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

2007-01-14T17:12:00.000-06:00

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

2006-12-28T19:20:00.000-06:00

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

2006-12-27T11:57:00.000-06:00

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

2006-12-26T21:28:00.000-06:00

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

2006-12-23T16:11:00.000-06:00

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

2006-12-18T20:23:00.000-06:00

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

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.

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

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

2006-12-12T00:59:00.000-06:00

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.

Nationwide moment of silence Dec. 1 honors CAP’s 65th anniversary

2006-11-29T22:58:00.000-06:00

Nationwide moment of silence Dec. 1 honors CAP’s 65th anniversary
November 20, 2006

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters and Civil Air Patrol members and advocates nationwide plan to honor CAP’s 65th anniversary with a nationwide moment of silence Dec. 1 at noon EDT.

The moment of silence is part of the yearlong celebration of CAP’s anniversary, punctuated with events both national and local in scope, including a time capsule dedication this March in Washington, D.C.

National Headquarters employees will observe the moment of silence during an 11 a.m. (CDT ) ceremony outside the headquarters building at Maxwell AFB.

CAP was founded on Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America's involvement in World War II. Its members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols, vigilance that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks on shipping in American waterways. Sixty-four members died while carrying out CAP missions during the war.

CAP, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with nearly 57,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 95 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions, as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 73 lives in 2005. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the more than 22,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet program.

The text of the moment of silence follows:

"Today, we honor the Civil Air Patrol, formed on December 1st, 1941, less than a week before the attack on Pearl Harbor propelled the United States into World War II. For 65 years, through tireless volunteer efforts and without fanfare, the Civil Air Patrol has served the nation. Please join me in a moment of silence to remember…

The heroic men and women of CAP who stopped the Nazi U-boat menace in American waters during World War II, saving countless lives and preserving liberty for all; (pause)

The members who respond day or night when planes are overdue and emergency locator transmitters go off; (pause)

The CAP volunteers who perform disaster relief missions for America … during hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes and countless other emergencies; (pause)

CAP’s Cadet Program’s leadership training, which has nurtured the talents of generations of America’s sons and daughters; (pause)

The more than 900 educators who annually partner with CAP to promote aerospace education nationwide. (pause) And now, let there be silence… (silence)

On behalf of all Civil Air Patrol members past and present -- thank you."

« Back

(CC-CAP) Corpus Christi initiates Guest Speaker Night

2006-11-28T00:38:00.000-06:00

Corpus Christi initiates Guest Speaker Night
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
Squadron Commander
Corpus Christi Comp Squadron

Many people view their Civil Air Patrol service in as many different ways. Some see it as an extension of their prior military service while others seek it as a hobby. This reporter is inclined to view his CAP serve as a unique way to serve his community and nation.

It is in that spirit that the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron began a Guest Speaker program designed to introduce prominent South Texas figures to CAP and to raise the profile of the unit in the community.

“CAP is a great organization,” says Squadron Commander Major J.E. Carrales, “but lots of people don’t know who we are. It is hoped that by inviting community leaders to share their leadership and life experiences we might, to quote the cordiality of our ancestors, be formally introduced.”

The first said activity occurred on 23 October 2006 where South Texas aviation leader/Naval aviator Juan Garcia and local attorney Guy Williams came to share their leadership, military and civic service experiences with the unit.

Garcia shared stories of his experiences in the Persian Gulf War and how he learned to deal with tense situations navigating the deserts of that region. Garcia offered simulator time to the unit's cadets, if they were up to it. Williams described his experiences in another conflict, the Vietnam War, and how the military helped to shape his life.

It is worthy to note that Mr. Juan Garcia, shortly afterthis enganement, went on to become the State Representative for District 32 of the Texas House of Representatives.

Guy Williams, Major J.E. Carrales and State Representative Juan Garcia stand for a quick photograph.

The unit is slated to have various other speakers throughout 2007.

(CC-CAP) Civil Air Patrol to Celebrate 65 Years

2006-11-27T23:57:00.000-06:00

Greetings South Texas,

During WWII, many a brave volunteer answered the call placing their lives on the line as part of the Civil Air Patrol, or CAP. The CAP members of 1941 were a heroic breed - men and women who served their country by sinking or chasing away German submarines off America's East and Gulf coasts. One such base was in Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Civil Air Patrol will celebrate its 65th anniversary on 1 December 2006.

I would like to take some time to thank the countless CAP officers that have served in the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron over the years. I extend special thanks to the Officers and Cadets who currently serve CAP and who have worked to build up the unit in 2006.

Current CAP Officers and CADETS of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron:

OFFICERS

Lt Col Mucio B Garza

Maj Fidel Alvarado, Jr

Maj James H Doughty

Maj Victor Medina, Jr

Maj John R Rios

Capt Joseph E Pendergrast

Capt William D Staff, Jr

1Lt Maria D Castro

1Lt Jerry W Lunceford

1Lt Sandra Phelps

2Lt Javier Benavides

2Lt Michael A Garmon

2LT Timmy O Haggerty

2Lt John D Hoelscher

SM John L Brough

CADETS

CADET Nathanael I Clancy

CADET Joshua A Griss

CADET James D Hatch

CADET Philip S Lozano

CADET Kyle M Temmen

CADET Christopher Manuel Villarreal

CADET Andrew J Winfield

And special thanks to those that are no long with the unit but helped to make 2006 a sucess, including Capt Ed Ude, 2LT Matt Billingsley and Cadet Stacey Thomas as well as to those Officer Candidates Kelly Harlan, Sam Kimbrell and Todd Head who will fuel our 2007 fires.

Keep ‘em Flying in 2007,

Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
Squadron Commander
Corpus Christi Comp Squadron
Civil Air Patrol

Conversations with Blindbob (Part 1)

2006-10-05T22:19:00.000-05:00

Conversations with Blindbob

Blindbob on…
Moral Issues

There were many threads that “let us in” on the moral views of Blindbob. Blindbob had a distinct moral compass based on his faith and experience. No more clearly was that direction than when he took up issues with forum “dissenters,” such as Sidewalk_Cipher, Kirt or Republic69.

Once, in July of 2005, Republic69 went on a trip to New Zealand. Upon his return, he made the following post…

“Hello to all EVW threadsters,

Left New Zealand last Saturday and we are now in Vancouver, British Columbia for a friend's wedding.

How do you post pic's on the posting itself? I remember telling Capt Carrales about showing him some pics of Vanessa and I and our travels in Wellington/Auckland.”

Vanessa is Republic69’s girlfriend, described as being “extremely hot.” Republic69, at other times in the forum, once bragged (for lack of a better word) about his drug usage and its “merits.”

Blindbob, true to form, called him on this by saying…

“What makes you think that anybody really wants to see pics of you and your druggie girlfriend? If I need that type of entertainment I can Google Courtney Love.”

Republic’s response was less than genial…

“Hey IDIOT! I was asked to post pics of me and my "druggie" girlfriend. They are decent pics of us in New Zealand with the University students over there and our post tsunami volunteer work we did in Thailand. Capt said he wanted to see pics and Eric wanted to see pics of Vanessa. We hit ecstasy once every 3 months at a dance and we are labeled as "druggies"! Outrageous!

I am sure you do Google Courtney Love, better yet, I bet I can search yourcomputer history and find "ASIAN TEEN" somewhere in there. Go gargle on Rogaine numbnuts.”

This sort of reaction demonstrates the ability of Blindbob to drive an irrational person to the edge in less than a paragraph. Blindbob also was not one to stand idly by at this sort of reply.

“Calling someone an "idiot" is the best a seasoned world traveler like yourself can produce? ROFL !

Remember "This Is Your Brain On Drugs"? Next you're going to tell me that you can stop any time you want to, eh. You just don't want to yet.

Since you got your panties in a wad about Eric and Captain Carrales wanting to see your precious photos, here are their email addresses; you can send the pics directly to them. I Am Not Interested. Unless of course they are pics of you and your "friend" stoned out of your minds on ecstasy at a rave. THAT might be pretty funny:

evwade@intcomm.net

jecarrales@yahoo.com

If you can't figure out which is which, let me know and I'll lend you the guiding hand of providence.

Curious that you should bring up post-tsunami 'work' in Thailand and Asian Teems in the same context. Bangkok's reputation for sex and teenage girls is well known throughout the civilized world. Perhaps you are freudistically wanting to reveal yet another side of your fascinating personality to all of us EVW threadsters who strive to be worthy.”

However, I imagine that Blindbob got a chuckle out his exchanges with Republic. I’m sure he let out a guffaw when he read Hardcore Harry Shaw’s reply to Republic’s rant…

“Once again you [Republic69] prove what a world class asshole you are.

Hardcore Harry"

Republic then unleashed on Harry with the following, including a reference to Blindbob…

“Hey, watch it with the cursing there, Eric don't like people swearing on this
board.

Blindbob attacked me not even knowing that Eric/Capt wanted to see pics of me and Vanessa, but its pointless to argue this with you.

As for calling me an asshole, coming from you, Wheels, its a compliment! Now go on
and go back to your model airplanes and you Laurel & Hardy movies. LOL,

Love ya Harry, you always know how to make a leftist laugh!”

These words Republic used were a direct antithesis to Blindbob’s more cordial and respectful style. Republic was called on these “cheap shots” against Hardcore Harry.

When the thread diverged Blindbob displayed his admiration for the natural beauty of the world. When I asked about the New Zealand landscape he had this to say…

“New Zealand is a beautiful country and can offer some stunning pictorals.

If you Google "New Zealand" in the Image search, a spectacular 831,000 possible images are at your disposal.”

I followed the link as was well satisfied. I regret I never got a chance to really speak about his travels. He seems to know a great deal about history and geography.

Again, Blindbob knew what was descent and awe-inspiring in life as well as what was hedonistic and filthy. He did not hesitate to make his core values clear to those that might clash with them.

It is clear he abhorred wanton drug use and “loose” sexual morality.

(CC-CAP) CC-CAP Cadets Honor POW-MIAs and Fly High in Victoria

2006-09-17T14:57:00.000-05:00

Capitalizing on CAP Functions
Cadets Honor POW-MIAs in Corpus Christi and then Fly High in Victoria

by Major Joe Ely Carrales

Corpus Christi, TX- It was a (not too) warm Saturday morning on 16 September 2006 and officers and cadets from the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol stood at attention clad in blues as a very solemn ceremony got underway.

The event was a special tribute to American servicemen who were prisoners of war or who are listed as missing in action. In attendance for the occasion was the Veteran’s Band of Corpus Christi as well as others from the veterans community.

(above) Cadet Villarreal and Cadet Lozano stand at attention at Warren Sherrill Park in Downtown Corpus Christi, the first public outing for cadets in over a year and a half

The event was hosted by the Catholic War Veterans under the auspices of the Corpus Christi Mayor’s Committee for veterans affairs. Corpus Christi City Councilman John Mares made opening remarks. The guest speaker for the event was 1SGT USA retired Lazaro “Larry” Velasquez who spoke on the forgotten and little recognized female POWs and MIAs.

(above) Cadet Lozano, 1LT Sandy Phelps and Cadet Villarreal stand with South Texas aviator Juan Garcia

Long time CC-CAP members, Major Victor Medina, Jr, normally attend these occasions, but since Major Medina was away on vacation…the unit’s cadets responded.

(above) Major Joe Ely Carrales stands beside the "War on Terrorism" Memorial at Sherrill Park. Kudos to Leadership Corpus Christi for that impressive landmark.

The officer of the day was 1LT Sandy Phelps who did an excellent job in preparing the cadets for the solemn occasion.

At the end of the event, 1LT Phelps transitioned the formation to 2LT Mike Garmon, unit Safety Officer, for a road trip to Victoria, Texas. The purpose of that trip…the staging of cadet orientation flights for the unit’s cadets.

After a short stop for a meal, and to handle some paperwork with squadron commander Major John Rios, the cadets and officers left of Victoria arriving a few minutes before 1600. At that time they were turned over to Capt Leonard Saddler who organized the flying activities.

(above) Planning the Orientation Flights- CAP Cadets get lots of responsibility in an aircraft, that is why it takes lots of planning. Cadet Lozano, Capt G. Jeansonne, Cadet C. Villarreal, Capt L. Saddler (not facing the camera) Cadet D. Hatch and 2LT Mike Garmon

The pilot, Capt Gene Jeansonne, immediately took the cadets and began to brief them. In all there were three cadets who were given flights. C/Basic Philip Lozano and C/Basic Dylan Hatch, received a type 6 orientation flight (meaning an initial powered flight) and C/TSgt Christopher Villarreal received a type 7 orientation flight (the second in the series).

Upon completing his flight Cadet Hatch was given some training in General Emergency Services.

(above) Major Carrales listens as instructions are given. While the Cadets went there to fly, the Officers went there to learn how to make this sort of thing possible in CORPUS CHRISTI!

All in all it was a good day for the unit! Semper Vigilans!

(CC-CAP) Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Deploys

2006-08-28T00:08:00.000-05:00

Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Deploys
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Six Civil Air Patrol officers and cadets from the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron deployed in a Wing Wide Distributive Search and Rescue Exercise Saturday 26 August 2006 to improve the units Emergency Services capabilities. CAP Officers trained in urban direction finding ground team, radio communications and aircrew positions.

The unit has been in a state of training since the start of this year having deployed to such exercises in January and March, including a full unit deployment to Brownsville.

"This exercise we split our force between Victoria and Brownsville," said Corpus Christi Composite Squadron Public Affairs Officer Major Joe Ely Carrales, “the idea being to gain the widest possible scope of training and to increase our relations with local units."

CAP Officers who attended the Victoria Staging Area were Capt Joe Pendergrast, 1LT Jerry Lunceford and Cadet Christopher Villarreal; those who attended the Brownsville staging area were Maj Joe Ely Carrales, 2LT Mike Garmon and Cadet Philip Lozano.

Photo Caption: CAP Officer 2LT Mike Garmon pauses for a pic while working the Radios at the Brownsville Staging Area on 26 August 2006. 2LT Garmon, of Portland, Texas, qualified as a Mission Scanner, is working on becoming a CAP FORM 5 Pilot and eventually a CAP Mission Pilot.

Photo Caption: Fellow cadets look on as Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Cadet Philip Lozano takes a reading from a radio direction finder at a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) exercise in Brownsville, Texas. Six Civil Air Patrol officers and cadets from local CAP squadron deployed to Victoria and Brownsville as part of a statewide Search and Rescue Exercise on Saturday 26 August 2006. By the way, Cadet Lozano found the radio beacon.

Photo Caption: Cadets pause a moment while the detachment calls in a find.

Photo Caption: Major Juan Arredondo (Right) was our fearless driver. Be sure to ask him about the "forklift guy!"

(CC-CAP) Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Goals for September

2006-08-27T18:23:00.000-05:00

Squadron Goals: 2006

I. Goals for January 2006
A) Retool the squadron and identify goals- Accomplished
B) Set up training schedule- Accomplished
C) Put out PAO newsletter via e-mail-Accomplished
D) Aerospace Education Report-Accomplished

II. Goals for February 2006
A) Qualify at DSARs (Phase I- Train the Trainers) : Accomplished, In progress, Major Carrales qualified in UDF, MRO, Capt Pendergrast qualified in Mission Observer/pending MRO and UDF,1Lt Jerry Lunceford in training for Mission Scanner, 2LT Garmon pending Qualification on Mission Scanner, 2LT Hoelscher training in UDF & Qualified in Mission Scanner, CADET Villarreal PENDING MRO and UDF)
B) Finalize Aircrew positions for Mission Scanners and Observers- Accomplished, aircrew members are in training and progressing nicely.

III. Goals for March 2006
A) Attend Victoria SARex for preparation of DSAR staging area Accomplished
B) Operational Aircrew (2 Scanners and 1 Observer)- Accomplished, Training was continue in FALL 2006, TABLED pending training activities- current unit strength is 1 Mission Observer, 3 Mission Scanners
C) COMM TRAINING-Accomplished, 19 May 2006 via BCUT
D) Unit Alert Roster UPDATED- Signature Card in the works, Accomplished,

IV. Goals for April 2006
A) Continued air and ground team training- In progress on Saturdays.
B) Senior Member Aerospace Education Program- Yeager training to shadow Cadet Aerospace Education Modules- 1LT Phelps will Achieve the Yeager Award

V. Goals for May 2006
A) Attend Brownsville Staging Area en masse ACCOMPLISHED
B) Return the Radio Program ACCOMPLISHED

VI. Goals for June 2006
A) Return to NAS KINSVILLE GOSHAWK Simulator as Group Activity ACCOMPLISHED
B) Plan and execute an activity for additional training with Brownsville ACCOMPLISHED
C) Contact American Red Cross for information on Classes: ACCOMPLISHED

VII. Goals for July 200
A) ORGANIZE Introduction to Disaster Class with Red Cross- ACCOMPLISHED
B) ORGANIZE Damage Assessment Course with Red Cross- ACCOMPLISHED there was an August Hiatus but resumed in September
C) CPR FIRST AID TRANING for the UNIT(Red Cross)- ACCOMPLISHED

VIII. Goals for AUGUST 2006
A) Attend the August SARex 25-27 AUGUST 2006, Victoria and Brownsville. ACCOMPLISHED
B) Qualify more members in MISSION SCANNER and URBAN DF ACCOMPLISHED (2LT Hoelscher qualified Mission Scanner, 2LT Garmon is pending Mission Scanner, Capt Pendergrast pending UDF)
C)UNIT AVIATORS WILL ORGANIZE Currency, Form 5 check rides (Final Goal, November) ACCOMPLISHED (In progress started 12 August 2006)

IX. Goals for SEPTEMBER 2006
A) Begin local Mission Observer prep-Training B)Organize Cadet O-Flights in Corpus Christi or Victoria- YET TO OCCUR, HOPEFULLY SET FOR Sept or Oct
C) RESUME RED CROSS TRAINING
D) Explore Organizing a Training Exercise
E) UNIT AVIATORS WILL ORGANIZE Currency, Form 5 check rides (Final Goal, November) F) UNIT READINESS FOR FIRE WATCH, TROPICAL STORM RELIEF of HOMELAND SECURITY MISSION
G) Fully Operational/deployable UDF Team- Pending Activities, execute for Urban DF training for proficiency
H) Staff the Squadron- Next position-COMM, ASST FIANACE & LOGISTICS

X. Goals for OCTOBER 2006
A) Possible Aviation Weekend with Victoria ( 14 or 21 October 2006)
B) Possible ACUT CLASS
C) Prepare for Unit Inspection
D) UNIT READINESS FOR ELT, FIRE WATCH, TROPICAL STORM RELIEF of HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS
E) Return to Simulator at NAS KINGSVILLE

XI. Goals for NOVEMBER 2006
A) Attend the NOVEMBER SARex 17-19 NOVEMBER 2006.
B) All Aviators with Mission Scanner Ratings begin Mission Observer or UDF Training
C) Possible Unit Inspection WINDOW
D) Recruit new CADETS, have Cadets presently in squadron in the NCO Grades
E) Organize an Activity at Kleberg Co Airport.
F) ALL PILOTS in unit as of 15 July 2006 current with Bi-Annual Flight Review and Form 5

XII. Goals for DECEMBER 2006
A) Attend DECEMBER SARex 8-10 December 2006.
B) SQUADRON HOLIDAY PARTY
C) Send CADETS to WINTER ENCAMPMENT 26-31 December 2006, CAMP SWIFT
D) Plan GOALS for 2007

Cartoon Collaboration with the late P. Jesse Grace, the great BLINDBOB!

2006-08-14T01:24:00.000-05:00

Cartoon Collaboration with the late P. Jesse Grace, the great BLINDBOB!

I have been posting some "political cartoons" at a Civil Air Patrol webpage for a few months now. The most recent one was based on something P. Jesse Grace (Blindbob) said back in the Jack In The Box thread made originally by CURTIS ROCK.

Blindbob wrote..."So I and my team of crack investigative reporters scoured the planet to find out.

WHY IS THERE NO JACK-IN-THE-BOX IN CORPUS CHRISTI?...
Major Carrales: I have alerted the CAP to do a flyover of the area to look for possible signs of construction. ..."

I intended this to be the first in a long collabortaion of various cartoons with Blindbob...I plan to also do some work with Lonewolf. Saddly, I finished it the night before Bigo called me with the bad news.

You can read the full post and comments on the cartoon at...

http://civilairportal.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=66&topic=429.0

(CC-CAP Agenda) MEETING AGENDA:18 July 2006 (Pending)

2006-07-16T20:44:00.000-05:00

MEETING AGENDA

18 July 2006 (Pending)

ABOVE ALL, KEEP THE MOMEMTUM GOING and Keep 'em Flying!!!!
Memorial Army Reserve Center on McArdle RD
This meeting will be from 1830 to 2130 hrs.

1830 to 1930 hrs

1) Opening Ceremony- Pledge of Allegiance and Cadet Oath, Invocation

2) Personnel/Safety 2LT John Hoelscher and 2LT Garmon.
a) Introduction of new/potential members
b) All materials will be reviewed en re MIMS data
c) Seniors will reevaluate their goals en re training
d) Fill out paperwork for a Rescue find

3) Peview of Red Cross Training activities for 22 July 2006
SUBJECT: Disaster Assessment and the Role of the UNIT in disaster Assessment in future Disasters

4) Debriefing of ELT mission held 16 July 2006

5) Initial Plans for the 25-27 August 2006 SARex.

0930 to 1030 hrs

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Cadets- Cadets will go with Maj Carrales and new cadets will begin Curry Achievement with beginning Leadership activities and introduction to CAP.
a)Cadets will be introduced to LEADERSHIP I and what it takes to move through the program.
b) Cadet Uniform Issues, What is needed and for what activities
c) A mention of General ES and OPSEC and what that entails, Cadets will be offered incentives for completing GES and OPSEC.

Seniors- Seniors will break off into an Aircrew session go over procedures, charting and other skills needed for Mission Scanners, Mission Observers and Mission Pilots. The goal will be practice for proficiency in those skills for upcoming courses and DSARs. Upon completion of said tasks (to be based on what is in the SQTR for Scanner and Observer) Seniors will evaluate their performance.

Meeting Summation and Status Report

If more time is needed Officers and Cadets may stay beyond the time to address issues, or retire to a local restaurant for coffee.

(Civil Air Patrol)Brownsville and Corpus Christi CAP Cadets Practice HIGH FLYING

2006-06-27T23:34:00.000-05:00

Brownsville and Corpus Christi CAP Cadets Practice HIGH FLYING
By Major J.E. Carrales, CAP

PRESS RELEASE

Cadets and Senior Members from the Brownsville and Corpus Christi Composite Squadrons of the Civil Air Patrol logged time on the US Navy’s Goshawk simulators at NAS Kingsville on Tuesday 27 June 2006.

This is the latest in a very fruitful relationship between the US Navy and the Civil Air Patrol in South Texas.

“It’s a great opportunity,” said Project Officer and Deputy Commander for Seniors Major Fidel Alvarado, “We would like to extend thanks to Mr. Bert Alvarez and his brother Art Alvarez for making this possible with the US Navy and NAS Kingsville.”

Corpus Christi Cadet C/TSGT Christopher Villarreal tries a carrier landing.

Five cadets and one Senior Member made the long trip from Brownsville, Texas to NAS Kingsville to take part. 1LT Hector Galvan transported the cadets and provided lots of filming and digital photos.

