A Successful Return to the NAS Kingsville Simulator

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Kingsville, Texas— The regular meeting of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron was forgone in favor of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron’s most prolific Aerospace Education Activity...the Simulator Activity at NAS Kingsville.

The Project officer for this activity is Major Fidel Alvarado. Major Alvarado maintains friendly contact with Simulator instructor, Mr. Bert Alvarez and had planned a trip to the SIMULATOR late last month.

The unit must yield only to the US Navy training schedule, but the activity was not effected by such factors.

Corpus Christi CAP Officers and Cadets met at Doctor’s Regional Hospital on 17 July 2007 at 1600 hrs at which time they trekked to NAS Kingsville where they encountered members of the Brahma Cadet Flight.

This occasion, it was possible for members of proximate units to participate and invitations were extended to Brownsville and Victoria’s CAP Units. Brownsville could not attend due to logistics, however Victoria was able to send two cadets and as many CAP Officers.

“This is good,” said Capt Leonard Saddler, “this is very meaningful.”

CC-CAP Unit UDF Team Deploys to Cabaniss Field

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
Corpus Christi, Texas— It was Thursday 12 June 2007 at the end of the workday when Lt Col Chris G. Bujanos, CAP of the Brownsville Composite Squadron contacted Major Joe Ely Carrales. An ELT on 243 MHz was being heard by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Tyndall A.F.B. in Florida and an active mission, 07-M-1244, was underway.
Major Joe Ely Carrales informed Lt Col Bujanos that a UDF team from the CC-CAP squadron would be assembled.

Major Carrales contacted and 1st Lt John D. Hoelscher asked him to stand-ready to lead a UDF team. Major Carrales then contacted 2d Lt B. Sam Kimbrell in Corpus Christi, Texas who was just getting off of work. Additionally, 1st Lt Mike Garmon and 1st Jerry Lunceford were also located.

In addition, an Aircrew made up of Lt Col Charlie Whatley and Capt Leonard Saddler of Victoria were dispatched in support of the mission.

The Coverage area of the CC-CAP unit is quite extensive ranging from as far north at Port Aransas, as west as Laredo and as south as Falfurrias, Texas. This is problematic since the unit’s only UDF equipment has to be placed in a position where it can make its way to any of these points of the compass. Normally, a handheld scanner can locate 121.5 MHz signals, however, this call as on 243 MHz and meant that only such UDF equipment could be used.

Major Carrales had the DF unit and a VHF radio transported to 1st Lt Hoelscher and he and the rest of the team proceeded to the Bay Area Fellowship Church, which was located very near the given coordinates.

The actual coordinates indicated a location near Cabaniss Field, an auxiliary landing field of NAS Corpus Christi. After nearly an hour of aerial and ground radio direction finding, no signal was acquired. It was later discovered that naval authorities had reported some hard landings earlier during the day. The mission closed without incident.

Three Kingsville CAP Cadets Awarded for Encampment Attendance

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Kingsville, Texas- Three Civil Air Patrol cadets from the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron’s (CC-CAP) Brahma Cadet Flight were awarded the U. S. Civil Air Patrol’s Encampment Ribbon for attending the 2007 Texas Wing Summer Encampment. The awards were presented to Cadet Airman Bryce Nix, Cadet Airman Michael Beal and Cadet Airman Basic Celeste Resendez at the Tuesday 10 July 2007 meeting of the Kingsville Cadet Flight at their CAP Station at Memorial Middle School.

The three cadets represented Kingsville and Corpus Christi to the body of CAP cadets gathered for this annual summer activity. This year’s encampment was held at Camp Maxey near Paris, Texas from 17-24 June 2007.

“An encampment can be the most significant and worthwhile training experience of a CAP cadet's membership,” said Major Phyllis Sutton, Director of Cadet Programs for the Texas Wing, “Encampments are memorable experiences that cadets will talk about and cherish the rest of their lives; plus cadets leave encampments motivated about Civil Air Patrol taking back to their units a plethora of knowledge and experience that can be shared and built upon.”

Such knowledge and skill is be vital to continued growth of the CAP Cadet program in South Texas.

“The effort to create a Civil Air Patrol Cadet unit in Kingsville is gaining momentum.” Said Major Joe Ely Carrales, CC-CAP Squadron Commander, “it is hoped that more cadets will join the unit over the next school year.”

The U.S. Civil Air Patrol builds strong citizens for the future by providing leadership training, technical education, scholarships and career education to young men and women, ages 12 to 21. The unit is made up of area youth. For the summer program, the Unit meets on Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. in the portable building located behind Memorial Middle School. Interested potential cadets should contact Major Carrales at (361) 779-4739 or e-mail to jecarrales@yahoo.com.

