CIVIL AIR PATROL BUTLER COMPOSITE SQUADRON 712

20 September 2007 Volume 7, Issue 1

The Communicator
Challenge: there is one purposeful GLARING error in this newsletter. See if you can find it!

Commanders Call:
I am pleased and proud to write my first newsletter column as Commander of Squadron 712! First, I must congratulate and thank my predecessor Major Hartmann for a job well done. He took command of a squadron on the brink of dissolving and turned it into a growing, vital and Always Vigilant unit! The foundation hes given me to build upon is solid and broad! I am very excited about our Squadrons recent activities as it relates to CAPs three primary missions: Cadet Program: Our cadet corps is among the finest Ive seen! 712 has its first cadet officer (Mitchell Award) in a long time, Lt. Berkopec, and hes our cadet commander. Hes supported by a in what CAP and Squadron 12 has to offer. Four 712 cadets attended the PAWG summer encampment (2 as staff.) Three 712 cadets took advantage of the PAWG Flight Encampment. Our cadet commander attended Hawk Mountain Ranger and Cadet Leadership schools! Aerospace Education: As 712s Aerospace Education Officer for the past 18 months, I know we have a strong internal AE program. Ive enjoyed teaching in the classroom, conducting activities around the airport and taking field trips to my hangar, Jack Cipreans airport (to see his Stinson L restoration project,) and most notably, to Washington DC this past February to see the National Air & Space Museums, National Archives, Monuments & buildings on the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers! Emergency Services: Squadron 712

Inside this issue:

Powered Flight Encampment Senior Professional Development Lt. Williams New Subordinate Cadet Commanders Comments 712 Change of Command Washington DC Trip C-130 Flight @ 910th USAF Res. Upcoming Events CAP Customs & Courtesies
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dedicated cadet command staff and a group of cadets who are truly interested

Squadron 712 Color Guard at dedication of KBTP runway extension

stands ready to respond to emergencies in our community, state and nation. As

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The Communicator; its YOUR newsletter!

Call to Attention:
Flight encampment by Lt. Berkopec Senior Member Professional Development by Lt. McMillen Change of Command Article Lt. Williams & Daughter! Upcoming events Sq. 712 One BIG GLARING ERROR; see if you can find it!
This is the first is of the new Communicator. It is the monthly newsletter of Composite Squadron 712 Butler. Every squadron member is expected to contribute to this newsletter at least once in the course of a year. Of course Id be delighted if youd contribute more often! You may submit articles related to CAP, Squadron 712 and items of interest to our members to me via email: CC712BTP@zoominternet.net by the 15th of the month prior to their publication. Ill also accept pictures, cartoons, diagrams, web site addresses, etc. as long as they fit the stated criteria. Lets work together as a team to make this a valuable publication, full of interesting information that informs our members and others of the great things we do! Regards, Kevin Berry, 1Lt CAP, Commander

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The Communicator

My Experience at CAP Powered Flight Encampment

Wow, where to start? Powered Flight encampment was one of the most fun CAP activities I was privileged to experience this summer. I normally prefer the ground beneath my feet, which is why I was so surprised at how comfortable and enjoyable my time at Flight Encampment was. Each day started about the same, we woke up and had breakfast at the hotel, then were transported to Venango Regional (KFKL) Airport for a day of flying. When we were not eating or flying, we were completing ground school. For the most part the information and training we received was interesting, but there were momentary lulls where we were experiencing the same feeling you experience when youre sitting in school and its a beautiful spring day outsidebut its only 5th period and you have 3 more hours to go. When we flew, and we flew a lot, we were flying Cessna 172's; they have a cruising speed of about 120 knots with 180 horsepower Lycoming engine. I was fortunate enough to meet and make friends with cadets from across the state: from inner Philadelphia to the outer fringes of Farmville, Pa (near State College). I continue to stay in touch with most of these cadets and have made friendships that will last as long as I am in CAP, and hopefully, for many years beyond. Flight Encampment was a wonderful experience and I strongly encourage anyone who is considering becoming a pilot to strive for this activity. I have been told that the PAWG PFE is better than the National PFE and, as a bonus, if you dont use all the flight hours at PA PFE, they credit those hours to you in order to enable you to use CAP aircraft to complete the hours! Work through your chain of command and see me for more information on applying for PFE 08. Ken Berkopec, C/2Lt CAP Cadet Commander

