Alabama Wing - Jan 2009

8/9/2019 Alabama Wing - Jan 2009

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January 2009 Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond 1

ALABAMAWING

CIVILAIRPATROL

NEWSLETTER JANUARY2009

Col.MikeOakman Lt.Col.DaveBoswell

Commander ViceCommander

December 1-7, 2008Declared Civil Air Patrol Week

WHEREAS, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) wasestablished on Dec. 1, 1941, to supplement theU.S. military during World War II; and

WHEREAS, in 1948 CAP was designated as theU.S. Air Forces official auxiliary with threemissions emergency services, cadet programsand aerospace education; and

WHEREAS, since CAPs beginning, theorganization set itself apart during World War IIby locating and sinking enemy submarines,flying courier and target-towing missions and;

Contents

Civil Air Patrol WeekCombined Squadron O'Flights 2

Maj. Beresford Wilson Award 3

Cadets as Teachers 4Vice Commander note 5

Wing IG information 5Check Pilot Standardization Course 5Boaz Fly a Teacher 5

Member Accomplishments 6Mobile Wreaths across America 6

Boaz Orientation Flights 8

Iron Man Competition 8

Missing Person Search Successful 10Cadet Competition 10

Two Views of ELT Search 12

SER Conference 13

Honor Flight 14Redstone Color Guard 16

121.5 Monitoring Ends 16Search for AT602 17

Redstone Cadets in CERT exercise 18

Auburn Wreaths across American 19

Public Affairs 20


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WHEREAS, CAP volunteers have provideddisaster relief during many emergenciesthroughout CAPs long and illustrious history;and

WHEREAS, CAP further provides vitalhomeland security missions that help ensure theprotection of the nations capital and the nationas a whole by assisting Air Force pilots withtarget-intercept training and border trainingmissions; and

WHEREAS, CAP provides exceptionaleducation and growth opportunities for youththrough its now almost 24000 strong CadetProgram, which annually provides $300,000 inscholarship opportunities, access to top nationalsummer flight academies and to 30 nationalprograms emphasizing leadership and careers

in aviation , as well as flight training in poweredand glider aircraft; and

WHEREAS, CAP's Aerospace EducationProgram annually touches over 900 educators,over 20,000 cadets and thousands of otheryouths in classrooms across American byteaching children multidisciplinary aviationconcepts that emphasize aviations connection tohistory, math, science, government andeconomics.

NOW, THEREFORE: I, Bob Riley, hereby

proclaim December 1-7, 2008, asCIVIL AIR PATROL WEEK in the State ofAlabama,

Signed 20 November 2008 in Montgomery, Ala.

Lt. Col. Boswell, Lt. Col. Keith and Maj. PatMitcham watch Gov. Bob Riley sign the

proclamation. Photo by Robin Cooper, officialphotographer

Redstone and Muscle Shoals CadetsCombine for Activities

Cadets from the Redstone and Muscle

Shoals Composite Squadrons participatedin the Cadet Orientation flight programSaturday 25 Oct 2008.

Capt. Mark Adams, Squadron Commander forAL-119, observes as Cadet Holly Guthrie refuelsa CAP Cessna.

Approximately 12 Cadets flew, with someflights lasting up to an hour. As Cadets tookturns having their flight, the other Cadets

participated in a safety briefing, trained asflight line marshallers, consumed four largepizzas and drank eight liters of soda.

Pilots from the Redstone, Muscle Shoalsand Huntsville squadron participated in theevent putting ten hours of flying time on twoaircraft.


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Cadet Austin Troup is shown how to "tie down"an aircraft.

Capt. Mark Adams, the Redstone SquadronCommander said, The day was filled withgreat big grins!

CAP Pilot, 1lt. Hensley is performing preflightwith Cadets, by explaining the function of anelevator. Pictured from left to right are 1lt. JimHensley, Cadet Airman Basic (C/AB) AustinTroup, C/AB Timothy Parish and C/AB DannielleBailey.

Maj. Anthony Beresford EarnsLevel V

Gill Robb Wilson Award

Major Anthony Beresford has earned thehighest award for senior memberprofessional development. The Gill RobbWilson Award recognizes senior memberswho have dedicated themselves toleadership and personal development in the

CAP. This award was first given in 1964

and honors the late Gill Robb Wilson.Wilson is regarded as the founder of CivilAir Patrol and served as CAPs firstexecutive officer.

Col. Oakman and Maj. Beresford

As Maj. Beresford progressed through theprogram, he completed five increasinglycomplex training levels. Each level requiredhim to become more involved in CAPactivities, master skills in one of 23 technicalareas, and develop leadership ability.

Maj. Beresford is currently the SquadronCommander of AL 055 HuntsvilleComposite Squadron in the Alabama Wing,and the Acting Group Commander of theHuntsville, Redstone and Muscle Shoals

Squadrons of the Alabama Wing, CAP. Heis aircrew qualified as a Senior MissionObserver and Ground Branch Director.

Maj. Beresford is employed with IntergraphCorporations Security, Government &Infrastructure Division and is responsible fordeveloping solutions involving mobileresource management and field datacapture. He has managed the deploymentof solutions for Defense and Public Safety inNorth America and the Asia/Pacific region.

He has a Graduate Degree in Businessfrom the University of Auckland andManagement qualifications from ThamesValley University in London. Maj. Beresfordalso serves with the Madison CountySheriffs Department as a Deputy (Reserve)in the Patrol Division


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Boaz Middle School SquadronCadets Teach ELL students

On Thursday, Oct. 2nd the CAP AL 801cadets were ambassadors in aviation forMarty Hatley's, English Language Learnerclass. Mr. Hatley is an Aerospace EducationMember (AEM) with the Aerospace inEducation (ACE) program. Capt. LynnToney, commander of the SEP in the BoazSchool System and 1st Lt. Sonja Erskineworked with the cadets during the activity.C/Amn 1C Katie Young wrote the release

for the event.

