Texas Wing - Mar 2010

8/6/2019 Texas Wing - Mar 2010

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In this issue . . .

H Wreaths Across America . . .

H Wings Over Houston . . .

H Apollo Distributed SAREX . . .

. . . And Much More!

SPRING2010


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Wings Over Texasis 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 articlesand 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 PatrolUSAF Auxiliary

P. O. Box 154997Waco, TX 76715

Please send articles and digitalphotos for publication to:

[email protected] do not insert thephotos into the articles,

rather make the articles andphotos separate attachments.

Col. Joe R. SmithCommander, Texas Wing

Lt. Col. Patricia P. DarbyEditor, Wings Over Texas

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

DEADlinES:

Feb. 28; June 28; Oct. 28

On December 2, CAP mem-bers throughout the state gath-

ered to participate in the WreathsAcross America project, placing

wreaths on the graves of veterans atcemeteries in San Antonio, Dallas,

Killeen, Lubbock, Tyler and El

Paso. Cadet and senior membersfrom the Lubbock, Tyler, El Paso,

Pegasus, Apollo, Crusader and

Lackland suadrons were proud

Wreaths Across

America 2009Editors note: I received numerous articles about this project from

around the state, and due to limited space, I consolidated them

into one short article and several photos.

to be a part of this project whichhonors veterans from all wars and

from all branches of the military.CAP members were joined by vet-

erans, families, local officials, andothers to pay tribute to our fallen

and to place wreaths on hundreds

of graves across the state.The Wreaths Across America

project started in 992 when

the Worcester Wreath Company


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Wreaths Across

America 2009


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of Harrington, Maine first

donated wreaths to be placed at

Arlington National Cemetery tohonor our Nations fallen heroes.

Remembering the service and

sacrifice of our veterans, and the

plight and sorrow of their fami-lies is intended to make the loss

of their loved ones more bearableespecially during the holidays.

Worcester Wreaths Company

is still a major supporter of the

project, donating over 2,000wreaths in 2008. This year, over

00,000 wreaths were sponsored

by individuals, businesses and

groups from communities acrossthe nation. Wreaths were placed

in all 0 states, at several loca-

tions abroad such as Ira, and at2 national cemeteries maintained

on foreign soil. H


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On Feb. 2, 2009, CAP Lt. Col. Gordie White,

Commander of the Legislative Suadron, Texas Wing,

inducted State Representative Allen Fletcher (District

30, Houston) into the unit with the grade of Major.Maj. Robert Beeley, Group IV Deputy Commander,

presented Representative Fletcher with his Civil AirPatrol membership certificate.

The ceremony took place at the Delta Composite

Suadron Headuarters in Spring, Texas. Besidesbeing a former Houston police office, Representative

Fletcher is also a friend of Texas Wing and a sup-

porter of the Civil Air Patrol.

In attendance were Air Force Col. Dan Crum,Maj. Robert Beeley, CAP, and Texas Wing Public

Affairs Officer Maj. Robert Brecount, CAP.In the 8st Legislative session, RepresentativeFletcher served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on

White Collar Crime. He also served on the Criminal

Jurisprudence and Urban Affairs Committees. Heis a member of the Texas Conservative Coalition,

the Rural Caucus, the Veterans Caucus and the

Sportsmans Caucus.Representative Fletcher, who was awarded Hero

of Law Enforcement by Combined Law Enforcement

Association of Texas, graduated with honors from

both the Houston Police Academy and the East TexasPolice Academy. He received his undergraduate

and graduate degrees in criminal justice from Sam

Houston State University. He served in the HoustonPolice Department for 2 years.

He is currently the president and CEO of Resource

Protection Management, which offers asset protectionto corporations to provide a full spectrum of security

solutions for commercial, educational, governmental

and residential customers.

Maj. Allen Fletcher, NewestMember of the Texas Wing

Legislative SquadronBy Maj. Robert Brecount

Civil Air Patrol Maj. Robert Beeley presents StateRepresentative Allen Fletcher (District 130 Houston)with his Civil Air Patrol membership certificate,accepting him with the grade of Major.


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8 8

youll be in a terrific joint program of the United States

Air Force and the Civil Air Patrol. Its an introduction

to Combat Control, one of the most essential and risky

jobs in the United States Air Force and in the world.

The first CCOC was held in July 2009 at Pope Air Force

Base thanks to the Fayetteville Composite Suadron of

the North Carolina Wing of Civil Air Patrol. Its a long

way from lots of places-- Texas in my case-- to North

Carolina. Its an even longer way from first wanting togo to the program to actually completing it.

Just applying in 2009 was tough, either in person at

Pope Air Force Base on Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC,

or by video recording of the mandatory assessments. 200

applicants only have to solemnly swear they can meet the

physical reuirements then prove it at arrival (handy cadet

survival tip: dont even think about saying you can meet

them if, in fact, you cannot meet them).

The organizers are among the most competent, mis-

sion focused people in Civil Air Patrol. Not only respected

leaders in CAP, theyre also actual Armed Forces Special

Operators and Airborne Troopers. These folks are active

duty Combat Controllers and Paratroopers and Search

Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) specialists. Theyre

the ultra-sharp American military can-doers who cause

no-goodniks worldwide many sleepless nights.

To get a student slot in CCOC you must run 2 miles

in a crazy short time, swim 200 meters in an even shorter

time, do a mean flexed arm hang and more perfect push-

ups and situps in a shorter time yet. They also do a serious

attitude check on you in the Board of Review. Those who

score a CCOC spot believe in and follow the CAP Core

Values. If youre one of them, youll love being there.Because the commander, planners and staff are so

good, and because the students can hack it, the program is

run for high intensity. So youve got to perform or be sent

home fast. A uickness like heres the phone, call your

folks, get your gear, youre leaving right now sent home.

After youre accepted youll have a list of gear to

get--along with yourself-- to North Carolina. You can

drive, fly, take the train or, as I did, catch a priced-right

Greyhound Bus (handy cadet survival tips: sit as far to

When YOU go to CombatControl Orientation Course

By C/Major Evan Salisbury,C/CC Amarillo Tigershark Composite Squadron, TXWG

the front as possible, drink nothing offered in a brown

paper bag, and Vicks Vaporub daubed under the nos-

trils kills odors). After dozing with one eye open for

about 3 hours on the bus, you arrive at the Fayetteville,

NC bus station where some nice military types arrive in

a real military Humvee to take you to Pope AFB. They

smile a lot and make you feel right at home. Enjoy the

laid back act for the moment but dont be fooled by it:

Satan himself trembles when these guys go to work.

On Day 0 you go through inprocessing thats very

unlike others. Its more like initial-this-form-why-is-that-

pocket-unbuttoned!!!?-Drop-and-give-me-30-pushups!

and Sign-this-form-your-left-sleeve-is-rolled-wrong!!!-

Give-me-2-flutter-kicks!!!! I can say one thing for the

CCOC folks; they have fine manners and perfect diction.

Theyll thank you for pushups you just did before yelling

at you to do them again correct-ly, this time, Ca-DET!

Next is the euipment check, in which your packscontents get dumped out on the pavement and tossed

around so that your gear malfeasances can be scorned

by the staff. Smuggling contraband, like Texas beef

jerky stashed in wrong-colored socks, is a double no-no.

Everything wrong they find costs pushups and then more

pushups correct-ly. Those nice guys at supper last night

are history. The fire breathers with you now are your

intro to the Three Military Teaching Tools: Sarcasm,

Ridicule and Fear. Those three will be up close and per-


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9 9

sonal during the week (handy cadet survival tip: sar-

casm, ridicule and fear flow one way only at CCOC,

always in your direction. Do NOT make the mistake of

trying to send it the other direction).

Theres a fourth tool that deserves mention. Its the

PT youll do at CCOC. PT is led in the dark early morn-ing by a Master Sergeant. Thats Master Sergeant as in

lots of years of thinking up ways to get you, dear reader,

exhausted. Then he has you do some more just because.

Morning PT is a mere warm up for what youll be doing

the rest of the day as a result of your various screw-ups.

Theres a reason they love PT at CCOC. Its a ter-

rific teaching tool. Students soon stop screwing things

up. Or at least start trying to stop. Youll actually come

to understand it as part of the rigor of Combat Control

Orientation Course.

The first official exercise, which students are

warned about at acceptance, is a repeat of the physi-cal ability assessment. Anyone not completing the test

this time goes home. Just like that, one cadet leaves. No

appeals, no do-overs, no crying, no refund.

Students begin Day at 030hrs with just minutes to

get in formation ready to double time to the PT field. Your

first 000hrs workout-- courtesy of the uberfitMaster

Sergeant-- you may survive. Thats just for openers; each

morning gets tougher than the one before in unpredict-

ability and variety. Simple calisthenics one morning and

then running flat out with two full jerry cans another.

You never do anything the staff wont, a pointed lesson in

leading from the front. This bedrock principle is integral

to the history and mission of Combat Control. You see it

and hear about it in great detail during the instruction and

demonstrations of what its all about.

Combat control is the spear point of the Air Force.

