(CC-CAP) Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Begins 2007 Operations

Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Begins 2007 Operations
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Major Carrales compares an detailed road atlas to sectional charts

VICTORIA, TEXAS- While the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron (CC-CAP) of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) began its 2007 operating year on 2 January 2007 with its first meeting of the first quarter, its operations began in earnest on Saturday 13 January 2007 with attendance of the first Distributive Search and Rescue Exercise (DSAR). This is statewide exercise is the Texas Wing’s primary training exercise and involves “staging area” set up around the State. Each staging area conducts its own training in conjunction with the Mission Base, this occasion centered in Addison, Texas.

CC-CAP officers and cadets traveled to Victoria, Texas to conduct various training including Urban Direction Finding, a method for locating a downed aircraft using equipment to locate a radio beacon, and communications. Additionally, the occasion offered cadets from Corpus Christi to interact with cadets for Victoria.

“We can do a lot,” said Major Joe Ely Carrales the CC-CAP Squadron Commander, “for our youth in the CAP cadet program. We are looking to grow in 2007.”

Cadet Philip Lozano, Deputy Cadet Commander, inspects an aircraft as part of his UDF training.

Civil Air Patrol cadets can participate and even take leading roles in the Civil Air Patrol’s Emergency Services and Search and Rescue activities. Cadets range is ages from 12 (or enrolled in the 6th Grade) to 20 years old, they wear modified US Air Force uniforms and learn leadership skills through the core values of Integrity, Service before Self, Excellence and Respect. Civil Air Patrol has three main missions, Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and Cadet programs. There is no age limit for those wishing to join the CAP officer program.

Any young adult wishing to join CAP may contact Maj. Joe Ely Carrales at 361-779-4739.

Assorted images from the Victoria Staging Area...

Capt Saddler leads a RAMP SEARCH at Victoria Regional Airport

2LT Mike Garmon was able to get some COMM equipment up and running and is seen seated entering data and e-mailing forms to Mission Base.



Cadet Hatch and Cadet Lozano listen as Capt Saddler instructs them in some of the finer points of Urban Direction Finding, namely PAPERWORK!!!




Mission Accomplished!!! 2LT Garmon, Major Alvarado, Cadet Ross, Cadet Lozano, Capt Saddler and Cadet Hatch pose after finding the ELT, Emergency locator and Transmitter, in the "Jungles of Schroeder, Texas."




Capt Saddler instructs on how to read a sectional.

(CC-CAP NEWS) Winter Encampment Day 2

Winter Encampment Day 2
27 December 2006

Click here for a NEWS STORY on the Texas Wing Winter Encampment (video included):
http://http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=177025

BASTROP, Texas - As the sun sets on the second day of encampment the progress made is already visible. Always busy, the cadets attended 5 classes today including Air Force organization and structure, enlisted structure, and the roles of the USAF and its Auxiliary, which were taught by Air Force reservists. Lunch was done picnic style with the kitchen staff serving up the cadets’ favorite…MRE’s (meals ready to eat). Nothing like beef stew in a bag to keep the energy levels up! After lunch the flights split up to different activities. Alpha and Bravo hit the firing range to work on marksmanship while the other flights had drill training and creative thinking time. News 8 Austin came to visit during this time and took some footage to put on the evening news.*




At 4pm the flights met up again in the mess hall for classes on the ROTC program and a video from the Smithsonian. Before we knew it, it was time for dinner and the day was almost over. Before the day was out and dinner was served the big announcement arrived. Honor flight for the day was awarded to Charlie Flight, who throughout the day performed outstandingly in in-ranks inspections, barracks inspections, and Civil Air Patrol knowledge. We will look forward to see Charlie continue to perform as the week progresses.

*Clips of what was run should be available at www.news8austin.com by searching for “Camp Swift” or “Civil Air Patrol”





GSARSS- The Other Encampment
While the basic encampment participants were learning the essentials to cadet life, not far away in the woods of Camp Swift, and entirely different program was going on. The program known as GSARSS (Ground Search and Rescue Specialty School) was training advanced cadets in the principles of emergency services. One of the most advanced programs of its kind, GSARSS has revolutionized Texas Wing Emergency Services through its highly trained graduates. Throughout the day today cadets participated in preparing emergency services equipment, conducting lost person procedures in the field, and locating a distress beacon. Additionally, the cadets learned the invaluable skill of CPR as a part of their training and also learned how to protect themselves while performing life saving procedures on victims. By the end of the week, basic GSARSS cadets may expect to receive the qualifications for their Ground Team Member badge and intermediate cadets will also receive training in CERT the nationally recognized disaster relief program.