CAP Cadet C/Amn 1C Katie Young, 8thgrade, recounts her experience:Mr. Hatley, ELL teacher, came to teach ushow to make four planes the emmy glider,the emmy jet, the world record glider, andthe fighter jet, he taught us how importantthe folds are in making a paper airplane.He stressed that the folds had to be crisp

and that there couldnt be any air in it or theplane would not fly very well. There was alot more to it than just folding paper. Theplane has to have rudders so the plane canfly besides do a nose dive, and so the windcould slide over the top of the plane. We allreally enjoyed his coming to our Squadronmeeting and giving us this aerospacelesson.

On Oct. 2nd we went with Mr. Hatleys ELLclass to the Northeast Alabama Regional

Airport for the 6

th

annual paper airplanecompetition. Mr. Hatley put his students infive groups and split us three per group.We were there to help his class fold theirplanes, not do it for them, but to show them.They made all four planes.

After all the planes were made, they had tochoose which one of the jets to throwfor

distance, which one would be their glider fortime in air, and they had made one earlier inclass that was for creative design.

After the competition was over, we hadlunch in the hanger at the airport; we had all

brought sack lunches. Commander Erskineand Mr. Hatley brought extra food andbottles of water for us.

When lunch was over, we took a tour of theairport with Mr. Hatleys class. We saw aBlackhawk in one hanger, and a CAP planebeing worked on in another. When wewalked down the runway, we were allowedto sit in a CAP plane and hold the controls,get our picture made and then get out forthe next student.

Mr. Hatleys Boaz English LanguageLearner class students are visited by CAPcadets, ambassadors in aviation, and paperairplanes take flight at Northeast AlabamaRegional Airport for the 6th annual paperairplane competition. Photo by Capt LynnToneyCaptain Toney had us get into formationand then told Mr. Hatleys class to do thesame. We all saluted Commander Erskineand they took our picture. They watched usdo drills and then they tried to copy us; itwas like watching how we looked when wefirst started. It was a really fun day and Ihope that getting to see our CAP planesand see our squadron will make some of


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Mr. Hatleys fourth and fifth grade studentswant to join up when they get in sixth grade.

C/AMN 1C Katie Young, Boaz Squadron

From the Vice Commander

I wish to take this brief moment to thank allof the Seniors and Cadets of ALWG for thehard work and outstanding performanceduring 2008.

You have added a 17 yr old Cadet to ourPilot roster, you have had multiple finds,great exercises, driven many miles in themiddle of the night to find an ELT.

Searched with intense conviction for a lostperson in Dallas Co., sweated and groanedthrough the Iron Man event, and takentime to welcome a new member into yourSquadron.

You have stood with pride as you watchedour color guard post the national colors, youhave taken time to lay a wreath at aNational Cemetery, and most of all youhave taken time to laugh, at your selfand with others.

And last but not least, thank you for allowingme to associate and serve with you.

David Boswell, Lt Col/CAPALWG Vice Commander

The Wing IG Col Joey Owens can becontacted at (cell) 256-312-3397, at hishome number is 256-492-4762, or email

[email protected]

2009 ALWG National Check PilotStandardization Course

The AL WG 2009 National Check PilotStandardization Course will be held May 15

- 18, 2009. The event will be held at theAuburn University ROTC Center and theAuburn airport (AUO) will be our supportingairfield.

There will be new presentations so this is

not just for new or recertifying check pilots.All current check pilots should plan to attendas well. It is a great opportunity to learnsome new tricks of the trade, network withother check pilots, and have some fun all atthe same time.

I anticipate we will again offer the "PinchHitter" class so your non pilot members,scanners, and observers will benefit greatlyfrom this class. Our 2008 event includedthis with great interest and success.

Also, the Saturday session for MissionCheck Pilots will again provide anopportunity for mission pilots and aspiringmission pilots to sit in and listen to thepresentations that will be of benefit to themas well.

Please mark your calendars and I will besending out a more formal announcementshortly after the first of the New Year. Theannouncement will include detailed

information on activities, schedules,supporting events, and hotel information.

Capt Donnie ToddAL WG DOV

Boaz Teachers Participatein Fly a Teacher Program

The purpose of the Civil Air Patrols Fly-a-

Teacher Program is to introduce teachers tothe aviation experience so they can, inturn, share their newfound aerial excitementwith their students. We had three teacherswho enjoyed their first flight in February of2008 so much they came back for a secondflight, said Captain Lynn Toney.

Before lift-off, teachers were given an


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orientation to the airplane and what toexpect on the flight. The first group ofteachers began flights at 8:30 a.m. Eachteacher had an opportunity to sit in both theco-pilot and rear photography positions,rotating positions on the ground.

All educators who are Aerospace EducationMembers of CAP are eligible for the Fly-a-Teacher Program. AE membership entitlesthe teachers access to more than 20national standards-based educationalproducts to enrich the K-12 curriculum, aswell as an awards program, classroomgrants and professional developmentopportunities.

The three Boaz City Elementary Schools:Boaz Elementary, Corley Elementary, andBoaz Intermediate participated in the Jr.Cadet Program last year. This year starteda second phase of the program and somechanges, beginning with a name change.

The program is now known as AerospaceConnections in Education -- The CAP K-5ACE Program.