In all ten CAP Officers and Cadets participated in the excursion. Major Fidel Alvarado Major J.E. Carrales, 2LT John Hoelscher and Cadet C/TSgt Chris Villarreal represented Corpus Christi. 1LT Hector Galvan, C/SMSGT T. Kraft, C/A1C Carlos Castro, C/AMN Ruby Moreno, C/AMN Joshua Schalk and C/Basic John Rios represented Brownsville.

Cadets were able to make approaches to local runways since the GOSHAWK simulator renders the local South Texas geography. Coordinates were also entered so that Brownsville Cadets could fly in familiar skies. Many a cadet practiced landing at a virtual Brownsville International Airport which had accurate graphic representations of that airport’s flight line, including the old Pan Am Building where the Brownsville Comp Squadron calls home.

Others, including 1LT Galvan, tried their hand at landing on an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Mexico, while still others tried their hand at aerial combat.

1LT Hector Galvan tries his hand at a carrier landing. 1) Galvan is instructed on and strapped into the GOSHAWK simulator. 2) The simulator is set to have 1LT Galvan approach a carrier at sea, at first he is set slightly off center, 3) 1LT Galvan centers his approach in a remarkable display of aviation skill. 4) 1LT Galvan lands the aircraft safely on the deck.

Additionally, the group was allowed to tour the new Model C, or “Charlie,” simulator that is the eventual replacement for the current model and features an all glass cockpit and renderings based on actual computer enhanced satellite imagery.

Civil Air Patrol Cadet Ruby Moreno concentrates on a difficult landing in one of the Simulators at NAS Kingsville on Tuesday 27 June 2006.

“This is a great opportunity…” said 2LT John D. Hoelscher who also works at NAS Kingsville, “…not many cadets get access to US NAVY simulators and to facilities of this type. It’s a big thing.”

Major Fidel Alvarado has been serving as Project Officer on these simulator trainings since 2000, it is hoped that the units can return in two or three months provided that US NAVY training does not take precedence.

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(CC-CAP) The Media Blitz in Corpus Christi Continues

2006-06-22T14:25:00.000-05:00

The Media Blitz in Corpus Christi Continues
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

There are those that seem to think that the works of the Civil Air Patrol should be, for some reason or another, kept clandestine. Maybe these people want to greedily keep the community service of CAP Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Emergency Services to themselves? This reporter, however, is inclined to believe that the good works of CAP and of good Public Affairs activities in general are the fuel for the furnace of recruiting.

Thus, it has been the stance of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron to make regular appearances on radio and television programs in the area and allow local accomplishments in support of the greater CAP missions to speak for themselves. For, after all, therein lies the future of the Civil Air Patrol

In February 2006, the unit was featured on the Eric Von Wade Show, a popular News/Talk radio program, where members presented the units goals and answered questions on volunteer service in CAP. It was a start that generated membership and increased the profile of the unit.

Air Ops Officer Joe Pendergrast, Radio Talk Show Host Eric Von Wade, Deputy Commander for Cadets Sandra Phelps and Public Affairs Officer then Capt Joe Ely Carrales posing for a pic after a radio spot.

The unit returned in May 2006 to offer the listeners a STATUS REPORT of activities that included news of the unit’s first en masse training exercise and mobilization (to Brownsville, Texas) in many seasons.

Capt Joe Pendergrast and SM Chuck Atwood waiting in the "green room" at News Talk 1440 KEYS AM in Corpus Christi.

The most recent showing was in the medium of Television. 1LT Sandy Phelps, CC-CAP Deputy Commander for Cadets, was given the opportunity to appear with Isis Romero on 20 June 2006 on the local CBS affiliate KZTV Channel 10. The short segment was done live during the 5 o’clock afternoon news show.

1LT Phelps spoke of some Civil Air Patrol history, the importance of the CAP cadet program, a call for community persons to serve in the local CAP unit and a report recent activities in which the Civil Air Patrol was been involved.

1LT Sandy Phelps chatting on live television about CAP with local Coastal Bend television personality Isis Romero.

"All Kudos to 1LT Phelps," said unit PAO Major Joe Ely Carrales, "this is a golden opportunity that she has spearheaded.”

As an aside, KZTV was home to Walter Furley who, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, holds the record (45 years) for Longest Duration Newscaster.

(CC-CAP) Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Goals and Accomplishments: 2006

2006-06-01T12:36:00.000-05:00

Squadron Goals: 2006

I. Goals for January 2006
A) Retool the squadron and identify goals- Accomplished
B) Set up training schedule- Accomplished
C) Put out PAO newsletter via e-mail-Accomplished
D) Aerospace Education Report-Accomplished

II. Goals for February 2006
A) Qualify at DSARs (Phase I- Train the Trainers) : Accomplished, In progress, Major Carrales qualified in UDF, Capt Pendergrast qualified in Mission Observer, 2LT Garmon and 2LT Hoelscher training in UDF & Mission Scanner awaiting Sorties
B) Finalize Aircrew positions for Mission Scanners and Observers- Accomplished, aircrew members are in training.

III. Goals for March 2006
A) Attend Victoria SARex for preparation of DSAR staging area Accomplished
B) Operational Aircrew (2 Scanners and 1 Observer)- Training to continue in FALL 2006, TABLED pending training activities
C) COMM TRAINING-Accomplished, 19 May 2006 via BCUT
D) Unit Alert Roster UPDATED- Signature Card in the works, Accomplished,

IV. Goals for April 2006
A) Continued air and ground team training- In progress on Saturdays.
B) Senior Member Aerospace Education Program- Yeager training to shadow Cadet Aerospace Education Modules- 1LT Phelps will Achieve the Yeager Award
C) Saturday Trainings for proficiency in sortie paper work: AIRCREW CANDIDATES will outline possible training missions for future DSARex.

V. Goals for May 2006
A) Attend Brownsville Staging Area en masse ACCOMPLISHED
B) Return the Radio Program ACCOMPLISHED

VI. Goals for June 2006
A) Return to NAS KINSVILLE GOSHAWK Simulator as Group Activity ACCOMPLISHED
B) Plan and execute an activity for additional training with Brownsville ACCOMPLISHED
C) Contact American Red Cross for information on Classes: ACCOMPLISHED

VII. Goals for July 2006
A) Organize Cadet O-Flights in Corpus Christi or Victoria- YET TO OCCUR, HOPEFULLY SET FOR AUGUST
B) ORGANIZE Introduction to Disaster Class with Red Cross- ACCOMPLISHED
C) ORGANIZE Damage Assessment Course with Red Cross- PLANNED, Awaiting Execution
D) CPR FIRST AID TRANING for the UNIT(Red Cross)- PLANNED, Awaiting Execution
E) UNIT READINESS FOR ELT, FIRE WATCH, TROPICAL STORM RELIEF of HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS
F) Staff the Squadron- Next position-ASST FIANACE & LOGISTICS

VIII. Goals for AUGUST 2006
A) Attend the August SARex 25-27 AUGUST 2006.
B) Begin Unit COMM training
C) Qualify more members in MISSION SCANNER and URBAN DF
D) UNIT READINESS FOR FIRE WATCH, TROPICAL STORM RELIEF of HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS
E) Fully Operational/deployable UDF Team- Pending Activities, execute for Urban DF training fro proficiency
F) UNIT AVIATORS WILL ORGANIZE Currency, Form 5 check rides (Final Goal, November)

IX. Goals for SEPTEMBER 2006
A) Attend the SEPTEMBER SARex 15-17 September 2006.
B) Explore Counter-Drug participation
C) Explore Organizing a Training Exercise
D) UNIT AVIATORS WILL ORGANIZE Currency, Form 5 check rides (Final Goal, November)
E) UNIT READINESS FOR FIRE WATCH, TROPICAL STORM RELIEF of HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS

X. Goals for OCTOBER 2006
A) Attend the OCTOBER SARex 13-15 OCTOBER 2006.
B) Possible ACUT CLASS
C) Prepare for Unit Inspection
D) UNIT READINESS FOR ELT, FIRE WATCH, TROPICAL STORM RELIEF of HOMELAND SECURITY MISSIONS
E) Return to Simulator at NAS KINGSVILLE

XI. Goals for NOVEMBER 2006
A) Attend the NOVEMBER SARex 10-12 NOVEMBER 2006.
B) All Aviators with Mission Scanner Ratings begin Mission Observer or UDF Training
C) Possible Unit Inspection WINDOW
D) Recruit new CADETS, have Cadets presently in squadron in the NCO Grades
E) Organize an Activity at Kleberg Co Airport.
F) ALL PILOTS in unit as of 15 July 2006 current with Form 5

XII. Goals for DECEMBER 2006
A) Attend DECEMBER SARex 8-10 December 2006.
B) SQUADRON HOLIDAY PARTY
C) Send CADETS to WINTER ENCAMPMENT 26-31 December 2006, CAMP SWIFT
D) Plan GOALS for 2007

(Hurricane Season) Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Part IV

2006-06-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Season- Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Part IV

By Major Joe Ely Carrales

It was Annie that sung those truthful words, “The Sun will come up tomorrow.” Although not a guarantee, most of these Hurricanes I have endured have hit at night with people waking up to the new day with a since of dazed shock. If you are in a shelter, you will have the desire to rush home to see how your property is. The fact will be that the streets might be dangerous. Power lines and fallen trees are the prime target.

Shelter Managers will always wait for the sunrise and set a time to begin releasing people. Shelter managers have to maintain a sign in sheet and log in and all those seeking refuge from the storm. Be patient and wait for the Manager to release you. The manager is just as tired and weighed down by the responsibility of keeping a shelter of some 200 to 500 people in a state of relative safety; think about that before making a scene.

Now will begin the process of Relief, Recovery and Reconstruction.

Relief: Immediate help offered by local and state forces, such as the National Guard or Red Cross. It is a short-term solution of distribution of food, water, clothes, shelter and the like to people with urgent needs. These are often done in conditions of curfew and at relief centers. Good and personnel will be brought in as a first wave.

Rehabilitation: This is the more long-term fix, National organizations will then take over and begin providing more tangible assistance, counseling and damage assessments. Streets will be cleared of debris and recovery will be under way. Evacuees will be returning and people will start to take a personal accounting of the damage.

Reconstruction: As the scope of the measure is revealed, the Governor and/or the President may declare an area a State or Federal (respectively) disaster area. This will allow assistance to arrive in the form of grants for reconstructing the city or town. This may take anywhere from months to years as communities rebuild and try to return to normalcy. Some things will be vastly changed, others rebuilt and some things will never return to as they were. This is applied to both the mental and the physical.

People should be prepared to survive with NO governmental supports... no police, no fire, no EMS.. for up to 72 hours after a storm. This should not be a problem for Texans, but will require a bit of preparedness. Be ready to fight small fires, have a first aid kit, and cooperate with neighbors to prevent looting.

In these stages one can begin the process of mitigation and preparedness. The Last major storm to threaten South Texas was Hurricane Bret in August 1999. Many lessons were learned, but with each passing year such lessons are forgotten at the same time the chance for devastating is increasing. This is not a call for alarmism, but rather a call for preparedness.

Assistance for this series has been provided by Major John Kachenmeister, CAP of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol
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(Hurricane Season) Disaster Impact Part III

2006-05-29T10:46:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Season– Disaster Impact Part III

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

So, Hurricane X is just a few miles from the Texas Coast and it looks like Premont, Falfurrias, Riviera and Hebbronville will be greatly affected. Meteorologists have already come on the Radio and Television thankful that the storm will not hit Corpus Christi or Brownsville and will instead hit a less populated area.

Already the afternoon sky, which was clear, is now showing signs of clouds and the waves are hitting pretty high at Loyola and Riviera Beach. It is the event horizon of a category 4 storm that began its life in the Caribbean Sea, worked its way through the mountains of the Yucatan and is heading right toward South Texas.

The people of South Texas are going to experience the disaster impact, that time when the storm is actually hitting. For some it will be a restless night in a storm shelter, maybe in an old high school or Junior High. Other will ride it out in their homes.

Secure your pets!!! Nobody wants to leave a family pet to the mercy of the storm, but shelters do not permit pets. Families with pets simply MUST have a plan to evacuate that does not involve public shelters.

Firearms are another issue to be concerned about. Secure your firearms. Guns are not allowed in public shelters, so people leave their guns at home. Criminals know that, and can break in before or after a storm, and become heavily armed criminals. You might wish consult with local authorities on specific instructions on firearms security (home safes, or take your guns with you in the car, but lock them in the trunk when you go into the shelter.)

One by one utilities will fail, starting with the electricity. As the winds and waters rise, utility poles will be tossed like matchsticks. Land telephone lines and cell phone towers will be the next to go. Radio and television stations will remain on as long as they can. Radios with the 162.40 - 162.55 MHz Weather Band from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will be the most useful. All internet will be down, most fiber optic lines above ground will be shot and remaining phone lines will be jammed.

Make extra allowances for water!!! Fill up the bathtub with water if you plan to weather out the storm. This will provide toilet-flushing water if the water system fails.

That will leave only battery operated CB, Family Radio Service (FRS) and Ham radios, the later of which provided only if the antenna has not blown down. Use CB Channel 9 for emergencies, FRS uses channel 1 as its Priority Emergency Channel during Emergencies. One can also use a police scanner to pick up local emergency information.

Seek shelter, do not wander and meander in the brunt of the storm. Debris propelled by 40 to 70+ mph wind will easily slice you in half or cause major damage to your person.

Use flashlights and avoid the use of candles, which can serve as a fire hazard. One can secure some “glow sticks” before hand, which contain chemicals that glow. These can be used to comfort small children as well as provide a handy light source. Use tape to keep windows together that might blow in. Find a secure dry place, if your home’s structural integrity begins to fail, move toward the center of the house. One can use a mattress and a tub to provide a good level of protection from debris if your house falls apart.

One must, above all, keep a level head and refrain from panicking. One will need to have all their wits about them to deal with what they may find when the sun comes up.

Assistance for this series has been provided by Major John Kachenmeister, CAP of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol
-30-

(CAP Cartoon) Level I Training!

2006-05-28T22:10:00.000-05:00

(Hurricane Season) Mitigation and Preparedness? Part II

2006-05-27T14:37:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Season– Mitigation and Preparedness? Part II

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Winning the peace after a Hurricane is directly proportional to how well a community mitigated and prepared before the storm itself. Close knit communities where neighbors know and trust each other is a good start. Being able to count on your neighbors to help weather the storm, provide relief and enforce the peace afterward is added security. Individuals too need to practice integrity and self control, panic is an enemy.

Peace of mind is only one important step; actual physical preparations are necessary to insure you make it. It all begins with a plan, a plan that is a community one as well as an individual’s one. Well before a hurricane threatens, each individual needs to take an active part in community planning. Issues such as where shelters are to be set up, law enforcement needs and local supplies.

A meeting should take place in late May or early June to address these issues. For example, the local chapters of the American Red Cross only have the orders and limited resources to shelter a populace for 72 hours before greater relief comes in. A community that has these issues addressed will see that 72 hours pass with minimal incident. There should be no “play it by ear” mentality.

Evacuation is an option for many communities, especially those that are in low-lying areas. Communities should have resources that they distribute to the community indicating viable evacuation routes and shelter areas. Many South Texas Communities are on evacuation routes of larger communities. That needs to be taken into account as any evacuation takes place.

If a plan has not been developed, then the resulting chaos will be a fitting punishment for the failure to do so.

Along with community plans, an individual too should have a plan. Gather all-important documents and precious mementos and have them in a watertight bag, a garbage bag or gallon zippered freezer bag will suffice. This will insure that your documents will survive, insurance papers, deeds, titles and photographs are the most common such items. Additional documents that should be kept: Family birth/death/marriage records, deeds, pending contracts, recent tax records, etc.

Have a convergence place out side of the area that you and your family can meet at or communicate with that will be untouched by the disaster. This way you can be kept track of saving worry and grief to relatives that might be concerned about you.

Communications systems are likely to fail and you might have to go considerable distance to be able to get in touch with family. Having once place to contact will greatly eliminate additional animosity and stress to those separated from loved ones.

Heed warnings to evacuate early, plan an impromptu vacation to an inland relative’s home if necessary. Secure your home and pets.

An ounce of planning will get you a gallon of victory.

30 Items you might need after a Hurricane

1) Can Opener - manual.

2) Disposable cups, plates and utensils (saves on water). Ice

3) Paper Towels and Baby Wipes.

4) Gallon Zip-Lock Bags for making ice and waterproofing items. Copy of homeowner's flood and auto policies and agent's telephone number. The originals should be in your safe deposit box. Fill car and fuel cans with gasoline.

5) Large Garbage Bags to collect refuse and waterproof items.

6) Cooking Facilities - Grill, charcoal and lighter fluid; gas grill and extra propane refills;

7) Matches in a waterproof container.

8) Food Supplies for at least seven days, preferably two weeks:

9) Canned goods & non-perishable foods that do not need refrigeration & cooking

10) Bleach for water purification (not the scented kind) or cleanup. Must not contain cleaning agents. Sodium Hypochlorite must be the only active ingredient.

11) Eyedropper for measuring bleach.

12) Soap in a plastic container.

13) Bug Repellant

14) Cash or Traveler's Checks.

15) All Prescriptions refilled in advance

16) A Needle and some Thread

17) First Aid Kit and Manual: (3) rolls gauze adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), gauze pads (2 and 3 inch), adhesive tape, cotton swabs, moistened towelette packets, antiseptic ointment, tincture of iodine, hydrogen peroxide, burn ointment, rubbing alcohol, ammonia inhalants, scissors, needle, safety pins, thermometer, tweezers

18) Emergency Generator. $200 for a 750 watt model that will run a few light bulbs to $2,000 for an 8,000 watt that will run everything in your house. A 4,000 watt model will run a small A.C., refrigerator and lights. A fuel tank larger than 5 gallons is preferable because it runs longer. Five gallons will be needed to run the generator all night long.

19) Fuel for generator or chain saw.

20) Batteries - You can never have too many batteries!!! Two sets for every item you plan to use. One alkaline battery will last for 24 hours with continuous use; regular zinc carbon batteries will only last 2 to 4 hours during continuous use. Regular batteries should be used for flashlights and other items, which do not draw much power.

21) Non-electric clock

22) Portable Radio

23) Portable TV with extra batteries (battery consumption is high).
Flashlights with extra bulbs

24) Fire Extinguisher (fully charged).

25) Duct Tape for securing broken windows and wide (2")
Masking Tape

26) Plastic covering (or tarpaulin, visqueen, canvas) for large holes in the roof, broken windows, making tents and to cover furniture.

27) Hammer and Nails

28) Screwdrivers

29) Razor knife

30) Heavy Duty Extension Cords for generator connection to appliances.

Assistance for this series has been provided by Major John Kachenmeister, CAP of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol
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(New Pics) Major Carrales

2006-05-26T21:55:00.000-05:00

(Hurricane Awareness) Will you be Ready? Part I

2006-05-26T01:06:00.000-05:00

Hurricane Season begins June 1st –Will you be Ready? Part I

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Last year the map of southern Louisiana was forever changed, as you may well remember the City of New Orleans was devastated by the tropical terror of Hurricane Katrina. The force of the hurricane turned a prosperous town known for its jazz music and Mardi Gras into a scene from some disaster movie. This, however, was no movie. This was reality.

Along with merely showing the sheer force of a hurricane on a major city, Hurricane Katrina and its sister storm Hurricane Rita showed the problems of not being prepared for the aftermath of a serious storm. To this day there are people who are still evacuees who have not returned to their homes. On Monday 22 May 2006 the National Hurricane Center announced its predictions for the 2006 Hurricane season, there is likely to be four to six major hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico this season.

Will you be ready?

The fact is that there are many people living in South Texas that believe that they cannot be destroyed. When the news of a hurricane reaches them they can be heard saying… “We have lived through many storms, nothing is going to happen!”

Sadly, this was the mantra of many a denizen of Southern Louisiana. Some that stayed in that city even held parties the very night the storm approached. Many procrastinated and held out evacuation until it was literally too late. Many could not leave because they did not have transportation.

What can be done to insure that you are ready for the storm and afterwards? Disasters actually follow a cycle as they unfold; Mitigation, Preparedness, Disaster Impact, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.

Mitigation and Preparedness are what is done in advance, looking for problems and storing resources for the storm. Disaster Impact is weathering the storm and surviving it. Relief is that is provided immediately after the storm to address peoples short term needs. Rehabilitation and Reconstruction are the steps to return to normalcy. Problems that occur in this last stage are looked at and the process begins again. Disasters happen and mistakes are made; but mistakes are only failures if they are not learned from.

This will be the subject of this four part series, how to prepare for, survive and return to normalcy after a Hurricane.

Assistance for this series has been provided by Major John Kachenmeister, CAP of the Florida Wing of the Civil Air Patrol
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(CAP CARTOON) ELT SEARCH

2006-05-25T21:21:00.000-05:00

(CC-CAP Squadron Happenings) Texas Wing May DSAR- Brownsville Staging Area

2006-05-21T00:46:00.000-05:00

As you may have read, Corpus Christi Comp Squadron traveled en masse to Brownsville. This will be an attempt to describe the events that lead to such activities.

People begin traveling rigth after everyone has completed their civil duties at their respective employment, this is different times for different people and the logistics of a simple “personnel mobilization.” Some people are in Kingsville, Texas; some in Bishop, Texas; others in Portland, Texas and yes, even some in Corpus Christi Proper. Plus, cadets have to finished their school work and have enough time to complete after school duties.

All this traveling, billeting and the safety that follows the two begin at the regular meeting. The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at the Memorial Army Reserve Center on McArdle Road at 1830 (6:30p.m.). The unit also meets somewhat regularly at Nueces Co. Airport in Robstown, Texas at 0900 on the Saturdays that follow the Tuesday meetings. Regular meeting attendance is crucial….if one cannot attend the Tuesday, the Saturday is available. Normally, things covered on Tuesday are put into practice on Saturday.

(above)A regular Tuesday meeting with lost going on. Here Capt J. Pendergrast finalizes plans to attend the may DSARex in Brownsville. At the same time, Cadet Villarreal works on a paperwork issue and Cadet Candidate Clancy listens while waiting to present his application.

The Tuesday meeting drives all planning and classroom instruction. It is there that the trips, lodging issues and training objectives are set.

So now the trip is planned and the CC-CAP unit counts the hours until their workdays grind to an end. This DSAR is important since it will begin a comprehensive training cycle that will leave the unit with a good corps in Aircrew, ground team and mission base. This is an extension of the WHOLE CAP APPROACH which, although hotly contested by some on the internet, will allow the unit to move toward eventual training autonomy in the medium range future.

(above) Capt J. Pendergrast, 1LT Sandra Phelps, Major Fidel Alvarado, Jr, SM R. Atwood, 2Lt John Hoelscher and SM Mike Garmon listen attentively to Lt Col Chris Bujanos (not pictured) on issues of communications.

Thus the unit moved out on Friday afternoon 19 May 2006 where, as the evening fell, they began training in Communications. This is called Basic Communicators User Training, or BCUT, which is a course mandatory to CAP officers that want to use RADIO Equipment in support of CAP Emergency Services mission. This allows the issuance of the ROA, Radio Operator Authorization, and grants access to the use of CAP radios.

