THE DELTA COMPOSITE SQUADRON QUARTERLY

FOURTH QUARTER 2009

The Flight Line

CHANGE OF CADET COMMANDERS
On Aug. 3, 2009, the cadets of Delta Composite Squadron held a change of command ceremony and a new cadet commander was appointed to lead the cadet squadron. Capt. Joyce Kassai, deputy commander for cadets, officiated as C/Lt. Col. Collin Carstens passed the baton of leadership to C/Capt. Jamie Douglas, who will now serve as the new cadet commander. C/Lt. Col. Carstens has served Delta as cadet commander since January 2008. On the night of the change of command, cadet Carstens was promoted to the grade of C/ Lt. Col. by Squadron Commander Capt. Risher Lewis. Carstens will now focus on achieving the Spaatz award and attaining the grade of C/Col. C/Capt. Jamie Douglas takes over as cadet commander after serving the past year and a half as cadet deputy commander under Carstens. Douglas has been a cadet at Delta since 2005 and has served in many leadership positions during the past 4 years. In addition to her experience at Delta, she has served numerous times on staff at Texas Wing Encampments and has completed the leadership classes at CTEP. Douglas is also a graduate of RCLS, a Regional leadership school held only once annually. She has served on staff for several Group 4 Airman Leadership Schools, and has experience in training young cadets. Douglas has many plans in store for the Delta cadets over the coming year. Her goal is to Aim High and to help the cadets grow and mature, while accomplishing objectives in the areas of leadership, aerospace education and emergency services training. Douglas has selected C/Capt. Stephen Roquemore to serve as her deputy commander, and to assist her in carrying out the plans for the Delta Cadet Squadron. Following the change of command ceremony, a reception and open house was held for all cadets and their families. There was a white cake provided in honor of the outgoing cadet commander, and a chocolate cake was in honor of the incoming cadet commander. The reception planning and refreshments were provided by Mrs. Dawn Douglas and Mrs. Tina Roquemore. The reception and open house provided everyone with a time to make new acquaintances and allowed the cadet programs staff to visit with the parents of cadets. It was a great time of celebration and fellowship as the Delta Cadet Squadron enters a new and exciting chapter of its tradition of producing outstanding Civil Air Patrol cadets.

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THE DELTA COMPOSITE SQUADRON QUARTERLY

FOURTH QUARTER 2009

Who is Delta Composite Squadron? -- Maj. Brian Callahan

If someone were to ask us, What is Delta Squadron? we would all readily have an answer. But if someone were to ask us, Who is Delta Squadron? the answer would become a little more difficult. I dont know of another organization that has as focused a purpose for the utilization of volunteers with an interest in aviation, development of youth or teaching people about the importance of aerospace superiority as the CAP. I believe that its strength is the spirit of its members to serve the threefold mission and how those members learn to serve the organization. However, while most members become excited and focused about training and participating in mission oriented activities, few members become concerned about the emphasis and focus that must be directed toward securing the facilities and funding required to stabilize the squadrons ability to facilitate training and maintain operations. As with many organizations, the burden of the planning and work required to address the problems due to underfunding is usually left to a few individuals. This is an organizational weakness that threatens the morale, cohesiveness and operational effectiveness of any squadron where leaders and members allow those conditions to remain unchanged. Many of us have had discussions about the fact that our squadron is not a flying club because we have a threefold mission for which we train and prepare to perform when required. Although we are expected to operate to Air Force standards, we are continually reminded that we are a volunteer civilian organization, not a military organization. The truth is that the requirements for membership and the operation of a squadron in the CAP include certain elements that are exactly the same as flying clubs or civilian veterans organizations. The CAP is like a flying club because it requires that those who use the aircraft provided pay for its use when flying to increase or maintain proficiency. Most CAP members readily agree that the CAP is an economical way to fly and supplies a great outlet for those who desire to serve their community through their interest in aviation. It is not like a flying club in that there is free flying when we are engaged in missions or approved training exercises. The other way we are similar to flying clubs is that we are expected to have a facility to secure our aircraft and hold meetings. We had such a facility, but we were so sure that no one else would rent it in the conditions that existed, that we didnt take the steps to raise the funds required to secure it permanently. Recently, I have become a member of the VFW in Tomball, and after spending many hours discussing their operation with their commander, I have come to understand that the views and priorities for their organizations leadership truly reflects the reality of securing the funding and facilities to perform their mission. Even though they are all veterans, like many of us, their organization receives no government funds for their post to operate or for many of their scholarship or veterans assistance programs. The VFW knows that their facility is the lifeblood that supports their organization. Fundraising to have and maintain a home post is their first priority in creating the foundation for its social, organizational, educational and local veteran assistance programs. Their dues remain low because they know that dues cannot possibly support the cost of their home post. Their leadership knows that they have a responsibility to continually plan and execute fundraising activities to maintain their facility and support their mission. Unfortunately, Delta Squadrons approach to facilities has never reached the realistic approach required to make a secure, permanent facility a reality. We have relied upon whatever free facilities we could find and have been at the mercy of gaining and losing the free facilities that have been offered to us. We have not placed a high priority on putting a fundraising program in place that will get us past the formative stage of development regarding the securing of a permanent facility.

