southeast region - jun 2008

8/7/2019 Southeast Region - Jun 2008

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ALABAMAALABAMA -- FLORIDAFLORIDA -- GEORGIAGEORGIA -- MISSISSIPPIMISSISSIPPI -- TENNESSEETENNESSEE -- PUERTO RICOPUERTO RICO

The Commanders Lead Inside this issue:

SAFETY 2

MEDICAL

ANTHEM INIRAQ3

FEATUREDWINGMISSISSIPPI 4

SNAKERESQUE 5AL REDSTONE119 6

FL BOCARATONSQUADRON 7TORNADOESINALABAMA

AL COLORGUARD8

SER COLOR GUARD

AL VISIT WEATHER SQDRN

9

CAP 60TH ANIVERSARY 10

Dates of Note

May 3 4 FL CLC

May 17 18 TN CLC

July 28 Aug 1 TN RSC

Aug 6 Aug 9 National Conf.

Sept 29 30 GA UCC

Oct 25 Nov 8 AL NSC

2008

MayJune

WWW.SERCAP.US

The recently completed CAP National Conference had a theme of Citizens ServingCommunities. In addition to that, one of our CAP Core Values is Volunteer Service.The corresponding USAF Core Value is Service before self. All this being said, theexpectation is that CAP will be ready to provide service to our local communities,states and nation when the need arises. We are entering the season where that need

could easily arise.

In order to be of service in the Emergency Services arena, there are certain trainingrequirements. Those requirements are more stringent than they were in the past.The additional requirements were necessary to ensure that we field a professional

Emergency Services staff that can favorably compete with the other organizations with whom we work. Thetraining requirements generate the need for a commitment to excellence, which is another of the CAP Core

Values.

Southeast Region is the largest region in CAP with almost 9,700 members. When you look at the critical Emer-gency Services Operations Qualifications, we appear to be in need of additional training efforts. SoutheastRegion currently has 156 Incident Commanders, Levels 1, 2 and 3. There is likely some duplication in that anindividual may be qualified as more than one level of incident Commander. That translates to 1.6% of our popu-lation. If you assume that approximately half of the ICs are current and available for use at any given time, weare down to approximately 0.8% of our personnel in a state of readiness to serve. Similar statistics apply to

other critical operational qualifications as shown in the table below.

Qualification Number Qualified Percentage of Population

Agency Liaison, Lv 1,2,3 97 1.0%

Air Operations Branch Directors 142 1.5%

Ground Branch Directors 116 1.2%

SAR/DR Mission Pilots 269 2.8%

Observers 690 7.2%

Ground Team Leaders 262 2.7%

Ground Team Members 1280 13.3%

UDF Team Members 809 8.4%

If you make a similar analysis to that of Incident Commanders, it is likely that approximately half of the numbersshown above are available and in a state of readiness to serve. Also consider the amount of duplication that

exists by an individual having more than one qualification.

All members are urged to participate in the numerous training opportunities available to you throughout the year.We are very much in demand as a resource for responding to disaster situations. Lets make sure we are readyto respond to these opportunities. Lets make sure we can live up to our motto of Performing Missions for Amer-

ica.

Col James M. Rushing,Southeast Region Commander

READINESS TO SERVE


2/11

Southeast Region ReCAP MayJune 2008 Page 2

SAFETY Preparing For the Upcoming Hurricane Season

It's coming. Again.

Hurricane season is on its way. Tornadoes have already started making their debuts across the South and Midwest. With the memories

of Katrina and Rita all too vivid, and fears of another disaster abundant, families must begin thinking now about disaster plans. Even peoplewho feel they have plans in place should review them. If 2005 taught us anything, it is that hurricanes can be almost unimaginably devas-

tating.

The better you prepare for a disaster, the better chance you have of being able to survive it, says the Insurance Information Institutein New York. Without a doubt, these are words to live by. Most people think about major natural disasters, such as hurricanes

and earthquakes, and how to prepare for them, at least to some degree. But less dramatic, more common incidents such as house fires

or extended power outages can wreak havoc too.

With that in mind, experts say the first step of any planning agenda has to be securing the safety of all family members. Safeguardingany property or valuable personal information must come second. A number of websites offer good safety tips for creating evacuation

plans and emergency supply kits, most notably:

The American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org).The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (http://www.ready.gov).

