Texas Wing Group I
Commander: Lt Col Debra Torres
8909 Parkland Dr., El Paso, TX 79925

1. ) With a little help from Abilene (holding their guidon) cadets from Lubbock Composite Squadron pose in front of the B-1B bomber located at the front gate of Dyess AFB where we traveled to on May 1, 2010 to watch the 25th Anniversary Air Show (25 years since the B-IB arrived). Warm, but not hot. High clouds, but no rain. You could say it was about as perfect an airshow as possible. Along with several different flying acts we were able to watch the Thunderbirds scoot across the skies with an awesome show that thrilled an excited everyone.

1. ) The Lubbock Squadron will be a staging area for the next DSAREX 21-23 May. We have a bit of planning to do, and have to develop a SPIN, so the staff officers who are ES qualified (or in a trainee status) will be contacted in the next day or two. Start giving some thought to what you may need, or what you may want to accomplish.
2. ) This Saturday (8 May) we will conduct ES training at the HQ. This is a chance for you to work on your 101 card or up your level on GT related items and materials. We need as many wireless laptops as we can get so that some of you can work on your GES. We can provide you with copies of the FEMA material, but it’s up to you to answer the test questions. If you want to be on the Hurricane Response Team you should be here.
3. ) This is your notification that we are putting together a Hurricane Response Team (HRT) for this season. Basically you will train several times between now and the fall and if the call comes you go. We need each of you to have a complete 72 hour bag with tents and sleeping bags. If anybody knows how to get a couple of cases of MRE’s I’m all ears.
4. Uniform of the day: BDU's
   Target Task: Rocketry
5. ) Partial Squadron Funding is now available. See 1st Lt Vernon or Major Kolas for the form. You can receive up to 50% of the cost of the event provided you meet certain requirements set forth by the Financial Committee. This offer applies to all Wing and National events except Encampments.
6. ) Cadet Summer Encampment is just 49 days away.

Work Weekend Schedule

Note: Those of you with 60 hours of volunteer work can continue to work towards your clasp. For each 60 hours you get a clasp.

1. ) Always check www.texascadet.org for the latest from State Wing.

   1. ) Need some help studying for tests? Try these locations:

      . Leadership Review (Texas Wing)

      1. ) Aerospace Review (Texas Wing)

      2. ) Wyoming Wing Test Reviews

   2. Let me recommend to ALL Cadets to subscribe to one (at least) of several sites found at http://www/spacedaily.com If you look at the banners across the top of the webpage you can see a selection.
   3. After months of effort and planning our squadron's very own website is coming to life. Look for us soon at www.lubbockcap.org.
   4. ) For our newest cadets (and parents) here is what needs to get done.
      GT3 Cadets must do IS-100 AND IS-700
      1. Create an account at eServices by following the instructions mid-page that say “First Time User” You will need your CAPID number and a valid email address.
      2. Take and agree to the OPSEC section. You will be entrusted with information later on that is sensitive in nature – there are some things that we do that the general public doesn’t need to know (as opposed to neat to know). Operational Security is important, sometimes lives are on the line.
      3. Select CAP Online Exams from the left column and make sure you have your Reg 60-3 pamphlet with you. Select CAPT 116 pt 1 (General ES) and pass that test!
      4. Now take the IS100a Test at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/IS100A.asp
      5. Now take the IS700 Test at http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is700a.asp
   5. ) NCO & Officer video of the week. Video of the week: Last Men on the Moon
      

      Apollo 17 blast off from the moon as recorded by the TV camera parked on the lunar rover.

   6. ) Video for the Airmen: Building a 737 using fast motion
      

      Aircraft our one of America’s largest exports, after watching this video you might understand how we can build them faster, better, and cheaper then certain other (and heavily subsidized) companies.

   7. ) Cadet Hour Totals for Volunteering at Texas Air Museum or other event. We will sneak a few days in there this fall so we can finish as many as we can, but our Wreathes across America will be taking a lot of our time.