Encampment Profile- General Spaatz
No, we aren’t talking about the General Spaatz the award was named after. This General…or simply Spaatz (as he likes to be called) is a canine veteran of winter encampments. Spaatz’s story begins three months before the Winter 2004 encampment, held here at Camp Swift. Spaatz, known as Shadow back then, was a stray dog who found his way one day to the grounds of Camp Swift. The workers here began feeding him and grew attached, but they could not allow him to stay long. They were thinking about taking him to a shelter until the Texas Wing encampment came along. Shadow began to literally shadow the cadets, following them around and winning over the hearts of both basics and staff. He was renamed “General Spaatz” and became the unofficial encampment mascot. At the end of the week, Capt. Penny Finuf decided she simply could not let Spaatz go. He was adopted by her and taken home where he quickly grew stronger and more confident. Today, he has attended a total of four encampments and a Wing Color Guard competition. General Spaatz is just another one of our fantastic cadets!





Article and photos submitted by C/Lt Col Lauren Ostrov and C/CMSgt Ronalyn Williams

(CC-CAP NEWS)Commissoner Cazalas to Speak to Unit

Commissoner Cazalas to Speak to Unit
By Major Joe Ely Carrales

Corpus Chirsti, Texas- Nueces County Commissioner Chuck Cazalas is scheduled to speak to the unit on 16 January 2007 at 7:30 at the regular meeting of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. This is the next installment of the recent effort to institute a guest speaker program for the unit.

Commissioner Chuck Cazalas

Commissioner Cazalas was elected in November 2002 to serve a four-year term through 2006. County Precinct Four runs from rural Chapman Ranch to suburban southside of Corpus Christi, including Flour Bluff, Padre Island and all 21 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico from Port Aransas to Aransas Pass to Redfish Bay. As Nueces County Commissioner for Precinct Four, he serves with other members of the Nueces County Commissioners' Court and has constitutional responsibility for the fiscal management of the County's $114.30 million budget.

Commissioner Cazalas has provided leadership and commitment for business and to South Texas community for the past 38 years. Cazalas serves on various non-profit community boards. His volunteer efforts and leadership role have garnered numerous civic awards.

Commissioner Cazalas will speak on leadership and county issues. If there is a scheudeling conflict that arises, the Commissioner will speak to the unit on 23 January 2006.

WORKS CITED
Additional information on Commissioner Cazalas at...
http://www.co.nueces.tx.us/commissioners/commpct4.asp

(CC-CAP NEWS) Winter Encampment Day 1

Greetings CAP FELLOWS,

For those interested in what our Cadets are doing at the Winter Encampment I will relay these articles released by the Encampment PAO for your use. Feel free to relay these to any potential cadets to show them what this is all about.

As you know, Cadet C. Villarreal and Cadet P. Lozano are in attendance.

Major Carrales

Winter Encampment Day 1
26 December 2006

Camp Swift, Bastrop TX - Winter Encampment began today for 192 cadets primarily from Texas Wing. Despite the bitter cold, the skies were clear, and the staff eagerly awaited the basics. Today actually began much earlier, at 0600, when cadet staff started arriving and checking in. After a morning of unpacking and preparation, the first cadets arrived around 1 pm and began filing into a line. The first stop was a bag check, followed by a trip inside to turn in forms, payments, and medications. Then the cadets were introduced to their flight commanders for the first time and given t-shirts in their flight’s color. The last stop was a trip back outside to meet their flight sergeant and begin studying the SOI handbook while waiting to be assigned to barracks. After the cadets were settled in, the Standard Evaluation Team (SET) conducted a class on keeping the barracks in an inspection-ready state. Flight commanders took advantage of the free time between the class and dinner, introducing everyone and brainstorming flight chants. Dinner was served at 6 pm, a delicious chicken, rice, and vegetable combination prepared by the three man kitchen staff.

After dinner, cadets were introduced to members of the staff and given a short assessment to gauge where they stand knowledge-wise. At the end of the week, they will be given the same test again so they will be able to see how they have improved with training and study. Overall, the day ended on a positive note.

What is an SOI?
Are you wondering what those little white books are that the cadets were holding in front of their faces? The SOI (Standardized Operation Instruction) book is essentially the basic cadets’ one-stop reference for all the knowledge they will be expected to learn at encampment. It contains information ranging from how to maintain barracks and eating procedures to basic Air Force and Civil Air Patrol knowledge. Cadets are required to have their SOI with them at all times, studying it after meals or during any downtime. It must be memorized quickly so that cadets are prepared to answer questions from staff members while waiting in line. The SOI is a fundamental part of every basic encampment and it’s information remains useful throughout the rest of the cadet’s career.

