Winter 2008
The Official Magazine of California Wing Civil Air Patrol Fossett Search Members contribute expertise State of the Wing Parris, Keilholtz, Prusak
Reprinted from CAP News Online Calif. Wing Members Handle Phase of Steve Fossett Search Eagle Call is an authorized publication serving the interests of the California Wing of the United States Searchers operate from Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol. A private firm that is not connected with the Department of the Air Force Bishop, Calif., base or with the Civil Air Patrol Corporation publishes it. September 11, 2007 The appearance of advertisements in this publication, including supplements and inserts, does not constitute Photos by Lt. Col. John C. Jay an endorsement by the U.S. Air Force or CAP of the products and services advertised herein. (Clockwise, from top):
A California Wing member inspects a map of the search Eagle Call encourages contributions from all CAP area. members, military personnel, and related agencies. Capt. Frank Duarte of San Jose Senior Squadron 80 Material must be original, free of copyright constraint, operates the California Wing fly-away radio kit. unpublished, and submitted only to Eagle Call, which Lt. Col. Joseph Chizmadia of Los Angeles County Group 1 reserves the right to approve, reject, edit, abridge or conducts a base briefing at 6 a.m. Sept. 11. expand any submission. Features must be discussed in Lt. Col. Bill Gordon of San Jose Senior Squadron advance with the Editor, Capt. Greg Solman, at 909- 87 conducts a flight crew briefing of Maj. Charles Russell, 338-5789. mission pilot, and Sr. Mbr. Curtis Green, mission observer, both of Torrance Senior Squadron 129. Submission guidelines: As a thrice-yearly publication, the magazine is not suitable for dated material on rou- tine Squadron or Wing activities. PAOs and other cor- respondents should generally avoid first-person voice and subjects typical of newsletters. Use the Associated Press Stylebook or read the latest magazine for style points. Never imbed photographs within documents unless jpgs are also submitted separately. Always include contact information at the top of copy. Articles should include .jpg-extension photos of a minimum 500K. Email editorial to [email protected]. Other material should be sent California Wing Civil Air Patrol, P.O. Box 7688, Van Nuys, CA 91409. For information on advertising rates and space availability, please call 800-635-6036.
Lt. Col. Jesus Muniz Acting Wing Commander
Capt. Frank Geraty Director of Public Affairs, Publisher
Capt. Gregory Solman, Editor
Capt. Chris Storey Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Associate Editor
Maj. Sam Seneviratne ON THE COVER: The California Technical & Scientific Editor Wing’s Bishop, Calif., flightline at dawn before the resumption of the search for Steve Fossett.
Reprinted from CAP News Online Calif. Cadet Recalls Role in Search for Steve Fossett Vandenberg Composite Squadron 101’s Gerrity talks with newspaper
September 27, 2007
CALIFORNIA—Cadet Master Sgt. John Gerrity of Vandenberg Composite Squadron 101 talks about his involvement in the ground search for missing aviator Steve Fossett in an interview with the Santa Maria Times that also includes praise for the cadet by the unit’s commander, Lt. Col. Lisa Tuggle, and by 1st Lt. Chris Wickers.
Reprinted with permission from Santa Maria Times CAP Teen Joins in Fossett Search
September 24, 2007
By Malia Spencer/ Senior staff writer
ehind the headlines of the search for missing avia- Btor Steve Fossett, the res- cue team included a Santa Maria Civil Air Patrol cadet who only earned his emergency-response certificate six months ago. John Gerrity, 15, may have John Gerrity is part of the Civil Air Patrol and took part in the ground search and joined a mission that drew inter- rescue for Steve Fossett. He is one of the few senior noncommissioned officers in national attention, but that had the CAP to have earned his emergency-response certificate. //Bryan Walton/Staff no bearing on the cadet. “When we were on the when Fossett - an adventurer hours as he gathered his gear search, there wasn’t any press,” and aviation record-holder - and coordinated transportation. Gerrity said. “We were just didn’t return, and more than “At the time I was think- doing our jobs.” two weeks later rescuers have ing it’s going to be a pretty big Fossett has been missing scoured an area twice the size of operation and we will be out since Sept. 3, when he took off New Jersey. Crews are combing there a while,” he said. in a single-engine plane from a rugged terrain along the Nevada Gerrity, a cadet master ser- private airstrip about 80 miles and California border. geant - plus Cadet Lt. Robert southeast of Reno, Nev. Following the call to service, Frederiksen of Santa Maria; A search was launched Gerrity said it was a hectic few Continued on page 7 . . .
Teen joins in Fossett search Continued from page 3 . . . Capt. Richard Bingham of Shell two days, the chances of locat- crew of a C-130 of another pos- Beach; and Lt. Col. Tony Upton, ing something (or someone) go sible crash site, Gerrity said. of Santa Barbara - loaded a pair of down dramatically.” But again - other than meeting Jeeps Sept. 14 and made a seven- The group spent an hour and a group of cowboys - the search hour trek to Bishop to help in the a half “combing the area” for a turned up empty. Civil Air Patrol rescue mission. blue object that was seen from He was “not too disappointed,” The group are all members above. Since Fossett was in a in not finding Fossett, although, it of the Vandenberg Composite blue aircraft, Gerrity said, offi- “would have been nice,” he said. Squadron 101, of the California cials wanted them to check it out. By the end of the day, the Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The area they were searching is group was called back to base, The CAP is a national, non- full of hills, canyons and desert though they were prepared to profit organization that acts as brush, Gerrity said, which made spend up to three days in the wil- an auxiliary to the Air Force. the job difficult. derness. It was also determined Created in 1941, the group has “It’s not that great of coun- that since so many people were three main missions: aerospace try,” he said, seated in his dining looking for the missing plane, education, cadet programs and room in Santa Maria using his CAP would be better served to emergency services. laptop computer to zoom in on have Gerrity and the rest of his The group meets weekly at the terrain with Google Earth. group return to the Central Coast - the Santa Maria Public Airport In many searches, Gerrity in case CAP is needed else where. and at Vandenberg Air Force said, a distress beacon is heard The search for Fossett was Base. Cadets range in age from on radio frequencies that rescu- Gerrity’s first big mission, he 12 to 21, and through their train- ers can hone in on. But in this said, and “one of the more far ing learn to “become better mem- case, there is no beacon, so the flung” destinations. bers of society and understand search is blind, he said. Two previous searches the meaning of national service” Despite the difficulties asso- resulted in Gerrity finding the in addition to being available for ciated with search and rescue targets. The first was a malfunc- emergency response services, and the amount of training it tioning radio station that began said CAP 1st Lt. Chris Wickers. takes, it is clear Gerrity loves broadcasting on the emergency Civil Air Patrol personnel what he does. Recalling this frequency, Gerrity said, and the conduct 95 percent of the inland mission, Gerrity eagerly pointed other was a distress beacon acti- search-and-rescue operations in the out the areas they searched and vated during the recent Thunder U.S. When an aircraft goes down, showed pictures of what they Over the Valley Air Show. or a distress beacon is activated, encountered. At the air show, a helicopter the CAP are thrown into action. “It’s fun,” he said, noting that that was giving rides landed too Once in Bishop, Gerrity and his his greatest interest right now in hard and the beacon was switched colleagues were given their assign- CAP is emergency response, though on, Gerrity said. As part of the ment at a 5 a.m. briefing Sept. 15. flying aircraft is up there too. detail working the air show, he was The target - locate a possible “We take pride in our job,” dispatched to find the beacon. crash site two hours away that he added. Since the aircraft wasn’t was spotted from the air. Then Unfortunately, the object actually in trouble, and contin- if that turns out to be a dead they were looking for was not an ued to fly, locating the target end, search a more than 200 aircraft but a boat on someone’s was tricky as it kept moving, he mile area for any sign of Fossett. property near Convict Lake. said laughing. “I wasn’t really expecting to The next target took the Gerrity is a senior noncom- find anything,” Gerrity said after group on a slight detour when missioned officer within the his return. “After about the first they received word from an air Continued . . .