While you can't do anything unless you ensure your physical safety, you'll also need to have financial safety measures in place. Start

by purchasing a container or safe to store duplicates of important documents, such as your mortgage records and deeds, your willand testament, home/life insurance policies, stock/bond certificates, etc. Make sure this container is not only waterproof, but fire-

proof. Families should make a list of financial accounts and prescription drug/medical needs as well.

"This ranges from protecting your f inancial documents to making sure you have spending money available," said Mark Cybulski,a spokesperson for MassMutual Financial Group in Springfield, Mass. The container should be something you can grab if you need to

leave the house in a hurry."

Families should also have a game plan in mind for how they will cope with expenses if they're forced to abandon their home. Keeping

a stash of cash in an envelope in case local banks or ATMs are shut down is a start, with smaller denominations preferable. Thesmaller the bill, the more useable it is in more places. Keeping a supply of quarters on hand can be helpful for smaller purchases as well

as emergency pay phone calls.

Taking a broader approach to financial management, people should also have a savings account or other liquid investments accessible

if they're out of work for awhile or need to cover emergency costs. If all your funds are tied up in stocks, bonds or IRAs, it could

be difficult to get your hands on them quickly, as well as avoid surcharges and penalties. Other easy step you can take is to photocopy the

front and back of all the cards in your wallet, so you have a record of your accounts, contacts, and creditors.

The Insurance Information Institute says families should take steps to protect their property, especially those living along the Gulf Coastand other parts of the East Coast that are vulnerable to hurricanes and high winds. Meteorologists have predicted that we we are in the

midst of a geologic cycle in which we may experience powerful hurricane seasons regularly until 2020 or 2025. This is not a threat to take

lightly.

The Institute for Business and Home Safety (http://www.ibhs.org) has some good tips for protecting property from floods, freez-

ing conditions, high winds, fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Families can get information about flood damage and insurance

from the National Flood Insurance Program (http://www.floodsmart.gov). Whatever it takes to be prepared, you should do it. You may only

get one chance!

-- Wayne Terrance

Safety.com


3/11


Medical Department Have You Ever Thought About Donating Blood

If your health is good you can probably donate. You also must be at least 17 years old (although some states allow teens to donate at age 16.) You must

weigh at least 110 pounds and pass the physical and health history given at the time of donation. Note: There is no upper age limit to donate blood.

When you arrive at the blood donation center you will fill out a CONFIDENTIAL medical history. You will be asked about certain behaviors such as prosti-

tution, male homosexual activity and intravenous drug use. This is necessary because some infections are transmitted through the blood. You will also

have your finger pricked to check your hemoglobin level. If that is normal and the other screening questions are OK then you can donate blood.

Once blood is collected it is separated into components such as, platelets (helps stop bleeding), red blood cells (carries Oxygen) and plasma (liquid partof the blood that carries nutrients.) Your blood will also be tested for diseases such as West Nile virus, syphilis, hepatitis and HIV. If all the tests arenegative then the blood is distributed for use in hospitals and clinics. Your blood is also tested to determine your blood type and RH factor. This infor-

mation will be available to you. Blood types are AB-AB and O.

RH factor refers to the presence or absence of a specific antigen (a substance capable of stimulating an immune response in the blood.) So you areeither RH-positive +or RH negative -. This is important to know because your blood type and RH factor must be compatible with the person receiving

your blood.

For 24 hours after blood donation drink extra fluids, avoid lifting with the arm used, avoid strenuous exercise and avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen.

Youll be ready to donate blood again in about 8 weeks. It May Save Someones Life.Be aware, take care.

Lt Col Patricia FauntSER Nurse Officer

Our National Anthem in Iraq

For those of us who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie.

I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial servicesand other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main

feature.

All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this oc-curred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sitdown and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had even stood for the National Anthem in the first place. Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued tostand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the

music stopped.

What would you expect to happen? Even here, I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start. BUT here, youcould have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was

filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:

"And the rockets red glare,The bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night

That our flag was still there.Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,O'er the land of the freeAnd the home of the brave?"

It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and

abroad. Remember the many who have already paid the ultimate price......

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07

LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, North of Bagdad.