And now, a word from our commanders…

C/Lt Col Harper, how do you feel encampment is going so far?
“So far it has really taken off on a positive note. I only hope it will continue throughout the week.”

And how do you feel Major Hopkins?
“This will be the largest winter encampment Texas Wing has put on so far. I feel good that everything is off to such a smooth start.”

C/Lt Col Harper, what are you most looking forward to this encampment?
“I’m looking forward to the pass in review. It represents the culmination of all the cadets’ efforts and is really the highlight of the encampment.”

Major Hopkins, what are you looking forward to?“It will be great having the parents here for the pass in review so they can see how far the cadets have come in such a short time.”


Article and photos submitted by C/Lt Col Lauren Ostrov and C/CMSgt Ronalyn Williams

(CC-CAP News) Two Civil Air Patrol Cadets will represent Corpus Christi at that Texas Wing Winter Encampment

Two Civil Air Patrol Cadets will represent Corpus Christi at that Texas Wing Winter Encampment

By Maj J. E. Carrales, CAP






Two Civil Air Patrol Cadets will represent Corpus Christi at that Texas Wing Winter Encampment on 26-31 December 2006 at Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas. Cadet Christopher Villarreal and Cadet Philip Lozano receive last minute instructions from 2nd Lt Timothy Haggerty, Squadron Leadership Officer. These will be the first cadets from the Corpus Christ Comp Squadron.

GOOD LUCK!!! ITS ALL ABOUT PRIDE!!! Keep the momentum going!!!!

(CAP NEWSLETTER) Week of 18 December 2006

Week of 18 December 2006

Attention: NO MEETING ON 19 December 2006…next meeting will be held on 2 January 2007. STAY TUNED FOR ANY SPECIAL ACTIVITIES AND CAP MISSIONs DURING THE HIATUS.

Greetings CAP FELLOWS,

Happy Holidays!!! Yes, it’s the holiday season and we are in the unit hiatus. Enjoy the downtime, 2007 is going to be filled with as much work as potential. We have outlined many new goals for the FIRST QUARTER and will do our best to get them hammered out.

New members, study your Level 1 materials, you can review them at…

http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=6564

Aviators, check out the new CAPR 60-1… we will need to know this document if we intend to revitalize our aviation. See it in its new form (7 December 2006) at…

http://level2.cap.gov/documents/u_082503073227.pdf

Cadets, the Wing Winter Encampment approaches. There will be a few nuggets of wisdom I have asked for on the web in an upcoming e-mail. If you are having trouble with viewing the SOI, let me know and I will scan it. We are proud of you and your commitment to CAP. It won’t be long before our CADET program takes off. The cadets we send this Winter will be the foundation of that momentum.

The SQUADRON HOLIDAY ACTIVITY was a success! We made an excellent impression on our guest speaker. At this time Capt J. Pendergrast is putting together radio time with the Reverend Bob Jones.

Keep ‘em Flying,

Major J.E. Carrales, CAP
Squadron Commander
Corpus Christi Comp Squadron

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PROMOTIONS and AWARDS

Currently, we have the following awards…

1LT Sandy Phelps- Achieved the Yeager Award

Once the New Year arrives we will have several awards in the works. All new members that complete LEVEL I will be eligible for the MEMBERSHIP RIBBON. Cadets going to the Encampment will be eligible for the CAP ENCAMPMENT RIBBON.

Research is being made into a NATIONAL COMMANDER’s UNIT CITATION that was presented to the TEXAS WING in recognition of activities during Hurricane Katrina and Rita.
In terms of promotions, paperwork for the special appointment of SM Kelly Harlan to Captain for his credentials as a CFI.

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A Letter from Lt Col Billman

Lt Col Billman of Group V/TEXAS WING expressed his admiration for the accomplishments of our unit in a letter to me that arrived after the Holiday Banquet. He praised our zeal and determination to come back from the edge of CAP stagnation.

HEADQUARTERS, GROUP V
TEXAS WING, CIVIL AIR PATROL
7735 CHAMBERS PARKWAY
BROOKS
CITY-BASE TEXAS 78235-5102

Major Jose E. Carrales, III
PO Box 671
Premont, TX
78375-0671

10 December 2006

Dear Major Carrales (Joe),

Congratulations on a very impressive year for the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron. I know you and I share a great respect and admiration for the dedication, selflessness and hard work of your Officers and Cadets. Please pass on my appreciation to them.