It leads the Air Force in and guides their missions. It

reuires people who are tough, resilient, mentally

prepared for all manner of difficult tasks, physically

fit with tremendous stamina, able to work in teams,

and also able to exercise individual initiative. Combat

Controllers must handle the assignment, the unexpected,

the accidental, the constant presence of Mr. Murphy (ofMurphys Law fame), the team members, people not

on the team, everything imaginable and lots of things

unimaginable. The Combat Control team is counted on

to get the job done no matter what. Not much of a com-

fort zone there, come to think about it.

Combat Controllers come across as fairly ordinary

guys. True, if you look closely theres none of that fast

food flab on them. But other than that, they can pass

for just ordinary anybodies in a crowd. Youll see some

on duty wearing scruffy civvies, unmilitary beards and

casually long hair. Still, theres something about them

that warns you to behave yourself, to not mouth off at

them, and for sure not to make any sudden moves in

their direction. The hair standing up on the back of your

neck is whats warning you. They can play real rough inSpecial Tactics, SERE, Airborne, and Combat Control.

The rest of the week looks at some of the ways and

means that Combat Controllers master for their mission.

Students get a much shorter yet still intense intro to the

training that Combat Controllers go through. Youll be

dazzled learning just a fraction of what they must know.

You get a good sampling of their job, including of what

they eat on the job; that miracle of modern food technol-

ogy known as the MRE or Meal, Ready to Eat.

Most MREs are good, some are pretty tasty, but a

few arent. Military foodies learn fast which MREs are

nearly inedible. We also learn of the one to be avoidedat all costs if possible.

The haters in CCOC call Cheese and Veggie Omelets

the Meal, Rotten Eggs, and many other names, none of

them nice. The cadet handing out rations disappears the

veggie cheese omelets as they appear, much to everyones

relief and good cheer. Until one morning the CCOC com-

mander goes to get some himself some breakfast.

He finds the top MRE in the last case is a Cheese

and Veggie Omelet. He hates them, too, so he tosses it

aside and grabs the next one. Its also a Meal, Rejected

by Everyone in CCOC. Vexed, he chucks it away and

gets the third one down in the box. Then he looks at the

fourth. Then at the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the eighth

and so on: defying the laws of statistics, all the MREs in

the last case are the Meal, Readily Expectorated. Youd

think a big, tough Combat Controller could stand a little

MRE adversity and take his veggie cheese omelet like

a man; a Last Pig to the Trough Rule sort of thing. But,

no it becomes a teachable item instead.

Contrary to instructions, the MREs have been

nonrandomly distributed leaving nothing for him but

the Meal, Royal Excretion that he holds in his hand.

Payback begins. Seething with indignation, he orders allthe cadets to drop and beat your faces, CCOC-speak

for an ungodly number of pushups. Then he holds up

the second Omelet and orders more beat your face for

that sin. Beat Your Face continues for each one, and

theres way more of them than youd care to know about.

After doing that many pushups, youre almost willing

to eat one to get your strength back; almost, but still

not uite. No matter, CCOC chokes down Cheese and

Continued . . .


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Veggie Omelets at mealtimes until theyre all eaten.

Handy cadet survival tip: do what they say, when

they say, exactly as they say or suffer for it. Combat

Controllers carefully follow instructions that keep them

alive. Its about surviving the parachute jumps and other

death defying deeds their job calls for. Thats seriousbusiness for them, and should be for us, too.

With the exception of an actual jump, youll parachute

train in the same ways Combat Controllers and Airborne

troopers train (we tried begging and pleading for actual

High Altitude High Opening parachute jumps but all we

got was more pushups). At CCOC youll learn a lot about

parachutes, practicing in simulators and jump stands to

learn how they work, including jumping from a tall tower

in chute harness (handy cadet survival tip: be sure to put

the harness on and adjust it exactly like they say or youll

be writing your CCOC memoirs in soprano). Incredibly,

youll experience freefalling. Its the most exhilaratingthing you have ever done in your life.

Combat Controllers have ways of making folks

eager to do things they dont want to do. Some of their

personal charm lies in the incredible firepower they

can bring to bear. They train with a staggering array of

weapons and munitions. Some of their training is done

with ultra-realistic weapons simulators (were not talk-

ing simple video games, here). You train on them, too, at

CCOC! Want to blow up a tank? No problem, the anti-

tank weapon simulator is so realistic youll swear you

actually did. Want to lay down some suppressive fire for

a maneuvering fire team? You do it. Want to call in an

air strike on an enemy position? Youre on.

Combat Controllers are also FAA-certified Air

Traffic Controllers. They can parachute in and establish

landing zones and runways, then manage air traffic in

and out of it, deep inside enemy territory if necessary.

They train continually for those missions both outdoors

and indoors. How about some military air traffic con-

trol experience while youre at CCOC? You get it, on

their fully elaborated Air Traffic Control Simulator.

Then its out to the live firing range for weapons

training. A lot of actual use, too, not just a few roundswith a little .22 rifle like at CAP Wing Encampments.

Were talking here about actual battlefield weapons. Even

with safety provisions, theres no doubt youre doing some

of the same weapons training that makes actual Combat

Controllers the owners of any ground they may happen to

drop in on. The small unit tactics they show you is part of

weapons use readiness and is likely to be one of the cool-

est things youll ever do in your entire CAP cadet career.

You value your fellow students at CCOC because

theyre with you, and youre all a team. Its a closeness

that develops by the way the program is run. Therell

be great North Carolina students-- male and female-

- from one of the best run Wings in CAP, judging by

the CCOC program. The Texan contributes amusing

vernacular, with varmint in particular striking every-body as especially hilarious (its an actual word; you

can look it up in the dictionary for yourself). The cadet

from New York City begins calling MREs varmints,

which some of them may have been at one time, for all

we know. Indeed, yall are fixin to eat a nasty ol var-

mint for breakfast delivered newyawk-style is as good

improv comedy as you can get for free.

Cadet Big Apple may or may not be at the center of

the black-market for M&Ms, Skittles and Starburst that

springs up by the second day. Swaps of an entire MRE

pound cake are made for contraband candy that some-

how got through inprocessing, unlike the beef jerky thatdidnt. But crime doesnt pay in CCOC. The sharp-eyed

staffers toss the tents in a sudden shock and awe search-

and-destroy for contraband and spot a Starburst wrap-

per. Yep, PT beyond description again, even more than

for the Cheese and Veggie Omelet episode.

Way before youd like, the course nears the end. But

theres one more thing to do: you can take the Air Force

Physical Ability and Stamina Test (PAST). This is the

tough test of physical fitness that must be taken as a uali-

fier for Air Force Special Tactics. Completing the PAST at

CCOC makes you eligible for the Combat Control training

pipeline, if you enlist in the Air Force within 3 months.

Cadets from the New York, North Carolina, and Texas

CAP Wings pass, a great feeling of accomplishment that

you should aim for, too. At the end of the Course, youre not

a Combat Controller by any means, but you can taste what

it would be like to be one. Its that great of a program.

So, heres how to get into CCOC next year. Live up

to the CAP Cadet Oath in all things you do so that it

becomes a habit. Get yourself suared away in uniform,

bearing, drill, knowledge and ambition. Train hard for

the PAST to get to that level of physical conditioning. Join

a track team, a swim team, and a gym so you can trainand condition at all three daily. Work out hard beginning

many months in advance and increase the level and tempo

as CCOC nears. Work at being a good follower, work at

being a good leader and especially learn to work really

well in a team environment. Combat Control Orientation

Course is well worth the big effort it takes.A last handy

cadet survival tip: get fit and squared away, turn in your

contraband, and enjoy those Cheese and Veggie Omelets.

Go for it, and good luck! H

Combat Control . . . Continued


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On our way to a Civil Air Patrol meeting drivingnorth bound on Barker Cypress Rd, Senior MemberJames Shawn driving and Cadet James C. Shawn (son)passenger along with Cadet Daniel Carranza and vis-iting member Morgan Roberts. We passed a car thatlooked to be over heated due the long lines of traffic,as I got eight to ten cars ahead of the overheated car Inow saw flames coming out from under the car. Whenthe off duty Sheriff Officer at the scene opened thehood of the car thats when I saw flames shoot passedthe hood of the car. Not wanting to stop my vehicleand put other people in danger next to a burning car,I gave Cadet Shawn the halon fire extinguisher andinstructed him to go back to the burning car to see if

he could help, as Cadet Shawn approached the burn-ing car dressed in his BDUs he perhaps appeared assome person of authority, but at only fifteen years ofage Cadet Shawn stepped in to help when everyoneat the scene including the Sheriff stepped back awayfrom the burning car. Cadet Shawns knowledge offire extinguishers allowed him to extinguish the carfire. Putting the fire out single handily preventing anyfurther damage to the car or other persons. By thetime I was able to turn back to help, and pick up CadetShawn, he and the Sheriff had already pushed the car

Thunderbird CadetAssists with A Car Fire

During the regular meeting conducted by

Lone Star Composite Suadron 29, CadetsBrett Johnson and Matt Dundore were pro-

moted to Staff Sergeant and Awarded the

Wright Brothers Achievement. Presentationof the award was performed by Capt. Robert

Buchman, Commander and Lt. John Gervais,

Deputy Commander. Cadet CommanderDylan Sorge was also promoted to Chief

Master Sergeant the Pinnings were per-

formed by Cadet Commander Dylan Sorge,

Cadet Captain Patrick Buchman, Mr. EricJohnson, Cadet James Moore. In addition to

those awards, several other promotions were

awarded as well.