      Cadet Community Service Ribbon (need 60 hours)

      • Arroyo, Z - 7.0 hours
      • Burrell - 22.0 hours
      • Bush, Jeff - 7.0 hours
      • Eckles - 12.0 hours
      • Fox - 75.5 hours Job well done. Flight awarded*
      • Garcia - 49 hours
      • Hernandez - 40.5 hours
      • Holloway - 61.5 hours Job well done. Flight awarded*
      • Johnson - 66.5 hours Job well done. Flight awarded*
      • Kolas,K - 4 hours
      • Kolas, S. - 22.0 hours
      • Varner - 805 hours Job Well Done. Flight awarded*
      • VernonK - 7 hours
      • Vernon - 60.5 hours Job Well Done. Flight awarded*

      *Not an official CAP activity. Liability release must be on file.
      60 Hours = Ribbon
      120/180/240 hours = Clasp
      400 hours = Congressional Community Service Award (check the regs)

      "Until the Mission's Done"
      And finally . . . . .

      After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the Flight Attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Captain Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt up against the gate. And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal.

      Equipment List
      Use this list to prepare and pack for encampment. The uniform/requirements are the MINIMUMS (unless otherwise stated). Please do not attend encampment without the quantities listed below. All of your items MUST be marked with your last name. YOU WILL NOT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE ITEMS AT ENCAMPMENT. Place a checkmark next to each item as you prepare for encampment.
      	2 Each BDU Blouse with Wing patch, Reverse US Flag, nametape, CAP tape affixed		Deodorant
      	2 Each BDU Pants		Toothbrush, toothpaste/mouthwash
      	6-8 Each Brown T-shirt. Crew neck (4-6 for Winter) (ATS, Staff and Seniors Bring Black)		Bath soap in plastic container
      	1 Each BDU Cover		Comb/brush
      	1 Each belt - dark blue with black buckle & black tip		Shampoo
      	6-8 Pair Boot socks. Black or white (4-6 for winter)		Razor and shaving cream or electric razor (if needed)
      	2 Each Short Sleeve Blues Shirt (tuck-in style for females preferred)		2 WHITE towel 2 WHITE face cloth
      	1 pair blues slacks (2 pairs recommended)		1 set WHITE twin size sheets (top, fitted and pillowcase) and Pillow
      	2 t-shirts white v-neck (Optional but suggested for Females)		1 blanket (optional for summer but HIGHLY recommended) Mandatory for Winter.
      	1 Each Flight Cap with insignia		Feminine hygiene products
      	1 Each belt, dark blue with silver tip & silver buckle		Sunscreen (must be used daily)
      	2 Pair Dress Socks, Black		Insect repellent with Deet
      	2 pair garters (mandatory)		Laundry bag
      	Shoe shine kit (canned polish only, NO EDGE DRESSING)		10 Clothes hangars (WHITE plastic)
      	1 set CAP uniform insignia and backers for BDU’s and blues		1 Spiral notebook and 2-5 pens and pencils
      	2 sets blue or black sweats for PT (winter) 2 sets black or dark blue shorts for PT (summer)		CAPM 39-1, CAPR 52-16, Drill and Ceremonies manual (optional but suggested)
      	1 pair gym, tennis or running shoes		Standard Operating Instructions (SOI) Recommended Found on www.texascadet.org
      	4 or 5 pair athletic socks for PT		Rain poncho (clear, brown, green or camo)
      	Athletic supporter (male) or sports bra (female)		Blister kit (foot powder, band-aids, Neosporin, moleskin pads or roll, and hand sanitizer) in a zip bag
      	1 web belt, green, with canteen holder, no suspenders, and one canteen (camelbaks or equivalent are fine)		Disposable camera (optional)
      	6-10 pair underwear (and bras for females)		Iron and spray starch (HIGHLY recommended)
      	Shower shoes (sandals or flip-flops recommended)		Hair dryer and hair care products (if needed)
      	Swimsuit for shower (optional)		CURRENT CAP ID CARD
      	1 pair combat boots, black, plain toe. THESE MUST BE WELL BROKEN IN.		Regulation haircut (mandatory) Females should bring extra clips, hair bands, and hair spray.
      	1 Pair shoes, black, oxford smooth leather, low quarter, plain toe.		1 Flashlight with extra batteries.
      	Lensatic or Orienteering compass (inexpensive)		You may bring a Bible if you plan to attend devotionals.

