Air Shows and Cap Go Together

Vol. 7, No. 3 SUMMER 2009

AIR SHOWS AND CAP GO TOGETHER

1 • Wheels Up! Col. KENNETH ANDREU In the Left Seat

BE EXTRA VIGILANT

Ah...Summer is here! From the sweltering heat and evening Wheels Up! cultural events in the cities, to the ocean breezes at the best SUMMER 2009 beaches, to cool nights in the lush, forested mountain villages in New York Wing the wilderness parks…..nothing beats it. Civil Air Patrol Summer always means an intense increase in activity going U.S. Air Force Auxiliary back to the origin of the species. Which, of course, translates Commander into increased opportunities for things to go wrong. Col. Kenneth Andreu We have multiple NY Wing encampments happening in paral- lel, and activities in fast succession throughout the Region and Vice Commander nationally. One incident can create a domino effect that has an Lt. Col. Mark Caiello impact on the resources available for the next activity. Chief of Staff Hopefully and with good presence of mind you have success- Lt. Col. Tom Carello fully negotiated all the activities on your Summer 2009 wish list Editor/PAO without mishap. And…you have assisted others in smoothly ac- 1st Lt. Robert Stronach complishing their tasks without incident, as well. [email protected] Mishaps are an entropic force, as air creates drag on an airfoil, acting to diminish efficiency and ultimately negate the achieve- Wing PA Director ment of your objective. Capt. James A. Ridley Sr. Watch your airspeed and don’t let the wing stall. Use Wing Headquarters safety briefings and follow your checklists. Be aware of the Westchester County Airport hazards you may face in the field before you get to them and 24 Loop Road, Bldg 1 have a plan to surmount them. White Plains, NY 10604-1218 The five P’s are a good mantra….Prior Planning Prevents Phone: 914-683-1000 Poor Performance. That should include listing obstacles, limi- Fax: 914-683-10056 tations (emotional, mental, physical and mechanical), and the as- www.nywg.cap.gov sessment of unique variables of the specific activity. That would include in summer flying, altitude, humidity, temperature and runway length, and at an encampment, properly tying your com- fortable boots before a run and flexing your knees in formation. Pack your summer with a plethora of activities and new chal- lenges. Remember the “Summer of 2009” as the time you incor- porated heightened awareness into your tasking skills, overcame complacency and sidestepped entropic mishaps.

Wheels Up! • 2 Contents 4 Wing Gets Outstanding Evaluation 5 Color Guard Team Grabs National Title 6 LI CAP & Thunderbirds at NY Air Show 9 Sussey Squadrons Picks Up for Earth Week 10 Central NY Group at Ft. Drum Air Show 12 Teachers Take to the Air in NY Wing 14 Emotional 3 Weeks for CNY Squadrons COVER: 16 Busy Holiday for LIG Squadron Air Shows and CAP Where there’s an air show, 17 WWII Member Catches Up on CAP chances are Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior mem- Canadian Cadets Join in ELT Search bers are there providing 18 support, and getting an upclose view of a myriad 19 Squadron Gets 1st Woman Commander of aircraft -- such as these three cadets standing in 20 Marine Aviators Host CAP the mouth of the nose doors of a C-5 Galaxy at CAP Important to His Career, AF Pilot Says the Fort Drum Mountain- 21 fest Air Show. The cadets are, from left, Joseph Maier 23 NY Places 3rd in Northeast SARCOMP of Syracuse Cadet Squad- ron, Cayla Askew of Rome 25 Special Honors for Cadet & Commander City School District Cadet Squadron, and Schuyler Wing Conference Theme: NY Has Heart Strough of Utica Cadet 26 Squadron. See Pages 6 & 10 for more on air shows. 28 Cadet Heads to Air Force Academy Photo by 1st Lt Robert Stronach

3 • Wheels Up! WING EARNS HIGH PRAISE FROM AF EVALUATORS By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY, SR. c/SSgt Matthew Merlino, c/2d HOLBROOK, NY -- The U.S. Lt Kory Gatley, Air Force conducted a week- c/SSgt Raymond MacQuill and long evaulation of New York c/SMSgt Ryan Wing’s mission capabilities Calviello man in June, and rated the wing as the communica- “outstanding.” tions center. The evaluation exercise simulated homeland security, search-and-rescue and disaster relief missions that are critical for proper response to natural or man-made disasters. Practice searches were conducted from the air and on the ground all across the wing. The exercise included air-to-ground communications, ground-to-ground Capt Joe Pizzo communications, and flight (second from left) planning and ground team op- and members of his flight line erations. crew meet be- Mission base for the exercise fore marshalling was Long Island Group Head- aircraft at the quarters at Long Island Islip evaluation. MacArthur Airport, with Group When the evaluation ended, received an “Outstanding” score Commander Lt Col Jack Ozer the staff at the Long Island base, for the entire evaluation and was serving as the incident com- along with New York Wing described as a “benchmark” for mander. The South East Group Commander Col Ken Andreu, other wings to emulate. was designated as the secondary awaited the Air Force evalua- Colonel Andreu and Lt Colo- mission base; and, at one point, tors’ findings and they weren’t nel Ozer said they were “very when the AF evaluators “shut disappointed with the results. proud of the results.” down” communications at LIG, The wing received an “Out- “The staff worked very hard SEG seamlessly took over com- standing” score in every cat- to achieve this success and it munications, which impressed egory with the exception of two shows the level of training that the evaluators along with the areas which received an “excel- we are accomplishing in the wing’s other efforts. lent” rating. Overall the wing New York Wing,” said Ozer.

Wheels Up! • 4 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY, SR.

McMINNVILLE, OR – They came close the last two years, but the third time’s a charm as the NorthEast Region’s Color Guard team took first place overall at the Civil Air Patrol’s National Cadet Competition held at Linfield College and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, OR. The 2009 NER color guard champions, who NY Wing’s Color Guard Team from Academy Cadet Squadron in New hail from New York York City Group, during the outdoor practical event at the national com- Wing’s Academy Cadet petition in July. The team represented the NorthEast Region and took Squadron (NY-147) in the national title as well. New York City Group, nounced. to compete nationally. least, the NER Color competed against teams “The team took first Some even begin the Guard team can lay from seven other re- in many categories,” journey by competing claim to being the very gions. Events included said Colonel Diduch, in a group-level com- best. an inspection, mile run “and number one over- petition. The team includes: and both indoor and all in the competition. The day showcased • Junior Rifleman: outdoor events such as We’re very proud of some of the best teams C/SSgt Albaro Pillco. posting and retrieving them.” in both the color guard • Senior Flag Bearer: of the colors. The NER The national cadet and drill team catego- C/SMSgt Thomas Ma- region commander, Col competition is held ries from around the crini. Robert Diduch, was annually after teams nation. Every team • Junior Flag Bearer: present at the awards compete at both the worked and practiced C/A1C Jason Chan. banquet July 12 when wing and region levels hard to get this far and • Senior Rifleman: the winners were an- before earning the right for the next year, at C/MSgt Zin Han.

