cap volunteer Sept-Oct 06 11/2/06 7:35 AM Page a CIVIL AIR PATROL September-October 2006 Everyday Heroes of the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary SUPER SUMMER Cadets Excel at NCC, Other Activities 9/11 CALLS MEMBERS Patriotism Leads Volunteers Into CAP ACADEMY BOUND CAP Postures Cadets For Next Level cap volunteer Sept-Oct 06 11/2/06 7:35 AM Page b cap volunteer Sept-Oct 06 11/2/06 7:35 AM Page 1 CIVIL AIR PATROL September-October 2006 FEATURES 2 9/11 Impacts Membership Five years later, members share inspiration for joining. 6 Border Sorties National commander testifies before House committee. 9 Sea of Red CAP members take part in Red Ribbon Week. 2 The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, had 11 Georgia Wing on Their Minds a profound effect on CAP membership. Unit’s missions gain praise from State House. 12 Animal Instinct 40 Wings of Freedom Feline friends help CAP hone search skills. Pilot of historic bombers says CAP gave him aviation bug. 16 Aerospace and Beyond CAP member spreads AE message across nation. 42 On the Marking Cadet embodies, shares spirit of CAP. 18 Blind? No Problem! Cadet shares his CAP experience. 46 Springboard to Success Cadets sail from CAP to military academies. 20 Ham and CAP Go Great Together Members promote CAP at Hamvention. 21 Seasonal Sensations DEPARTMENTS Centerfold pullout features cadet summer programs. 5 From Your National Commander 22 Lead to Succeed 51 Achievements Cadet Officer School readies youth for careers, life. Officers, Cadets Honored 24 Egg-citing School National Staff College prepares members to lead. 53 Region News 26 Greatest CAP Show on Earth Blue Beret cadets perform missions at Oshkosh. SUBSCRIPTIONS 30 Worldwide Cadets The annual subscription rate is $25. To subscribe, mail a IACE takes youths across the globe. check to Volunteer subscription, CAP Public Affairs, 105 S. 32 A New Frontier Hansell St., Bldg. 714, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6332 Airline expands cadets’ horizons behind the scenes. 34 Full Body Workout ON OUR COVER National Cadet Competition tests youths in every way. Cadet Eric Daniel Nelson of the Middle East Region's Color Guard 37 Chaplains at Work salutes during an outdoor presentation at Civil Air Patrol's National CAP member fills in for deployed minister. Cadet Competition in Herndon, Va. Special coverage of the competition 38 Seeing Stars as well as other summer cadet activities begins on page 21. CAP member talks telescopes. Photo by Marc Huchette, CAP National Headquarters Civil Air Patrol Volunteer 1 September-October 2006 cap volunteer Sept-Oct 06 11/2/06 7:36 AM Page 2 Five9/1 Years After1 Volunteers Still Feel Strongly About Serving America By Lenore Vickrey he events of Sept. 11, after that day, he knew others would including as an operations officer, 2001, left an indelible soon be called to defend the coun- and recently, he and fellow CAP mark on the psyche of try abroad, and he was compelled to members flew four sorties and more America. Many citizens do his part. He joined CAP in than 11 hours in support of a new T were stirred by October 2002. Army and Navy joint homeland a newfound patriotic “I looked at many missile defense system. spirit to defend the U.S., organizations, but kept “I feel even more strongly about and a significant number coming back to the Civil CAP than I did when I joined four found that opportunity Air Patrol due to my love years ago,” Stokes said. “We play an to serve in the Civil Air of flying,” he said. important role in our nation’s secu- Patrol. Stokes obtained his rity and a vital role in support of Statistics show mem- scanner and observer rat- the Air Force and the general avia- bership increased by 11 ings within six months, tion community.” percent within two years and has participated in 29 Like millions of other Americans, after 9/11. Capt. Jon L. Stokes actual search and rescue 1st Lt. Gail Swanson watched in Capt. Jon L. Stokes sorties, five homeland disbelief as the twin towers col- was one of those who felt the call to security sorties and 12 counterdrug lapsed on her TV screen. Eighteen CAP. Now commander of Senior sorties, accumulating more than months later, the writer found her- Squadron 5, California Wing, he 160 flight hours as an observer. He self in New York City where she had never joined the military, but has served in many capacities, spent three months interviewing Civil Air Patrol Volunteer 2 September-October 2006 cap volunteer Sept-Oct 06 11/2/06 7:36 AM Page 3 Americans who helplessly watched as rescue workers to in my hand,” she said. “I will thousands died in the terrorist attacks of help them docu- never forget these people.” 