Perspectives: Interviews with CAP Personalities

A Chat with Texas Wing Director of Training, Lt Col Brooks Cima, CAP

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

The Corpus Christi Comp Squadron presents an interview with Lt Col Brooks Cima, CAP, Texas Wing Director of Training, conducted 2 July 2007.

Once again greetings and welcome to this our second interview for Through the Air Over South Texas. I am your host, Major Joe Ely "Sparky" Carrales and in this Unit’s on going effort to inform and entertain, I am pleased to introduce Lt Col Brooks Cima to the members of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron.

I first spoke with Lt Col Cima over the telephone many years ago when some CAP Cadets were interested in attending a Wing Encampment. Lt Col Cima is legendary for her work with the CAP Cadet Program in the Texas Wing, so much so, that the powers that be have harnessed her talents for training.

So, let’s begin this interview with a simple question… Lt Col Cima, what is your position at Texas Wing as you see it and do you find this position presents similar or different challenges than your previous post in Cadet Programs?

“Similar to the early days in Cadet Programs - the basic information was there but it was being taught at the squadron and Group level in various interpretations. I believe my job is to make sure we are standardized in our training in order that we make the best, most efficient use of the training time our volunteers have to give this organization so that we can perform our missions as required by our customers.”

I concur; we should make every effort to insure that the quality of training in the Texas Wing is “uniform.” We can agree that Texas provides huge logistical challenges. That being said… What are some of your goals for Training in Texas Wing for 2007 & 2008?

“I want to provide training opportunities that will enable us to be better prepared for the missions that are coming our way. For example, Videography training to help with our photo missions, IT training to teach people how to upload photographs for our customers, CERT and ARC training for our ground team members and mission staff training so that we have the ability to deploy a number of well-trained mission base staffs should the need arise in a disaster.”

No doubt, we are in service to our State, and I feel these elements are places where we can all benefit. There is, therefore, much to do. How can we, in the Groups & Squadrons, best support you in your work?

“Attend the trainings at the Wing level, become trainers and take the information back to your squadrons and groups. Ask your members to be patient as we raise standards in order to make Texas Wing "excellent" in all areas of ES, pilot training and cadet training.”

Along these lines, recently, the Texas Wing has made several important changes to how training is conducted; namely, the new Skill Evaluator Trainer, or SET, procedure. Earlier this week, after a much anticipated waiting, you announced the latest “SET list.” How does this differ from the old set list of days past?

“SET was basically a quick quiz that could make anyone "qualified" to evaluate training. The Evaluator qualification is carefully given by the Wing Commander to individuals that have demonstrated excellence in their area of ES expertise.”

If I may be so bold, how was this list generated?

“The Wing Commander is so serious about raising standards that he personally checks every candidate sent up through the chain of command. I simply publish this list for him”

A very bold approach indeed on Col Smith’s part; what are some criteria for being considered for this list?

“qualifications, time in service in that area, missions performed.”

How often will this list be updated?

“Twice monthly for a while and then on the first of each month. Just a bit more about SET vs. Texas Wing Evaluator...

We are no longer using the SET list as published through OPs Quals. Our new TXWG Supplement to 60-3 takes away the duties of those with SET qualifications and hands them to individuals named as TXWG Evaluators. There is no new training for these folks to go through, they just need to send their request to be an evaluator through the chain of command and the Wing Commander determines if they are qualified."

I thank you, Lt Col Cima for addressing these questions. I am sure we will be being Lt Col Cima’s name more and more as members of our unit participate in the training she mentioned. As for the new “Set list,” it is available from CC-CAP squadron command on request. SEMPER VIGILANS!!!

Information on CAP Memorials

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP
SOUTH TEXAS – The U.S. Civil Air Patrol is about to celebrate its 66th year of existence. In that time many CAP Officers and even some Cadets have made sacrifices conducting the Missions of the Civil Air Patrol, many of them making the Ultimate sacrifice. Currently, a Memorial to the Civil Air Patrol is being organized and created for display at U.S. CAP National Headquarters.

Assistant National Historian Major. Jim Shaw, CAP announced on line on 2 July 2007 that he has finished the first panel of the Civil Air Patrol Memorial. The memorial will initially be housed at the NHQ Building. Afterwards it is to be moved outside to an area on the premises of Maxwell A.F.B. in Alabama. I think they want to see what it looks like before they commit to putting it on the base for public display.

The Five panels will describe:

Dedication - This is the panel that will be above the names of the people that have lost their lives.

Created With A Purpose - This panel has founding and charter information. Dates started, public law, first base, first patrol, first line of duty death.