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THE DELTA COMPOSITE SQUADRON QUARTERLY

FOURTH QUARTER 2009

Who is Delta...? (continued)

One of my concerns is the obvious inability of the CAP, as an organization, to realistically make fundraising for permanent facilities the first priority of a squadron in the steps required to support the training and operational needs to accomplish the CAP threefold mission. It is one thing to want a squadron locally, it is another for its members to step up to participate in the planning and execution of a financial support and fundraising program that realistically meets the financial obligations that makes mission accomplishment possible. Free space is a good thing if you are in the formative stages of building a squadron. Free space should never be a permanent solution to a squadrons need for facilities. For a fully operational squadron that is far beyond the formative stage of development, like Delta, the thought that our whole program can be jeopardized by the decisions of the owner of a facility that is giving us free space is unacceptable. We have just gone through that with both our hangar space and our headquarters facility during the past two years. Similarly, our inaction to plan and execute a fundraising program, knowing that dues alone wont support our requirements, is unacceptable if we know that our stability as a squadron depends on our ability to pay for a permanently secured facility. The idea that dues alone are the solution to the problem is unrealistic. When a squadron is forming, they are a temporary solution that must be put in place for a short period to get an organization formed. For any organization in its formative stage, dues are the initial step that secures a rented facility and stabilizes the organizations operation. The second step is to create a fundraising activity that will maintain the rent for a facility and produce an income that will offset the operational expenses and lower the dues required of the members. The third step is to create a fundraising activity that will provide a permanent facility that has a potential, through rent and activities, to pay for the cost of the facility, training and operational readiness of the squadron. So when I consider the question Who is Delta Squadron? my answer is, Those members who can be relied upon to achieve all of the tasks that will make our squadron financially stable, who are trained for operational readiness and will help to provide a permanent facility that ensures the security of our squadron for generations to come.