Senior Member Professional Development

The propose of the Professional Development Officer and Deputy Commander for Seniors is to assist the Senior Members to advance in their training specialty, their grade of service, and to develop the leadership skills that should accompany their areas of responsibility. It will be my goal to work with each individual in our squadron to help them achieve their personal goals. As a start on this effort, I am going to reference the basics for the senior members. As such this starts with the Level I training. Upon entering the Civil Air Patrol, the task of a new senior is to fulfill the requirements for the Level I training as soon as possible. Completing these tasks will open up more avenues of participation in the squadron, in unit activities and in the broader regional activities. The first of these key steps will be the Cadet Protection Program Training. The Cadet Protection Program is designed to educate members on the issues of dealing with cadets and to provide a basis of conduct when senior members are in the presences of the cadets. To perform this training and eServices account has to be created by the Senior Member. This account is created at the National CAP website. The address is

It will be my goal to work with each individual in our squadron to help them achieve their personal goals.
WWW.CAP.GOV. Choose the Member menu from the top of the main page. Choose the Professional Development option from the menu. The Professional Development page will be the launching pad for much of your self-paced study efforts that are required for advancement in CAP. Scroll down the page, reviewing the available topics until you see the New Member Training. The summaries of training steps are described on this page. The CPPT training
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Lt. Ciara Williams has a New Subordinate!

I received a very nice message from Lt. Williams (712 Logistics Officer) late last week: Sir, I wont be able to attend Flashlights Drags on Saturday. Why after dressing down others for not supporting 712s efforts at this activity would I consider this a nice call? Just look at the picture! Lt. Williams gave birth to Anastasia Marie, 7 pounds 11 ounces, 21 inches at 0919 13 September 2007. Baby, Mom and Dad are all doing well! I bet I know wholl be screaming orders at Lt. Williams now! Congratulations Maam! - KJB

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Cadet Commanders Comments:

Civil Air Patrol has been in existence since December 1, 1940 however, the history surrounding the CAP organization is not very well-known.. Originally, CAP was chartered by Congress as a Civilian Defense Organization. 65 years later, it is the official auxiliary of the US Air Force. This is an interesting fact, especially since the Civil Air Patrol predates the U.S. Air Force by approximately seven years. In previous years during Search and Rescue missions, ground teams used horses to look for and locate crashed planes and missing persons. The CAP Rangers got their name from the U.S. Department of Special Forces. Interestingly enough, the U.S. Congress is able to deploy Navy SEALS, Army Rangers, USAF Pararescuemen, and CAP Rangers, but only CAP Rangers are allowed to be deployed for Search and Rescue missions inside the United States. CAP does have the largest fleets of singleengine, piston-powered aircraft in the world, over 500 corporately owned airplanes. Grown to be one of the most respected civilian service organizations, the Civil Air Patrol has a deep history both rich in roots and integrity. Ken Berkopec, C/2Lt CAP Cadet Commander

C/2Lt.

Major Bob Frost presides at 712 Change of Command

Major Bob Frost, Commander Group 1 Pennsylvania Wing, presided over Squadron 712s change of command ceremony on 28 August. Maj. Frost, new to his command as well, lauded Major Hartmann for his achievements during his tenure as CC 712. He was very appreciative of all Maj. Hartmann has done to revitalize and grow our squadron since January 2006. Maj. Frost offered words of encouragement and practical advice to Lt. Kevin Berry, 712s new CC. Stay focused on the missions of CAP and let us know how we can help at the group level., he said. Prior to accepting command of Group 1, Major Frost Commanded the Golden Triangle Composite Squadron 603, based at the 911th Air Force Base, Pittsburgh International Airport. Our thanks to Maj. Frost for his interest in and support of Squadron 712. Maj. Bob Frost (center) appears to be giving his blessing at the Change of Command Ceremony; Maj. Hartmann (left) & Lt. Berry (right)

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as a Senior Member of Civil Air Patrol. One more key step in this Level I training is the OPSEC training. This Operational Security training and certification is REQUIRED for participation in many training exercises that will be conducted in the future, as well as in participating in real emergency operations. This is the first entry in my efforts to inform the Senior Members of this squadron on the Professional Development and advancement steps that are avail-

provides a link to creating the eServices account that will become important for recording your individual training progress. Once the CPPT training has been accomplished, finish the remaining training topics for Level I training. The fundamentals will give you a brief introduction into the Civil Air Patrol and the knowledge that is required to succeed

able to make their involvement in CAP to be personally rewarding while helping this nation. If you have any questions in regards to your professional

development or other issues in regards to your senior membership, then please feel free to contact me. Keith Williams, 2Lt CAP Deputy Commander for Seniors