And so the unit's future aviators, ground-ponders and mission staffers trained in the USE of CAP communications. BCUT is actually the first step, for those that wish to go further into CAP COMM, there is an advanced users class called, aptly enough, ACUT.

The unit the retired to their lodging…the Brownsville Comp Squadron has an ample facility that can and has been used for billeting of CAP units and personnel. This time, however, most members opted for personnel lodging.

Thus, the day began with the rise of the sun. There would be three units in all participating in the DSAR… Brownsville (the host), Corpus Christi (CC-CAP and the Wild Horse Desert Comp Squadron (of McAllen, Texas)

Lt Col Bujanos began the day with a pre-briefing talk and survey for questions. Then Major Juan Arredondo began the mission briefing...

(above) Major J. Arredondo at the helm of the DSARex.

The briefing went something like this...(minus any classified stuff)

Scenario:
Juan Jose Garza, age 57, was last seen leaving the Ice House Bar and Grill located on FM 511 north of Brownsville at 2300 18 May 2006. He is 6’1”, thin, and was last seen wearing a red t-shirt and blue jeans. According to witness statements, he had a few drinks and was not feeling well. He called his wife to pick him up and was last reported to go outside to wait for her. When his wife arrived, he was nowhere to be found and his car was still parked in the parking lot. She reported that Mr. Garza was a severe diabetic and that he has a tendency to become disorientated when ill. She also indicated that he had recently purchased a Personal Locator Beacon for such an emergency. Brownsville PD began a search and 24hrs later, they turned up nothing due to a lack of air assets and DF equipment. Brownsville PD requested the help of the Brownsville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. A mission has been authorized by the AFRCC for 0900, 20 May 2006. Corpus Christi Composite Squadron TX026 has been tasked to provide additional crews to reinforce Brownsville Composite Squadron TX091.
Air and Ground Sortie 1 will depart at or around 0930
Air and Ground Sortie 2 will depart at or around 1130
Aircrew objective is to provide air support for GT operating in the search area. Conduct a grid search of GRID 215/ North Brownsville Area as well as an electronic search for PLB signal. Guide in GT if target is sited.

GT objective is to locate Mr. Garza using visual line search and the L-Per DF Unit. Once Mr. Garza is found, locate and silence any PLB and stabilize/secure him until Brownsville PD and EMS arrives.
After Mr. Garza has been located, GT is also to provide site security until relieved by local law enforcement or recalled by mission base.

Thus, the ground team and aircrews deployed.

The Ground team was led by a Cadet, C/Lt Col Basaldu, and driven by Maj J. E. Carrales. They were tasked with finding Mr. Garza, who had one his person a Personal Locator Beacon that allowed a URBAN- Direction F team to track him.After a considerable and well executed search using Electronic Direction techniques, the crews were able to find him…ALIVE, albeit in distress.

(above) A joint Corpus Christi/ Brownsville team discover "Mr Garza" in distress and down in the bush!" The team will simulate actual conditions and provide comfort to the victim until paramedics arrive.

(above) The team, among which are SM Garmon, Capt Pendergrast and SM Atwood (background) carry "Mr. Garza" to a safer spot.

(above) The aircrews were also a joint effort. Later, once the ground team had completed it mission, the aircrew began it turn. Pictured left to right, Capt J. Pendergrast, 2LT John Hoelscher, Lt Col Carlos Rocha (of McAllen), Major Fidel Alvarado, Jr., SM Mike Garmon and Lt Col Chris Bujanos.

(above) The Corpus Christi Composite ALPHA AIRCREW...from these will follow many.

(CC-CAP) A unit mobilizes en masse...Corpus Christi to Brownsville

2006-05-18T23:40:00.000-05:00

A unit mobilizes en masse...Corpus Christi to Brownsville

Fellows,

Tomorrow, once everyone has completed their civil duties at their respective employment, the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron will be mobilizing en masse for comprehensive training at the Texas Wing Distributive Search and Rescue Exercise- Brownsville Staging Area.

This is a big move for our unit. We have been building up for this since late last year. We have several new people that will receive training in sections including UDF, Mission Scanner, Mission Observer, Mission Radio Operator and several other staff positions. There will also be a BCUT class on Friday and a Mission Scanner Training the following day. It will be the first such mobilization of such a large group of people from our unit in a considerable time.

I would like to thank all involved; Brownsville Comp Squadron's personnel Maj. Juan Arredondo & Major Sean Crandall, Group V/Texas Wing Commander and Deputy Commander Lt Col. Ed Billman & Lt Col Chris Bujanos, our Squadron Commander Maj. John Rios (who had been recovering from surgery and is now A-OK) and all the members of our unit that are heading down to the Tip o'Texas. I now ask for your well wishes...many of the members of our unit are regular readers of this forum and your words of inspiration (especially from any Chaplains...hint) will be most welcomed.

Major J.E. Carrales
PAO/PDO
Corpus Christi Comp Squadron
Civil Air Patrol

PS...In the classic Sci-Fi movie THEM, you know GIANT ANTS, a very young FESS PARKER, you know DAVY CROCKETT, is questioned by authorities about seeing some strange UFOs flying "FROM CORPUS CHRISTI to BROWNSVILLE." This useless trivia brought to you by the Civil Air Patrol Committee for Useless Trivia (CAPCUT), wasting funding since 1947.

(Civil Air Patrol) CAP to deploy to the Southern Border

2006-05-17T22:42:00.000-05:00

From Midwaysix's CAPBLOG!!!

Texas Authorizes CAP Deployment to the Border
May 17, 2006

The governor has directed DPS to support law enforcement patrols with fixed-wing and rotary aviation assets. The Department of Transportation will assist operations with specialized equipment such as road barriers.

Additionally, the governor has authorized the deployment of the Texas Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, to aid ground operations.

The Voice: Protecting Texas’ Border

:: This is a smart move. I would hope that the Governors of the other border states would also start spooling up CAP volunteers to help with what really is a massive job. I have it under good authority that there is more to come.

(CAP CARTOON) Wing COMM?

2006-05-17T00:26:00.000-05:00

(Garden Railways) The N&MRR 15 MAY 2006 Review

2006-05-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

(CC-CAP Report) A Look at CC-CAP Activities at Nueces Co. Airport

2006-05-07T19:57:00.000-05:00

A Look at CC-CAP Activities at Nueces Co. Airport
A Report of Activities by…
Major J.E. Carrales, CAP

The singular best asset of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol is the facility it is allowed to use at Nueces County Airport (FAA: RBO 27° 46' 43N 97° 41' 26W) in Robstown, Texas. In 2004, the Nueces County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to allow the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron, to use space in the Nueces County Airport hangar. Since then, there has been a retooling and reorganization of the unit that has seen the Robstown Facility grow to become a cornerstone of that renewed effort.

(above: Safety Officer M. Garmon conducts the require safety meeting. The Subject: Propeller Safety)

11 March 2006 was the date of the Texas Wing Distributive Search and Rescue Exercise, a statewide activity. That weekend a sortie was flown out of the Robstown facility supporting the exercise.

(Above: Major Fidel Alvarado instructs a Communications briefing at Nueces Co. Airport)

In April 2006 it was decided to make more use of the facility so the unit’s meeting schedule was altered from solely Tuesday meetings to a schedule that sees the 1st and 3rd Tuesday at the Memorial Army Reserve Center followed by the Saturdays at Nueces Co. Airport.The Airport provides certain potential. Aside from the aviation atmosphere what the reserve center cannot provide, the facility at Robstown is surrounded by open area that will allow for training in Urban Direction Finding and other Ground Team activities.

(above: 1LT S. Phelps conducts a class on drill and ceremonies for Cadets and Seniors)

Additionally, there is more space to conduct other unit activities and store search and rescue equipment.There is, of course, the greater potential for aircrew training. Aside from getting the opportunity to speak with other aviators who house their aircraft at the Airport, the facility lends itself to aircrew training.

(above: Capt J. Pendergrast answers questions about what it means to be a Mission Scanner)

Aside from the airport FBO not being open on Saturday (note: it is hoped that arrangements can be made for the purchase of fuel and other services at the facility on Saturdays when CAP activities are conducted), the amount of traffic, location and general ambience of Nueces Co Airport is suitable for CAP needs.

(CAP Humor) People you meet at Wing Conferences!!!

2006-05-06T01:39:00.000-05:00

(CAP News) Eight years and Three Uniforms Later.

2006-04-30T15:41:00.000-05:00

This year, on 6 June 2006, I will celebrate my 8th Year in the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. There have been few experiences that I find as rewarding as the Civil Air Patrol. It makes up a big part of who I am and what I do.

There are three main missions in Civil Air Patrol; Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and our Cadet Program. I have been involved in all three aspects of the program and find it rewarding.

(above) the Evolution of a CAP officer. (left to right) 1) A young 2LT Joe Ely Carrales, I began as a member of the Brownsville Composite Squadron in 1998. I was hooked from the beginning after attending a RED CAP in the valley as well as several of their meetings at the CAF at Brownsville International Airport. Note the old style four poclet Service Coat. 2) 1LT Joe Ely Carrales transferred to the Corpus Christi Composite and got married. 1LT Carrales was the Group 3/Texas Wing PAO (Public Affairs Officer for South Texas) 3) Capt Carrales was the Commander of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron for a while. 4) Major J.E. Carrales is the current incarnation, here is to many more years.

Major J.E. Carrales' ribbons as of May 2006

1) Unit Citation

2) Grover Loening Award for completion of Civil Air Patrol Level III Training

3) Benjamin O. Davis Leadership award with Bronze Star for completion a Senior rating in Public Affairs

4) Membership Award

5) Chuck Yeager Aerospace Award for completion of Senior Member Aerospace Education

6) Command Service Ribbon

7) Red Service Ribbon with five year service device

8) Rescue Find Ribbon

9) Recruiter's Ribbon

(CAP Personalities) Major Chuck

2006-04-28T22:25:00.000-05:00

Major Chuck...it's all about pride!!!

(CAP Issue) Future CAP uniforms?

2006-04-20T22:09:00.000-05:00

Here are three possible Future CAP replacements for the SERVICE DRESS uniform...

1) CAP "BAGGIES" UNIFORM: This Wing Commander is wearing the most strange departure. Being that all current uniforms have their roots in utility (the tunics that serve as CLASS A unifroms today began as function feild uniforms after the Civil War, mostly in the Spanish American War Period) this uniform has its roots in the SAGE GREEN flight jacket. It, however, is made of a mor elight weight "dress" material. It is a sort of "baggy" uniform which is a departure from the form fitting uniforms that the AIR FORCE has made its trademark. It has a zipper.

2) THE CAP "NEXT STEP" UNIFORM: Here a 1LT wears a unifrom that is the basic, next step. It is similar to the current uniform except with a few changes. 1) It has a more simple "jacket collar," with US lapel pins. 2) It has grey epaulets 3) it is slightly shorter than the current tunic 4) no pockets, neither "slit pocket" nor bottom pockets (they can have anything inthem anyway so why keep them) A zipper combo.

3) THE CAP "IKE REVISITED" UNIFORM: Here a Captain sports a modern version of an IKE jacket. It has no pockets and has a zipper. It is made of a more light weight material than the wool of old.

WAVE 2: FUTURE UNIFORMS

1) CAP Nehru Jacket SERVICE COAT- There Col Bertal sports the classic, yet very military, Indian Jacket. You flight cap types will love the way this cut will make you look. It is an alternate version of the pocketless tunic.

2) CAP CLASS A FLIGHT SUIT- Back to utility, this version is a "dress flight suit." It is worn with the regular tie and light blue shirt. Very dashing...eh?

3) CAP Robin-eggs and Blues Combo- Look back to the days of yesteryear with this CAP version of the old army "Pinks and Greens," save colorized. Also, note the Sam Browne lether suspender/belt. Also, lacks unnecessary pockets.

4) CAP Pink and BLUES Combo- A return to khaki undershirts, albiet worn with a blue belted jacket with the "art decco" 1930s-esque lapels. It is trimmed by brown leather. Note a return to the CRUSH style CAP.

Possible CAP Prior Service Ribbon

(CC-CAP) Squadron Photos

2006-04-12T22:52:00.000-05:00

Major John R. Rios

Capt Joe Pendergrast

Major Fidel Alvarado, Jr

2LT John D. Hoelscher

1LT Sandra Phelps

(Garden Railroads) This is what its all about!!!

2006-04-11T22:05:00.000-05:00

N&M RAILROAD HAULS FIRST CARLOADS

On or around the 15th of May 2006, I will be officially opening the N&M Railroad to hauling cargo and passenger service. That being said the agruciltural pursuits of the Micaela Valley cannot wait. Here a road engine pulls some of the first produce of the year...

Here is the current encarnation of Ian's Curve...I will, of course, be adding more trackage to this and maybe a siding for unloading produce. This is named after Ian of Australia, Ian J. Brown.

Now, this is what it is all about... Below "The Boo" takes control of the line at Poor Vic's Curve. It will be an excellent harvest year. Expect a copy of the Two Trees Times soon!!!

(A Pic for the WEB) Major Carrales

2006-03-31T00:36:00.000-06:00

Kurtis von Rockenberg's evil Henchman...Pickel Halbert

Curtis Khan...a stately pleasure dome did he decree?

Feldmarshal Kurtis von Rockenberg

The Fred Barron

An Action shot!!!

A happy Major Carrales! A pic for the WEB!!!

(CC-CAP NEWS) Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Announces February/March Promotions

2006-03-29T00:15:00.000-06:00

Corpus Christi Composite Squadron
Office of Public Affairs

PRESS RELEASE

Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Announces February/March Promotions By Major J.E. Carrales, CAP

Corpus Christi, Texas- There were many Senior Member and Cadet promotions and awards for February and March 2006.

Senior Program

Maj. Jose E. Carrales, III was promoted to that rank on 3 February 2006 upon being awarded the Grover Loening Award, which recognizes those members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in the CAP. Maj. Carrales is currently the unit Public Affairs and Professional Development Officer.

Maj. Fidel Alvarado, Jr. was promoted to that rank on 28 February 2006. Major Alvarado also was the recipient of the Grover Loening Award in January for completion of a senior rating in unit administration. Maj. Alvarado currently serves as the Squadron Deputy Commander.

2LT Matthew Billingsley was promoted to that rank on 3 February 2006. 2LT Billingsley currently serves as the unit Emergency Services and Aerospace Education Officer.

2LT John D. Hoelscher was promoted to that rank on 10 February 2006. 2LT Hoelscher currently serves as the unit Personnel Officer and is currently training as a mission scanner. 2LT Hoelscher is a licensed private pilot.

Cadet Promotions

C/SSG Christopher M. Viallerreal was promoted to that rank in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Cadet Villareal is the first cadet non-commissioned officer (NCO) to have achieved that status in a considerable time. Cadet Villareal is the unit's senior cadet and a student a W. B. Ray High School.

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Contact info: Capt J.E. Carrales, Corpus Christi Compsite Squadron/Texas Wing, Cell: (361) 779-4739, jecarrales@yahoo.com

(CC-CAP Press Release) Air Force Auxiliary Honors Community Members

2006-03-18T18:22:00.000-06:00

Air Force Auxiliary Honors Community Members
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
Corpus Christi Composite Squadron-PUBLIC AFFAIRS

PRESS RELEASE

The Corpus Christi Comp. Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol honored two local women Saturday 18 March 2006 for a role they played assisting that unit in a Statewide Search and Rescue Exercise, which was held on Saturday 11 March 2006.

While the mission base was located in Victoria, CC-CAP aviators were able to conduct a sortie out of the local facility at Robstown, Texas’ Nueces Co. Airport. The aviators, however, were faced with a dilemma in that they needed to fax key paperwork to the mission base in Victoria, Texas.

“We were in a real fix,” said Major Joe Ely Carrales, “certain pre-flight documents and post mission reports had to be faxed in to base, that is where the people of Robstown rose to the occasion.”

Capt Joe Pendergrast, unit Flight Operations Officer, and 2LT John Hoelscher, unit Personnel Officer; enlisted the services of employees at the Roadrunner Travel Center at 950 S Hwy 77. Employees Paula Gutierrez and Melissa Mungia graciously allowed Capt Pendergrast and 2LT Hoelscher use the fax machine, which allowed the missions to be reported successfully.

Special thanks to the Nueces Co. Commissioner’s court for the use of the airport facility, Sandy Siller, manager of the Roadrunner Travel Center, for extra information for this article and of course Paula and Melissa.

The unit meets Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 4722 McArdle Road and occasionally selected Saturdays at Nueces Co. Airport. Potential new members are welcome. For Information call Major John Rios at 438-5112.

Photo Caption: (roadrunnercenter.jpg) Local Truckstop employees help Air Force Auxiliary fly high.

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(CC-CAP) Mission Sortie flown in Coprus Christi

2006-03-11T22:37:00.000-06:00

Major J.E. Carrales calls it a day in Victoria, for the first time in a long time Corpus Christi CAP aviators flew a mission sortie out of Corpus Christi (Robstown). These small steps were welcomed with open arms and much jubilation!!! God Bless Fidel Alvarado, John Hoelscher, Joe Pendergrast and Major Medina for all the wotk they did. And much thanks to Capt Brecount, Capt L. Saddler, the MacDougals and the rest that made this possible.

Corpus Christi Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol
Maj. J.E. Carrales, Public Affairs Officer

PRESS RELEASE

CC-CAP AviatorsTrain in Statewide Exercise
Training Air sorties flown out of Robstown

Aircrews from the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron (CC-CAP) of the Civil Air Patrol participated in a statewide Search and Rescue Exercise Saturday 11 March 2006. The aircrews flew out of a mini-staging area set up at Nueces County Airport in Robstown, Texas.

While the mission base was located in Victoria, CC-CAP aviators were able to conduct a sortie out of the local facility at Robstown. The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron is in its second phase of rebuilding and retooling, the sucess of the this activity greatly enhances its unit goals for 2006.

“The Exercise,” said Major Joe Ely Carrales Corpus Christi Squadron Public Affairs Officer, “is designed to increase efficiency of Civil Air Patrol air and ground crews throughout the state. We do some 90% of all inland search and rescue, we use these activities to train and become proficient.”

Major Joe Ely Carrales and Capt Robert Brecount enter data at the Victoria Mission Base.

The following Corpus Christi unit Air Force Auxiliary officers received training: Major Joe Ely Carrales (Information Officer at Victoria), Major Fidel Alvarado, Jr. (as Admin Officer and Corpus Christi Point of Contact), Capt Joe Pendergrast (as Mission Observer), and 2LT John Hoelscher (as Mission Scanner)

Training was conducted by Major Neil MacDougal and his wife Major Shirley MacDougal, both of whom are “Winter Texans,” and are members of the Brownsville Composite Squadron.

The Nueces County Commissioners Court voted unanimously last summer to allow the Air Force Auxiliary, to use space in the Nueces County Airport hangar.

The unit meets Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at 4722 McArdle Road. Potential new members welcome. For Information call Major John Rios at 438-5112.

Yankee Papa...a legendary Airplane and father of Countless CAP ADVENTURES...prepares to TAXI at Victoria for yet another flight in support of "missions for AMERICA!"

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Contact info: Capt J.E. Carrales, Corpus Christi Compsite Squadron/Texas Wing, Cell: (361) 779-4739, jecarrales@yahoo.com

(Life's Perks) The Major and a Minor!

2006-03-09T23:49:00.000-06:00

The Major and a Minor!

You never realize how much your life is worth until you have spent some quality time with your child. The following plates will demonstrate this fact. People need to do things with their children.

Major Joe Ely Carrales and Micaela, the BOO! We made a gingerbread house!!!

In this plate, the Boo, has already taken the project by the horns.

Even though this activity happened after Christmas had long passed, it still felt pretty good. Micaela brought me the Box everyday until we could actually sit down and make it happen.

Here is one of our daily tea parties.

I am meaningless without this smile you see here. Note the "tea cookies" and the Major in his regular clothes. Contrary to rumors, I do not go to bed in CLASS As. Bed is a strictly CLASS B event.

But if you need a pic of me in uniform...

And the Boo...

(CC-CAP Activities) CAP Officers secure Ramp Passes

2006-03-04T16:26:00.000-06:00

(above, Left to Right) 2LT John D. Hoelscher, Major Joe Ely Carrales and Major Fidel Alvarado attended a class at Corpus Christi International Airport to get "ramp passes" which will enable the CC-CAP Squadron to better address ELT MISSIONS at that facility. Other officers needing the passes must contact Major Fidel Alvarado before making the attempt to contact the badge office.

(CC-CAP Activities) Nueces County Airport Activity

2006-03-04T15:20:00.000-06:00

FACT FINDING MISSION

Corpus Christi Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol

Preliminary Report

by Major J. E. Carrales, CAP

This is part of a report to be made to Col Eddie Billman, Commander Group V, on the status of the facility at Nueces County Airport.

The overall facility is excellent for CAP usage, it is relatively isolated in Robstown, Texas but sports fuel, FBO (albeit small) an a level of traffic suitable for SARex activities. There is ample room for cadet campouts as well should the need to do so arise.

The FBO at Nueces County airport is not as Spartan as it appears. It is hoped that Major Alvarado can secure its usage for future CAP activities.

The hangar itself is of a good size and faces a large open field where trains and automobiles are visible making the trip between Robstown and Alice, Texas. CC-CAP is under special arrangement with Nueces County for use of this Hangar for CAP purposes.

Here is a view of the facility from the open field just west of the airport.

The Following Photos illustrate the progress made during the Clean-up and Fact Finding exercise done on 4 March 2006. In attendenace were Major Joe Ely Carrales, Major Fidel Alvarado, Capt Joe Pendergrast and SM Robert "Chuck" Atwood.

There was a lot of materials that were merely "pack-ratted" away in the hangar. Here a desk and a few tables were hidden among the piles.

Another view of the problematic mess. It was agreed that we would have to "purge" these materials and save only a minimum amount. Spiders of various degrees of concern also were present.

In another part of the hangar was various SAR equipment that had been moved to make room for materials from the former "Navy Flying Club" which had beed disbanned. A large sign from that organization was found and may be donated to the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.

A plan was made to organize and assess the situation...the group would clean and purge to facilitate OPERATIONS.

Here Major Alvarado uses a hose to remove dirt and dust. A somewhat obsolete computer and a functioning television set was found in the pile.

After and a couple of hours or so of cleaning and organizing the area is ready for Group V and CC-CAP to utilize the facility for AIR and GROUND OPERATIONs. A few more things will be done on Tuesday.

There were also several boxes of BDUs and some blues pants. It is recommended that the unit approach a local retail store for an old "clothes rack." The uniforms are in need of washing as well.

Major Joe Ely Carrales after it was all done!

RESULTS

All in all this facility is an OUTSTANDING place and asset from Civil Air Patrol. It is a shame that it was not utilized for regular squadron functions. Here are my recommendations...

1) The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron will begin to use this a a meeting facility. First once a month and growing to an eventual pull out from the Reserve Center to full concentration on the Hangar.

2) More resources from the Group and Squadron be allocated for Nueces County Air Port.

3) More activities in South Texas be planned to include this facility and a mutual agreement be struck to allow for the purchase of fuel and the like from said facility on weekends as the natural result of a CAP flying events.

Major Fidel Alvarado also triumphant!

(nostalgia) Mario...come sta, il amico vecchio mio!!!