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FOURTH QUARTER 2009

With Honor and Pride -- C/2nd Lt. Carter Post

This summer, I had the great opportunity to attend one of CAPs most renowned national activities, the Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard Academy. It was one of the most beneficial things I have ever done, giving me the skills I needed to start an honor guard at my home unit and improving myself as an individual. The experience there is unlike any other activity found in CAP. The CAP Honor Guard was inspired by LtCol. Jett Mayhew of the Maryland Wing after her observation that Civil Air Patrol had no one to give late members the final honors they deserved. Her idea evolved into a wing activity which led to the creation of the renowned Maryland Wing honor guard. Later, the Middle East Region took notice of this activity and instituted it as a regionlevel program and, finally, in 2002, the Honor Guard Academy became a national activity held at McDaniel College in Westminster, Md. The Honor Guard Academy is a 3-year program. First-year cadets, known as white hats, are the lower classmen for the activity. They learn basic honor guard rifle maneuvers and basic colors elements and are given classes that pertain the fundamentals of Honor Guard history and knowledge. The blue hats are the middle classmen who have already completed a year at the Academy. They are given instruction in the Bearers element of Honor Guard and are introduced to intermediate honor guard rifle maneuvers. The graduating class of the Honor Guard Academy, known as red hats, are completing the final stage in the CAP Honor Guard Program. They are taught the most difficult honor guard rifle spins and tosses and are expected to set the example for the other cadets. After their graduation they have the option to come back as cadet staff, or black hats, at the following years academy. Wanting to be a part of this great program, I applied to the Honor Guard Academy back in January of 2009 and was notified in March by Lt.Col Mayhew that I had been accepted. Arriving in Maryland, I was placed in Mercury Flight, under the command of black hats Captain Ray Hicks from the Texas Wing and C/Major Jenna McCord from the Florida Wing. During the first two days of the academy, our flight of 15 cadets learned what would be expected of us during our two week stay and some of the basic honor guard maneuvers that we would be required to know. On the third day, the USAF Presidential Honor Guard from Bowling Air Force Base arrived to instruct at the Academy. An airman from the guard taught each flight for four days, instructing in basic rifle maneuvers, colors element and the proper procedures for a cordon. The Honor Guardsmen were great teachers and had great senses of humor. Their jokes eased the tension in the flight in a matter of minutes. It was a great honor to be trained by these men and women. They perform ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery on a daily basis and gave up their time to train the cadets. About mid-way through the second week, the Academy was paid a visit by one of CAPs most distinguished members, Col. Mary Fiek. She spoke to the white hat class about her love for aviation and her days in aircraft maintenance. She presented all C/SrAmn or higher with an autographed copy of the CAP award that bears her name. It was a great privilege to be able to listen to this woman speak about her passion for flying and to be presented with the award associated with that passion. When Sunday finally arrived, a sense of urgency hung in the air. The cadets were dressed in the Honor Guard Ceremonial Uniform, a uniform that requires assistance from three other individuals to assemble. The flights were formed up to march to the chapel in time for the graduation. Everyone was nervous. We quickly discovered that practicing in front of our fellow cadets was completely different from performing in front of distinguished CAP officials from national headquarters. Nevertheless, all of the flight performances went smoothly and we were able to show those watching the skills we had learned. The experience I had while at the Honor Guard Academy was a unique and wonderful thing. Learning how to honor CAP and military members was a monumental experience in my cadet career. I would recommend this activity to anyone who wishes to take pride in the way they carry themselves as cadets and give up some of their time to honor the services and sacrifices of the members of the Civil Air Patrol and the Armed Forces.

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THE DELTA COMPOSITE SQUADRON QUARTERLY From the Safety Officer, Capt. Ray Watson.... Hello Delta! Just a few words from your safety guru. The weather has finally started to change in Houston. Now is the time to start preparing yourself for the cooler temperatures and rainy conditions. Remember to reduce your speed and extend your following distance while driving. Give yourself plenty of time to get where youre going without having to rush. The roads are very dangerous when they get wet especially when its the misty drizzle that we get in the mornings.

FOURTH QUARTER 2009

A word to the aircrews: Awareness! Be aware of what is going on outside the aircraft as well as inside. The college football season is in full swing and if youre flying up around the Bryan-College Station area, keep your head outside the cockpit. Remember College Station does not allow touch and gos on football Saturdays. The ramp is extremely crowded and there are quite a few fast movers that come to roost there. Follow your checklists and double check yourself. CRM is key. Everyone needs to be at the October safety meeting. There is a mandatory slide show from the New Mexico Wing that I am required to show everyone ASAP. Mark October 6 on your calendar. KEEP THE BLUE SIDE UP AND THE GREEN SIDE DOWN, BE SAFE!

2008 Citation Crash Attributed to Birdstrike Damage A Cessna Citation I that crashed on takeoff on March 4, 2008 was brought down by large birds, according to findings by the National Transportation Safety Board. Birdstrikes were apparently suspected when the preliminary report was written days after the accident, which killed both pilots and three passengers on departure from Wiley Post Airport in Oklahoma City. The report noted that a witness "observed pieces of a bird falling from the sky to the water near his location. He described the pieces as white in color." The report further included reference to "residue" from the wreckage being sent for examination by an ornithologist. In its probable cause ruling, the board said the Citation sustained structural damage to a wing caused by impact by one or more large birdssubsequently identified as American white pelicans.

