with brush, the white pickup truck like himself.

43 43
Tyler Squadron at Texas
Wing OPSEVAL
C/CMSgt. Jesse Carr
The Tyler Composite Squadron was tasked with
fielding a Ground Team consisting of six cadets.
Skilled and well trained, they were C/Capt. Kolby
Elliott, C/1st Lt. Kirk Elliott, C/1st Lt. John Shanahan,
C/1st Lt. Isaac Niedrauer, C/CMSgt. Jesse Carr, and
C/MSgt. Joseph Hughes. The results of their mis-
sion would help the U.S. Air Force evaluate Texas
Wing’s Search and Rescue capabilities during the bi-
annual Operation Evaluation (OPSEVAL) at the West
Houston Airport, Saturday, 22 May through Sunday,
24 May. This is their story.
We rode packed tightly into C/1st Lt. Shanahan’s
Dodge truck, arriving at the staging area at 1500,
perfectly on time. However, since the sign-in table
hadn’t been set up yet, we had to wait a couple of
hours before we could check in and then sign out for
the evening. Our immediate need at that point was
to check into our hotel, since the evaluation wouldn’t
start until 0800 Saturday. Admin finally got the sign-
in table set up, we showed our credentials, checked
44
in, and immediately signed
out, leaving for our hotel.
Checking into the hotel
was a smooth formality;
we dumped our baggage in
the room, and explored the
premises, discovering an
outdoor swimming pool.
A couple of us had not
brought along swimming
trunks, so we made a quick
trip to Wal-Mart just down
the highway and, besides the shorts, we bought some
snacks too. While in Wal-Mart, I had a very nice chat
with an army engineer. He told me, “I’ve been in for
three years, and I’m home on leave.” Then he asked
about CAP, and I told him how it works and what we
do. It always surprises me that so many people in the
military are unaware of CAP, and how we operate.
We left the store loaded with food and the neces-
sary swimming items. After a fun and rowdy evening
at the pool, we ordered pizza and then hit the rack.
About 0600, the alarms went off, we got up, dressed,
and headed to the lobby for breakfast. Well fed, we
left for the staging area, where we arrived at 0715.
Once there, we checked in, eager to do our part, but
now came the slow, excruciating part. We had to wait
on a mission. We had our safety briefings (a good
sign) and, soon after, we were tasked.
We were given coordinates for a Flying J Truck
Stop, and told to photograph the area as we looked
for hazardous materials (HazMat). Our Ground Team
44
Leader, C/Capt. Kolby Elliott, handed out specific
assignments and we filled out the paperwork. C/1st
Lt. Kirk Elliott and I were tasked with doing the vehi-
cle inspection under the supervision of our assigned
senior member, Capt. Stephen Starke. That went well.
“We’re ready to go,” we announced. Then we found
out what out mission jobs would be.
C/1st Lt. Niedrauer was in charge of admin. C/1st
Lt. Shanahan got the camera. C/MSgt. Hughes was
assigned to assist all who needed help with their
assigned tasks, C/1st Lt. Elliott was “second in com-
mand,” and I would be in charge of the radio and log.
The vehicle was properly inspected, radios signed out,
and paperwork filled out. I got on the radio and told the
staging area we were ready to go, gave them the time,
and were off. The ride was going pretty smoothly, but
halfway to our destination, while stopped at a traffic
light, we noticed smoke coming from the left wheel
well. A bad sign.
Capt. Starke immediately pulled into a parking
lot and we exited the vehicle as fast as we could. To
all appearances, the front left brake had locked up.
We pulled back onto the road and drove for a couple
of minutes to see if the problem would go away, but
Capt. Starke noticed that it was hard to accelerate and
brake, so we pulled into an abandoned BBQ restau-
rant. I called the staging area with my cell phone,
because we were out of radio range, and reported our
problem. A senior member then contacted C/Capt.
Elliott on his cell phone, who gave the staging area
our coordinates. Now all we had to do was wait. After
a quick vote, we walked to a Chili’s about fifty yards
away, to eat and wait for our ride. It was a good and
varied lunch, we paid for it, then made our way out-
side to sit on benches and wait for our “rescue van.”