4/11

Page 4Southeast Region ReCAP MayJune 2008

Featured WingMississippi Wing

Col. Tim Carroll took command of the Mississippi Wing during ceremonies at the annual Wing Conference in Gulfport, MS last spring. Since that time,

the Mississippi Wing has been busy performing the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol with a great deal of dedication and professionalism. Col. Car-

rolls tenure as Wing Commander has been marked with great progress from the northern-most squadron at Olive Branch to the southern-mostsquadron in Gulfport. This progress has come at a time when many personnel in the Wing have very vivid memories of those days following Hurricane

Katrina, where the capabilities and resources of the organization were tested beyond imagination. From those days of trials and tests, the Mississippi

Wing has evolved into a more efficient, more capable Wing in most of the critical areas of the Emergency Services Mission.

The first major milestone of the past year was the mission involving the search and rescue of Mr. Dennis Steinbock in June. Mr. Steinbock was a

Klamath Falls, Oregon high school History teacher who crashed his single-engine Zodiac in a thick forest near Oxford, MS. In a mission that lasted

three days and involved many different agencies, the Mississippi Wings capable Pilots and Ground Teams, comprised of both Senior Officers and Ca-dets, proved to be competent and well-trained. Mississippi Wing Aircrews worked in concert with local Sherriffs department personnel and Ground

Team personnel to locate and extract Mr. Steinbock from his aircraft where he had been for over 50 hours. In the days that followed the rescue, the

national media focused on the Mississippi Wing and the successes of their organization. All major TV networks covered the story of Mr. Steinbocks

rescue. Mr. Steinbock was featured in an interview with CBS Good Morning America, just four days after he was located and transported to a Mem-phis, Tennessee hospital. National media requests came from venues like Inside Editionand Fox News Studio B with Shepherd Smith,just to name a

few. The Memphis CBS Affiliate, WREG-TV, featured MSWG Commander, Col. Tim Carroll and Lt. Col Bob Smalley in a lengthy interview where they dis-cussed the technologies and procedures that allowed them to perform the rescue of Mr. Steinbock. Interview requests came for several months

after the rescue, with the most recent being from the Smithsonian Air and Space Magazine. Mr. Steinbocks rescue was described in the January

2008 edition of the magazine in a feature story entitled Anatomy of A Search.

Another major milestone was the annual SAREVAL, where the Wing was evaluated on their performance of the Emergency Services Mission. The Wingwas graded as Excellent overall, with several aspects of the mission graded as Outstanding. There were no mission categories that were graded

below Excellent, a significant achievement. During the SAREVAL, two local TV stations documented the mission and provided coverage of the eventon their early evening and late evening News casts. One station, WLBT-TV of Jackson, MS agreed to a follow-up documentary that will be a more com-

prehensive overview of the CAP mission Capabilities. That documentary was approved and scheduled for a January 2008 SAREX, but had to be re-

scheduled due to inclement weather.

The Mississippi Wing Cadets have been very busy during the past year with achievements and activities. In June they participated in the joint Missis-sippi/Alabama Wing Summer Encampment at Ft. McClellan Alabama. During the week, they attended classes that covered subjects such as, DrugDemand Reduction, Air Force Fundamentals, Emergency Services, Moral Leadership and Aerospace Education. In November, they participated in the

Second Annual Alabama Iron Man Competition at Auburn University. They competed in five events; a super physical fitness test, a military-style

inspection, a compass navigation and direction-finding course, a drill competition, and the Iron Man Run, a grueling three-mile course punctuated

with stops for objective tasks that tested competitors aerospace knowledge and practical skills. At the end of the competition, the Col. Berta A. EdgeComposite Squadron Cadets from Gulfport came out on top and took home the Iron Man trophy. Also during the past year, Cadet Brian McGinley of

Col. Berta A. Edge Composite Squadron completed the requirements for the Spaatz Award. Mississippi Wing Cadets have also been busy during the

past year practicing and performing Drill Competitions under the direction of Capt. Scott Howard, Wing Director of Cadet Programs.

Among the highlights of the year for the Wing, was the selection of Chaplain Lt. Col. Erroll Simmons as the Southeast Region Chaplain of the Year andthe announcement at the National Board Meeting in August of his selection as the National Chaplain of the Year. Chaplain Simmons has had an im-

pressive career in Civil Air Patrol, which also included a stint as a Group Commander in the Florida Wing. He currently holds the title of MissionaryEmeritus in his denomination.