Cadets of TX 429 Awarded WrightBrothers Award

off the main road on to a turning lane.

Its been awhile but finally James C. Shawn, now

a Lieutenant, has received some recognition for hisheroic actions. Here he is receiving the Commanders

commendation award from Captain Val Rose of

Suadron TX 9. Ive always been proud of my sonstanding ever so taller every day. Hes been in the

CAP program giving him the confidence and dis-

cipline that most fifteen year olds dont have thesedays. Just seeing him swelled with pride that day,

when he alone put out that fire, when others just

watched was priceless.


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Corpus Christi Squadron andits continuing work with

College Prep ActivitiesBy Major Joe Ely Carrales

So, what could an article with the above title actu-ally mean. Well, to understand that you must first

know what F.A.C.E. is. No, this means no insult nor

any such offensive connotation, in fact, it representsuite the contrary.

Alphonso Rincn founded Fathers Active inCommunities and Education (FACE) in 2003 with themission to build communities of fathers to transform

education and civic life. The work Mr. Rincn has

accomplished is uite outstanding and has yielded

great results across South Texas.

The Corpus Christi Comp. Suadron came to

know Mr. Rincn in late 200 and early 200 asMajor Joe Ely Carrales, unit commander, was intro-

duced to his activities. Cadets soon began to post the

colors and participate in the various FACE activi-ties under the apices of STAR, Students Training for

Academic Readiness. It is a relationship that has pro-

vided opportunities for Cadets and that gives youthsome direction in their pursuit of higher education.

The 2009-200 school year has seen the Brahma

Cadet Flight accelerate its assistance and augmentation

of FACE and STAR to new levels. This has involvedeverything from assisting in making a FACE activity

at Memorial Middle School in Kinsgville, Texas a suc-

cess to assisting at a SAFARI!!! You will need to readmore to know just what that meanssorry, such liter-

ary tools to gather your attention might be brazen, but

youll enjoy the results HALLOWEEN FUNanda LESSON- The initial stir of activity first involved

a proposed pumpkin carving activity at Memorial

Cadet Matthew Spencer calls commands for theposting of the colors at Camp Karankawa nearMathis, Texas.

C/Amn M. Mixon and his Father Brad Mixon ofKingsville, Texas examine the collection of odds andends that must end up a catapult of some sort.


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9 9

assigned stations from which to work. Some cadets

were assigned to work a casting contest. Others wereassigned to shadow the medical staff, having recently

been ualified in First Aid. Others were allowed to

serve as a film crew obtaining the majority of the

photos for press release of the activity.It was a true BDU day. They worked in shifts

and also got to partake in the various activities which

included, canoe and kayak, marksmanship, archeryand casting. Cadets Spencer and Mixon even won

a pair of slingshots in the casting tournament. Thismarked the largest outing of Brahma Cadet Flightpersonnel to augment a school sponsored activity.

Sadly, the threat of lightening and thunder, which

was a constant all day, finally called the activity to a

close a hour early. That said, the cadets bonded thatday in having executed a great service to their com-

munity, state and Nation.

The Cadet augmentation allowed for a smoothrunning of the activity, freeing up staff to insure that

all needs were met. It was a glorious day for CAP

and FACE.In December 2009, Mr. Rincn lauded the cadets

efforts and invited them to continue their service to

FACE in 200, inviting the Cadets to activities reach-ing out into such future dates as May 200. The cadets

indicated at the December 2009 Holiday Party at

the Pizza Parlor in Kingsville, Texas that they would

be up to the challenge. Thus, going to show that CAPCadets can be a positive force multiplier in the

name of good. H

Middle School, where the Brahma Cadet Flight isStationed. A meeting was held in late September

with Mr. Rincn, Mr. Brian Jerden and Major Joe Ely

Carrales to see what might be done to improve atten-dance of any give FACE activity.

A previous attempt at a pumpkin carving the

prior year had produced dismal results and an all outeffort was to be made to augment the activity. When

ideas were brainstormed, the idea of a pumpkin

chunckin activity was brought forth which would

also involve a lesson on trajectories. So was addedthe catapult activity.

Acting as a force multiplier, the Unit was

responsible for generating interest in the activity andsynergy while the activity was brought forth. The

cadets were also in charge of a large trebuchet, on

loan from neighboring Bishop I.S.D. The idea was to

build a small scale catapult or trebuchet, then fire areal one while learning the mathematics involved.

Needless to say, the Memorial Middle School caf-eteria was soon filled to its capacity with parents and

students, aided by cadets, and the game was afoot.

Parents and Students were given a small bag con-

taining popsicle sticks, rubber bands, a spoon andother items and told to construct a catapult based

on their knowledge and some provided science and

math. The results of this rather unguided exercisewere nothing less than spectacular.

In less than 20 minutes there were at least a dozenfunctioning catapults of various designs all meetingthe criteria of function, launch a small plaything

father than your competitors.

Additionally, when the excitement of the design-

ing and firing was over. It was time to carve thepumpkins. Here, creative minds distinguished them-

selves in all manners of artwork. Including the work

of Cadet Michael Mixon and his Father Mr. BradMixon whose rendition of a vomiting jack-o-lantern

really set the mood of the season. CAMP K SAFARI

ADVENTURE- The next FACE Activity took placeas the school was about to let out for Thanksgiving

Break. This activity took place at Boy Scouts of

American Camp Krankawa, which (almost ironically)CAP cadets had camped and worked at in previous

months as part of the growing relationship between

the units newly donned Venture Crew status and

its CAP persona.This activity saw cadets work and play hard.

Along with the usual posting of the colors, cadets were

Cadets J. Silguero, S. Hock and K. Rose try their handat canoeing after being relieved of their augmentationduties at Camp Karankawa near Mathis, Texas.


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2 2

When he joined CAP on Oct. , 200, Cadet 2ndLt Paul Benoit made a commitment to better himself.

In so doing, he not only progressed through the ranks

but also bettered the Apollo Composite Suadron and

many others in countless ways. Cadet Benoit is thefourth child out of 2 born to Jim and Darlene Benoit;

his youngest sibling is just over a year old.This evening, in preparing this article, I spoke

to Cadet Benoits father and I have to say Ive never

spoken to any man who is prouder of his son than

Jim Benoit. Jim described his son as a hard-workingyoung man that has and keeps his priorities in line

with the task at hand. He is up early, gets at it. and

stays with it until its done, he said. This is prettymuch as his mother feels about him.

Darlene Benoit was indeed a very proud mom

the day Cadet Benoit received his Brigadier GeneralBilly Mitchell Award. Later, on Friday, Jan. 22,

200, Cadet Benoit told her that Congressman Lloyd

Doggetts office had called him with the news that hehad been nominated for the Air Force Academy. To

see her fourth child, in a little over two years, go from

raw Civil Air Patrol cadet to the possibility of being

appointed to the United States Air Force Academywas such a leap that Darlenes pride in her son was

unbounded. It is both a joy and a shock to realize that

her child is uickly becoming a man.Not one to sit idly about, Cadet Benoit is tak-

ing advanced high school classes at the One Day

Academy, while simultaneously taking Physics andSpanish at Austin Community College for dual credit.

When he graduates from High School, Cadet Benoit

will have 20 college credits under his belt. School

Apollo CadetsDream Takes

ShapeBy 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen

is not the only thing Cadet Benoit works at. He has

a steady job, working at a tree farm hours perweek, to save money for college just in case he needs

to go to Texas A&M University instead of the Air

Force Academy.This is how Cadet Benoit approaches his future

not only does he have a plan, he also has a fully-

workable backup plan. He may have learned this in

the Civil Air Patrol, or brought it along inside of himwhen he joined, the fact is that it has made him an

excellent cadet. He has never given up, not on any-

thing, or on any cadet he has mentored.Cadet Benoit has been asked to help staff the

all-new NESA South this summer, and would also

like a staff position at the Texas Wing SummerEncampment. Having been entrusted with the

position of Flight Commander at the Apollo

Composite Suadron will help prepare him for his

summer duties.In Cadet Benoits own words, I would also like

to thank my family, church, friends and suadron for

helping me get this far. By myself, I can do nothing.


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23 23

When it finally came, it was wonderful news: on

Dec. 23, Apollos Cadet 2nd Lt. Royce Schertz hadbeen nominated to the Air Force Academy.

Possibly the whole suadron had been on pins and

needles, wondering whether Cadet Schertzs appoint-

ment would be a done deal. We knew his interview hadgone well, and the office of Congressman John Carter

had not turned him down outright, but did that mean

success? Since Im not a very patient person I thoughtI might explore how he had arrived to this point. After

all, an article on him might be in order, and it would beeasier for me to write if I prepared my notes right. Sohere is what I learned about this young man.