As we sat waiting, C/1st Lt. Shanahan said,
“Well… where are they? It didn’t take us this long to
get here.” With a chuckle I replied, “Yeah, that’s prob-
ably what a pilot says after an emergency landing and
we get called out to save the day.” With that, the group
broke into laughter for a while, and we kept watching
and waiting. Finally, the van arrived. We climbed in
and rode over to the disabled van, transferring all our
packs and ground team gear. Once loaded into the
“rescue van,” we buckled up and relaxed for the thirty
to forty-five minute ride back to the staging area. We
were unhappy that our our original vehicle couldn’t
45
continue the mission.
It took a few missed turns, but eventually we
made it back “home,” where we were cleared to sign
out another van to complete the mission. We did the
inspection, everything checked out OK, so we left on
our second attempt to complete the mission. It took
about forty-five minutes to get to the Flying J, this
time without any more car problems, for which we
were thankful. C/1st Lt. Shanahan took pictures as we
drove around the parking lot, everyone keeping alert
for any suspicious objects, but we saw none. Once we
were satisfied with the number and quality of pictures
we’d taken, we headed back to the staging area.
The return journey was uneventful, we checked
in for a quick debrief, turned in all paperwork and
radios, and signed out for the evening. Since there
wouldn’t be any ground operations on Sunday morn-
ing, we checked out of the activity.
Gathering our gear, we shook hands all around,
said goodbye to many senior members and cadets,
then we were off for the hotel, where we met 1st Lt.
Choya Shanahan, our senior member sponsor for the
trip. We decided on Fuddruckers for dinner, the food
was delicious, and we enjoyed having our pictures
drawn by a caricature artist. It was nice to have a
relaxing meal and sit back and rest.
After eating, we headed back to the hotel to
change into swimming gear, and made a bee line for
the pool. We were looking forward to the wrestling
and dunking we all knew was coming, but it had been
a the long day and we tired quickly. Back at the room,
we showered and prepared for a good night’s sleep. In
the morning, we packed in a few minutes and met Lt.
Shanahan at Waffle House, just down the road, for a
great (though quick) breakfast. The trip home found
us well fed but with misgivings.
We were disappointed about having had the
vehicle break down, and having taken so long to fin-
ish our mission, but we all felt that the weekend had
been a success in many ways. Texas Wing received
an Excellent overall rating, something that accord-
ing to the Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt and many
other senior members, had not happened in a very
long time. I am proud of our Wing’s ability to react in
disaster situations, and an Excellent rating proves that
we are capable of assisting in many ways. H
45
Shoemaker
Squadron at
Central Texas
Air Show
C/Capt. Joshua Pravel
It had been a Shoemaker Composite Squadron
tradition to work the Central Texas Air Show in
Temple, but that stopped for a couple of years, with
Pegasus Composite Squadron (Austin) taking our
place. However, this year, our two squadrons volun-
teered their time for the community.
Groups from Shoemaker Composite Squadron
and Pegasus Composite Squadron arrived Sunday
morning on the 3rd of May. The two squadrons sold
T-shirts at the event, with proceeds going to Pegasus
Composite Squadron.
It was a cloudy day, raising the question of whether
the show would be canceled or not. Thankfully, the
weather cleared up and the air show was held as usual.
The cadets moved supplies and equipment to the infor-
mation booth where they would be selling the T-shirts.
A layer of mud caked the CAP members’ boots and van,
a consequence of the previous day’s rain. Major Richard
Pope, of the Pegasus Composite Squadron, spent the
better part of the morning cleaning his CAP van.
Parked near our booth was a static display of a
CAP aircraft which attracted much attention and
many members of the community asked about our pro-
gram. Major Pope manned the aircraft and explained
the main parts to the public, both young and not so
young, who were anxious to sit inside a real aircraft
and have their picture taken. We hoped, of course,
that many of them would choose to join CAP.