Reprinted from CAP News Online
Teen joins in Fossett Calif. Squadron Contributes search Expertise to Steve Fossett Continued . . . group, Wickers said, and is one Search of the few to get credentialed for emergency response. Diablo Composite Squadron 44 sr. members “He is very focused and fill positions of responsibility motivated and has a true sense of service to the community and September 20, 2007 national service,” Wickers said. CAP Lt. Col. Lisa Tuggle, 2nd Lt. Jordan Edmund squadron commander, agreed, Public Affairs Officer and said Gerrity is always one of Diablo Composite Squadron 44 the first to volunteer. California Wing “He is a leader in the emer- gency classes for most of the C A L I F O R N I A – D i a b l o Mitsanas acted as the communi- cadets and one of the first always Composite Squadron 44 has cations unit leader for the Bishop out to help on emergency res- made its presence felt in the base. His responsibilities includ- cue,” Tuggle said, adding that effort to locate famed aviator ed all communications between she is exceeding pleased with Steve Fossett, sending three units in the field and aircraft Gerrity and all her cadets. experienced search and res- in the air, as well as commu- Many CAP cadets enter the cue professionals as well as a nications to the Minden base. Air Force Academy upon high Cessna aircraft to aid the teams Lt. Col. Dennis Edmondson, school graduation, but Gerrity based in Minden, Nev., and in the Diablo squadron’s said he isn’t sure he wants to Bishop, Calif. c o m m a n d e r , w a s p a r t o f pursue a military career. So Capt. Jim Anthony, assigned the Planning Section at the far he is focusing on learning to the Minden mission base, Bishop base. That section is and having fun with the CAP. acted as the incident com- responsible for developing an mand coordinator for California. action plan for the search person- HOW TO JOIN: He was responsible for coordi- nel and for analyzing incident Potential members of the nating operations between the status information and anticipat- Civil Air Patrol are urged to Minden and Bishop bases. ing resources needed. attend meetings prior to join- In addition, 1st Lt. Spiro ing. The Vandenberg Composite Squadron 101 meets Wednesday It is not the critic who counts; enthusiasms, the great not the man who points out devotions; who spends himself nights, twice a month at the how the strong man stumbles, in a worthy cause; who at the Santa Maria Public Airport or where the doer of deeds best knows in the end the and twice on Vandenberg Air could have done them better. triumph of high achievement, Force Base. For more informa- The credit belongs to the man and who at the worst, if he tion call Lt. Col. Lisa Tuggle at who is actually in the arena, fails, at least fails while daring 478-2438 or see the squadron whose face is marred by dust greatly, so that his place shall and sweat and blood; who never be with those cold and Web site, www.cap101.org. strives valiantly; who errs, who timid souls who neither know Malia Spencer can be reached comes short again and again, victory nor defeat. at 739-2219 or mspencer@sant- because there is no effort amariatimes.com. The Associated without error and shortcoming; Theodore Roosevelt but who does actually strive to Press contributed to this report. 26th President of the United States do the deeds; who knows great
Reprinted from CAP News Online
Calif. Wing Cadet Encampment Covered by Local TV Station Camp San Luis Obispo session draws some 150
August 22, 2007
CALIFORNIA—The California Wing Cadet Encampment, which drew about 150 cadets to Camp San Luis Obispo, is the subject of a news segment broadcast by KSBY, the NBC affiliate in San Luis Obispo. The segment features interviews with Lt. Col. Bill Taylor of Saddleback Composite Squadron 68, camp commandant, and two cadets—Daniel Rauch of Santa Barbara Composite Squadron 131 and Christopher Callaway of the Michigan Wing’s Livingston Composite Squadron, both of whom were especially impressed by a Blackhawk helicopter ride.
Reprinted with permission from KSBY TV Civil Air Patrol’s Teenage Cadets Learn Leadership at Camp San Luis Obispo Thursday, August 16, 2007 Reported by: Shari Small SANTA YNEZ VALLEY The Civil Air Patrol is responsible for more than 90 percent of the aircraft search and rescue activities in the continen- tal United States. This week, a group of kids get a taste of what the CAP is all about. About 150, 12 to 20-year- olds are taking part in the Civil
Continued . . .
11 11 Cadets learn leadership Continued . . . Air Patrol’s Cadet Program being held this week at Camp San Luis Obispo. Cadets live in encampments on base for 8 days while they train. It’s structured much like boot camp. “It uses a military model for the training, but really all we are trying to teach is leadership. Some of them may exercise that in the military. [It] works just as well in the corporate world,” said Civil Air Patrol Chief Tactical Officer Lt. Col. William Taylor. In existence since 1941, the all voluntary Civil Air It definitely was for 12- a few bon fires, go around. But Patrol’s three missions are year-old cadet Daniel Rauch I got to fly in a Blackhawk heli- emergency service and rescue, of Goleta. copter, ma’am. That was my aerospace education and cadet “It was very amazing,” said summer. I’m definitely having training programs. Daniel Rauch. a good time,” said 16-year-old “It’s very difficult waking “Something you’re never cadet Christopher Callaway. up early and going to bed really going to forget?” asked reporter Building teamwork and late. Having to make your bunks Shari Small leadership skills, while having and stuff, but it’s fun,” said cadet “I’m never going to forget the time of their lives. Daniel Rauch. it,” replied Rauch. “Honestly, it’s an indescrib- Hands down, a ride in a “I definitely had one heck able feeling ma’am. It’s awe- Chinook CH-47 helicopter is the of a summer. Most of my buds some. Most people just dream highlight of the week. stayed back there. Maybe have of being able to do that. We get to do that, and I’m only 16 ma’am,” said Callaway. Most cadets at Camp San Luis Obispo are from California. A few are from other states. They graduate from the pro- gram Sunday. Many go on to volunteer in the Civil Air Patrol as adults. http://www.ksby.com/ global/story.asp?s=6944585
13 13 BIRD’S EYE VIEW
Aim High By Lt. Col. Mike Prusak, USAF, California Wing Liaison Officer for Endless Potential The Richest Target Opportunities Come to Leaders Who Communicate, Motivate, and Recognize Member Potential everal years ago the Air Force put on a well as reach, teach, and inspire. multi-media recruitment campaign whose Communicate: Every commander and supervi- Sslogan was entitled “Aim High.” The slogan sor must make informational transfer a top priority wasn’t about what you would do with a gun or if they are to succeed. The communicate/reach bow-and-arrow, or something the Biblical hero phase is where you clearly identify the goals of David might have applied to his encounter with the organization and your people. You cannot Goliath. In today’s world those words are meant to expect the people in your charge to aim high with unlock the potential in all of us. out information. Information is the lifeline of any Years ago I sat in the cockpit of a T-38 await- organization and, as a leader, you are the conduit ing the start of a “familiarization” flight while at of that information. AF-ROTC summer encampment at Plattsburgh Information is not a one-way street either. AFB in upstate New York. Until then I had never Information must flow up and down the organi- been near any airplane, let alone a supersonic jet. zational structure, constantly and consistently. I sat there exhilarated and petrified, thinking that You will fail as a leader if you don’t believe this someday the Air Force will want me to actually fly is true. one of these jets…alone! I set two goals for that Motivate: Motivating and recognizing flight: not to get sick, and to keep my eyes open potential go hand in hand. In CAP, like the Air the entire time. (I failed the first test, but kept my Force, we challenge our people to discover that eyes open…well, most of the time.) I set higher potential by providing skill training and then valu- goals for myself after that flight. I did solo in the able hands-on experience. Whether its in opera- T-38 and I ended up back at Plattsburgh flying the tions, logistics or cadet programs, we are all given FB-111. the tools to excel. Its up to the commanders and We sometimes come across roadblocks in our supervisors to instill the confidence and promote endeavors when aiming high. Sometimes those the self-esteem that allows subordinates to excel. roadblocks are of our own making, whether born It’s not really hard to do. out of fear or of preconceived notions. Recognize potential: You’d be surprised how Sometimes aiming high is a daunting task. far a little recognition can go to bolster someone’s That’s where true leaders shine. self image. Pride goes a long way, and once our I firmly believe the job of any leader is to people have it, they can set goals for themselves communicate, motivate and recognize potential, as Continued . . .
15 15 Aim high for endless potential Continued . . . and their organization. Take the time to shake some hands and inspire some dreams. All our folks, cadets and seniors, should be treated like potential leaders. When aiming high, don’t be in a hurry. Instant communications sometimes becomes instant-gratification, which sometimes leads to cutting corners to the point of violation of personal or institutional integrity. Don’t move at a snail’s pace, either. It is possible to lose sight of our goals along the way. Whether you come from operations or logistics, for example, guide your folks to accept challenges rather than being repelled by the complexity. Individuals should focus primarily on opportunities and not dwell upon problems. If you are in a leadership position, setting only your own personal goals high is selfish and certainly not beneficial to your organization. Help your folks lift their sights by sharing some of the leadership with them. Then give them your support when they make decisions. Your organization will become healthier as you all endeavor to “aim high.”