I am always humbled by the grit and determination of our volunteers, especially in the face of hardship and adversity. I know the members of your unit have come a long way this year and done it from meager beginnings. Yours was a squadron approaching stagnation, yet unwilling to give up. Many ordinary organizations would have folded under similar pressures, but yours did not.

Although our CAP mission is inspiring and the work honorable, the real engine for success was the hearts and souls of your people – seasoned veterans and new recruits alike. With your excellent example of fine leadership, the talents and desires of the members of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron found a path to channel their efforts. TX-026 has literally pick itself up by its bootstraps and stepped off smartly this year.

From recruiting and training to planning and executing, your unit has built a foundation that is sure to lead to continued growth and maturity as a mission ready unit. I look forward to the coming year where I will have many chances to acknowledge your successes and share in your pride. Please know that Civil Air Patrol as an organization, and you community as a whole, is better for all your efforts. I would say keep up the good work, but I already know that you will.

Sincerely,

(signed)

EDDY R. BILLMAN,
Lt Col, CAP
Commander

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Great WORK to everyone this year!!! Enjoy the holidays and KEEP READING these e-mails!!!

MAJOR J.E. CARRALES
COMMANDER
CORPUS CHRISTI COMP SQUADRON

(CC-CAP) Corpus Christi Celebrates 65th Anniversary with Banquet

Corpus Christi Celebrates 65th Anniversary with Banquet

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
Squadron Commander
Corpus Christi Comp Squadron

The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron celebrated the 65th Anniversary of the founding of the Civil Air Patrol on 11 December 2006 in conjunction with its Holiday Banquet and announcement of its first complete Aircrew. The banquet was held at the Silverado Smokehouse in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The evening began with a stirring performance by the Patriot’s Band of Corpus Christi. The ensemble preformed traditional Christmas music along with Patriotic themes. At 1900hrs Maj Joe Ely Carrales opened the ceremonials. The band’s Color Guard posted the Colors and the occasion was opened with the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Cadet Oath.

The Patriot’s Band was contacted by the unit’s Deputy Commander for Cadets, 1LT Sandy Phelps, who is also a member of that musical group. 1LT Phelps intended to conduct the ensemble, however she was hospitalized and could not. She never-the -less, maintained almost constant contact with the unit via cell phone to insure all went well. Phelps also provided various door prizes that were given out thought the evening.

Several awards were then given. Cadet Airman Philip Lozano’s promotion to that rank was reaffirmed in ceremony and a commendation from the Deputy Commander of Cadets was read aloud. Cadet Technical Sergeant Christopher Villarreal too was read a commendation. Both Cadet Villarreal and Lozano where honored with the news that they had been recommended to the Group V Cadet Advisory Council, CAC, as primary and secondary representatives respectively. Also, both will be attending the 2006 Texas Wing Basic Encampment.

Additionally, Capt Joe Pendergrast and 1LT Jerry Lunceford were awarded aviation badges. Capt Pendergrast for achieving Mission Observer and 1LT Lunceford for becoming a Mission Pilot, both of these positions being necessary for an effective Aircrew.

The evening’s keynote speaker was the Reverend Bob Jones, local radio talk show host on local News/Talk 1440 Keys. Reverend Jones is the primary host of the KEYS Morning Show and Saturday afternoon radio periodical Commonsense with Bob Jones. Reverend Jones spoke on Leadership in the modern world and offered encouraging words to up-in-coming CAP cadets praising the Civil Air Patrol for building future leaders. This was a continuation of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron’s guest speaker program begun in October of 2006.

Lastly, the only item on the Meeting Agenda was to review the unit’s goals for 2007. Capt Pendergrast read over them, which outlined 2007 by quarters stressing the need for Air/Ground operations and continued activities toward building the unit. The evening ended with a few photos and conversation with the guest host and wishes of continued unit growth for 2007.

Let’s keep ‘em flying in 2007!

Assorted Photographs from the Banquet!!!



Major Joe Ely Carrales and Radio Personality The Reverend Bob Jones



Capt Joe Pendergrast takes a quick pic with Rev Bob Jones



The Extended CAP family...Rev Jones snaps a pic with the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol.



Mrs Lunceford pins the CAP Mission Pilot Wings on her interpid husband, 1LT Jerry Lunceford.




And so the crowd moans... "Oh no, he's gonna talk!" Major Carrales prepares to address the unit.



Cadet Lozano reporting as ordered.



Major Carrales reads a commendation to Cadet Villarreal.




Capt Pendergrast about to be "WINGED" an OBSERVER by Major J.E. Carrales

AND...



A look at what a full room looks like at a CC-CAP meeting, placed here as a sign of HOPE for 2007.