5 • Wheels Up! LENDING A HAND TO THE NATION’S BEST PILOTS LIG UNIT ASSISTS THUNDERBIRDS, EARNS THANKS FROM A NATIVE SON

By 1st Lt. WILLIAM J. MCGEE

For so many members of the Civil Air Patrol, the desire to serve often starts with a young person’s desire to fly. It turns out this is as true for some of the very best fighter pilots in the country as it is for CAP cadets. This past Memorial Day weekend, nearly half a million visitors attended the 2009 Beth- page Federal Credit Union New Thunderbirds on the tarmac. York Air Show at Jones Beach on Long Island. The performers — members of the Long Island members of the Long Island this year included the New York Senior Squadron (NY-207) Senior Squadron reported for Air National Guard Search and were unobtrusively providing duty, including 1st. Lt. Bill Dre- Rescue Team, the U.S. Army security and logistical assis- schler, who has been serving his Golden Knights parachute tance behind the scenes. country since he enlisted during team, and the Canadian Forces World War II and spent several Snowbirds. But there’s no Quiet But Critical Support years with the 78th Fighter question the highlight was the Since 2004, both the Thun- Group in Europe. Members of Thunderbirds, known officially derbirds and the U.S. Navy other squadrons in Long Island as the U.S. Air Force Air Dem- Blue Angels have participated Group joined them, swelling onstration Squadron. on an alternating basis in the the ranks to 48 seniors and 21 As the crowds scanned the New York Air Show. And for cadets. skies, the Thunderbirds’ red- the fourth consecutive year, the For the CAP personnel, this white-and-blue Lockheed Mar- Long Island Senior Squadron mission was comprised of a tin F-16 fighter jets engaged participated as well, by provid- variety of tasks, ranging from in such acrobatic displays as ing quiet but critical security flightline support to crowd the Delta Roll, the Arrowhead and support for aircraft and control, as well as security both Loop, the Opposing Knife personnel staging at nearby Re- inside and outside the terminal Edge, and their signature public Airport, the facility that and hangar facilities and along Bomb Burst. But what very serves as the squadron’s home the airport’s perimeter. In fact, few of those air show attendees base in Farmingdale. CAP assisted with directing vis- knew was that — once again This year, more than 20 itors, escorting VIPs, briefing Wheels Up! • 6 journalists on media tours, and even providing bottled water for the Thunderbirds. In total, CAP provided 552 hours of service. Laying the groundwork for such an operation requires months of interaction with a host of federal, state, local, and airport authorities, including representatives from the Air Force and FEMA. Over time, however, the role of the Long Island Senior Squadron became clearly defined. “This is one of the highlights of our year,” said Capt. Joseph Capt. Joseph Pizzo and Capt. Chuck Montague on flightline. Pizzo, Squadron Commander. “We’re a busy squadron and we this year, the team welcomed its Lake Ronkonkoma, just a few perform a lot of missions, but first pilots from the Air Force aerial Diamond Rolls from working with the Thunderbirds Reserve and the Air National the air show site. Among the and the Blue Angels is some- Guard. The schedule for 2009 distinctive achievements in his thing pretty special. I’m really calls for performances at more 14-year service career are serv- proud of how our members than 73 shows: They launched ing as an F-16 instructor at the always step up and do such a back in February with Super USAF Weapons School, logging good job. The proof is in how Bowl XLIII in Tampa, and after more than 1,750 hours as an Air we keep getting invited back, a Far East Tour in September and Force pilot, and compiling 265 year after year.” October, will finish the follow- hours of combat experience. ing month with a finale at their Before the first air show per- Home Is the Fighter Pilot home at Nellis Air Force Base in formance on Saturday morning, The Thunderbirds refer to Nevada. Baum hosted more than 30 local themselves as “America’s Am- A key member of the team relatives and friends, and in a bassadors in Blue,” and like is Maj. John Baum, who has touching but private ceremony, most diplomats, they spend flown the No. 2 jet as the Left the other Thunderbirds lined up much of their time away from Wing of the Thunderbirds since on the flightline for greetings, home. Currently in its 56th year, January. For those attending photos, and autographs with all the Air Demonstration Squadron the Memorial Day show, seeing those in Baum’s party. “Every is an Air Combat Command unit him perform in the skies over show is a thrill,” said Baum, composed of 12 officers and 120 Jones Beach signified a reunion whose call sign is Slick. “But to enlisted personnel performing in of sorts: Baum is a Long Island have everyone come out here at more than 30 career specialties; native who grew up in nearby home is very special.”

7 • Wheels Up! Thunderbird smiled when he re- called going up in a Cessna 152 at Long Island’s MacArthur Air- port, where CAP’s Long Island Group is headquartered. For someone who always wanted to be a pilot, it’s clear that Baum relishes serving in the Thunder- birds. “It’s just neat,” he said. “One of our missions is to represent all the men and women of the United States Air Force. Many of these people who come to see us have children or grandchildren serving overseas Capt. Paul Zuckerberg, guarding Maj. John Baum’s F-16 Fighter Jet. and they never get to see them do their jobs. So we give them Chief among the visitors was cer to have served in the enlisted some sense of what they do.” John Baum Sr., the pilot’s fa- ranks: “I took advantage of the ther, who said, “How do you put benefits of the G.I. Bill. I started Thunderbirds Tip Caps it into words? He grew up here at Embry-Riddle on active duty Like other members of the and went to school here and and then took a 16-month break Thunderbirds, Baum expressed learned to fly here...I couldn’t from service in the inactive re- thankfulness to CAP: “We ap- be prouder. I’m blessed to serves.” preciate all your assistance.” have him.” That pride has been Those four and a half years Baum was not alone. evident all year, as the elder Baum spent as an enlisted man Throughout the extended week- Baum has traveled to various are not lost on the Thunderbirds end, personnel from the Air air shows—”as many as I can team, which is comprised of Force, Republic Airport, and the afford”—to cheer on his son. He ten enlisted members for every New York State Department of laughed and said, “I am THE one officer. When asked about Parks (which sponsors the air Thunderbirds groupie. They call Baum’s service record, one non- show) praised CAP. Members me ‘Papa Slick’ now.” commissioned officer working even received kudos from the Interestingly, the 33-year-old the flightline at Republic Airport bystanders who came to watch pilot entered the Air Force as an smiled and said, “He was one of the Thunderbirds depart from enlisted member in 1993 at age us first.” Farmingdale for test runs, media 17, before earning his commis- However, his rapid career flights, and the show itself. sion from Embry-Riddle Aero- ascent began quite literally back Upon the conclusion of the nautical University in 1999. on Long Island, when his father mission, Pizzo reflected on how Baum acknowledged that it’s provided his first flight lesson well the Long Island Senior rare these days for a senior offi- on the boy’s 16th birthday. The Squadron performed. He noted,