The cadets were asked to check the flight line
for any FOD (Foreign Objects or Debris) before the
planes took off. However, after taking a quick look
at the cadets’ muddy boots, the organizers decided
that the cadets might be more of a safety hazard than
a help. Though somewhat disappointed, the cadets
could still admire some of the exhibits and enjoy the
47
rest of the show until the participants had arrived. The
cadets paid special attention to the military exhibits,
and talked briefly with the military recruiters.
As the opening time drew closer, the cadets made
their way back to the CAP information booth, which
didn’t catch much attention until lunch-time. The
aroma of oils and fried delicacies filled the air. The
cadets took their lunch in shifts, so the booth would
still be able to function.
Because the booth was set up close to the run-
way, we all watched the aircraft as they took off and
landed, and the canopy above us offered adequate
shade and visibility. To our good fortune, the group
had one of the better viewing areas at the airport.
There were many flights, including an espe-
cially interesting acrobatic routine flown with T-6
Texans. Onlookers watched in awe as the pilots filled
the skies with smoke.
At the end of the day, many people pressed in,
anxious to get T-shirts before they ran out. And that
they did. With the quick influx of prospective custom-
ers, our booth soon ran out of supplies. Because of the
unanticipated high demand, the CAP members sold
out the entire inventory early, which gave them time
to interact with some of the pilots, a rare experience.
David Dennis, an Air Force A-10 Warthog pilot,
gave the cadets some helpful tips for pursuing their
piloting career. All CAP members also had a tour of
the aircraft and their picture taken in front of it.
When the air show ended, the cadets gathered
all the equipment they had used into the CAP van.
Though the cadets worked hard, the day had been
enjoyable. C/Airman Emery Chandler of Shoemaker
Composite Squadron said it best, “This is why I enjoy
Civil Air Patrol.”
47
Gladewater Cadets Meet Air Force Blue
C/CMSgt. Kayla Cassel

The squadron cadets got to

rub elbows with their brothers in
the CAP squadron stationed at the
Air Force base when they attended
the Air Show at Barksdale AFB in
Shreveport, LA. After meeting at
the Gladewater Airport at 0700
for a safety briefing and setting up
the rides and making the manda-
tory breakfast stop, the convoy set
out for the big adventure.
During the ride, we decided to
use the Louisiana Wing CAP air-
craft on display at the air show as
the best rallying point during the
day. It turned out to be an ideal
choice, as it served not only as a very
visible and prominent land mark,
but it turned out that C/CMSgt.
Kayla Cassel knew a number of the
cadets who were posted as custodi-
ans of the aircraft during the show.
In addition to meeting a cadet
from the Gregg County Composite
Squadron, our cadets made new
friends from the Louisiana Wing,
Mississippi Wing, the Barksdale
Composite Squadron, and another
Louisiana Wing squadron. Once
the introductions were made and
stories exchanged, the cadets broke
into smaller groups and scattered
to see the exhibits and, later, the air
show itself.
Cadets Brown and Word,
who got to ride in a full-motion
flight simulator, greatly enjoyed
the experience. Cadet Brown par-
ticularly liked the point when he
was flying the simulator belly-up
in inverted flight. While Cadets
Brown and Word explored the
mysteries of flight, Cadets MSgt.
Alexander and Cassel went to the
Marines’ booth for some pull-ups
and flex arm hangs (no results
were reported).
The multi-unit group enjoyed
walking around inspecting the
various aircraft on display. Cadet
Brown said, “I got to talk to many
of the aircrews who stood by their
various aircraft, answering ques-
tions.” He dreams of becoming
a member of this select group of
service men and women and prays
that he can grow up to be half the
pilot that he saw flying that day.
At 1500, the show reached its cli-
max as the Blue Angels put on
their very impressive demonstra-
tion. All got a very good view of
their amazing aerial stunts as they
flew for about fifteen minutes of
aeronautical wizardry.
After the show ended, the
nearly exhausted but happy cadets
sought refuge in their van, bor-
rowed from a local church. They
had spent the day in the sun,
walking around everywhere, pro-
pelled by youth and excitement, but
now they were ready to go home.
The walk back to the van seemed
longer than the one they’d taken
when arriving at the air show.