Cadet Schertz started thinking about the Air

Force Academy at the end of his freshman year atGeorgetown High School. Whats the best way to

get into the Academy? he asked. The answer was

short and clear, Join the Civil Air Patrol. He had

joined Navy JROTC during his junior year and hasprogressed to the rank of Cadet Ensign. At JROTC,

Cadet Schertz is currently the Eagle Companys

Cadet Planning Officer. His duties include planningout long-term events for the company and helping the

Cadet Operations Officer in the short term.

Cadet Schertz captains both the JROTC Air Rifleand Marksman Teams, and is also a member of six of

the Eagle Companys teams. These include air rifle,

armed drill, color guard, orienteering, academic and

physical training.Cadet Schertz takes his school work very seriously

hes maintaining a 3.9 GPA and as a result is also a

member of the National Honors Society. To top it all off,he spends a lot of time as an award-winning member of

the high schools Cross Country and Track Teams.

Last summer, Cadet Schertz attended the Air ForceAcademys Summer Seminar, where he took the top

Athletic Award, meaning that he received the highest

Physical Fitness Training score at the week-long camp.

The preceding is the part of Cadet Royce Schertzthat we dont see at the CAP suadron. But his CAP

suadrons activities are no less spectacular. From the

start he applied himself to his studies and physical fit-

Apollo Cadet Nominatedto Air Force Academy1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen

ness, promoting regu-

larly and achievingthe grade of Cadet

2nd Lt in the first 2

months after having

joined CAP. He attended Encampment in the win-ter of 200, just 30 days after having joined, and has

since stepped up to staff duties at both Encampments

and the Lone Star Emergency Services Academy.Around the Suadron, Cadet Schertz is truly an

awesome example to the newer cadets, since he isalways willing to go that extra mile whenever asked,or just because he sees that it needs doing. His work

ethic, dignity, and respect for the uniform which he

wears with pride are all part of this very fine young

man. He has worked long and hard for a reputationthat will possibly take him straight to the Air Force

Academy. Personally, I have absolutely no doubt that

this will happen.On Dec. 23, when Cadet Schertz heard that

Congressman John Carter had nominated him to the Air

Force Academy, he told me, I feel very honored andvery excited! I am hoping for the best, and I wish with

all my heart to get an appointment from the Academy

so that I may attend the Air Force Academy.Cadet Schertz comes from a long line of achiev-

ers and care-workers. Both his mother and father are

Registered Nurses, his stepfather is a detective for

the Williamson County Sheriffs Office, and his stepmother after spending 0 years in the USAF where

she earned the rank of Tech Sergeant is now work-

ing as a Nurse at Fort Hood.Given the above, it is not surprising that Cadet

Schertz would volunteer to do anything that would

make another person feel good. However, hes notaverse at having a good time himself; check out his

enjoyment as described in the Masked Ball article. The

latter is just one example of his extreme self-confi-

dence and the pride he takes in doing a job well.Once again, the Apollo Composite Suadron

is very proud of cadet Schertz. I believe we havent

heard the last there is to hear about him.


17/36

2 2

One of our very own Cadets from the Lackland

Cadet Suadron and currently is the Cadet Commanderof the Lackland Cadet Suadron, San Antonio Texas,is a race car driver. Cadet Kris Kerr has been involved

in racing since the age of and is now years old.

He has moved up in the different race classes through-out the years and is very competitive when it comes

to racing. He started racing uarter midget race cars,

a mini-cup race car, and now an Allison Legacy racecar. This win was his first in the Texas Super Racing

Series (TSRS), Allison Legacy in four years. Kerr

started on the Pole, led all 9 laps for the win! Kris

Kerrs recap of the race:Victory was sweet. On 28 March 2009, I won my

first ever TSRS Allison Legacy Race since I began

racing in the Allison Legacy class three years ago.I have been waiting for this day to come for a long

time. The race day began like any other race day

except a little sweeter. I ualified second fastest outof cars and drew the Pole position. I felt like my

car was good enough for a first place finish since I

ualified second place last week and finished sec-

ond overall out of 3 cars.I started the race leading and continued to lead

every lap. I raced every lap hard till the finish. 20, 30,

0 laps went by and I was still in the lead. Even afterseveral cautions during the race, I was still leading

the race and took the checker flag on a caution lap, lap

0, due to a serious track incident in turn two. I askedthe track official if I could get out of my car because I

wanted to do the victory waive to the crowd and take

a victory lap on the track holding the checker flag, butdue to the track incident, they waived the checker flag

Lackland

CadetCommanderWINS his firstrace in the Texas Super Racing Series

C/2nd Lt Nancy Kerr

by my car and directed me to go to the pits.

It was a tough race, especially with Car #3,driven by Charles Evans, Jr., who was right on mytail. Lap after lap, I mean inches (after looking at the

pictures by Jeff on THR web site). However, I was

able to hold him off around the track. I thank Charlesfor racing a clean race and not taking me out. Again,

and again, he tried several times to get around me and

I was able to hold him off. He eventually fell backto third position behind Car #08, driven by Gavin

Boyette. I pulled away from the 08 car and raced as

hard as I could to secure the victory!

Racing can get a bit tense and reuires lots of ded-icated time to work weekend after weekend to get the

car set-up. All the time up to this point Ive learned

why all the little things that you do can make a bigdifference over the long run. Every little adjustment

that would be made after each test session would help

me understand why and what I had to do to make thecar better. My Dad and I would always find a way to

make things work together and become successful. I

see now that all the times Ive worked on the car withhim and learning by his side helped me understand

how every little inch of the car must be there in order

to come out on top.

I want to thank all of my sponsors, my parentsand sister, Grandpa Kerr, and Mr. Brian Sommers for

their support throughout the years.

I have always tried to do my best and keep a posi-tive attitude and it paid off!

Race Car Driver Kris Kerrs car #2, was featured

on the Official Race Program for 2009 at ThunderhillRaceway, Kyle, Texas.


18/36

2 2

The silver anniversary WingsOver Houston Air Show was held

Oct. 3 & Nov. at Ellington Field,

just south of Houston, TX. TheCommemorative Air Force (CAF)

organizes and puts on this showeach year. Representatives from 0

CAP suadrons from all parts of

Texas worked at this years show.This is the th year in a row and

th overall that CAP has helpedwith this show. Lots of Warbirds

were there and flying during the

show. A B2 Liberator called Ol92 was one of many highlights.

CAP at the 25th Annual

Wings Over Houston Air Show


19/36

2 2

Of the over 8,000 built, only two

B2s are in flying condition in the

world. This one is the 2th builtand is owned and operated by

the CAF. It is based in Addison,

TX. Another highlight was a P38in flying condition called Glacier

Girl. This plane was recovered in

992 from over 20 ft. of ice in

Greenland and restored to flyingcondition. It took 0 years and lots

of work, but the results are spec-

tacular. The featured group for theweekend was the United States

Navy Air Demonstration Team,

The Blue Angels.

There was supposed to be aspecial show for special needs

children and handicapped adults

on Friday, Oct. 30, but it was can-celed due to rainy cool weather.

CAP cadets and seniors, however,

were there on Friday and helpedset up the prime seating area at

show center as well as the VIP

tent area. The hydration stationthat CAP runs during the show

was also setup and organized.Once the set up work was com-pleted, some of the cadets and

seniors headed for the warbird

area. The cadets got to tour a B

and the B2. They also watchedpractice by an AV8 Harrier, an

A jet and the Blue Angels.

The weather for the shows onSaturday and Sunday was spec-

tacular! The sunny clear skies and

very comfortable temperatures

produced huge crowds both days.Cadets took ice water and gato-

rade from the hydration station

in containers using pull wagonsall over the air show site to other

volunteers, air crews, exhibitorsand staff. Golf carts were used bysenior members to carry water to

parking lot attendants, security

officers and others. CAP cadetsand seniors also helped staff the

VIP tent both days.

Two CAP aircraft were flown

in and on display during the show.One was used for the CAP info

center with literature being dis-

tributed and CAP personnel avail-able to answer uestions. The sec-

ond aircraft was used by Lt. Col.

Robert Wolin as a teaching aide.

He taught an aviation merit badgeclass for boy scouts each day. He

was assisted by other senior mem-bers. Over the two days, a total of0 scouts earned merit badges.

This is the fifth year for the merit

badge classes to be offered at theshow and they have gotten more

popular each year.

Lt. Col. Wolin also served as

the Project Officer for the event.He was assisted by Deputy Project

Officer Maj. Jerry Rowley. The

cadet leadership team was ledby C/CMSgt Chelsea Mellenthin

and did an excellent job. It was a

great weekend for the organizers,staff and participants of the Wings

Over Houston Air Show. All of

the CAP cadets and seniors thatparticipated enjoyed themselves

and look forward to being a part

of the 200 show. H


20/36

29 29

November , 2009 was a milestone occasion for

the Apollo Composite Suadron, as the members cel-

ebrated a multiple Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award

ceremony and promoted six of their cadets to thegrade of Cadet Second Lieutenant.