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FOURTH QUARTER 2009

New Flight Release System goes Live

As of Oct. 1, the electronic flight release program in WMIRS will go "live" and ALL flight releases in TXWG will be required to use this system as of that date. This is really a very good system, and will help us better track the flying time in the Wing. But, each pilot must use some prior planning. Also, as usual, there are some "quirks". First, the sortie must be entered into WMIRS BEFORE the flight. It can be entered up to 24 hours prior. Either the PIC or the FRO can perform this entry. If the pilot does the initial entry, multiple FROs can be designated by holding the Ctrl key down and clicking on each FRO. An e-mail will then be sent to each designated FRO that a sortie is awaiting his/her release. The PIC must then talk with the FRO by phone or in person within 4 hrs of the flight to complete the release. The FRO must have access to the internet and WMIRS at the time of the release, ask the appropriate questions and check off the required check lists. The FRO will then complete the release. After the flight, the PIC will again call the FRO and give him/ her the Hobbs time and starting and ending tach readings. The FRO will enter these items and complete the WMIRS entry. If the flight is a C mission symbol the entry page can be accessed directly from the yellow section of the initial WMIRS Menu, labeled Add Sortie. If the flight is an A or B mission symbol it is a little more complicated to access the entry page, because there is already a mission number established, the monthly A or B mission number. To use an A or B mission symbol the PIC must be on the WgCC and WgSD approved list (Letter of Xs) found on the TXWG Ops Web site. To access the entry page for A or B missions, on the left side menu in WMIRS, click on Current Missions/Sorties. Then find the TXWG Monthly A or B Mission and click on the NUMBER OF AIR SORTIES for that mission (fourth column from the right). This will bring up a list of all previous sorties for the month. Go to the bottom of the list and click on Add. This will give you the entry page. Fill out that page as indicated above and complete the release and flight as indicated above. For now, there is an alternate procedure to be used for manual flight releases on a Form 99. However, this should be the EXCEPTION, not the rule, and should only be used when no FRO is available who has access to his/her computer. The FRO must still go back and enter the sortie, the release, and the final numbers, just as soon as he has access to a computer, according to the instructions. Contact Lt. Col. Rand Woodward with any questions or concerns.

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FOURTH QUARTER 2009

Aerospace Education -- Lt. Col. Steven Mathews

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS The Air Force publishes a safety document that discusses the significant accidents for that reporting period. Significant accidents are equipment that has been severely damaged or destroyed and people who have been severely injured or killed. The common theme behind the majority of the accidents is that an individual did not follow the standard procedures/instructions related to that activity. I recall reading about a jet engine that was severely damaged during the Vietnam War. The maintainer had left a small screwdriver inside the air intake. The maintainer did not follow standard instructions to make a close inspection to assure that no tools were left behind. The pilot normally does a walk-around the aircraft to verify that there are no obvious conditions that would prevent the aircraft from starting its mission. The pilot did not see the screwdriver. The jet engine start was initiated and very soon ingested the screwdriver. The jet engine could not start because many of the compressor blades were damaged and the mission was aborted. It cost about $300,000 in todays money for that jet engine to be removed, shipped to a depot in America to be repaired and tested, then returned to service. Unreported was the impact to the Army ground forces that were relying on that aircraft for air support. Because two people did not follow standard procedures/instructions, a large, unexpected financial cost was incurred, and the lives of many people were put at unnecessary risk. Often when there is difficulty assembling a new aerospace device, or a test program is not going as expected, the resolution is usually going back to the instructions and following them exactly. You can probably recall situations when you were assembling something, and some of the pieces were not going together well. If you continued your activity, you probably broke or damaged a part, and/or you injured yourself. When you returned to the instruction sheet, you very likely noticed that you were doing something inappropriate to complete the assembly. A class of 8th graders was organized into teams to assemble an educational robot. Several of the students went to the instructor to complain that they could not assemble some portion of the robot. The instructor simply told them to go back and read the instructions. Within a few moments, the students would say, Oh, yeah, right. The message is: if youre not getting the results that you expect, then stop and go back and read the instructions.