9/11 felt compelled to somehow make a ment their stories. After her New York expe- difference. For many, the answer was Among them: rience, Swanson wanted to volunteer service in the Civil Air Patrol. Claudio, who per- help in some way. She sonally evacuated stopped by a CAP display at 20,000 people out 1st Lt. Gail Swanson the Naples, Fla., airport and of lower Manhattan; was intrigued to learn there “I joined CAP so I could help a firefighter who survived by diving was an organization that helped in my country post-Sept. 11, and I onto the back of a fire truck and preparedness, search and rescue, continue in CAP because I think it’s pulling the fire hose on top of him; education and even homeland secu- a great way for a citizen to be a part others who told of cars melting in rity. She joined up, and has since of the solution in helping the coun- an underground parking garage and served as a squadron, group and try fight the war on terrorism,” said of finding a pair of hands on a near- wing public affairs officer, the Flori- Swanson. “It’s also a great way to be by firehouse roof. da Wing director of public affairs of assistance in times of disasters, be “I can only liken it to being in an and as a ground team member. She they manmade or natural.” operating room during open-heart was also named the 2005 Florida “The day after Hurricane Charlie surgery and holding a beating heart Wing PAO of the Year. hit, I was tasked as a Naples senior Civil Air Patrol Volunteer 3 September-October 2006 cap volunteer Sept-Oct 06 11/2/06 7:36 AM Page 4 squadron ground team member to in homeland security, she knew it A CAP aircraft was the first allowed to go to Port Charlotte to help the was time to join. She has served as fly over Ground Zero, providing Florida Wing ‘Recon One’ team,” her squadron’s aerospace education high-resolution digital images to she said. “We performed a ground officer, and, like Swanson, has espe- the New York State Emergency team search for victims needing cially enjoyed working with cadets. Management Office. help. We found approximately 21 “The most meaningful part has been families on one stretch of road who inspiring or contributing to the were out of food, water and baby cadets’ interest in serving their coun- a role model. “CAP members are formula. We reported back, and try and in flying,” she said. some of the best, most those supplies were quickly brought She’s also been honorable and giving to the families.” involved in CAP’s people I have ever As a PAO she has been inspired counterdrug program known. It is a pleasure by the dedication of CAP cadets, as a mission transport and a considerable and the officers who help them pilot and has been an honor to serve with become “leaders of tomorrow.” aircrew member on at them and especially to Maj. Lynda Kilbourne, an associ- least four search and be asked to lead them.” ate professor of management at rescue missions and “The work we do is Xavier University in Cincinnati, also exercises. hugely important, and it joined CAP after Sept. 11. She’d As a deputy com- Maj. Lynda Kilbourne gives special meaning to considered joining while completing mander of officers, a my flying,” she said. her private pilot license, but after vice commander and a squadron “My attachment to CAP is even learning about CAP’s increased role commander, Kilbourne has served as stronger than when I joined.” ▲ Civil Air Patrol Volunteer 4 September-October 2006 cap volunteer Sept-Oct 06 11/2/06 7:36 AM Page 5 [ from your national commander ] abulous! That’s the word that comes to mind when I reflect on Civil Air Patrol’s 2006 annual conference in Reno last month. With the theme “A legacy of service … poised for the future,” this event was truly the best of the best. The national recognition cere- mony, the general assembly, the learning labs, the exhibit hall – every aspect of this notable gathering went off like clockwork and was handled flawlessly by the host of volunteer members involved, especially those Fin the Pacific Region, and our staff at CAP National Headquarters. The conference highlights were many indeed. First, the CAP National Board elected Brig. Gen. Amy Courter of the Michigan Wing to serve as national vice commander. This marked a historical milestone for CAP – the first time a woman has served in a national command position in the organization’s 65-year history. Also, the Cessna-sponsored opening reception – a celebration of CAP’s 65th birthday on Dec.