      UNIFORM PROCUREMENT LOCATIONS

      You can secure uniform/equipment from the following locations: 1. Your home squadron. 2. Commercial sources such as: Vanguard (www.vanguardmill.com), Glendale (www.paradestore.com), or The Hock Shop ( www.TheHock.com ).

      Many of the non-uniform items can be purchased at a Dollar Store.

      DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE WEEK BEFORE ENCAMPMENT TO ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE THE NECESSARY ITEMS. PLAN AND ORDER EARLY! YOU WILL NOT HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE UNIFORM ITEMS AT ENCAMPMENT.

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      Lubbock Cadets Survive the Elements in order to open Slaton Air Show

      In front of a crowd of 7,000, four Civil Air Patrol cadets from the Lubbock Composite Squadron performed a precision Presentation of the Colors to open the Slaton Air Show on the 65th Anniversary of the D-Day landing, June 6th, 2009. Building on their experiences of attending color guard competition at Camp Mabry in Austin during February as well as opening a Shallowater High School baseball game in May, along with dozens of practices, the team was able to put on a good performance.

      That’s not to say the previous day had been easy for them or the rest of the cadets from the Lubbock Squadron. All of the cadets had served on aircraft fireguard the previous evening with each of them walking one hour shifts around the aircraft that had arrived for the Air Show. On top of that, a heat burst from a dissipating thunderstorm struck their campsite at 2:30 that morning flattening their tents with dusty 60 mph gusts and a dramatic increase in the temperature.

      “My flashlight was like a short range laser because of all the dust,” said C/TSgt Robert Vernon. “The beam went out only a few feet.”

      “First time that I’ve ever seen a tent roll by me with the person still inside, screaming,” added C/Amn Joseph Garcia, talking about the squadron’s newest cadet, 12-year old C/Basic Daniel Hernandez, who dramatically discovered the importance of a properly staked down tent.

      The cadets stood tough during the windstorm, the first of many unexpected challenges they would face during the air show, and the challenges did not end with the Presentation of the Colors either. The Color Guard cadets quickly changed back into their utility uniforms and went to work keeping the crowd back behind the ropes.

      “Crazy heat!” said C/SrA Dillon Holloway, “How could the airplanes move on the ground? Their tires should have melted and glued them down!”

      During the air show the temperature quickly climbed past the century mark turning the light gray concrete tarmac into a frying pan. One air show patron fainted from the heat causing EMS crews stationed for the aircrews to scramble back across the airfield to provide assistance.

      Then when the cadets thought it couldn’t get any worse, all of the air show food vendors ran out of food due to unexpected size of the crowd that turned out. Food tickets issued to the cadets were worthless except for a chance to get out of the sun when they were temporarily relieved of duty. It took a fast thinking Senior Member with a car parked outside the air show fence to solve that crisis.

      “Happy meal heaven” joked Senior Member Christina Varner of Lubbock as she handed out the tiny bags of McDonald’s food to the cadets stuck on the aircraft ramp. With the highway nearly blocked from the show traffic and local law enforcement trying their hardest to keep the roads clear, SM Varner weaved her way into town and purchased twenty meals for the cadets. The cadets gulped down their food and drank their water while standing on duty wishing they could be somewhere else, but each cadet knew the job had to be done.

      And still it worked. The show went on. The air show went ahead on schedule and the crowd was wowed by the twists and turns of the aerobatics. Aircraft soared and sped across the Texas skies. Rare aircraft to Texas, such as a Russian Antonov AN-2 still in its Aeroflot livery, or the trio of Japanese bombers that performed simulated attacks on the airfield complete with dynamite and kerosene explosions. The crowd was impressed and pleased by the performance.

      Then it was over four hours after it began. The cadets left the ramp thoroughly cooked and tired, but satisfied that they had stuck together and toughed out the toughest air show they have ever worked. No one was seriously hurt on either side of the ropes.

      “I did my job,” exclaimed C/CMSgt Varner, who supervised the cadets on the ramp, “I kept them conscious!” No small affair given the 105F ground temperature on the ramp with gusty thirty-knot winds. He saw to it that every cadet working the line drank a bottle of water every few minutes and organized relief from Seniors when a cadet so much as looked even a little pink.

      “Mission First” took on a whole new meaning for the cadets from Lubbock, they have experienced it first hand.

