n r r h hoto o rt s o m rr Smith T l r tin Ground Team Members Crucial To Civil Air Patrol’s World War II Effort
Utah Wing Supports Development Testing Of Army CAP’s World War II members received Cruise Missile Defense System certificates like this one from the Air Force ulliv n Trop documenting their service. Indiana Cadet Is Nation’s Top High School Athlete
rs ip r s AE Program Receives Pair Of Prestigious Honors T T ir o r s Cadet Assists With Response To Deadly Tragedy rom our tion l omm n r p n o pit o in ross or CAP Finds Bring Closure To Victim’s Families ion s om to n ro s i v m nts National Headquarters Honors WWII Members T oli Tr ition The annual subscription rate is $25, or $12.50 for retired CAP Units Honor Military Veterans With Wreaths members. To subscribe, mail a check to Volunteer Sub- scriptions, CAP Public Affairs, 105 S. Hansell St., Bldg. rnin To l 714, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6332. Test Pilot Instructor Got His Start In CAP
T li ts Aerospace Education Program Takes Teachers Aloft Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing supported development test- ing of the U.S. Army’s JLENS cruise missile defense sys- o r r ut tem over western Utah in 2011, helping ensure the Flights Lead Squadron Commander Back To CAP effectiveness of defense against low-altitude cruise missiles. Here, a Utah Wing flight crew orbits the elevated JLENS t r no s st aerostat, designed to provide battlefield commanders with early detection of airborne threats. See story on page 10. Like Dad, Daughter Commands Missouri Wing Photo by 2nd Lt. Roger Kehr, Utah Wing tin T s Cadet Excels Despite Bout With Rare Disease Civil Air Patrol Volunteer is oriented toward both internal (CAP) and external audiences. For that reason, it uses the Associated Press style for such things as military abbreviations. Associated Press style is the standard used for most T n lu n newspapers and magazines. Official internal CAP communications should con- Former Cadet Enjoys Career In Neurology tinue to use the U.S. Air Force rank abbreviations found in CAPR 35-5.
iti ns S r ing omm niti s go i il ir trol om
In the days of World War II, as now, being I a patriot was a prerequisite to joining Civil Air Patrol, but being a pilot was not. In fact, CAP had an estimated 60,000 members during the 1940s, but only a fraction of them were pilots. The rest provided crucial support services — in the hangars, on the tarmac, in control towers and at many other locations. Without these services, the heroic CAP pilots of World War II would have been hard-pressed to fly day after day from the U.S. coastline to take on the enemy.
Second installment in a four-part series
iti ns S r ing omm niti s 3 go i il ir trol om The Way We Were orl r roun t ms r in n t t in s o pilots
By Kristi Carr
ships and submarines.” Once CAP had proven its Reliable planes were of worth in locating enemy vessels, the U.S. government paramount importance. temporarily granted CAP the authority to arm its Many used by CAP in the planes, an authorization that ended with the war. war effort came from While still at the Coastal Patrol Base airport, Scott private or commercial remembered a U.S. Army ordnance group living in tents, sources and were generally charged with installing bomb and depth-charge racks on well-maintained. Once they the planes and loading and unloading the armaments. were assigned to CAP, Depending on their size, the planes were equipped with however, the organization racks to hold one or two 100-pound bombs. became responsible for CAP is credited with sinking two enemy keeping them airworthy. submarines during World War II and with Enter the mechanics. li n S ott s r s discouraging countless others. One, Julian H. Scott, got m h ni t o st l trol Scott left CAP when he was called to active duty his training at a s h l m int in not long after he reached age 18; he served as a pilot government-sponsored ri t l o n l n s l s with the U.S. Navy. trade school that taught th go rnm nt or $ aviation mechanics in his hometown of Athens, Ga. “One morning in the spring Meanwhile, at Coastal Patrol Base 19 in Portland, of 1942,” he said, “we were all called together (and Maine, another mechanic’s experiences illustrated the risks asked to go) to St. Simons Island, Ga., to start up a new CAP volunteers faced even when staying close to home. Coastal Air Patrol location.” This was the genesis of Dennis Soule functioned as both a mechanic and Coastal Patrol Base 6. observer, and he had a close call when the landing gear of Scott continued, “Most of the men in our unit were the Bellanca aircraft in which he was a passenger failed to either too young or too old to be drafted. We were deploy. As the pilot circled, Soule was forced to use a responsible for maintaining privately owned planes pocket knife to tear up the plane’s floorboard to gain leased by the government, I think, for $1 per year. In access to the gear. Lying upside down and hanging below most cases the planes were flown by their owners, mostly the plane’s floor, he was finally able to hand-crank the wealthy men from the Atlanta area, to search for enemy gear down, and the plane landed safely.
i il ir trol ol nt r n r r h flight crew were charged with reporting all they saw; Steve Patti, now 89, served double duty for CAP in they were equipped with a Thompson submachine Texas, where the country was vulnerable at the Gulf gun, a hunting knife and a clipboard. Among sights waters as well as its border with Mexico. An aviation they reported back to the U.S. Army intelligence mechanic, Patti and others from the Los Angeles area officer assigned to CAP were a man spotted tiptoeing volunteered to establish a CAP unit, Coastal Patrol Base through the shallow Rio Grande carrying his shoes and 12, at Brownsville, Texas, where subchasing would the license plate numbers of automobiles approaching be a major activity. It was a remote outpost for a the border from Mexico. young man in his early 20s. The allowance was $5 Once, Patti and others drove per day, and from that the CAP members were out to a downed border patrol expected to pay for their own food, lodging, tools plane, which they had to and any other necessities. Improvisation was a disassemble on the spot in order necessity for mechanics like Patti. They melted to get it back to the base. down scraps to make the lead weights needed to Not long after arriving in anchor towing antennas and went on the hunt for Texas, Patti and his fellow CAP tractor-wheel bearings to serve as substitutes for members were sworn in as Air airplane bearings, which were literally consumed Force reservists but returned to by the sandy conditions. CAP service. In 1944, he Patti also found himself in Marfa, Texas, in Big received his induction notice and
Bend country. Here, he was asked to serve as an St tti rs int r lothing went back to California as an observer on flights along the Rio Grande, iss th r rm ir i l active-duty U.S. Army Air America’s border with Mexico. Members of the Forces member.
tti sn this hoto o h t h ll “si m h ni s n on o s r r” rom his Worl W r s in s nit
iti ns S r ing omm niti s 5 go i il ir trol om Raley said of Dijeau, Pennsylvanian Benjamin Dyner had been “If not for his attending flying school at Somerton Airport near contributions to Philadelphia and was a member of a flying club training and qualifying when CAP came calling to recruit members less CAP pilots during the than a week after Pearl Harbor was attacked. early days of 1942, Dyner, 18 at the time, joined CAP on Dec. 12, there may not have 1941. Though flying was his passion, he held a been a viable and commercial radio license and was proficient in successful Coastal Patrol Morse code, a skill he passed on to others. At first, capability in the Gulf of he said, CAP Mexico and Texas missions usually n n min n r coast.” involved the ferrying ring his ni orm Following World War of VIPs to New h k o t l n t II, Dijeau alternated Jersey, Washington, Wings i l ins t hi h working as a pilot and D.C., or other s hom to his an electrician. Even now, nearby locations sq ron n r hil l hi in his late 90s, Dijeau from the squadron’s continues to fly for base in Blue Bell, Pa. pleasure and to serve as a But before long, he CAP member. s found himself at Coastal Patrol Base To read more about 17 in Riverhead, Steve Patti and to view N.Y. He left CAP in late 1942 to enlist in the military. his extensive collection of vintage CAP photos, go to www.caphistory.org/museum_photo_gallery_patti.html. Hailing from California, George Dijeau was Capt. Mary Story contributed to this story. a CAP pilot who for a time flew armed subchaser missions over the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico during World War II, later becoming a commercial pilot. Yet one of his most valuable contributions to CAP may have been the training he gave pilots. After a stint with the Army Air Forces — during hoto n innir llo li orni Wing which he suffered a back injury while teaching cadets to perform slow rolls, ultimately leading to a medical discharge —
Dijeau rediscovered CAP when the Corpus org i Christi squadron in Texas hired him to n his i rri tt r m m rs o m li rh rt S nior Sq ro n in give pilots instrument training. kl n li i ʼs irst i il ir trol i nti i tio n r is sho n t l t Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Keith
i il ir trol ol nt r n r r h 6
Everyday is a powerful word in Civil Air Patrol. Our 61,000 everyday heroes — pilots, teachers, doctors, actors, lawyers, writers, chaplains, journalists, career military and students, to name a few —E are your neighbors, colleagues and friends. They serve because it’s in their hearts, minds and souls to support and give back to their communities in ways both great and small. But, regardless of their volunteer calling, their service makes a profound difference in their communities when each mission is accomplished. That is why Civil Air Patrol Volunteer was created six years ago — to recognize these unsung heroes — their feats of courage and purpose, and especially those who risked or sacrificed their lives in service to America. Their great strength of purpose, their moral fortitude and character posture them to perform their duties with excellence, respect and integrity — CAP’s core values that continue to drive the success of our initiatives nationwide. In this issue we again laud the everyday feats of our members — those making impressive contributions in search and rescue, community service, aerospace education and cadet programs, as well as in the use of technology, first aid and skills learned in CAP that have helped propel their professional careers. As national commander, I pledge my support to each and every member, to always keep at the forefront in everything we do the tremendous sacrifice and dedication that defines the service of CAP’s unpaid professionals. In keeping with that priority, I am introducing an “Ask the Commander” application on eServices. This open online forum will allow all members to seek answers to questions from your national commander on any topic of importance to you and your membership. My goal is for you to know your service and what you need in order to get the job done are of paramount importance to me. CAP’s unpaid professionals have been revered for seven decades now for their willingness to step up, often at a moment’s notice, to serve the needs of their communities. As we begin the new year and our 71st year of service, I look forward to partnering with you EVERYDAY as we continue to perform acts of heroism in service to our great nation.
Semper Vigilans!