The Mississippi Wing can also boast that they are one of the few Wings that have possession of a Hot Air Balloon. Last Fall, the Wing procured a fully

functional Hot Air Balloon from the Arizona Wing. We also have at least one qualified Hot Air Balloon Certified Check Pilot, Lt. Col. Johnnie Coombs,who is trying to get the balloon program up and running in the Wing. The plan is to use the balloon as a recruiting tool in aviation events across the

State.

In conclusion, the Mississippi Wing has had a banner year in several different areas of the CAP Mission. From Excellent Subordinate Unit Inspections

to SAREVALS with Excellent Ratings, the Wing has shown that continuous improvement is the order of the day across the Wing. With our constant

focus on Safety and Personnel Development, you can expect great things from the Mississippi Wing in the coming months and years.

Capt. Phil Norris, MSWG PAO


5/11


Florida Wing Rescuers Remove 8-Foot Burmese Python from Hanger

An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport

hangar Thursday, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools Day.

The rescue was a collaborative effort between the Civil Air Patrol, the Marco Island and Isles ofCapri fire departments and an animal rescue team from the nonprofit Everglades Outpost.

The snake was spotted Tuesday by a youth cadet of the Marco Island Squadron of the Civil Air Pa-trol. It was curled up 30 feet into the rafters of the hangar. On that stormy April Fools night, ca-

dets were practicing their drills at the Marco Is land Executive Airport. Because of the rain, thecadets worked inside the hangar instead of on the airports tarmac. Aidan Brennan, 12, was cred-

ited with identifying the mysterious shape in the rafters as a snake.

My friend Ian spotted something but wasnt sure what it was, Aidan said. They turned on the lights and I could see it was a snake.

Word of the uninvited house guest quickly spread through the squadron, and Capt. Mike Levine took charge of dealing with the snakes removal.

His first concern, he said, was for the animals safety. Ive always felt close to animals, said Levine, whose wife works with a cat rescue shelter on

Marco called For the Love of Cats. Levine said his wife told him about Bob Freer, whom she had seen profiled on the television network AnimalPlanet. She knew Freer was based out of Florida City and encouraged her husband to contact him.

Next, Levine drew on the resources of the Isles of Capri and Marco fire departments. The Isles of Capri department holds jurisdiction over the air-

port, but lacked a truck with an elevation platform. Thats where the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department stepped in.

Marco fire Engineer Dustin Beatty said the collaboration with the fire squad from Isles of Capri is common. But this joint effort was an unusual as-

signment. Cats in a tree, Ive heard of that, said Lt. Steve Donovan of the Isles of Capri fire department, But snakes out of a hangar, thats a new

one.

Beatty dealt with a reptile on one other occasion, but the elevation of the snakes hiding place was a little different.

Weve had a snake in a manhole, but not a snake in an airplane hangar, said Beatty.

When the rescue crew finally arrived, they were received like the home team entering the stadium. Freer came clad in a floppy fishermans hat and

a gray t-shirt. The rest of rescue squad arrived in black sleeveless T-shirts that read Everglades Outpost and pictured a yellow cobra. Beatty andthe three-person team climbed onto the Marco fire truck and rode up the elevated platform. As the team got closer to the snake, Everglades Outpost

member Joe Wasilewski remarked that the snake was not that big. Burmese pythons can grow up to 20 feet at their largest.

Freer, Wasilewski and Mario Aldecoa, the teams third member, climbed off the trucks platform and onto the retracted hangar door, which served asa scaffold for the men to reach the snake. The team had to be careful to stay on the doors metal trusses. A false step onto the panels would have

meant crashing to the floor. Wasilewski reached the dormant snake first. He poked at the python, trying to reach its head.

The snake stirred and tried to escape Wasilewskis grasp, but Freer and Aldecoa arrived in time to grab hold of its sinuous body before it could

slither away. The three men wrestled the python for several minutes passing the head to one another to avoid a bite before finally getting a

secure grip.

Freer and Wasilewski carefully walked back to the trucks platform, the snake still struggling in their hands. They passed the snake to Aldecoa, who

had climbed back onto the trucks platform for the hand-off. The team descended with their cargo still snapping its jaws with a threatening ferocity.He aint happy, Wasilewski said. Down below, the observing crowd cheered the heroes. Once off the truck, Freer and Wasilewski held the snake for

the onlookers to touch. Many stood back and took pictures with cell phone cameras. Freer, holding the snake over his head with one hand around the

neck, estimated the snake was 8 feet long. The Civil Air Patrol elected to name her Lt. Bernice and make her an honorary member of the squadron.