Seeking Photos of Those Listed on The Wall: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has teamed with FedEx Office to collect and provide photos of the more than 58,000 service members whose names are listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The photos will become a centerpiece in The Education Center at The Wall, a new facility to be built underground near the Vietnam and Lincoln memorials. FedEx Office centers around the country will collect and scan the photos. Jan Scruggs, founder and president of the memorial fund, said in a statement announcing the National Call for Photos, "It is vital we remember the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. The education center will allow us to put faces with the names on The Wall and learn some of their stories."

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THE DELTA COMPOSITE SQUADRON QUARTERLY

FOURTH QUARTER 2009

Father and Son Soar at Glider Academy

Its not unusual for teenagers to go to summer camp. What is unusual is for that camp to be all about learning how to fly gliders. Even more unusual is to have your dad be part of that experience by serving on the camp staff. Unless you happen to be a CAP cadet with a dream of flying and your dad is a CAP officer who shares your dream and, along with other senior members, works to give those dreams flight. Such was the case the week of July 13, as C/Capt. Stephen Roquemore and his father, Capt. Darrell Roquemore, attended the Texas Wing Glider Academy, held at the Soaring Club of Houston (SCOH) near Waller, Texas. The Roquemores joined 14 other cadets, five tow plane pilots, six instructor pilots and four support staff for the week-long camp that offered cadets the opportunity to learn to fly a glider and possibly earn the right to go on a solo flight. This was not your typical summer camp nor were these your typical summer campers. This was a record-setting event. Between Monday and early Saturday, there were more than 330 tows of gliders into the skies over SCOH. The long-standing club record of 62 tows in a single day was replaced by the academys 73 on Tuesday. That record fell by the wayside on Thursday, when there was an incredible 90 tows. But the academy was not about the records, it was all about the cadets, who ranged in age from 14 to 18. A few came with some flying experience, most did not. Some were fearful in the cockpit during their initial flights and a few got airsick. They were not to be deterred, however. Each and every one of them overcame their obstacles and became fully confident pilots-in-training by the end of the week. What a transformation! One of the parents later said in an E-mail, We gave you a kid to look after; were getting back a young adult. And what about the Roquemores? What was their experience? In the words of Cadet Roquemore, The Texas Wing Glider Academy was an experience not to be forgotten. We spent six days of exciting, non-stop flying that made the time spent well worth it. I took part in what every cadet agreed was one of the best experiences of our lives. As for dad? I had the priviledge of serving on the staff the entire week, with a cadet in the program. The academy had at its disposal two Schweitzer 2-33 gliders, one Schwetzer 2-22 glider and two Blanik L-23 gliders, and a reserve Grob G103 glider. While some cadets were receiving their flights, others were instructed on ground operations for launching and recovering gliders. continued on next page...

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Father and Son...continued

Each cadet stayed in the same type of glider the entire week, in order to keep the experience constant. Several instructors rotated through the different gliders to give their special brand of teaching. At the same time, different cadets rotated through several jobs on the ground. Each morning, the Flight Operations Officer would give the cadets their order of flying. This was based upon the total number of instruction flights each cadet had accumulated throughout the previous day. For example, a cadet who had flown only six times would be given priority until they were caught up to those cadets who already had more flights. A break for lunch briefly interrupted operations and then everyone returned to their jobs until around seven oclock, when enough time was needed to put up the aircraft in order to be on time for dinner. One of the 2-33s and both of the Blaniks were placed in Quonset-style hangers several yards from the clubhouse. The 2-22 was tied down outside on the other side of these hangers. The remaining 2-33 was placed its own special hanger near the end of the field. Once all gliders were put away, everyone went to dinner at the clubhouse. After dinner and a final round of logbook filling, everyone retired to a nearby camp with comfortable, airconditioned log cabins. Most evenings, though, there was little time for relaxation as studies continued there, at least until exhaustion set in. Lights out, enforced by the advanced cadets, was normally around eleven oclock. At quarter to six each morning, everyone rolled out of their bunks, spent endless minutes waiting on each other to get out the shower, and finally piled into the 15-passenger CAP vans to return to the glider port for another day of flight. Such was a typical day at the academy. Tuesday, was especially exciting, said the younger Roquemore. We were told that the ABC television affiliate from Houston was coming out to do a story on the academy. There was no overt sign that the cadets paid any attention to them, said the elder Roquemore, but somehow the tempo of operations inreased. About eleven oclock, the Channel 13 News truck showed up and the basic cadets were told not to be going out of their way to get in front of the camera, said Cadet Roquemore. Everyone stayed focused on their jobs, regardless of the news crew. However, there was an increase in energy and operations sped up noticeably. continued on next page ...