Maj. Gen. Charles L. Carr Jr. CAP National Commander
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Civil Air Patrol Volunteer is published quarterly by Civil Air Pa- trol, a private, charitable, benevolent corporation and auxiliary National Staff College draws 60 to NHQ of the U.S. Air Force. Please send all correspondence to Public Si t m m rs rom ll ight r gions ot k to high l l tr ining Affairs, 105 S. Hansell St., Bldg. 714, Maxwell AFB, AL ring tion l St oll g h l r ntl t i il ir trol tion l 36112-6332; telephone 877-227-9142, ext. 250; email: [email protected]. Opinions expressed herein do not necessar- q rt rs t ll ir or s l m rs o th l ss o ily represent those of CAP or the U.S. Air Force. Civil Air Patrol s n h r t tion l q rt rs rti i t in Volunteer welcomes manuscripts and photographs; however, s min rs on str t gi l nning or or t go rn n li irs CAP reserves the right to edit or condense materials submitted s t in n n mor and to publish articles as content warrants and space permits.
i il ir trol ol nt r n r r h k
I began my career at Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters in 1986, and during those 26 years of service I have had the opportunity to witness a phenomenal transformation in the way CAP does business. While CAP has Iremained true to its founding missions over the years, an impressive increase in the number and types of missions cannot be ignored. This increase can be attrib- uted, in part, to our ever-growing arsenal of sophisticated technology, which, when coupled with our cost-effectiveness, has positioned CAP as the nation’s resource of choice when disaster strikes. A photo of a member at a computer downloading digital imagery first appeared in CAP’s Annual Re- port to Congress in 2003. Since then, CAP has aggressively integrated technological advances into all facets of the organization’s operations. By 2004, CAP was routinely using state-of-the-art satellite-trans- mitted digital imaging systems, allowing officials nationwide to evaluate infrastructure problems in real time. Today, automatic GPS labeling of CAP’s high-definition photos enhances these images’ immediate and long-term value. Other equipment advances include introduction of ARCHER, advanced technology used to identify anomalies from the air, and new Garmin G1000 glass cockpit aircraft containing the latest flight deck package. CAP planes equipped with full-motion video are being used to help train U.S. military ground forces in remotely piloted aircraft operations before they deploy overseas, and GIIEP (Geospatial Infor- mation Interoperability Exploitation Portable) go-kits have added state-of-the-art communications and full-motion in-flight video to CAP’s emergency services toolkit. Plus, our newest technology — the FLIR Ultra 8500 camera system — is allowing aircrews to see and accurately measure heat patterns from the air, resulting in more effective aerial searches. Individual members are also making significant contributions to our emergency services operations. Second Lt. Guy Loughridge, for example, is using sophisticated radar analysis technology to successfully locate missing aviators. And Capt. Justin Ogden’s cell phone forensics has helped save dozens of lives and brought closure to the families of missing loved ones. CAP’s technological advances have not only improved the organization’s ability to provide exceptional service in performing our missions across America but also have made life as a CAP member imminently more satisfying. If you want to be a part of this exciting organization, I invite you to explore the many ex- citing opportunities available across the nation. Click on www.capmembers.com for the details.
Don Rowland
Executive Director CAP National Headquarters
iti ns S r ing omm niti s 9 go i il ir trol om rin in CAP’s Utah Wing Provides Test Support for New Cruise nto o us Missile Defense System
By Mitzi Palmer
This past spring, Civil Air Patrol’s Utah Wing helped the U.S. h oot S Army reach an important milestone toward defending future rost t is m n t r battlefields from land-attack cruise missiles.
Through testing conducted over Utah’s western desert, the U.S. hoto o rt s o th on TArmy’s Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS) successfully demonstrated tracking targets
i il ir trol ol nt r n r r h of opportunity via radar carried by an unmanned As project officer and lead pilot for the mission, tethered aerostat. Johnson turned the customer’s requirements into a “It’s a game-changing system for warfighters,” said flight profile easily replicated by other Utah Wing Dave Gulla, Raytheon’s vice president of aircrews. Global Integrated Sensors for Integrated “The calibration Defense Systems, “providing enhanced profile went through situational awareness and surveillance The CAP folks in several design iterations capabilities in the detection and and a number of deterrence of cruise missile and Utah have exceeded the proving runs to define unmanned aerial threats.” “ and refine procedures standard when it comes While CAP is a frequent participant that met the customer’s in radar test and evaluation missions to professionalism and requirements,” he said. across the country, this is the first time mission adaptability. Johnson said the organization has been involved in meeting the required development testing of a major navigational precision Department of Defense weapon system. —Dean Barten, U.S. Army provided an early Designed and built for the Army, JLENS product manager challenge when initial JLENS is a tactical, theater-based sensor flight tests revealed the system that’s elevated by tethered GPS navigation aerostats to enable battlefield commanders to increase receivers in the wing’s older aircraft refreshed too slowly their protection against land-attack cruise missiles. for their needs. It’s the first aerostat platform featuring long-duration, “However, further flight tests helped determine that wide-area, over-the-horizon detection and tracking of CAP’s newer Garmin G1000-equipped aircraft were low-altitude cruise missiles, providing commanders with ideally suited for the task,” he said. “In fact, the early detection of threats and the opportunity to combat capabilities of the G1000 system proved to be a key to them efficiently and effectively. mission success.” The project’s original scope included only eight T T sorties for CAP. Because of their successes, though, the missions have grown considerably over the course of Civil Air Patrol’s involvement with JLENS began in the project. late 2009 when the Utah Wing was asked to assist with “Our customer has been beyond pleased with CAP’s testing the technology at the U.S. Air Force’s Utah Test performance,” said Johnson. “As a result, Utah Wing and Training Range in western Utah. aircrews have flown over 50 sorties and more than 200 The Utah Wing’s operations special projects chief, Lt. hours in support of this project — a greater than six- Col. Matt Johnson, said CAP was initially sought to fold increase over the original program estimate.” provide flight support for calibration of JLENS’ Mission base staff has also contributed more than 1,300 surveillance radar system. volunteer hours to the program, he said. “Army and Raytheon managers asked us to fly an The Utah Wing’s expanded role places CAP in the instrumentation package with dual survey-grade mix with a wide variety of radar targets used to explore differential Global Positioning System receivers to the system’s capabilities — from T-38s and F-16s to capture real-time kinematics data,” Johnson said, Learjets, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and even “enabling systems engineers to correlate the aircraft’s true kit-built BD-5J microjets. position with that determined by radar.” “The ongoing testing in Utah affirms our confidence
iti ns S r ing omm niti s go i il ir trol om in the system’s technical maturity,” said Ken Gordon, JLENS program director for Raytheon. Civil Air Patrol’s capabilities have impressed Army officials overseeing the project. “The CAP folks in Utah have exceeded the hoto t ol tt ohnson t h Wing standard when it comes to professionalism and mission adaptability,” said Dean Barten, product manager for the U.S. Army’s JLENS Program. In addition to continued operations in Utah throughout fiscal year 2012, discussions are under way to build on the Utah Wing’s t son ss l t n n t og r hr r h rs successes by including the New Mexico Wing in similar mission s i i ro r s on s rmin testing at the Air Force’s White Sands Missile Range. s st ms tr in r “Our efforts here have helped make future battlefields safer for our military,” Johnson satisfaction for us and something all Civil Air Patrol concluded. “That’s a source of tremendous members can be proud of.” s
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t S r h i l hol s orl n tion l n st t r or s in By Mitzi Palmer nin ight l ss s irst or n o r li t r m l or m l hoto o rt s o h rl s nt r ll
CAP’s own Cadet Maj. Sarah Biddle presented with the Sullivan Trophy during opening is the first female recipient of the ceremonies for the ESPN Rise Games in Orlando, Fla., Amateur Athletic Union High School in 2011. Sullivan Sports Award and Scholarship. This is the first year the AAU High School Sullivan Biddle, a recent graduate of Servant Award has been given. It stems from the prestigious AAU Christian Academy in Morgantown, Sullivan Award, which has gone to such renowned Ind., along with the male winner of the athletes as Michael Phelps, Michelle Kwan and Peyton award and scholarship, Daniel Giovacchini from Manning for exemplifying outstanding sportsmanship, Massachusetts’ Lawrence Academy at Groton, was leadership and character.
i il ir trol ol nt r n r r h 2009, and the only one to graduate. A CAP cadet since 2007, Biddle has been a part of She has also been decorated for participating in two the Indiana Wing’s Morgan County Squadron since she presidential-proclaimed emergencies. In June 2008, she was a freshman in high school. She served as cadet assisted with flood relief in Martinsville, Ind. There, she commander for a year. distributed clothing and helped flood victims evacuate. “She’s in the top 2 percent of the squadron’s cadets,” In early 2009 she helped search for and locate potentially Indiana Wing Group V Commander Maj. Eric Santiago stranded victims in Kentucky after a massive ice storm. said, referring to Biddle’s participation in CAP’s Physical After attending CAP’s National Emergency Services Academy, she was presented the Ground Team Leader Training Program. “Being at the top of physical award. She also served on the cadet staff for the 2011 condition has allowed her to participate in one of Civil Indiana Search and Rescue Academy, where she Air Patrol’s hardest national activities, the Pararescue educated future ground team members on how to be Orientation Course. successful at search and rescue. “And as cadet commander, she did an excellent job at leadership and worked well with the cadets in her command by training them to It is that never-die Outside CAP, Biddle holds 80 be good leaders,” Santiago said. world, national and state records Biddle is also one of the few spirit I developed at CAP in nine weight classes — a first females to attend and excel in the for any power lifter, male or Pararescue Orientation Course, which “that allowed me to rise female. In fact, she has won a introduces cadets to the mission of world title every year since 2004. U.S. Air Force Pararescue and Survival to the Sullivan Award. Academically, Biddle is career fields. pursuing a degree in surgical “Sarah distinguished herself during — Cadet Maj. Sarah Biddle nursing as an ROTC cadet at the course by successfully completing Maranatha Baptist College in all graduation requirements and Wisconsin. Her athletic goal is to performing well on the graduation participate in the U.S. Olympic games physical fitness test,” said Air Force Col. in 2016 or 2020 in the hammer throw. Sherry Riddle, administrative officer for Aside from athletics, she is a concert harpist and a certified emergency
the pararescue course. hoto o rt s o m rr Smith Riddle said the fitness test required a medical technician. one-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, flutter Since receiving the AAU honor, Biddle has been overwhelmed by the kicks and pull-ups — all at an altitude of show of support from her classmates 7,800 feet after a strenuous week and CAP colleagues. of training. “I achieved a great thing here, and She added that “only 53 of our it was not without the help of my original 61 students earned the CAP friends and leadership,” she said. distinction of graduating in 2009,” the “Our soundoff for the Martinsville year Biddle attended. t S r h i l h s n WolfPack Squadron is ‘Come on now, In a typical year, more than 300 students t sin in th get on your feet. WolfPack Squadron apply for the course and only about 20 n i n Wingʼs org n o nt can’t be beat…Hooahh!’ and it is that percent are selected to attend, with even never-die spirit I developed at CAP Sq ron Sh s r or r fewer graduating. Biddle was one of only that allowed me to rise to the s th nitʼs t omm n r two females participating in the program in Sullivan Award.” s
iti ns S r ing omm niti s 15 go i il ir trol om out t i ool ulliv n r
The AAU High School Sullivan Award stems from the AAU Sullivan Award. Known as one of the most prestigious sports awards, the award has annually honored an outstanding amateur U.S. athlete since 1930. It is presented as a salute to founder and past president of the Amateur Athletic Union and a pioneer in amateur sports, James E. Sullivan. The Sullivan Award has been presented to such notable athletes as Olympic gold medalists Mark Spitz, Michael Phelps and Michelle Kwan and football stars Peyton Manning and Tim Tebow. Just like the AAU Sullivan Award, selection for the High School Sullivan Award is based on the qualities of outstanding athletic abilities, leadership skills, well-roundedness, sportsmanship and strength of character — not only during sporting events but also in the community. More than 1,500 high school students applied for the inaugural AAU High School Sullivan Award in 2011. Both winners received a $10,000 scholarship. After the large pool of students was narrowed down to eight finalists, four males and four females, the winners were chosen through “USA Today Sports” online voting.
