Winter 2003 Volume 1, Issue 2

Quarterly Newsletter for the Los Alamos Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol

The Mountain Wave

ROBERT RETIRES
By Capt. David L. McClard

Special Interest Articles:

Robert Gibson retires as Safety Officer SAR/DR Evaluation Officer Changes Orientation Flights

Service... Giving what you don't have to give. Giving when you don't need to give. Giving because you want to give. (Damien Hess)
For the last 23 years Major Robert Gibson has served in multiple roles in the Civil Air Patrol. Most recently, he has served as the Squadron Safety Officer. He has disseminated valuable and timely information to senior and cadet members. Robert was recently tasked with drafting a safety supplement for the Los Alamos Composite Squadron. Robert spent a lot of time drafting and completing this supplement that is now used as template by other CAP squadrons. Robert prepared and submitted monthly, quarterly, and annual safety reports to NM CAP HQ concisely and on time. His expertise and experience have been invaluable. In October of 2002, Major Gibson was awarded the New Mexico Wing Safety Officer of the year. Recognizing folks for a job well done is one thing CAP does very well. As most of you know in his spare time Robert has served as a Los Alamos County Council Member. His role has been vital in preserving aviation at Los Alamos. After all of this Robert has decided to take a well-deserved break. At least that's what we choose to call it. We know his schedule is quite busy and sometimes a change is appropriate. CAP is one of those families you can never really leave. A final note: Many years ago Robert gave me my first solo check ride in a CAP aircraft. The aircraft (4842G), Robert, and myself were a bit younger then. Several hundred hours later I still remember every minute of that check ride. I can truly say Major Gibson is one of my aviation mentors. Respectfully sir, thank you Major Gibson. Maj. Robert Gibson has been giving to CAP what he didnt have to give; giving when he didnt need to give; giving because he wanted to give. Thanks, Robert, for your service.

Inside the Wave:

Corporate Learning Course 2 Clovis SAREx 2

Changes in Officers 2 SAR/DR Evaluation 3 Upcoming Events Cadet O-Flights New Members Fee Increases Cadet Corner Announcements 3 4 4 4 5&6 6

LA CADET RECEIVES HONOR CADET AWARD AT WINTER ENCAMPMENT

Cadet Staff Sergeant Eric Francisco received the Honor Cadet Award at New Mexico Wings Winter Encampment on December 30, 2002, at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Eric was an outstanding cadet. He was one of the older members of his flight and he showed real leadership to the younger members. He was always willing to help them. He went above and beyond the call of duty for a normal member of a flight, said the Deputy Encampment Commander, Cadet Lt. Col. Kaycee D. Gilbert, CAP. Throughout the weeklong encampment, Francisco competed with 45 other cadets for the distinguished award. The choice was based on inspection results for his uniform, his personal area, his participation in academic classes, his attitude in drill, and his willingness to work with and help others.

Civil Air Patrol P.O. Box 741 Los Alamos, NM 87544

CORPORATE LEARNING COURSE

CLOVIS SAREx DATE CHANGE

June 20-22, 2003
F. A. Buethe

Los Alamos Composite Squadron

COMMANDER
David L. McClard

March 8-9, 2004

For those who have already completed the Squadron Leadership School (SLS), wing is offering the Corporate Learning Course (CLC) during the same weekend. The CLC is designed to explain how a wing operates in each of CAPs major mission elements and how mission support functions support these mission elements. The Senior Member Training Program states, Upon completion of the course, members should be able to: (1) Identify the function of the three mission elements of the wing. (2) Explain how the wing operates to carry out the Aerospace Education mission. (3) Explain how the wing operates to carry out the Cadet Programs mission. (4) Explain how the wing operates to carry out the Emergency Services mission. (5) Explain how the mission support functions support the three mission elements of the wing. (6) Analyze situations where core values impact the operation of the wing.

The dates for the Clovis SAREX have been changed from 27-30 of June 03 to 20-22 of June 03.

DEPUTY COMMANDER FOR SENIORS

Larry L. Tellier

CHANGES IN OFFICERS
With the squadron growing and Commander McClard unable to continue in the acting role of numerous positions, several changes have been or will soon be implemented within the squadron. st On February 24, 1 Lt. Mark Peters takes over the helm of the Cadet program as Deputy Commander of Cadets. An avid outdoorsman, Mark joined CAP in 1991. He is a qualified Mission Observer, Mission Radio Operator, and Mission Scanner. For the past year and a half, since the resurrection of the Cadet Program, Mark has actively worked with the cadetsattending most of their meetings, chaperoning special activities, and working with the glider academy. As Mark moves on to the DCC nd position, 2 Lt. Roger Kruse has graciously agreed to take over as Administrative Officer. Since joining in October 2001, Roger has been actively involved with the Cadet program and regularly attends SARExs. Taking over for the retiring st Robert Gibson, 1 Lt. Lee Knoell has accepted the responsibilities of the Safety Officer. Lee has been a member of the squadron since June 1999. Lee loves to fly, attends most of the SARExs and most recently, has provided the majority of the orientation flights for the cadets. There are several other opportunities to serve in the squadron. (We dont want Commander McClard to have all of the fun.) Look on the Senior Staff section of our website for a list of the open positions with links to the staff position responsibilities.