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The Communicator

Squadron 712 Picture Page

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C-130 Ride Courtesy of Col. Hartman, CC 910th Ops Group, USAF Reserve Command
group of 12 C130H aircraft, two flying squadrons and one support unit, which include a total of nearly 300 Reserve members. As Operations Group Colonel Daryl Hartman Commander, Col. Hartman in his office is the commander of the he ensures the 910th Operations Group, group maintains the capability to rapidly Air Force Reserve Command, Youngsdeploy in response to worldwide contintown Air Reserve Station, Ohio. He is gencies and emergencies. the senior air reserve technician for a I met Col. Daryl Hartman through another friend and the first time I saw him, he was playing guitar in the Irish Band Carnival of Souls. At the time I had no idea what he did for a living! Of course, once I learned all that, our subsequent conversations centered around flying. One thing led to another and Col. Hartman extended an invitation for Sq. 712 to come for a ride in one of his airplanes! He graciously agreed to bring Squadrons 123 & 602 aboard too. Late in July we took Col. Hartman up on his offer. We had a BLAST, as the photos below will no doubt prove! Kevin Berry, 1Lt CAP AEO Squadron 712 Niagara Falls

Our cadets, our airplane (for a few hours!)

Decision Height ILS 08 KBTP

Back on the ground, disembarking; reluctantly.

Squadron 712 Upcoming Events:

CIVIL AIR PATROL BUTLER COMPOSITE SQUADRON 712
Hangar C-1 Butler County Airport 470 Airport Road Butler, PA 16001

See squadron calendar posted at HQ or online at www.google.com/calendar then search for Squadron 712

22 September BSA Camporee recruiting booth 22 September New Radio Demo Sq. 712 HQ 13 October BSA Aviation Merit Badge Class 5 November PA Rep.Daryl Metcalfe visits 712 TBA November Sq. 712 FTX and FUN exercise 12 November WWII Veteran, P-51 pilot give Veterans address TBA Squadron 712 Awards banquet Newsletter The Communicator deadline 15th of each month

Commanders Phone: 724-586-1182 E-mail: CC712BTP@zoominternet.net

Semper Vigilans, Always Ready

CAP is on the Web! WWW.CAP.GOV

CAP Standards, Customs and Courtesies

Your decision to join Civil Air Patrol (CAP) reflects a dedication and commitment to support this charitable, benevolent, nonprofit corporation. As a member of an Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, you are expected to follow the traditions, standards, customs and courtesies agreed to and accepted by the Air Force and the Civil Air Patrol. These apply to all of us and reflect our pride and professionalism as members of the Civil Air Patrol. The traditions, standards, customs and courtesies for members of the Civil Air Patrol apply to all of us and reflect our pride and professionalism as members of the United States Air Force Auxiliary. Membership in Civil Air Patrol is not a right, but a privilege. Your continued membership is conditioned on adherence to Civil Air Patrol rules and regulations and compliance with lawful orders of superiors. For detailed information on CAP Standards, Customs and Courtesies, see CAP Phamplet 151. You may view this online at www.CAP.gov or at Squadron HQ.

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www.google.com/calendar then search for Squadron 712 In closing, I may be the leader of this Squadron, but I am unable to make it successful without the commitment and work of all its members. You are called upon to help create the vision for our future, to participate in planning and support of squadron activities; its you that must promote the role and image of our Squadron internally within CAP, and externally in our community, state and nation! Be proud to be a member of Civil Air Patrol, be proud to be a member of such an active and growing Squadron! Wear your uniform with properly with pride, and tell everyone you know about the good things 712 is doing, and how youre thrilled to be a part of it all! Then bring them in and sign em up! Regards, Kevin Berry, 1Lt CAP Commander Squadron 712

you know, we provided essential crash site security last January when a private jet skidded off the end of the runway at KBTP. We also have many certified ground team members, and are capable of fielding a ground team for missions. A Vision for the Future: A lot of great things have happened in 712s past. As its new leader, my job is to look forward. With the dedicated staff of Seniors and our highly motivated cadet corps, I can say confidently, Squadron 712 is well positioned to excel at our mission: to provide access to and support for CAPs primary missions for members of our community who choose to serve with us! Many great activities for 712 are in the works (in no specific order):

a trip to the USAF Museum in Dayton development of a CAP communications specialty at 712 Enhancement of our ground team capabilities Aircrew training classes External AE including: Boy Scout Merit Badge Classes and AE presentations in Butler County schools.

Please check the Squadron events summary at the end of this newsletter, and the Squadron online calendar at:

CAP Cessna 206 similar to that recently assigned to Group 1