Capt Lynn ToneyCommander

Member Accomplishments.

Lt. Col. John G. Bunnell has assumed thecommand of the 494th Fighter Squadron atRoyal Air Force Lakenheath (UK) flying theF-15E. Col. Bunnell, an ALWG SpaatzAward Recipient, National Cadet of theYear, USAF Academy graduate, and formermember of the Bessemer CompositeSquadron and the 117th ANG composite(90) Squadron was also active in scoutingand obtained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Cadet Logan Wolf for the successfulcompletion of his Private Pilot check ride.He is now an official private pilot! This is anawesome feat, for which both he and hisinstructor Bo Andrews should becommended.

Col. William Bass, Lt. Col Brad Lynn, Lt.

Col James Lewis and Maj. AnthonyBeresford graduated from National StaffCollege in October 2008.

Wreaths Across AmericaAt Mobile

The morning of 12 December 2008 inMobile, AL was crisp, chilly, and carried thesomber sounds of the approachingprocession. First to come into view was the

Army JROTC color guard from LeFlore HighSchool, Pritchard, AL. As the NationalColors proceeded past, members of thepublic and veterans rose and renderedcourtesies at the US National Cemeterynear downtown Mobile, a city which hasseen both its own share of previousconflicts and shared in the nationalexperiences of conflicts overseas.


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Following the JROTC color guard weremembers of the Korean War Veterans ColorGuard, the Patriot Guard Riders, anorganization primarily composed of veteransof the war in Vietnam, and the Vietnam Vets

Motorcycle Club. Monitoring theprogression of the activities and managingthe flow of events were the members of theMobile Composite Squadron, AlabamaWing, of the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliaryorganization of the US Air Force renownedfor its involvement in search-and-rescueoperations and aerospace education for itscadet members.

Upon reaching the planned location withinthe National Cemetery, designated personswere honored with the task of laying anevergreen wreath at the head of the restingplaces for many of the Nation's veterans.

The assembled crowd listened asparticipants spoke of the sacrifice andcommitment of the veterans interred at theNational Cemetery.

The event was one of many that took place

that day under a program called WreathsAcross America. The program was startedover 15 years ago to honor the Nation'sveterans buried in National Cemeteriesacross the country. Mobile CompositeSquadron of the Civil Air Patrol washonored to host this event in Mobile for thesecond consecutive year and hopes tocontinue hosting the effort in future years,coordinating the financial support andparticipation of multiple organizations tocarry out the mission.

2Lt. Mary Haynes and Major Jim MooreMobile Squadron


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Orientation Flights for Boaz Cadets

Albertville, Ala. -- Capt. J. T. Gosnell,from Pell City Squadron and Capt. J. B.Andrews Jr. from the Bessemer Squadroncame to the Northeast Alabama RegionalAirport today to pilot seven Cadetsfrom BCSS CAP Squadron AL 801.

This was the first O-ride for all sevencadets. Cadets were: Justus Holland, SethGore, Brittany Cothran, Erica Toney, HunterWest, Eli Latham, and Jacob Elrod.

All cadets are in 6th and 7th grade at BoazMiddle School. Also pictured: Squadron AL

801 Commander Lt. Sonya Erskine.

Capt Lynn ToneyCommander

3rd Annual Iron Man CompetitionChallenges Physical, MentalExcellenceAUBURN, Ala. Civil Air Patrol cadetsfrom the Mississippi and Alabama Wingsmet in Auburn Nov. 22 for a grueling day-long competition that tested both physicalprowess and aerospace knowledge andleadership skills. The third annual AuburnIron Man competition represents one of thetoughest challenges CAP volunteers canface, and this year a dozen teams vied for

the honor of being named CAPs toughestsquadron.

The competition, held Saturday, Nov. 22,2008, at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala.,and hosted by the Auburn Composite

Squadron, brings together the three coremissions of the Civil Air Patrol - emergencyservices, aerospace education, and cadetprograms into a single challenge that testsboth the physical and mental capabilities ofcadet and senior members.

Competition consisted of five events: asuper physical fitness test, a military-styleinspection, a compass navigation anddirection-finding course, a drill competition,and finally the Iron Man Run, a grueling

three- to five-mile course punctuated withstops for objective tasks that testcompetitors aerospace knowledge andpractical skills.

Civil Air Patrol cadets stand inspection beforeAir Force ROTC officer candidates at AuburnUniversity, Ala., during the 2008 CAP "Iron Man"competition held Nov. 22, 2008.

The competitions overall winner was theChilton County Composite Squadronwhich carried home a travelling trophy and a


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commanders commendation for each teammember.

Winning team members from ChiltonCounty were Capt. Sam Ogilvie and cadets

Jonathan Ernest, Jessica Ernest, AndrewMcGowin, Jacob McGowin and BrittniLawley. The squadron will defend its titlenext year.

Runners up were the Redstone CompositeSquadron of Huntsville, Ala., and theMaxwell Composite Squadron ofMontgomery, Ala.

Cadet Airman Jacob McGowin, 15, ofWilsonville, Ala., a member of the ChiltonCounty Composite Squadron, exerts himselfduring the physical fitness portion of the 2008CAP "Iron Man" Competition held Nov. 22, 2008in Auburn, Ala. The Chilton Co. squadron placedfirst overall in the competition.

This years competition saw a total of 12teams comprised of more than 72 officer

and cadet members from Alabama andMississippi. Overall more than 120 CAPmembers, Air Force ROTC cadets fromAuburn University, and spectators attended

the day-long event.