Some people call me Old Glory; others call me the Star Spangled small children running around and shouting and playing. They don’t Banner. But whatever they call me, I am your Flag, the Flag of the seem to know who I am or what I represent. I saw one man take his United States of America. Something’s been bothering me. I thought hat off and look around and when he didn’t see anybody else with I might talk it over with you, because it’s about you and me. their hats off, he quickly put it back on. I remember, not too long ago, when people lined up on both sides Is it a sin to be patriotic anymore? Have you forgotten what I stand of the street to watch the parade and naturally, I was leading every for and where I’ve been? Anzio, Guadalcanal, Bataan, Korea, and parade, proudly waving in the breeze. Vietnam. Take a look at the Memorial Honor Roll sometime. You’ll When your daddy first saw me coming, he immediately removed his see the names of those who fought to keep this country free, those hat with his right hand and placed it against his left shoulder so his who bled and suffered and died for those of you who are standing, hand would rest directly over his heart. Remember that? not saluting, not telling your children about me. And you, you were younger then, I remember you standing there Remember these words?...One Nation Under God...when you salute straight as a soldier. You didn’t havea hat but you were giving a hand me you are saluting these brave people who have, in fact, given their right (right hand?) salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be tomorrow’s so you could have your today’s. outdone she was saluting the same way as your dad, with her right Well, it won’t be long before I’ll be coming down your street again. hand over her heart...remember? So when you see me, think about what I just told you. Think about What’s happened? I’m still the same old flag. Oh, I have a few more what I stand for. Stand erect, place your right hand over your heart, stars since you were a boy, and a lot more blood has been shed since and tell your children and friends to do the same. As you salute those parades of long ago but now, I don’t feel as proud as I used to. me, I’ll salute you back, by waving to you. And I’ll know that...YOU When I come down your street in the same type of parade, some REMEMBERED! of you stand there with your hands in your pockets and I may get a small glance from you, but you oftentimes look away. And I see your - Unknown Author -
17 17 STATE OF THE WING View of Parris A Candid Conversation with Col. K.W. Parris, CAWG Commander, on Where He’s Coming From and Where CAWG is Heading
Eagle Call: Understanding your experience in it? Wing Vice Commander. that there may be some things that cannot be publicly dis- KP: I joined CAP in July, 1976, EC: How would you describe cussed, can you explain to as a cadet in Florida Wing. your philosophy of command? members what has happened Having earned my Mitchell in California Wing’s command Award, I transferred to California KP: I am a strong believer in structure and how you finally Wing in January, 1978. I was a collaborative leadership, involv- came to be our Commander? member of Squadron 18, then ing stakeholders in the deci- at the Oakland International sion-making process to ensure Ken Parris: It was publicly Airport. During my time as a the development of the best announced by the Region cadet, I completed all cadet possible ideas. The collabora- Commander Col. Ernie Pearson achievements, earning the Eaker tive leadership approach also that the California Wing Award and the grade of cadet ensures the Wing continues to Commander’s position was lieutenant colonel. I had also develop future leaders by engag- vacant and that he had appointed served as the Squadron 18 Cadet ing individuals with potential Col. Larry Myrick as the interim Commander. Accepting a com- for greater responsibility and Wing Commander. At that mission in the U.S. Army, I higher office in the problem time it was also announced the changed my membership status solving process, development of selection process was going to senior member. But since plans and the implementation of to be conducted in accordance I was only 19 years old at the new programs. However, as the with existing CAP policies time, I had to be appointed a Wing Commander I recognize and procedures [see CAPR CAP Chief Warrant Officer [now it is my responsibility to act 35-9, Board of Governors and TFO]. The Wing Commander in the best interest of the Civil Wing Commander Selection brought it to the attention of Air Patrol, California Wing, Procedures]. Having served as National HQ that it did not make and the membership. I take full the Wing’s Vice Commander, sense for a CAP member to be responsibility for the decisions I submitted my application for a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant that are made. consideration. While I never and be prohibited from being a coveted the position of Wing CAP Second Lieutenant because EC: What have you learned Commander, I felt it was my he was not yet 21 years of age. from Commanders under obligation to the membership So National HQ promoted me whom you’ve served? and to the Wing to submit my to the grade of CAP Second name for consideration. As the Lieutenant when I was only 20 KP: It is difficult to summarize Vice Commander and former years old. in this brief article all that I have Inspector General and Group As a senior member I have learned from individuals under Commander I knew that I was served as a squadron commander whom I’ve been privileged familiar with many of the issues in two squadrons and Group 2 to serve. California Wing has and areas of concern that existed Commander for a total of over 13 been very fortunate to have had in the Wing. years CAP command experience. exceptional leaders like Cols. I have also served on Wing Staff Pearson, Brammer, Myrick and EC: When did you join Civil in the Operations Directorate, Nelson who have served as Wing Air Patrol and what has been as Wing Inspector General and Continued . . .
19 19 View of Parris Continued . . .
Commanders. I was fortunate to malaise brought on by the pro- how we see CAP’s role in that have served under the late Col. cess and reach towards achiev- new world? We will be examin- Ed Lewis, Jr. He was one of my ing the desired outcome; our ing how CAP’s missions con- mentors and a good friend. As goal at being the best at what we tinue to evolve and explore new you may know, I have dedicated do in all areas. areas where we can be of service my tenure as Wing Commander Accountability has been to our nation and our neighbors. to his memory. troublesome for the Wing in If I had to sum up what I the past. We, as an organiza- EC: What is the most dra- have learned from each of these tion, need to be accountable to matic change Wing members outstanding individuals it would our members, our customers, should expect in the immedi- have to be to “do the right thing, higher headquarters and to the ate future? for the right reason, all of the American people. We are a vol- time,” “treat everyone with unteer organization that depends KP: I don’t believe mem- respect and dignity” and “always upon the good intentions of our bers should expect “dramatic” put the needs and concerns members and their continued changes in the future but a con- of the members first.” I hope support through dues and offer- tinued evolution into new and that my tenure as your Wing ing of their precious time. The changing roles in the post-9/11 Commander will be emblematic Wing needs to be accountable world. However, if we want of these principles. for these important and valuable to identify something that the resources. Otherwise, our mem- members should experience dif- EC: What are your thoughts bers will go elsewhere to give of ferently, everyone should find on how California Wing could themselves. We also need to be mission reimbursements being improve in various areas? sure that we are able to account processed much faster and time- What are your goals? for our activities and our “stuff” lier than in the past. We have if we want to continue to acquire hired a Wing bookkeeper, Ms. KP: I outlined by goals and support from our customers, Terrie Singleton, who will be objectives for the Wing in my higher headquarters, and the processing the reimbursements. address at the Wing conference American people. There are a lot We have worked to streamline last November. I hope that many of appropriated funds expended this process in addition to catch- of you were able to be there to by CAP—funds that are gener- ing up all the unpaid outstanding share that vision. For those who ated by tax dollars and appropri- reimbursements. This has been a could not be there, let me sum- ated by Congress for expenditure monumental task but we can see marize my talk in three words: in support of CAP’s missions. It light at the end of the tunnel. commitment, accountability and is essential that every member As you may know, we have preparedness. understand the magnitude of the shifted to the Wing banker sys- We need to be committed trust placed in us by our fellow tem and will be moving to con- as an organization to our mem- citizens. solidated aircraft maintenance bers, to our mission and to our Finally, preparedness. Are later this year. These are sig- customers. We exist in order we ready for the missions of nificant changes in the way we to serve these three important the 21st century? We need to have been doing business in the stakeholders. I think at times be smarter about how we see past. Like any change, there will we have been mired in process CAP’s missions of the future. be some discomfort and even rather than outcome. I hope that September 11th, 2001, changed resistance. But it is important for in redirecting the Wings’ com- the way in which many of us us to note that these changes are mitment we can get through the view the world. Has it changed Continued on page 35 . . .
21 21 STATE OF THE WING Asking for the Tasking Capt. Bob Keilholtz Scores the ES Mission Readiness of CAWG’s Misty Past, Nebulous Present, and Hazy Future
Eagle Call: How long have you been involved in Emergency Services (ES), and how has the job changed over the years?
Bob Keilholtz: I started as a cadet in the early ‘70s. Emer- gency Locator Transmittors (ELTs) and Direction Finding (DF’ing) were just getting started, and all the training was by trial and error. I remember going out on weekend training with Bruce Gordon (the L-per inventor), Lou Dartanner, Pat Robinson, Jim Beggins, some of whom are still active in CAP, to name a few. We had fun, and learned how to find ELTs with- out the aid of the Search and Rescue Satellites (SARSATs). Field, Lancaster, Gillespie Field, private contractors]. But we’ve I guess we may see those days San Diego, Chino, Twenty-nine added missions like counter- again next year when they turn Palms, Blythe and Brackett drug, homeland security, and the SARSATs off. airports. Back then, some of more disaster relief. those airports were kind of EC: What will be the adjust- obscure. I remember weekends EC: What exactly are your ments on our end of that? with 50 or more aircraft and current duties? Are you still a bunch of [North American overseeing our Emergency BK: We will need greater use Aviation Texan] T-6s, [Cessna Services duties? of Aircraft and ground teams 305] Birdogs, and Cessna 150s. to take long range bearings Now most missions are over BK: I am currently assigned to from mountain tops and high with 12 hours with the help of Wing and oversee missions as spots. Just like we did in the ELTs, radar, and computers. the “chief” Incident Commander early ‘70s. Back then we didn’t Over the years, as we’ve got- for southern California. I’m not have radar tracks to help us. We ten all this technology, we’ve considered the DOS any longer. had many more missions like become more efficient in our That job is currently being held the [adventurer and aviator missions. And the Wing handles Lt. Col. David Boehm. Lt. Col. Steve] Fossett search, and often many more missions beyond Steve Asche is, in a newly cre- never located out target. We had search-and-rescue. We regularly ated position, in charge of spe- missions that lasted for several had missions like blood transport cial projects, and Lt. Col. Ron weeks going seven days a week in the past; then it was seen as Butts is director of operations. in unheard of places like Fox infringing upon [the business of Continued . . .
23 23 Asking for the tasking Continued . . .