Wheels Up! • 8 “Several of the Thunderbirds SUSSEY CADETS thanked me personally for our DO THEIR PART efforts. By the fourth day, the FOR EARTH WEEK NCOs were palling around with our guys like they were in the By Capt. MICHAEL KIELOCH same squadron. Maj. Baum said it really would not be possible FULTON – Cadets with F. without us. I know they sincere- R. Sussey Composite Squadron ly appreciated our presence.” did their part for Earth Week at The air show itself took place Oswego County Airport on Sat- on Saturday and Sunday, but urday, April 18. Thunderbirds personnel were Cadets participated in a at Republic Airport for nearly a clean-up of the airport grounds week, and CAP members were and the surrounding areas, on hand for several days as well. picking up litter and debris that For 1st. Lt. Linda Law of the 1st Lt. Linda Law on the flightline. could potentially harm aircraft. Long Island Senior Squadron, The unit’s efforts were a part of the mission involved several the unexpected display of appre- a campaign run by the Oswego consecutive days of performing ciation: “It just felt great to have County Environmental Manage- the critical—yet tedious and them recognize us.” ment Council, encouraging the sometimes downright boring— After the Thunderbirds de- community to pitch in during task of providing a security parted, Pizzo offered thanks to Earth Week 2009. detail outside the Thunderbirds’ his troops as well: “I don’t take “Oswego County celebrates briefing room and lounge in this lightly, because I know Earth Week every year. It is a the airport’s main terminal. But what a sacrifice this is on a holi- time to acknowledge our ap- that job was made much easier day weekend. The most valu- preciation for our earth and the for her just prior to the first air able thing you can give anyone environmental successes that show performance, when the is your time, because you only sustain our healthy living,” said departing officers went out of have just so much of it.” Richard Drosse, Earth Week their way to personally offer Then he added, “One cannot coordinator. expressions of gratitude. even fully determine the fruit C/SMSgt Austin Zappala, Lt. Col. Derek Routt, the that will be borne from a suc- cadet public affairs NCO, coor- No. 7 pilot, introduced himself cessful performance like this. dinated the efforts. and told Law to contact him Perhaps this will help our re- “It’s important that we take if she needed anything. Then cruiting, or maybe someone in care of our part of the com- Baum came over and thanked the crowd will secure us a larger munity,” said Cadet Sergeant her profusely for volunteering, role in the Emergency Services Zappala. “Supporting Oswego to which she responded, “No, world. I don’t think I’ve ever County and local aviation is thank YOU for joining.” Later, been more proud of this squad- simply a part of what we al- Law recounted her reaction to ron than I am now.” ready do.” 9 • Wheels Up! CNY GROUP OUT IN FORCE FOR FT. DRUM AIR SHOW By 1st Lt. BOB STRONACH

WATERTOWN -- New York Wing’s Central New York Group turned out in force for Fort Drum’s Mountainfest Air Show June 27-28, setting up a mission base and bivouac area, providing traffic control, and staffing a recruiting booth. The air show served as an official welcome home ceremony for 1,000 solders in the 10th Mountain Division, and C/Airman Cody Rupert of Syracuse Cadet Squadron was curi- featured New York Gov. David ous about the ski-mounted LC-130 Hercules. Paterson who said he was keep- ing a promise he made while visiting the troops in Iraq at Christmas. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members got to watch the military flyovers and aerobatic acts, and saw up close the various aircraft in the static display areas -- from a World War II-era B-17 that was restored to fly as the Memphis Belle in the movie of the same name, to a KC10A tanker/cargo plane from ROBERT STRONACH ROBERT

Maguire Air Force Base, to the Lt ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules, 1st which the New York Air Na- tional Guard flies to the North and South Poles. Photos by “We had 48 cadets and 11 C/MSgt Scott Wolff and C/SA Faith Schreiber, both of Syra- senior members,” represent- cuse Cadet Squadron, were intrigued by the Predator B, an ing all of the Group’s six unmanned surveillance aircraft operated by U.S. Customs and squadrons, including the newly Border Protection.

Wheels Up! • 10 formed Fort Drum-Watertown Composite Squadron, Group Commander Maj. Carl Anthony said. The other participating squadrons were: Rome City School District Squadron, Utica Cadet Squadron, Rome’s Mo- hawk-Griffiss Senior Squadron, Syracuse Cadet Squadron, and F.R. Sussey Composite Squad- ron from Fulton. “This was a very well-organized and executed exercise,” said Major Anthony, who served as incident commander with Maj. Robert Flynn as operations officer. “Our tasking was to provide traffic direction Capt. Jeff Crippen and several of his Rome City School District Cadet Squadron cadets watched an aerial act from the recruit- in both the North and South ing booth at Fort Drum’s Mountainfest Air Show. The cadets are parking areas, provide commu- (from left): C/A1C Alexander Makley, C/A1C Emmanuel Ander- nications for all our members, son, and C/MSgt Wyatt Frazier. provide a gate guard for the Rapid Deployment Facility, and ficer; Maj. Gerald Marketos, were stationed, were: the CF-18 provide a recruiting booth in the communications officer; 2nd Hornet flown by the Canadian static display area.” Lt. Robert Ormsbee, Fort Drum Air Force; two A-10 Thunder- CAP “operated as a com- liaison officer; 2nd Lt. Penny bolt “Warthogs” flown by the Air pletely self-contained unit,” Schreiber, director of support Combat Command’s A-10 East Major Anthony said. “We set services, and 2nd Lt. Joanne Demonstration Team; the Lima up our own kitchen, feeding Parisi-Haugen, medical officer. Lima Flight Team flying six yel- all members three meals a day. As evening approached on the low T-34 Mentors from the 1950s We brought the Wing Com- first day, the cadets got to play and 1960s; the Trojan Horsemen munications Van and Generator, some football, and surprised flying six T-28 Trojans, also providing our own power and Major Anthony’s son, Marshal, from the 1950s and ‘60s; the Iron communications.” with a birthday cake to show Eagles bi-plane aerobatic team; He noted: “Civil Air Patrol their appreciation for the fact and the Gary Rower Vintage Air has the most dedicated cadets that he was spending the week- Show in a 1942 Army Air Corps and senior members of any or- end cooking their meals instead Stearman PT-17. ganization currently out there.” of going out with friends. “We had a great time,” Major Other key staffers included: Among the air acts they got Anthony said, “and the cadets Maj. Mark Cashin, safety of- to view, no matter where they loved it.”

11 • Wheels Up! TEACHERS TAKE TO AIR AS AERO-ED MEMBERS By Capt. JAMES A. RIDLEY, SR.

HOLBROOK, NY – It was a picture -perfect April day for flying, and five teachers from three different schools took to the air as part of Civil Air Patrol’s Fly-A-Teacher Pro- gram for Aerospace Education Members. The teachers were associated with the Long Island and Middle Eastern Groups. The program got a kick-start when Maj Lou Fenech of the Long Island Group contacted teacher Sue Ohlinger who recently joined CAP as an Aero- space Education Member. Oh- linger learned of the program while attending NASA’s Educa- tor Conference at the Johnson Capt. John Corcacas goes through a pre-flight inspection with Space Center in Houston. teachers Sue Ohlinger (left) and Cynthia Falco. “I was so excited to get Maj Fenech’s call,” said Ohlinger, also coordinated a flight for the Emmanuel Lutheran School “and in being invited to present three teachers from the Albany in Patchogue. They spent the to his squadron and learn about area on the same day. next two-plus hours aloft with the Fly-A-Teacher program.” Capt John Corcacas, pilot for one quick stop at Block Island Shortly after speaking with Ms. the Long Island contingent, be- so that the two teachers could Ohlinger, he contacted the New gan the day with a safety brief- switch seats. In the air Corcacas York Wing project officer for ing; a ground school covering continued their aerospace edu- the program, Maj Tom Vree- such topics as flight procedures cation while at the same time land, to set things in motion. and take-off preparation, and providing some sight-seeing The date was selected and the a detailed aircraft inspection. opportunities. ground school and flights were He then took off in a Cessna “One of the best things about scheduled for Ohlinger and an- 206 with teacher Ohlinger of this experience,” said Cynthia other Long Island-based teach- the Burr Intermediate School in Falco, “was that John (Corca- er, Cynthia Falco. Maj Vreeland Commack and teacher Falco of cas) answered every question