The purpose of the Iron Man competitionis to incorporate the three missions of CivilAir Patrol into one event, said Auburnsquadron commander Capt. ChristopherTate. It involves squadrons of the Wing in asafe, competitive, challenging and - most

importantly - fun environment."

We were happy to see so many peopleparticipate in this years event, Tate said.We had more than double the participationof last year. It is our goal to make this a trulyregional event with teams from across theSoutheast Region. But if a team from

Individual events winners were:

- Physical Fitness Test: MaxwellComposite Squadron

- Inspection: Redstone CompositeSquadron

- Drill Competition: Maxwell CompositeSquadron

- Emergency Services Competition: Mobileand Baldwin County, Ala., compositesquadrons combined team

- Iron Man Run: Redstone CompositeSquadron


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outside this region wants to come and takeour trophy, we'd be happy to let them try!

Photos and article by Capt. J. Lartigue, PAOAuburn Squadron.

Search Successful in Auburn

Auburn, Ala. The Alabama Wing, CivilAir Patrol, successfully concluded a searchfor missing Auburn student Brandon LeeCofer, 23, Saturday morning when apassing motorist spotted Cofer along aroadside and transported him to the CAPmission base at an Auburn PoliceDepartment roadblock.

Cofer, missing since Wednesday evening,was spotted at 10:25 am Saturday morningby Wes Cardwell, of Auburn, about 1/4 milefrom a Civil Air Patrol ground teamsearching roads near Beehive, Ala.Cardwell stated that he had seen CAPground teams along area roads prior tospotting Cofer, who appeared disoriented,and then drove him to the CAP missionbase at a police department roadblock at

Lee County Road 8 and Wire Road.

Civil Air Patrol Members Cadet 2LT Camden Smith,

left, Cadet 2LT Charlie Murphy, Cadet TSgt Brenden

Atkins, and Cadet Col. Ryan McCord of the Auburn

Composite Squadron search along Wire Road

Saturday morning for missing Auburn student. (Civil

Air Patrol photo by Capt. Jonathan W. Lartigue,

CAP)

More than 30 volunteers from squadronsacross Alabama assisted the Auburn PoliceDepartment with other agencies in thesearch for Cofer. CAP was activated Fridayevening by the Air Force RescueCoordination Center at the request of the

Auburn Police Department and the LeeCounty Emergency Management Agency.

Capt Jonathan Lartigue, MIO

Alabama Wing CadetCompetition -- 2/7/2009

As a reminder, the annual Alabama WingCadet Competition will be held asscheduled on February 7th at AuburnUniversity in Auburn, AL. This year, therewill only be a color guard portion of thecompetition as the Alabama Wing CAC haselected to field a composite drill team at theSoutheast Region Cadet Competition. Hereis vital information you will need to know ifplanning to compete:

TEAM COMPOSITION

A cadet color guard team will be composedof four cadets. The team will ideally consistof two cadet airmen (the guards) and twocadet NCOs (the flag bearers), though anycadet C/AB through C/CMSgt mayparticipate if necessary. The composition ofthe team and positions of team membersmust remain constant throughout thecompetition. A substitution must beapproved by the competition director (In thiscase, the ALWG DCP). Participants must belisted on the Monthly Membership Listingprior to the competition. Cadet officers arenot permitted to participate in thiscompetition.

Other Notes -*Units may field as many teams as theywould like, as long as all team membersmeat the above requirements.


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*Composite teams may be fielded ofmembers from multiple units, as long as thecommander of the units representedapproves.*Please ensure that members on your teamat the wing competition would be eligible to

potentially represent the wing at the regionlevel. For example, a C/CMSgt on a colorguard on a winning team at the wingcompetition would not be able to continueon the team at the region competition if themember was promoted to C/2d Lt inbetween.

EVENTS

The competition consists of seven events:In-Ranks Inspection, Standard Drill, Indoor

Practical Drill, Outdoor Practical Drill,Written Examination, Panel Quiz, and theMile Run. All four members will compete ineach event. The competition directorreserves the right to alter the event line upat his discretion.

UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

All uniform items must be worn inaccordance with CAPM 39-1, Civil Air Patrol

Uniform Manual.

The authorized uniform for male cadets isthe short-sleeve blue shirt (with epaulets)and blue trousers. The authorized uniformfor female cadets is the short-sleeve blueblouse (with epaulets) and blue slacks orskirt. Ties and Tie Tabs will not be worn.Ribbons will be worn. Taps on shoes arenot authorized. Physical Fitness Uniformswill be worn during the mile run.

Refer to page 11 of the CAPR 52-4 to viewwhat equipment may be worn during eachevent and requirements for that equipment.All items are found in either the Vanguardcatalog or any parade accessory catalog.No other items are authorized (Please nochromehelmets, ascots, service uniforms, etc.). Equipment may be shared by competition

teams. Arrangements for this must bemade between teams. The ALWG will havelimited equipment available for units to useif necessary. Check for availability.

EXECUTION AND PREPARATION

The ALWG Cadet Competition will beconducted in accordance with all applicablemeasures of the CAPR 52-4. Squadronsshould use this publication to help preparethem for the competition.

REGISTRATION/ADMINISTRATIVENOTES

Units will submit their intentions to [email protected] by 31

January 2007. To assist the wing inplanning this event, please submit yourintentions as soon as practical. Along withyour notice of entry, please list how manyteams you will have, along with names ofparticipants. A list of teams will then bepublished for verification along with anyother relevant information. No teams will beallowed to enter after 31 January withoutthe event director's consent. The event willbe free of charge, though everyone shouldbring money for meals.