EC: How is that chain of com- EC: What should we have EC: What were the positive mand functionally different? learned (or did learn) from the and negative aspects of that Steve Fossett SAR mission? mission? BK: The positions are mostly the same, and most of the BK: In 2007, we can still lose BK: We were able to mobilize people have been involved in aircraft in the inland United communications structure, com- Emergency Services for many States and just have them van- puters with wireless connec- years. So not much difference, ish. We’ve become accustomed tivity, and operate a base with but a high-quality group of indi- to radar tracks and ELTs and a staff of five, flying over 30 viduals handling the Wing’s technology to bail us out on sorties with 15 aircraft each day. missions. these types of situations. The And talk about technology, you same thing happened in the Katz can do just as good with quality EC: Following ES missions search near San Bernardino. people and technology than with closely, one might get the He went off radar, tracking the the large numbers of people we impression that a very small [Interstate] 15 freeway, and he typically see at SAR exercises percentage of members do disappeared. We learned that our (SAREX). Some very support- almost all of the work of the Scanners/Observers were doing ive members of the community Wing. How does that impres- a good job, because they were and enthusiast members were sion square with the facts? finding previously known but able to get us food, which was long forgotten crashes from 30 a challenge. We were able to BK: I think the stats bear that years ago. So when people say, get the Air Force to spring for out. In most of the Wings, most “Why didn’t you find Fossett?” hotel rooms. We were able to missions are commanded by it’s not like we were sleeping. put a multi-state, multi-week just a few ICs as well, as most We also discovered the value mission under unified command of the fieldwork done by a few and limitations of the Airborne with virtually no incident, and aircrews and Urban Direction Real-Time Cueing Hyperspectral without supervision from other Finding (UDF) teams. But in the Enhanced Reconnaissance state or county agencies. In the Wing we have to be prepared [ARCHER] system. We hadn’t negative category, we had some to handle large-scale missions thought of it as useful as a SAR limitations with the IMU [the where we need to have a wider platform, but the operators were Internet-accessible standalone more diverse base. A lot of us are able to find wreckage in dense version of the Wing Management getting older and need people to foliage in just a few square feet. Utilities]. We had connectivity fill our shoes. We need to foster [The wreckage was in an area of issues and bugs that frankly we participation. just a few square feet.] The team haven’t figured out today. We found a piece of a crashed plane found out that two of our local EC: Of the members in where just an aileron had fallen repeaters covering Bishop [loca- California Wing, how many when the wreck was being lifted tions classified, per OPSEC] would you say are actively out by helicopter. Nobody in a had failed long ago, and nobody involved in ES missions? fixed wing aircraft would have knew, so we brought in portable picked up on that. We did [use] repeaters to cover the area and BK: We have a few hundred a wheel skirt on Fossett’s air- member owned cell phones. It members with ES ratings but craft and dialed it in, but if, for made some communications again only a few that actively example, the aircraft had burned, issues more difficult. [1st Lt.] participate. that color wouldn’t help. Tolga Tarhan had established a Continued . . .
25 25 Asking for the tasking Continued . . .
transparent, elaborate call-for- shape, but Southern Cal has all The local units do a good job but warding system for our member the volume. We are always put- we need to expand our training owned cell phones, so when they ting out additional requests for beyond the local units to prevent left nobody knew it. We over- resources. We have been lucky “inbreeding.” I think it took me whelmed the base resources and to keep up with the missions we well over five years and a hun- ran out of toilet paper. The FBO have had. We are burning out dred missions before it started is run a by a county employee our crews. The reality is that to come together for me. I still who gets $8 an hour. Seriously, it takes years of training to get learn things these days that I we were told we were overtax- people up to a level where they know I will apply somewhere ing the resources! are truly good at what they do. into the future. The day-to-day missions build EC: Did we give that search needed experience that will be EC: What are the Wing’s more attention because it was used on later missions, espe- strengths and weaknesses in for Fossett? cially the tough ones involving, prosecuting ES missions? for example, a crashed aircraft BK: I’m sure that the added in the mountains. Our training BK: Our strength is that we get celebrity factor didn’t hurt at rarely reflects real life condi- the missions done! On average getting us needed resources for tions encountered from signals we have one mission per day. the mission. emitting from a balled-up air- That is more than a few dozen craft, upside down, with a bro- other wings combined for a full EC: How does California’s ken antenna, in a boxed canyon. year. There are Wings that rarely mission load compare to other That is what an ELT in a hangar get any missions, they are all states? on a shelf can fairly replicate. handled by the sheriff or other SAR resources. So I consider us BK: California always ranks EC: What are your recom- lucky. The State OES (Office of at or near the top for missions, mendations on how to develop Emergency Services) and sher- and our numbers are even more adequate manpower on the iffs departments give California skewed because many of our squadron level? Wing almost complete control missions have more than one over our missions. Look at the incident (i.e., ELT) assigned to BK: Members such as Denise Fossett mission between Nevada it. I have been on several mis- Edwards and Bob Miller, Jan and California: The state and sions where we had over a dozen Ostrat and Mitch Richman, as the county sheriffs in California ELTs located under one mis- examples, put on needed train- let us run a very high-profile sion number over a wide area of ing. The problem is getting those mission, with CAP fully in com- southern California. folks that have taken the training mand, versus Nevada, which and getting them into the field. It was run under their state OES EC: Is the number of UDF and takes equipment, more training, equivalent. The state trusted Ground Teams and mission- time, money, transportation, us with a huge amount of ready pilots and crews suffi- radios, and a huge amount of responsibility with little on-site cient to prosecute California’s commitment, not to mention supervision. I don’t think there mission demand? getting on the Wing’s alerting is another wing in CAP that has system. Our folks need to really such a trusted and professional BK: N o , n o t i n s o u t h e r n get involved in more Wing-wide relationship with other agencies. California. Northern and central training and exercises to see Continued . . . California are in much better how others do their missions.
27 27 Asking for the tasking Continued . . .
E C : W h a t a r e y o u r time? and...money. They all seem in thoughts on virtual mission short supply. bases? BK: It can always be improved. What people have to under- EC: Clearly there is inequity in BK: My idea of the perfect stand is that everybody who the Incident Commander duty. base is three computers, a five- gets involved [in a SAR mis- At last reckoning, Eagle Call line telephone, heating and air sion] should take their comfort- determined that you alone conditioning, a secretary, hot able day-to-day clothing and were handling nearly half of food served at your workstation, go into a walk-in cooler at a the state’s missions. Is there a private offices, hot showers and convenience store. Sit there for plan to develop more ICs? a bed. In other words, my home. ten or 15 minutes. That’s what Our missions are so information many of the people who have BK: Yes, but [CAP] national intense that we have little time survived a crash experience requires all ICs to have achieved to open a base. Radar tracks for many hours, in addition to many of the ratings below the now come within hours, ELTs suffering significant injuries. IC level before becoming an get us to the crash sites quickly, Once you’ve understood their IC trainee. As an example, you too. In the first hour or two of a position, it makes our discom- must have achieved a Standard mission the IC is overwhelmed fort and sacrifice of being on rating in Operations, Planning, with information and communi- ground teams or working late at Logistics, and Finance, to name cations. Four or five experienced night pale in comparison. And it just a few. Plus you must be people using interconnected gives you respect for the need to a mission pilot, observer or computers, instant messaging, respond quickly and profession- scanner and/or ground team, cell phones, faxes and radios can ally, because literally their lives ground team leader and so easily run a mission with up to are in our hands. on. With few missions anymore, five or ten aircraft, and ground it is hard to find experienced teams, from their homes. As EC: Why doesn’t the Wing applicants. We have been fast- time permits, we can always and/or Air Force provide tracking applicants that meet, open a base if required. The direction-finding equipment, as or closely meet, some of these Fossett mission was set up at it has in the past, particularly requirements. Many of our ICs an unfamiliar location several with the some member-owned are getting up in their years and hundred miles from the L.A. equipment becoming obsolete we need young and new blood or the San Francisco Bay areas, and new sticks pricey? to replace us. Being an IC is a in just a few hours, by six peo- demanding job where a mission ple. During the first few days BK: I know they have been can last for days. Most of our we ran the base with five base purchasing additional equip- ICs cannot get the time from staff and up to 15 aircraft and ment at [CAP] national, but as work or family to do this on a one ground team with little or with all things it comes down day to day basis. The mission no infrastructure. The com- to money. I know there are over overload may change when mand (computer) resources used one hundred L-Pers that should the SARSATs stop sending there were the same that we be out there at the unit levels in 121.5 data. We’ll see. My bet would use at our homes or at our California Wing, but over the is that we’ll see fewer missions SAR evals. We need to do more years they have gotten “mis- that will take longer with the with fewer personnel and faster. placed” or broken. And it takes need for more ground and UDF more than sticks. It takes people, teams, monitoring stations, EC: How’s our response radios, pagers, vehicles, time Continued on page 35 . . .
29 29 CAP Leaders Die in Plane Crash Pacific Region director of operations, Nev. Wing commander were en route to Rosamond, Calif.