Achieved Through Resolve - This panel will have a map of the United States with each of the original bases identified.

Proven In Time Of Need - This panel will have a picture of the plane dropping a bomb on a U-Boat. The Sub will be full length and the bomb will be era specific, as well as the plane.

Members - This panel will have current Missions For America and will list Operations, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education with a graphical representation for each. It will also have the tag line "CAP provides 95% of the ....."

If you note the first letter of each of these panels you will see the Meaning of this pentagon shaped memorial.

Dedication - Dedicated

Created / People - Civil

Achieved in the Air & Ground -Air

Proven on Patrol - Patrol

Members current Missions - Members


The first letters of these panels will be "slightly" enlarged more than the others.” said Major Shaw, “The pentagon shaped frame is being built by a iron works company in Warner Robins and lead by Lt. Col. Todd Engelman. We are both working on this as well as my son a C/SSGT.

This memorial is being paid for by myself and Todd. The NB collected some money to support our work and had to approve it. ” While there are some individual memorials to members lost (including on at Arlington National Cemetery), this memorial will be different. The difference is that this one will have the members names listed on the memorial. After the panels are completed a process to verify all of the members killed in the line of duty and their names will be engraved on a brass name plaque and added to the memorial.

“If anyone would like to donate for this,” adds Major Shaw, “you are more than welcome to. Just send an e-mail to caphistorian@mchsi.com I will give you the address. We appreciate any and all help.”

STATE of the UNIT: Address

A Mid-Year Accounting of Goals and Accomplishments
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

SOUTH TEXAS – It has been a fruitful year for the Corpus Christi Composite Squadron. No such report could begin without a note of thanks to all the CAP Officers and Cadets of Texas Wing Unit 026, for none of this is possible without us being a unit that works together.

The back page of this weekly CAP Almanac contains a section that outlines our goals. The senior staff at our Squadron Holiday Banquet and Christmas party skillfully crafted these goals back in December 2006. Having direction for a unit is important…a Civil Air Patrol unit cannot operate without structure. Gone are the days of simply meeting to haphazardly talk. I will always try to provide an agenda to insure we cover all that is necessary and provide the Unit with the ability to contribute to the key elements of CAP.

The first area addressed involved operational training. During the First and Second Quarters of this year the Unit was able to deploy to all DSARex and SARex activities including a Mission Base and USAF Evaluated SARex. We have been a bit slow on qualifying all our pilots, however, this is being addressed by Capt Joe Pendergrast and Capt Bazemore, the later of which is in the process of planning aviation training in the Coastal Bend.

On the “ground side” our unit added three UDF members to the roster. In addition to that, cadets in Kingsville and Corpus Christi are getting pre-qualification training and practice in Urban Radio Direction Finding. Progress has been slow on creating Ground Team 3 personnel, however, it is hoped that the opportunity will present itself in later quarters of the year.

Other activities that we have been able to participate include 1) Attendance of the 2007 Texas Wing Conference, 2) Attendance of the 2007 Winter Encampment (Cadets Villarreal and Lozano) & the 2007 Summer Encampment (Cadets Nix, Beal and Resendez), 3) Attendance of Cadet Advisory Activities (Cadet Lozano’s Attendance of the Cadet Advisory Council) and 4) more local activities such as the Beach-to-Bay Marathon and Memorial Day Activity at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Corpus Christi. We were not able to attend the Buc Day’s Illuminated Night Parade this year; I submit we should make it a goal for 2008.

In terms of Communications, 1st Lt Mike Garmon was able to discover the location of the local repeater; it has some issues…but we are in the process of addressing repeater operations. We also have gained full control of all our COMM equipment, repaired our UDF equipment and resolved a major issue involving an old matter. 1st Lt Mike Garmon has also conducted a Basic Communications User Training, or BCUT, in Corpus Christi. Additionally, Major Paul Treptow has been instructing Cadets in Kingsville.

Public Affairs was very strong during the First Quarter in that most printed material was reinforced with guest appearances on the Eric Von Wade Radio Program and The 1440 KEYS Morning Show of the station of the same name. During the Second Quarter the focus for Public Affairs shifted to the media around Kingsville, Texas, namely the Kingsville Record and Bishop News newspaper. The Unit’s Public Affairs program also has been augmented by the addition of SM Monica Lozano as assistant Public Affairs Officer.

The over all goals of the unit, to recruit and double our membership with 100% growth is coming along nicely. In this year, we have seen important CADET growth in Kingsville, Texas and impressive additions to our Aviation personnel.

Thanks to everyone!!! SEMPER VIGILANS!!!