2006-03-03T17:28:00.000-06:00

Games Provided By Blinkyou.com

(CC-CAP Press Release) Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Aviators Attend Simulator

2006-02-28T22:51:00.000-06:00

Corpus Christi Composite Squadron
Office of Public Affairs

PRESS RELEASE

Major Joe Ely Carrales and Mr. Bert Alvarez at "Mission Control."

Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Aviators Attend Simulator
By Major J.E. Carrales, CAP

Corpus Christi, Texas- Cadets and Officers from the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol journeyed to NAS Kingsville Tuesday 28 February 2006 for some flying time in that installation’s GOSHAWK flight simulator.

The unit met at the Memorial Army Reserve Center on McArdle and departed for Kingsville, Texas at about 4:00 p.m. and rendezvoused with Kingsville Area Civil Air Patrol Officers and NAS Kingsville contact person Bert Alvarez some 45 minutes later. The project officer for the excursion was Capt Fidel Alvarado.

Cadet Senior Airman Christopher Villareal gives a "thumbs up" as he completes a session in the GOSHAWK flight training simulator at NAS Kingsville Tuesday 28 February 2006. Cadet Villareal is the unit's senior cadet and a student a W. B. Ray High School.

“This is a great Aerospace Education opportunity,” Alvarado said, “we are thankful for the opportunity extended to us by NAS Kingsville.”

The squadron members were able to practice aerial maneuvers, formation flying and even carrier landings; greatly augmenting the unit’s Aerospace Education Mission. The Corpus Christi squadron would like to thank the U.S. Navy, Naval Air Station Kingsville and simulator instructor Mr. Bert Alvarez.

The general weekly meeting of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) for senior members and cadets is from 7 to 9 p.m. at 4722 McArdle Road. Free. Potential new members welcome. Information: 438-5112.

2LT John Hoelscher of Bishop (forground) instructs Major Joe Ely Carrales of Premont (seated) on how to execute a difficult manuever in the GOSHAWK light training simulator at NAS Kingsville. 2LT Hoelscher is a computer technician at the base and Major Carrales is a teacher at Memorial Middle School.

Mr. Bert Alvarez and Major Victor Medina, Jr. pause a moment while a cadet is prepared for the GOSHAWK Simulator at NAS KINGSVILLE. Major Medina joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1968 and served in the Pacific during WWII.

2LT Hoelscher and SSGT Shaw at the simulator at NAS KINGSVILLE. Ah THREADSTERS...eat your heart out!!!

Mr. Bert Alvarez, Capt Fidel Alvarado and Major Joe Ely Carrales in the simultor at NAS Kingsville.

Carmel Alvarado gives a "thumbs up" after taking controls over a simulated South Texas!

(Politics)...Where I stand on a SCALE!!!

2006-02-19T22:23:00.000-06:00

You are a
Social Moderate
(50% permissive)

and an...
Economic Conservative
(65% permissive)

You are best described as a:

Centrist

Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid
Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

(CAP) Latest Pic

2006-02-07T23:44:00.000-06:00

(Above) Capt Carrales' 2006 CAP Yearbook Photo

(Work in Progress) Society...Norms...and Standards!

2006-02-05T16:23:00.000-06:00

I was thinking about what it means to be a "prude" and what it means to be "progressive." (note the quotations marks)

There are those that say that there exists a constant attack on "standards and morality" and the diametrically opposed group that claims that "traditionalism" is backwards and arbitrary.

My questions soon became...

What is the purpose of having those standards?

What might happen if there was not that "celing" of standards that prevents an "everything goes free-for-all?"

When morality as we know it is gone and the last "prude" dies, what might the world be like?

Do we need that curtain of morality to restrain the animal in humanity?

I should interject the fact that there must be some taboos. But, as with so many things, there needs to be the caveat of "proper time" and "proper place."

I don't fondle my wife in public or display any such public displays of emotion beyond chit-chat maybe hand holding. I don't like nor want to see people one step from sexual intercourse in public....homo- nor hetro- sexual.

As for nudity in public...I think again it is a matter of "time" and "place." A school is no place for Public Display of emotion or nudity...the club scene in D-Town very well may be.

Who am I to say...but, I think the idea of taboos on certain things have merit. The participation in said taboos or the dismissal of them should be the responsibility of the individual to select the proper time and place.

I don't think the things like the "Billy Graham Crusade" are necessarily a bad thing. There is this undercurrent in the media, mostly coming from ROCK STAR ORACLES, that everything "traditional" is bad.

I submit that it is just as disingenuous to discredit something for being too "traditional" as it is to do the same for something being to "progressive."

As for Pat Robertson, one must examine him for who is is and what he does...AGENDIST.

I would trust one of Graham's people before I would any of Robertson's on maters of Theology. Robertson's message is steeped in AGENDISM. When someone from Billy Graham's camp calls fornication, porn and prostitution "evil," I would have to say that such things don't fit my description of being "good."

Taken one at a time, the sex without digression is very destructive to the mental health of its practicioners...porn, when promoted to sexually underdeveloped persons might encourage all sorts of truely deviant (not masturbation...but public actions "beyond the valley" of the law) and prostitution is exploitation of women. But these are subjects of other threads.

As for Wicca...being Catholic I do not agree with their doctrine...but, I have never known any of these people to commit (of the ones I have known) any affront to me or anyone I know. They seem to be one with nature.

Tolerance can't be forced on people...I tolerate the Wiccans and others of differing traditions. And, so long as they respect my Catholicism and my traditions, I will extend the same respect.

The Eqyptians has their own standards...and yes there where those detractors and dissidents.

Still, it is those standards that held them together. Once a people lose that common glue...can they remain a people? The Eqyptians baasically became GREEKs and then the Greeks eventually because a part of their admirers, the ROMANs.
Your initial observations on the purpose of such mores and standards I agree with whole heartedly.

Is seems as if the decay of one society gives rise to the florishing of another? Sort of like fertilizer?

Well...if that is the case, then I guess all this "shit" we have to put up with actually may have purpose. (I'm gonna have to remember that one)

(Carralesian Semantics) Anticraptic- a definition

2006-02-02T23:24:00.000-06:00

Anticraptic-adj. 1) the state or condition of not being crappy. 2) greatly beneficial 3) of or having the characteristics opposite of crap 4) the opposite of shitty.

Usage:

"This restaurant is anticraptic, I thought it was going to suck!!!"

"The results of the game, no matter how crappy nor anticraptic...was a moot point."

(CAP Pics) Cadets at play

2006-01-25T22:32:00.000-06:00

(above) Cadet Temmen, SSGT Harry Shaw and Cadet Candidate Tugwell fiddle with some circuits.

(CAP DSAR) The Brownsville Staging Area...Sortie 1/21 January 2006

2006-01-21T22:34:00.000-06:00

Sortie 1: In search of MR SMITH!
Brownsville Stanging Area
TEXAS WING DSAR
21 January 2006

(Above: Capt Carrales checks on the mission status board at a SARex in Brownsville, Texas on Saturday 21 January 2006)

The Brownsville Staging Area has been my vessel for training in CAP as long as I have been a member of the organization. I recently told a photographer from the Brownsville Herald that "The Brownsville Comp Squadron is the Hub of Activity in South Texas."

I dream that the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron will one day be able to take its place besides it in the upcoming years. Who knows maybe Kingsville as well?

(Above: Major Juan Arredondo give the mission briefing at the staging area)

The mission began with a briefing by Major Arredondo. He informed us that we had been given coordinates for a Personal Location Transmitter. We were also given some information on the man to whom it belonged. These personal "signal beacons" are becoming more popular and present a new challenge for the Civil Air Patrol's Urban DF teams. Instead of making an assumption that an ELT or E-PERB is in an aircraft or boat, it could be on an individual anywhere.

We were informed that the man was Mr. Jim Smith, age 69...he was last seen at a local bar and never made it home.

(above: In the mission report, which for a SARex is ficticious, it was also reported that he was last seen in a black Caddie SUV. Now, this was totally ficticious...well, our Ground Team is so well trained that we actually FOUND the "made up" vehicle.)

Were were deployed on the first sortie, lead by 1Lt. Ceasar Riojas.

(above: Using advanced D-F equipment were began to triangulate on the signal. Here two cadets use said apparatus in a wooded area)

(above: The DF Equipment isn't the only tools at our disposal. URBAN DF teams also have the power of the populace on their side. Here cadets conduct an interview at the Commerative Air Force Facility for the ubiquitous Mr. Smith.)

After an unsuccessful interview the crew returned outside. There was a steady rain falling and it became quite...er...moist and damp. Mud caking under our shoes gave us all an extra few inches en re our height.

We then took another reading and determined that it was coming from a wooded area known to the CADETS as "Little Vietnam" due to its dense foliage.

(Above: a marked tree, it was there that a PONCHO and pants believed to belong to MR. SMITH were discovered and the ELT was recovered. The mission was finished)

(Above: Every mission at a SARex is a learning one, no where is that more evident than at the debriefing. Elements of the mission are discussed and logegd...issues are addressed and better practices are brought to the attention of the units involved for use at the next SARex or REDCAP.)

(Amero-Hispanic Issues) Preamble of the Constitution of Aztlan

2006-01-20T21:51:00.000-06:00

This is meant to be controversial...you may disagree with some of it or all of it. But it is a start.

If you do find something wrong with it, or all of it, please be respectful in your criticism. You want "issues" to be discussed...have at them. Anyway it will be a good exercise in debate.

My only agenda here is to "stir the pot" for a possitive purpose. The messages are deleted at the bottom of the page anyway when they get "bumped off." HELP ME make at least something like this a reality...

First I will post the Preamble following by my comentary on it section by section...line by line.

Preamble:

"Resolved United People; that we might situate in a greater harmony, maintain the integrity of justice, assure domestic tranquility amongst our neighbors, protect the continued advancement of all people, create strong individuals for the benefit of all and INSURE that LIBERTY and JUSTICE approach the ideals of human possibility; do decree the equal establishment for the residents of North America."

The Preamble Explained

1) Resolved United People… The goals of Aztlan can only be achieved with people who are united in their resolve to better the lives of the INDIVIDUALS in the society. Internal fighting over trivial issues amplified to the level of a miniature war or threat exchange does nothing to advance the CAUSE. There must be an inclusive movement that will address Amero-Hispanics of all political leanings, be them CONSERVATIVE, LIBERAL or independent of political spectrum.

The continued division between these political, social and economic spheres drives a wedge between OUR communities as a whole. If there is to be a promotion of education, culture, learning a rejuvenated barrio and institutions (including but not limited to family and friendship), there must first be a respect of the diversity of Amero-Hispanics while maintaining a commonality of goal and purpose.

2) …that we might situate in a greater harmony… Unity must be followed by harmony. The musical notes in a song are different, in pitch as well as tone, but they work in concert to produce a work. The is BASS and TREBLE, there is LOUD and SOFT…there is faster and there is slower.

That is as the Amero-Hispanic Community, there is LIBERAL and there is CONSERVATIVE, there is RADICAL and there is STATIC… there are the faster and there is the slower call to action.

If we fail to work in concert…fail to make the necessary compromises…THE WE FAIL THE FUTURE.

3) … assure domestic tranquility amongst our neighbors… The gangs must be abolished. There must be an end to the association of our PEOPLE with drugs and prison. Drugs, no matter the validity nor asinine nature of the status of LEGALITY, and the additions they create are a YOKE on the BACKS of the PEOPLE.

To have to be so yoked is a form of slavery and social control. The escape from reality cause by the abuse of Drugs and Alcohol is just that…AN ESCAPE FROM REALITY. At the end of which the world is much darker than before.

The children must be retaken from that lifestyle and grow up in a nurturing Barrio. We will never have the IDEAL, but we must work towards it. We must establish a situation where people are not afraid to be in a neighborhood…a barrio, in which they live. It must become an institution which provides its oven security, culture and posterity, internally and out.

4) … protect the continued advancement of all people… Race and Ethnicity exist…they have their good points…the culture and social trappings of a cohesive society. But the problems begin when one group sees its neighbors as being with superior or inferior to them. Thus they begin to take actions on those ignorant beliefs.

Every child…be them any color of the rainbow, deserves to have the same chance. They must all be educated, they must all have the chance to strive for political, social and economic success.

There things are not guaranteed…in fact, the only guarantee is that if one fails to try or chooses not to act…then they will never find that success.

THERE MUST BE AN END TO APATHY AND IGNORANCE…let it begin with the people of Aztlan.

5) … create strong individuals for the benefit of all… The idea of Aztlan, in my opinion, should be an inward movement; a focus on the creation of strong individual, in mind and body. Not for the purpose of conquering any outside group…but for the purpose of conquering the DEVILS that reside in all peoples.

It should be engrained in any version of Aztlan that ALL PEOPLE ARE EQUAL in POLITICAL, SOCIAL and ECONOMIC spheres. To think any less would be to become what is most hated and feared…DICTATORSHIP of one RACE over all OTHERS.

Aztlan is many things to many people…paradise to some, TREASON to some, a chance to advance for other and to me it is an IDEA of ADVANCEMENT and community. An organization of culture.

That must being with the individual.

6) … INSURE that LIBERTY and JUSTICE approach the ideals of human possibility… What limits us? Many answers can be stated. What limits our LIBERTY and Justice? That answer is clear…it is the DARK SIDE of HUMANITY. A dark side present in each of us…no matter what language we speak, or what color our skin might be.

LIBERTY and JUSTICE are ideals…concepts. We must work toward them…equal to all people. What is good for you is good for me. Is good for all.

7) … do decree the equal establishment for the residents of North America… It is here where the most discourse and compromise must be made. Aztlan is many things to many people…to some it is a NATION STATE, to me, it is a movement that can include all.

I respect the national boundaries of all nations. National sovereignty promises that governments can remain local. World Government will lead only to tyranny. Why do I say this…because there are those that do not wish it. What will become of those nations that resist the joining of such a world government? Simple, they will have to be crushed.

Azltan must move beyond the idea of National Boundaries, but must still respect them. Mexico, the USA and Canada are separate nation states. There need not be walls dividing them, but there must be a respect for the crossing of those boundaries. Legality is the issue. Is it illegal to cross a border between two nations? No…it should not be. There should be legal methods and there should limitations on criminals and the like.

Thus, the current situation of illegal immigration will have to be addressed.

I see the current situation modern day ENDENTURED SERVITUDE. That Amero-Hispanics would allow the exploitation of anyone for work, and use it as political justification to will elections is a TRAVESTY!!!

(Pics) The Capt in Action...

2006-01-15T23:38:00.000-06:00

(Above) They told me to look...distinguished!!!

(Above) Ohh...you want the other Capt Carrales?

(Above:) Capt Carrales and Capt Alvarado try to figure out what will be done about GES.

(Above) Capt Carrales and Lt. Phelps enjoy a lecture given by Capt Alvarado

(CAP)Weekly South Texas CAP Almanac- Issue 2

2006-01-07T00:43:00.000-06:00

Weekly South Texas CAP Almanac
Issue 2/7 January 2006
Corpus Christi Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol
“Keep the Momentum Going”

MEETING AGENDA ADDITONS-deadline Sunday 8 January 2006

Please make any additions or correction to this agenda…if you would like to add an issue or section (or take issue with a section) feel free to.

Agenda for 10 January 2006
Meeting Agenda (pending)
Second Tuesday- Cadet Uniform of the Day: BDU -Aerospace Education/Testing (Air Ops Break out for Seniors)

1) Opening Ceremony- Flag, Pledge and Cadet Oath (in the Gym)
2) Address New Membership Applications, Discuss Recruiting, document goals for 2006 via creation of Squadron calendar.
3) General CAP Events & Texas Wing Calendar. Fire Watch Activities, Air/Ground/Mission Base Ops Assignments and Goals
4) Safety Briefing- The Buddy System and Avoiding Routine
Breakout Sessions
6) Senior Members: General ES- Stress describe GES on Line Test. Capt Carrales-More on Mission Observer/Scanner Training. (Gym)
7) Cadets: Aerospace Unit by SM Billingsley under the auspices of Lt. Phelps-
A) 1Lt Phelps address cadet needs
B) Test for Aerospace Achievement

Military Uniforms & Equipment from Old Lincoln County

Any of us need uniform items that are good and will not cause harm to our wallets. Old Lincoln County (OLC) in New Mexico is a great place to get uniforms and gear. Visit them on line at:
http://olcnet.com/

or call, at (505) 434-1372

Capt Carrales’ Tip of the WEEK:
AF10:USAF BELT, CL. A Uniform, NEW, roller slide silver buckle W/Blue belt, still the
best for holding trousers up, a million other uses, up to 54" $5.00

Items of interest:
Senior member and cadets:
AF02: USAF DRESS SHIRT: Lt blue, VG-EX cond. Sizes, 15, 15 1/2, 16, 16 1/2, , & a few
in 18, short sleeve. Long sleeve has same neck size as short sleeve, let us know sleeve
length you need. (sleeve length, from center of back to edge of cuff) in Neck Sizes, 14, 14 1/2,
15, 15 1/2, 16, 16 1/2 17, 17 1/2, 18, $5.00 ea.

AF02W: BLOUSES: Lt. Blue, USAF, G-EX cond. Sizes 6-20 most lengths, Over Blouse or Reg.$5.00 ea.
We have a few NEW in the Bag, sizes 12 SS tuck in, 16 SS tuck in. $7.50 ea.

AF04: USAF TROUSER, DRESS, VG-NEW cond. class A, (28-xs,s,r,l,xl)
(29-xs,s,r,l)(30s,r,l,)(31-s,r,l,)(32-xs,s,r,l,xl)(33-xs,s,r,l,xl)(34-xs,rs,r,l,xl)(35-xs,s,r,xl)(36-xs,s,r)
(37-s, r,)( 38-xs,s) , a few 39s & 40s, . $12.00 ea. or 2 for $20.00 (Base price $32.50)
Some NEW in the bag, just a few, sizes, 28 S, R, L, XL, 30 S, R, 32 S, R & L, 33 S, R,
34 S, R, L, 35 S, R, L, XL, 36 S, R, L, 39 L. $20.00 ea.

AF04W: WOMEN SLACKS: USAF, Dress, Blue, G-VG cond. Size 6 S, R, 8 S, R, L, 10 S, R, L,
12 S, R, L, 14 R, L 16 R $10.00 (Base price $26.75) Do to the different manufactures and
Air Force sizing, please give your waist size in inches and Height. Just a few NEW in the Bag,
sizes, 12 S, R, L, 14 S, R, L, 16 S, R, L, 18 S, R, L,. $20.00 ea.

Senior Member ONLY:
AF17: FLIGHT CAP, USAF GARRISON CAP: OFFICERS.New in the Bag. Sizes, 7 3/8 $4.00 ea.

Cadets ONLY:
AF03: USAF CADET DRESS JACKET, These are the Standard issue Class A Dress Jacket.
USAF, before Blazer style. Enlisted. G-EX cond. Sizes, 38 XL,
39, S, R, XL, 40 XS, S, R, 41 XS, S, R, 42 S, R, 43 S, L, 44 R, 46R, 50R, $25.00

AF03W: USAF CADET WOMAN'S DRESS JACKET: G-VG cond. Blue. Sizes 6 Petite, S, 8 S, R, L, XL, ML,
9 S, R, 10 Petite, R, 11 R, 12 Petite, S, R, 13 R, 14 R, L, 15 S, 16 S, R, L, 18 R,
$25.00 (for a good fit we need height & Chest in inches).

Next Week more from OLC and a review of the Hockshop and VANGARD INDUSTRIES (which has taken over CAPMART)

FIRE WATCH UPDATES and PUBLIC AFFAIRS WORK

A you well know, the Civil Air Patrol is busy fighting fires and spotting for the front lines in that effort. But they are not the only ones. It is the duty of every CAP supporter to “spread the word” when we do things of merit. Thus our activities are well documented in the hearts and minds of the citizenry that we serve with our Emergency Service activities, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs.

1Lt Arthur Woodgate, IO and assistant PAO of the Wing said this in the matter,

“We're here to help get the story out, and that's something we can't do without you and others like you. Neither could I have produced that story without the images and stories supplied by the Fire Watch teams that flew their (mostly boring) patterns.

We can do a mass e-mailing to all media easily enough, but without the personal touch and rapport that comes with being a "local" and having established a relationship with the local news media, the stuff often winds up in "file 13".”

Let us take this moment to review the latest information in that effort.

To date I have sent various Press Releases to the following newspapers and media outlets for publication...

Corpus Christi Caller Times
Kingsville Record
Falfurrias Facts

Submitted to these two Radio Show Hosts

Eric Von Wade- News Talk 1440AM KEYS (2:00-6:00 p.m.)
Bob Jones- News Talk 1440AM KEYS (morning talk show host)

Also, I have distributed it internally. The internal Public Affairs Program, much like safety and aerospace education, refers to “with in” and “close to” the CAP organization, “external” would suggest to the community at large.

Cadet Competition announced

Cadets, there are lots of activities other than the meetings. If you merely attend the meetings you are only getting a small part of what CAP has to offer you. There are lots of GROUP LEVEL, WING LEVEL and NATIONAL LEVEL things you can do. Here is the latest…

“2006 Texas Wing Cadet Competition
Released via email on…Jan. 5, 2006

Failure to comply with ALL instructions may disqualify team.

Official Notification: Competition to be held on Feb. 10, 11, & 12 at Camp Mabry, Austin, TX.
Please submit notification of “Intent to Compete” by: Jan. 15, 2006
This notification should include:
Squadron name and unit number
Senior representative with e-mail address and phone number
Type(s) of team (Drill or Color Guard)

Please submit official team rosters by: Jan. 31, 2006
This notification should include:

1) Squadron name and unit number (Include special team name if appropriate)
2) Senior representative with e-mail address and phone number
3) Team Commander’s name(s) with e-mail address and phone number
4) Team Escort’s names with e-mails and phone numbers
5) All team member names with CAP ID number (Identify as male or female)

Team rosters received after midnight Jan. 31, 2006 will not be accepted under any conditions. Whatever means of notification is used whether it is by e-mail, fax, or delivery service must be in my possession by this time and date.

My business e-mail will be used strictly for the purposes of the competition. Please do not include me on any other e-mails for any other purposes.
My contact information is:

MSgt. Garrett Coleman
E:Mail: garrett@protechaccess.com
Cell Phone: 713-819-2676 (For emergency purposes only. No questions will be answered by phone. All questions are to be submitted by e-mail only. The question and answer will be distributed to all team contacts.)

Mailing address will be provided upon request.

Additional information will be forthcoming. After Jan. 15th, 2005, the only official method of communication will be through a special e-mail group set up for this competition and only selected official support participants and those e-mail addresses submitted on the “Notification to Compete” and the “Official Team Roster” will be included.

Respectfully submitted
MSgt. Garrett Coleman”

FLIGHT RELEASE REPORTS DUE
Our unit has had little flying done and this is an area of CAP, a major one, that I am woefully “under informed.” We will, however, rectify that in that our unit is retooling. Maj. John Rios, Capt. Ed Ude, Capt. Fidel Alvarado, Mr. John Hoelscher and myself will be working together at a time to be organized and announced to become totally and effectively familiar with these issues.

Here is an e-mail from SENIOR FLIGHT OFFICER Dave Neel, by the way Senior Flight Officer(SFO) is a “warrant officer” grade that for CADETS (18-21 years of age) transitioning to the Senior Program.