At Apollo, we spent several years wondering

whether the suadron would ever re-mature to the pointof being able to promote even one cadet officer. Last

year, Cadet Michael Moody made us proud by earning

his Mitchell, the first one the suadron had had in avery long time. This year, we had six Cadets advance

to Cadet officer. Cadets Rebecca Walden, Christian

Nelson, Paul Benoit, Davita Heavener, PriscillaSantiago and John Royce Schertz are now cadet offi-

cers and Apollo is more than proud of them.

Having gone from one cadet officer to seven of

them (adding six in a single ceremony), I feel Apollo ison its way to greatness. Each cadet, with his or her own

strengths, brings to Apollo just what Apollo has been

waiting for cadet leadership. Throughout their journey

in the suadron, they have displayed a determined will-ingness to train, work, teach and volunteer for their com-

munity, state and nation. Oh yes, we are very proud.-Cadet Walden is a sophomore at Texas A&M

University.

-Cadet Nelson, younger than the rest, has attended

numerous CAP activities, including commandingan all-female flight that was picked Honor Flight

of Encampment. In addition, as a Cadet PAO, he

has many articles to his credits, including reportingtwo National Cadet Special Activities in the sum-

mer of 2009 (the Southwest Regions National Flight

Academy in Okla. and the Air Force Space CommandFamiliarization Course in Fla.). I have no doubt that

he will be the new Apollos first Spaatz Cadet.

-Cadet Benoit has applied to several Military

Academies. Currently working to finish high school,he is already attending Austin Community College to

get some advanced credits and broaden his horizons.

-Cadet Heavener, a senior at Georgetown High School, isan active member in Navy JROTC where she holds the

Apollo Has Six-CadetMitchell Ceremony

By 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen

rank of Cadet Ensign. Ive witnessed Cadet Heavener

go from parking detail in her BDUs to Beauty queen

in the parade, then it was into her soccer clothes and

off to a game, after which she changed into her CAPblues and drove to Killeen to say good-by to a senior

member being deployed to Afghanistan.-Cadet Santiago will complete her fourth year in the

Air Force JROTC program at Leander High School,

where shes served as Drill Team Commanderand Deputy Corps Commander. Cadet Santiago

holds the JROTC rank of Cadet Captain.

-Cadet Schertz, a senior at Georgetown High School,

is also in the Navy JROTC program and is a CadetEnsign. Among other things, cadet Schertz attended

LESA where he worked as the Cadet Deputy

Commander. Cadet Schertz also attended the USAFAcademy Summer Leadership Seminar in Colorado

this past summer, taking first place in the Candidate

Fitness Assessment.All six cadets, uniue individuals in their own

way, are working to make a mark on the world like no

other. These cadets will succeed in adulthood much the

same way theyve succeeded in adolescence by strivingContinued . . .


21/36

3 3

Mitchell . . . Continued

to reach their full potential. Awesome job, cadets! Apollois truly excited about your achievements. Thank you for

all your very hard work. You do make Apollo rock...There were other reasons to celebrate on thatevening of Nov. . Senior members receiving

Commanders Commendation Awards included st

Lt. Debbie Walden, st Lt. Russell Salisbury, st Lt.Monica Corley and receiving an award for Lt. Col.

R.K. Brown was his loving wife, Kathleen Brown.

These awards were given in recognition of the won-derful job theyve done over the years.

Maj. Cheri Fischler presented her son with the first

award she has ever put him up for a Commanders

Commendation Award. It was also the only award he hadnever expected to receive. st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen took

home the suadrons Senior Member of the Year Award.

Suadron Daddy of the Year, again, went to Mr.Leon Kokel, in grateful thanks for always having

been there for Apollo, whatever the need might have

been. Thanks, Leon.Before closing for the evening, we said good

bye to our suadron commander of five years. On a

uick aside, the Group III Commander, Lt. Col. Owen

Younger, promoted John Welsh to st Lt. and, imme-

diately thereafter, Maj. Cheri Fischler handed overcommand of the suadron to st Lt. John Welsh, with

Lt. Col. Owen Younger officiating.After announcing that Maj. Cheri Fischler had

accepted the Texas Wing position of Director of Logistics,

Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe Smith presented herwith a Meritorious Service Award for her outstanding

contributions to Texas Wing and the Civil Air Patrol.

Head-count for the event was just over 200,

including many visiting dignitaries. In attendancewere Texas Wing Commander Col. Joe Smith, CAP-

USAF Texas State Director Mr. Ed Brown, Southwest

Region Director of Personnel and Administration Maj.Harriet Smith, Group III Commander Lt. Col. Owen

Younger, Texas Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Ron Whitt,

and Southwest Region Director of Public Affairs andOrganizational Excellence Maj. Arthur Woodgate.

Thanks to all who came, and a big thanks to all

who helped. H

On December at Bee Caves City Hall, Maj.Jim Rodriguez, Kittinger Phantom Senior Suadron

Commander (also an attorney), was sworn in as amember of the US Air Force Judge Advocate Generals

Corps. JAG members function in advisory and coun-

sel roles on broad matters of military, administrativeand civil law.

A JAG officer may also act as a judge, prosecu-

tor or defense attorney during court martial proceed-

ings, or other matters covered by the Uniform Codeof Military Justice. As a US Air Force Reservist, Maj.

Rodriguez had to relinuish his line assignment in

favor of becoming a JAG.Lt. Col. George Mihalcik, USAF (retired), a mem-

ber of the Kittinger Phantom Senior Suadron, admin-

istered the Oath of Office. Lt. Col. Gordie White,CAP, Commander of the Texas Wing Legislative

Suadron, was in attendance.

Beginning February 2009, Maj. Rodriguez willattend a 9-week, Air Force JAG School at Maxwell

Air Force Base, Alabama.

Kittinger-Phantom

SquadronCommanderAssumes USAFResponsibilities

By Capt. John Craparo


22/36

33 33

Integrity: upholding oneself

to a standard no matter what theoutcome. For the two and a half

years that I have been a Civil Air

Patrol member, I have memorized,preached, and practiced that defi-

nition as a statement of personal

choice. But what does it mean tohave integrity and be able to apply

it to your life inside and outside

of CAP? How do you make integ-

rity your way of life?I have learned recently that it

is impossible to embrace integ-

rity as a way of life inside CAPwithout upholding that same

standard in my personal life. But

doing so is not easy. I find myself

constantly steeling myself to havethe self-discipline to practice

integrity as a way of life outside

of the uniform, and that is a reallydifficult challenge.

Often, as cadets, we are

accustomed to being completelydifferent persons when we put on

or take off the uniform. But this

is not right, since the lessons weare learning in Civil Air Patrol tell

us that were supposed to live by

them, both in and out of uniform.Numerous times I see my fel-

low cadets perform in an outstand-

ing manner while in uniform, but

as soon as the uniform comes offthey are disgraceful, disrespect-

ful, and do not perform honorably

towards themselves, others, or theCAP program.

Tyler Squadron MakingIntegrity a Way of Life

Cadet 2nd Lt. Jesse Carr

As a teenager, I know it is very

hard to be not-normal. When myfellow students, athletes, and other

teenagers I know see me in uni-

form, or hear about some of thethings I do or have done, they are

perplexed. Most of them do not

seem to understand any of it. The

short hair, respect for authority,and self-discipline are shocking

to them. Although some of them

respect these tremendously, otherssee them as a reason to not associ-

ate with me, or trash me.

We must remember howimportant it is to adopt integrity as

a way of life, and practice it as a

daily rule of conduct. The rewardsare unbelievable, and the fruits of

success are astounding for those

who have mastered the art of lead-

ing as living examples of integ-rity. That is what we are striv-

ing to achieve, not only as cadet

leaders but as followers. We wantto learn how to make integrity a

cornerstone of our life, in the most

resounding way possible.

This is the hardest battle forCAP cadets. The bad influences

at school and out of the CAP pro-

gram constantly tempt us to aban-don our high moral and ethical

standards. To many people, the

word integrity means nothing, andthat saddens me. We must bring

back the time-honored tradition of

exercising integrity at all times.


23/36

3 3

that their role playing was very convincing.

The Saturday night training mission that

started 30 minutes past midnight involved a simu-

lated plane crash with an ELT going off near theGladewater Airport. This scenario called for three

occupants in an aircraft that was believed to have

crashed. As we arrived at the airport, there was agood ELT signal that uickly led us to the location

of three victims who had survived but had sus-

tained serious injuries. Imagine our surprise whenthe victims exhibited very realistic simulated

injuries a first for our suadron.

While the team discussed how to best remove thesurvivors, the aircraft in which they were caught

fire, forcing us to remove them as uickly as pos-sible. (The aircraft was simulated by a trolley the

City uses during celebrations; the fire was alsosimulated.) As the injuries were taken to be uite

serious, first aid was needed before the survivors

could be moved to a waiting ambulance. Staff Sgt.William Garms took the lead, determined the injuries

that each survivor had suffered, directed treatment,

and then assisted in loading them up and movingthem out to the ambulance. Once the survivors

had been taken care of, the ELT was turned off, and

the team returned to base at 2 a.m. for some well-

deserved rest.Sunday proceeded at a slower pace than that of the

previous day and two nights. Most of the time prior to

packing up was invested in euipment checking andtesting on the various training events and classes we

had ran during the weekend. We started packing up

and cleaning up right after lunch, as we had promisedto help out with a project at the Gladewater Airport

before dismissing the suadron.