Fun Fact: ruitin ost r sur s n pt in m ri ovi
When the movie “Captain America: The First Avenger” made its debut in July in theaters, a Civil Air Patrol recruiting poster resurfaced from the World War II era. The “Eyes of the Home Skies” poster — created in 1943, just before CAP was reassigned from the Office of Civilian Defense to the War Department and placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Air Forces — can be seen at the end of the movie during the credits. True to the original poster, two yellow airplanes with the CAP seal are visible along with the words “Civil Air Patrol.”
i il ir trol ol nt r n r r h iti ns S r ing omm niti s 17 go i il ir trol om ro r m
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By Dan Bailey
The National Coalition for Aviation and Space Education has recognized Civil Air Patrol’s aerospace education program with a pair of prestigious honors – the hoto o rt s o t r tts hotogr h 2011 Crown Circle for Aerospace TEducation Leadership Award and the Dr. Mervin K. Strickler Jr. Aerospace Education Leadership Award. The Crown Circle award, presented at this year’s Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Teacher Day in Oshkosh, Wis., recognizes CAP’s decades of outstanding aerospace education programming for youth, helping develop today’s and tomorrow’s leaders, nationally and internationally. The Strickler award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the field of aerospace education, was presented at the National Aeronautic Association’s annual Fall Awards Banquet in Arlington, Va. “These two prestigious awards highlight the wonderful dedication displayed by our CAP unpaid professionals in supporting and accomplishing CAP’s aerospace education mission,” said CAP National n h k rr n tion l omm n r Commander Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr. ts th r r in Stri kl r r ros “Our unpaid professionals diligently strive to promote aerospace tion rshi r rom Sh il r education to our members and the general public, and these awards r r s nt ti o th tion l o lition o i tion recognize those tremendous efforts. We see the demonstrated n S tion t th tion l ron ti performance and true professionalism exhibited on a daily basis by sso i tion r s nq t our members, and it is fantastic that their achievements are
i il ir trol ol nt r n r r h acknowledged with these awards,” he said. declines in local, state and federal funding for The Crown Circle Award, established in 1979 to educational programs. recognize performance and outstanding leadership in the “New CAP educational products pertaining to field, is one of the highest honors available in aerospace robotics, remotely piloted aircraft, satellite tracking and education. Nominees must imagery and cyber security inspire demonstrate involvement in and youth to pursue technological careers commitment to aerospace tion that will ultimately help America education as a local, national or maintain national security,” international leader, and their Montgomery added. performance must exhibit high Scientist and aerospace engineer quality over an extended period Dean Earl Davis was also presented of time. the Strickler award. He is director for The Strickler award, which the California Space Authority was established in 1995 to honor California State Educational the man who has promoted Workforce Initiative and is vice aerospace education for more president of the Satellite Educators hoto o rt s o tion l o lition o i tion n S s than six decades, recognizes ol ik r l right ʼs n tion l Association. individuals or organizations that ros tion is r ts th share his personal commitment ro n ir l ros tion rshi For more information on CAP’s and lifelong contributions to r rom n ook r si nt o th tion l aerospace education programs, go to aerospace education. o lition o i tion n S tion www.capmembers.com/ae. CAP’s aerospace education program provides leadership in aerospace through educational programs and products for K-12 youth and educators that promote interest in and appreciation for aviation and space issues affecting the U.S. The program attracts more than 130,000 young people annually through the efforts of the organization’s more than 61,000 cadets and officers and more than 2,000 educator members. “Over the years, CAP’s aerospace education programs have consistently responded to the needs and technologies of the times and have embraced a 21st- century leadership role with restructured, revised and re- energized products and programs more relevant to today’s standards of learning and tomorrow’s workforce needs,” said Dr. Jeff Montgomery, deputy director of aerospace education at CAP National Headquarters. “Interdisciplinary products and programs engage youth in an inquiry-based learning framework that supplements core subjects and enhances traditional learning,” he said. Materials are provided to CAP's teacher members at no cost, helping offset
iti ns S r ing omm niti s 19 go i il ir trol om Responding to a Disaster: w
By Mitzi Palmer ho o o esy of ap ames ha n e as in
ade s ames ha n (in l e shi fa in i h e ei es ins ions f om a ea fi efi h e s
i il i a ol ol n ee an a y a h When CAP Cadet 1st Lt. James When Shawn reached the crash scene, he was C. Shawn and his father went to the directed by a firefighter to escort a patient to triage National Championship Air Races and then assist with another nearby patient. He then and Air Show in Reno, Nev., last grabbed a backboard and began searching for more W September, they were in vacation victims. mode and anticipating a show of “I helped as much as I could by loading patients pristine flying. However, what they witnessed was an and moving them onto stretchers,” he remembered. unforgettable tragedy. “Within an hour of the crash Just about 250 feet from where all the injured were either on the father-son duo sat in the stands CAP helped me build the road or in the air, and at Reno-Stead Airport, pilot Jimmy courage to run toward such a the objective then turned to Leeward’s P-51 Mustang, known as securing the scene and terrible“ tragedy while others the Galloping Ghost, crashed tagging the deceased.” during one of the races — leaving were running away. At that point, all the 11 people dead and injuring at medics who were no longer least 74. attending to patients were — Cadet 1st Lt. James Shawn asked to leave. Reaction to Chaos Shawn’s father, Capt. The commotion of the scene James R. Shawn, who was something Shawn and his watched his son in action father — who are both pilots — that day, said he still plays will never forget. out the crash in his head “It was chaos,” said Shawn, who every once in awhile and ran to the scene to help. “All I wonders “what if we had
could see were pieces scattered all ho o y s aomi ays e as in moved farther left on over the place and people the bleachers.” everywhere. I passed people that But what he recalls the were on their knees crying — most is the courage of many just scared from what they Cadet Shawn. saw — and many people covered “As a father, I’m supposed in oil, dirt and even blood.” to protect my son from such From afar, Shawn compared the horrible scenes and chaos to kicking an ant pile. nightmares that took place “There were medics and firemen before our very eyes that day, running around everywhere,” he but instead I saw a young said. “And to us, ants look frantic man with the courage of 10 and disorganized when their pile is men jump to the challenge destroyed; but, just like the ants to help others,” he said. and despite the look of it, they ha n pi ed d in ainin a one a “How proud could I be? were organized and knew exactly me en y e i es ademy as named eam One minute he had a what they were doing. Nobody had leade fo he ilde ness i s esponde eam backboard helping people to to be told twice what to do and d in a massi e as al y e e ise the triage zones, and the where to go.” next he’s holding IV bags
i izens e in omm ni ies 21 o i ilai pa ol om hearing a helicopter above and noticing it was a privately owned, restored Vietnam medical helicopter. “It was preparing to land and getting ready to return to service once more as a medivac helicopter,” he said. “Without being asked and
ho o y s aomi ays e as in without any regard for fuel costs or anything else, those pilots answered the call and jumped into service.” The 18-year-old cadet and emergency medical technician credits CAP for giving him the discipline and sense of responsibility to respond and help victims after the crash. “CAP helped me build courage to run toward such a terrible tragedy while others were running away,” he said. The recent graduate of Royal High School in Waller County, Texas, serves as cadet commander for the Texas Wing’s Thunderbird Composite Squadron. Ironically, Shawn joined CAP in 2007 after learning about the organization at a P-51 Mustang gathering in Ohio. “My intention for joining was to help people and the community, as well as participate in
in he s mme of ha n a he ed a o p of of fi e s emergency services,” he said. and ade s o help i h ildfi e elief effo s in alle o n y e as e And that he did. o ked i elessly o assis a ea homeo ne s ho ame o he dis i ion “As an honor graduate and staff member of en e seekin aid Lone Star Emergency Services Academy, Cadet Shawn distinguished himself in both CAP’s over a patient and comforting an elderly man over the Ground Search and Rescue School and loss of his son.” Wilderness First Responder training,” said Col. Brooks Cima, Shawn’s wing commander. “You hope your Selfless Acts members will never be forced to put their training to What amazed Shawn the most about that horrific the test in a situation like this; but, when it happens, it day was the effort from people all over the world that makes you grateful for the opportunities CAP provides had never met each other. our cadets.” “Everyone worked together so quickly and Shawn attends Lone Star Community College in efficiently,” he recalled. Houston. After he completes his associate degree, he There is one particular selfless event the cadet said plans to join the Army and become an Apache he will never forget. helicopter pilot and complete his communications As Shawn was running to the crash, he remembers degree at Texas A&M in College Station. s
i il i a ol ol n ee an a y a h 22 CAP finds provide Finding families with closure
a By Kristi Carr
Capt. Scott Bakker’s dreams are used that system to find 4-year-old Zoey Dorsey, who’d a mixture of life-and-death images. wandered away from home and became lost in the When he jerks awake in a cold woods. Bakker, the CAP mission pilot, had Zoey’s sweat, Bakker, a member of Civil grandmother record a message, which he broadcast Air Patrol’s Oregon Wing, said, “It’s from the plane over the search area, that successfully not about the people you save, but the coaxed the girl to shout out for help so rescuers could ones you don’t.” find her. The majority of CAP’s search missions are finds, not saves. y As unlikely as it may seem, tragedies sometimes bring about positive consequences. In Oregon, Bakker was devastated by a search operation that did ho o y s hane e ps a alifo nia in not even involve CAP. It was the case of James Kim, a 35-year-old online editor who died of exposure and hypothermia in the wilds of southern Oregon in 2006 after he and his family became lost while driving through an unexpected snowstorm. Shortly after Kim’s death, Bakker began talking with a California air operations helicopter crew he’d worked with previously. He wondered aloud if Kim he a ea a o nd alm p in s alif is s o nded y might have survived if searchers had used air-to-ground mo n ains ea in s on do nd af s hi h his pilo o ld broadcast equipment. no o e ome i s spo ed f om he ai he ash looked and In March 2010, CAP’s Oregon Wing successfully p o ed o e di e Ye ne e ass mes he o s