“A reminder to all Unit Commanders and FROs, your CAPF 99s ( CAP Flight Release Logs ) are due to Texas Wing no later than the 5th of each month. Also, there is now a new CAPF 99 which has the changes to the mission codes. The new CAPF 99, dated JAN06 will be the only version accepted for January’s reporting, so make sure you start using this form so that you don’t have to redo your report at the end of the month. I have attached a word document and PDF copy for your convenience as well as the emergency change to CAPR 60-1 for you to review.

Lastly, there is no need to copy everyone on FRO reports unless of course they directly request it. There are only two people that are Required to receive the report each month.

They are:
[State Director] ED BROWN, caplo@hot.rr.com
[TXWG / DO-A] DAVID NEEL, frco@txwgcap.org

Thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication, I appreciate your help in making the FRO reporting/auditing process easier for everyone. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime.”
Additionally,

“The new FRO list has been posted on the Operations page of the Texas Wing website. If anyone’s name is not on this list, then they are not authorized to release aircraft until an updated list with their name has been submitted. FROs please check the online list and contact your unit commander if you believe there is a problem.

If anyone should have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime.

Thanks,

DAVID NEEL, SFO, CAP
Texas Wing / DO-A
4500 Ratliff Lane, Suite 112
Addison, Texas 75001-3219
877.267.0993 (direct)
866.353.7903 (fax)”

Possible cadet Fire Arms Training

Plans are in the works to obtain cadets supervised firearms training. As an American, every person is granted certain right by the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution. The goal of any such training will be to develop respect for and safe use of firearms.

Sgt Harry Shaw, a new recruit to our unit, will lead this effort via investagation.
What do CAP regs say on the matter?

“Section C: Weapons. There will be no firearms, guns, paint guns, or any device that could be used as a weapon at any cadet activity. The only exceptions to this policy are:
1) Deactivated Firearms. Cadets may use facsimile or deactivated firearms only as part of an honor guard or color guard. A deactivated firearm is one that will prevent the insertion of ammunition or the firing of a weapon. A facsimileis a copy that is not capable of firing ammunition.

2) Firearm Training. CAP cadets may participate in firearm training if the wing commander approves the training facility and sponsoring personnel or agency in advance and in writing. For additional guidance, see CAPR 900-3, Firearms: Assistance to Law Enforcement Officials.

Training must be sponsored and supervised by one of the following qualified military small arms range personnel local law enforcement officers qualified as firearms instructors; or personnel of the National Rifle Association, National Skeet Shooting Association, or Amateur Trap Shooting Association qualified as firearms instructors."

I would really like to have this option open to cadets. If we can set a goal for April or May that would be good.

(Threadster/CAP Fun) See if you can spot any Threaders in this CAP Pic

2006-01-05T22:14:00.000-06:00

"Always Vigilant...The Civil Air Patrol Chorpus Christi Comp. Squadron"

3 January 2006

See if you can spot a Prominent Threadster in this CAP Meeting Line up?

(Texas Wing News Release) Looking After Our Neighbors/Civil Air Patrol Fire Watch

2006-01-04T20:17:00.000-06:00

Looking After Our Neighbors

by 1st Lt. Arthur E. Woodgate, Civil Air Patrol

The entire Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol, composed of over 3,000 volunteer aviators and ground personnel, have been put on state-wide alert as a result of the continuing grass fires that have already caused considerable property damage and personal losses in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Many Texas Wing squadrons have already been tasked with flying damage assessment missions, and in some cases were able to direct local fire-fighters to new fires that they contained before they could spread. Prevailing brisk to high winds have not made the fire-fighters’ task any easier, since the dry vegetation is so flammable that it can rise in flash conflagration and spread faster than it can be extinguished.

(above) A fire in Collin County, Texas on Lavon Lake NE of Dallas, Tuesday, January 2nd, 2006, taken at 4 pm. Photo by Capt Laurie Prior, PAO of Fort Worth Senior Squadron, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol.

Col. Robert F. Eldridge, Texas Wing Commander, said, "We’re in this for the long haul. Since there is no sign of rain coming our way any time soon, everyone can expect to be called. Just be ready and do your best, as I know you will. You always have." The overall operation is run by the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management (DEM - a division of Texas DPS), which in turn tasks the Texas Forestry Service with suppressing wild fires. TFS has resources assigned to it from many agencies: DPS, Parks and Wildlife, National Guard, Red Cross, and Civil Air Patrol.

Much of the tasking turns out to be preventative in nature; many CAP flights find no fires at all, because the mission involves searching for fires in areas not known to have any. But when a fire is found, the outcome justifies all the "negative result" efforts. Lt. Col. Jack Jackson, Texas Wing Vice Commander, said, "Up to this point, CAP resources have come from 14 different units in Central Texas, since that is the area we’ve been asked to cover. This allows crews to return home each night, rest and fly again the next day. So far, this has worked well for us. However, we’ll probably need to expand that in the future."

A fire about 1.5 miles North of Rosebud, TX (Milam County), recorded by 1st Lt. James Golbowski (pilot) and Capt Frank Clawson (scanner/photographer), Apollo Squadron, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol. Monday AM, January 1st, 2006.

Working in coordination with the Texas State Operations Center, as of 5 pm, January 3rd, Texas Wing had flown 39 sorties (a total of 120+ hours), and identified over twenty fires. CAP, the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, performs 95 percent of all continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. More than 56,000 volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the almost 25,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing "missions for America" for more than 60 years.

Northeast of Austin, about noon, Wednesday, January 3, 2006, a blooming conflagration in a wooded section six miles east of Hearne. in Robertson County. There were no fire fighters in view and at least one structure was threatened. The crew immediately reported it to the Forest Service. Aircrew: Capt. Leonard Saddler, Lt. John Howard, and Capt. Robert Brecount (photographer) from Victoria Composite Squadron, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol.

For more information about CAP, go to www.cap.gov or call CAP's toll-free number at 1-800-FLY-2338

________________________________________

1st Lt. Arthur E. Woodgate is the Texas Wing Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. He is a retired U.S. Army intelligence officer and president of an e-commerce consultant firm in Dripping Springs, TX.

(CC-CAP)Weekly South Texas CAP Almanac Issue 1/3 January 2006

2006-01-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

Weekly South Texas CAP Almanac

Issue 1/3 January 2006

Corpus Christi Composite Squadron

Civil Air Patrol

“Keep the Momentum Going”

First Issue of Weekly South Texas CAP Almanac

I am pleased to announce the return of the Weekly South Texas CAP Almanac, this will be a compilation of Civil Air Patrol issues for people of South Texas’ CAP units and other interested parties.

All information is declassified and useful for members and potential members of this and other units.

-Capt. J.E. Carrales, CAP

Meeting Minutes for 3 January 2006

A lot was accomplished at the meeting. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cadet Thomas followed by the Cadet Oath led by Cadet Temmen. A prayer was offered by Lt. Sandra Phelps.

The official “Squadron log” was begun and will reflect all the activities that occur in the unit for 2006.

Capt J.E. Carrales Addressed the new membership and identified goals for 2006, read a letter from Maj.
Juan Arredondo to Lt. Col. Billman mentioning a Civil Air Patrol Squadron Leadership School (SLS) for August and touching on CAP DSARs to take place once a month in 2006.

Lt. Phelps addressed the issue of assigning Cadets specific roles and assignments as part of the active CC-CAP squadron.

The Cadets and Seniors went into breakout sessions where the cadets worked on Leadership. Seniors discussed Air Ops and qualifications for Mission Scanner and the possibility of training a full aircrew,
ground team and Mission Staff for future events. It is hoped that the result of these actions will result in the permanent assignment of an AIR CRAFT in Corpus Christi making full use of the HANGAR we receive gratis at ROBSTOWN’s Nueces County Air Port.

Members in Unit: 23

Seniors: 14

Cadets: 9

Meeting Attendance: 8

Comments: We need to improve the attendance at meetings if we are to get the required training and set goals. We will shoot for 10 as our next goal.

Persons in Attendance:

Major V. Medina

Capt
J.E. Carrales

1Lt. S. Phelps

Sgt H.E. Shaw

Mr. John Hoelscher

Cadet S. Thomas

Cadet K. Temmen

Ms. Cloe Tugwell

Weather Conditions at Corpus Christi:

Temp: 63F/17C

Conditions: Fog/Mostly Cloudy

Humidity: 94%

Visibility: 0 Miles

Aivation:

Flight Rule:	LIFR (KCRP)
Wind Speed:	6 mph / 9 km/h
Wind Dir:	170° (South)
Ceiling:	100 ft / 30 m

CAP Fire Watch Activities

Texas Wing expects a long fight in the war against the blazes. The following message from Lt. Col. Jackson demonstrates the importance of being ready in case they need volunteers.

“I had really intended to have much more timely updates but things have
really busy since last Friday. I know that some of you are wondering
what, why and where is going on. I'll do my best to bring you up to date.

First, I would like to describe how we are organized and where CAP fits
in. The overall operation is run by the Governor's Division of Emergency
Manage (DEM - a division of Texas DPS). The unit under DEM that is
responsible for suppressing wild fires is the Texas Forestry Service.
TFS has resources assigned to it from many agencies: DPS, Parks and
Wildlife, National Guard, Red Cross, and Civil Air Patrol.

TFS makes request to the supporting agencies. CAP receives it's request
from the TFS Air Branch Director - West. Our Fire Detection flights
free-up TFS and National Guard aircraft to fight fires. Sometimes our
crews are disappointed that they don't find any fires (even though we
have reported 20 as of last night). We are generally looking in area
that do not have known fires. If there were known fires, TFS and
National Guard resources would be in the area and we would not normally
be needed.

Up to this point, CAP resources have come from 14 different units close
to the center of the state. The area that we have been asked to cover,
is also close to the center of the state. This allows crews to return
home each night, rest and fly again the next day. So far this has worked
well for us. However, we are probably going to have to expand that in
the future.

The outlook is for a long engagement, in the order of weeks if not
months. There is no rain in sight and the fire threat will remain high.
Some for those of you that haven't been call, REST UP. You are going to
be needed.

Finally, to these of you that have been working many hours and giving of
your time, please accept my heart felt thanks. You are doing a great job.

A little of the details:

39 Sorties
120+ hours flying
20+ fires identified
Many hours supporting CAP in the SOC
and, of course, many hours running the mission

THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!

Sincerely,

Jack Jackson”

Lt. Woodgate, Public Affairs and Information officer had this to add…

“Then, there is another issue. CAP is a wonderful outfit, and we do much good work, but if that work goes unheralded, the public doesn't get to know about us, Congress doesn't hear from their constitutions, and then that makes it that much harder for CAP to get funding. And without funding we just can't operate.”

CAP Security Ramp Passes from the Air Port

As members of the Homeland Security Team, the Corpus Christi International Airport has extended a
CAP Security pass for our activities on the flight line en re ELT searches and other security issues.

Capt Ed Ude, is the primary contact for this issue.

He can be reached at:

omnig8or@hotmail.com

I think it would be wise to do this as a group to show a united front. If not, and you wish to have this, contact Capt Ude for clearance.

CC-CAP Web page Resources Available

The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron web-page is now on line! It is hoped that this webpage will be a good "one stop" shop for members of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron.

There is, of course, information on meetings and locations of the squadron including the commander's contact information. A developing section on Emergency Services will provide information on what members need to do to meet Emergency Servies
criteria as well as training opportunities in the newly
formed Texas Wing "Group 5."

Additionally, from this page one can follow links to CAP national headquarters, Texas Wing and a variety of places useful to CAP members.

News and information will soon be available via this blog and linked to said webpage.

This web page is available for view at:

http://carrales.tripod.com/KingCap.html

I hope you will visit and use said resources...

Thank you,

Capt Carrales

Capt. Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Corpus Christi Comp. Squadron
Civil Air Patrol

(CC-CAP) The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron Webpage is now ONLINE!!!

2006-01-02T18:55:00.000-06:00

The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron webpage is now on line! It is hoped that this webpage will be a good "one stop" shop for members of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron.

There is, of course, information on meetings and locations of the squadron including the commander's contact information. A developing section on Emergency Services will provide information on what members need to do to meet Emergency Servies
criteria as well as training opportunities in the newly formed Texas Wing "Group 5."

Additionally, from this page one can follow links to CAP national headquarters, Texas Wing and a variety of places useful to CAP members.

News and information will soon be available via this blog and linked to said webpage.

This webpage is avaiable for view at:

http://carrales.tripod.com/KingCap.html

I hope you will visit and use said resources...

Thank you,

Capt Carrales

(Pop Culture) The Argh-arita...Born of Necessity!

2006-01-01T11:45:00.000-06:00

Well, we ran out of Tequila for margaritas.

All the stores are closed and rather than rob our neighbors and risk jail time, I broke out a couple of bottles of RUM.

We had to replace the Tequila with RUM, thus creating a prirates favorite... The Argh-arita... Born of necessity!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
2006

(Holiday) Happy New Year's Radio Drama

2005-12-31T11:44:00.000-06:00

Happy NEW YEAR to all my friends on EVW and THREADSTERS one and all. My best wishes for a best 2006.

I know most of you may not read my Radio Drama, but I have written this two parter (a bit long, albiet entertaining) for you and yours. Please read it and let me know what you think. I put a lot of truth in it.

Capt Carrales

One Night in Corpus Christi
“Holiday’s in the Country”
Written by Capt J.E. Carrales, III

ACT I: Country Roads...take me away

(Opening Organ Music Theme Song)

Narrator: "LADIES and GENTLEMEN...CARRALES STUDIOS PRODUCTIONS brings you (music swells) THE THIRD SEASON OFONE NIGHT in CORPUS CHRISTI brought to you this week by the folks at Landru’s Restaurant. Need a place to eat where you can look down on all the little slightly insignificant people? Well, if the answer to this question is yes you need to patronize one of the many Landru’s Restaurants in the Corpus Christi Area! Landru’s…soon to be the only place to eat in Corpus Christi. Now, let us join our friends and OUR HERO…

(Organ music swells and dies, slight rustic instrumental music)

NARRATOR: “After the hustle and bustle of Christmas time, most Corpus Christians (gasps) like to wind down their holidays with a memorable New Years Day celebration. Ironically, this year OUR HERO, Douglas MacKillroy, and his wife won’t be celebrating this momentous affair in Corpus Christi. Yes, after years and years of staying home, Douglas and Honey are actually going to answer and invitation from Doug’s father, Roger, and make the hour and a half drive down south to Premont, Texas. We join our couple as they speed south down U.S. Highway 281 getting ever closer to the rustic setting of Premont, Texas.”

(sound of a car driving)

Douglas: “Now, Now, Honey. Don’t pout. We’re only spending one day over in Premont. It will be a good break from all those miserable lawyers that have been hounding us since Christmas…and that lousy trial.”

Honey: “Come on, Doug, what is there to do in Premont? Its 30 miles from nowhere!”

Douglas: “Be reasonable, Honey, what difference does it make if you get drunk in Corpus or Premont? Your just irritable because you didn’t pee when I warned you in Kingsville.”

Honey: “How was I supposed to know there wasn’t so much as a house between Kingsville and Premont? Its like going backwards in time.”

Douglas: “I wish! I’m still turning you in for two 20 year olds when you turn 40.” (laughs)

(loud Slap)

Douglas: “Ouch! What was that for?”

Honey: “Not dying in your sleep last night! How much farther is it anyway?”

Douglas: “We should almost be there. (surprised) Whoa!”

(Sound of slamming on breaks and car tires screeching to a halt.)

Honey: “Hey, what are you trying to do kill us?”

Douglas: “No! The speed limit just dropped from 70 mph to 20!”

Honey: “That’s ridiculous.”

Douglas: “This must be some kind of speed trap. I’m surprised I don’t hear a…”

(SOUND OF POLICE SIRENS)

Honey: You mean a COP!”

Douglas: “Honey, its times like this I wish you wouldn’t finish my sentences.”

(Knock at the car window)

Deputy Seeligson: “Excuse me, Sir. Would you mind stepping out of the car?”

Douglas: “Uh… yes, officer.”

(sound of car door opening)

Deputy Seeligson: “Sir, I don’t know where you’re from, but we have laws around these parts.”

Douglas: “Uh… yes, officer…but, I didn’t see the sign until it was already upon me.”

Deputy Seeligson: “You were going 45 m.p.h. in a 20 mile zone. You know, Sir, excuses are a lot like assholes; everybody has one. Can I see your drivers license and insurance…er…papers, please?”

Douglas: “Sir, is this going to take a long time? I’m meeting with my dad here in Premont.”

Deputy Seeligson: “Douglas S. McKillroy? Are you related to old Roger McKillroy that lives over on Bernice Street?”

Douglas: “Yes, he’s my dad.”

Deputy Seeligson: “Well, why didn’t you say so? (sound of ripping up the ticket) He’s a good friend of mine.”

Douglas: “Well, what about the law?”

Deputy Seeligson: “Hell, Mac, the law don’t apply among friends.” (laughs)

Douglas: “Really? That explains why your State Representative was in so much trouble?”

Honey: “Doug, what are you doing out there?”

Douglas: “Nothing, Honey, this officer is a friend of Pop’s.”

Deputy Seeligson: “Is that you wife, Mac?”

Douglas: “Why, yes, she is.”

Deputy Seeligson: “She’s pretty big in the ‘boob department’ isn’t she?” (laughs)

Douglas: (surprised and incredulous) “I beg your pardon?!”

Deputy Seeligson: “Why? Did you burp or something?”

Honey: “What now, Douglas?”

Douglas: “Uh…nothing…he was just checking our headlights.” (laughs and applause)

Deputy Seeligson: “Just, follow me and I’ll take you to his house. He lives at 723 and a half North Bernice Street.”

Douglas: “O.K., I’ve got your tale.”

Deputy Seeligson: (angry) “Hey! What do you mean by that, Mac?.”

Douglas: “It means… ‘I’ll follow you’…nothing else, nothing more.”

Deputy Seeligson: “Sorry, Mac, but we’ve been watching Channel 3, KYYY out of Corpus Christi and were just a little jumpy about those ‘wrongful deathers’ you have up there. Some guy…a big trial You know anything about that? What about them Bi-sexual councilpeople you’ve got? I remember reading about that some months back?”

Douglas: “Trust me, I know more that you’ll ever know. But, don’t worry about that second item from me…would I have a wife with headlights like that if I were…eh…questionable?”

Deputy Seeligson: “It’s like I said, we can’t take any chances. Just follow behind me and we’ll be at your Dad’s place in no time.”

NARRATOR: “Doug and Honey followed Deputy Seeligson and soon they were at the front porch of Roger McKillroy. Honey and Doug exited their vehicle and made their way to the door.”

(knocking)

Douglas: (yelling)“Pop, we’re here!”

(more knocking)

Douglas: (yelling)“It’s me Douglas, and your favorite Daughter-in-law, Honey!”

Honey: “Where do you think he could be? I told him we were coming?”

Roger McKillroy: (muffled behind the door)“Hang on, Son. I’ll be right there.” (sound of things shuffling)

Douglas: “What do you suppose he’s doing in there, Honey?”

Honey: “I really couldn’t say, it sounds like a herd of elephants scurrying around.”

Roger McKillroy: (sound of door opening-Roger is almost out of breath)“Ahh, Son, its good to see you. I didn’t expect you for an hour or so?”

Douglas: “Pop, look at you! Your hair’s a mess, your shirt is un buttoned and your fly’s open. Just because you live by yourself doesn’t mean you should let yourself go.”

Honey: “Uh…Doug.”

Douglas: “And look at your furniture! This couch looks like you’ve been jumping on it! These drinks you have spilled all over the coffee table, it’s a wonder you don’t have mice?”

Honey: “Uh…Douglas, Dear.”

Douglas: “Not now, Honey! Can’t you see I’m scolding my father?”

Rebecca Adams: (young voice) “Why, Hello! You must be Douglas, Roger has told me so much about you. (excited) It’s good to finally actually meet you!”

Roger McKillroy: “Son, I want you to meet Rebecca…Rebecca Adams.”

Douglas: “Oh, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Adams. Now where was I… Oh, yes…Pop, I’m ashamed that you’re in this disheveled condition, especially when you have…when you have…uh…female…company?”

Honey: “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rebecca. I’m Honey, Douglas’ wife.”

Douglas: “Excuse me, Ms. Adams, who are you exactly?”

Rebecca Adams: “I’m sorry. I’m your father’s…special friend.”

(loud thud)

NARRATOR: "FAILNTED!? Well…it seems that Doug’s Father is…well, courting a younger woman. Be sure to tune in next week to, One Night in Corpus Christi. Can Douglas deal with this new problem?

Need more rooms in you house? How about some stools for your bar? Well here at FUNGUS COVE ESTATES, we have plenty of Mushrooms and Toadstools for you. At Fungus Cove your dream home is waiting for you at, when they made this development they really broke the MOLD!!!

One Night in Corpus Christi
“Holiday’s in the Country”
Written by Capt J.E. Carrales, III

ACT II: We’re the…this ain’t funny

(Opening Organ chord)

Narrator: “When we last left Our HERO, Douglas MacKillroy had just fainted at the sight of his father’s apparent new girlfriend…”

(loud thud)

Roger McKillyou: “He’s passed out. I’ll get the smelling salts!”

Honey: “They still sell that?”

(music swells and fades)

Narrator: "LADIES and GENTLEMEN...CARRALES STUDIOS PRODUCTIONS brings you (music swells) THE THIRD SEASON OFONE NIGHT in CORPUS CHRISTI brought to you this week by the folks at The Corpus Christi Second Hand Fruit Co. Are you tired of paying retail price for kumquats and star fruit? Do you feel that local grocers are extorting your hard earned cash? Well, if the answer to this question is yes you need to utilize one of the many The Corpus Christi Second Hand Fruit Co. emporiums in the Corpus Christi Area! Each day thousands of pounds of only slightly damage fruit is simply thrown away at the Port of Corpus Christi, now that loss can be your gain…Who need fresh fruit when you can have savings. Now, let us join our friends and OUR HERO…

(Organ music swells and dies, slight rustic instrumental music)

NARRATOR: “Oh my, poor Douglas has just been introduced to Rebecca, surely a milestone in his life. The gravity of ‘exactly who’ Rebecca was seemed to have a profound effect on our hero. Unfortunately, the truly astonishing revelations were soon to come…”

Honey: “…And exactly what is the problem with your father’s relationship with Rebecca?”

Douglas: “Honey, its just not right. Rebecca is 23 years old and my father is 68. Rebecca saw Pearl Harbor with Ben Affleck, Pop saw Pearl Harbor in person”

Honey: “I admit, the age difference is an issue, but love has few boundaries.”

Douglas: “Yeah, and lust has even fewer!”

Honey: “Please, Douglas, do me the favor of just swallowing it for tonight. Let’s just celebrate the New Year and then put this behind us.”

Douglas: “Did you have to say ‘swallowing,’ Honey?”

Honey: “If you do this for me…well, we’ll just see about swallowing?”

Douglas: (gulp) “As always, my dear wife, I yield you your superior logic.”

Honey: “I thought you would. Now, lets just see what your father and his fiancée have planned for the New Years.”

Douglas: “Fiancée?!”

Honey: “Just swallow it dear!”