If you are traveling a significant distance forthis event and wish to arrive the nightbefore, let me know if you would likeassistance finding lodging.

Teams will check in at the Auburn UniversityNichols Center (ROTC Building) from 0700-0800 on 07 February 2009. Amandatory in-briefing for team captains andescorts will be conducted from 0800-0830.The first event will start at 0900 sharp. The

length of the competition will depend uponnumber of teams participating.


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Two Views of an ELT Search: Air&Ground

From the Air

When called by John Neil, I was in the yardworking. It was 1730 and I knew I did nothave much daylight. With the briefing fromJohn, I fully expected to find a downedaircraft and I was in a hurry to go. I madethree calls before I found someone to gowith me.

Greg Turley, the Pell City Police Chief andCAP member was quick to volunteer andarrived shortly after I had completed the preflight. As he climbed into the aircraft, he

asked "Where's the cyclic?" Greg is ahelicopter pilot and has not flown fixed wingaircraft in quite some time. He also wasquick to tell me he had never flown in aG1000 aircraft although he had completedthe ground school. I told him not to worry -and "just don't touch anything!"

We flew northwest towards Jasper / WalkerCounty airport and were circling the "site" inless than 30 minutes - well ahead of anyground teams. By now it was dark and I

circled the site while receiving a strong ELTsignal. After we noted the few groundreferences, I flew north of the site, circledback around, and put the signal right on thenose of the aircraft. I pushed theappropriate button on the G1000 MFDwhich activated the arrow to create awaypoint. When the pointer on the Beckerswung around indicating passage, I againpushed the button to create the usercreated waypoint - the same as the locationof the ELT signal. I compared the point, nowclearly indicated on the G1000 MFD, to thenearest roads indicated on the G1000.

We contacted the Walker County Sheriff'sDepartment as they were aware of thepotential downed aircraft. While awaiting theCAP ground crews, we talked with WalkerCounty Deputy 312. When he arrived at thepoint on Hwy 69 that we directed him to, he

turned on his emergency lights so we couldidentify him. Greg Turley then guided him tothe next crossroad that the deputy identifiedas Cullman County Hwy 25. He alsocontacted Cullman County for additionalresponse teams. We advised our ground

teams to proceed to AL Hwy 69 andCullman County Hwy 25. The ELT was laterlocated in the 3000 block of Cullman CountyHwy 25.

While I had circled the site awaiting thedeputy's arrival, Greg carefully studied theground references and potential roads. Hethen had the ability to guide the deputy to apoint where he advised the deputy that thesignal was on the right side of his patrol car.The deputy responded with, "It must be in

the woods behind this trailer". While wecontinued to orbit the site, additionalemergency responders arrived. The groundteams arrived, quickly located the signaland silenced the device.

Greg Turley's ability and experienceenabled him to survey the site and to beable to guide the deputy and ground teamsto the location of the signal. While I am gladwe did not have a downed aircraft withinjuries or fatalities, I am very concerned

that this individual was able to cause suchconfusion and a waste of resources. It wasbetter than any SARX we could havecreated. The ground teams arrived at therural location in an expeditious manner andlocated the signal and silenced it. Theequipment in the aircraft made it easy for usto locate the signal, identify the area andcoordinates, and have goodcommunications with the Sheriff'sdepartment, ATC and the ground teams.

Thanks for your kind words for the aircrewand we commend the ground teams for theirwork. It was a good response for the CAP.Had the aircraft we were looking for beenthere, it would have been located no morethan 2 hours from crews being tasked.

Capt Donnie Todd


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Excerpts from the Ground Report

As we circled the trailer the Trackercontinued to point in the direction of thetrailer. The Deputy stated he had alreadyspoken with the occupants and they wereaware that we were in the area. They hadnot heard or seen anything. To rule out thepossibility of signal reflections we circled thetrailer again.

On the third time around we decided it wastime to question the occupants again. TheDeputy stood back in a non threateningstance while I went to the door. .... Iintroduced myself and explained why wewere there and asked if they owned a boat.She said no. I asked if they owned anairplane or possible apersonal emergencybeacon since it appeared that they enjoyedcamping. She said no, but her husband is apilot and that they had this Life Pak thingon the refrigerator (south side of the trailer).I asked if I could see it and was invited in.

At 01:46Z she produced a Life Pak RescueBeacon manufactured by Micro ElectronicsInc. The unit is designed with a singlemagnetic switch activated by moving the

detachable magnet from the center of theunits top. The owner had taken steps to tryand prevent accidental activation bystrapping the magnet in place with 2 zipties. Mrs. Smith said it had been on top ofthe refrigerator for years but that shethought the kids had knocked it over.

She said she didnt even think it would work.The magnet was moved very slightly beckto the center of the unit and the signalended. I confirmed the loss of signal with

the aircraft and the call was made reportingthe discovery of the non distress beacon.The battery was removed from the unit,expiration date was August 1991. The unitwas bagged up and returned to the owner.

I want to commend the members of theground team for their expeditious work, and

especially the aircrew for theirprofessionalism and performance. They didan outstanding job. I recommend we send aletter of appreciation to the emergencyservice personnel from Cullman and WalkerCounties.

Deploying 259 miles round trip from ClayCounty to Walker/Cullman County on anELT mission: $52.15

Seeing the look on a Cullman Countywomans face when she was told thethingy on her refrigerator was heard by asatellite (possibly Russian):PRICELESSMaj. David Hester, ALWG DC

Colonel Jim Rushing, SER/CC

Cordially invites you to attend the

CIVIL AIR PATROL

SOUTHEAST REGION

CONFERENCE

13-15 FEBRUARY 2009

Birmingham, Alabama

Courtyard Marriott

1820 5th Avenue SouthAnd

The Bradley Center

1600 7th Avenue South

Lodging, breakfasts, and Friday functions will

be held at the

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown

Birmingham at UAB.