November 09, 2007
NATIONAL H E A D Q U A R T E R S — T w o nationally recognized, highly regarded members of the Civil Air Patrol – Col. Edwin W. Lewis Jr., director of operations for CAP’s Pacific Region, and Col. Dion E. DeCamp, com- mander of CAP’s Nevada Wing – died Thursday evening when their CAP plane crashed south of Las Vegas. Col. Edwin W. Lewis, Col. Dion E. DeCamp, Jr., director of CAP commander of Lewis had traveled to Nellis operations for CAP Nevada Wing Air Force Base in Las Vegas to Pacific Region drop off a CAP airplane to be used as an airshow display. He
30 30 and DeCamp where apparently Lewis was a region advisor en route to Rosamond, Calif., for the Fossett search. Lewis’ hometown, when the He is survived by his wife, the crash occurred. former Midge Chrestenson, and Lewis and DeCamp had two adult sons, Eric and Steven. enjoyed long and distinguished Because I fly careers, both in the U.S. Air DeCamp, 73, of Reno, I laugh more than other men Force and CAP. Most recently, Nev., became commander of I look up and see more than they, both men were actively involved the Nevada Wing in 2003. Most I know how the clouds feel, in the search for legendary recently, he led the wing’s initial What it’s like to have the American aviator Steve Fossett. search efforts for Fossett, who blue in my lap, Lewis, 71, had served in the disappeared on Labor Day dur- to look down on birds, Civil Air Patrol for more than 50 ing a solo flight in Nevada. The to feel freedom in a thing years. He was a former national search for Fossett, who has yet called the stick. . . vice commander, elected in to be found, was the largest in Who but I can slice between August 1993. He served in that the Civil Air Patrol’s modern- God’s billowed legs, capacity for one year. Before day history. and feel them laugh and crash that, he served as Pacific Region DeCamp’s wife, CAP Lt. with His step commander for four years. He Col. E.J. Smith, also served as Who else has seen the also was California Wing com- search incident commander dur- unclimbed peaks? mander from 1978 to 1982. ing the Fossett mission. He is Lewis was both a CAP and survived by adult son, Michael, The rainbow’s secret? USAF command pilot with more and two daughters, Kristin and The real reason birds sing? than 28,000 flight hours. Gayle. Because I Fly, He retired from Pan Am as a DeCamp joined CAP in I envy no man on earth. commercial airline pilot in 1989 1994. He served as Nevada Wing to become a research pilot with director of operations, vice com- - Anonymous - NASA. Since 1997, he worked mander, representative to the at Dryden Flight Research Nevada state SAR Board and Center at Edwards Air Force Pacific Region director of opera- Base, Calif., where he instructed tions training before becom- saddened by this tremendous in four aircraft – C-12, C-20A, ing Nevada Wing commander. loss,” said Brig. Gen. Amy DC-8 and T-34C – supporting DeCamp was a CAP and USAF S. Courter, CAP interim NASA-Dryden flight test pro- command pilot with more than national commander. “There grams. He also was the center’s 27,000 flight hours. He was retired were no finer members than aviation safety officer. from the California Air National Col. DeCamp and Col. Lewis. Lewis’ military awards Guard, served in Vietnam and “Their illustrious volunteer ser- include the Distinguished Flying flew C-130 missions world- vice, which collectively spanned Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, wide. He retired, as captain, more than seven decades, Meritorious Service Medal and from American Airlines in 1994. touched innumerable lives and others. His CAP awards include The cause of the crash is now, in sorrow, consoles those Distinguished Service Medals, unknown at this time. A full left behind as a testament to their Exceptional and Meritorious investigation by the National dedication and commitment to Service Awards, Gill Robb Transportation Safety the citizens of their respective Wilson Award, the Search and Board is scheduled to begin. communities.” Rescue ribbon, and others. “The CAP family is deeply
31 31 STATE OF THE WING Between CAWG and The Pentagon As California Wing’s Decade-Long Liaison to the USAF, Lt. Col. Mike Prusak Comments on CAWG’s Heading and Attitude
Eagle Call: How would you tion should benefit the USAF by MP: CAP is coming into its own rate our mission readiness? providing motivational training as a full-time partner with USAF. and experience to America’s With CAP integrating into Mike Prusak: No comment. youth and future leaders of the the Web Mission Information USAF. CAWG pilots are doing Reporting System (WMIRS), a EC: Allow me to rephrase. As a great job making this program two-star general has day-to-day a Wing, how well do we pros- work. Some of the challenges we oversight of CAP operational ecute our emergency-services face come from the AF-ROTC activities, and that’s 24/7. The missions? units themselves. This is an USAF is searching daily for elective program and sometimes thing we can do, short of going MP: As evidenced by the re- it’s difficult to bring them to to war. I do not see any changes sponse to the [aviator Steve] the water trough...but that is my in the CAP-USAF relationship Fossett search and the southern challenge. CAP is meeting their other than an increase in opera- California fires, CAWG has obligations to this program. tional tempo for CAP. performed exceptionally. These actions have been lauded at the EC: Where are we doing a EC: How did you come to your highest levels at CAP-USAF good (or at least adequate) job position? and the 1st Air Force. Within and what are the areas most in minutes of taking pictures of need of improvement? Are we MP: On an actual mission in items of DOD interest, 1st Air badly in need of an attitude 1998, I stopped at the mission Force was being briefed. CAWG adjustment, so to speak? base of record in Nevada, where has a lot to be proud of for this I met the Nevada State Director. past summer and fall. MP: My biggest challenge with Turns out we both flew F-111’s, CAWG has always been its but in different wings. He told EC: Has there been any inability to come up with a train- me about his job and mentioned improvement in our contri- ing plan that best fits its overall that the California state director butions to the ROTC Flight training needs. We have given was leaving. I applied. Orientation Program? back to the USAF thousands During my last three years of dollars every year because on active duty I was an active MP: The primary objective of CAWG has not been able to use member of CAP. Not only was the AF-ROTC Flight Orientation it all. With future taskings on I a fully qualified mission pilot, Program is to help provide a the horizon there is absolutely but I was also the CAP Squadron complete and well-rounded edu- no excuse for not using every Commander at McClellan AFB. cation in all aspects of the United training dollar, and more. My claim to fame in CAP was States Air Force to AF-ROTC arranging to have the Secretary cadets. This is accomplished by EC: How would you describe of the Air Force, who was vis- exposing AF-ROTC cadets to the Air Force’s relationship to iting McClellan on business, flight operations and pilots of and current disposition present several senior members CAP serving in their role as the toward CAP? and cadets with awards. USAF Auxiliary. This interac- Continued . . .
33 33 Between CAWG and The Asking for the tasking View of Parris Pentagon Continued from page 29 . . . Continued from page 21 . . . Continued . . . and aircraft. in the best interest of CAP and the Wing. I ask for everyone’s EC: What’s your outlook for EC: Do you get the sense that patience and cooperation in get- 2008? What’s on the horizon ES personnel are demoral- ting these programs established for CAP? ized by what’s happening and functioning. today, both in the Wing and MP: I don’t see our mission National? EC: Do you sense that the changing per say. Just more of Wing is bemused, if not dispir- it. As more agencies find out BK: I hear our folks are tired ited, by the direction CAP CAWG’s capabilities, I truly of over-regulations, tough is going, on both the national feel more tasking is imminent. requirements and more. But our and state level? CAP, in conjunction with standards for search and rescue USAF, is looking for more ways are no harder than most other KP: No, I think of myself as an to use emerging technology to SAR teams. Many teams require optimist. Change isn’t always make CAP a more viable asset their folks to be EMTs or know comfortable but it is an oppor- to all concerned. Satellite digital advanced first aid, PC832 (Peace tunity. If we wallow in our imaging (SDIS) is becoming a Officer) weekly training, and misery and complaints about capability of choice by many monthly field exercises. With what hasn’t worked in the past agencies. Hyperspectral Imaging our busy lifestyles it’s hard to then we miss the opportunity to (ARCHER) is a developing spend time with our families as effect a change for the better in capability in CAP with potential well as CAP. The reality is that the future. There are very excit- missions’ capabilities we have being good at search and rescue ing times ahead for CAP. With not done in the past. cannot just happen overnight the new national pilot program, or even in a few months. Good Volunteers in Support of the EC: I’m guessing you hear pilot skills take years just as Air Force (VSAF), underway I all our complaints. What’s good SAR takes years. I was believe we will be seeing more the most common, and what never one that wanted to cut and more missions in support of can be done to rectify the corners in training our folks. I the USAF coming to CAP. CAP situation? want and expect a highly com- has to get out of the business petent and qualified rescuer out of being the nation’s “best kept MP: Most of the complaints there looking for me if I crash secret” and demonstrate we are come from those who miss in my aircraft—and I expect “the few who have been doing the “good old days” and wish nothing less. so much with so little for so they did not have to be con- long that we can do just about nected to the electronic age. I anything with nothing.” I chal- truly believe that if each squad- lenge and invite all my fellow ron had a mentor/expert who California Wing members to could help demystify some of join me in this journey towards these electronic idiosyncrasies excellence in service to our com- (like WMIRS, IMU, WMU) and munity, state and nation. other on-line requirements, a lot of these members would feel more comfortable embracing the inevitable.