Wheels Up! • 12 Teachers Chris Thompson, Paul O’Brien and Glenn Devoti listen as Capt Bob Ellwood explains facts about the aircraft they are going to fly in. we asked to the fullest, and we were given a quick briefing by me more interested in learning asked a lot of questions.” Maj Vreeland and expressed about the opportunities that The flight path took the their interest in sharing the CAP has to offer, especially the teachers east along Long knowledge they gained with emergency services aspect.” Island’s South shore past Mon- their students. Both Ohlinger and Falco tauk Point, then after the brief “This was awesome!” com- expressed interest in changing stop-over, west along the North mented Mr. O’Brien. “I am im- their membership to Senior Shore before landing back pressed with the quality of the Member status to be able to at Islip. While in the air they CAP Aerospace Education ma- pursue mission scanner qualifi- experienced the thrill of steep terials we received and believe cations. turns and of gaining altitudes of that they will add significant “The Fly-a-Teacher program up to 3,000 feet. value to our science, technol- is an excellent vehicle to get Similarly teachers from the ogy, engineering and math the word out about CAP,” said Mount Everett Regional School (STEM) programs.” Major Fenech.“I was happy for in Massachusetts took off from Principal Devoti added: “I the opportunity to provide two the Albany Airport in a Cessna am hoping that we can look enthusiastic teachers the chance 182 with Captain Bob Ellwood at whether the school-based to experience the thrill of flight. at the controls. Principal Glenn programs of CAP might be I also appreciate the support Devoti along with the school appropriate for some of our the program received from district’s Director of Technol- students.” Major Vreeland, the NY Wing ogy Paul O’Brien and teacher Sue Ohlinger was also very Project Officer, and our pilots, Chris Thompson were Ell- excited and impressed with Captain Corcacas and Captain wood’s passengers for the day. CAP. “This trip has enthused Ellwood.” Upon the groups’ return they me more and more and made 13 • Wheels Up! CADETS WELCOME HOME 2ND FALLEN MARINE EMOTIONAL 3 WEEKS FOR CENTRAL NY SQUADRONS By 1st Lt. BOB STRONACH in Afghanistan. Both were 22. stan,” she said. “He was pretty Because Geary’s brother, much in the middle of combat, ROME, NY -- It was an Dillan, is one of her cadets, and had very little time on the emotional three weeks for 1st Lieutenant Crippen found phone. I could hear gunfire in Lt. Michelle Crippen and her herself practically camped out the background. He wasn’t con- Rome City School District Ca- at the Geary home in Rome, cerned about himself. He want- det Squadron, as well as for the helping to coordinate the wel- ed to know how the Geary fam- members of Utica Cadet Squad- come-home military honors and ily was doing. I found out later ron. They helped welcome the funeral. She also fielded that he had asked his mother to home the body of fallen Marine numerous news media calls on attend the funeral.” Lance Cpl. Daniel Geary on behalf of the family. Then, on April 8, Oleski was March 26. Then on April 14, Another call she took was killed. they returned to Griffiss Inter- from Lance Cpl. Oleski, who It wasn’t long before Rome national Airport to welcome knew Geary and who had Mayor James Brown called home the body of Marine grown up only ten miles away Crippen on her cell phone, ask- Lance Cpl. Blaise Oleski, who, in the Town of Floyd. ing if she would work with the like Geary, was killed in action “He called from Afghani- family and help coordinate the HEATHER AINSWORTH/UTICA DAILY NEWS DAILY AINSWORTH/UTICA HEATHER by Photo (From left) Airmen 1st Class William Goodwin (partially obscured) and Rob Cohlbrenner, Cadet Sr. Airman Joshua Goodwin (rear), Cadet Airman 1st Class Kayla Elmer and Cadet Staff Sgt. Dennis Drake, all members of the Rome City School District Cadet Squadron, salute the casket of Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise Oleski as it is carried into church for his funeral. Wheels Up! • 14 HEATHER AINSWORTH/UTICA DAILY NEWS DAILY AINSWORTH/UTICA HEATHER by Photo

First Lt. Michelle Crippen wipes a tear near the casket of Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise Oleski. arrangements again. Monument, adjacent to the casket was carried in. That meant that a contingent church in the heart of down- “We are very proud of these of Marines would escort the town Rome -- with Marines cadets,” said Lieutenant Crip- body from the chartered plane and Revolutionary War re-enac- pen, advisor to the squadron to the hearse, followed by a tors lining the fort’s parapet. commander. “These cadets procession through lines of Some 20 of her cadets took never cease to amaze me with military personnel, 45 CAP ca- turns working traffic con- what they are capable of.” dets, veterans, police, firefight- trol and escorting over 2,000 The second funeral had an ers and the public. Then calling mourners at Barry Funeral overflowing crowd of 1,500 at hours at the same funeral home Home, Lieutenant Crippen the church and at Fort Stanwix, and services at the same church noted, and then some 15 of she noted. where Lance Cpl. Geary was them showed up at St. Peter’s “Lance Corporal Oleski was mourned. And finally a com- Church the next day, on their a phenomenal kid,” she said. mittal service and military own, standing at attention at Tears welled. honors at Ft. Stanwix National the entrance and saluting as the “This one hit me hard.”

15 • Wheels Up! BUSY HOLIDAY FOR LIG SQUADRON By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY, Sr.

PATCHOGUE, NY – May 25, 2009. While Memo- rial Day traditionally means a weekend off for most people, the members of the Col Francis S. Gabreski Squadron do their part to honor those who gave their lives in service to their country. On Saturday, the weekend began with over 20 cadets and officers, led by Maj Cheryl NY Wing Ground Team (including Gabreski cadets) poses in front Dorfman, attending to their an- of a C-5 Galaxy at Westover Air Reserve Base during NorthEast nual tradition of decorating the Region’s Search-and-Rescue Competition (SARCOMP). graves of veterans in section Maj Lou Fenech was in Chi- the colors at an event led by 14 of the Calverton National copee, Mass. participating Capt Paul Ryan at the First Cemetery. This tradition be- in the Northeast Region’s Baptist Church in Patchogue. gan many years ago when Search and Rescue Competi- On Monday, Memorial Day, Col Gabreski made a light- tion being held at Westover Air the squadron members from hearted deal and requested the Reserve Base. This team of all three activities gathered for squadron’s care of his grave 9 members included Capt. the Patchogue Memorial Day on Memorial Day in exchange Nate Hillard and 2Lt. Dennis Parade and were led by their for the use of his name as the Woytowitz who commanded Long Island Group champion squadron’s namesake. After the ground teams which in- color guard. When the parade a flag folding ceremony at his cluded six Gabreski cadets. was over they were told that gravesite, the squadron as- They were joined by members the squadron had won the tro- sembled with other members of the Southeast Group and phy for the most patriotic unit of the Long Island Group as formed the team that took 3rd in the parade. the Squadron Color Guard led place in the Region. Two other “I am very proud of the offi- the procession of flags in a me- Gabreski cadets worked on the cers and cadet members of my morial ceremony. PAO staff which was tasked squadron,” commented Maj At the same time, some 200 with covering the competition Fenech. “To do so much over miles away, another contingent On Sunday the Gabres- a three-day holiday period is from the Gabreski Squadron ki squadron color guard was remarkable and a testament to led by Squadron Commander again called to duty to present our ability to get the job done.”