Once out of the heavy traf-
fic, as usual, hunger suddenly
awakened. We went to Cracker
Barrel on the edge of Shreveport
for a nice dinner and a long con-
versation about the air show and
the day’s events. After dinner and
now ready for more, the cadets
hungered for sweets when they
came upon Pop Rocks, a quick
stop that provided for munchies
on the ride home. From then on,
the van became full of crackling
and popping.
Attending the Air Show were
C/Airman Basic Tommy Word,
C/Airman 1st Class Matt Brown,
C/CMSgt. Andrew Alexander, C/
CMSgt. Kayla Cassel, and 1st Lt.
Farrell Alexander.

49 49
 Apollo Works CAF
Bluebonnet Airsho
Saturday, 11 April was a busy
day for the members of the Apollo
Composite Squadron, as we had
two different community service
events that needed our assis-
tance. Team One went to Burnet,
Texas to get started on our duties
there, and Team Two went to Old
Settlers’ Park before they would
join us in Burnet.
Upon arriving at the Burnet
Airport at 7 a.m., Team One – con-
sisting of 10 cadets and two senior
members – immediately got busy
setting up the rope barricades for
the CAF Bluebonnet Airsho. This
was our fourth year in a row run-
ning the flight-line security for
the Highland Lakes Squadron of
the Commemorative Air Force, so
50
Maj. Cheri Fischler
we knew just where to set up the
needed barricades and ropes. As
soon as were we finished setting
up our assigned areas, we jumped
right in and set up the VIP tent
and Rent-A-Chair sections; then
it was time for breakfast. We have
always enjoyed eating pancakes at
an airport, and this morning was
no exception.
We met for our safety brief-
ing and then everyone got some
free time to view the airplanes, as
I headed over to the pilots’ brief-
ing to get the timeline of when
they would want us to sanitize the
ramp. With all flight activity times
under my arm, I returned, turned
them over to the team, and gave
myself some time off to view the
airplanes on display.
At 11:45 we cleared the gen-
eral public from the flight-line,
and placed the ropes in the bar-
ricades. The first propeller started
turning at 5 minutes to noon, and
the air show was in full swing.
After having completed their
morning duties for Round Rock
Parks and Recreation, Team Two
arrived, signed in, got their brief-
ing, and went to work on the line.
At 2 p.m. it was time to clear the
crowd away from the A10s, so
these, too, could fire up for their
flight in the air show.
Of all the air shows we attend
yearly, this one is my favorite. The
Highland Lakes Squadron does a
great job educating the air show
spectators, who can count on a
good presentation on the history
of aviation that at the same time
honors the aviators that came
before us. Once the flying stopped
and the public started to leave, all
we had left to do was taking down
and stowing the items we had set
up that morning.
All told, Apollo had 21 cadets
and 7 senior members participat-
ing. These numbers assured the
safety of the general public and
made setting up and tearing down
a quick and easy process.
Thanks to everyone for com-
ing out to help.
50
Tyler Squadron

My B-17 High
Cadet Airman 1st Class
Sarah N. Fitzgerald

Before the flight, I felt the anticipation. The

excitement and suspense were building up inside me,
as I wondered what the plane would be like, and how
it would fly. When we arrived at the airport, there
were many old vets and their wives. I felt honored
to be around such heroic people, and hear their sto-
ries. Learning about their experiences flying B-17s in
World War II added to my excitement and wonder.
Our Squadron had been awarded two free tickets
to fly in the B-17. To earn one of them, we had to
write a speech and present it to the members. Win-
ning the flight made it extremely rewarding for me.
– This was the most amazing feeling... I felt singled
out in a cozy way, as I thought of the upcoming flight,
the flight that I would take, knowing that I had won a
very special ticket because of the time and effort I had
put into getting it.
When the moment of the flight finally arrived,
suspense wrapped me in its arms. As we got on the
plane and prepared to take off, we were buckled down
in our seats and the windows were above our heads.