On the weekend of Nov. 20-22, 2009, the

Gladewater Corsairs Composite Suadron held a Field

Training Exercise (FTX) in Gladewater. While theSuadron was based on private property within the

city limits, various training scenarios were enacted in

both a Gladewater park and the Gladewater Airport.Suadron members attending varied in experi-

ence from Ground Team Leader down to Ground

Team Member 3 (GTM3) trainee, so we had an oppor-tunity to review the various Ground Team tasks, as

well as providing training for brand-new members.

The training included many of the topics contained in

the Specialty qualification Training Report (SqTR)for GTM3, plus Urban Direction Finding (UDF) and

use of different stretchers and/or carries that might be

needed to rescue survivors.Training sorties included both day and night

problems, and incorporated line searches for miss-

ing items, stray personnel, and Emergency Locator

Transmitters (ELTs). On this occasion, we includednearly three times as many night problems as we had

ever planned on previous training weekends. Cadet2nd Lt Kayla Cassel planed the entire weekend, and

she was placed in command of all weekend activities.

Cadet 2nd Lt Jarrod Alexander provided leadership

assistance, and various other members play-acted theroles of victims or survivors.

On Saturday afternoon, the training mission

planned and executed involved a search for two miss-ing children in a Gladewater park. To add realism to

the task, two children were actually hidden in the park

ahead of our arrival. The children were monitored atall times, so their safety was never jeopardized. These

two brave souls, aged 0 and , hid out in some under-

brush and remained very uiet while we searched for

them. The mission briefing revealed that they werevery frightened at being lost, and especially distrusted

strangers. Well rehearsed, they played their roles per-

fectly, even after being located. It took so much gentlecoaxing to get them to come out of their hiding place

Gladewater CorsairsSquadron FieldTraining Exercise

By Capt. Harold Parks


24/36

3 3

On Jan. 8, 200, the Waco

Composite Suadron chose toinaugurate its new headuarters

with a verbal report on the history

and evolving use of aircraft in theUnited States military delivered

by Cadet Chief Master Sergeant

Jordan Peitsmeyer. This marked the

conclusion of the Waco CompositeSuadrons second meeting and

first complete month at its new

headuarters, located on the cam-pus of Texas State Technical

College (TSTC) in Waco, Texas.

Colonel Jeff Beene, the collegesAviation Departments director and

a retired Air Force colonel, was the

one who invited the Waco Composite Suadron to use TSTC facilities. I

am a huge fan of the Civil Air Patrol and its mission, said Colonel Beene.

Involvement with young people is exactly what we do, he explained.TSTCs interest is young people, and TSTC hosting the Civil Air Patrol is

very compatible with that mission.Texas State Technical College currently offers courses in Aircraft

Pilot Training, Air Traffic Control, and Aircraft Dispatch Technology.

Recognizing that aviation plays an important role in our nation, theschool is in the process of building an entirely new and modern facility

for its aviation program, and plans to expand its curriculum.

Cadet Peitsmayer painted a brilliant portrait of the influence aviationhas had on the security of the United States.

At first, the airplane was considered almost inconseuential, said

Peitsmayer, pointing out that for many years air capability had been con-

sidered to be inferior to land-based forces. He added that, at the begin-ning, only a few people such as Brigadier General Billy Mitchell had

understood the airplanes value in combat. It was not until almost World

War II that the value of air power was accepted as a necessary and impor-tant part of the modern military.

For Peitsmayer, delivering his essay was the final task he needed in

order to earn the Neil Armstrong Award.He is now working to earn the Billy Mitchell Award that would make a

difference for him, should he choose to pursue a career in the military.

Waco Gets a NewHome and a Cadet

Earns a PromotionBy 1st Lt. Joshua CollierCapt. Charles Mouton, a

suadron member who is also theAirport Manager, had asked us

to provide manpower to help him

change the windsock along themain runway. Of course, we were

happy to do so. This particular

job took much less time than we

had expected, so we ran a numberof ELT searches at the Airport

in order to give newer members

additional experience. Signal

reflections off the metal buildingsprovided their normal challenge,

but the newbies did uite well.All in all, the weekend

was uite successful. We had

a large number of training sor-

ties, a majority of the items onthe GTM3 SqTR were covered,

and we made a lot of progress. It

became obvious, as each sortieprogressed during the weekend,

that our members were showing

increasing confidence and profi-ciency. All are now knowledge-

able in the reuired skills, and just

need some additional practice inorder to ualify as Ground Team

Members 3.

Participating suadron mem-

bers included: Maj. Gerry Davis,Capt. Harold Parks, st Lt. Farrel

Alexander, 2nd Lt. Brian ONeal,

Cadet 2nd Lt Jarrod Alexander,Cadet 2nd Lt Kayla Cassel,

Cadet Chief Master Sgt Andrew

Alexander, Cadet Staff Sgt PrestonPietrzykowski, Cadet Staff Sgt

Matt Brown, Cadet Airman Jagur

Roach, Cadet Airman Basic Avery

Bridges, and Cadet Airman BasicDeJa Johnson. H

FTX . . . Continued


25/36

3 33

On Jan. 22-2 200, the Apollo CompositeSuadron hosted the Georgetown Staging Area as

an integral part of the 3-day Texas Wing Distributed

Search and Rescue Exercise (DSAREX), stagingthe base and launching sorties from the Georgetown

Municipal Airport. Members of the Waco, Apollo and

Pegasus Composite Suadrons, as well as the KittingerPhantom Senior Suadron, worked in ground teams,

air crews, communications and mission staff posi-

tions, as they honed their proficiency and got credited

for needed training, achieving Emergency Servicesreadiness in this statewide coordinated exercise.

The Friday night kick-off was a training sor-

tie piloted by Capt. Stephen Gladwin of ApolloComposite Suadron. His mission: searching for an

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT).

Saturdays activities started promptly with earlymorning check-in and the safety briefing. The theme

was to the point Any person can (and is expected to)

say, Stop that! if he or she should witness an activ-ity, official or otherwise, that threatens safety.

After mission briefings, air and ground sor-ties were launched, including an ELT search with

air crew, piloted by Kittinger Senior SuadronCommander Maj. Jim Rodriguez, coordinated with a

ground team led by Apollos Maj. Steve Barclay. Once

in grid, the air sortie homed in on the ELT signaland guided the ground sortie to its approximate loca-

tion. The two crews were in constant radio contact,

then only in visual contact when the ground teammembers had to dismount the CAP van to walk the

final half mile. Thanks to clear communication and

proficient leadership, the sorties ended with a find,

followed by a safe return to base.Trainees benefited from the experience of veteran

crewmembers and Standards Evaluation Trainers

(SETs). For the weekend, 33 suadron membersreceived training as follows: 3 mission staff, com-

munications, 2 ground team, and 3 air crew.

CAPSTAR made its local debut. This is theonline utility that displays the missions Big Board

on a -inch computer screen simultaneously

Apollo SquadronDistributed SAREX

By 2nd Lt. Vincent Herrera

monitored both locally and at the remotely located

Incident Command Post. The program displays sor-

tie status in color-coded backgrounds, including

briefed (brown) in-grid (green), off ground(orange), and overdue for check-in highlighted in

attention-grabbing yellow. Status updates are input

by communications or staging area staff, as the sor-ties radio in their current information.

The DSAREX took hundreds of member-hours

to plan and execute, as they launched sorties onthe road and into the air. Yet, important as this

was, safety was still the primary focus thus, late

Saturday afternoon two air sorties were canceleddue to excessive wind velocity.

After Sunday morning check-in, Lt. Col. RayfordK. Brown delivered his safety briefing. This time,

the theme was, Inoculate yourself against get-homeitis by staying focused during the final sortie,

the trip home.

In all, the DSAREX resulted in the completionof seventeen air sorties and four ground sorties in

ELT search and photography. Thirteen individual air

crew trainees accomplished 2 exercise participationflights. Six ualified air crew members and three

SETs accomplished their valuable mission: readying

the next wave of scanners and mission observers to

answer The Call.Special thanks goes to our dedicated Mission

staff, Station Area Manager Maj. Cheri Fischler, st

Lt. Sue Kristofferson, and st Lt. Monica Corley,who deftly worked the PC keyboards indoors and

the burger grill outdoors, the latter in the briskest of

winds. They truly kept the home fires burning. Creditis also due for Cadet 2nd Lt Michael Moodys excel-

Continued . . .


26/36

38 38

members on a job well done: Cadet Staff Sgt Tom

Gladwin, Cadet Staff Sgt Greg Upton, Cadet StaffSgt Roxanne Upton, Cadet 2nd Lt Christian Nelson,

Cadet Chief Master Sgt Phillip Nelson, Cadet Airman

Orion Kessel, and Cadet 2nd Lt Priscilla Santiago.

