CC-CAP Unit Obtains CAP Flag

The Corpus Christi Comp Squadron obtained the Colors of the Civil Air Patrol on Tuesday 20 February 2007. This is a good morale move as we account for all our programs going into the middle of the First Quarter.

This flag, as well as the unit's guidon will accompany the unit to various CAP activities. This is also an initial step in making the unit's cadet color guard a reality. Funds are being saved to purchase a Unit Flag.

One existed already and was in use as late as 2002, but this flag cannot be found at this time.

Civil Air Patrol Aircrew Excels- Victoria Staging Area 17 February 2007

Civil Air Patrol Aircrew Excels

CAP Officers from the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron’s Aircrew participated in a Statewide Search and Rescue Exercise on Saturday 17 February 2007. The unit deployed en masse to the Victoria Staging Area of that greater mission. This was an historical event of in that he first Aircrew sorties flown completely by CC-CAP personnel took place

In all, the Staging Area was assigned to fly three missions and each of these missions was totally manned by aircrew from Corpus Christi.

The first and second sorties were route searches between Victoria and San Antonio. Additionally, the aircrew was to transport a second aircraft back to Victoria requiring, a crew change of sorts. These sorties were flown by 1st Lt Jerry Lunceford as Mission Pilot with 2d Lt Mike Garmon as Mission Observer (trainee) and Capt Joe Pendergrast as Mission Scanner/ Skills evaluator for 2d Lt Garmon.

The Second sortie later that day was flown by 1st Lt Lunceford as Mission Pilot/ Skills Evaluator with 2nd Lt John Hoelscher as Mission Observer (trainee) and Major Joe Ely Carrales as Mission Scanner trainee.

Also extremely significant is the training that was accomplished in the field of communications. 1st Lt Sandy Phelps, 2d Lt Mike Garmon and Cadet Christopher Villarreal received training in and are pending approval for qualification as Mission Radio Operators.

The continued proficiency of aircrew demonstrates that the unit can deploy air resources if called upon,” said Major Joe Ely Carrales, the unit’s commander, “This training is a key step in making CC-CAP a future staging area.”

Officers in attendance were Major Joe Ely Carrales, Capt Joe Pendergrast, 1st Lt Jerry. Lunceford, 1st Lt Sandy Phelps, 1st Lt John Hoelscher, and 2d Lt Mike Garmon. Cadet C. M. Villarreal was also in attendance.

Falfurrias Facts runs Article about the Unit

The Falfurrias Facts, long time local news paper of the Los Olmos region of South Texas, ran a photo caption about the activities of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron...(of all the available photo options they always pic the one of me "looking at a map," a generic shot of me I stage at every SARex as a gag.

Attached is a scan of that pic... that ran in the 25 January 2007 edition, Vol. 101, No 45.

Corpus Christi Civil Air Patrol Honors Dignitaries

Its a hot day for Visitors in the old UNIT!
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
Squadron Commander
Corpus Christi Comp Squadron

The Corpus Christi Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol(CAP) honored two local dignitaries, Nueces County Commissioner Charles “Chuck” Cazalas and Preparedness & Response Director for the Coastal Bend Chapter of the American Red Cross Nevada J Linford on 6 February 2007 for their continued support and cooperation in helping revitalize the unit’s Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs.

“We are fortunate indeed,” said Squadron Commander Major Joe Ely Carrales, “Yes, fortunate indeed to be working and associated with persons like Commissioner Cazalas and Director Linford.”

In 2003, Commissioner Cazalas championed a motion to grant the use of a hanger at Nueces Co. Airport for use in Civil Air Patrol Emergency Service and Cadet Programs. This has proved to be a boon to the unit’s capabilities and has allowed the unit to operate its missions in Nueces County. Last year, Director Linford of the Red Cross worked closely with the unit to provide training in shelter management, disaster assessment and First Aid the unit’s first wave of new CAP Officers.

“There will be continued cooperation with the Red Cross,” explained Major Carrales, “the heart of the volunteer is a strong one and we will be united to meet the needs of Nueces County and South Texas.”

Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Shield

This is the current symbol of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. At a date to be named later we will conduct a contest to design a more South Texas design that reflects Corpus Christi and the Coastal bend.

Symbolism is very significant and it is important to me that we have a unit emblem that reflects our locale and allows us to take ownership of our Unit.

Currently, our shield reflects several important CAP principles. 1. the blue background representing our ties with the Mother Service, the US Air Force. 2) The Winged "Lone Star" reflecting the symbolism of the Texas Wing. 3) The Red Tri-Prop in a white triangle reflecting our Civil Defense origins in the Second World War. 4) The letter "CAP" to clearly identify our three missions to those that we serve.

John Hoelscher Promoted to 1st Lt

John Hoelscher Promoted to 1st Lt
By Major Joe Ely Carrales

Corpus Christi, Texas— 1st Lt John D. Hoelscher was promoted to that rank effective 6 February 2007 by order of Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP after completing the necessary criteria and meeting a 12 month time-in-grade period as a 2d Lt.
1st Lt Hoelscher currently serves as our unit’s Personnel and Testing Officer and is a qualified Mission Scanner and Urban Direction Finding Team member. He began his CAP service in the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron on 3 January 2006 and received a Mission Related promotion to 2d Lt based on his credentials as a private pilot.

“Lt Hoelscher has been a faithful CAP Officer,” says Major Joe Ely Carrales, Squadron Commander, “who is dedicated to the goals of CAP and the well being of his unit.”

1st Lt Hoelscher is a citizen of Bishop, Texas and currently is employed as a Computer Technician at the simulators at NAS KINGSVILLE. He also participated in first DSAR staging area Corpus Christi operated early in 2006 at Nueces County Airport in Robstown, Texas.

Welcome to the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron!

My name is Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP and I am the Squadron Commander, and Public Affairs Officers, of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. This is a blog I have started to keep people informed of the latest events of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron and Civil Air Patrol in South Texas.

Major Carrales