Saturday sessions will be held at

The Bradley Center,a part of the Childrens Hospital complex.

The Bradley Center is only

a short walk from the hotel.

Register atwww.sercap.us


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Honor Flight Tennessee ValleyHonoring Americas Greatest

Generation

1 Lt. Jerry Tignor, Huntsville

Squadron, served as a guardian onHonor Flight

Honor Flight Tennessee Valley offers WWIIVeterans a trip that is often the highlight oftheir remaining years. A Flight toWashington DC and a tour of the WWIImonument built to honor them for theirservice to our country more than 60 yearsago.

The afternoon of 10 Oct 2008 started the

weekend activities for Honor Flight. TwentyInternment Flags of WWII Veterans whodied before making the flight were given bysurviving family members to Honor FlightRepresentatives. The Second CeremonySaturday morning in Washington was at theWWII Monument. US Air Force volunteersperformed Military Honors during the flagCeremony. I presented the flag of my UncleJoseph Leland Rodgers. He served in Italy,and France, and was captured by theGermans spending the last 9 months of the

European War in a POW Camp. The flagswere returned to the families on Sundayfollowing the Honor Flight.

The morning of 11 Oct 2008 started early. Iarrived at the Huntsville International Airportat 3:40 AM and there were already 60people in the level two parking area greetingand waiting for the WWII Honoree Veteransto arrive. We were all preparing for the 6thflight from the Huntsville and North Alabamaarea to send WWII Veterans to see their

Memorial, and others in Washington, DC.There were 127 Honorees scheduled to flyin a leased US Airways Boeing 757. Therewere more than 1,000 people whovolunteered their Saturday to make thisevent happen. They included MedicalTeam Members, and the Patriot Guardholding flags.

We moved all 127 through security, and intothe plane. Some could still run a mile, whileothers were in wheelchairs. Volunteers andGuardians helped where needed. Wepulled away from the gate with 124 maleveterans and three woman veterans. They

were telling stories, and making newfriends. I was responsible for threeVeterans: Mr. Herbert Evans from FortPayne, AL, Mr. Dennis Fondren fromTuscumbia, AL, and Mr. Hershel Farrowfrom New Market, AL. There wereGuardians in Washington who would taketwo of the men.

The flight to Washington Ronald ReaganNational Airport was smooth and gavepeople time to talk to the guys in the seatsby them. Upon arrival though, it wassomething else. Fire trucks sprayed waterfrom water cannons. US Flags were on allof the US Airways Service Vehicles. ALL ofthe US Airways people were waving USFlags. Coming out of the plane we weremet by a band playing WWII ere songs, andPatriotic Songs. More than 1000 peoplewere in the Terminal lined up to shake aveterans hand and say thanks for the jobthey did in WWII. We waited until all of theHonorees were unloaded off of the plane,and then we loaded up on 5 buses.Loading and unloading was a timeconsuming job. Each Honoree Veteran had


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a Guardian to help or do whatever wasnecessary.

We left the airport and went to the WWIIMemorial. We were met by US Air Forcepersonnel, Army Generals, Colonials, andEnlisted Army personnel. The amount ofpeople who honored the veterans wasastonishing. We migrated back to thebuses and then on to the Woman'sMemorial where a wonderful lunch wasserved. Next we went to the ArlingtonNational Cemetery and to the Changing ofthe Guard over the tomb of the Unknown

Soldier. The next monument was the IwoJima USMC monument where the Marinesin the group were honored. The next stopwas at the Korean War Monument. Weloaded back in the buses and took a bustour of Washington before heading back tothe airport.

We flew back to Huntsville, unloaded theplane and everyone stayed in the Gate areauntil all were ready to go together to meetthe public. Wow, now there were people of

all ages, sizes, and races cheering andshaking the veteran's hands, hugging them,and telling them thanks for saving us andgiving us the freedom we enjoy in theUnited States of America. The Honoreeswere overwhelmed, not too many dry eyeswere seen.

It was a true honor to give my time onOctober 11, 2008 to a group of true hero's,men and women both, who risked their livesmore than 60 years ago.

Background: Credited to Various Honor

Flight Articles

The Vietnam Memorial was dedicated in1982, and the Korean War Memorialfollowed in 1995, but ironically, the WorldWar II Memorial was not dedicated until2004, some 60 years after the end of thewar. This means that the Honor FlightTennessee Valley team, a non-profitorganization that flies World War II veteransfrom across the Tennessee Valley for aone-day visit to the memorial and the

nations capital, are in a race against time.

While approximately three million out of thewars 16 million veterans are still living,about half a million die each year.Nationally, we lose about 1,200 to 1,500World War II veterans a day; 2007 and 2008will be the largest years for World War IIdeaths.

Joe Fitzgerald founded Honor FlightTennessee Valley in January 2007, which

became a part of the network of HonorFlights around the country.

The first flight from Huntsville was in April2007 with 14 veterans on board. Within 10days of announcing the flight, we had morethan 200 applications, Fitzgerald says. Thefirst flight was aboard a commercial USAirways flight. We took a smaller group thefirst time; these guys were the pathfindersfor this program, he says. Honor Flightssecond departure was in September 2007

when 117 veterans (including 62 inwheelchairs) made the trip, about 10 ofwhom were over the age of 90. Wechartered our own US Airways plane, a 757,for this trip, which is what we will do with allof our future trips, Fitzgerald says.