i izens e in omm ni ies 23 o i ilai pa ol om Gratitude the ultimate motivation about Kyrstin, and he expressed a lot of gratitude on “I find satisfaction in finding our objective as behalf of all the families who had lost a daughter in this quickly as we can, to maximize our chances of finding accident,” Ogden said. victims alive and to minimize the suffering loved ones “It was quite a endure while the fate of their family member is boost for my unknown,” said Maj. Justin Ogden, a trailblazer in efforts,” he added, developing cell phone forensics. “to see someone so Lenny Gemar lost his daughter, Kyrstin, when she thankful even after and two friends, all North Dakota college students, such a horrible mistakenly drove into a rural pond one night in late tragedy.” s 2009. Ogden used cell phone forensics to trace them to ho o y aj a id haney es i inia in a latitude and longitude within 200 yards of where their e sonal effe s may e all family mem e s see of a ash si e Jeep was submerged. Though the young women had he ash of a ipe in oman he hi h en do n drowned almost immediately, authorities acknowledged in he hea ily ooded mo n ains of so he n es i inia i n it might have taken months to locate their remains la e killed he pilo he sole o pan om ina ion of without help from cell phone forensics technology. de e mina ion and e hnolo y fo hi h he pilo ʼs family Gemar tracked down Ogden in Arizona and invited epea edly e p essed e y deep app e ia ion led him out to dinner. “We talked about the search and mem e s o he ashʼs lo a ion f f The flipside to “finds” is tracking down signaling beacons, of which there are three basic types: • ELTs, emergency locator transmitters, are required by the Federal Aviation Administration for use in most aircraft. • EPIRBs, emergency position indication radio beacons, are used on watercraft. • PLBs, personal locator beacons, are designed for individual use, giving some peace of mind to outdoors enthusiasts, especially those traveling in remote areas. Civil Air Patrol must assume any transmitting beacon indicates an emergency, making it imperative to locate the device and determine if anyone is hurt. Many times, though, beacons provide a lighter side to finds. The National Capital Wing once traced a distress signal to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall. Arriving in the middle of the night and having to explain themselves to numerous guards and police, the CAP team members found an activated ELT inside a Navy helicopter on display at the museum that week. he se of a ne z ea on like his One of the strangest EPIRB finds came in a landlocked backyard in Texas. It turned out a imp o es i il i woman had purchased a pair of the beacons at a flea market, thinking they’d provide just the a olʼs a ili y o find right nautical touch for her pool party. She tried to get their lights to flash but instead missin ai af he succeeded in activating their signals — until a CAP team showed up to deactivate them. ne e model ele oni CAP’s Maine Wing was called to assist after an Air Force law enforcement duty officer, lo a o ansmi e s emi a s on e mo e convinced a PLB signal must be coming from kayakers on the Harraseeket River, failed to a a e and e ifia le locate the source. The CAP team quickly narrowed the search to L.L. Bean’s flagship store in di i al si nal ha an Freeport, where the beacon was found blinking in a cabinet in the camping department. s e de e ed q i kly
i il i a ol ol n ee an a y a h Many wartime y members eligible for Congressional Gold Medal By Dan Bailey
Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters unusual public service. joined units and wings across the nation Legislation has been introduced and is pending in both in observing the organization’s 70th houses of the U.S. Congress, H.R. 719 and S. 418, that anniversary on Dec. 1. National would award CAP a Congressional Gold Medal for its Headquarters’ celebration included World War II service. presentation of the Exceptional Service “These members from our earliest days as an Award to two World War II members. organization helped save lives and preserve our nation’s Lt. Cols. Wendall Haas and Otha Vaughan, both freedom,” said Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr, CAP’s national members of the Alabama Wing, were honored for their commander. “They were truly unsung heroes of the war, service during CAP’s wartime years using their small private — Haas as an adult officer in a aircraft to search for squadron in California’s San enemy submarines close Fernando Valley and Vaughan as a to America’s shores, 15-year-old cadet in Anderson, towing targets for military S.C. They received their awards practice, transporting from Col. Al Bedgood, Southeast critical supplies within the Region commander. In addition, country and conducting Don Rowland, executive director general airborne
at National Headquarters, ho o y san hneide a ional eadq a e s reconnaissance. They presented each with a provided selfless service, commemorative 70th-anniversary without fanfare, in poster and an anniversary coin. defense of their Haas, 88, and Vaughan, 82, are homeland.” just two of the roughly 60,000 Carr is leading the Americans who belonged to CAP charge in support of CAP’s during the war years. Only a few ol endall aas speaks o he o d in f on of i il Congressional Gold Medal hundred of these CAP pioneers are i a ol a ional eadq a e s af e ein p esen ed i h campaign, which would alive today, but an effort is now he ep ional e i e a d d in he e emony ma kin recognize Haas and other under way to get Congress to honor ʼs h anni e sa y is enin y his side is his fello adult World War II CAP them for their outstanding and a a d e ipien ol O ha a han members like him. “We
i izens e in omm ni ies o i ilai pa ol om want to make sure those who remain, as well as those who have passed, are rightly honored for their great service to America,” he said. More information on participating in the Congressional Gold Medal campaign can be found at http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/cap_national_hq/ca p_congressional_gold_medal.cfm. At Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., CAP’s 70th anniversary prompted U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Sid Clarke, commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern), to proclaim, “We simply could not do what we do every day without CAP” as an ally and partner in homeland defense and Defense Support of Civil Authorities. “We share a special relationship with CAP,” Clarke said. “CAP’s volunteers enable us to provide better service to the citizens of this great country. “I join a grateful nation in saying thank you for everything you do and have done for the last 70 years,” he said. s
i il i a ol ol n ee an a y a h 26
With some of Arlington National Cemetery’s 300,000 graves in the background, CAP National Commander Chuck Carr places a balsam fir remembrance wreath on a grave while a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter flies overhead. Such solemn tributes were repeated thousands of times on Dec. 10 as more than 90,000 of the white marble markers at Arlington were decorated with red-ribboned evergreen rings in honor of the U.S. military veterans buried there. Carr’s action exemplifies Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to Wreaths Across America, an initiative that recognizes America’s fallen heroes during the holiday season.
ho o y san hneide a ional eadq a e s
CAP bolsters wreath exchanges with Canada By Kristi Carr
In a post-9/11 world, even gestures of goodwill 1,100. Most use the wreaths program as a fundraiser, and can be entwined with red tape. CAP is no different. As the largest fundraiser, CAP had Just four days out, Col. Dan Leclair was on the more than 600 units selling $250,000 worth of wreaths in 2011. The units keep a percentage of the proceeds, using phone with customs officials as he continued to work to establish a wreath exchange ceremony at the them to help support local CAP programs. Interstate 15 border crossing between Sweetgrass, Mont., But CAP has distinguished itself by also planning and and Coutts, Alberta, Canada. The Maine Wing executing many of the cemetery and memorial commander for Civil Air Patrol, Leclair is CAP’s chief programs, replete with VIP guest speakers and CAP liaison with Wreaths Across America, an annual event in color guards. Growing the fledgling border-crossing which wreaths are placed on veterans’ graves to honor component of Wreaths Across America — known as their service. CAP adopted Wreaths Across America as HART ceremonies (Honoring Allies and Remembering one of its premier community service projects in 2006. Together) — is, in fact, a CAP-exclusive contribution. “Canada has much in common with the U.S., y participating in the same struggles against shared foes,” Wreaths Across America benefits from an impressive Leclair noted. “The wreath presentations are just one number of supporters donating wreaths — more than way of showing our appreciation, but border events are
on oy of a o aile s ks h eads i s ay h o h eas e n aine ea in ea hs fo pla emen a lin on a ional eme e y
ho o y ap a en in aine in not easy. There is so much bureaucracy to cut through, and it can take a few years to get any single event going, Also cementing the two countries’ interests is but we are definitely planting the seeds. crossover military service. Said Robert, “It is well “It’s been a learning experience,” he acknowledged. documented that numerous American citizens joined the “There’s been some disconnect on both sides of the Royal Canadian Air Force, principally as pilots, before border, where Wreaths Across America gets confused the U.S joined its allies in World War II. Perhaps most with Veterans Day events, held a month earlier. And we notable is the American, Pilot Officer John Gillespie need to find more volunteers with good skill sets for Magee, who served in the RCAF. He wrote the sonnet dealing with international issues. Even so, I think the ‘High Flight,’ universally known by fliers, and was killed fruit will come in future years.” One encouraging sign was a query from his discussions with Canadian Customs, whose officials asked, “How many more of these did you want to schedule?” y As an organization, ho o o esy of an onkman i ade ea e of anada Canada’s Air Cadet League is already ade s f om he on ana in mee hei i ade ea e of anada o n e pa s f om al a yʼs enthusiastic about oose and i y of al a y sq ad ons and he edi in e a q ad on a he o de participating in the ossin e emony e een on ana and l e a anada a ea h s e en ha de ed in border events. Its president, retired Canadian Air Force Brig. Gen. Bob Robert, said, “The in a flying accident over England in December 1941.” border ceremonies are an expression of our common On the flipside, Robert recalled Richard Paul Air Cadet League of Canada-Civil Air Patrol youth Dextraze, a Canadian who fought in the U.S. military. development mission of turning out respectful, Killed in hostilities in South Vietnam in 1969, he was responsible and productive citizens.” Each organization the son of Gen. Jacques Dextraze, chief of the Defense has approximately 25,000 cadets. Staff, Canada’s top military position. Leclair concurred, noting the importance of teaching Veterans such as these, who often still live near the the next generation respect for those who sacrificed for border, are among those who attend Wreaths Across them. “There’s no better way to get the youth of both America border events, Leclair said. countries involved in learning why it’s important to honor our veterans.” Leclair has been invited to address a national meeting Leclair’s last-minute calls to Canadian and U.S. Customs of the Air Cadet League next summer when it meets in paid off, as did the hard work of CAP Maj. Andrew Ontario. There, he will have the opportunity to explain Treiman of the Montana Wing’s Malmstrom Air Force the program in detail to representatives from all the Base Composite Squadron and Darlene LaRoche, Alberta Canadian provinces. provincial chairman for the Air Cadet League of Canada.