Everybodys smiling. Everybodys happy, Levine said. The snake is safe. Everythings great. Freer said Lt. Bernice would be taken back to Ever-glades Outpost. Because Burmese pythons are considered exotic, invasive animals, Bernice will not be released back into the w ild. Instead she will

be displayed for educational purposes and given a comfortable home to live out the rest of her days.

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/apr/03/8-foot-burmese-python-rescued-marco-airport-hangar/

By AARON HALE


6/11


Alabama Redstone 119 Squadron Getting a New Home

The Redstone Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is transferring their Cadet Program to a new home to be located at the Space and Rocket Center (SRC),

next to Aviation Challenge. The CAP Cadet Program currently meets on Redstone Arsenal at the airfield in the same location as the Offi-

cers. The Cadet move is due to out growing the current facility and sometimes-inconvenient access to Redstone Arsenal and is expected tooccur in the February-March timeframe. Redstone Squadron Commander Mark Adams and Program Manager for Aviation Challenge, RuthOlive, are still working the out the logistics for this move. The Cadet Program will remain under the control of the Redstone Squadron, even

though the SRC does hold a charter from CAP it will remain inactive. There was discussion about reactivating the SRC charter but it was

agreed that it wouldn't be practical.

The SRC and CAP envision this arrangement as a win-win for both organizations. Each year the SRC hosts a large number of visiting stu-

dents that are immersed in the fields of math, science and technology while participating in teamwork which gives them self confidence andcommunication skills. When the Campers leave the SRC they may not have an outlet for what they have experienced. This is where the CAP

will benefit. As Campers return home from the SRC, they can visit the CAP website at http://cap.findlocation.com/, to locate the nearest

CAP unit. The local CAP program is designed to provide youth, from sixth grade through age 21, with a safe, encouraging environment in

which to learn, mature and explore opportunities to help them reach their potential as adults. Cadets participate in a structured programthrough group and individual activities that include aerospace education, physical training, leadership, and moral and ethical values. The

program encompasses 16 achievement levels that include study in these four areas. Upon completion of each achievement, the ca det earns

increased cadet rank, decorations, awards, eligibility for national and international special activities, and an opportunity for flight and aca-

demic scholarships.

The CAP Alabama Wing (ALWG) leadership is very excited about this opportunity to be located at the SRC. There are opportunities to recruitnew Cadets and get involved with a Fly-a-Teacher program. Capt. Mark Adams, "The Cadet Program is about to explode at Redstone." The

Cadets are excited about this move while the Deputy Commander for Cadets Jonathan Allen feels, "The benefits of this move are tremen-

dous. Not just for Cadets of the Redstone Composite Squadron, but also for our gracious hosts. This move means CAP will have better fa-cilities and good exposure to the public. It also means that the SRC will have an organization that provides an "Aerospace Outlet" for the

Aviation Challenge and Space Camp Graduates. I am extremely grateful with this vote of confidence that the SCR has shown us." With the

Redstone Cadets being located at the SRC, the program " More Than Meets the Skies."

The Redstone CAP Cadets assemble prior to the weekly meeting in what it referred to as the "CAP Shack". The Cadets meet every Tuesday from 6:00 8:00 PM


7/11


Floridas Boca Raton Squadron Support Wings of Freedom

When the Wings of Freedom with its array of WWII aircraft flew into Boca Raton Airport the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the US Air Force volunteer auxiliary,was there as they are every year the Collings Foundation brings these big birds to town. Cadets and Seniors Officers of the Boca Raton Composite

and Palm Beach Military Academy Squadrons performed community service helping with crowd control, directing traffic and miscellaneous duties. TheCollings Foundation with the local veterans provided to all who visited a glimpse into WWII.

Prior to the bombers arrival, at the Bocas squadrons Tuesday evening meeting, members were treated to a visit from Retired Air Force Captain HenryEhrenman who gave a first hand account of his WWII experiences. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1941 and was sent to armament school. He talkedabout his training and the missions he performed in WWIIs Pacific Front. He has been named and characterized in several of author Joseph Hellersbooks, Now and Then and Catch 22. Bocas Cadet Commander, Second Lieutenant Michael Lima, said, It is amazing to hear about his story. It makes

me want to read those books and more about WWII.