Texas Wing Active in Flood Relief Efforts

By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

Texas Wing - The word came out on 27 June 2007 from Capt Martin Padilla, CAP, Texas Wing Emergency Service Officer and by 1 July the Texas Wing Civil Air Patrol continued to support the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management Critical, DEMC.

The ongoing locally Heavy Rain Event was forecast to and continued on into the weekend. The DEMC identified is priorities including, an effort to account for citizens in impacted counties & insure their safety, perform search and rescue as required, provide mass care support to impacted counties, support debris removal efforts and provide Damage Assessments as conditions allow.

“In response to this dangerous situation, said Capt Padilla, the State of Texas has pre-positioned State resources and equipment in strategic locations and continues to provide an immediate response to protect lives and property.”

As of 1 July 2007, Texas Civil Air Patrol aircraft provided photography over flights of flood areas including the Brazos River area of Parker County and the Possum Kingdom Lake area of Palo Pinto County.

In all the overall taskforce is made up of numerous organizations contributing resources and manpower toward the effort. This includes the Texas Military Forces, the Health and Human Services Commission, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Commission on Environment Quality, Texas Cooperative Extension County Extension Agents, Department of State Health Services, and the American Red Cross.

Additionally, the US Coast Guard provided five H-65 helicopters, which were staged in Austin & San Antonio, and the Army Corps of Engineers provided real time reservoir statistics and release rates for downstream planning purposes.

The state remained in a stagnant weather pattern, between an area of high pressure over the four corners and another area of high pressure over the Southeast U.S. The area between these features provided a favorable air mass for thunderstorm development through the weekend.“Texas response preparations, continued Capt Padilla, “were put to work overnight with water rescues in Eastland, Burnet, Hood and Williamson Counties. These operations continued in other parts of the state. The Marble Falls area of Burnet County received 19 inches of rainfall in 8-10 hours including one burst of 8 inches in 1 hour.

For additional information regarding the current situation, please review the State SITREP at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/sitrepindex.htm

The Wing thanks all involved for their continued support and efforts.

CADET Morgun Bedynek Promoted to Cadet Airman

Kingsville, Texas— Cadet Airman Morgun Bedynek was promoted to that rank upon competition of this Cadet Physical Fitness Program on 19 June 2007. Cadet Bedynek is one of the original Brahma Cadets having joined the unit earlier this year at Memorial Middle School.

Cadet Bedynek serves as the unit’s Cadet Administrative officer maintaining forms and applications as well as assisting in tracking his fellow cadet’s progress. To be eligible for this promotion, cadets have to complete criteria in areas; Cadet Leadership, Moral Leadership, be attentive to Unit Activities and complete a physical fitness program.

Cadet Bedynek has participated in T-45 Goshawk Simulator Flights at NAS Kingsville and even worked crowd control at Corpus Christi’s Beach-to-Bay Marathon. He is currently going to the 9th Grade at H.M. King High School.

“Cadet Bedynek Is poised for great things in the Civil Air Patrol,” said Corpus Christi Squadron Commander Major Joe Ely Carrales.”

Perspectives: Interviews with CAP Personalities- Lt Estelle Kelly,CAP

A Chat with Group V Public Affairs Officer Lt Estelle Kelly, CAP
By Major Joe Ely Carrales, CAP

The Corpus Christi Comp Squadron presents this interview with Lt Estelle Kelly, Group V Public Affair Officer, conducted Saturday 6 June 2007.

Greetings and Welcome one and all to the long anticipated Carrales-Kelly interview. I am your host, Major Joe Ely "Sparky" Carrales and this issue we have a riveting interview with someone I consider a very lovely person, our own Group V Public Affairs officer 1st Lt Estelle Kelly of sunny San Antonio, Texas.

We begin our interview by asking a very basic question… How long have you been in the Civil Air Patrol, Lt Kelly…

“I became an official member of the US Civil Air Patrol in 2005 with the Alamo Composite Squadron. However, I had participated unofficially behind the scenes with the St. John the Evangelist Catholic School Cadet Squadron. Ah, the lovely romantic days of Civil Air Patrol: When someone said there was a problem I had deniable plausibility!”

Very good. We all come to CAP for various reasons. For some it’s flying...for others its just a basic call for unique community service to our nation. Tell me...What attracted you to CAP?