i izens e in omm ni ies 29 o i ilai pa ol om On Dec. 3 cadets from both countries were escorted The gold standard for border events to a secure ceremony site at the I-15 crossing by U.S. Leclair, aided by Lt. Col. Wayne Merritt of the Maine and Canadian border officials. There, Diane Dellaire, a Wing and Capt. Blaine Harris of the Air Cadet League Canadian Silver Cross mother who lost her son Kevin of Canada, cut his teeth on the first U.S.-Canadian in Afghanistan in August 2006, received a wreath from wreath ceremony in 2009 when they orchestrated a CAP. The Canadians responded by presenting another ceremony at the midpoint of the Ferry Point wreath to CAP for eventual placement at a memorial International Bridge between Calais, Maine, and St. in Great Falls, Mont. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. That event has been “As this is our first time organizing this event going strong ever since and serves as a blueprint for between Alberta and Montana, we had a few issues,” what other border crossing programs can become. admitted LaRoche. “However, with the great Most recently, the Dec. 3 ceremony attracted cooperation of all parties, we have overcome them. The hundreds of participants and onlookers, including about border agencies of both Canada and the U.S. could not 60 cadets, divided between CAP and the Air Cadet have been more helpful. League; numerous other CAP and Air Cadet League “The cadets definitely enjoyed the fellowship of personnel; politicians; veterans and citizens of both meeting one another,” said Treiman. “This initial event countries; and representatives of the American Gold Star set the foundation mothers and Canadian Silver for a lot more Star families. cooperation Gold Star mothers presented between the cadets a wreath to a Canadian veteran of the two at the center of the bridge. From countries.” there, the wreath was carried for As for challenges placement at a Canadian war for these first-
ho o y ap o e o den i hi an in memorial in St. Stephen. timers, he cited the For Norma Luther, unexpected president of American Gold complication of Star Mothers, the ceremony on having to actually he m assado id e spannin he e oi i e e een e oi the Ferry Point bridge was her clear the wreaths and indso On a io as he si e of he hi d o de e en in first Wreaths Across America through customs held e mon he di ni a ies in a endan e e e aj e e event. Her son, Glen Adams, and added how they ephenson ommandin offi e of he an as e q ad on of was killed in a helicopter crash lucked out weather- he oyal anadian i ade s ep ansen la ke in Germany in 1988. wise, with a ep esen in i hi anʼs h on essional is i aj en my Luther explained, “It is very comparatively balmy o e fo me na ional ommande h is ophe edfea n personal to me to honor the 29 degrees for the e ional di e o of he i ade ea e of anada a e ep memory of my son. But it is also ceremony. To a id a han ep esen in i hi anʼs h o se is i and ol a chance to remember all the conquer the eo ke ommande of ʼs i hi an in veterans. Regardless of whether logistics, cadets met they are active in the military in an area that straddled the border and was shared by now or served before, they all gave a part of their lives both U.S. and Canadian officials. The cadets physically and some gave all. The Wreaths Across America crossed over the border, but because they never left this campaign is a wonderful way to teach the children of area they were not legally considered to have left their this nation what our military personnel have given us.” respective countries. Representing Canada were John Williamson, a member
i il i a ol ol n ee an a y a h 30 What started in 1992 as a donation of 5,000 wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery from the Worcester Wreath Co. in Harrington has now evolved into a nonprofit endeavor of national scope. In 2011, 325,000 wreaths were placed in early December at 740
ho o y ap a en in aine in cemeteries and monuments across the nation and in 24 other countries. That represents a 45 percent growth in wreaths donated compared to the total for 2010. In the future and with CAP’s help, Wreaths Across America will continue to grow — at home, overseas and at the borders. North of the border, “The Air Cadet League of ep in he ea h f om old a o he s p esiden o ma Canada and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets are proud he on he e y oin id e hi h spans he oi and pleased to have been selected as recipients in the i e e een alais aine and ephen e ns i k Wreaths Across America program,” said Tom White, anada is h o le ho se ed in he “ e ilʼs i ade” second vice president of the Air Cadet League.“We have d in he i ade made p of ol n ee s in eq al enjoyed a great relationship with Civil Air Patrol for n m e s f om he and anada and ained in o h many years going back almost to our beginnings in 1941. o n ies on many a le hono s and is onside ed he “Many of our citizens have served with the U.S. fo e nne of odayʼs spe ial fo es in o h na ion forces in one role or another, from balloon pilots during the Civil War to today’s astronauts, along with many of the Canadian parliament for New Brunswick Southwest, others who served or are serving as soldiers and sailors. and Claude Bourque of Veterans Affairs Canada. And many U.S. citizens, as well, have served in the On the U.S. side, Kevin Woodard, Maine state Canadian forces. chairman of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, attended. “From the first border crossing ceremony at the Ferry Point Bridge, we — as partners — have been able to y grow the ceremony to the Alberta-Montana border this Following a well-established routine, Ferry Point year, and next year it will be from sea to sea.” participants adjourned to Harrington, Maine, where “It is my privilege to help make Wreaths Across many began a week’s journey with a tractor-trailer truck America happen every year,” said Leclair, who served caravan carrying more than 90,000 wreaths 750 miles in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years. “And speaking for down the Northeast corridor, stopping along the way for CAP, the primary goal has always been to advance the numerous tributes to veterans and ultimately arriving at Wreaths Across America motto to ‘Remember, Honor Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C. and Teach.’” Ceremonies were held within the cemetery at designated “As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force,” said memorials such as the Tomb of the Unknowns as well as CAP’s national commander, Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr, at the U.S. Capitol and sites on the National Mall, such “CAP is duty-bound to honor and respect our nation’s as the World War II and Vietnam memorials. veterans. Not just participating, but actively pursuing Meanwhile, throughout the nation and at selected and increasing our involvement in Wreaths Across locations abroad, more localized ceremonies were America speaks volumes about our commitment to conducted, including events at most state capitals. veterans and to the wreaths program.” s
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i izens e in omm ni ies o i ilai pa ol om Growing up, Bill Geyer Jr. aspired to be in the military. By age 10, he was flying control-line model airplanes with his father and dreaming big about becoming a U.S. G Air Force fighter pilot. Along the way, though, while Geyer was attending college, a medical condition grounded that plan. Instead of letting that hold him back, he served his country through Civil Air Patrol for almost 15 years. He’s grown from being a cadet to a well- respected senior member and, most recently, a newly appointed academic instructor at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
oa d he a aan in o em e ill eye s ands y d in flee ainin ope a ions in p epa a ion fo he fi s ship oa d deploymen
ho o o esy of ennie i hell By Mitzi Palmer
prepare myself for a career in military aviation.” “I think I became so intrigued with flying because my That summer he participated in his first CAP father flew for the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 loadmaster,” encampment, and the following year he attended Hawk said Geyer, who was 13 when he joined the Pittsburgh- Mountain Ranger Training School — events Geyer said based Three Rivers Composite Squadron 602 — now changed his life. Allegheny County Composite Squadron 602 — not long “Coming out of that first encampment, I felt like a after his father did. “I thought it would be a great way to different person,” he said. “It gave me a big
i il i a ol ol n ee an a y a h confidence boost.” Geyer joked that, before CAP, he was “a fairly “While attending Penn State, I applied for an ROTC meek kid.” scholarship,” Geyer said, “and during the application “Looking back, the encampment and my first process, they determined it was unsafe for me to be in experience at Hawk Mountain really changed my the military due to a back problem that was discovered character and gave me assertiveness,” he said. during my initial physicals.” One of Geyer’s first missions with CAP has stuck in He was very disappointed, of course. But Col. Larry his mind all these years. Trick, who headed the Dynamic Interface Department “I remember walking on the scene to a dead body,” at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and he recalled. A man had attempted to cross the was then the Maryland Wing’s director of cadet mountains near Johnstown, Pa., in a Pitts Special programs, saw something promising in Geyer when the — an acrobatic plane young man applied for — with very little the position of co-op instrumentation. “The student, or intern, in conditions were cloudy, Trick’s division. and he probably didn’t “His resume caught have a clear ho o o esy of ill a e my attention, because he understanding of was not only working on how close he was his aerospace engineering to the ground.” degree, but he was also a Geyer’s unit secured CAP cadet, chair of his the scene while local wing’s Cadet Advisory officials responded. Council and the For the 14 years that Pennsylvania Wing’s followed, Geyer dedicated Cadet of the Year,” Trick himself to CAP and recalled. “He impressed soaked up every bit of hen ennsyl ania o o e asey p esen s eye i h his pilo all with his academics, knowledge he could get in s in i h is he ennsyl ania in ommande a he drive, enthusiasm, from his counterparts. At ime ol n elo ilano dedication and maturity.” 17, he received a pilot’s Geyer worked at the certificate through a Pennsylvania Wing flight Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division as an scholarship program. Two years later he became wing aerospace engineer trainee for two years in Dynamic encampment cadet commander and received the Interface, followed by 18 years as an aerospace engineer prestigious Cadet of the Year Award. charged with making sure helicopters were able to land He served as cadet commander of the wing’s Cadet safely on military ships. Leadership School and on the wing Cadet Advisory “Because of the dynamics and motion involved in Council and was honored with the Commander’s landing a helicopter on a ship, it’s important the Commendation Award for his outstanding work from compatibility of the two is tested with many different 1989 to 1992. Geyer also achieved the rank of cadet variables,” Geyer said. “My job was to lead test teams to lieutenant colonel before becoming a senior member in do just that — develop test plans and compatibility 1991 and attending Pennsylvania State University, where trials and provide wind-limitation envelopes for the he obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in ship/helicopter combinations.” aerospace engineering. Geyer’s work also led him to serve as the V-22 Ship
i izens e in omm ni ies o i ilai pa ol om Suitability team leader for 12 years, as lead engineer for ship air-wake surveys aboard the USS Merrill and USS Caron and as a technical monitor for the H-46 tunnel strike analytic effort at Penn State. During his time at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Geyer also served in the local St. Mary’s Composite Squadron. As a senior member, he led the unit’s rocket program as a way to give cadets ground-level experience with aerospace education. “I had built and launched model rockets as a kid, so I thought it would be fun to teach cadets eye and his fa he ill eye — no a lie enan olonel — how to build and launch them,” he said. a e sho n in his pho o aken a ennsyl ania in ea dq a e s The program turned into a friendly a lle heny o n y i po nea i s h competition among the cadets, Geyer said, as “whoever had the rocket that flew the highest won giving him a solid foundation in aviation. the launcher.” “CAP helped me immensely in my jobs for the military,” he said. “I also think my experience as a cadet with CAP improved my leadership and management In December 2010, he accepted a position as skills.” an academic instructor at the U.S. Naval Test Both of Geyer’s parents, Lt. Col. Bill Geyer Sr. and Pilot School. Maj. Cathy Geyer, remain active in the Pennsylvania “It was quite a difficult decision, because I really Wing, his father as assistant operations officer and his enjoyed doing ship suitability flight testing for the V-22 mother as Group 1’s testing officer and assistant program,” said Geyer, who had been with the rotary administrative and personnel officer. s wing ship suitability branch for 20 years. In his new position at the Test Pilot School, his focus is primarily on • Founded in 1945 at the Navy’s Patuxent River Flight Test Center. teaching flying qualities, • Began as a way to ensure test pilots were able to keep up with fast-evolving including rotor dynamics aircraft technology. and helicopter stability and • Provides instruction in the process and techniques of aircraft and systems tests control. Academic and evaluations to experienced pilots, flight officers and engineers. instructors also take on • Investigates and develops new flight test techniques. project work that normally • Publishes manuals for use in the aviation test community. involves developing new • Operates about 50 aircraft of 13 types — the Navy’s most diverse aircraft fleet. curriculum for the school, • Offers a 48-week curriculum, beginning each January and July. he said. • Maintains an expert staff. Although many people • Provides the aviation test community with engineering and training and experiences have helped consultation. shape Geyer’s career path, More information can be found at www.navair.navy.mil. he singles out CAP for
i il i a ol ol n ee an a y a h Civil Air Patrol Crossword ns e s on pa e Down
1 “Semper vigilans” is its motto 2 One type of mission flown by CAP pilots 4 And more 5 At the right time (2 words) 6 Pursue 7 One of the elements the cadet program is based on 8 One of the colors in the Grover Loening Award ribbon 10 Building block of American society 12 Madison state 13 Temperature control, for short 14 Silent approval 16 Cry out 18 Savannah’s state 20 __ plus ultra 24 Prisoner of war, for short 25 Quickly deploy aircraft in response to an attack 27 Ground vehicle 29 Road surface Across 31 Minimum age for a CAP cadet 33 Possesses 1 CAP National Commander, Maj. Gen. 32 One of the colors in the Paul E. Garber 34 Threefold Chuck ______Award ribbon 3 Description of the 1940s CAP members 35 MAJCOM disestablished in 1992 36 Perfect score who sank or chased off German subs 37 Relating to 39 Civil aviation controllers, abbr. 7 One thing that CAP cadets learn how to do 38 A long way off 41 They speak louder than words 9 Ocean 40 Ability to command, a key quality 42 One of the colors in a CAP officer 11 Relating to shore areas learned by CAP cadets membership ribbon 12 Pilot who positions his aircraft outside and 44 Provide personnel for 43 Flying ____ behind the leader of a flying formation 46 Heading, for short 45 CAP is its auxiliary 15 Watch closely 47 Supports 50 Mayday call 17 A barrier to being a good leader sometimes 48 Squadron formation sometimes 19 Someone looked up to as a role model 49 Problem area in society that is addressed 52 Company, abbr. 21 Observed by Red Ribbon Week 54 Cesium symbol 22 Rear of a plane 51 Top gun 23 Puts troops into battle formation 53 Douglas ____-3 Editor’s Note: This will be the last 26 Old, for short 55 Where trauma victims arrive at a hospital issue with a crossword puzzle. We will use this space for additional stories about the 28 Outlay 56 ET’s craft outstanding accomplishments of our 30 Store away 57 Evaluates members.