(Roger entering the room)

Roger McKillroy: “Well, Son, have you recovered from your shock?”

Douglas: “Why, yes, Pop. I’m sorry I reacted that way, but she was a bit…young.”

Roger McKillroy: “Son, those are the best kind!”

Douglas: “Pop, but what about someone your own age? Wouldn’t you like that?”

Roger McKillroy: “Son, would you?”

(pause)

Douglas: “Uh…good point, Pop?”

Roger McKillroy: “Well, enough of that crap. I’ve got a great night planned for us, were going to Lauro’s Bar in Downtown Premont. We’ll bring in the New Year with drinks and music…I hope you like Mexican music. Tonight they have Jose Juanito Carranza y sus BOYZ! ”

Douglas: “I don’t mind pop, whatever you and lolita…I mean Rebecca want to do.”

Roger McKillroy: “Good, we’ll leave in a few minutes…I can’t wait. It’s been so long since you and I have had quality time together.”

Douglas: “Good one, Pop. (to himself)…just what I always wanted to do, watch my Pop put the Mac in McKillroy!”

NARRATOR: “Time went by rather fast and soon our quartet was exiting their automobiles in downtown Premont. Aside from the fact that Lauro’s Bar was literally a stone’s throw from U.S. Highway 281 and the loud sound of passing tractor trailers and their subsequent mini wind storm broke the otherwise peaceful sounds of the cantina.

(sound of Spanish music)

Honey: “Oh, Doug, this is so romantic. It’s like being in an old movie.”

Douglas: “Yeah…Star Wars!”

Roger McKillroy: “Here, I’ll get us a table.”

(cantina sounds)

NARRATOR: “It doesn’t take long for the bar to become lively and, after a few drinks and songs, Douglas no longer worried about Rebecca’s age. At a nearby table, a rowdy group of bar denizens made their way through round after round.”

Douglas: “Hey, this turned out alright after all, Pop.”

Roger McKillroy: (suffering from slurred speech) “Yep…you said it, boy.”

(Loud surge of laughing from the neighboring table)

Douglas: “It would be ideal, if these loudmouths would hold it down though.”

Honey: “Hey? Rebecca, let’s go powder our noses.”

Douglas: “Honey, if you need to take a piss, just say so.”

Honey: “You should get some manners?”

Douglas: “You…just go. I don’t know why you women have to go in groups. You never see men go to the bathroom in groups.”

Roger McKillroy: (still suffering from slurred speech) “Once, when I was in the Navy…in San Francisco. I…I…. (burp) saw 15 men go to the bathroom at once.”

Douglas: “Dad, don’t even finish that story.”

Roger McKillroy: “You know, your right. That story…(burp)…sure leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.”

(Music swells)

NARRATOR: “To recap our turn of events, Douglas and Honey traveled about 70 miles south to Premont, Texas to Spend the New Year with Douglas’ widower father. As it turned out, Roger McKillroy wasn’t as lonely as our hero thought. In fact Roger had shacked up with 23-year-old Rebecca Adams. Despite this… uh…situation Honey persuaded Douglas to have a good time…with an even better time to follow. The group then retired to Lauro’s Bar in downtown Premont. Let’s join Honey and Rebecca in the powder room…”

Honey: “So, you really love Doug’s father?”

Rebecca Adams: “Oh, yes. He’s a dream.”

Honey: “A…dream?”

Rebecca Adams: “Yeah, when he asked me to go steady, I thought I was going to die. He’s so swell!”

Honey: “Uh? I think you were raised on a few too many Nick-at-Night reruns, Rebecca.”

Rebecca Adams: “Call, me Becky! Its sure keen of you to talk so down to earth with me.”

NARRATOR: “Oh, so the truth comes through! It is possible that Rebecca…er…Becky might actually truly verily love old Roger. Could it be that that combination of growing up in Premont, where the 1950’s continued on into the 21st century, and too many episodes of The Donna Reed Show and Make Room for Daddy had an unexpected result. But, meanwhile back at the table…”

(loud carousing in the bar with Mexican music in the background)

Roger McKillroy: (speech still slurred) “You know, Dougee, those bastards are really getting on my nerves!”

Douglas: “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

Roger McKillroy: (YELLING with slurred speech) “HEY! YOU LOUD MOUTH BASTARDS! KEEP DOWN THE BLASTED NOISE!”

(gasps and angry sounds from the rowdy table)

Douglas: “Pop, what the hell are you doing?”

Roger McKillroy: (CONTINUED) “PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR HERE! SHUT YOUR PIE HOLES!”

Douglas: “Dad, shut up, please.”

Jacinto Reyes: “What the hell are you talking about old man? Who the hell do you think you are?”

Roger McKillroy: (CONTINUED) “LISTEN HERE, YOU mustachioed…(burp) BUSHWACKER! YOU’RE BOTHERING MY SON, and I’m not GOING TO STAND FOR it!”

Jacinto Reyes: “Oh, really and who do you think you are. You FAGGOT!”

Douglas: “Now, Now, Sir. I’m sorry; my father here has had too much to drink. This is a big misunderstanding. I’ll keep him quiet.”

Jacinto Reyes: “What’s the matter? You a gutless coward as well as a FAGGOT?”

(sounds of OOOOO’s from the crowd)

Douglas: “No, I’m not a coward. I just don’t have anything against you. Now let’s just bring in the New Year in peace. Ok? Good!”

Roger McKillroy: (LOUDER THAN EVER) “YEAH! MY SON AIN’T SCARED! HE TORE APPART AN IRAQUI with his BEAR hands during the GULF WAR. He’ll make short work of you.”

Jacinto Reyes: “Oh, yeah!?”

(Sound of a punch)

NARRATOR: (excited) “And with that…one punch on our completely off guard hero sent him flying across the room and right into…”

(crash bass drum)

NARRATOR: “…the bdrum of Jose Juanito’s drum set.”

Jose Juanito: “You bastard! I only had 20 more payments on this thing! Let’s get him BOYZ!”

(Sound of a brawl)

NARRATOR: “Oh, what a fight! The place reverted to complete chaos as bar denizens began something quite similar to the Battle of New Orleans. Chairs were broken and bottles were thrown. By the way, some of these chairs were made of metal and had been bolted to the floor. In the middle of the fighting, probably at its worse point, Honey and Becky emerged from the…powder room.”

(sounds of punches)

Honey: “What the…?”

(sounds of more punches and glass breaking)

Douglas: (while fighting and a bit frantic) “Honey…(punch) start the… (glass bottle breaking)…car!”

(sounds of fighting, fire trucks and police sirens)

Honey: “Doug, fight your way to the door? Your dad is already out here.””

Douglas: “What? What is he doing out there? He started this…”

Honey: “He says he has a sixth sense about when a fight is going to break out. Hurry the cops are getting here?”

NARRATOR: “After what seems to be an eternity, Douglas makes his way to the door and they drive away…(sound of car peeling out)…and make their way a few blocks north on U.S. 281 to the local Dairy Queen.”

Douglas: “Oh Honey, order me another cup of ice for my busted lip.”

Honey: “You know, Dear? You don’t look too bad. You don’t have any black eyes or anything.”

Douglas: “Why don’t you take Reggie’s advise about meeting people and apply here?”

Honey: “Really? What does he normally say?”

Douglas: “Its not how one looks on the outside that matters, it’s what’s on the inside… you know, internal bleeding?”

Rebecca Adams: “Gee? That was kind of fun?”

Douglas: “Yeah, too bad it only hurts when I laugh!”

Roger McKillroy: “Son, could you order me a banana split?”

Douglas: “Why, what are you going to do? Start a fight with the soda jerk?”

Soda Jerk: (in the background) “Hey, you? Who are you calling a jerk?”

Honey: “Here you go dear, more ice for your lip.”

Douglas: “Thanks, Honey.”

(clock chimes…Auld Lang Syne begins)

Honey: “Well, it’s a New Years. Come here, Doug!”

(LOUD Kiss)

Douglas: (yelling)“AHHHHHHH!.”

Honey: “Sorry, Doug, I forgot.”

Douglas: (yelling)“Dad, I hope you’re happy! Dad?”

(Sound of heavy kissing)

Douglas: “Great!? I’m in real pain and he’s ‘getting it on’”

(cell phone rings)

Honey: “Its mine, I’ll get it. Hello?”

Reggie Parkinson: (on the phone) “Hey, Honey! Just calling to wish you a happy New Year! How’s good ole Doug, tonight?”

Honey: “Uh, swell, well more like swollen!”

Reggie Parkinson: (on the phone) “Well, put him on so I can wish him a happy 2006 in person!”

Honey: “O.k! Here, Doug, it Reggie.”

Reggie Parkinson: (on the phone) “Happy New Year old man. Well, is it as boring as Honey though it was going to be?”

Douglas: “Yeah, haven’t you heard…(sarcasm) ‘there’s nothing to do in Premont’”

Reggie Parkinson: (on the phone) “Well, they say you can tell how the year is going to go based on New Year’s Eve. Well, is it going to be a good year or what?”

Douglas: “Reggie, Reggie, Reggie…God Damn you too…”

(sound of a quiet party)

Reggie Parkinson: (not on the phone) “Hello? Hello? Hey, I think he hung up on me!”

(Wah! Wah! Wah! Wah! Sound made with a trumpet and Harmond mute)

NARRATOR: "From all of us here at “One Night in Corpus Christi” to all of you, have a Happy New Year. Remember to drink responsibly; the only spirits we want you seeing are Jim Beam and Jack Daniels, not Saint Peter. Thank you and good night folks. Be sure to tune in next week to, "One Night in Corpus."

(Music ends)

(Social) Capital Punishment

2005-12-30T09:38:00.000-06:00

In winter I miss by garden, so my pondering take refuge in the drive home from Kingsville to Premont. As I went home on day, I thought about what the news said about that bloke that "bought the farm," you know, this Tookie Williams, co-founder of those gangs that cause so much trouble, his crimes and the nature of the movement he started have been a blight on society for 26 years now.

Here is what I pondered...

If we have a death penalty and have to use, and people kill anyway...then what puhishment would ever be a deterent? I mean, surivial and the desrire to live is a guiding principle for the sane HUMAN. If people won't stop killing even under the threat of death...why would life in prison change anything?

So I asked threadsrers..."What is the case for Capital Punishment? and, What is the case against Capital Punishment? "

Many brought up the religious issue stating the Commandment, you know the ones that were removed from certain statehouses,stating "Thou shall not kill."

I shoul dbe pointed out that the earilest translations of the Bible translate more to "Thou shall not murder, thou shall not "kill" would mean that one could not even kill plants or animals for food. Murder is different...the killing of a numan.

In anycase, if we work from the idea that murderers are a "cancer" on Body Politic, do we not destroy cancer to stop its ill effects and keep it from spreading? I know of no LIBERAL method for fighting bodily cancer that would work. I don't know, murderers who commited the act of Mr. Williams for the purposes mentioned (less than $100, not that the amount even matters be it $1 or $100,000) must be some sort of sociopaths. How arrogant we must be to think we can or should try to reform such a person.

I saw the image of Mr. William's victim at michaelsavage.com...I am convinced that Mr. William got what was coming. It is with great sorrow I post this pic up here...but I cannot allow the stupid idea that a murderer can escape final justice simply by writing some children's books.

(Education) The First Amendment: Indivdual Rights Discussion for Kids and Elders

2005-12-29T10:49:00.000-06:00

Individual Freedom...discuss with your children and grandchildren what that means to them.

Listen to what they give as an answer.

Freedom is a very precarious word...on its most base level it means CHAOS and ANARCHY. If everyone did "what ever the heck they wanted," that would/could include killing you and me. Thus, there are some freedoms that exist in the "state of nature" that we have to give up in order to live in a "society."

Ask your child to list them and you will mostly likely get a list something like this...

Murder
theft
rape
destruction
fighting
et cetra...

Then, have the child/children list all the rights they think they have...

That, the above, is called building on prior knowledge. Our kids know alot of stuff, the problem is they don't know they know it. Strange? Not quite, it is what I call "the disconnect." Things we know that we don't realize we have in our metaphorical "files." (more on that later)

Once you have had this discussion with your child/grandchild tell them about this... (or words to that effect)

We live in a world where "individual rights" and the "greater good of the whole community" are in direct conflict.

Then ask...

When, if ever, is it right to give up a right for the greater good?

Here are the rights in the First Amendment...

1) Freedom of Religious Worship
2) Feedom of Speech
3) Freedom of the Press
4) Freedom of Assembly
5) Freedom of Petition

I would then end the discussion here with some playtime or a trip to Dairy Queen for an ice cream.

Then, next time, we'll talk about freedom of Religion.

If you do this, speak with your children/Grandchildren, about this, ABOVE ALL...don't make it into a chore.

Listen to what they have to say, no matter how stupid or ignorant it seems...then use your position as an elder to correct what is wrong.

Yelling at children to learn organized materials like this never taught any lesson other than how to get written up to get out of school.

Build mutual respect...then demand it of your child/grandchild's teachers. Mutual, however, means that respect is a two way street. Make sure your kids remember that.

Enough for today...

(Social Observation) No Originality in Our Time? At least in America?

2005-12-28T10:47:00.000-06:00

What is it about our modern times that crubs "originality?" Surely we have not reached what some bards have called, "The End of History." Still, our culture of late is bombarding us with remakes and reissues of 19th and 20th Century materials. I had originally (pun) attached this to the idea that the 1990s were merely subject to "end of century" issues. There really is no distinct culture of the 1990s, only a perverted reissue of the 1950s and 1970s with a sprinkle of fads gon by.

Here is what leads me to these initial conclusions...

I was watching some television and came to the realization that my daughter's childhood is a corrupted 21st Century version of my childhood.

Look at this in these respects...

1) The movies... When I was a boy there was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in all its David L. Wolper Presents splendor, they have a new version now. A version of King Kong was around when I was a kid...low and behold!!!

2) Televison... We had Archie Bunker as contoversial television on the cutting edge. These days we have all sorts of television controversey.

3) War Protests and Watergate... We have that in our time, except its patiot acts and the like. I just find a strange parallel...what do you think. History repeating?

(Society) The Safety Valves of Society...Do they exist?

2005-12-27T18:39:00.000-06:00

There are some laws of science that seem to extend beyond the mere thermodynamics of the physical and seem to superimpose themselves on more metaphysical and abstract disciplines such as...Political and Social Science.

To call the afore mentioned diciplines sciences is a bit disingenuous, albiet there is some natural laws applying to pressure that draw a huge parallel.

"Safety Valves" of Society. This is spurred on by the idea that vactions are opposed to the nature of GOOD WORK ETHIC.

What is the opinion of the THREADSTER POPULACE en re this matter...?

I see vactations as such a safety valve, others have mentioned in the course of this lexicon a whole host others including...prostitution, alcholol and other less legal or extralegal issues.

The frontier was such a place that acted as a safety valve. A place where "elbow room" allowed fresh starts and opportunity. Fredrick Jackson Turner, the historian of note, knew this in 1890 when the fronteir was closed.

That experience has left a major mark on the "American Image." Our resourcefullness, our almost lawless abandon....out idealism to some degree. But we have...to some degree lost that particular "safety valve." That which prevented 19th Century America from looking like 19th Century Europe is gone.

I am reminded of Thomas Malthus, An Essay on the Principle of Population, and Soylent Green. The prior I plan to reread...the later I plan to pray against!!!

Life's ups and Downs

No one I know desires sufferings, but our "highs" are definded by our "lows."

A world without valleys is, also, a world without peaks. At the end of our lives we aremeasured up...be it by God, or by those we left behind or by our sweet imagination of the present. It is then that people add our pluses and minuses and see what worth we had.

Aside, and maybe more important, than that there is an average of our saddness and myrth.

We must have a mean...a life of averaged grief and merriment; to have lived "the average" is to have been stagnant. Boring...? Why would anyone want a world where they felt nothing...a burnt out shell. No good...no bad...just, existance?

Can a person's highs in life be a "built-in" safety valve? Maybe the natural state of man is WAR with intervals of peace thrown in.

(Humor) Yikes!!!! It's 6:00...do you know where your Nukes are?

2005-12-26T17:49:00.000-06:00

Don't you just sleep well at night knowing...

While some of you think that the world is precariously pearched on the brink of destrution from Nuclear HOLOCAUST!!!

Just Remember...

It could be a lot worse...BWHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!

(Pics) The Capt in ACTION!!!

2005-12-18T23:16:00.000-06:00

The Civil Air Patrol

Urban Direction Finding Team training in the Rio Grande Valley 2005

(Below)The Urban DF Team takes a break before it trangulates on the ELT's signal. These ELT, Emergency Locator Transmitters, are what saves the day for downed aircraft. Hydration is very important as is keeping track of team member's health.

(Below) This is, of course, Capt Carrales. This training is important to keep the edge on. Semper Vigilans must be more than a motto.

(Below) Although somewhat difficult to see in this photo. A CAP aircraft guided the Ground Team to the signal. Air and Ground OPS are two sides of the same coin. Pilots and Aircrews must never forget that their brother Airmen are down below and Ground Team members must be ever watchful of the skies for the intrepid aviators.

(Threadsters) A GREAT THREADSTER debate us in the planning!!!

2005-12-10T13:31:00.000-06:00

Yes, at long last. There may be a great threadster debate. It all began with a challenge issued by the great Blindbob and relative newcomer Kirt on the Eric Von Wade webpage...

Blindbob wrote at http://ericvonwade.com on 9 December 2005, at 9:13 AM...

"I challenge you to an Open and Public debate on the subject of America. You are
welcomed to bring three of your pansy-assed pastel beret-wearing playmates
along. I will bring three persons with me. Time and Place to be announced once
you accept the challenge which I seriously doubt you will. I can assure you that
the place will be public and the lights will be bright. The three I will invite
on my team are Wild Ape, HarcoreHarry and Captain Carrales. You can keep your
team a secret till the debate. "

This was in response to a thread originally started by Kirt en re Pearl Harbor Recollections at...http://ericvonwade.com/community/display.asp?post_id=47217&board=1&board_name=General

Already it is in the planning stages, but it is yet to be see if it will be a team debate...or a one one one with help.

STAY TUNED!!!

(Cultural Humor) Bad Asiatic Inspired Joke!!!

2005-12-06T23:50:00.000-06:00

Time for some OVERSEAS CULTURE!!!!

Question: What do they call 'Hello Kitty' in Asia?

Answer: "Hello Breakfast!"

That has been your POLITICALLY INCORRECT HUMOR FOR THE WEEK...by-by now!!!!

(Conjecture) General Carrales

2005-12-04T12:00:00.000-06:00

Major General Joe Ely Carrales

Civil Air Patrol National Commander

(2045-2054)

Over on the EVW forum a good friend of mine, Mark Blankenship, suggested that I be promoted to "General Carrales" for the work I do as a promoter of Internet Debate Forums. I informed them that being a general would be cool, but the Civil Air Patrol already has a CO.

But, being me, I made the effort to see what such a thing would look like.

(Flash Pic) Threadster Trek!!! With regards to Wild Ape!!!

2005-11-28T23:04:00.000-06:00

Capt Eric Leads a Mission and accepts the eventual fate of all REDSHIRTS!!!

(Whimsey) In Search for...The Arnoldluffagus!!!!

2005-11-28T18:24:00.000-06:00

Hello and Welcome to In SEARCH for...I am your host Leonard Neemo.

Today we go in search for the rare and somewhat prized Arnoldluffagus. For many seasons now the Arnoldluffagus has been seen across the SOUTH TEXAS landscape. While many have been dismissed as elaborate hoaxes, other evidence has been harder to address Such as this 1987 photo near Agua Dulce, Texas...

Dastardly...isn't it? But still, these shots remain the only documented photographs in the wild. This strange and magestic creature has since left the wild and made its way to the greater metropolian areas of Corpus Christi, Texas. Soon one may find this noble pet, not entirely domesticated, hanging around local radio stations and feeding off of personal injury lawsuits.

This next photograph...illustrates the extent in which the Arnoldluffagus has left it natural habitat...

Local Radio talkshow host and noted Bow Hunter Eric Von Wade has captured the estranged beast and is currently domesticating it.

(Social Interaction) Diplomacy versus Warfare? The two seem to require the same amount of force.

2005-11-27T21:45:00.000-06:00

The pages of diplomatic history are soaked is as much blood as those of the warrior. War is and has always been a terrible hobby of mankind. We have taken it from hobby, to art and finally to science. Many people see war as a great expense of resources...adding to the horrible human loses. But does insuring peace through diplomacy actually cost as much or more?

I mean the Cold War of the late 20th century, despite its hot "flare ups," maintained peace via the threat of war...or extinction. The cost in that nealy 50 year situation was HUGE! I mean armies, navies and air forces were developed and passed into obsolenscene at least three times!!!

What's more, let us look at what makes a good diplomat...is it the power of speech alone? No. Is it the power of mitigation? No. Is it that the diplomat stands poised with a large amount of force to weild or yield? Yes!

Empowerment cannot be true if one has no power. The feelings of confidence is beneficial, but the reality is paramount to the rethoric. How many times has diplomacy only bought the agressor more time. Time to prepare...to make their move on their terms.

I am reminded of Hitler and the apeasement of the 1930s. If we were to scale back military and or become isolationists...what cards would our diplomats hold? I mean, a bee is quite an insignificant creature...yet its sting is feared to the point that people go out of their way and animals stampeed.

But, alas, that is only an interesting side note... Back to the issue at hand.

Who would we negotiate with? There are those that believe that the combat operations in Iraq and the like have prevented terrrorism in the US. While I think there are more factors involved...I think that there might be a small element of truth to that.

In anycase, I don't think South Texas could handle an onslaught from terrorists. Would you join arms with your neighbors to protect the city from an army of terrorists? Will a person reason with a terrorist strapped to a bomb? Would the terrorist listen? Think about it...it willblow your mind (up)!

The cause of diplomacy gives me little hope for sucesses.

(Civil Air Patrol) Texas Wing Conference in Corpus Christi

2005-11-25T18:28:00.000-06:00

As many of you well know I have a lot of fun in the Civil Air Patrol. Its not so much the flying or ground team issues (which are fun) but the feeling one gets from having accomplished something.

The Texas Wing Conference is, undoubtedly, the most prestigious Texas Wing Event of the Season. Unlike the Wing Wide SARex (Search and Rescue Exercise) or Wing Winter or Summer Cadet Encampment, the Wing Conference is an activity where CAP officers from all over Texas can relax, enjoy eachother's company, swap stories and get a leg up on the next year's Civil Air Patrol goals and missions.

The above, left aligined photo is of the Wing Conference Assistant Project officer, Sean Crandall, and Texas Wing Commander Frank Eldridge. Col. Eldridge is the commanding officer of the entire Texas Wing...Capt. Crandall is the Group III/ Texas Wing Cadet Program's officer. The project officer for the conference was actually Lt. Chris Bujanos, but the Lt. Col. had some personal issue to attend to in the Rio Grande Valley...thus, Capt Crandall...aong with a motley crew of assorted officers and cadets from the Brownsville Composite Squadron, Corpus Christi Composite Squadron and the Victoria Composite Squadron had to insure that that show would go on.

Thus in the above right aligined photo we see Major John R. Rios and Capt Fidel Alvarado manning a registration table. To the right you can see none other than myself...I call it "The Art of Looking Busy."

