May—June

2008
ALABAMA - FLORIDA - GEORGIA - MISSISSIPPI - TENNESSEE - PUERTO RICO WWW.SERCAP.US
Inside this issue:
The Commander’s Lead
READINESS TO SERVE
SAFETY 2
The recently completed CAP National Conference had a theme of ―Citizens Serving
Communities.‖ In addition to that, one of our CAP Core Values is ―Volunteer Service.‖ MEDICAL 3
The corresponding USAF Core Value is ―Service before self.‖ All this being said, the ANTHEM IN IRAQ
expectation is that CAP will be ready to provide service to our local communities,
states and nation when the need arises. We are entering the season where that need FEATURED WING—MISSISSIPPI 4
could easily arise. SNAKE RESQUE 5
In order to be of service in the Emergency Services arena, there are certain training
requirements. Those requirements are more stringent than they were in the past.
AL REDSTONE 119 6
The additional requirements were necessary to ensure that we field a professional FL BOCA RATON SQUADRON 7
Emergency Services staff that can favorably compete with the other organizations with whom we work. The
training requirements generate the need for a commitment to excellence, which is another of the CAP Core
TORNADOES IN ALABAMA 8
Values. AL COLOR GUARD
Southeast Region is the largest region in CAP with almost 9,700 members. When you look at the critical Emer- SER COLOR GUARD 9
gency Services Operations Qualifications, we appear to be in need of additional training efforts. Southeast
AL VISIT WEATHER SQDRN
Region currently has 156 Incident Commanders, Levels 1, 2 and 3. There is likely some duplication in that an
individual may be qualified as more than one level of incident Commander. That translates to 1.6% of our popu- CAP 60TH ANIVERSARY 10
lation. If you assume that approximately half of the IC’s are current and available for use at any given time, we
are down to approximately 0.8% of our personnel in a state of readiness to serve. Similar statistics apply to
other critical operational qualifications as shown in the table below.

Qualification Number Qualified Percentage of Population

Dates of Note
Agency Liaison, Lv 1,2,3 97 1.0%
May 3 — 4 FL CLC
Air Operations Branch Directors 142 1.5%
May 17 — 18 TN CLC
Ground Branch Directors 116 1.2%
SAR/DR Mission Pilots 269 2.8% July 28 — Aug 1 TN RSC
Observers 690 7.2% Aug 6 — Aug 9 National Conf.
Ground Team Leaders 262 2.7% Sept 29 — 30 GA UCC
Ground Team Members 1280 13.3% Oct 25 — Nov 8 AL NSC
UDF Team Members 809 8.4%
If you make a similar analysis to that of Incident Commanders, it is likely that approximately half of the numbers
shown above are available and in a state of readiness to serve. Also consider the amount of duplication that
exists by an individual having more than one qualification.
All members are urged to participate in the numerous training opportunities available to you throughout the year.
We are very much in demand as a resource for responding to disaster situations. Let’s make sure we are ready
to respond to these opportunities. Let’s make sure we can live up to our motto of Performing Missions for Amer-
ica.
Col James M. Rushing,
Southeast Region Commander
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 2