SENIOR OFFICERS OPERATIONS

Gerald Merkey

STANDARDIZATION/ EVALUATION
Dorothy Brown

EMERGENCY SERVICES
Dave McClard (acting)

CUSTOMS/DEA
Brian Smith

COMMMUNICATIONS
Kenneth Jones

LOGISTICS
Tom Marshall

SAFETY
Lee Knoell

SUPPLY
Tom Marshall

TRANSPORTATION
Brian Smith

MAINTENANCE
John Sutton

Crew Chief 4842G

Lee Knoell

CAP Form 17, Application for Senior Member Activities, needs to be completed in order to attend the Corporate Learning Course. Please submit your form to Commander McClard as soon as possible.

Crew Chief 6319H

Richard Pearson

ADMINISTRATIVE
Roger Kruse

NEW PILOT IN SQUADRON

The squadron has a new pilot! Dwight Kruse passed his FAA flight exam Friday, January 31. He passed an even more critical test two days later. He took his mother and father, Sandi and Roger, flying and executed a perfect landing. No white knuckles on board. CONGRATULATIONS, Dwight!!

PERSONNEL
Dave McClard (acting)

FINANCE
John Veilleux

PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Gretta Christensen

WEBPAGE
Roger Kruse

SAR/DR Evaluation
Los Alamos Composite Squadron
UPCOMING EVENTS SENIORS:
March 11 Larry Salganic of Fantasy Fighters Jet Presentation March 18 Communication Training: Wing communication director, Lt. Col. Larry Zetner will be bringing the Wings mobile communications equipment.

April 11-13, 2003

F. A. Buethe

WING:
March 1 Slow Scan Course March 8-9 Corporate Learning Course April 4-6 CN Exercise April 11-13 SAR/DR Exercise (Santa Fe) April 25-27 Mountain Flying Course

SAR/DR Evaluation for NM Wing will be held at Santa Fe 11-13 April 2003. I will be Project Officer so any questions, suggestions, etc. can be sent to me. It is ES intent to staff the evaluation with qualified personnel in each of the ICS staff positions. It is anticipated we will need at least two shifts of command and general staffs to successfully prosecute the mission. Cadets qualified to fill an ICS staff position can be on the staff. This evaluation will not be used as a training exercise. All participants should be qualified in their specialties. Squadrons should use the next two SAR/DR Exercises in Alamogordo and Albuquerque to train members in both flying and IC staff specialties so members will be ready to fill positions during the evaluation period. Initial planning steps: Santa Fe Capital Squadron has been tasked to begin Logistical planning for the evaluation. I am requesting qualified members to send me their requests to fill the staff positions listed below so we can begin staff planning for the evaluation. The following positions need to be staffed (Fri/Sat 11-12 Apr. and/or Sun 13 Apr): Incident Commander F. Buethe (Fri-Sun.11-13 Apr) Information Officer S. Lane (Fri-Sun.11-13 Apr) Safety Officer Liaison Officer Chaplain/MLO Operations Sec Chief Air Branch Director Ground Branch Director

Medical Unit Leader Food Unit Leader Facilities Unit Leader Supply Unit Leader Fin/Admin Sec Chief Please let me have the names of qualified personnel who can fill the above positions, or those whom you would recommend as candidates for the positions. I would prefer to have volunteers for the positions instead of making arbitrary assignments. It would be preferable if as many Capital Squadron members would volunteer for the initial positions because they can then plan better as a staff. It is my intent to hold several planning sessions in Santa Fe prior to the evaluation so the staff can become familiar with the staff planning and operations functions Squadrons should send their best-qualified aircrews to participate. Aircrews can practice at the upcoming SAREXs. If you know of any "lessons learned" from past evaluations please pass them on to me so we will not repeat the same mistakes.

UNIFORM ALTERATIONS MADE EASY!

Tired of jabbing yourself with the needle as you sew on your patches or hem you pants? Let someone who has a lot of experience working with uniforms relieve you of your pain.

Were on the Web!