i izens e in omm ni ies 37 o i ilai pa ol om ts ts ut rs r ut rs r t o t t o t
ri on i h- r h r i ins s n s n o h ssn sh l in o r h r n n on urin h r T li h p ri n
By Capt. Todd D. Epp
While uncovering ways to build even poetry associated with flying. interest in science, technology, “I love CAP’s aerospace program, and I think it is engineering and math, or STEM subjects, often very rewarding to teachers and students in the challenges teachers’ limited budgets, a Civil Air Patrol classroom,” said Kaci Heins, a fifth-grade teacher in program is giving them a chance to spread their wings. Flagstaff, Ariz. “TOP Flight is a welcomed bonus for Literally. teachers that is very much appreciated … to get a CAP’s unique Teacher Orientation Program Flights different perspective to take back to the classroom. are taking educators out of the classroom and into the “This flight experience and the CAP programs sky in CAP aircraft, where they are learning from correlate with the national No Child Left Behind Act, seasoned mission pilots about the science, math and because of the exposure to STEM and STEM careers,”
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h added Heins, who found innumerable ways to Sundet said “ground time” is also well spent at the incorporate her flying experience into her lesson plans. conference, as participants benefit from AE seminars “We used the NASA Smart Skies program, which taught by CAP National Headquarters staff. focuses on how air traffic controllers use simulations to For the Alabama Wing’s director of aerospace keep planes safe and on time,” she said. “We also education, Maj. Lynn Toney, the program has provided worked with distance, rate and time problems, and then a windfall of AE members — 46 in the Boaz City school took a field trip to the airport to see the CAP plane, system alone. meet the air traffic controllers and see the airport’s fire “Whenever we are going to have a TOP Flight Day, station. I was able to connect these experiences to the we promote the program widely and give teachers the curriculum.” opportunity to sign up and become an AEM (aerospace Heins’ innovative classroom initiatives were education member) to go on the flights,” said Toney, recognized with the 2011 National ACE Teacher of the also a Boaz City Middle School gifted teacher. Year award in CAP’s K-6 Aerospace Connections in “After the experience and the workshop that goes Education program. along with the flight, the teachers are excited and Resurrection Catholic School, a small K-8 school in energized to go back into the classroom with new ideas Montgomery, Ala., adopted CAP’s aerospace education for STEM lessons,” she said. “We don’t just fly the program to improve its STEM performance this year. So teachers and say, ‘Hope you enjoyed it’; we give them a far, 15 teachers have taken full array of TOP Flights, and they are lessons and excited about engaging materials to share their students in CAP’s with students.” STEM activities Lt. Col. Sam and lessons. Snead of the “CAP’s AE program is a Alabama Wing’s comprehensive asset to our Maxwell Air Force school,” said Sister Gail Base Composite Trippett, Resurrection’s Squadron is principal. “The teachers known as the Top want for nothing. The Flight “principal,” lessons are well-planned, having flown there is limitless assistance about 30 teachers when needed and the j nn Ton , s on rom l , h l m in ʼs ir or o over the past resources are first-rate.” rosp u ion, or s i h pilo s o pro i no onl u niqu l in three years. In the Texas Wing, p ri n u lso r m ri ls n pro ssion l lopm n h i ni “I help the TOP Flights are offered n i u o r hin teachers motivate during the national Space their students in Exploration Educators Conference held annually at aerospace education by sharing my skills and imprinting Johnson Space Center in Houston, where up to 60 my philosophy,” said Snead, adding, “They are excited teachers have the opportunity to fly with CAP. “There about how the flight will connect in their classrooms.” is no selection process for the TOP Flights other than Any wing can conduct TOP Flights, and all CAP teacher the teachers are members of CAP,” said Lt. Col. Bjorn members are eligible to participate. For more information Sundet, the Texas Wing’s volunteer director of about TOP Flights or any CAP AE program, visit aerospace education. www.capmembers.com/ae or contact [email protected]. s
i i ns r in ommuni i s 39 o i il irp rol om umm r is h s im o l po r p r hu o r inn on n in li h , p Tom i h nr s p nor mi i o h ri h lu r n h lush r n shor lin ho os our s o i i r
Those Incredible Flying Machines! r ut ow r ts to u ro o r’s
tur to By Minnie Lamberth Civil Air Patrol Capt. Tom interest in flight. “I got into powered parachutes about Fitzhenry took an unusually long five years ago,” he said, after seeing a display at the break from CAP. Minnesota State Fair. He later bought his own powered “I came back after 40 years,” parachute and trained to use it under ultralight rules. said Fitzhenry. “It only took me Then, while attending a Federal Aviation C40 years to go from soloing to Administration seminar, he saw his old CAP flight getting a checkout as a CAP pilot.” instructor, Maj. Manny Block of the St. Paul Fitzhenry was a CAP cadet when, in 1969, he attended Composite Squadron. The chance encounter inspired a the first Minnesota Wing flight encampment in Duluth. “I renewed interest in CAP. applied and got accepted into the very first one. They took “I checked and found Lakeville was looking for us all the way to soloing in the aircraft. That’s where I pilots, and I joined,” he said. learned to fly — through CAP,” he said. Seeing that Block was still instructing pilots after all Life intervened, though. Fitzhenry headed off for college, these years, Fitzhenry said, “showed me the and when it looked like he was about to be drafted to serve commitment some have to CAP.” in the Vietnam War, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as After rejoining in January 2009, Fitzhenry’s circle an air traffic controller aboard an aircraft carrier. was complete. “Forty years after my solo, I completed After he left the Navy, Fitzhenry joined the Air my check ride and became an official pilot with CAP,” National Guard and worked as the Radar Approach Fitzhenry said. Control chief at Since then, he has participated in many missions to Anoka County-Blaine look for emergency locator transmitters and in practice Airport in Blaine, exercises involving multiple agencies. He was appointed Minn. He also started commander of the 130th Composite Squadron in to fly again through Lakeville, Minn., in July 2010. s the local flight school. In the meantime, he worked for three decades as a police officer with the Richfield Public Safety Department’s Police Division. Fitzhenry’s return to CAP came about through a renewed
o , Civil Air Patrol News rom ur Tom i h nr r solo li h i h nr r join rs l r
i i ns r in ommuni i s 41 o i il irp rol om ’s w ssour o r
o ows t r’s ootst s ho o ol i ill r, issouri in
issouri in roup omm n r ol By Maj. Steven Solomon i h l mi h ri s ol ri illi ms on h ʼs loo in mission li h s
You can’t earn a ribbon or badge for taking someone under your wing, but Civil Air Patrol thinks being a mentor is so important that it’s the subject of the final presentation members receive before completing the organization’s Corporate Learning Course. There is no better example of helping a protégé than when Col. Emmit Williams, commander of the Missouri Wing from 1991 to 1995, pinned the new wing commander — his daughter, Col. Erica Williams. Being her father and mentor is among the former North Central Region vice commander’s capstone achievements. Y “I first recognized her skills when she was a cadet commander, and I watched her organize
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h the local cadet squadron cadre,” Williams said, Erica Williams’ Civil Air Patrol honors and discussing his daughter’s progress in CAP. “Then I had recognitions include the Exceptional Service Award, the privilege of observing her manage three Missouri Meritorious Service Award with clasp, multiple Wing winter encampments and organize the cadets for commander’s commendations and the Gen. Benjamin three wing conferences while she was the O. Davis Jr., Grover Loening, Paul wing’s cadet programs director between 2001 E. Garber and Brig. Gen. Charles and 2005.” E. “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Erica Williams, who in 1999 earned CAP’s Education Achievement awards. highest cadet honor, the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz She was named Missouri Wing Award, has held numerous other wing staff Senior Member of the Year in positions, including director of personnel, 2010. administrative officer, director of professional She attended Truman State development and chief of staff. She most University in Kirksville, Mo., and recently was the wing’s vice commander. ho o us n hn i r, ion l qu r rs graduated with a bachelor’s degree in “My encouragement for her was to attend history and a master’s degree in every training and academic opportunity education with an emphasis in social available, beginning with her entrance as a studies. She holds teaching cadet to the program in 1993,” her father said. certifications in middle and high “Her first exposure to CAP, of course, started school social studies, as well as adult many years before, when I was deputy h n ol ri illi ms s education and literacy. Previously a commander for cadets at the local Saline ppoin omm n r o h high school teacher, she is an adult County Composite Squadron. issouri in , sh ollo in h r education and literacy instructor at “During the 1993 floods, as a new cadet, h rʼs oo s ps Algoa Correctional Center in she ran the telephones and fax machines for Jefferson City, Mo. me, filtering calls and taking messages for the incident “My aspiration to become a commander has never command staff,” he said. been so I could have a specific rank or title. It is to be of As a cadet, Erica Williams attended CAP’s Cadet service to others,” Erica Williams said. “Honestly, I have Officer School and traveled to Switzerland with the always been a team player who worked hard at every job International Air Cadet Exchange program. As a senior in CAP I have held, not with the goal of achieving the member, she served as the Saline County squadron’s position of wing commander. deputy commander for cadets and as commander of the “This appointment is a continuation of my work to do North Missouri Composite Squadron. She holds master the best I can and to improve the Missouri Wing,” she said. ratings in the cadet programs, personnel and Erica Williams assumed command in a ceremony at administration specialty tracks. the Missouri National Guard’s Ike Skelton Training Site “The only pitfall I have warned her about, and this in Jefferson City. She was joined by her immediate was done long before I knew she was considering predecessor, Col. Sean Fagan, now commander of the becoming wing commander, was never to make any North Central Region, and Maj. Gen. Stephen L. decision without obtaining all the information about the Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, issue that she possibly could,” Emmit Williams said. who served as the event’s presiding officer. “Hasty decisions are usually not good decisions. And Her father believes this is the first time in CAP’s then, of course, I reminded her to make every decision, history a father and daughter have both been commander after I found out she was going to become the wing of a wing. commander, following prayer.” What does Erica Williams think of that?