The organization now has a database ofmore than 500 applicants. We look at


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health first, Fitzgerald says, so the first tobe selected are the most seriously ill whoare still able to travel and who may not bearound for the next flight. Next, we look forthose aged 90 and over. Finally, for theremaining slots, we follow the order in which

applications were received.

The flights leave Huntsville around 6 a.m.and arrive back around 8 p.m. A departureceremony takes place when Fitzgeraldannounces the veterans deployment, theirone-day re-activation.

1Lt Jerry Tignor, Huntsville Squadron

East Limestone High SchoolHomecoming

Redstone Composite Squadron presentedthe colors at the East Limestone HighSchool Homecoming Football Game on Fri.,Oct 10, 2008.From left to right, the cadets are as follows:C/SSgt. Catherine Guthrie, C/2nd Lt.Andrew Hall, C/2nd Lt. Victoria Beck,

C/CMSgt. Michael Guthrie, and C/CMSgt.Holly Guthrie. The color guard commander

was Cadet Hall.

C/CMSgt. Holly GuthrieRedstone Composite Squadron

Termination of Satellite Monitoring of121.5 MHz ELT's. - ARE YOU READY?Notice Number: NOTC1518

Termination of satellite monitoring of 121.5MHz ELTs will happen in under a month.

Are you ready?

On 1 February 2009, the InternationalCospas-Sarsat 1[1] Organization (U.S.included) will terminate processing ofdistress signals emitted by 121.5 MHzEmergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs).Pilots flying aircraft equipped with 121.5MHz ELTs after that date will have todepend on pilots of over flying aircraft andor ground stations monitoring 121.5 to hearand report distress alert signals, transmitted

from a possible crash site.

Protect each other

Currently only 12-15% of the registeredaircraft in the United States are flying with406 MHz ELTs. This means that there is atleast an 85% chance that an aircraft in anaccident will only transmit a 121.5 MHzsignal, thus remaining silent to the satellites.It will be up to other pilots monitoring the121.5 MHz frequency in the cockpit to alert

Search and Rescue authorities to accidentsinvolving 121.5. When you fly, look out foryour fellow pilots and when possible monitor121.5 MHz.

If a 121.5 MHz ELT is heard on guard,report to the nearest air traffic control tower,the time and location of when you firstdetect the ELT, when it is the loudest andwhen it drops off your radio. Listening andreporting may well be the difference thatsaves a life.

Protect yourself Cospas-Sarsat System(U.S. included) has been and will continueprocessing emergency signals transmittedby 406 MHz ELTs. These 5 Watt digitalbeacons transmit a much stronger signal,


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are more accurate, verifiable and traceableto the registered beacon owner (406 MHzELTs must be registered by the owner inaccordance with Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) regulation atwww.beaconregistration.noaa.gov).

Registration allows the search and rescueauthorities to contact the beacon owner, orhis or her designated alternate by telephoneto determine if a real emergency exists.Therefore, a simple telephone call oftensolves a 406 MHz alerts without launchingcostly and limited search and rescueresources, which would have to be done fora 121.5 MHz alert. For these reasons, thesearch and rescue community isencouraging aircraft owners to considerretrofit of 406 MHz ELTs or at a minimum,

consider the purchase of a handheld 406MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) whichcan be carried in the cockpit whilecontinuing to maintain a fixed 121.5 MHzELT mounted in the aircrafts tail. Protectyourself and your passengers and Get theFix Switch to 406.

Remember, after February 1, 2009, theworld-wide Cospas-Sarsat satellite systemwill no longer process 121.5 MHz alertsignals. Pilots involved in aircraft accidents

in remote areas will have to depend onpilots of over flying aircraft and or groundstations to hear emergency ELT distresssignals. For further information concerningthe termination of 121.5 MHz dataprocessing visit www.sarsat.noaa.govorcontact [email protected] with any

questions.

Joint Alabama Mississippi Search forMissing AT 602

Boyd, Ala.--The Alabama Wing incooperation with the Mississippi Wing, thoseagencies working with Mississippi Wing,and the Sumter County Alabama Sheriff'soffice searched for a missing AT 602, ayellow crop duster with blue markings. The

search focused on the area along thepossible flight path.

The air craft took off from Greenville,Alabama on a flight to Cleveland,

Mississippi. The last known contact with theplane was near Livingston, Ala. Inclementweather with low cloud ceilings preventedair searches on Saturday and allowed onlylimited searches on Sunday.

Photographer Capt Ian Johnston gets theHuntsville Squadron Bronco in action

The mission began in Alabama earlySaturday morning, with ground teamsinvestigating possible landing sites around

York, Boyd, and Livingston, Alabama. OnSunday, a short break in the weatherallowed one aerial search whichinvestigated several possible sites in thearea.

Lt. Col Mitcham and C/CMSGT Caleb Branchwork on the Mission Base tent.


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A total of thirty-eight (38) Civil Air Patrolvolunteers in Alabama contributed over 700

hours in search time. Additional air crewsand ground teams from across the stateremained on stand by from dawn Saturdaymorning until they were notified that thewreckage had been found in NeshobaCounty, Mississippi.

Three staff members continued to work withthe mission through Monday evening.

According to Mississippi news reports, the

aircraft was suspended from trees and theSheriff's office secured it and removed thepilot's body by 10:30 PM on Sunday.