Wheels Up! • 16 WWII MEMBER CATCHES UP ON CAP AT FLY-IN WAR TIME EXPERIENCE SPURRED HER TO BECOME PILOT

By Capt. CAROLYN FILLGROVE a master’s degree. We- hhrung-Schmidt noted that AKRON, NY – Alice We- women training as pilots hhrung-Schmidt never expected during World War II were to be reacquainted to her past somewhat of a novelty. when she attended the annual She found the flight train- Akron Memorial Day Fly-In ing exhilarating, but was Breakfast recently. ever mindful that she had The 91-year-old World War II to prove herself better than Civil Air Patrol member spent men. When she went to most of the day reacquaint- Rochester to take the writ- ing herself with CAP’s current ten exam, others quickly activities, its modern-day mem- completed the test and bers, and even got one more left while she spent six chance behind the yoke of a hours taking the exam and Cessna. re-checking her answers. “It was just a wonderful, The extra attention paid wonderful day,” remarked We- off; she scored a 97. Then, hhrung-Schmidt, one of the last Capt. Tom Baldwin and Capt. when she finally got her pilot’s to leave the airport that day. Diane Rothberg, both retired Air license at the age of 25, she told Wehhrung-Schmidt served as Canada captains. “She was just her mother. Her mother hugged a CAP observer flying and train- amazing...She still thinks like a her tight and told her how proud ing with a squadron in Tonawa- pilot...She is very sharp, “ Capt. of her she was. She was sur- nda, NY from 1942 to 1946. Rothberg said. prised by this, but happy, too. Squadron meetings were filled Born and raised in Buffalo, Wehhrung-Schmidt’s love of with drill and subjects such as Alice, at a young age, told her flying rubbed off on her hus- radio procedures. Her war time family that she wanted to fly band, Carl. While she studied experience was what motivated airplanes. But the dream to fly in New York City, he earned a her to pursue the flying les- took a back seat to formal edu- private pilot’s license as well. sons she had always wanted, cation. She graduated from Buf- Then he surprised her upon enabling her to earn a private falo State College with a degree graduation by saying that he pilot’s license at the age of 25. in education in 1941 and began would come to New York and Akron’s Memorial Day Fly- a long career as a teacher and fly her home. Married for 40 in Breakfast marked one more administrator for the Kenmore years, the couple mixed aviation time for her to fly when she School District. Her service in with his automotive business. was given an orientation flight the CAP ended when she left The couple owned ten different in a private Cessna owned by for New York City to pursue airplanes through the years, to 17 • Wheels Up! CANADA CADETS JOIN NEW YORK COUNTERPARTS IN ELT SEARCH

By 1st Lt. DOUG JUSTHAM

JAMESTOWN – Even though it isn’t a meaningful oc- currence in their own country, Alice Wehhrung-Schmidt poses with her late husband, Carl which observes its own Re- Wehhrung, in front of their Piper Cherokee at Akron, NY Airport, membrance Day every Nov. 11, sometime in the 1960s. The photo was found at the airport ear- May’s Memorial Day weekends lier this year, shoved in between some old newspapers. Nobody in the U.S. have become special at the airport knew who the couple was until Mrs. Wehhrung- for the Royal Canadian Air Smith identified the photo for airport management. Cadets of Kitchener-Waterloo, include Piper Cubs, Pacers, Tri- on her own, taking care of her Ontario. Pacers, and a Cherokee 180. Mr. home and mowing the lawn. For the last 10 years, the ca- Wehhrung did his own mainte- These days Alice owns a dets have traveled south to New nance. They even built a hangar home in Florida, but comes York to march in the Lakewood at the Akron Airport themselves. home to Cheektowaga every Memorial Day Parade. This Alice and Carl personally year before hurricane season year, though, the visit proved knew Bill Piper, Sr., owner of starts. “The hurricanes dance even more significant. Piper Aircraft Co., Lock Haven, around down there,” she noted, Maj. Ellen Maternowski, PA. They attended a celebration indicating she didn’t like the commander of Jamestown at Piper Aircraft when the com- storms one bit! Composite pany had built 320,000 planes. Alice is a musician and plays Squadron, Alice has flown twice to Mex- seven instruments. She speaks was asked to ico in a Piper Cherokee (made English and French. Ever the host an elec- in Florida). She has flown to educator, she continues to work tronic loca- Alaska and many other places. in a child day care center, com- tor transmit- She stopped flying in 1986 bining her love of music with ter (ELT) when Carl had to have open humor in a little band with chil- search for heart surgery. Alice has 3,000 dren and “old people.” the visi- hours in her log book. She laughed when noting tors. Such Carl Wehhring passed away the “old people” think she’s exercises in the mid-1980s. That hasn’t younger than they are because are routine stopped Alice. She loves life she knows so many old people and lives it to the fullest; living jokes. for Civil Air Maj. Maternowski, Wheels Up! • 18 Patrol members, but not for their Canadian counterparts. HOLDREN IS FIRST WOMAN Maternowski asked 1st Lt. Tom Joneson, TO COMMAND SQUADRON communications officer, and Capt. Marvin IN CENTRAL NY GROUP Hillicker, emergency services officer and FULTON -- 1st Lt. Jennifer T. Holdren became ground team leader, if they would be will- the first woman commander of F.R. Sussey Com- ing to arrange an ELT search with a composite Squadron following bined team of Canadian and CAP cadets. a change-of-command cer- Jumping at the chance, Joneson conducted emony May 27 at Oswego a one-hour training session on the reasons County Airport. and methods for an ELT search. “Lieutenant Holdren also Following the preliminary training ses- is the first woman to com- sion, about 30 Canadian Air Cadets and mand a squadron in Central their senior mentors headed out on the New York Group,” noted search, along with 10 Jamestown cadets Group Commander Maj. and senior members. The practice ELT was Carl Anthony, who offici- located within 90 minutes and silenced, as ated at the ceremony. required. Sussey Squadron operates The squadron’s public affairs officer programs for both senior and safety officer, 1st Lt. Doug Justham, members and cadets, and helped with field-training the cadets on the trains for air and ground search and rescue, emer- types of equipment used to track ELTs. gency services and disaster relief. “We use a wide variety of tracking units, Holdren succeeds Capt. Dale Masters as com- from very expensive Doppler mini-trackers mander. She joined the squadron in 2005, has to homemade Yagi antenna units attached served as administrative officer and public affairs to scanners and amateur radio handheld officer, and has participated in aircraft orientations units,” Justham said. for youth, cadet bivouacs, a missing person search The squadron “has close to a 100 percent mission. success rate within 60 minutes of begin- “I plan to focus on three main goals,” the new ning the search,” he added. “But today is commander said. “First, I will work to retain the more education than it is practice, so we cadet members and their interests, while building are not worried about the amount of time it on the strengths of the program. Secondly, I want takes as long as the cadets get a good feel to see more recognition of the squadron and Civil for what we do.” Air Patrol by getting us involved in outreach activi- Afterward, Maternowski pronounced the ties in the community. Lastly, I intend to boost our weekend “a great international success, as recruiting efforts for senior members as well as the two groups got along well and enjoyed cadets.” She resides in Fulton with her husband, Earl searching, marching and just getting to Holdren III, a Civil Air Patrol pilot. know each other.” 19 • Wheels Up! MARINE CORPS AVIATORS HOST CAP SUFFOLK CADET SQUADRON 10 MEETS 25TH REGIMENT