After a successful, mishap-free weekend of train-ing, it can be said that the DSAREX reinforced a CAP

operational theme: Safety has no rank. It is eually

everyones responsibility. Speak up!

he was charged with training them and acting as a rolemodel. Cadet Brown is an exemplary cadet, always

presents a smart and well-groomed appearance, and

has already been assisting newer cadets to learn theropes in CAP. His promotion is well deserved.

Cadet Basic Reid Bowen has completed thereuirements for promotion to Cadet Airman. He was

pinned by his father and Maj. Gerry Davis. Cadet

Bowen is highly enthusiastic, has expressed greatinterest in the CAP Cadet Program and has demon-

strated excellent dedication to it. The suadron has

high hopes for his progression within the Suadron,

as he learns more about our the CAP Cadet Programand various missions.

H

Two Gladewater Corsairs Cadets were promotedduring the Suadron meeting on Oct. 3, 2009.

Cadets Matt Brown and Reid Bowen, having met all

the reuirements of their respective new grades, stoodtall in front of their Suadron mates and were pinned

with their new insignia of rank.

Cadet Senior Airman Matt Brown was promoted

to the rank of Cadet Staff Sergeant and was pinned by

his father and Maj. Gerry Davis, the Suadron DeputyCommander for Cadets (DCC). Cadet Browns meet-

ing with the Promotion Review Board included a dis-

cussion of the duties of a Non-commissioned Officer

and a challenge to him to accomplish them. Includedwere his new role of acting on behalf of the cadets as

Gladewater Cadet PromotionsBy Capt. Harold Parks

lent technical support.

Maj. Fischler, the Staging Area Manager ofrecord, had the following to say, Deputy Staging Area

Manager Maj. Jim Rodriguez deserves all the credit.

As a Staging Area Manager trainee, Maj. Rodriguez

did all the work reuired to run this staging area,under my supervision. As the DSAREX came to

an end she announced, We now have another fully-

ualified SAM in the Central Texas area.Congratulations to the Apollo cadet ground team

SAREX . . . Continued


27/36

39 39

On Oct. 23 2009, I was in the grip of anticipation

as I rode in the car heading toward Tyler Composite

Suadrons Operational Leadership School (OLS).What would it be like? What would I learn? Would I

do a good job? Those were some of the uestions that

floated around in my head.When I finally arrived, shortly before :00pm, I

was ready to start learning, but first I had to check

in. With that done, I took my gear up to my bunk

and got settled in. As we waited for classes to begin,

many students gathered in small groups to talk. I justlistened to what they were saying, and thought about

the upcoming weekend.The first class was about mapping, where I learned

what the different map symbols mean. For example,

contour lines mean elevation. The next class was aboutthe Incident Commander (IC) and his staff. We also

were taught what roles the staff had in their sections.

Then we did a table-top mission, to see how it would

work in real life. For the table-top mission I was partof logistics, where my responsibilities were to give

maps of the crash area to the operations and planningsections, as well as telling the IC what resources wehad. After that we were debriefed and completed a

few more classes.

When we finally went to sleep, it was two hoursbefore my fire watch, although it seemed like only

ten minutes! I uickly put on my shoes and started to

patrol with Cadet Airman st Class Isaiah Niedrauer.While on guard I felt a little bored, but I knew that I

was doing something important. When the fire watch

ended I went back to sleep, and it seemed as if on

the next moment I was awake and helping with thesuadrons monthly pancake breakfast. When we

started serving breakfast, I was on the first shift. I

was tired, but it helped that I was standing as I servedfood to people. After my shift was up, I was able to

sleep some more and felt much better.

Awake and ready, I joined the other cadets atthe conference room for a basic communications

class. There I learned how to respond and give

messages on the hand-held radio. By now, my head

Tyler Cadets OLS ExperienceBy Cadet Staff Sgt Peter Goodwin

was bulging with new information, but there was

still more to learn.

After a while, we did a full dress rehearsalof a ground sortie. We had a plan, the vehicle was

inspected, and the ground team was all set to go. I

was responsible for communications on the groundteam, and learned how to operate the icom and the

Johnson radio. When the rehearsal was over, we went

on a real sortie, and I kept the log of what happened.

At the mission site, we walked uite a distance

into a pasture where we found an injured man thatwe lifted in the Stokes basket and brought back to

the fence. Along the way, it felt as if he were gettingheavier and heavier. After transporting the victim

we headed back to mission base. On the way back, I

dozed a bit, and this helped me stay awake later, dur-ing the debriefing. I was pretty happy after complet-

ing that sortie. It felt good.

The next one was a night sortie, and I was on the

ground team again. After the Emergency LocatorTransmitter (ELT) had been hidden, we started

searching for it. Again it was up to me to keep the log,and I enjoyed the job. It didnt take very long to findthe ELT. On the return trip, I dozed some more and

wished I could have more sleep.

When we got back we unloaded, and then atesupper as we were being debriefed. Finally, we were

able to go to sleep. I had many thoughts and emotions

going through my head. I was tired, yet excited. Whenwe woke up on Sunday morning, we ate breakfast

and cleaned the building. After the building passed

inspection, we were dismissed.

In the end, I learned a lot about mapping, com-munications, and how the management side of a mis-

sion works. I also learned how to keep a log during

a mission. While doing these things, I felt anxiousand nervous at first, but as the weekend progressed I

became more confident. I recommend this course to

everyone interested in search and rescue.I am proud that I was part of Tylers Operational

Leadership School.


28/36

Its been said that Apollo marches to a different

drummer, but to ask us to dance? Now, this was a

first. In Apollo fashion, we accepted the challenge

and dance we did. The City of Round Rock invitedApollo Composite Suadron to its first ever Annual

Masuerade Ball. You might remember reading lastmonth that in preparation for the big event we had Mr.

Kilkenny come to the hangar and teach us all how to

waltz. That in itself was rather out of the norm.

On Dec. , Cadet 2nd Lt Schertz, Cadet 2ndLt Santiago, Cadet 2nd Lt Moody, Cadet Staff Sgt

Strauss and Cadet Airman Ellen Birrell joined Texas

Wing Director of Logistics Maj. Cheri Fischler,Group III Aerospace Education Officer st Lt. Sue

Kristoffersen, and Senior Member Anne Birrell at the

Baca Center in Round Rock. We arrived early to helpprepare and then serve dinner. We went dressed in our

best bib and tucker, having been asked to wear ball

gowns and masks or Class A uniforms. The cadetsliterally cooked, served, cleaned up and when the

band started to play began to dance.

As I watched Cadet Strauss walk across the

floor, offer his hand to and 82 year old woman andthen, ever so politely, ask her, Maam would you

Apollo Squadron Masked BallBy 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen

like to dance? my heart meltedon the spot. As I looked around the

room, there were Cadets Schertz

and Santiago dancing to the music

with a couple of very happy seniorcitizens. Cadet Schertz had vowed

to dance with every woman in the

house. I didnt keep track of him, butI bet he succeeded. Cadet Santiago

was smiling broadly as she took line

dancing instruction from a man 0or maybe 0 years her senior. Cadet

Birrell, having never danced before,

took to the floor like a pro. I thinkthey call it On The Job Training,

OJT for short. Her mask in place,

her gown flowing to the music, she

danced, danced, and danced again.Everyone danced, everyone had a great time, and

even behind the masks you could see the smiles. Ca-

det Santiago danced proudly in uniform, displaying

for all to see just exactly what a class act she is.As the evening came to a close, Cadet Moody led

the cadets to the stage, where they sang the Air Forcesong. They were given a hearty standing ovation for

their efforts. That was not the only ovation our cadets

got on the night of the Ball. Countless times, both

male and female guests came to express their appre-ciation for the cadets. On Friday, Dec. , we had yet

another community service event, where some of the

same people once again came up to thank us for thewonderful Masuerade Ball.

And here I need to address myself to our most

wonderful cadets. Wow! you did a good job. Your par-ents have reason to be very proud of you. The sincer-

ity and love you showered on the community is truly

unforgettable. On that memorable night, I was bust-ing with pride as I watched you talk to and dance with

those who had no partner. You claimed the night with

grace, dignity, and respect. You did it with a smile in

your heart and on your face. Bravo and thank you sovery much. You are truly the cream of the crop.


29/36

3 3

When the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) calls,

Apollo goes. It has become an annual tradition for

Apollo to make the journey to Midland International

Airport each year, as we participate in the workthat it takes to stage a safe and orderly FINA-CAF

Airsho. This year Apollo took three vans, 2 cadets,

and five senior members on the 8-hour drive toMidland and back. Leaving at pm on Friday night,

Oct. 9, and getting home just after 8pm on Sunday,

Oct. , the weekend was full of good times.As always, the stars were the old planes and

their re-creation of WWII scenes. The CAF itself is

a marvelous story. During WWII, the United Statesbuilt 300,000 war planes, but just years after

the war had ended, nearly all had gone. Started by

a very small group who bought and fixed a P-

Mustang, the CAF gradually grew in membership

and resources, embarking on aserious agenda of buying and

restoring as many war-birdsof the era as they could find

and afford.

This year was no excep-tion to the standard Apollo

has experienced in the past.