All joking aside, the Wing Conference is alot of work to pull off sucessfully. It takes a well coordinated staff and razor sharp nerves. As problem arise, one must mitigate them and be sure to make it all look as if "OPS NORMAL."

There were also a few notable guests. Thanks to the efforts of the well connect Capt. Fidel Alvarado. Texas Wing CAP personnel were able to hear a speak by Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz's representative...Mr. Jerry Sawyer. In this photograph we can see Mr. Sawyer relaxing a moment before his speech with Lt. Sandra Phelps and Capt Fidel Alvarado.

All in all it was great associating with CAP members from all over the Texas Wing. It was an excellent evening and I cannot recall a more interesting Wing Conference. Next year, though we will have to travel, we will have fond memories of our Night in Corpus Christi.

(Holiday Gretings) Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2005-11-23T16:49:00.000-06:00

May we all enjoy the blessings of our CREATOR and may they be plentiful. Let us truely be thankful, there are parts our our plantet that have seldom known peace or plenty as we have enjoyed it. May they one day realize that peace in found from within...may they oneday realize that peace begins with the individual.

May we realize that peace and plenty are fleeting things and, if we are to continue to celebrate THANKSGIVING, we must make all efforts to preserve what is good and strike out which is bad.

(Society) History...Dominant History!!!

2005-11-22T23:25:00.000-06:00

Because "winners" have written the majority of history does not make it wrong, or should I say any less correct. To think that would be just as agendist as if there was some force making history fit their "revisionist" goals.

The key is in how we use our intellectual tools to look at what's left. But how much of that remains...how much was written in the first place.

Take the Threadster Meeting at Bubba's Icehouse documented earlier in this blog. There is only one picture of it...only my telling of what happened there. Should any of those others fail to write down what happened...or what they were thinking...then all that will be lost and I will be the authority.

History is written by those that survive, but read only by those that care or are aware enough to see present events as future history.

(Pics) John Busby's Black Cat Saloon!!!

2005-11-22T00:20:00.000-06:00

Artwork by Jennifer, posted for my friend John Busby!!!

(CC-CAP Press Release)

2005-11-21T18:42:00.000-06:00

Capt Joe Ely Carrales, III (left) and Capt Fidel Alvarado, Jr. (right) of the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron were awarded the Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award for successful completion the Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Program. They were presented the award by Corpus Christi Squadron commander Major John R. Rios.

(History) What is History?

2005-11-20T19:55:00.000-06:00

What is History?

By Capt J.E. Carrales

(Based on a conversation with Homer Villareal)

History is and always shall be a lie if one limits their search to one side. If one takes only a European perspective, or dare I say a western one, that one is forming an incomplete image of the truth.

THE HISTORY TRIANGLE

It was explained to me that history is like a triangle. The complete triangle is all things that transpired. Things that, we as limited humans in our current state, can never fully see...we would have to have an almost omincient intellect with an infinitely indexed memory to be able to invision that.

TOTALITY OF EXISTANCE- ALL THE HAPPENED

We have to admit that there are things that existed in the past that we will never know about. How could you or I prove that anything truely existed before we were born? Testimony of elders? That could be suspect? Photography? Could be faked? In a wierd way the world did not exisit for us before we were aware.

We must, because of that, assume that things of the past existed. One must grant that much. We did not see out great-great-great-great-great-great grandparent...but they have to have existed for us to have.

ALL THINGS DOCUMENTED

Then, in terms of history, there is all the items that were ever documented. All things written down, recorded in oral and musicial memory. It is the "tree that falls in the forest," there is no knowing how many wars were passionately fought in the past and lost to us. Civilizations...the literature and culture of the OLMECs, the PROTO-Chinese, ANCIENT CELT oral traditions and so on.

Thus, the notes my students pass in class...memos...e-mails, all constitute a level of history that is written, spoken or sung. It is a finite lexicon.

ALL THINGS DOCUMENTED THAT

The next level of the triangle is composed of all the documents that survive the ravages of time. All the "songs forgotten" or notes on acidic paper that have crumbled in the wind. Lost forever. The notes my students pass in class...forgotten. The e-mails you send that we never of physical substance and died as a computer was shut off.

The item locked in archives and attics. Ironically, the body of materials we call...HISTORY. Incomplete by design...

THE TIP OF THE TRIANGLE

The tip of the triangle has a tendency to be the most biased. It is both the official history...approved by instutions and authorities and the emotionally charged revision. It is the stuff teachers are made to teach in schools and that books are written on. It is made of biased speculations where "Abraham Lincoln" was gay and "World War II" never happened. It is the glorification of some and villiany of others.

It is where AGENDISM thrives...my agenda, your agenda...their agenda. Orwell was right when he alluded that those that control history control the future...and thus the present.

A person must gain objectivity to history. All official history is SUSPECT...alternate histories equally so?

Thus, were are we? Who are we? What would they have us be? What would we have us be? Once we are able, as individuals and as a people, to accept and reject all sides of history (sounds a bit like a riddle...eh?) in an educated manner...then we will control the past...and then the FUTURE.

Any rewriting of history will, in my opinion, have to take these words in account. History gives us that essential connection to our worth? Yes, but we must be fair to all sides. HISTORY IS A LIE IF YOU ONLY ACCEPT ONE SIDE.

My friend, we will rewrite history...reflections in a deep pond? Shall we disturb the surface?

(Politics) Property Taxes...

2005-11-17T00:05:00.000-06:00

Basic Social Contract Theory would provide that we give up some amount to uphold the greater good. Many of us expect alot more from the entity we call the GOVERNMENT than we seem willing to give. A precarious point indeed in a government that is "of the people."

I will say, however, that if we really wanted to mitigate the property tax issue and truely own the property in full then we need a slate of candidates of true statemenship what will run on the platform that PROPERTY TAXES are Unconstitutional, then pass legislation that will abolish it.

Merely making profound statements will do little to solve the problem and only generate FRUSTRATION, my friend. We will need a solution that will provide the general welfare we know as public education with funding that will respect property rights.

(Society) Agendism Defined!

2005-11-11T23:50:00.000-06:00

Agendism: n.

1. The blatant speading of an agenda much to the discredit of one's character even to such a degree that the "means" become more important than the spirit of their "ends."

2. To be so polarized in one's set of beliefs that opposing beliefs, no matter how factual, beneficial or even helpful to one's own belief, will be seen as wrong.

3. Myopic granstanding done by one side of two or more diametrically opposed political, social or economic positions.

(Forums)The Broom Closet- Volume 2 Week of 2 November 2005

2005-11-05T23:10:00.000-06:00

The Broom Closet- Volume 2

Week of 2 November 2005

WHAT"S SWEAPIN'

Well, we certainly had a busy week bring the Arts and Entertainment forum COUNT up from the low 700s into the 900s. We have since reached a plateau, that I hope this installment will remedy.

Good stuff for fans of THREADTSERATURE is in the works. Wild Ape is still working on his THREADSTERS WEST story which he took auditions for last week. Lookingglass is thinking to begin an installment of a CARTOON INSPIRED THREADIO DRAMA. There is talk of a possible COP SHOW either based on sub-characters and plots of Capt Carrales’ One Night in Corpus Christi or something completely different.

Lonewolf as entered the fold…I look forward to his work since his last installment on the BRAC commission. To that we did a joint venture…I later illustrated it in comic book form. Hardcore Harry is due for another installment of THREADSTER DELIVERANCE and WILD APE’s THREADSTER TREK got some good reviews.

Harry and Wild Ape are also thinking of getting in on Home brews. A latest addition to the Broom Closet is Randall’s Theater. Its pilot episode, featured in the GENERAL SECTION, featured the story of a poor Communist dumped by this girlfriend for dislike of his political beliefs. Sources tell me that this play was not autobiographical, but rather an allegory or metaphor of discrimination based on political beliefs. Randall’s next plot was an excellent example of a THREADIO DRAMA about some blokes talking IRAQ WAR Politics in a roundtable setting. These two were well responded to and even promoted topics of Civil War History. Curmudgeon also got in on the act creating a lovable character sure to be a BUST, Chi Chi Grande. Look for her in upcoming Threadio Dramas!!!

THREADIO DRAMA GUIDE

Capt Carrales
One Night in Corpus Christi, the Radio Drama that follows the life of “Our Hero” Douglas MacKillroy, his wife Honey, and their friends as they live life in the FICTIONAL CORPUS CHRISTI. Last Monday Episode 4, When Douglas Met Honey Part 1 premièred moving the setting for the Drama from the MacKillroy House to the Goo Goo Bar and Grill. The Current story line involving Douglas’ legal troubles takes a side diversion as he tried to drown his troubles in booze. There he begins to recount how he and Honey came to meet. For those just tuning in…Douglas was being sued by the criminal Rocco Traviato for the wrongful death of Left Masters who died while Traviato and Master were robbing the MacKillroy residence and by his RADICAL FEMINIST LESBIAN mother-in-law (YIKES…every man’s worst fears and hang ups in one place!!!) who has filed for a divorce on behalf of here Daughter, Doug’s wife.

One Night in Corpus Christi

Hardcore Harry
In Production for this week.

Randallpret
Randall’s Theater The Knights of the Round Table is a light, albeit serious, discussion presented on an issue. This week it was the IRAQ war and War on Terrorism. It is a small room with a small round table and three chairs. Three men, Rensen, Wiley and Bradford, sit at the table. They present issues on the war and a gamut of side issues. Reading this will give you a bit of a sample of what goes on at the TEA HOUSE in Kingsville.

Randall’s Theater: The Knights of the Round Table

Wild Ape
Threadster Trek the voyages of the Starship Lexington as it meanders from one mission to the next. A Satire of life in Corpus Christi and characters based on EVW Threadsters. This is Episode 5 of the Series. Recap: NCC Lexington is nearing the destination of Beta Gamma Nueces where a renegade has violated the prime directive and influenced the culture of Flour Bluff. A Klingon ship is cloaked and with the fall of Capt EVW the crew is in disarray. Here is a THE BROOM CLOSET mini-clip of what you can expect there.

Pvt Ape: Right. And do you know what they call cigarettes in England?

Dr Dr Dr Abe: Fags.

Pvt Ape: That's right. Now Doc it's just my opinion. I don't have a degree and all but if you keep sucking on the butt end of a fag you are bound to catch a nasty disease. Ask Lt Kirt.

Threadster Trek

GET IN ON THE ACTION!!!!

(Forums) The Broom Closet: 26 October 2005

2005-10-26T23:28:00.000-05:00

The Broom Closet
Vol. 1 26 October 2005

Welcome to the first volume of the Broom Closet the general forum THREADSTER guide to Radio Dramas, Fictional Works and THREADERATURE in the Arts & Entertainment of EricVon Wade.com.

I would like to make this a weekly thing, but it may become too time consuming to do alone. So authors, please send me a summary of your weeks work and we will do it like a "TV GUIDE" sort of thing. Thanks, Capt J. E. Carrales

jecarrales@yahoo.com

Authors and their Works

Capt Carrales

RADIO DRAMA: One Night in Corpus Christi

SEASON 2

Capt Carrales begins a new season of Radio Dramas. Episode III, Currently Douglas MacKillroy faces off with his Feminist Lesbian mother-in-law and has to prevent from "being taken to the cleaners by the court." Can he stand it? Now the POLICE seem to be giving him grief!!!!

Radio Drama: "Where Legal Eagles Dare, Part III"

Hardcore Harry

Threadster Deliverance...its Appocolype Now meets Burt Reynolds. See the antics of Capt Morgan Carrales and the motley crew of fighters.

Threadster Deliverance

WILD APE

Threadster Trek pt. 3 and 4 are up and posted. The Crew of the U.S.S. Lexington have many adventures. Check out part 4 where Capt EVW has it out with the Chief medical officer and where Blindbob goes messhuggah and is nearly stunned.

Threadster Trek Part 4

Currently Wild Ape is taking VITRUAL auditions for a western inspired piece of THREADERATURE.

Casting CALL: Threadster's West

Get in on all the ACTION today!

(Politics) Those that Pray for US Soldiers to die to advance their cause!!!

2005-10-24T20:51:00.000-05:00

The saddest thing is when one side is in power, the other side will hope Americans will die in great numbers on a battlefield so that they can gain power. It is truely a sad state of affairs when people pray soliders will die to over throw one side in favor of the other.

THAT IS A DANGER OF AGENDISM. Anyone who hopes the body count will rise in a threater of war so that public opinion will "turn around" against that conflict is no better than a goule and vulture.

This is a sad truth...how pitiful and wreched one must be to actually want that. This is not limited to DEMOCRATS, I fear REPUBLICANS would also desire this should a DEMOCRAT be incharge.

I weap for the stupidity of the world!!!!

(Radio Drama) “Where Legal Eagles Dare, Part II”

2005-10-23T13:11:00.000-05:00

One Night in Corpus Christi

“Where Legal Eagles Dare, Part II”

Written by Capt J.E. Carrales, III

(Opening Theme Song)

Douglas and Honey MacKillroy, from Murder on the Tex-Mex Express

ACT II: "No Time for Mother-in-laws!"

NARRTOR: “Last episode we left OUR HERO, Douglas MacKillroy and company in the MacKillroy's backyard installing a window that had been shot out in a bit of an usual situation. Then the group was visited by DOLORES!!! And so Douglas lies face-to-face with his lesbian mother-in-law, with only his wits and Reggie Parkinson.”

Dolores: “Don’t worry too much about that DUTCH BOY, his batteries are fully charged. I heard you broke my daughters heart on a TRAIN TRIP, Baby killer!”

Douglas: “Baby Killer?! Oh, I forgot, your still in the 1960’s. What logic you bestow, Mr. Spock would be turning in his coffin. Calling me a baby killer when you are a known supporter of abortion.”

Dolores: “It’s a woman’s right to choose, that I support…and I wish my daughter would hurry up and choose a good divorce lawyer. So I’m helping her out. (yelling out)

Lorelei… come over here, I want you to meet your new defendant.”

Lorelei Carlisle: “Good morning, Mr. McKillroy, my name is Lorelei Carlisle. I’m acting as your soon to be ex-wife’s counsel in this divorce case.” Douglas: (surprised) “What?!?”

Lorelei Carlisle: “Yes, Ms Pendleton has taken the liberty of filing divorce proceedings on behalf Honey Drew Pendleton McKillroy.”

Douglas: “That’s ridiculous, Dolores can’t file for Honey’s divorce. Its not legal.”

Lorelei Carlisle: “Mr. McKillroy, I am a lawyer and this is the United States of America. Everyone knows it’s the lawyers and courts that make the law around here.”

Reggie: “UH…Hi, Mrs. Pendleton!”

Dolores: “Well if it isn’t Mavis Parkinson’s little boy. All grown up.”

Reggie: “Yes, its me. Do you want to go out Saturday night? I’ll pick you up at 7:30. How about Landru’s Restaurant?”

Dolores: “My dear poor hormonally challenged little boyish man, I’m afraid I don’t swing that way!”

Douglas: “Good, if you get a chance you can swing from that tree…by your neck.”

Dolores: “I’m rubber, your glue what ever you say bounces off of me and sticks to you!”

Douglas: “Rubber, please, I think you have me confused with your latex lover.”

Dolores: “Oooo! (yelling) Honey, get out here!”

Honey: “Hey, what’s going on out here. I can hear this racquet all the way up stairs. Mother! (surprised) I didn’t expect you until later.”

Douglas: “Yes, it’s your mother. She’s taken the liberty of filing for divorce…our divorce.”

Honey: “What?! Mother, when are you going to realize that Doug and I are married and are, better than that, happily married?”

Dolores: "Honey, your just a little girl. You don’t know what’s good for you. Lorelei is here to…help you. She’s single, and a lawyer. A far better choice for you than this poor teacher."

Honey: “Mother, I think you need to leave now. I’m, for the last time, not going to be a lesbian and, what’s more, I’m tired of your failure to respect my marriage.”

Dolores: “Honey, you know very well that I don’t believe in heterosexual marriage. It never works, and trust me, I tried it five times.”

Reggie: “You were married five times?!”

Dolores: “Yes, no man could satisfy my…er…special needs.” (audience chuckles)

Douglas: "That’s your main problem. A marriage is based on love and respect, not the number of orgasms you get in a night. Its love not lust!”

Dolores: “Traditionalism, that’s all you represent. Pure traditionalism! Mark my words, Douglas, there are forces at work in this country that will put an end to your infantile hang-ups.”

Douglas: "What I don’t understand is, although you hate President Bush and all he stands for, why your lover, or partner or what ever you call her, actually look more like the President than he looks like himself!"

Dolores: “Well, I never!” Douglas: "…And believe me, you never will!”

Dolores: “Come on, Lorelei, let’s leave these unenlightened…traditionalists…to their destiny. Good day!”

Douglas: (angry)"…and Good Riddens (defiantly)…and don’t let the door hit you on the way out! Lord knows your hips are wide enough!”

Reggie: “You know, Doug, I think I just got over my crush on your mother-in-law.”

Douglas: “You know; you finally came to your senses. Now, lets get this project finished.”

(Knock on the front gate)

Wesley Hargrove: "Excuse me, is one of you gentleman, Douglas S. McKillroy?”

Douglas: "Yes, I’m Douglas McKillroy. (curtly) Who are you and what do you want?"

Wesley Hargrove: "Uh…My name is Wesley Hargrove and I’m with the Court of Judge Ray L. Rhoder. You have been served, Sir.”

Reggie: “What is that, a summons?”

Wesley Hargrove: "Yes, have a good day, Sirs.”

Douglas: “Don’t worry Reggie, the other night Officer Dales of the C.C.P.D. told me that I might have to testify against some guy named Rocco for breaking into my house.”

Reggie: “I thought you said that it was a cat.”

Douglas: “No…the cat thing was a few nights before. After I shot these holes in this wall, a few nights latter we had a real burglar, two actually. One had a heart attack and died on my bedroom floor.”

Reggie: “Bedroom?! You know we seem to have a lot incidents in this neighborhood. Bizarre stuff!!!”

(sound of ripping open an envelope)

Douglas: “What?! I don’t believe it. This is absolutely ridiculous!”

Reggie: “What happened?”

Douglas: “I’m being sued for the wrongful death of Rupert “Left” Masters, by Richard “Rocco” Traviato.”

(ominous music)

NARRATOR: "Jumpin' Jimminey!!! Such legal manners. What will OUR HERO do? Can he measure up? ...or will Dolores be the ruler...it pains me to think!!! Thank you and good night folks. Be sure to tune in next week to, "One Night in Corpus Christi." Tonight’s episode is brought to you in part by Hal Wierd's BBQ, you kill it we grill it...you but it we fry it! You get sick...we get lost!!! Until Next time.

(Historical Reflection) Lewis and Clark...a Reflection

2005-10-22T15:01:00.000-05:00

This is a quick write I did upon hearing the reading of a PICTURE BOOK on Lewis and Clark.

"There are lots of adventures to be had going into unknown lands. How strange it must have been to be miles away from the nearest city; thousands of miles.

The fear and excitement all playing at once. What it must have been like to see unspoiled nature.

Travels require daily courage...then to return home triumphant. There are relationships; with the land, the animals and the people who venture forth.

There is an almost divine providence for the Corps of Discovery, such coincidence...circles completing themselves.

And gained knowledge...a nation a blank slate. The ending is a begining."

Lewis and Clark explored our nation when it was pristine and before it was industrialized. They saw it in its undisturbed glory; no pollution, road signs, buildings or any modernity. Maybe our modern society is a trade off, TECHNOLOGY traded for unspoilds lands.

(Radio Drama) “Where Legal Eagles Dare, Part I”

2005-10-21T21:46:00.000-05:00

One Night in Corpus Christi

“Where Legal Eagles Dare, Part I”

by Capt J.E. Carrales, III

Douglas Stephen MacKillroy, Our Hero!!!

To read SEASON 1 and catch up on all the episodes CLICK HERE!!! Be sure to scroll the button for all 19 Chapters!!!

ACT I: “Well Hung???”

(Opening Organ Music Theme Song)

Narrator: ""CARRALES STUDIOS PRODUCTIONS proudly presents… One Night in Corpus Christi (music swells)…One man’s brand of political and social commentary on South Texas living. (music swells) brought to you by the Corpus Christi Atheist Choir Boys and their latest recording effort for the Singing for the Hell of It!

(Organ music swells and dies, catchy uplifting music)

NARRATOR: “There’s no time of day like those late afternoons when neighbors come over to help neighbors with those household projects. Since Our Hero, Douglas MacKillroy, is on winter break from the school, he felt it was high time to repair those bullet holes in his kitchen wall. You know, the one’s he inflicted late one night while mistaking a CAT for a CAT BURGLAR. Lets join them in the kitchen where Douglas, Reggie, Honey and Trixie shoot the breeze…

(Sounds of saws and hammering in the background)

Trixie: “So, tell me again what happened to the wall?”

Honey: “A few weeks ago Doug thought he heard a burglar and rushed down stairs. He shot a few rounds with his submachine gun to scare the burglar off. Well, it was just a cat.”

Trixie: “Oh, My? You sure have busy nights here.”

(telephone rings)

Honey: “Hello…”

Dolores: (on the telephone) “Honey, (excited) Have you thrown that no good…(disgusted) man…out of your house. I’m going over right away!”

Honey: “Mother? What, you’re coming over today? Well, Doug and I are together…we love each other!!!”

Dolores: (on the telephone) “Don’t worry, Honey. I fix that right away…(dial tone)”

Honey: “Mother…? Hello…”

Trixie: “What’s happening?”

Honey: “Its my mother, she’s coming here now! Be ready for World War III!”

Trixie: “Well, I’d better run, as much as I would like to see Doug in full form against the Mega-Feminist Lesbian Wonder Woman, I value my health!”

Narrator: “Over by the window totally unaware and oblivious to the prior conversation of the two women, Douglas and Reggie prepare to get to work.”

(Sounds of saws and hammering)

Douglas: “Ahhh, yes. Look at this at window, Reggie. It’s going to fit in nicely. That hole you made in the wall is perfect.”

Reggie: “Hey, isn’t this one of those Windows on the Soul I saw in the Smears and Rollback catalog?”

Douglas: “No, it’s a ‘Window of Necessity’ courtesy of the Thompson Center Fire Company.” (chuckles)

Honey: (Entering the Kitchen) “Hey, guys? How’s it hanging?”

Douglas: "If your talking about the window? It’s going O.K. "

Honey: "What, no smart ass comment?”

Douglas: "I save smart ass talk for people capable of giving smart answers"

Honey: "What?!" (incredulous)

(loud SLAP!)

Douglas: "Ouch! What’s that for?"

Honey: “Its for being a dumb ass!”

Douglas: "Hey, I have the smartest ass around. Not like yours, it’s a drop out…or shall I say drop down!”

Reggie: "Come on, guys! Let’s be civil."

Honey: “Reggie, with Doug its always Civil… Civil War that is!” (laughs)

Douglas: "And, my dear, that’s why I love you. (kiss)

Honey: “Thank God, your not the idiot you sometimes appear to be.” (exiting) (laughs)

Reggie: “Hey, Doug, I’ve been wanting to ask you a question about a…uh…this relationship I’m in.”

Douglas: “Really? What’s on your mind?”

Reggie: “What do you think of Mrs. Wunderkind?”