We sat there for a bit, then the engines cranked up and
we started down the runway. Suddenly, the engines
got very loud and fast, but now I’m not sure if it was
the plane or my racing heart! Next thing I knew,
we were flying, literally, through the air, above the
ground. As we rose ever higher and the plane settled
on a steady droning of its engines, they told us that
we could unbuckle and tour the plane. Now, that was
wonderful. The view was priceless.
While in the air, I felt like a little kid getting a
bike for the first time. I love flying, and getting to
experience something that amazing was truly awe-
some. Walking through the aircraft, I must have taken
a hundred pictures. This was worth way, way more
than giving a speech and making my uniforms look
great; I felt that the prize had been much better than
the effort. I will forever treasure this experience of
a lifetime, one that any pilot or plane-loving person
should try to do.
As the plane flew along, in my mind, I pictured
the young pilots and crew members of long ago, some
barely 18, who had once flown and manned these
planes, as they fought in World War II. So many of
them never came back... It was a privilege to be on it
and enjoy the freedom that those service members of
the past had secured, at such great sacrifice, for me
and all Americans.
After the flight, the engines now silent, I got off
the plane and I was still thrilled. I also had no idea that
there would be hundreds of people waiting for us at the
airport. Cameras were flashing and everyone was ask-
ing, “How was it?” Now, more than ever, I am totally
inspired to continue in the Civil Air Patrol and become
a pilot through the military. I know my place in life,
where to go, and what I want to do. Being a Civil Air
Patrol member will prepare me to fulfill my dreams.
My whole family and my dad’s co-workers told
me that I was “on a high,” and even now, as I type
this, I’m still very happy and excited about having
flown in the B-17. It was the most incredible thing
I’ve ever done, and let’s just say that it makes up for
anything boring I have ever done in my life. Yay!

51 51
 Tyler Squadron Hosts
Group III O-Rides
Despite torrential rains and
blustery winds that made the O-
Rides Weekend quite difficult,
the Tyler Composite Squadron
managed to complete 8 O-Ride
sorties during Friday and Sunday,
taking advantage of the few peri-
ods of “clear conditions” avail-
able. Each sortie took 3 cadets,
for a total of 6 “first time” and
2 “second time” front-seat cadet
orientation flights.
Lt. Col. Terry Howlett, O-
Flight pilot, commented,” We
started watching the weather a
week in advance. We knew the
conditions wouldn’t be favorable,
since rain and high winds were
forecast for the weekend, but we
52
1st Lt. Rodney Saucedo
had a few cadets who are home-
schooled and could be available to
fly on Friday. Thus, we completed
two sorties on Friday, with two
cadets getting their “first flight.”
The two first flight cadets
were C/CMSgt. Jesse Carr and C/
Sr. Airman Mark Johnson. After
returning from his flight, Cadet
Carr was astonished by it. “It is
exactly two years to the day that I
joined CAP and I finally sat at the
end of the runway, engine roar-
ing,” he said. “I waited too long
for this moment, and now it was
time.” Cadet Johnson also enjoyed
his first flight experience, say-
ing, “I avoided doing O-Flights
because I didn’t think I would like
it. But, wow! It was an incredible
experience, and I can’t wait to do
it again.”
“We knew it could happen
and were hoping for the best, but
on Saturday the bottom fell out,”
exclaimed Capt. Robert “Skip”
Smith, Squadron Commander.
”The rains started early in the
morning and barely eased up all
day. We almost cancelled our
staging area activities altogether,
but decided to use the no-flight
time for some class room train-
ing instead.”
During the rainy periods,
the squadron provided “Ground”
classroom training to 12 cadets
and senior members. In addition,
when there was clear weather,
the squadron provided Flight-line
Marshalling training for 8 cadets
and senior members. Lt. Col. Lou
Thomas, the classroom instructor,
commented “You just can’t give
enough Ground and Flight-line
Marshalling training these days.
In fact, every cadet and senior
member should go through this
training at some point during their
CAP volunteer career.”
The Tyler Composite
Squadron hosted four Squadrons
from the Texas counties of
Hopkins, Gregg, and Anderson,
as well as two members of the
95th Composite Squadron from
Texarkana, Arkansas.