“I came to Civil Air Patrol the Irish way-which is ‘round about and half backwards. A new teacher arrived at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School and she hit it off with the “younger” teachers. We all had a way of meeting for lunch and being the newest teachers in the school we wanted to make an impact with our obligation to facilitate an extracurricular school program. Her husband was in the Air Force and she obtained information on the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. We loved it and ran a test year to see if it would be suitable for the middle school students. Col. Billman came in and guided the school program along the next year and it seemed to have legs. Intrigued, I wanted to do more than just facilitate a cadet program and was recommended to the Alamo Composite Squadron. Arrived a meeting one night, met Diane Wieman who pretty much told me I was staying and it stuck (I think I was to startled to say no!) We’ve been carrying on carrying on ever since !”

Yes, I can understand completely, providing opportunities for our youth is a worth effort. I’m curious, however...What attracted you to Public Affairs in the Civil Air Patrol?

“I have a natural love of writing and once did a stint with a local newspaper as an assistant for a photographer. It was something I always wanted to explore further and I was amazed that Civil Air Patrol gave me that opportunity.”

I have to admit, I too have a knack for writing and think journalism is “fierce cool!” So, the Alamo Composite Squadron was your first unit?

“I started out as the Alamo Composite Squadron Public Affairs Officer and a year ago, June 30, was promoted to Group V Public Affairs.”

I, for one, am glad to have you. What were your feeling and expressions when Lt Col Billman asked you to be the PAO for a Group that is larger than some Wings?

“I remember how Col. Billman asked me if “I was interested” and the next thing I knew I had an email saying it was confirmed! First thought: Why did the Irish half of me always run away with my mouth letting my brain follow afterwards? Though really I was pleased because I knew so many members who were doing so much and they needed to have their
work recognized.”

It is obvious that Lt Col Billman has lots of faith and trust in you. Clear “vision” is a hallmark of Group V’s programs and its Commander. What are your visions for Public Affairs in Group V?

“I have a picture of a pyramid in my head for Public Affairs. The first level has been getting the know the squadrons as they see themselves, as Col. Billman sees them and then as they are seen through the prism of Wing and Regional. The second level has been to provide some tools so that we can have public affairs officers working within each squadron. We now have a public affairs newsletter and very active members with in the group who provide wonderful material for Civil Air Patrol media outlets. We are working on the third level which is to create a Group V newsletter so that we can see ourselves as a whole. The next several layers deal more with Wing, Regional, and National HQ issues for public affairs. That is coming into play now so we will have a lot of information filtering down from the top and out into the public media. Eventually, I want to see information moving more easily from the squadrons on up and then we can further develop solid public affairs outreach.”

Outstanding! ...and we have seen lots of things happening in Group V, articles about US CAP and efforts of Squadron activities. If I may be so bold, in your opinion, What is the key to improving CAP generally all around in Group V?

“The biggest key is giving ourselves a whole picture of what we do. Once we can see ourselves as a whole it is easier to understand our great achievements and our needs. We can then network much easier to solve our needs and support our achievements.”

Yes, unity is a key in my opinion as well. Let’s, however, talk a little shop. What is, in your opinion, indicative of a unit with solid Public Affairs?

“Every unit, from the one with five cadets who attend an air show in their blues to the bigger units creating media publicity for themselves is a unit with solid public affairs. They are simply at different stages of public affairs capability. As the Group Public Affairs Officer I can facilitate in many ways such as offering ideas in newsletter or writing an article based on a conversation however, I it is essential that the squadrons are honored for who they are and to celebrate each stage of their squadron life."

...And your thoughts about the larger picture, Where do you think CAP as a whole will go with Public Affairs in the near Future?

“Public Affairs seems to be working both sides of Civil Air Patrol very well. For the Corporate part of Civil Air Patrol we are gearing up for a heavy marketing campaign. In the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary part of Civil Air Patrol we are developing mandates that will allow Public Affairs to operate more in line with the traditions of the U.S. Air Force.”

Excellent, and now for what will become our signature question, Who is the real 1st Lt Estelle Kelly?

“She is still a rather gangly 13 year old whose Great Aunt Bonnie used to take her out the little landing strip in Middletown, Rhode Island, and let her sit in the cockpit of an airplane that winged through the same air that held Amelia Earhart aloft. When she would drop me off she always wanted to see the little moon-lander that I was constructing for a school project. “They do it with spit, gum and a shoe string too!” she always said. “Brains, guts, and a wee bit of personality is all you need!” would always be her final remark. The real Lt. Estelle Kelly just hopes to emulate all three.”

I also asked Lt Kelly about her closest felt goals for the future, she said there are squadrons who have never had an article in Wings Over Texas and she wants them to be recognized. Her big project, however, is an upcoming Group V Newsletter. As far as real ambitions Lt Kelly sees training to serve on an emergency services mission as being the first steps to meeting her Aunt Bonnie’s qualifications. For the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron, I’m Major Joe Ely Carrales… SEMPER VIGILANS!!!