      Civil Air Patrol cadets fly, learn to lead, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. Each summer cadets can choose from one of over thirty USAF and State Wing activities. Other cadets from Lubbock will work toward their pilot’s license this summer while those younger than 16 will travel to East Texas to earn their Ground Team Rescue badges. For further information go to www.gocivilairpatrol.com or write kylevernon@yahoo.com.

      

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      Lubbock Squadron

      Lubbock Civil Air Patrol Cadet Earns His Wings

      For most teenagers, time stuck in traffic is no big deal. That is unless you’re flying and it happens to be five commercial jets lining up behind your small plane. It didn’t take too long before the Approach Controller realized he had to get the single engine Cessna out of the way, but for nineteen year old Cadet Staff Sgt Evan Petrosky it proved to be one of many memorable experiences that occurred on the way to earning his pilot’s license with help from the Civil Air Patrol.
      
      “I wonder if those commercial pilots realized that a student pilot was flying amongst them during a time of heavy traffic?” asked the Texas Tech student and current member of the Lubbock Composite Squadron cadet program. A few turns later and he was looking down on airliners flying their final approaches into Austin-Bergstrom Airport, from a vantage point that few ever get to see.
      
      Petrosky’s path to pilot began in the summer of 2007 when he attended a Civil Air Patrol National Flight Academy, a program that works with cadet ages sixteen and over to learn enough about flying to solo in an airplane during two weeks of training. While he wasn’t able to earn his license that summer, the experience did open a door at Texas Tech University when he received a full scholarship from the Air Force ROTC program.
      
      “Being in CAP helped to set me apart” said Petrosky about the Texas Tech ROTC selection process.
      
      Petrosky’s training took 62 hours of which 44 were spent training in a Civil Air Patrol airplane, a real cost savings since CAP cadets only pay for the cost of the fuel because the instruction time is donated. What can cost someone outside of the Civil Air Patrol nearly $5,000 in expenses can be done by Civil Air Patrol cadets for half or even a third of the cost. It’s also a benefit that applies to cadets only, adult members are not allowed to train in CAP aircraft until they have their Pilot’s License.
      
      “Thanks to CAP, I was able to get two-thirds of it done. Every instructor I had along the way helped me in the process of getting my license, in particular, the CAP instructors who dedicated their time to help me. I have also noticed that CAP members are there to help whether it’s with flight training, emergency services, public affairs or any of the other fields CAP is involved in. The opportunities are there, take advantage of them and you can accomplish anything.” Petrosky plans to move onto F-22 Raptor fighter jets once he finishes at TTU, but he will always remain a CAP member. “It’s given me so much opportunity. I can’t help but pass it along.”
      
      The Civil Air Patrol is the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Civil Air Patrol cadets fly, learn to lead, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. If they want to, cadets from Lubbock stay particularly busy with events scheduled on almost every weekend during the year, including many summer activities. Each summer cadets can choose from one of over thirty USAF and State Wing activities. Other cadets from Lubbock will work toward their pilot’s license this summer while those younger than 16 will travel to East Texas to earn FEMA approved Ground Rescue Training. For further information go to www.gocivilairpatrol.com or write lubbockcc@gmail.com.

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      Lubbock member earns Yeager Award

      Capt Jed Taylor recently earned the Brigadier General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager award from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). CAP has both an internal and an external aerospace education program. The internal program provides aerospace education to the CAP membership. The external program provides the general public with the aerospace education necessary to ensure the continuing development of aerospace supremacy. The Yeager Award is one part of the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members (AEPSM).
      Capt Taylor is a 2002 graduate of Wylie High in Abilene, received his Bachelor of Science in both Physics and Mathematics from McMurry University in Abilene in 2006, and is currently working on his Masters in Civil Engineering at Texas Tech University.
      Capt Taylor is a former cadet, achieving the rank of Cadet Second Lieutenant. He was Cadet First Sergeant and later Cadet Commander of the Abilene Composite Squadron. Capt Taylor has since moved to Lubbock and became the Deputy Commander for Cadets and Emergency Services Officer for the Lubbock Squadron.

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      Lubbock's Civil Air Patrol Squadron is located at Lubbock International Airport Lubbock, TX 79403. They can be reached by telephone at (806) 763-7477. For directions to their squadron, please click here. You can view their webpage by clicking here.