Lots of planes, lots of peo-

ple, and lots of walking. Thesuadron, again treated like

VIPs, were housed in the

Armory and fed by the ven-dors, with a twist all free

of charge. Unaware of this

special treatment, the ApolloComposite Suadron had

earned $,00.00 to cover

the expenses, yet the totalcost of the trip was a whop-

ping zero.

Apollo Squadron AttendsFINA-CAF Airsho

By 1st Lt. Sue Kristoffersen

We had a great time, worked hard, and played

even harder. Not all suadron members could go to

this event. Those of us who had other commitments,

such as the DSAREX and the SAT test, will look for-ward to the 200 Airsho.

A huge thanks to the CAF for all they do for

Apollo. Youd think Midland would be too far for aworking relationship such as the one Apollo and the

CAF have developed, but its not. They truly enjoy

our being there, and we truly love going there andworking to help make it a success. The give-and-take

relationship between the two like-minded organiza-

tions is heart-warming. That in itself is part of whatwere supposed to do as a CAP unit, as we reach out

to the community.

But theres more, and even better. The benefit to

the cadets is beyond measure.


30/36

On 2 Jun 09 and 2 Jul 09, the Color Guard from

the Lackland Cadet Suadron presented the colors

during the jam-packed racing event at ThunderhillRaceway, Kyle, Texas, while Cadet st Lt Kris Kerr

was in the pit area staying focused on his race and

getting his race car ready. The color guard marchedonto the 3/8 mile, D-shaped asphalt oval race track at

the start/finish line in front of the eager crowd while

Senior Member 2nd Lt. Scott Newberry played the

National Anthem with his trumpet. The PA Announcerthanked the Color Guard for their performance and

all of the military active duty and veterans for their

service to their country.The Color Guard members for the 2 Jun race

were C/st Lt Taylor Moellendorf, C/2nd Lt Katherine

Sommers, C/SrA Christina Richardson, C/ACAmanda Turner. The Color Guard members for the

2 July race were C/st Lt Taylor Moellendorf, C/2nd

Lt Alexander Holiday, C/SrA Christina Richardson,C/AC Samuel Rogers.

This was the first time the Lackland ColorGuard had posted the colors at a race car event and

were very honored to perform for the race fans. Thecadets had pit pass access for both races and visited

with Cadet Kris Kerr and experienced life behind

the scenes as a race car driver. The cadets found outthat Cadet Kerr arrives at the race track before noon

of each race when the pit gates open. From 230 to

0, the difference classes have test-n-tune times.The pit crew personnel for car #2 and Cadet Kerr

work on getting the race car dialed in. Several

times, Cadet Kerr must take his race car to the pit

garage for an inspection. At 00, there is a manda-tory meeting for all TSRS Allison Legacy Drivers,

Spotters/Crew Chiefs. At 00, the grandstand gates

open and the track is closed for cleanup. At 30,ualifying begins for the TSRS Allison Legacys.

qualifying consists of (green, white, checkered)

followed by technical inspections and top pick ofthe dice. The cadets watched as Cadet Kerr drove

around the 3/8 mile race track to get the fastest time.

Lackland Color Guard Presents Colors atThunderhill Raceway

C/2nd Lt Nancy Kerr

After ualifying and inspection, the race car goesto in-pound till the race. Cadet Kerr goes back to

his race trailer to get rested up for his race event. At

800, heat races begin with or more classes and

opening ceremonies at 900. The Lackland ColorGuard performed at opening ceremonies followed

by a full schedule of 8 or more featured races. The

schedule for the line-up for the feature races changeseach race day. If you are lucky enough to be the last

feature race, you might be racing close to 2200 hours

or later which makes for a very long day at the racetrack. The pit announcer lets each class know when

its time to get ready to race. On 2 Jun, the TSRS

Allison Legacy feature event raced in the middle ofthe featured race pack with a 0-lap event. Cadet

Kerr finishing second out of ten cars. On 2 Jul, the

night ended with the 0-lap TSRS Allison Legacysfeatured event. Cadet Kerr finished in third place

out of 0 cars. Cadet Kerr reaches speeds up to 8-

80 miles per hour during the race. The track action

always brings plenty of close racing action as theclasses of all types took to the 3/8 mile, D-shaped

asphalt oval track. The 2009 TSRS Allison Legacy

racing series is typically held from Mar Oct ofeach year.


31/36

Cadets from the Lackland Cadet Suadron vis-

ited KENS television station. KENS is theCBS television affiliate in San Antonio, Texas.

KENS signed on the air on Feb 90. KENS is

one of the broadcast homes of the NBA San AntonioSpurs, and also has been the home of game shows

Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy for two decades.

Chris Marrou, San Antonios Most Respected Anchor

recently retired. He worked at KENS from 93-2009.He is an Emmy-Award Winning Anchor. Because of

Chris Marrou, KENS has dominated the , , and

0 PM Newscasts. His replacement Jeff Vaughn willstart in Jan 200. KENS broadcasts a total of 2.

hours of local news per week (with 3. hours on week-

days, and 2. hours on Saturdays, and 2.0 hours onSundays. The station also produces a local morning

talk show titled Great Day SA, currently hosted by

Lackland Squadron CadetsVisits KENS 5 TV Station

Cadet 2nd Lt Nancy Kerr

Bridget Smith, reporter

Eileen Teves, morn-ing meteorologist Paul

Mireles and Traffic

Watch reporter KelliePatterson.

2nd Lt. Rick

Martinez works in theEngineering Dept at

KENS . He has beenworking at KENS forover 30 years. He is

also a Senior Member

of the Bexar County Senior Suadron in San

Antonio, Texas. He took the Lackland Cadets on a-hour tour of KENS . The tour consisted of visit-

ing the master control room, the studio, the produc-

tion room, the satellite room, the video room, theassignment area, and the reporting area.

The Cadets who attended were C/2nd Lt Alexander

Holiday, C/AB Lacy Brantley, C/SrA Samuel Rogers,C/AB Brandon White, C/AIC Kevin Martinez, C/AB

Savon Vigil, C/SrA Joshua Alvarez. C/2nd Lt Nancy

Kerr, and five family members went on the tour also.

The cadets learned what it takes to prepareeach day for broadcasting on KENS TV. All the

behinds the scene action was amazing. The Cadets

experienced being in front of a camera broadcast-ing the weather. The tour was very rewarding and

fun for all.


32/36

On Friday, Oct. , 2009,

Major Michael D. Marcus paid avisit to the Holy Trinity Catholic

School, who had invited him to be

a guest lecturer as part of CAPs

mission to educate the communityin aerospace technology advance-

ments. His presentation, entitled

The Early Days of U.S. Manned

Space Flight, was addressed tothe schools two eighth grade sci-

ence classes. Major Marcus haddeveloped a lesson plan in coop-

eration with Mrs. Judi Jacobs,

whom he had sponsored as a CAP

Aerospace Education Memberprior to his lecture.

Major Marcus started the

presentation by discussing theCivil Air Patrol and its missions.

He then proceeded to explain thebasics of flight and mentionedsome rocketry pioneers. When

he explained the importance of

Sputnik, he mentioned the chal-lenges it presented to the United

States, and the start of the space

race between the U.S. and the

Soviet Union.Finally, Major Marcus took

the class through the three major

manned space programs; theMercury, Gemini, and Apollo

missions. He discussed the key

events and goals of each pro-gram, and used scale models of

the Mercury and Apollo space-

crafts to demonstrate various

aspects of space flight. He alsotalked about the challenges that

faced the crews of each mission.

Redbird Squadron MemberPresents AE to Parochial School

By Maj. Felipe Gomez

Major Marcus will donate to theschool these models that he

constructed himself which willbe put on permanent display.On that same day, Holy

Trinity asked Major Marcus to

repeat his presentation to the twosixth grade and two seventh grade

classes. He has also been asked to

return to the school next semes-

ter, and give the students anotherguest lecture, this one centered

on the solar system.

Major Michael D. Marcus hasserved in the Civil Air Patrol for

ten years. He chose Emergency

Services (ES) as his SpecialtyTrack and ualified as a Ground

Team Leader in Search and

Rescue (SAR) operations. He has

also participated in numeroustraining missions in ES, Disaster

Relief (DR), and Homeland

Security. For four years, MajorMarcus was Officer-In-Charge for

the annual Holly Walk fund-raiserfor the Rochester Hills Library,and earned the General Chuck

Yeager Aerospace Education

Achievement Award for his stud-ies in aerospace history, principles

and milestones. He also has uali-

fied in CPR/AED, First Aid, and

PTSS support.Major Marcus is currently

the Redbird Composite Suadron

SWR-TX-28 ES Officer and con-tinues his ES progression, having

ualified as a Ground Branch

Director. In his role as MasterGround Team Leader, Major

Marcus has assisted in the train-

ing of cadets and senior membersin a SAR environment, with over

thirty training mission sorties to

his credit.


33/36

9 9

The Apollo Composite Sdn. held its PancakeBreakfast fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. , 2009, at theGeorgetown Municipal Airport terminal their third in2009. This mark

Texas Wing - Mar 2010

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