Douglas: “Greta Wunderkind? The lady who used to make cookies for our Cub Scout troop? She has to be at least 70 years old by now.”

Reggie: “Uh, yeah…and she’s only 67.”

Douglas: “Oh, Reggie. Don’t tell me you…with Mrs. Wunderkind. Damn it Reggie, what’s with you and older women!? I mean her husband is a World War II veteran, where’s your patriotism?”

Reggie: “Well, I didn’t mean for it to happen, but it seems her husband is several years older than her and he hasn’t been floating her boat.”

Douglas: “Stop it! Not another word…I’m trying to fight back the gag!” (laughs)

Reggie: “Maybe we should just concentrate on finishing this job.”

Douglas: “Yeah, lets do that. Every thing seems ready, what do you think Parkinson?”

Reggie: “The seam looks good, the molding is O.K. but I don’t think we have enough cock?”

(Suddenly Dolores, Douglas’ mother-in-law enters, the sound of high heel shoes grows louder)

Dolores: “Hello, male pigs, have you seen my daughter?”

Douglas: “Hold on… I’ll call her! (SHOUTING) HEY, HONEY, GET THE DUTCH BOY I THINK WE HAVE A FAULTY DYKE HERE!”

(Music Swells)

NARRATOR: "Dykes...uh...I mean...Yikes! I think the level of vitiol in that music is a little bit...ominous. Be sure tune in next time to, "One Night in Corpus Christi to see a battle of the sexes. Tonight's episode has been brought to you by the Corpus Christi Society for the Preservation of Preservation, we save the CRAP you never even knew existed…

Disclaimer: Characters and events depicted in this Radio Drama are fictional, any relation or resemblance to anyone living or deceased is coincidental.

(Society) PEACENIKS are not "Soldiers of Peace," they are AGENDISTS!

2005-10-20T23:31:00.000-05:00

When is it true conviction to PEACE and when is it agendism???? A very CURIOUS question indeed!!!

You see my friends, ANTI-WAR and ANTI-BUSH are not equal to each other. That is why I am always suspect of the so-called PEACE initives...I think they are merely anit-Bush in nature.

One must not ride the coat tails of an imaginary anti-war movement nor hide behind the fascade of PEACE just to BASH BUSH. Have the Chutpah to just be anti-REPUBLICAN. It saves us the time of having to filter out the BS.

In any case, PEACE is a worthy, abliet, impossible goal. Know why I know that?

This is where the personal philosophies of man come in. I walk for my health in my hometown of Premont, Texas. I am on the public streets...yet I have to carry a cain or sheleighleigh to fight off dogs that attack me. Now, these dogs are neither Republcian nor Democrat...I am not even on their property nor near them. I have seen a dog run a considerable distance to me, unprovoked nor solicited.

Now, that tells me that conflict is a natural state of affairs. So long as there are people on earth...there will be some sort of WAR. I have said it many times, the fact that anyone would be disagreeing with me is proof to that matter.

Thus, if you want peace...I suggest a ne drawn up to kill off every person in the world...then there will be peace. I, however, am an actualist (so not to uspurp the "Realist").

"Facts are stubborn things" (John Adams at the Boston Massacre trials) you cannot deny or negate that. PEACENIK efforts are fruitless and...what's more...dangerous. We cannot do away with the milliary, a step to "peace at any price" is a step in favor of war.

It invites agressors! That is why the nerds get pick on, ever think of that? To appear weak is to invite attack. If one really wants peace, then that one must get their arse on a plane to North Korea, or the Middle East, or any place where these is true war...don't set yourself up on SPID and preach to people who have only know peace all their life.

As I ahve said, war is the nature of man and animal kind, mostly man. All animals must conflict to survive...all else is suicide. Humans are gifted with compassion...but it must be tempered by reason.

This is the way I see it. The only way I will accept credentials as a true peacemaker or "Soldier of Peace" is if one meets the following criteria...

1) Journey to a War Zone and actually stop the fighting by sheer reason of your points,

2)Negotiate an end to some major international conflict using only your force of will,

3)Die in the attempt to do any of the above criteria,

Until then, you are just some agendist trying to either gain votes against the president or a self-agrandizing yenta trying to make a name for himself by standing on street corners and before landmarks passing out flyers.

Fighting for peace where peace already exists is a moot point. One needs to be a person of action to get that credit...to stand preaching the evils of war to people who have never experienced it in their homes is wastred effort.

If one's points are truely valid, then one should quit their jobs, sell their property and go to these war torn places and preach peace. One will find it is a more difficult job than passing out flyers and posting things on the internet.

Hell, you might even be sucessful. Some seem, again, more interested in bringing down Bush, Rove and the like than truely having any peace.

A moot voice preaching in a dessert where even if you win any support...it won't matter!

WOULD BE PEACEMAKERS...GO to the dessert where the war is being fought... See how far you get in Syria...Iran...Africa or anywhere...

How about Nuevo Laredo...that's not to far. And, what's more, you can be back by Monday!

(Anti-Americanism) The Bashing of the U.S. on Internet Forums!

2005-10-16T18:48:00.000-05:00

It is quite clear that I mean to defend my country's honor in this thread. Its not a reflex action, it is a reality check.

The US is a flawed nation, as have been every ever since the dawn of human civilization. Yet, the United States of America is a major player in the world...if it is to be taken apart, let it be done in s spirit of "construtive criticism," not taunt and childish agendism.

The issue is that teh word "American" is not a proper name for citizens of the USA...true. American might mean a person of North or South America as in the continents. But to suggest that the term "American" is not appropriate for such use is an attempt to redefine the usage of a word with no cause other than to be "politically correct."

The Bashing came in when people started to make comments that we turely in all respects anti-American. I thought long and hard over this issue...I was willing to allow some childish ribbing and did...but in the end the PURE agendism of this issue outweighed its merit. The fact remains that all National Sovereigntists place the priority on thier own nation.

England was an Empire...committed acts of genocide and did what was in the best interest of the Brittons. Yet there are those there that scream the loudest aginst what they see as American Imperialism. Sorry, I do not live in an EMPIRE...I live in a nation that defends itselfs. Just like France, England or Russia would do....they have to, if they are to survive.

I don't fault these nations for things they have done in their self-preservation. But when those ends interfer with other nations...then those nations have recourse to fight. If there is going to be a CONTRA-American sphere in the forums of the World...so be it.

But be ever watchful of your own ass!

And to those Americans that have done so, they are the "self-loathing." They are so unable to grasp the idea that they are part of what they hate. They harbour hatred for the very things that make them FREE. Those who fail to fight for servings of at the mea; of nations deserve the slavery and death they welcomed to the table.

Now...I am sorry if this has been out of character for me. My agenda is nothing more than the Improvement of the AMERICAN people and the WORLD's populace. Taking "pot shots" at America, however, does not do anything to further that aim. European powers, Asian powers and African powers are neither superior nor inferior to American powers...thus none of us is in a position to dictate morality. We all have blood on our hands.

(CC-CAP Press Release) Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Announces October Promotions

2005-10-12T23:24:00.000-05:00

Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Announces Cadet Promotions
Corpus Christi Comp. Squadron
Office of Public Affairs

Corpus Christi, Texas- The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron proudly announced the promotions of two cadets who are currently part of that units renewed effort to revitalize its cadet and senior programs. Cadet Airman (C/Amn) Stacie E Thomas and Cadet Senior Airman (C/SrA) Christopher Manuel Villarreal were promoted to their rank at a brief ceremony at the start of the regular Civil Air Patrol meeting on 11 October 2005.

C/Amn Thomas was recently awarded the Curry Achievement ribbon and C/SrA Villarreal was hence awarded the Wright Brothers Achievement ribbon for their work in leadership and Aerospace Education.

Cadets and Senior Officers from the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron will begin general emergency services and ground team training in the coming months. These units will prove invaluable should the need arise for the highly trained ground team.

“The one difference between the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program and others, “ said Capt J.E. Carrales unit Public Affairs Officer, “is that fully qualified cadets can actually be deployed on ground team missions. In the even of an air disaster, crash or other emergency; such a composite unit of seniors and cadets can greatly help in the search. These cadets have take an excellent first step in their training.”

-30-

Photo caption: Proud Corpus Christi cadets and seniors, (left to right) Acting Deputy Comander for Cadets, 1Lt. Sandra Phelps, C/SrA Christopher M. Villarreal, C/Amn Stacie E. Thomas and Deputy Squadron Commander Fidel Alvarado.

Capt J.E. Carrales, Corpus Christi Compsite Squadron/Texas Wing, (361) 348-2692,

(Kudos) The Olde English Tearoom and Gift Shoppe

2005-10-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to do this for quite some time...that is officially review the TEAROOM.

As many of the readers of this blog and of people of the forums I frequent already know, we have a regular meeting going at the TEAHOUSE (as we have come to call it). Mostly Curmudgeon of Kingsville and recently Randall of Corpus Christi. We have also, at different times, played host to Lookingglass and Blindbob, Bunny of Doom of Kingsville, ALFAWOLF, and Mark Blankenship.

Now...a review you can use...

Service is sometimes a bit slow but that is made up by the quality and savory flavors of the food. I strongly recommend the Shepard's Pie and the Chicken and Mushroom pie. There is a rather crude looking albiet tasty dish called BANGERS and MASH. Delicious! I recommend the Avacado & Tomato Salad with the vinagrette.

There is a coronation chicken salad that I found to be good but not up to my usual tastes.

As for tea I enjoy the following...

1) Mango Tea...a good summer tea that is good on the digestion.
2) Vanilla Tea...good for when its cold.
3) Strawberry Tea...when there is no mango

(Health) The Avian Flu...US Troops?

2005-10-06T23:36:00.000-05:00

As an Emergency Manager trained by FEMA and undergoing training in the Civil Air Patrol in the Incident Command System my opinion on the so-called "Bird Flu"(based on what I have learned) is that in a large scale pandemic...quarantines of regions or even states will be marginal at best in the prevention of the the speard of the affliction.

In 1918 there was an outbreak of influenza that killed millions of people world wide. I have given this much thought. I think we have a fighting chance since much more is known about Air Borne Pathogens and there is an aire of general cleanliness. That will help a bit...but more must be done!

Additionally, the airborne and blood borne pathogens will effect the troops as well.

My recommendation would be that people institute "personal" quarantines and prevention.

1) Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to large urban centers

2) Preventative flu shots will help greatly

3) When infected, work to avoid the spread of the affliction to others.

4) Seek medical advice and information to avoid panic, an educated populace is a prepared populace.

The best course of action would be for people to practice personal responsibility...insure the safety of one's self and others. As always...the power is with the people and the power stems from education!!!

(Introspective) Who I am...a response to the question!

2005-10-06T00:48:00.000-05:00

Here are posted some excepts from a letter I wrote to my good friend and CAP Officer lt. Sandra Phelps...her question? Well, she asked who I was in order to better understand members of the Squadron...

And thus...

Who am I, you ask? That is a question that philosophers have pondered for ages past. I am a teacher of American History for the 8th Grade in Kingsville, Texas. I was born in Falfurrias, Texas, but have lived in Premont, Texas all my life. Thus, each trip to Corpus Christi is a good 75 mile drive from carport and back.

Strange how we are defined by our jobs and by the relationships we have to people and places. And that leads me to wonder. Do we really know who were are? ...or are we limited by our narrow understanding of the work to more mundane words like "what" or "where" as oppsed to beging able to conceptualize "Who...we are."

I am a teacher by choice, but Talk Radio would be my dream job. I am a musician, political scientist and a whole host of other things.

I am married, to Norma, and have a two year old daughter named Micaela. I had a cat named Tom, who has since perished.

My hobbies are many? Music...I am a violin playing active Mariachi musician (in fact we had to gigs last night) where I have been known to "ham it up." I love Large Scale model trains...not the type large enough to ride...but rather "G" scale.

And so, I am very much an amature political scientist, but I'm working on a master's degree in history and political science. At that time I will be "official," but I have always said that the worth of a degree is found in the individual not the paper. A degree in a subject no more makes an expert than a postage stamp actually delivers the mail! I have served under various school principals what are very much the poster children for that last phrase.

I too have a distain for AGENDISM, be it from the LEFT or RIGHT. When slogans and rhetoric become more important than logic and personal consciene, that is where I draw the line. Some people stand to close to the lanterns of their political underpinnings and are thus blinded to any good that might be present in the otherside's opinions and policies,

I am a bit more CONSERVATIVE than not, but do not follow it blindly. I believe in CIVIL RIGHTS, but free from AGENDISM.

There is no shame in being "honest," that is what separates "politicians" from "Statesmen" ... and the best compliment, in my opinion, a man can give another soul..."I'm a better person for having come to know you!"

Now, to those that make their way to this blog...

WHO ARE YOU?

(News) Garden Railways Forum is LOCKED!!!

2005-10-01T22:20:00.000-05:00

I do not know what exactally happen and can find only speculations to the reasons but the forums for the GARDEN RAILWAYS magazine of "Trains.Com" are completely locked.

Not all the forums are blocked...the "trains.com" regular forum is not blocked and I found this quote from one of the THREADSTERS, uspscsx, there...

"Here's what happened: Last evening, a new member treaded onto the forums. He instantly started causing trouble. He was smartaelic, perverted, and acted as if he was a stoner. He mentioned, among other things, crack rocks, and women. It was a bad situation. I e-mailed Bergie as soon as I saw this pandemonium(Sp), and I received a message from him today saying that he had locked his account. So he's gone."

It seems that so-called "Trolls" are invading one of the E-HANGOUTS I frequent. I have had some problems with this on this blog. People responding to articles with spam.

I have, as a mitigation, started a "Civil Defense" shelter at one of the other TRAINS webpages so that discussion can go on!

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=46379

Funny, this blog was started as a "Fall-in Shelter" for when Eric Von Wade's page crashed one day. Don't believe?

Follow this link back to the days of YESTERYEAR!!!

http://captthreadsters.blogspot.com/2005/07/news-evw-was-down-15-january-2005.html

(Political) On the Confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts

2005-09-30T23:38:00.000-05:00

An so the gavel fell and Judge John Roberts became the 17th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, following in the traditions of Marshall, Taney, Warren and the like! It is truely exciting news. We should be seeing him a long time, and as David C. from the EVW forum puts it...

"He ought to last at least 35 good years"

With all this having been written and theories ranging from he's a closet LIBERAL to he's a CLOSET homosexual already looming...not to mention that fact that CONSERVATIVES are already in full celebration mode. I don't thik it would be seen as a victory for conservatism.

If you see it as that, let me say that such thought is in the wrong direction. We should all be looking for someone who will uphold and understand the Constitution...who is above AGENDISM (LEFT or RIGHT) and who is an (dare I say it) a PRACTICING Idealist who actually believes in the working of the System...instead of using the SYSTEM to work people over!!

Idealism is seen as "hokey" and "corny," and people accept the corruption and synicalism of the STATUS QUO as unalterable. It is no wonder that so many would-be Statesmen have fallen into the metaphorical lap of POLITICIANS.

Congrats Chief Justice Robert...but owe obligation to nothing but the Constituion!

(News) The Corpus Christi Film Society ALERT!!! Screening on Sept 30th!!!

2005-09-29T23:14:00.000-05:00

The Corpus Christi Film Society ALERT

LOCAL FILMMAKER SCREENS HIS FILM THIS FRIDAY (9/30) AT HARBOR PLAYHOUSE

Local filmmaker Daniel Fuentes has rented out the Harbor Playhouse this Friday (9/30) to show his film Pressure Points. The film will be shown three times that evening: 7PM, 8:30 PM, 9:50 PM. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased at the door. I hope each and every one of you will take the time to support this enterprising, young filmmaker.

One caveat: I have not seen the film. I got a chance to meet Daniel today where he showed me the trailer to his film. I was impressed that he was able to jam so much compelling footage into 30 seconds. The film is unrated, of course, but it would earn an R rating for language and violence. Daniel described the film as 'dark' and the trailer confirmed the dark aspects with scenes of gunplay, knife wielding, chases and an assault. Think realistic mobster-type violence.

You just have to support a local filmmaker that has gone to the expense and effort to have his film seen. Please please please head to the Harbor Playhouse this Friday and check it out.

Expect a newsletter tomorrow,

Joe Hilliard
CCFS

(Metaphysics) A few thoughts on Existence in General

2005-09-29T22:32:00.000-05:00

A curious thought has come to mind en re all this talk about existance in general. Taking the sledgehammer to a computer would not cause the non-existence of those binary numbers that cause it to function. Big Brother, a Threadster on the NEWSPEAK DICTIONARY FORUM made this statement...

"Believing that your thoughts can continue after you die is like believing that the series of 1’s and 0’s which reside on your hard drive could continue to exist “in spirit” even if somebody were to take a sledgehammer to your computer and incinerate it. "

I submit that they existed and exist, as a pattern, independent of the Computer. For example this character...

"5"

Exists on this screen you are reading. (By the WAY...if you can read this your monitor is working!), but it is a representation of a series of numbers and zeros (00101) but the destruction of the computers does not negate the existance of "5" nor "00101."

Anyhow...that was just a curious thing that popped into my head that I thought I'd share.

Again, we must remember that one cannot use science to justify faith. Physics and Metaphysics are two different animals. By the same token that a person need not consider an afterlife...the consideration of that in the affrmative is also not a negative. If an afterlife gives hope, despite its ancient origins or other divices (and produces a positive outlook with possitive results) then so be it!!!

But, lets make time for some conjecture...

Here let me try to philosophize on "life after death" and the mechanics thereof.

What if the answer lies outside of Newtonian and Einsteinian Physics...and in the realm of some quantum mechanics. Different energy levels sort of speak. The mind is a collection of electrical energy via the circuits of the nervous system and conduits of the brain...these patterns of energy are measurable and exist.

What if...(dangerous words...eh?)...those patterns could exist in the dead flesh (which is in decomposition) or shift up to some "other" energy level. A different plane of quantum existance. One might live on in some form among the fields of electo-magnetism, or static electricity or in aether.

After all, there has to be some reason why people can imagine and think to do things that are not possible. Why are human's gifted (damned) with the ability to think beyond logic? What would a mind need that skill beyond the advancement of science?

Why do I dream up realities?

Well...the Science Fiction of this is very evident...but there may be thigs that so-called modern science is yet to even envision. Much like Newton trying to figureout how a radio works...much less wireless internet.

Did you ever realize how much smarter you'd be than Socrates (at least in technical knowledge and understanding of the Earth and world around you) if he were to advance to our times...and he is a great thinker. Yikes...imagine that...that if there is a God and he is yet to be discovered by some future superscience? But seriously people...(this is conjecture...don't bite my head off)

(Religion) The Existence of God

2005-09-28T18:21:00.000-05:00

Does God Exist? An ancient and modern question that I am sure everyone asks. The FAITHFUL ask it to defend their faith and the ATHEIST to debunk the efforts of the FAITHFUL.

To begin, one would have to go the the position of preception...thus, God can both exist and not exist at the same time and in different ways to different people.

We can assume that anyone who believes in God, a Supreme Being, believes essentially in the same ONE based on a simple calculus.

1) God Created the Universe
2) God is the Source of Morality
3) God is omnipotent and all seeing
4) to anger the God is sin

In this case God could also be "gods," plural. The idea is that some power did and or does or will do all these things. It also requires a certain amount of FAITH. Added to some versions is the idea of an AFTERLIFE, where either existance continues on a higher plain or where punishment/reward is extolled.

There are several variations of this theme, yet the core is averaged to a mean understanding of a Supreme Being that even Athiests would accept as being what they might call a "Supreme Being."

For these people HEAVEN is a place of which there are many roads...Protestant, Catholic, Judism, Muslim, Hundu, et al. Thus, as there are almost an infinate number of methods and ways into the City if San Antonio, Texas...there are that many into HEAVEN. Most groups, in my opinion, mistakenly think they are on the correct path and that all others are bunk. That is crazy. A man who's goal is to get to San Antonio by automobile is not wrong in the eyes of the man trying to get there by train...is he? Thus I find this infighting to be counterproductive.

If one is Catholic...then there way is thru the Seven Sacraments, if on is a Jew their way is via the Torah...and so on. On the course to the same destination...albiet via different routes. On must pick one and stay true to it with conviction to reach that destination.

As to the Athiest or Secularist, there is no God. But, I submit it takes as much FAITH to not believ ein a God as it does to believe in one. Any evidence offered in terms of science or the like is disqualified in both cases. Science cannot prove nor negate articles of FAITH. Any evidence an Athiest unveils as TRUTH is seen, by that one, as valid. The FAITHFUL sees their evidence with the same conviction and validity.

Then there is the questions of "What if there really is a GOD?" Does then an Ahiest have to have FAITH that their conviction is genuine?

Thus I have made the conclusion that God exists to those that believe and does not to those that do not. Thus, you make your own afterlife...RELIGIOUS HEAVEN, if that is what you preceive or a worm filled hole...if that is what you wish

(CC-CAP Press Release) CAP's Responds to Hurricane Rita Aftermath

2005-09-25T20:17:00.000-05:00

Civil Air Patrol Actively Involved in Hurricane Rita Recovery
Capt J.E. Carrales, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Corpus Christi Composite Squadron
Civil Air Patrol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

San Antonio, Texas- The Texas/Louisiana border was bombarded Saturday night early Sunday morning by the vicious and destructive waves and winds of Hurricane Rita and the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force swung into action.

On Friday September 23, 2005 preparations were made in anticipation of the destructive storm. Capt Kathryn Martin, Mission Information Officer at the Allison Misson Base reported to the Texas Wing that seven (7) aircraft in the storm path were deployed to safe areas west of the anticipated storm path in preparation for immediate re-deployment once the skies are clear. At the same time two aircraft and aircrews from West Texas were awaiting deployment to a forward staging area, Stinson Airport in San Antonio and by the following morning two (2) ground teams will be deployed to areas south of San Antonio.

Report from the Mission Base for September 24th revealed that Two (2) Cessna 182 aircraft were inbound to Stinson Airport (SSF). One is from Nebraska Wing and the other from Oklahoma Wing. That morning a wide variety of Civil Air Patrol resources were assembled at the forward staging area in San Antonio. This massive effort includes four (4) aircraft from the North Texas, two (2) aircraft from South Texas and 1 repeater-equipped Cessna 182 aircraft (for relaying signals over greater distances) . An aircrew of 12 from North Texas is accompanying the aircraft.

In all to this point Seven (7) air sorties were completed for a total of 13.25 hours, the Texas Wing has flown 21 sorties for a total of 41 hours. Additionally, The two (2) ground teams assigned to SSF are awaiting deployment to the west Houston area. the Texas Wing has initiated the task of transporting members of the Army Corp of Engineers on damage assessment missions. Of particular interest is assessing the flood damage in east and southeast Texas.

The Civil Air Patrol is a proven asset in these times of natural disasters. Along with its Search And Rescue capacity, the Civil Air Patrol also promotes Aerospace Education and operates a Cadet Program. The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron is a boon to the City of Corpus Christi and currently meets at 4722 Mcardle Road, Corpus Christi on Tuesdays. Contact Major John Rios, CAP at ( 361) 438-5112for more information on the Civil Air Patrol, how you can assist the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron or on joining the local unit.

Contact info: Capt J.E. Carrales, Corpus Christi Compsite Squadron/Texas Wing, (361) 348-2692, jecarrales@yahoo.com