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h 43 ho o ol i ill r, issouri in
Th issouri in ʼs n omm n r, ol ri illi ms, or s si h r h r, ol mmi illi ms, orm r in omm n r n no or h n r l ion ir or o s
“As a cadet, I saw females appointed to the Missouri Wing and North Central Region commander positions, so this isn’t new to me. It always seemed to be an option, if I put the work in, to prove I was prepared for the challenge of command. “I think the future of CAP, in this regard, is the same as it was in the past. We always try to appoint the best to serve. As more women want to and do step up and serve, we will see more appointed.” s
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h 44 n - r u lin li h rom Tin r ir or s , l , in o m r , h n- nior s r r h m n r isi s h o pi or on rs ion i h h pilo s ho os j n n r , T s in
By Maj. Arthur E. Woodgate
t
Every 12-year-old joining Civil Air At age 9, perhaps because of an insect bite, though Patrol dreams of earning the Gen. Billy there is no proven cause for its onset, André contracted Mitchell Award, thus entering the cadet chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), a officer ranks as a cadet second lieutenant. very rare, difficult-to-diagnose condition that can affect On average, only 15 percent ever realize children as young as 4. It manifests itself with symptoms this goal. The requirements challenge the of generalized pain, deep localized pain and limping and intellect, willpower and physical condition of each is often accompanied by high fever. In André’s case, it candidate, demanding excellence in all areas. was initially localized on his spine, though it has since In spring 2010, a year and eight months after involved his right hip, leg, ankles and two ribs. joining CAP at age 12, Cadet 2nd Lt. Graham André Statistically, CRMO affects one in a million. But realized his dream. His achievement was impressive, since the ratio is five girls to each boy, only one boy out because he had to pass all requirements as soon as he of 6 million children will be affected. Intense clinical was eligible to do so. Since he was battling a serious research over more than 30 years has yielded no medical condition through it all, his performance apparent infectious agents. It seems to be an speaks highly of his intelligence, steadfast purpose and autoinflammatory process and may present various skin will to excel. problems, including psoriasis, acne and pustules, either
i i ns r in ommuni i s o i il irp rol om with the condition or caused as a result of treatment. acceptance of people with disabilities and chronic André had planned to join CAP as soon as he turned medical conditions, he accepted a waiver on some 12, but a lengthy hospital stay for painful invasive tests physical activities only because he was unable to perform and procedures caused a two-month delay. He learned them at all. As he kept the details of his problems about CAP through his older brothers, Kaden and basically private, he resolved to disclose them to Lincoln, who had joined the Texas Wing’s Lakeshore everyone — at a time of his own choosing. Composite Squadron nine months earlier. The day of his Mitchell award ceremony, when he André’s mother, Karen, a surgeon specializing in was presented his numbered certificate and officially ophthalmic plastic surgery, was told initially by a local promoted to cadet second lieutenant, was also a big orthopedic doctor her son had a small fracture of the day for his two brothers, who received their Amelia sacrum, probably from some unknown boyhood soccer Earhart Award certificates and were simultaneously injury. However, as his pain continued and after promoted to cadet captain. An added bonus was his obtaining an MRI, she was quick to realize her ailing 9- mother’s previously postponed promotion to major, year-old son needed more than routine medical care. creating a real family event. As she sought answers, she interacted as both mother Texas State Sen. Bob Duell presented the award to and doctor with the specialists they encountered and Graham André, along with Rockwall Mayor Bill Cecil. combed the country and literature in search of a Also present for the Earhart ceremony was then-Texas diagnosis and cure. She suggested the diagnosis herself, Wing Commander Col. Joe Smith. and it was confirmed, but only after two years of André made public his health troubles at that time. repeated surgery, biopsies and medicines did she find his Normally, a squadron’s promotion night attracts a few current treatment ... though the cure is uncertain. guests, but on the evening of the multiple promotions Generally, children spontaneously far more nonmembers heal by the time they turn 15 or were present than usual. soon thereafter. “Who are these people?” André’s treatment and squadron members recurring painful and debilitating asked themselves. They attacks were an ever-present were the medical reality as he excelled at his CAP workers, support group studies, tests, fieldwork and the staffers, fellow sufferers, physical activities he was able to church members, family perform. Once, an acute attack and friends who had landed him in the hospital for a come from near and far. two-week fight for his life. They wanted to be with Today, upon meeting him, André, as they had the casual observer would take followed the epic, four- him for a carefree, healthy year-long private battle young teenager. he had been fighting For almost two years as a CAP against CRMO, refusing cadet, André led a secret double to give up. life of hospitals, clinics, medical urin h shor omposi qu ronʼs o r At the conclusion of treatments, support groups and in r h , h n- hi s r r h m n r the Mitchell award medical research. Although he ir s hom m ro s irm n s l ss n presentation, his unit knew CAP has a policy of r loo s on commander — then-
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h 46 Capt. Bill Schroder, now a major — said, “Cadet André, about André’s medical issues? “Of course we knew he is there anything you would like to share?” had a condition, but it was well-monitored, as his In a calm and measured voice, André told everyone in brothers kept an eye on him — and so did his mother, the room about his early childhood CRMO, the reason for who is our medical officer. We felt there was very little his single rushed departure from risk, and he had a lot to gain by a unit activity and his multiple being a CAP member. He also exploratory surgeries. He thanked contributed much to the all for their trust, friendship and squadron,” he said. help. He spoke of the pain, his André has not changed since faith, the spiritual comfort, the then. He still tries hard, garners rewards, the excitement, the awards for excellence, works at his camaraderie, the joy of being a home schooling, is progressing up normal cadet among many and the ladder in CAP’s cadet program his personal satisfaction at having and is working toward becoming a worked with them. It was a cadet public affairs officer. memorable evening. Recently, he was presented the Today, Schroder describes the Amelia Earhart Award, a cadet as “pure determination. distinction that carries with it He is friendly, energetic and at Th n- s r h m n r ssis s hil r n promotion to cadet captain, an the right stage of development p r i ip in in hil n i i ion i proj achievement only 5 percent of all for his age.” Was he concerned h o ll oun sp si ns r ir CAP cadets attain. s
i i ns r in ommuni i s 47 o i il irp rol om or r t Neurologist Finds New tr s Life in Career Change While Continuing to o u ty Serve in Military
By Mitzi Palmer
Belonging to Civil Air Patrol can prepare young cadets for almost anything. For U.S. Air Force Maj. Tara Mach Cook, a former cadet in CAP’s Maryland Wing, it helped build a solid foundation for her time at West Point and her new career in neurology. Y
Cook, a former cadet in the Glenn L. Martin Composite Squadron, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1995 with a degree in mathematics. From 1995 to 2000, after receiving her commission from the academy, she became a signal officer in the U.S. Army. Her assignments included serving as a battalion signal officer, platoon leader and battalion logistics officer for the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Ga. She was deployed with her platoon to Operation Desert Thunder in 1998 and a year later to Sarajevo, Bosnia- Herzegovina, where she served as battalion signal officer for the Allied T r h oo r u rom h ni rsi o r l n hool o i in Military Intelligence Battalion for on , Headquarters Stabilization Force.
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h CHANGING CAREERS profession scholarship, Cook received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in “While I liked what I did in the Army and was good 2006. She then served in the Air Force Reserves for four at it, I was beginning to piece together all the reasons I years while she completed her residency in neurology at truly wanted to be a doctor,” Cook said. the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She re- Her interest in the medical field was sparked during entered active duty in 2010. her time at West Point, she said, when she took such The same year, Cook joined the Malcolm Grow classes as basic anatomy, health, fitness, nutrition and Medical Center at Joint Base Andrews, Md., as chief of first aid. But it wasn’t until one of her supervisors asked the Neurology Clinic. her why she didn’t consider going to medical school that In August, she moved to Joint Base Elmendorf- she seriously looked into admission requirements and Richardson, Alaska, where she works as a staff neurologist. began her plan to switch career fields. Cook’s career goal is to become an Air Force flight “However, at that time I was a senior and beyond the surgeon and take care of pilots and the flying units. She point I could change my major from mathematics,” said is a member of the American Academy of Neurology Cook, who said she was happy to continue on her and the National Society of Nontraditional Premedical current path and serve as an Army signal officer. and Medical Students Board of Directors. In 2001, she decided to separate from the Army and follow her medical school dream. She completed her post- CAP INFLUENCE baccalaureate studies as a nontraditional student at Towson University in Maryland while volunteering at the Cook said her involvement in CAP helped prepare University of Maryland Medical Center’s world-renowned her for her new career. R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore and The organization “offers young people opportunities working fulltime as a patient-care technician. to expand their horizons beyond their community, What Cook didn’t realize, however, was that she’d have especially those of us from families of modest means an opportunity to return to the military as a physician. that could not otherwise provide opportunities “I thought that my decision to separate themselves,” she said. “The national-level Cadet Officer from the Army meant School and International Air Cadet Exchange programs the end of my are great examples of this.” military career,” She believes her experiences with CAP were one of she said. the reasons she was accepted to West Point. With the “I understood the concept of chain of command, help of a U.S. basic leadership principles, drill and ceremonies and how Air Force to wear a uniform,” she said. “It provided the health foundation I could build upon.” Two of the mentors she remembers most are Anne Th orm r Powers Harris and Glen Harris — key cadet leaders in r i s the Martin Composite Squadron when she joined. i il ir rol “They took me under their wing and taught me i h l in h leadership at the ground level,” she remembered. “It oun ion or brings tears to my eyes now thinking about how they h r r r mentored me, especially when I came as a stranger to a su ss on poin , sh s r new squadron.” s rm Cook has a strong belief in the power of mentorship. si n l o i r “Many of a leader’s subordinates may not be aware of the opportunities available to them or how to achieve u l on p them,” she said. “Mentorship is a key foundation of my leadership style today, and I directly attribute that to the mentors I had in CAP.” s