By 2nd Lt. ROBERT CALVIELLO

GARDEN CITY, NY - The US Marine Corps’ 2nd Battalion/ 25th Regiment earlier this year hosted Suffolk Cadet Squadron 10 cadets, seniors and family members at their Nassau County base. “You [once] welcomed me in your house…welcome to ours,” said Col. James Rooney, Col. Jim Rooney, USMCR, addresses Squadron 10. USMCR. After brief opening remarks, the colonel introduced cadets “a leg up on other candi- tion..,” Capt. Martinez said. “It two Marines who would lead dates…Familiarity with air and is up to them to know how to question-and-answer sessions flight operations and communi- get to an X on the map without on Marine Aviation training, cations is a plus.” being told how to get there.” experiences and careers. Capt. Luis E. Martinez, Ad- A martial arts demonstra- Capt. Daniel M. Nolan, a vertising Officer for 1st Marine tion was led by Sgt. Richard D. 12-year Marine veteran, served District, is a graduate of the US Vergara, a Garden City native, in Iraq and also in Indonesia Naval Academy at Annapolis, a Martial Arts Instructor Trainer (Tsunami Relief) as a “Sea and served in Afghanistan as a (MAIT) and black belt instruc- Knight” (HMM165) flying twin VMAQ-3 “Moondog” -- flying tor for the 25th Regiment. The rotor CH46 helicopters. Nolan Prowler aircraft in a Marine sergeant stressed how training is discussed the Marine aviation Tactical Electronic Warfare part of continuous improvement pipeline and its advanced pro- Squadron. After describing the no matter what a Marine’s spe- grams. He stressed the competi- role of Forward Air Control- cialty might be. “Everyone has tive academics and the physical ler (FAC) -- which requires a role and a part to play when and psychological demands of ground-to-air communications, fulfilling the mission,” Vergara the training each aviator must map reading and navigation said. “[We] work in teams and complete, and noted how a skills – Martinez was asked partner on tasks.” candidate must be a self-starter to comment about the train- Colonel Rooney closed and self-motivated. Captain ing CAP members receive and the open house by present- Nolan acknowledged that execute during SAREX mis- ing Squadron 10 commander CAP activities [e.g. orientation sions. “It is expected that every Capt. Benjamin Nodar with flights, flight-line training, and [Marine] 2nd Lieutenant can plot two framed posters of Marine aerospace education] will give a course and get to a destina- aircraft. Wheels Up! • 20 CAP IMPORTANT TO AIR FORCE CAREER FIGHTER PILOT SPEAKS AT CENTRAL NY GROUP BANQUET

By 1st Lt. BOB STRONACH for the Air Force and Air Guard, to participating in search and WHITESBORO, NY -- Air rescue operations, to assisting in Force Maj. Richard Lubey disaster relief in hurricanes and grew up in the Civil Air Patrol floods, “it’s pretty amazing.” ranks, in love with aviation. He “On behalf of my bosses” attained the rank of Cadet Lt. at NEADS, one of two North Colonel and learned how to fly American Aerospace Defense a Cessna 172 before going off (NORAD) sectors, “thank you.” to the U.S. Air Force Academy “Thank you for your passion to fulfill his dream of becoming for leadership, for your passion a fighter pilot, eventually flying for aviation... for your passion an F-16 in combat in Iraq. AF Major Richard Lubey for excellence.” Guest speaker at Central New Recalling his time as a CAP York Group’s Awards and Rec- join Utica Cadet Squadron at cadet, Major Lubey said: “We ognition Banquet at Hart’s Hill the age of 12, the Civil Air Pa- didn’t go on camp-outs and sing Inn on April 21, Major Lubey trol (CAP) not only fueled his campfire songs. We went on related how he was only 8 years dream, but gave him an advan- bivouacs, stayed in tents, and old when he fell in love. It hap- tage, made him better prepared, learned survival skills.” Like pened when his parents brought in his future Air Force career, today’s cadets, he also got to fly him to the open house and air Major Lubey told the crowd of in airplanes and was immersed show at the former Griffiss Air 115 senior members, cadets and in aerospace education. Force Base, and he got to climb family members representing “The spectrum of experience up the ladder to the cockpit of the Group’s five squadrons. you get in CAP, you’re not go- an F-106 Delta Dart fighter Now, in his position as chief ing to find anywhere else.” interceptor. He looked inside of Current Operations at the Recognizing he was a former and smiling back at him was the Northeast Air Defense Sector member of Utica Cadet Squad- pilot. (NEADS) at Griffiss Interna- ron, the current squadron com- “Do you believe they pay tional Airport in Rome, NY, mander, Capt Chuck Hereth, me to fly this thing!” the pilot site of the former Air Force presented Lubey with a squad- beamed. Base, Lubey said he “has been ron challenge coin. Prior to the The young Lubey scrambled enlightened as to what CAP talk, Captain Hereth, who was down the ladder and announced does for national defense and in master of ceremonies, received to his parents, that’s what he disaster relief.” a surprise himself when Group wanted to do. Fly fighter jets. From providing reliable, cost- Commander Maj. Carl Anthony When he was able to finally effective training alternatives presented him with two Group

21 • Wheels Up! awards, Senior Member of the Year and Cadet Orientation Pi- lot of the Year. Squadron of the Year honors went to Rome City School District Cadet Squadron, commanded by Capt Jeff Crippen, who also was named Cadet Program Officer of the Year. Captain Crippen took the opportunity to present an award himself -- a special certificate of recognition for Rome City School District, which he gave to School Superintendent Jef- Capt Chuck Hereth, receiving Senior Member of Year Award from frey Simons, for the district’s Central New York Group Commander Maj Carl Anthony (right) outstanding support of the CAP and New York Wing Vice Commander Lt Col Mark Caiello (left). cadet program. Pray of the school district’s “They were with these fami- Another special guest, Rome JROTC program. Noting that lies from day one.” Mayor James Brown, who re- the Rome area lost two of its Members of the Geary fam- marked that “the world would own in the past month -- Lance ily were at the banquet, and the be a better place” if “all kids Cpl. Daniel Geary and Lance mayor, on behalf of a grateful could experience CAP,” got into Cpl. Blaise Oleski, both killed community, thanked them for the act, too, awarding city me- in action in Afghanistan -- the their sacrifice, prompting a dallions to Captain Crippen, his mayor lauded the trio for help- standing ovation for the fallen wife, First Lt Michelle Crippen, ing the families of the fallen Marine’s mother, grandmother and Air Force Master Sgt. Della Marines. and brother (a CAP cadet). ROBERT STRONACH ROBERT Lt 1st Photos by FROM LEFT: Air Force Master Sgt Della Pray, CAP Capt Jeff Crippen, and CAP 1st Lt Michelle Crippen received accolades from Rome Mayor James Brown (right).