35 35 Calif. Wing Calif. Searchers Find Members Downed Plane Near Assist in Interstate in Cajon Pass Space Shuttle Crash of Piper kills USAF Lt. Col. Atlantis October 12, 2007 Capt. Andrea Binder Recovery Public Affairs Officer Chino Cadet Squadron 20 Airvan provides SDIS California Wing photos, assists with CALIFORNIA—Four ground a.m. north of California 138 and east security teams and one search aircraft of Interstate 15. Another ground from the California Wing team heard the ELT the strongest June 25, 2007 responded early Oct. 5 after at the top of the Cajon Summit. receiving reports that a Piper PA The ground teams responded to the 2nd Lt. Richard Fairchild 28 fell off radar about 1 a.m. dur- top of the summit, then estimated Public Affairs Officer ing a period of high winds, dense the crash site to be between the Chemung/Schuyler fog and mild rain in the Cajon interstate median. Composite Squadron Pass in San Bernardino County. The CAP aircraft overhead New York Wing The Civil Air Patrol mem- confirmed the crash site’s loca- CALIFORNIA—When Space bers were in the field between tion about 5:30 a.m. Ground Shuttle Atlantis descended to a 3 a.m.-4 a.m. heading to the teams were able to reach the site smooth landing the afternoon of plane’s last known position. An about 30 minutes later. June 22 at Edwards Air Force Emergency Locator Transmitter Officials identified the pilot, Base, Calif., concluding a suc- was also heard in the area. who was killed, as Lt. Col. cessful assembly mission to the The first ground team to reach Raymond Roessler of Hill Air International Space Station, U.S. the area heard the ELT about 4:45 Force Base, Utah. Civil Air Patrol members were playing their part. dual role. First, the satellite- shuttle landed. After the shuttle Not only is CAP involved in transmitted digital imaging sys- landed only two aircraft were launches of the shuttle at John tem was used to photograph the permitted to be airborne at F. Kennedy Space Center in orbiter, with the images being Edwards—a Navy helicopter Florida, it also fills an impor- sent back to the command post used as a photo platform, and tant role in shuttle recovery at at Edwards and to NASA. The the CAP Airvan. Edwards, where six California SDIS portion was handled with Leading the CAP effort was Wing members served as part expertise by Lt. Col. Woody Maj. Brian Stover, CAP project of Atlantis recovery team. McCauley, assisted by Capt. Bob officer for the shuttle recovery The California Wing Airvan, Kirby. Lauer, Ripp, McCauley team at Edwards and also a mem- piloted by Capt. Mike Lauer— and Kirby are all members of ber of the San Fernando squadron. himself a finalist for the NASA San Fernando Senior Squadron He was assisted by Capt, Mark astronaut corps—and co-piloted 35, with Ripp serving as the McKibben, deputy director of by Capt. Ted Ripp, participated unit’s commander. homeland security for the wing. in the mission. Second, the Airvan crew Lt. Col. Ron Butts of wing The aircraft was used in a assisted with security after the headquarters served as IC.
37 37 Reprinted with permission from The Amador Ledger Dispatch The Civil Air Patrol Comes to Amador County
Friday, August 17, 2007
By Scott Thomas Anderson [email protected]
ne week before the J a p a n e s e a t t a c k e d OPearl Harbor, citizens around the United States came together and formed a national volunteer group with the hope of protecting our vast coastlines. They were known as the Civil Air Patrol. Today that same group has come to embody a new but equally important mission: turning young people into active and responsible citi- Photo by: Scott Thomas Anderson zens with an eye for adventure Squadron Commander Jeff Zimmerman and Civil Air Patrol veteran Larry Peterson stand next to a Cessna 182, the most common plane the Air Force provides for the and interest in public service. Civil Air Patrol. Steps are now under way to form a new squadron of the Force or other branches of the past the first two lower pay-ranks Civil Air Patrol in Amador Armed Forces like the Reserve new enlistees find themselves County. Though the group is Officer Training Corps does,” in. Also, like the Air Force, the an official section of the Air Peterson said. “I would say program welcomes both boys Force Auxiliary, and gets its that it’s a lot more like the Boy and girls. Currently, one of the air planes and fuel provided by Scouts because it offers unique Air Force’s most elite show- the Air Force, its main function skills and builds character - pilots in the famous Thunder is to instill a love for flying in and it’s fun at the same time.” Bird Squadron, Major Nicole kids, while at the same time The Civil Air Patrol does, how- Malachowski, started as a Civil teaching them skills it would be ever, have some major benefits Air Patrol cadet when she was difficult to learn anywhere else. for an individual who dreams of younger. The tie between the Larry Peterson, who spent 10 becoming a fighter pilot in the group and the sky-ward branch years as a cadet in the Civil Air Air Force or Navy. The Civil of the armed services is so Patrol, will now be a part of the Air Patrol cadets are given both strong that members of the Air efforts to create the county’s simulated and hands-on flight Force Reserve who volunteer to new squadron. Peterson insists training, some of which is taught help out with the Civil Air Patrol that the program is special by real Air Force personnel. earn extra retirement credit. and should not be dismissed Cadets who spend enough time While Peterson thinks these as merely a junior wing of the in the program can enter into military benefits will be helpful military. “The goal isn’t neces- the Air Force at the rank of E3, for certain cadets, he’s quick to sarily to train officers for the Air which effectively skips them Continued . . .
39 39 Amador County Continued . . . Civil Air
point out that the program can meeting at the local airport in Patrol have a much broader impact Martell on Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. to on youth. “Basically, what the give out information for anyone Facts cadets get is an aerospace edu- who’s interested in joining. For cation,” Peterson explained. Zimmerman, the program is - It became a “Something like that can help about giving youngsters a sense open doors to numerous exciting of purpose. “We want to cre- federal charter career paths that have nothing to ate a sense of leadership in the do with the military, including cadets,” Zimmerman said. “I by President civil aviation, law enforcement, think they learn leadership quali- firefighting, search and rescue, ties by having missions, goals, Harry Truman and other emergency services.” and objectives. I think, in the in 1946, which One way the training covers end, they grasp the importance such a broad spectrum of inter- of leadership through all of the established it as ests is by encouraging cadets community service they do.” to find various fields of con- A local example of how the Civil an auxiliary of centration, and then work in Air Patrol experience can bolster the new U.S. Air conjunction with one another for leadership can be found in the shared mission goals. In real- fact that Ted Novelli, the cur- Force. ity, for every one pilot flying rent Amador County Supervisor in a moderate-sized air plane, of District 3, was a Civil Air - There are there are 10 people working in Patrol cadet when he was a boy. logistical roles on the ground. Novelli still has warm reflections currently This type of smooth and effec- of his days in the program, call- almost 27,000 tive synergy is something the ing them both “an eye-opening cadets can practice by finding education” and a lot of fun. “I’m members of the their own niche or talent - such personally a hundred percent in as control tower work, rescue the corner of bringing the Civil Civil Air Patrol techniques or even conduct- Air Patrol to Amador County,” nationally, ages ing a ceremonial honor guard Novelli said. “I have so many - and then develop it on another outstanding memories of it from 12-21. level. During Hurricane Katrina, when I was growing up. The thousands of Civil Air Patrol first time I flew with the C.A.P. - It conducts 95 cadets from all over the nation program was from San Francisco put their skills to the test as they to Columbia, and I had the percent of all helped with the rescue efforts. greatest time. Over all, the pro- inland search The man who will be directly gram certainly had a dramatic in charge of the program is Jeff affect on me as a human being.” and rescue in the Zimmerman, whose 14-year- For questions about the Aug. old son, Kyle, is already an 30 meeting, e-mail westover- United States. active member of a Civil Air [email protected]. For more - Saves an Patrol squadron in Placerville. information about the Civil Zimmerman will take on the Air Patrol, visit www.cap.gov. average of 100 role of the official squadron commander. He’ll conduct a lives per year.
41 41 Local Govt. Taps Calif. Unit for Wells Fargo Foundation Grant Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 receives $3,000 to fund training
October 01, 2007
2nd Lt. Crystal Chatham Public Affairs Officer Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 California Wing
CALIFORNIA -- The city of Craig, and training officer, Maj. nizations will be awarded the Palm Springs and the Wells Bruce Marble. Earmarked for annual grants, based on merit Fargo Foundation embraced the training, the funds will be used and service to the community. emergency services work of Palm to support search and rescue “ W e h a v e M a y o r O d e n Springs Composite Squadron exercises and mock missions to thank for this generous 11 with a recent check presenta- for both air and ground teams. contribution,” Marble said. “The tion at Palm Springs City Hall. The Wells Fargo Foundation support of the city and the foun- Mayor Ron Oden presented a works closely with the city dation will further advance our check for $3,000 from the Wells of Palm Springs to provide a unit’s training program.” Fargo Foundation to the squad- number of community grants. ron’s commander, Capt. John City officials select which orga-
Photo by 2nd Lt. Crystal Chatham (From left) Capt. John Craig, Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden and Maj. Bruce Marble.
43 43 Maj. Nicole Malachowski (center) of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds with California Wing cadets at the Capital Air Show.