SAFETY — Preparing For the Upcoming Hurricane Season

It's coming. Again.
Hurricane season is on its way. Tornadoes have already started making their debuts across the South and Midwest. With the memories
of Katrina and Rita all too vivid, and fears of another disaster abundant, families must begin thinking now about disaster plans. Even people
who feel they have plans in place should review them. If 2005 taught us anything, it is that hurricanes can be almost unimaginably devas-
tating.
The better you prepare for a disaster, the better chance you have of being able to survive it, says the Insurance Information Institute
in New York. Without a doubt, these are words to live by. Most people think about major natural disasters, such as hurricanes
and earthquakes, and how to prepare for them, at least to some degree. But less dramatic, more common incidents such as house fires
or extended power outages can wreak havoc too.
With that in mind, experts say the first step of any planning agenda has to be securing the safety of all family members. Safeguarding
any property or valuable personal information must come second. A number of websites offer good safety tips for creating evacuation
plans and emergency supply kits, most notably:
The American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org).
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (http://www.ready.gov).
While you can't do anything unless you ensure your physical safety, you'll also need to have financial safety measures in place. Start
by purchasing a container or safe to store duplicates of important documents, such as your mortgage records and deeds, your will
and testament, home/life insurance policies, stock/bond certificates, etc. Make sure this container is not only waterproof, but fire-
proof. Families should make a list of financial accounts and prescription drug/medical needs as well.
"This ranges from protecting your financial documents to making sure you have spending money available," said Mark Cybulski,
a spokesperson for MassMutual Financial Group in Springfield, Mass. The container should be something you can grab if you need to
leave the house in a hurry."
Families should also have a game plan in mind for how they will cope with expenses if they're forced to abandon their home. Keeping
a stash of cash in an envelope in case local banks or ATMs are shut down is a start, with smaller denominations preferable. The
smaller the bill, the more useable it is in more places. Keeping a supply of quarters on hand can be helpful for smaller purchases as well
as emergency pay phone calls.
Taking a broader approach to financial management, people should also have a savings account or other liquid investments accessible
if they're out of work for awhile or need to cover emergency costs. If all your funds are tied up in stocks, bonds or IRAs, it could
be difficult to get your hands on them quickly, as well as avoid surcharges and penalties. Other easy step you can take is to photocopy the
front and back of all the cards in your wallet, so you have a record of your accounts, contacts, and creditors.
The Insurance Information Institute says families should take steps to protect their property, especially those living along the Gulf Coast
and other parts of the East Coast that are vulnerable to hurricanes and high winds. Meteorologists have predicted that we we are in the
midst of a geologic cycle in which we may experience powerful hurricane seasons regularly until 2020 or 2025. This is not a threat to take
lightly.
The Institute for Business and Home Safety (http://www.ibhs.org) has some good tips for protecting property from floods, freez-
ing conditions, high winds, fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Families can get information about flood damage and insurance
from the National Flood Insurance Program (http://www.floodsmart.gov). Whatever it takes to be prepared, you should do it. You may only
get one chance!
-- Wayne Terrance
Safety.com
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 3
Medical Department — Have You Ever Thought About Donating Blood
If your health is good you can probably donate. You also must be at least 17 years old (although some states allow teens to donate at age 16.) You must
weigh at least 110 pounds and pass the physical and health history given at the time of donation. Note: There is no upper age limit to donate blood.
When you arrive at the blood donation center you will fill out a CONFIDENTIAL medical history. You will be asked about certain behaviors such as prosti-
tution, male homosexual activity and intravenous drug use. This is necessary because some infections are transmitted through the blood. You will also
have your finger pricked to check your hemoglobin level. If that is normal and the other screening questions are OK then you can donate blood.
Once blood is collected it is separated into components such as, platelets (helps stop bleeding), red blood cells (carries Oxygen) and plasma (liquid part
of the blood that carries nutrients.) Your blood will also be tested for diseases such as West Nile virus, syphilis, hepatitis and HIV. If all the tests are
negative then the blood is distributed for use in hospitals and clinics. Your blood is also tested to determine your blood type and RH factor. This infor-
mation will be available to you. Blood types are A–B-AB and O.
RH factor refers to the presence or absence of a specific antigen (a substance capable of stimulating an immune response in the blood.) So you are
either RH-positive +or RH negative -. This is important to know because your blood type and RH factor must be compatible with the person receiving
your blood.
For 24 hours after blood donation drink extra fluids, avoid lifting with the arm used, avoid strenuous exercise and avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen.
You’ll be ready to donate blood again in about 8 weeks. It May Save Someone’s Life.
Be aware, take care.
Lt Col Patricia Faunt
SER Nurse Officer

Our National Anthem in Iraq

For those of us who are unaware, at a military theater, the National Anthem is played before every movie.
I recently attended a showing of "Superman 3," here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services
and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main
feature.
All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through the National Anthem the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this oc-
curred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit
down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had even stood for the National Anthem in the first place. Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to
stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the
music stopped.
What would you expect to happen? Even here, I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start. BUT here, you
could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was
filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:
"And the rockets red glare,
The bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night
That our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free
And the home of the brave?"
It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here.
Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and
abroad. Remember the many who have already paid the ultimate price......
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on 5/14/07
LSA Anaconda is at the Balad Airport in Iraq, North of Bagdad.
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 4