See us at:
http://sulphurcanyon.com/lacap/

Planning Sec Chief Logistics Sec Chief Communications Unit Leader

Joanne Hof Sewing and Alterations 228 El Conejo Los Alamos, NM 87544 662-0898

Los Alamos Composite Squadron

CADET ORIENTATION FLIGHTS

The goal of the cadet orientation flight program is to introduce youth to flying. The Cadet Orientation Flight Program is designed to introduce our youth to general aviation through handson orientation flights (O-flights) in single engine aircraft and gliders. The program is limited to current CAP cadets under 18 years of age. We try to arrange orientation flights for new CAP cadets as soon as possible after the cadet joins CAP. The program is voluntary and primarily motivational and it should stimulate an interest in general aviation and aerospace activities. O-flights would not be possible without the gracious sacrifice of our pilots. The Los Alamos Composite Squadron is fortunate to have seven pilots qualified to give orientation flights. Thank you, Capt. Tom Marshall, Lt. Col. Jim Schwiner, Capt. Brian Smith, Capt. st David McClard, Lt. Col. Larry Tellier, 1 Lt. Lee Knoell, and Capt. John Veilleux, for being willing to forfeit your personal and family time for the sake of the cadets. Coordinating flying times, with pilots, with cadets, with good weather, is a daunting task that Cadet Sponsor Member Sandi Kruse has graciously accepted. Cadets, to make her task somewhat easier, it is imperative that you regularly check the O-flight schedule on the website. It is your responsibility to contact your pilot to verify you will be there. If you can't be there contact the pilot and Mrs. Kruse. At no time does the cadet sustain any costs associated with this program. (Cadets, do you realize what a gift this is?!?) There are, however, minimum requirements. For powered flights cadets are required to be in their uniformseither dress blues or BDUs. They must have their CAP ID card, the Cadet Orientation Flight Syllabus (CAPP 52-7), and a signed CAP Form 9. Glider o-flights have the same requirements with the addition that cadets need to take a change of clothesshorts or pants, T-shirt, and tennis shoes, since combat boots are not allowed in the gliders. During the past three months several cadets have had the privilege of getting their first orientation flight. First Lieutenant Lee Knoell gets the prize for piloting the most flights during this timeall of them.

NEW SENIOR MEMBERS January

Nicolas Walker

FEE INCREASES AND LITTLE PERKS

Even CAP is affected by the rising cost of living. The January 7, 2003 meeting brought the inevitable announcementour fees are being raised. The annual membership fee for both seniors and Cadets is now $15.00. Pilots, there has been an increase in the aircraft usage fee, also. The 172 is now $29.00 and the 182 is $35.00 per hour. But there is some good news. For every 25 hours of flight, the squadron will give one hour of free flying time. However, it is the pilots responsibility to keep accurate records and submit them to John Veilleux for proper credit. Additionally, because the Crew Chief job is hard and often thankless, our crew chiefs will be granted one hour of free flying per six months.

February
James Thrasher

NEW CADETS January

Joshua Collier

February
Mitchell Vigil

CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
Seniors: 48 Cadets: 42

Civil Air Patrol Core Values Volunteer Service Excellence Integrity Respect

CAP Motto Semper Vigilans Always Vigilant Reflects the ever-ready status of Civil Air Patrol.

The Cadet Corner

Los Alamos Cadet Squadron
DEPUTY CADET COMMANDER
1 Lt. Mark Peters
st

Educating and training responsible and productive citizens Cadet Oath

I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state and nation.
(A word to the wise cadetbe able to repeat this the next time you want to promote.)

TESTING OFFICER
2
nd

Lt. Annette Peters

AEROSPACE INSTRUCTORS
2 Lt. Robert Bartholomew nd 2 Lt. Mary Ann Kressen
nd

CONGRESSMAN UDALL PRESENTS CONGRESSIONAL AWARD TO CADET

On Wednesday, February 19, 2003 Congressman Tom Udall presented the Congressional Bronze Medal to C/SMSgt. Marit Christensen. Very few young people have the discipline and focus necessary to accomplish what Marit has accomplished, said Congressman Udall. The Congressional Award was created by Congress to promote and recognize achievement, initiative, and service in America's youth. The program is open to all 14- to 23-yearolds. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. Each level involves setting goals in four program areas; Volunteer Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. Cadet Christensen has been participating in the Congressional Awards program for over a year. To achieve the Bronze medal, Cadet Christensen donated over 100 hours to voluntary public service; 50 hours devoted to personal development, 50 hours developing her physical fitness, and organized an overnight expedition. For more information concerning The Congressional Award, consult CAP Pamphlet 52-5.