Calif. squadrons assist at Capital Air Show, meet Thunderbirds’ Malachowski Carnahan Cadet Squadron 85 hosts members from 8 units; 35 cadets, 8 sr. members participate
June 15, 2007 2nd Lt. Aaron P. Yanagihara Public Affairs Officer Eugene L. Carnahan Cadet Squadron 85 California Wing
CALIFORNIA—Eugene L. Bay Cadet Squadron 18, Travis No. 3 right wing pilot. A for- Carnahan Cadet Squadron 85 Composite Squadron 22, Marin mer CAP cadet captain and a recently hosted a full contingent Air Rescue Squadron 23, Diablo member of the California and of U.S. Civil Air Patrol mem- Composite Squadron 44, Sierra Nevada wings, Malachowski bers from northern California at Composite Squadron 72, Auburn stressed to the cadets the impor- the second annual Capital Air Composite Squadron 92 and tance of getting good grades, Show in Sacramento, with 35 Redwood Empire Composite not hanging out with bad cadets and eight senior members Squadron 157. crowds, having high self-esteem from nine different squadrons T h e m a i n a t t r a c t i o n and staying away from drugs participating in flight line con- was the performing Air and alcohol. trol before an estimated crowd Force Thunderbirds, but the After her open discussion of over 100,000 at Mather Field. highlight of the activity for the and questions and answers, she Joining the Carnahan mem- CAP members was a 45-minute signed autographs and provided bers at the event were Sacramento private meeting with Maj. Nicole personal photo opportunities for Composite Squadron 14, East Malachowski, the Thunderbirds’ the cadets.
45 45 Calif. Unit Collects, Donates Backpacks for Schoolchildren
Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 fills 53 backpacks for pupils
September 05, 2007
2nd Lt. Crystal Chatham Public Affairs Officer Palm Springs Composite Squadron 11 California Wing
CALIFORNIA—The school privileged students recognized crayons, markers, folders and year kicked off in style Sept. for exemplary character and book covers. 4 for students at Las Palmitas outstanding citizenship. Squadron members stuffed Elementary School in Thermal, Palm Springs squadron each bag with an identical set of Calif., as they became the benefi- members, under the leadership school supplies during a squad- ciaries of a month long drive by of Capt. John Craig, squadron co ron barbecue and party Aug. 29. Palm Springs Composite mmander, supported the August “We are very excited about Squadron 11 to collect back- supply drive in an effort to create this partnership. The kids can packs and school supplies. a positive learning environment definitely use the backpacks,” In all, 53 fully stocked for children in need within the said Mike Williams, Las backpacks donated by squadron community. Squadron members, Palmitas Elementary principal. members and associates were along with many of their col- “We know they and their fami- delivered to the school. The site leagues and associates from busi- lies will be so appreciative of the was selected by partner orga- nesses throughout the Coachella generosity of Civil Air Patrol nization Family YMCA of the Valley, used personal funds to and the YMCA to give our kids Desert, which operates an after- purchase backpacks reflecting all the tools they need to do well school enrichment program themes such as Spider-Man, in school.” for children at the campus. Tinkerbelle, Transformers and Extra supplies, exceeding The backpacks, stuffed for Bratz. They also shopped for the what was used to equip the boys and girls in various grade contents, which included such backpacks, are being distributed levels, are being awarded during school items as pens, pencils, among the school’s classrooms. the first week of school to lesser- rulers, notebooks, scissors, glue,
47 47 Reprinted with permission from the Camarillo Acorn Teen Soars High in Civil Air Patrol
By Michelle Knight [email protected]
Pamela Bean has always dreamed of flying. And even though the 16- year old high school junior from Simi Valley doesn’t have her driver’s permit yet, the deter- mined teen took her first solo flight in October. Pamela said she plans to pilot F-22A Raptors for the Air Force after graduating from college and has mapped out her route to the fighter plane’s cockpit as a cadet with the Camarillo chapter of the Civil Air Patrol. The aspiring fighter pilot EARNING HER WINGS: Simi Valley resident Pamela Bean, 16, prepares a learned of the cadet program Cessna airplane for flight at the Camarillo Airport. The teen is a cadet with a while taking flight lessons at the local chapter of the Civil Air Patrol. Bean said she joined the program to help her achieve her goal of becoming a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Camarillo Airport. “I just fell in love with the place, and I couldn’t leave,” she Squadron 61, the local patrol a downed airplane. said. team that operates out of a set Schlotthauer said he decided Founded in the late 1930s, of WWIIera bungalows in the to become a pilot about 12 years the 60,000-member Civil Air Camarillo Airport. ago after watching military Patrol is the national auxiliary For $25 a year, cadets learn planes perform aerial acrobatics arm of the U.S. Air Force. The about aerospace and practice on at one of the many air shows patrol, which performs 95 per- a flight simulator designed with he’d attended over the years. cent of all search and rescue realistic cockpit controls. The New York native even- efforts throughout the United Civil Air Patrol Capt. tually earned a pilot’s license States, helped save Katrina vic- Anthony Schlotthauer is one and in 1997 joined the Civil Air tims and assisted with damage of the squadron’s teachers and Patrol. He made captain last assessment of the Twin Towers pilots who take the cadets flying year. in the days following 9/11. in the patrol’s Cessna 182 and “I wanted to save lives- that The patrol’s cadet program other military aircraft at least was an exciting thought to me,” focuses on aerospace education four times a year. said Schlotthauer, a Simi Valley for its members and the public, Schlotthauer, a mortgage resident. operating a cadet program for banker in Moorpark, devotes Schlotthauer disagrees with youth ages 12 to 21 and helping about six hours a week to his those who might say the cadet in disaster, humanitarian and patrol duties. program is a camouflaged means Homeland Security missions. Those hours can quickly of grooming adolescents for the Pamela is one of 16 cadets multiply in an emergency when military. and 34 adult members of the patrol is called to search for Continued . . .
49 49 Teen soars high Continued . . . “This gives them the oppor- tunity of a lifetime,” he said. “This just builds character, self discipline; it motivates them. It’s a building-block for them.” Schlotthauer said he doesn’t worry about his cadets getting involved with drugs or joining gangs. “They get so much expo- sure to good things that I think it gives them good judgment,” he added. Camarillo resident Curtis Park said that since his teenage son, Curt, joined the program, the youngster has become more mature and shows greater respect to adults. “He’s very focused and a good kid,” Park said. “I think the Civil Air Patrol has allowed him to channel all of his energies.” Curt, a junior at Adolfo Camarillo High School who’s working toward a pilot’s license, is a cadet staff sergeant planning to attend an aeronautical college after graduating. He eventually wants a career in the Marines. The cadet program “is a great thing to do,” Curt said. “It gives me discipline; it gives me how to handle greater responsi- a 16-year old (daughter) with focus . . . How many 16-year bility. Pamela must fit in weekly goals and accomplishments who olds can go out on ground search patrol classes and activities with knows what she wants to do and rescue teams looking for the responsibilities of school with her life, and for me that’s downed aircraft?” he said. and a part-time job. worth it.” Curt’s father said the adults Pamela plans on fulfilling all Mike, Brenda and Pamela in the patrol are “good role mod- the requirements for becoming Bean plan to man the Sky Blue els” who seem to enjoy working a fully licensed private pilot by Air booth at the Point Mugu air with teenagers. Sept. 13- when she turns 17. show at the Naval Base Ventura Brenda and Mike Bean, who “She’s never wavered off County on March 31 and April 1. also comes from a military fam- this, not once,” Mike said. For more information about ily, said Pamela’s participation Pamela “just loves being in the Civil Air Patrol, call (805) in the patrol has also taught her the air,” Brenda said. “I have 4822212.
51 51 Cadets Hone Aviation Skills at 10-day National Flying Academy Training draws 18 cadets from 12 wings to Wisc.
October 24, 2007
1st Lt. Terese Barta Public Affairs Officer 2007 National Flight Stevens Point Composite Sqdn. Academy Graduates Wisconsin Wing Cadet Nicholas Bonner—Boise Composite Squadron, WISCONSIN—Eighteen cadets from 12 Civil Idaho Wing Cadet Nathan Bowers—Harrison Composite Squadron, Air Patrol wings devoted 10 days to develop- Indiana Wing ing aviation skills, forging friendships and Cadet Mitchell Edwards—Evergreen Composite observing old aviation traditions and creat- Squadron, Colorado Wing Cadet Matthew Givens—Sussex Composite Squadron, ing new ones at the 2007 National Flight Delaware Wing Academy this summer in Oshkosh, Wisc. Cadet Michael Inouye—Waukesha Composite Squadron, Three female and 15 male cadets learned to Wisconsin Wing fly a CAP Cessna 172 during the 1 1/2-week Cadet Robert Miskimen—Weir Cook Composite Squadron, Indiana Wing aviation immersion experience, having gone Cadet Brian Neiheisel—Fox Cities Composite Squadron, through a rigorous selection process, com- Wisconsin Wing plete with interviews at the wing level. Cadet Andrew Paszko—Kaydeross Composite Squadron, Four of the cadets accepted were from Wisconsin, New York Wing Cadet Kevin Petersen—Springfield Regional Composite with the rest were from across the nation, from as Squadron, Missouri Wing far away as California, New York and Puerto Rico. Cadet Anson Pontynen—Fox Cities Composite Squadron, Applications had been submitted more than six Wisconsin Wing Cadet Lizbeth Roman-Claudio—Catano Cadet Squadron, months in advance. Puerto Rico Wing Although their goal at the academy isn’t Cadet Thomas Scheffel—Valkyrie Composite Squadron, explicitly to solo, most of the participants do. This Colorado Wing year, all but one soloed, and the one that didn’t Cadet Wesley Shannon—99th Composite Squadron, Arkansas Wing was just a week shy of her 16th birthday. Along Cadet Elizabeth Strunk—Clearwater Valley Composite with soloing—taking off and landing without an Squadron, Idaho Wing instructor aboard -- cadets can also “pre-solo” by Cadet Victor Traven—St. Marys Composite Squadron, taking up an instructor who stays quiet and doesn’t Maryland Wing Cadet Daniel Westfahl—Laramie Valley Composite touch the controls unless absolutely necessary. Squadron, Wyoming Wing Aviation is rich with ceremony and tradition, Cadet Hannah Wirhanowicz—Twin County Composite and the NFA is no exception to that. Squadron, Wisconsin Wing Cadet Ethan Wiseman—Sierra Composite Squadron 72, A new approach invoked this year was the California Wing “solo tie.” After passing the pre-solo test and oral interview, each cadet chose a neck- Both halves are signed and dated, and the tie, obtained at the local Goodwill store, to student keeps the knotted stub. The other piece is wear during his or her momentous flight. displayed on a poster board in the dining hall. Afterward, instructors cut the tie in half to symbol- This practice fulfills the same purpose as the ize the student’s being freed from the bonds of more commonly observed shirt tail cutting. The earth and from the instructor. Continued . . .