Wheels Up! • 22 C-5 Galaxy towers above CAP aircraft at Westover Air Reserve Base SUSAN ROBERTSON / CAP NHQ / CAP SUSAN ROBERTSON by NY WING TAKES 3RD PLACE IN NER SARCOMP Photo

By Capt. JAMES RIDLEY, SR. competition from wings such as the Civil Air Patrol has to offer, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and this competition couldn’t CHICOPEE, MA – New Pennsylvania and composite have come at a better time.” York Wing senior members teams made up from other Indeed, the New York Wing and cadets competed against wings. In addition, seven of the was preparing for an official Air some of the best Emergency nine-member Public Affairs Force evaluation of its Emer- Service teams the Northeast team covering the exercise were gency Services capabilities and Region (NER) has to offer at from New York Wing. the SARCOMP was an excel- the region’s Search And Rescue While the air crews searched lent primer for that evaluation, Competition (SARCOMP) held for targets, ground teams where the wing received high at Westover Air Reserve Base searched for ELTs and per- grades. on Memorial Day Weekend, formed line search tasks while Seven cadets participated taking third place overall. the incident command staff in the competition as part of The 20-member New York organized, communicated and the ground team and two other Wing contingent was led by tracked all team activity. The cadets were part of the SAR- Maj Darren Cioffi, incident competition took place over the COMP’s Public Affairs team. commander, and comprised a entire Memorial Day weekend The wing supplied numerous complete Incident Command but the actual events began and staff officers and cadets that staff, two air crews and aircraft, ended on Saturday the 23rd of were involved in the planning and a 9-person ground team May. and execution of the event such with two vehicles. They were “This was a great exercise as c/Col Natasha Cohen, who tasked with many events, each for the New York Wing,” said was Aid-de-Camp to the SAR- team had its own specific chal- Major Cioffi. Members went COMP architect and incident lenges and was judged against up “against some of the best commander, Lt Col Joe Abegg. 23 • Wheels Up! On Sunday the team learned how they fared fantastic and will only serve to make us better the and was very happy with the outcome. Maj Alan next time.” Gibbs, Operations Section chief, commented that The next time might come sooner than anyone while the team would have liked to have come on the team expected as the wing is tentatively in first or second, “getting third place the first planning to hold a SARCOMP of its own in May time we competed in this type of competition is 2010.

SARCOMP PARTICIPANTS FROM NEW YORK WING INCIDENT COMMAND TEAM Gibbs, Alan Maj NER-NY-251 Cioffi, Darren Maj NER-NY-118 Brana, Sharon Capt NER-NY-118 Fenech, Lou Maj NER-NY-117 Wuestman, Michele 1st Lt NER-NY-251

GROUND TEAM Gatley, Kory CDT NER-NY-117 Grosshandler, Kevin CDT NER-NY-117 Hillard, Nathan Capt NER-NY-117 Woytowitz, Alexander CDT NER-NY-117 Ozyilmaz, Zeki CDT NER-NY-117 Woytowitz, Dennis 2nd Lt NER-NY-117 Becerra, Annie CDT NER-NY-147 Pan, Willie CDT NER-NY-147 SUSAN ROBERTSON / CAP NHQ / CAP SUSAN ROBERTSON Derr, Joshua CDT NER- NY-189 by

AIR CREWS Photo Falcon, Ron Capt NER-NY-219 Silverman, Jill Capt NER-NY-219 NY Wing Cadets Tatyana Lopez and Lydia Fairchild, shown prior to takeoff in the cockpit Stern, Peter 1st Lt NER-NY-219 of a CAP aircraft, got to view the SARCOMP Cipriano, Rocky 2nd Lt NER-NY-219 from the air as part of the PAO Team. Smith, Steve 2nd Lt NER-NY-219 Levy, Roger 1st Lt NER-NY-379 Lopez, Tatyana CDT NER-NY-117 Fairchild, Lydia CDT NER-NY-414 PAO TEAM COVERING SARCOMP Ridley, James Capt NER-NY-001 OTHER NY MEMBERS helping on SAR- Barry, Kevin Maj NER-NY-035 COMP staff: Lt. Col. Steve Perta, Lt. Col. Fairchild, Rick 1st Lt NER-NY-414 Andy Liddle, Lt. Col. Joe Goldman, Maj. Judy Lee, Michael 1st Lt NER-NY-147 Hewett, C/Col. Natasha Cohen, C/Lt. Col. Ridley, James CDT NER-NY-117 Bethany Hewett.