Maj. Pat Mitcham, MIO

Redstone Cadets Volunteer asSimulated Victimsin CERT exercise

In November, Redstone Composite

Squadron Cadets assisted AviationChallenge in their BE SAFE CERTTraining cycle. The CERT program isgeared to teaching young communitymembers, primarily fifth/sixth gradestudents, how to respond in the event of anatural disaster. The program directoroffered the Redstone cadets a chance toparticipate as simulated victims.

Simulated victim in CERT exercise

Over the span of three weekends, variousCAP Cadets played the parts assigned tothem. The Cadets were given small cards

which detailed their injuries and how theywere to act. Some pointed to slight injuries,while others required injuries of acatastrophic nature. Camp Staff wouldreceive these instructions and apply variousmakeup and fake injuries to the actors.The simulated disaster executed was a twoplane, midair collision, resulting in over fortycasualties. A flash bang grenade was usedto signal the start of the activity. As theyoung CERT teams arrived on scene, thecries of the wounded actors greeted them.

The teams had several objectives toaccomplish. First they had to locate all thevictims. The most obvious victims were inimmediate view but the rescuers wererequired to search for the rest. Inside theHabitat Building of Aviation Challenge, theevent staff set of stage smoke and flashinglights to distract and disorient the teams.Teams were required to clear all the roomsof victims before moving on to other tasks.One Cadet was asked to be a pilot who

ejected to safety but was of an alteredmental status. On several occasions, theteam that found him would huddle togetherto consult on what their next step was.During this period, the altered pilot wouldwander off, demonstrating the need for theteams to keep a close eye on their victims.


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Another Cadet was playing the part of aninnocent bystander who looked out of awindow at the time of the explosion andsubsequently endured a wound to theforehead. The team that found himdetermined that the wound was superficial

and escorted him outside. As soon as hewas outside, acting as his instructionsdictated, the Cadet collapsed and forced theteam to bump him ahead of several otherpatients on the ambulance priority list.

All victims, once found, were transported toa staging area, where waiting ambulanceswould take them away. These victims wouldbe dropped off at a bus that would thentransport them back to retrieve their gearand remove their makeup and injuries.

Participants of the activity includedHuntsville Rescue Boat, HEMSI, a searchdog crew and several fire fighters. The RedCross was on hand to provide the tiredactors with refreshments. All in all, theCERT teams performed well, learnedvaluable lessons and put their training togood use.

For the Redstone Cadets this was anexcellent opportunity to show their gratitudeto Aviation Challenge for the use of their

facilities. It was an instructive series offweekends that also helped to put CAP inthe spotlight for several prospectivemembers. Redstone would like to thankAviation Challenge for providing them withyet another opportunity to continue itsmission of Serving America.

C/1Lt Jonathan Allen, Redstone Squadron

Wreaths Across AmericaAt Auburn

FORT MITCHELL NATIONAL CEMETERY,Ala. Members of the Auburn CompositeSquadron of the Civil Air Patrol and Rep.Mike D. Rogers, R-Ala., placed wreathsDec. 13 at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery in

Russell County, Ala., to honor both veteranswho served our country as well as currentmilitary members. The squadrons effortscoincided with tributes occurringsimultaneously across the nation duringWreaths Across America observances.

The public attended the event at thecemetery. The event began at 12:00 noonwith a brief memorial ceremony followed bythe placement of individual wreaths on thegraves of our nations fallen. The public wasinvited to participate in the laying ofindividual wreaths.

In what is now very much a holiday tradition,Civil Air Patrol is partnering with Wreaths

Across America, a nonprofit organizationwith a mission to remember, honor andteach about the service and sacrifices of ournation's veterans. Veteran memorials andgravesites across the nation were adornedwith remembrance wreaths on Dec. 13 instirring, solemn tributes to the courage andsacrifice of those who have guarded andpreserved our nations freedom throughouthistory.


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J 2009 Ci i S i C i i Ab d B d 20

Army reservist at Ft. Mitchell

CAP units lead almost half of roughly 350observances this year and will participatewith other color and honor guards at many

additional locations. CAP cadets andofficers placed wreaths at Arlington NationalCemetery that morning as well.

C/2LT Camden Smith

Members of the public have sponsoredplacement of more than 100,000 wreaths onveterans graves across the U.S., anincrease of nearly 70,000 wreaths from2007. These wreaths will be placed inceremonies at cemeteries in all 50 statesand overseas. Worcester Wreath Co.donated more than 17,000 wreaths for theremembrances, 10,000 of which will beplaced at Arlington National Cemetery.

Our mission is to remember the fallen,honor those who serve and teach ourchildren the value of freedom, said KarenWorcester, Wreaths Across Americaexecutive director. Thousands of CAPmembers last year participated and helpedus to do just that, and this years WreathsAcross America promises to take thisworthwhile endeavor to even greaterheights.

SFO Jonathan Calvanelli playing Taps.

As an organization filled with many currentand former military members, Civil Air Patrolis honored and proud to have thisopportunity to salute Americas veteranswho sacrificed their lives for the freedomswe enjoy, said CAP National CommanderMaj. Gen. Amy S. Courter. CAP membersdedication to serving their communitiesabove and beyond the call of duty isevidenced by their participation in thewreath laying ceremonies at Arlington andat veterans cemeteries across the nation,as well as their leadership in helping thepublic share in these patriotic observancesthrough wreath sponsorships."

Photos and article by Capt. Jonathan Lartigue,

PAO, Auburn Squadron

The deadline for the next newsletter will beFebruary 25, 2009. Include 67thAnniversary and Holiday Celebrations

Remember to send pictures separately asjpg attachments, with people andphotographer identified.

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Alabama Wing - Jan 2009

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