r t ry o ors w r s Joint Service Commendation Medal U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal U.S. Army Commendation Medal U. S. Army Achievement Medal National Defense Service Medal (bronze star) Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (bronze star) Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Armed Forces Service Award U.S. Army Service Ribbon U.S. Army Overseas Service Ribbon (short tour) NATO Medal Parachutist Badge, U.S. Army Airborne School, honor graduate runner-up Air Assault Badge, U.S. Army Air Assault School
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h 2012 Annual Conference & National Board Meeting Baltimore MD
Thursday, August 23rd – Saturday, August 25th Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
Please make plans to attend
Check www.capmembers.com/events for continuous updates
i i ns r in ommuni i s 51 o i il irp rol om re i n ne
r t s
r hqu rill s s n i n , n u m m rs N N – ircrews and ground eam members from he ndiana and en ucky wings eamed u wi h he vansville anderburgh oun y mergency Managemen gency for an ear h uake raining exercise enabling he ivil ir a rol members o shar en heir disas er recovery and search and rescue skills ho o s in s hipps, n i n in
he raining scenario involved a simula ed magni ude ear h uake bjec ives included aerial ho ogra hy of p rr inn ss o h n i n in ʼs cri ical infras ruc ure digi al and analog communica ions l r omposi qu ron lis ns, lon i h llo relay and aerial search a erns all designed o enhance s, o ins ru ions or roun m m m rs disas er res onse ca abili ies for anderburgh oun y p r i ip in in n r hqu r inin r is and beyond “ he recen as oas ear h uakes renew he call for re aredness for na ural disas ers ” said herman reer M direc or “ e lan and re are for hese scenarios cons an ly and his weekend we u our rained res onders o he es ” s indsay hi s st
r l n s pos o roj miniʼs l in sp li h pro r m M N – merica s domina ion in he s ace race during he s came alive for cade s invi ed o ar ici a e in a Maryland ir Na ional uard hos ed sym osium focusing on rojec emini s ronau ichard ordon — he re ired Navy ca ain who ilo ed emini on i s hree day mission in e ember wice walked in s ace and as ilo of ollo orbi ed he moon in ecember — was he fea ured ar ici an in he even held a he lenn Mar in Maryland via ion Museum ollo as ronau dwin “ uzz” ldrin also made a s ecial a earance via video he morning session focused on emini s lace in manned fligh and he ar Maryland layed in i he anel was led by r ill arry N chief his orian and fea ured ordon r Mike Neufeld mi hsonian Na ional ir and ace Museum cura or and s ecialis in early rocke ry on aldwell a ockheed Mar in ro ulsion or engineer and arry Me ee long ime Mar in Marie a em loyee r om Jones who flew on four shu le missions as a N as ronau led a la er discussion ha fea ured ordon am Ma ingly a
con rac or whose com any nvironmen al esearch ho o our s o r l n ir ion l u r ssocia es origina ed he use of wa er immersion o simula e he weigh lessness of s ace for he ur oses of re aring for s acewalks and al h rong es inghouse lec ric rojec manager for he rendezvous radar used in s ace docking irm n s l ss mm o sp s i h orm r s ron u i or on s o o h r Maryland ing members ar ici a ed in he even a he nn polis omposi qu ron s, invi a ion of re ired ir orce rig en uy alsh former irm n o r r i n s ri ro n, commander of he s ir x edi ion ing a andahar i h ir urn o m h roj mini n ir ield in fghanis an ir orce Na ional uard roj pollo r n Mas er g d ard
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h ort tr
m ll j pro i hi or inn so s u n s inn so in M NN – he world s smalles je urned ou o be one of he
day s bigges a rac ions when members of he Minneso a ing s ho o p or up n, noka oun y om osi e uadron ar ici a ed in a niversi y venue lemen ary chool even held o showcase aeros ace and aeronau ics igh s a ions were se u each offering hool hil r n njo h n o si in informa ion and aeros ace rela ed dis lays for he magne school s un r p h ll up nʼs ui n kindergar eners hrough fif h graders
ne of he s o s fea ured noka oun y s uadron members and a J aircraf a helly u an former s uadron commander shared informa ion abou he micro je and he organiza ion s drug demand reduc ion rogram wi h more han s uden s hroughou he day he J — a dis lay model rovided by ol homas heis former Minneso a ing commander — roved ar icularly o ular veryone who saw i adul s included wan ed o si in he world s smalles je ! ssis ing u an in answering ues ions abou he aircraf were a eorge u an he s uadron s ublic affairs officer and nd im uso assis an aeros ace educa ion officer helly u an also old he s uden s how im or an i is o be drug free he led a ues ion and answer session and gave ou red ribbons o hose who gave correc answers u an recen ly hel ed recrui more han new aeros ace educa ion members from he facul y a eorge u an
ort st
nns l ni m m rs h lp nsur smoo h li h or ʻ in s r i s ur hʼ NN N – ivil ir a rol members from wes ern ennsylvania once again res onded wi h en husiasm when he ir orce eserve re ues ed assis ance wi h i s h annual “ ings ver i sburgh” air show s onsored by he h ir orce eserve a ion in i sburgh earheaded by olden riangle om osi e uadron he members effor s included no jus heir con ribu ions a he air show bu also many mon hs of mee ings and re ara ion re uired by a regional even of such magni ude ade s and officers rovided escor s for he Make ish ounda ion assis ed wi h arking su or and hel ed rovide crowd con rol during aircraf ground movemen s hey also ar ici a ed in he cri ical foreign objec damage walk f er he ublic de ar ed on he final day hey formed a line shoulder o shoulder wi h heir ir orce coun er ar s and walked he en ire aircraf movemen area o search for loose debris and o her foreign objec s ha could be sucked in o aircraf engines
n addi ion wi h he ir orce s en husias ic su or invi ed he ho o j m s ni h s, nns l ni in o conduc i s hild rogram aren s eagerly ook advan age of he rogram children were ho ogra hed and finger rin ed j in rr , u l r omposi ade s and officers who s affed wo recrui ing s a ions re or ed a qu ron omm n r, i s booming business from he crowd of a roxima ely over he po n i l pilo poin rs on h - wo day eriod Maj James J nigh s simul or
i i ns r in ommuni i s o i il irp rol om re i n ne
ʻ irli ʼ m s ii uni ʼs ll or ori n ion li h s – hen he ona om osi e uadron needed o rovide more han orien a ion fligh s af er ex eriencing a drama ic increase in new cade members a call for hel wen ou o wing head uar ers ol oger aires wing commander res onded by au horizing a “cade airlif ” and raining day a ona n erna ional ir or lanes arrived from ho o ol ul ollm n, ii in various islands flown by ualified ilo s ready o fly ei her cade s or j h rl s ri m n, op r ions mission scanner observer rainees o i r or h l r omposi qu ron, p r orms pr li h h i h si n he ground in he ona om osi e building a com le e scanner and n hon r n irm n si observer course was augh by s e h arker o era ions officer for ph n on l o on omposi he auai om osi e uadron a Jim edien commander of he qu ron or h ir ori n ion li h onolulu ligh oversaw he cade s who ro a ed hrough he communica ions de ar men s ar of heir raining cade s from he ona Maui and heeler com osi e s uadrons ke rack of seven aircraf during he exercise — on he ground in he air and while refueling — and of crews needing ground rans or a ion Meanwhile cade s received orien a ion rides o Maui where heir lanes landed a ana ir or so hey could swi ch sea s for he fligh back o ona Mos had never been o Maui so landing a a s ecial lace like ana ir or — jus a few miles from he grave of harles indbergh — rovided a s ecial hrill Mos of he ilo s made wo cross coun ry fligh s before re urning home o as far away as ihue auai nd ony Mi chell
o y ou t
omin s, o i rs in ro u o nonpo r li h M N – ade s and officers in eres ed in he o or uni y o fly wi hou ower headed o hea land in he sou heas corner of he s a e for he yoming ing s annual lider rien a ion eekend wen y four cade s received orien a ion fligh s in gliders from he ocky Moun ain egion s lider en er of xcellence in olorado our olorado ing members — ol erald berhar of he hom son alley om osi e uadron Maj arl eil and a
ill aniels of he lack hee enior uadron and a ob ho o ol nnis orn ll, omin in ynn of he oulder om osi e uadron — rovided he gliders and ow lanes lso on hand were wo ivil ir a rol essna or in o ss m l il r, o i rs n s from he yoming ing which were used o rovide owered s li in in o pl orien a ion fligh s “ ade s learned a lo abou eamwork and si ua ional awareness safe y and ge ing along wi h o hers ” said a J adler de u y commander for cade s and aeros ace educa ion officer for he yoming ing s loud eak om osi e uadron he weekend s iming was erfec for ade irman asic owen ovall who had joined he hea land om osi e uadron only wo days earlier e summed u his firs ivil ir a rol ex erience wi h a single adjec ive “ wesome!” ol usan Mc onald
i il ir rol olun r nu r - r h out st
simul or h i h ns lori sʼ rosp p ri n – new wo axis fligh simula or is adding an ex ra dimension o oca a on om osi e uadron lessons in aeros ace and fligh as well as re ara ions
for orien a ion rides he e ui men s moni or simula es ho o s i rrilli, lori in a lane s cock i and is com lemen ed by a realis ic joys ick
ade s using he simula or have been im ressed “ f er ha akeoff ” one exclaimed “ m ready for my firs fligh !” n l l on ri s ou h o on “ have over hours in a lane in simula ors ” omposi qu ronʼs n o- is li h simul or said oca a on s o era ions officer Maj ill o le a ilo during orld ar “ hings like his simula or are he bes way o kee kids mo iva ed o fly ” ade hief Mas er g Zackery Macdonald
out w st ilo s r r sh s ills in i o pro i i n lini N M – ilo s from he New Mexico and olorado wings refreshed heir ins rumen flying skills and engaged in some friendly com e i ion during he o un ins rumen roficiency fligh clinic held a arming on s our orners egional ir or ligh raining for he clinic co s onsored by he wo wings ook lace hroughou he our orners area n all eigh aircraf and members ar ici a ed flying almos hours “ ns rumen flying akes a grea deal of raining and a ience and is a skill ha mus be rac iced fre uen ly ” said Maj co Zenonian commander of he arming on om osi e uadron ns ruc ors augh a six hour ground school refresher course followed by wo ho o p r ohl , olor o in days of flying ach ilo along wi h an ins ruc or flew a rearranged ins rumen rou e o local air or s he ilo was evalua ed by he ins ruc or and vice versa ilo s pr p r o run Th un l ,” pr rr n ins rum n o urs i h s ops lo l irpor s “ s all abou mas ering our aircraf and develo ing our si ua ional awareness all of which ensures fellow crew members can rely on he ca abili ies of heir ilo ” said chief ins ruc or a Mark ohle of he olorado ing s an Juan om osi e uadron “ he incredibly demanding environmen ha ins rumen fligh resen s is he bes way o develo our ilo s skills ” he end of he course one ilo and one ins ruc or were selec ed for he annual “ o un” award hey will be honored during a year end ban ue Maj co Zenonian
i i ns r in ommuni i s o i il irp rol om Achievements
j i e i r r n J n e ini j r e erer j i i r en i i J n e ri ri en j nn i i j J e ine j J n r j J n enri i r n i e r i en eni r e er j i e e e e e f e i i ir j ri k r e r eni r e er r inin e n i e r i en eni r re r J ren n r r n er en f e er e e e e f e j i r ee eni r e er ie e i r e eni r e er r inin r r j i ne er eni r e er i e e re ei e e eni r e er i e e j i er eir r in J ne J e re ei e eir r in e e j nne k r e er n er er n er j J e i e er J n r n f r j ri er r n n Jeffre e er j J e ne j e er n r er in j ri er in i er n en er J e i re r r r in i i e nek ief er er e er j r n n i e e j n rri n Y j Jerr e r j r erj n j rie r ki nie ne j J n e iff j e en ni r e in i e er j er J e ren e i e j J e J ni ri er i n j i e r ff nie J i e J j enj in i k j i i e e er r n J e j n e j r e J e j r ee nn i r er e n er re ri k i e ee J e r n n r n j i e i e ri i n n n i er n e r j er e in ien j en r e j r rne j e r nk in j Je er e en e j n ne j e er J rn rr e Jeffer n j e e J n n j J e Y err
e erin i e r f r e re en e ien n J ker Y e e e e f ri en n e e r r n e in r e in i n n i J e er ne f f er en f r nn in n e ie e i r e i inne e i e e re ei e eir J in e r in e e er n e n i e r f r e i n e er re en e e e e e n J en Y e re ire en f e i en e e iff n J k k e r r e e i e er J n re e re ei e eir r in J ke r in er J n e e er n er n e r rie r i e er re ie eik e er n er i e n e en e er e n r J rnej e ri n Jr r in J J e r r re en e n J en Y J n J e k J n e i n e er re n r n n e i n J ne nie r i er ri n er n J ie i e i k r er e er n e r in eer r in eer ini e i f r e nner J re
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