At the weekend Wings of Freedom event CAP had a static display of its plane. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about Civil Air Patrols three mis-sions of Emergency Service, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs. Cadets spoke to kids about CAPs Orientation flights, special summer trainingacademies, leadership opportunities and community service projects. Senior members spoke to adults about various emergency service training and

how they can use their skills to give back to the community.

Boca Raton Composite Squadron meets Tuesday evenings 6:30 to 9PM at Boca Raton Airport, near Lynn University Flight School Bld seewww.bocacap.org (membership) or contact Major Crowling via email at [email protected]


8/11


Alabama Wing Responds to Tornados in Southwest AL

Just over a week after photographing tornado damage is Jackson, Morgan and Lawrence counties, the Alabama Wing responded to a request to com-plete damage documentation for tornado touchdowns in southeastern Alabama. Although damage was found in several counties, the primary damagefrom the February 17, 2008, tornadoes was in Prattville, Alabama. Two Satellite Digital Imaging System (SDIS) crews from Tuscaloosa and Birmingham90 squadrons flew missions in support of Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security and other organizations needing documentation

of the damage. High resolution video taken by the Tuscaloosa squadron was also transmitted to state agencies.

SDIS crews took pictures of Russell County and Prattville, Alabama showing the extent of the destruction caused by the tornadoes. The homes of sev-eral Alabama Wing members were destroyed or damaged and, at one point, two CAP cadets were reported missing, but were located unhurt. Maj. JohnNeil, Director of Operations for Alabama Wing, reported that 85% of Alabama Squadrons notified the wing they were ready to deploy ground and air

assets as needed.

Major Patricia Mitcham

Alabama Wing, DPA

Alabama WingCadet Color Guard

Montevallo, AL On Sunday, February 3, 2008,

the Cadet Color Guard of the Civil Air Patrol, Bes-semer Composite Squadron presented the colors

for guest speaker First Lady Patsy Riley at the

Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel at TheAmerican Village in Montevallo. The program was

part of a series called Sundays in the Chapel.Maj Patricia Mitcham

Alabama Wing, DPA

Photo at right:

C/Lt. Col Petelos, C/A1C Vaught, AL First Lady Patsy

Riley, C/A1C Rives, C/Amn Pearson


9/11


Florida Wing Team Wins SER Color Guard Competition

PATRICK AFB, FLORIDA

The Florida Wing Color Guard, comprised of cadets from the Gainesville and Marion County Composite Squadrons, earned the championship title at the

Southeast Region Color Guard Competition at Patrick AFB on April 26th. Team members are C/CMSgt Tim Lhota (commander), C/SMSgt Tiffany Ja-kowczuk, C/TSgt Josh Davidson and C/SSgt Sam Dauss.

The Florida team received 1st place honors in five events, and took 2nd place in the remaining two contests, earning them the overall title. In addition,

C/CMSgt Tim Lhota received the award for Highest Written Exam Score. C/SMSgt Tiffany Jakowczuk earned trophies for the 2nd Highest Written Exam

Score, and 2nd place Fleet Foot. The team will now represent Southeast Region at the National Cadet Competition, June 26-29 in Dayton, Ohio.

Photo 1: Florida Wing Color Guard salutes the Colors during Outdoor Practical Drill.

Photo 2: SER Color Guard Competition winners pose with SER Commander, Colonel James Rushing.Article and photos by Captain Leslie Ballard, Group 2 P ublic Affairs Officer, Florida Wing

Alabama Squadron Visits USAF Weather Squadron

Kessler AFB, Miss.-- The Mobile Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol visited the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler AFB, Ms onThursday, 17 April 2008. After ground briefing by 53rd Crew members we boarded a 1999 model C130 J Hercules aircraft which flew us on a practiceweather mission in which we flew over the water (close to shore). Joining us on the practice mission were nine University of South Alabama AFROTCCadets and another Civil Air Patrol Squadron from Meridian Mississippi. The flight lasted approximately an hour and a half in which we flew from Keesler

to Dauphin Island, over Mobile Bay and back up the coast to the Mississippi River south of New Orleans, and then back to Keesler.