Wheels Up! • 24 SPECIAL HONORS FOR CADET AND HER COMMANDER

By Sr. Mbr. MADELEINE COHEN observer before finding her niche as squadron WHITE PLAINS, NY – Over commander. Her legions 130 area members of Civil Air of cadets have provided Patrol gathered to congratulate outstanding service to New York State’s first Spaatz America; they now hold Award recipient since 2005, positions of influence in Cadet Col. Natasha Cohen of both civilian and mili- Dobbs Ferry, NY, in a ceremony tary careers, counting at Wing Headquarters at the among them graduates Westchester County Airport of the finest universities, in White Plains on Friday, as well as the various C/Col. Cohen Lt. Col. Pantanelli May 29. Named for a former military academies. Air Force general, the Carl A. State Sen. Suzi Oppenheimer Lt Col Richard Debany, US Spaatz award is CAP’s highest and retired US Air Force Brig. Army, who flew in from Ft cadet honor. In a surprise an- Gen. John F. Flanagan, a noted Bragg in North Carolina, took nouncement, the evening also author, aviator, and business the podium and said: “There celebrated the lengthy career of executive, who presented the is no finer developer of young Lt Col Johnnie Pantanelli and Spaatz Award to Cadet Cohen. adults than Lt Col Pantanelli. I culminated in the renaming of Lt Colonel Pantanelli, com- believe that I speak for all the North Castle Composite Squad- mander of the squadron since cadets when I say that every ca- ron in her honor. 1963, is a pioneer herself. She det who’s ever walked through Wing Commander Col. Ken- served in the Marine Corps in the doors of North Castle neth Andreu hosted the cer- WWII, and joined CAP in 1944, Squadron is better because of emony, featuring special guests flying aircraft as a scanner and it.” A SPAATZ AWARD THAT BECAME SO MUCH MORE By 2nd Lt. JESSICA ANDREU east Group, New York Wing, mander under Lt. Colonel the Northeast Region, and per- Pantanelli, back in the 1990s. Current and former cadets haps one of the most important Capt. Richard Johns assisted and officers of the North Castle people of all, Lt Col. Johnnie in reading a roll call of former Composite Squadron, NY-238, Pantanelli, the North Castle cadets and friends of North came together May 29 to cel- Composite Squadron’s com- Castle who came from near ebrate not only a new Spaatz mander since 1963. and far to join in the festivities. cadet, C/Col. Natasha Cohen, The ceremony was led by Guest speakers included New but also to witness a unique CAP 1st Lt and Air National York State Sen. Susan Oppen- honor ceremony. Attendees Guard TSgt Noah Stebbins, heimer and Brig. Gen. John F. included members from South- himself a former cadet com- Flanagan, USAF Ret., author of 25 • Wheels Up! Vietnam Above the Treetops, who came to congratulate C/Col. Cohen on her achievements. It seemed to be an event that was completely dedicated to celebrating Ca- det Cohen and first Spaatz Award earned by a NY Wing cadet since 2005. It was during Cadet Cohen’s Thank You speech that the ceremony began to shift in focus from her accom- plishments to that of Lieutenant Colonel Pantanelli and her decades of leadership. Wing Commander Col. Kenneth J. Andreu, himself a former cadet in Colonel Pantanelli’s old White Plains squadron, stood and announced: “Cadet Colonel Cohen will be the first and last Spaatz cadet to come out of North Castle Composite Squadron.” He went on to explain: “This morning, North Castle Composite Squadron ceased to exist with a key stroke. From now on, Charter unit NY-238 will be known as the Lieutenant Colonel Johnnie Pantanelli Squadron.” The assembled crowd gasped and broke into ap- Wing Commander Col. Ken Andreu plause. and Lt. Col. Johnnie Pantanelli ‘NEW YORK WING HAS HEART’ Acknowledging the nation’s • being credited with saving alone are valued at $6.8 million economic slump, Wing Com- three lives. to New York State (not count- mander Col. Kenneth Andreu • starting six new squadrons ing the counter drug eradication told attendees at April’s Wing in four different Groups. results). Conference in Lake George that • developing and executing • offering a value to the “tough times demand heart,” new leadership training, the citizenry of New York that is and if there’s one thing New New York Wing Group Com- “priceless”! York Wing has, it’s heart. manders’ Course. Colonel Andreu announced He encouraged units “to • flying more hours than ever incentive awards for flying and make a difference in 2009” by before -- 3,340 hours, ranking membership growth: partnering with local relief mis- New York Wing as sixth in the • Aviation Excellence Award sions, finding “a mission that nation. to Long Island Group. needs us,” and recruiting “mem- • flying 490 counter drug • Most Cadet Orientation bers to help us help.” hours and locating 65 sites with Flights Award to Finger Lakes He went on to list the wing’s $30 million in plants eradicated. Group. 2008 successes, such as: • flying volunteer hours that • Overall Membership

Wheels Up! • 26 . KEVIN BARRY Maj by Photo Group commanders and other attendees at the Wing Conference. Growth Award to Broome- nowski, Western NY Group. Catskill Mountain Group. Tioga Composite Squadron • Check Pilot of the Year: • Logistics Officer of the (NY-292). Maj. Brian Benedict, Mid- Year: Lt. Col. Anita Martin, • Cadet Membership Growth Eastern Group. Mid-Eastern Group. Award to Brooklyn Technical • Outstanding Emergency • Communicator of the Year: Cadet Squadron 1 (NY-384). Service Program: Finger Lakes 1st Lt. Dwight Smith, Wing • Group Membership Growth Group. staff. Award to Mid-Eastern Group • Aerospace Education Of- • Incident Staff Member (NY-043). ficer of the Year: Capt. Thomas of the Year: Lt. Col. William • Membership Retention Baldwin, Western NY Group. Hughes, Wing staff. Award to Nassau Cadet • Sr. Chaplain of the Year: • Legislative Officer of the Squadron 8 (NY-288). Chaplain (Capt) Douglas A. Year: Lt. Col. Diane Wojtow- The wing commander and his Brock, Wing staff. icz, Finger Lakes Group. staff then honored outstanding • Squadron Chaplain of the • NorthEast Region Govern- members and units. including: Year: Chaplain (Capt) John ment Relations Officer of the • Senior Member of the Year: E. Capen, Catskill Mountain Year: Lt. Col. Andy Liddle, Lt. Col. Charles Miller, Finger Group. Wing staff. Lakes Group. • Character Development • Public Affairs Officer (PAO) • Cadet of the Year: C/Maj. Instructor of the Year: Maj. An- of the Year: Maj. Kevin Barry, Heather Nelson, Mid-Eastern drew S. Berry. New York City Catskill Mountain Group. Group. Group. • NorthEast Region PAO of • Cadet NCO of the Year: • Inspector of the Year: Maj. the Year: Maj. Kevin Barry, C/SMSgt Joseph L.T. Smith, Daniel Brodsky, Central New Catskill Mountain Group. Rochester Composite Squadron. York Group. • Squadron of Merit: Condor • Cadet Programs Officer of • Safety Officcer of the Composite Squadron, Finger the Year: Capt. Ellen J. Mater- Year: 1st Lt. Lawrence Wenz, Lakes Group. 27 • Wheels Up! NEW YORK WING IN ACTION CADET-OF-YEAR HEADS UNIT ATTENDS TO AIR FORCE ACADEMY 4 MEMORIAL DAY ACTIVITIES By Capt. JAMES A. she was promoted to RIDLEY, SR. cadet commander of By 2nd Lt. ROBERT her squadron, and more CALVIELLO CLIFTON PARK recently at the New – Since she was a York Wing Conference FARMINGVILLE young girl, Cadet Maj. held in Lake George in – Suffolk Cadet Squad- Heather Nelson, the April, she was named ron 10 honored the outgoing cadet com- the New York Wing courage and sacrifice of mander for Mid-East- Cadet of the Year. veterans by participat- ern Group’s Vedder “It’s been awe- ing in four Long Island Memorial Day events. Composite Squadron, some,” she said. “I’ve On Saturday May 23, has wanted to earn an loved every minute cadets and senior mem- appointment to the U.S. I’ve spent in CAP. My bers met at Calverton Air Force Academy in seniors have been great National Cemetery Colorado Springs, CO. role models and have and rendered honors In June Cadet Nelson helped me out a lot.” by placing graveside saw her dream turn into “Everyone who American flags. reality when she report- knows Heather, knows Later that day Squad- ed to the academy as a how much this meant ron 10 cadets were at member of the class of to her,” said her squad- Republic Airport, join- 2013. ron commander, Maj. ing other CAP units to The appointment Adam Candib. “We are provide gate and flight highlighted what has all excited for her” -- a line security for the Air been a short and suc- sentiment shared by her Force Thunderbirds cessful CAP cadet group commander, Lt. and Royal Canadian career so far. Last sum- Col. Anita Martin. Snowbirds. mer Nelson saw anoth- While at the academy Squadron 10 attended er goal accomplished Heather will join the its first Centereach when she was assigned fencing team. She is an Memorial Day parade as the Group First Ser- accomplished fencer on Sunday. On Monday, geant at the 2008 New who has traveled all Squadron 10 joined York Wing Leadership over the world earning the Lake Ronkonkoma Encampment, then medals. C/Maj. Heather Nelson Memorial Day parade.

Wheels Up! • 28