53 53 Nat’l Flying Academy Continued . . . tie-cutting tradition goes back possibly fifty years of time and we fly with them several times a day,” or more, to the days in which naval aviators wore explained Thompson, the chief flight instructor. khaki suits and neckties rather than a flight suit. “The learning curve is almost vertical. You see the This year, a few NFA solos had special growth in their flying skills as you watch, almost in significance. fast-forward.” For example, after soloing all of his students, Cadets and instructors alike shared a military Capt. John Thompson of the Wisconsin Wing’s style barracks and dining hall. A typical day Stevens Point Composite Squadron took over for began with a 6 a.m. wake up, followed by 6:45 another instructor with a student who had been expe- a.m. formation and flag-raising. After breakfast, riencing some ups and downs with her flight training. the cadets usually headed out to their aircraft with Something about Thompson’s unique teaching instructors for their first flying lesson of the day. style finally clicked with this student, and it gave This year the NFA was blessed with a week of him a special thrill when she eventually soloed. near perfect weather. Warm sunny days and calm “That was so cool,” Thompson reminisced. winds allowed most of the flight crews to get in “She did a wonderful job and it felt like it was one two or three flights per day. of my own kids doing something good. And that The summer heat also inspired a few sur- airplane wasn’t big enough for that smile of hers.” prise soakings -- in one case, a spraying with 7 In Thompson’s opinion, enacting a tradition Up—among the cadets, similar to the dunk tanks like the tie-cutting draws the group together. or wishing wells that military pilots of another era “You can tell they’re a tighter group because would use to cool off their new hot pilots. of it,” he said. “That’s one of the things they came An awards banquet, held in the renowned here for. Some of these cadets have made new EAA Museum, capped the 10-day program. The friends for life.” transformation of cadets’ appearance from white The bonding between cadets became apparent CAP T-shirts and shorts to dress blue uniforms by midweek. Many were called by nicknames was an inspiring sight. Those who soloed proudly based on their home state. They knew each other received their wings at the banquet. Surrounded as “Colorado,” “Delaware” or “Cali.” by historic aircraft, it was a time for celebration Cadets were divided into flights -- groups and farewell. Token gifts between instructors and of two to four -- that shared in the cama- instructors were exchanged. raderie as well, with a bit of competition. The dinner concluded with “100 Low-Lead For example, flights competed daily for the best- Av Gas Toast.” One flight crew, the Razorbacks maintained and tied-down aircraft. Each flight was (named for their instructor’s UH-1B helicopter known by a nickname -- Pilots of the Caribbean, platoon in Vietnam), served blue Gatorade® Frost for instance. to graduating cadets from an unused plastic gas Six CAP flight instructors and one ground instruc- container. The drink almost perfectly matched the tor volunteered to teach in the program. While some color of aircraft fuel. had been doing so for a dozen years or more, others The NFA would not have been possible without were participating at NFA for the first time. the generous loan of aircraft from several Wisconsin All instructors and staff took time off from their squadrons: Stevens Point, Fox Valley, Superior, families and paying jobs to teach the eager stu- Dodge County, Wausau, Shawano and Madison. dents the art and science of flying. They came It also took a dedicated staff. because they love working with the caliber of stu- The program director was Lt. Col. Denese dent participating at NFA, where the cadets have Helgeland of the Southeast Wisconsin Group. She a reputation for being an enthusiastic and highly had many tasks -- not to mention the paperwork focused group. -- to manage, including the transportation of “These students are here for an extended period Continued . . .
55 55 Nat’l Flying Academy Continued . . . cadets to and from the program, the ferrying of in. she enjoyed the experience. aircraft and arranging instructors’ schedules. “The enthusiasm the cadets brought to the Helgeland even had to manage the shopping for NFA was contagious and made me want to make the cooks. this a very successful NFA,” Helgeland said. “And On top of that, she had to work in an Electronic when they obtained their ultimate goal of soloing, Locator Transmitter search mission that came up the expressions on their faces made the work during the academy. Despite the long hours she put worthwhile.”
(Clockwise, from top) A CAP Cessna 172 furnishes shade from the summer sun during the National Flight Academy. Cadet Kevin Petersen of the Missouri Wing’s Springfield Regional Composite Squadron gets his solo wings pinned on by Capt. John Thompson of the Wisconsin Wing’s Stevens Point Composite Squadron, chief flight instructor at the academy. The fleet of Cessna 172 aircraft rest on the CAP ramp after a full day of flying. The “solo tie” board on display in the dining hall.
57 57 Calif. Members Hear History of WWII CAP Plane Stinson SM8A used on patrols along Gulf of Mexico from ‘43 - ‘45 September 27, 2007 2nd Lt. AaronYanagihara Public Affairs Officer Eugene L. Carnahan Cadet Squadron 85 California Wing CALIFORNIA—Cadets and based out of Beaumont, Texas, senior members in Eugene L. for CAP border patrol and sub- Carnahan Cadet Squadron 85 marine searches along the Gulf Calif. Cadets were treated to a rare glimpse into of Mexico. It was outfitted to U.S. Civil Air Patrol’s original carry two 100-pound bombs Lead Local mission when they had a chance or one 230-pound depth charge. to learn about a CAP aircraft After its CAP days, t h e Parade for that played a vital role in home- plane was stationed at San Jose land security along the Gulf of Army Airfield -- now Moffett 1st Time Mexico during World War II. Field Naval Air Station—and George Alleman, owner of the used to pull airborne targets for Simi Valley Challenger restored 1930 Stinson SM8A, gunnery practice. Afterward, it Cadet Squadron 1986 briefed squadron members about was used in various capacities, Color Guard heads the history of the plane, based including use as a crop sprayer, at Placerville Airport. From and it appeared in the 1991 procession 1943 to 1945 the Stinson was movie “The Rocketeer.” September 26, 2007
The California Wing’s Simi Valley Challenger Cadet Squadron 1986 color guard— (from left) Cadet Staff Sgt. Chris Rousey and Cadet Airmen Andrew Avalos, Anthony Avalos and Matthew Southworth—lead the Simi Valley Days Parade, marking the squadron’s first such role in the annual parade’s 23-year history. The parade is part of a weeklong event that celebrates the community and Photo by 2nd Lt. Aaron Yanagihara raises money for various service George Alleman (facing camera) stands in front of his Stinson SM8A as he describes its history as a U.S. Civil Air Patrol aircraft from 1943-1945 along the clubs, charitable organizations, Gulf of Mexico. schools and nonprofit groups.
59 59 Boys & Girls Club members and Composite Squadron 11 members gather for a photo after tourning the Palm Springs Air Museum. Calif. Unit Shares U.S. CAP Experience, Museum Visit With Boys & Girls Clubs Composite Squadron 11 hosts youths, provides tours
September 13, 2007
CALIFORNIA—As guests of cadet commander, Brandon guide. He fielded questions and Composite Squadron 11 dur- Bottemer, who explained U.S. accompanied the club members. ing the summer, Boys & Girls Civil Patrol’s Cadet Program The adult member in charge of Clubs members in California’s to the teen and preteen guests. each club expressed thanks for Coachella Valley were able In addition, club members the CAP experience and said the to tour of the world-famous Palm watched a cadet drill per- youths really enjoyed the tour. Springs Air Museum, site of the formance, toured squadron The tours’ success is squadron’s weekly meetings. facilities, talked with senior prompting the squadron’s adop- After the air museum members and were provid- tion of an annual invitation and tour, each group—from Palm ed with CAP literature. open house for local Boys and Springs, Desert Hot Springs Maj. Bruce L. Marble, Girls Clubs. and Cathedral City, respectively t h e u n i t s p u b l i c a f f a i r s —met with the squadron’s officer, served as museum tour
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