CADET HELPS SENIOR MEMBER ON HIS FIRST ORYX HUNT

(A little story for the fun of it)
st

LEADERSHIP INSTRUCTORS
2 Lt. Ron Roybal nd 2 Louella Roybal
nd

ALPHA FLIGHT LEADER

C/SSgt. Keith Parker

BRAVO FLIGHT LEADER

C/CMSgt. Shannon Kruse

CHARLIE FLIGHT LEADER

C/SMSgt. Marit Christensen

CADET ADVISORY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE

C/TSgt. Jesse Peters

CADET ADVISORY COUNCIL ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

C/CMSgt. Curtis Christensen

For twelve long years 1 Lt. Mark Peters has put in for an Oryx hunt. And for twelve long years he has been disappointed that his name was never drawn. This year, however, was different. He finally got his chance to hunt the elusive Oryx when he let his son, Jesse, put in for a permit. Wouldnt you know itthe kid got lucky. Jesses luck continued as the two went out to sight-in their guns. Several times, Jesse shot a tight grouping. And Markwellhe shot December 15 finally arrived for the two nervous hunters. Escorted by a Game and Fish employee, they set out on the missile range near Socorro, scanning the horizons, looking for their cherished game, hoping for that perfect shot. Once again, luck was with the young one. Spotting his target, Jesse steadied his nerves and took his shot. OhMark got his Oryx, too. But as Jesse tells the story, his turned out to be a cleaner shot; he was able to retrieve the bullet; and his Oryx was way bigger than his dads. Jesses Oryx turned out to be between 250-300 pounds, with 34 antlers. So Senior Members, if you have had a hard time drawing your permit, invite a Cadet to go hunting with you.

The Corner Continued

Los Alamos Cadet Squadron Promotions
DECEMBER 2002
C/A1C Daniel Wermer C/TSgt. Jonathan Kressin C/SMSgt. Josh Roybal

Educating and training responsible and productive citizens IT IS TOO LATE TO APPLY FOR NATIONAL ENCAMPMENTS AND SPECIAL ACTIVITIES BUT NOT FOR N.M. SUMMER ENCAMPMENT AND N.M. GLIDER ENCAMPMENT SUMMER ENCAMPMENT
F. A. Buethe

NM WING GLIDER ACADEMY

June 7-22 The maximum number of cadets who can attend the academy is 20. Acceptance is on a first come, first serve basis. So far, we have five from our squadron applying. The application must be postmarked no later than 30 April 2003. The cost is $640 for the two weeks. If you want to go, you need to fill out CAP Form 31 and submit it to the Commander for his approval.

JANUARY 2003
C/SrAm Zach Parliman C/SSgt. Keith Parker C/TSgt. Jesse Peters C/Amn Jas Sheppard C/Amn Afsheen Banishar C/Amn Claire Longo C/TSgt. Jonathan Kressin

FEBRUARY 2003
C/CMSgt. Shannon Kruse C/CMSgt. Curtis Christensen nd 2 Lt. Shannon Kruse

NMWing Joint CAP Encampment/JROTC Leadership School will be held at Kirtland AFB 20-26 July 2003. Cadet staff will report 18 July 2003 for training. Cadet fee will be $125-same as last year. It is imperative that your cadets who wish to attend have their completed applications in my hands NOT LATER THAN February 28, 2003. As in the past cadets who wish to apply for staff positions must indicate that desire on their application and be prepared to check-in on Friday, July 18th for training. No fees are due until latersometime in late spring when we send out encampment information to the individual applicants. Point of Contact for encampment is LtCol Frank Buethe, Encampment Commander at 505-771-0841 or 350-0858, or e-mail at Frank.Buethe@kirtland.af.mil. Applications are to be sent to: LtCol Frank A. Buethe, Encampment Commander 38 Desert Mountain Road Placitas, NM 87043-9552 I encourage any interested senior who would like to assist in any of the senior positions at encampment send me an application (by Feb 28th). We can always use Tactical Officers and seniors to help in the area of logistics, transportation, operations, etc. If you have any questions please e-mail me or call me at 505-7718941 or 505-350-0858.

New Time for Regular Cadet Meetings 5:30-8:00

Consult the schedule on website for physical fitness activities and times.

Change in Testing Opportunities

Testing will be offered twice per month. If you are prepared, and if time permits, you may take more than one test per testing night.

Cadet Physical Fitness Program has been revised.

The CPFT has been aligned with the Presidents Challengethe foremost youth fitness test in the nation. It takes effect on 1 April 2003. If you want a jump on the new requirements, search the CAP website for CAPP 52-18, Cadet Physical Fitness Program.

Uniform Reminders
CAP 39-1 is our uniform manual. Please make sure that your uniforms meet those standards. Other people are directly affected when you choose to not be in compliance. (Like your PAO-more later) Remember that you are not allowed to wear your new insignia until it has been presented to you by the Commander.