After the flight the Mobile Squadron cadets attended an Honor Guard training camp to prepare them for Honor Guard Service. The cadets were subjectedto a rigorous four hours of non-stop training complete with an Air Force drill sergeant who subjected them to a surprise uniform inspection. The next

day, we were honored guest at a drill team competition on base prior to departure.

Submitted by 2nd Lt. Emmett Farnell, PAO, Mobile Composite SquadronPhotos taken by: 2Lt. Farnell


10/11


Proclamation Marking CAPs 60th Anniversary as USAF Auxiliary

Presenting this proclamation on the twenty-sixth of May, two-thousand and eight, marking the 60 th anniversary of the signing of Public Law

557, which made CAP the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

WHEREAS, during World War II, volunteer aviators of CAPs Coastal Patrol distinguished themselves valiantly, flying more than 24 million

miles during 86,000 over-water missions a total of 244,600 flight hours to help win the battle against U-boats that were preying on

coastal shipping; and

WHEREAS, CAP volunteers spotted 173 subs, attacked 57, hit 10 and sank two; called in aid for 91 ships in distress; saved 363 survivors of

sub attacks; discovered 17 floating mines; and flew 5,684 special convoy missions; and

WHEREAS, inspired by the highest sense of patriotism and pride in their mission, fifty-nine members of these courageous aircrews died,

26 were lost at sea and seven others were seriously injured; and

WHEREAS, today CAP continues this tradition of service before self as one of the most unique volunteer organizations in America, consist-

ing of everyday heroes from pilots, teachers and youth mentors to technology experts, communicators, chaplains and more; and

WHEREAS, whether performing search and rescue missions or helping communities recover from floods, wildfires, tornadoes, or hurri-

canes, CAP members are there to aid their nation; and

WHEREAS, coming full circle from its beginnings in World War II, Civil Air Patrol is again performing homeland security missi ons, assisting

the Air Force in ensuring the skies above our nation are safe by flying target-intercept training missions for U.S. military pilots; and

WHEREAS, with 550 aircraft and thousands of trained aircrew members, CAP is a tremendous force multiplier for the Air Force a nd other

federal, state, and local agencies; and

WHEREAS, CAP also provides exceptional growth opportunities to 22,000 youth in Cadet Programs, which stress leadership and character

development and teach aviation and emergency response skills; and

WHEREAS, CAPs Aerospace Education, School Enrichment and Drug Demand Reduction programs touch thousands of educators, over22,000 cadets and thousands of other youth in classrooms across America by conveying important aerospace concepts whileincreasing

students physical fitness and teaching the value of a drug-free lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, CAPs Missions for America impact the lives of thousands of Americans each year and CAP is credited with saving an average

of 80 lives annually and assisting our nations law enforcement agencies with taking millions of dollars in drugs off our nations streets:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT on this day, the twenty-sixth of May, two-thousand and eight, the United States Air Force com-mends and extends its greatest appreciation to the Civil Air Patrol on the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary of CAP becoming our United

States Air Force Auxiliary.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Law_557http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Law_557http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_26http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_26http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Law_557http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_Law_557


11/11

May 3 4 Corporate Learning Course

Cape Coral, FL

May 17 18 Squadron Leadership School

Cleveland, TN

July 28 Aug 1 Region Staff College

Knoxville, TN

Aug 6 Aug 9 CAP National Conference

Kissimmee, Florida

Sept 29 30 Unit Commanders Course

Georgia Wing, Dobbins ARB, GA

Oct 25 Nov 8 National Staff College

Maxwell AFB, AL

Southeast Region Calendar

Lt Col Jim Lawson, CAPDeputy Public Affairs

Newsletter Editor

Phone: 865-977-2956E-Mail: [email protected]

Submission deadline for publicationmaterial is the 15th of month prior

to publication date.

The Best of the Best Leading All

the Rest

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT: WWW.SERCAP.US


Safety Pledge

As a Civil Air Patrol member I pledge to promote an uncompromis-

ing safety environment for myself and others, and to prevent the

loss of, or damage to Civil Air Patrol assets entrusted to me. I will

perform all my activities in a professional and safe manner, and will

hold myself accountable for my actions in all of our Missions forAmerica.

southeast region - jun 2008

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