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FOURTH QUARTER 2009

Father and Son ...conclusion

The news team, consisting of a reporter and a photographer, interviewed the Project Officer, Major David Ayre, and 2 local cadets: my son and C/1st Lt. Juliana Leano from Spindletop Composite Squadron near Beaumont, added Captain Roquemore. And the highlight of the week? On Thursday,the very last flight of the day was my solo, the ninetieth sortie, said Cadet Roquemore. It wasnt that long, just a tow up to one thousand feet, enough to get into the pattern. When I came down, everyone rushed to the cockpit with all of their cameras, eager for a picture or a video. Once I climbed out of the glider, two of the cadets dowsed me with five gallons of ice water! After I put the glider away, I returned to the clubhouse for dinner and much congratulatory conversation with everyone else. Any parent watching their child do something dangerous, no matter how good the training, cannot avoid having their heart in their throat, said Captain Roquemore. I know I did and it was made worse because I, too, have been in the cockpit of a glider and know what can go wrong. Thankfully, I was able to keep myself distracted by being the photographer for the event. When Stephen landed, I was as proud of him and all that he has accomplished. The academy concluded with cadets averaging 22 flights in their logbooks. Those that return to the academy next summer should be able to solo in no time. Most of us traded contact information so we could stay in touch with each other, added Cadet Roquemore. and we all left the academy with a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

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and advanced tasks. They are now ready to fly evaluation missions to become certified crew members ready for taskings when called upon. I see our operations department taking shape with critical positions being filled in order to operate effectively. Thanks to all who have stepped up to the plate and are willing to do the jobs required. The cadet program has a new cadet commander, C/Capt Jamie Douglas. She has had a little more than a month to appoint her staff and transition the cadet squadron to a new course. I understand they have made plans for Field Training Exercises and will participate in the Wings Over Houston Air Show. Thanks to the dedicated senior cadet programs officers who help guide the cadets by administering the program and helping them stay on track. The area of fund-raising is finally beginning to take shape. The ground work continues to be laid for an annual BBQ cook off event that will likely be hosted by a local VFW post in April. There is a car wash planned for October and an opportunity to assist a local business by providing manpower who will, in turn, donate to the squadron. We must continue to identify and approach potential donors who share our values and educate them as to who we are and what we do for the local community, state and nation. Yes, we have come a long way, but there is more work to be done.

FROM THE COMMANDER...

Its been four months since moving to Tomball Jet on the west side of David Wayne Hooks Airport. Thanks to all who have given their time and sweat to get us moved in. I especially want to thank those of you who have contributed financially to help us secure the space. If it werent for you, we would not have had the chance to relocate to a proper place where we can carry out the vitally important missions for America that are sure to come. I am beginning to feel like we are finding a groove now that we have had three months to get adjusted. Our administration department was the first to get up to speed and has done an outstanding job of getting the cadet records up to date and keeping the squadron administration running efficiently in spite of the challenges they faced. In the area of operations and training, Major Callahan, as the new deputy commander for seniors, has reinvigorated that area. I am delighted that there are a number of senior members who have completed the Scanner/Observer preliminary

Semper Vigilans, Capt. Risher Lewis PAGE 11