Featured Wing—Mississippi Wing

Col. Tim Carroll took command of the Mississippi Wing during ceremonies at the annual Wing Conference in Gulfport, MS last spring. Since that time,
the Mississippi Wing has been busy performing the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol with a great deal of dedication and professionalism. Col. Car-
roll’s tenure as Wing Commander has been marked with great progress from the northern-most squadron at Olive Branch to the southern-most
squadron in Gulfport. This progress has come at a time when many personnel in the Wing have very vivid memories of those days following Hurricane
Katrina, where the capabilities and resources of the organization were tested beyond imagination. From those days of trials and tests, the Mississippi
Wing has evolved into a more efficient, more capable Wing in most of the critical areas of the Emergency Services Mission.
The first major milestone of the past year was the mission involving the search and rescue of Mr. Dennis Steinbock in June. Mr. Steinbock was a
Klamath Falls, Oregon high school History teacher who crashed his single-engine Zodiac in a thick forest near Oxford, MS. In a mission that lasted
three days and involved many different agencies, the Mississippi Wing’s capable Pilots and Ground Teams, comprised of both Senior Officers and Ca-
dets, proved to be competent and well-trained. Mississippi Wing Aircrews worked in concert with local Sherriff’s department personnel and Ground
Team personnel to locate and extract Mr. Steinbock from his aircraft where he had been for over 50 hours. In the days that followed the rescue, the
national media focused on the Mississippi Wing and the successes of their organization. All major TV networks covered the story of Mr. Steinbock’s
rescue. Mr. Steinbock was featured in an interview with CBS’ Good Morning America, just four days after he was located and transported to a Mem-
phis, Tennessee hospital. National media requests came from venues like Inside Edition and Fox News’ Studio B with Shepherd Smith, just to name a
few. The Memphis CBS Affiliate, WREG-TV, featured MSWG Commander, Col. Tim Carroll and Lt. Col Bob Smalley in a lengthy interview where they dis-
cussed the technologies and procedures that allowed them to perform the rescue of Mr. Steinbock. Interview requests came for several months
after the rescue, with the most recent being from the Smithsonian Air and Space Magazine. Mr. Steinbock’s rescue was described in the January
2008 edition of the magazine in a feature story entitled ―Anatomy of A Search.‖
Another major milestone was the annual SAREVAL, where the Wing was evaluated on their performance of the Emergency Services Mission. The Wing
was graded as ―Excellent‖ overall, with several aspects of the mission graded as ―Outstanding.‖ There were no mission categories that were graded
below ―Excellent,‖ a significant achievement. During the SAREVAL, two local TV stations documented the mission and provided coverage of the event
on their early evening and late evening News casts. One station, WLBT-TV of Jackson, MS agreed to a follow-up documentary that will be a more com-
prehensive overview of the CAP mission Capabilities. That documentary was approved and scheduled for a January 2008 SAREX, but had to be re-
scheduled due to inclement weather.
The Mississippi Wing Cadets have been very busy during the past year with achievements and activities. In June they participated in the joint Missis-
sippi/Alabama Wing Summer Encampment at Ft. McClellan Alabama. During the week, they attended classes that covered subjects such as, Drug
Demand Reduction, Air Force Fundamentals, Emergency Services, Moral Leadership and Aerospace Education. In November, they participated in the
Second Annual Alabama Iron Man Competition at Auburn University. They competed in five events; a ―super‖ physical fitness test, a military-style
inspection, a compass navigation and direction-finding course, a drill competition, and the ―Iron Man Run,‖ a grueling three-mile course punctuated
with stops for objective tasks that tested competitors’ aerospace knowledge and practical skills. At the end of the competition, the Col. Berta A. Edge
Composite Squadron Cadets from Gulfport came out on top and took home the Iron Man trophy. Also during the past year, Cadet Brian McGinley of
Col. Berta A. Edge Composite Squadron completed the requirements for the Spaatz Award. Mississippi Wing Cadets have also been busy during the
past year practicing and performing Drill Competitions under the direction of Capt. Scott Howard, Wing Director of Cadet Programs.
Among the highlights of the year for the Wing, was the selection of Chaplain Lt. Col. Erroll Simmons as the Southeast Region Chaplain of the Year and
the announcement at the National Board Meeting in August of his selection as the National Chaplain of the Year. Chaplain Simmons has had an im-
pressive career in Civil Air Patrol, which also included a stint as a Group Commander in the Florida Wing. He currently holds the title of Missionary
Emeritus in his denomination.
The Mississippi Wing can also boast that they are one of the few Wings that have possession of a Hot Air Balloon. Last Fall, the Wing procured a fully
functional Hot Air Balloon from the Arizona Wing. We also have at least one qualified Hot Air Balloon Certified Check Pilot, Lt. Col. Johnnie Coombs,
who is trying to get the balloon program up and running in the Wing. The plan is to use the balloon as a recruiting tool in aviation events across the
State.
In conclusion, the Mississippi Wing has had a banner year in several different areas of the CAP Mission. From Excellent Subordinate Unit Inspections
to SAREVALS with Excellent Ratings, the Wing has shown that continuous improvement is the order of the day across the Wing. With our constant
focus on Safety and Personnel Development, you can expect great things from the Mississippi Wing in the coming months and years.
Capt. Phil Norris, MSWG PAO
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 5

Florida Wing — Rescuers Remove 8-Foot Burmese Python from Hanger

An eight-foot Burmese python was rescued from the rafters of a Marco Island Executive Airport
hangar Thursday, a couple of days after first being spotted on April Fools’ Day.
The rescue was a collaborative effort between the Civil Air Patrol, the Marco Island and Isles of
Capri fire departments and an animal rescue team from the nonprofit Everglades Outpost.
The snake was spotted Tuesday by a youth cadet of the Marco Island Squadron of the Civil Air Pa-
trol. It was curled up 30 feet into the rafters of the hangar. On that stormy April Fools’ night, ca-
dets were practicing their drills at the Marco Island Executive Airport. Because of the rain, the
cadets worked inside the hangar instead of on the airport’s tarmac. Aidan Brennan, 12, was cred-
ited with identifying the mysterious shape in the rafters as a snake.
―My friend Ian spotted something but wasn’t sure what it was,‖ Aidan said. ―They turned on the lights and I could see it was a snake.‖
Word of the uninvited house guest quickly spread through the squadron, and Capt. Mike Levine took charge of dealing with the snake’s removal.
His first concern, he said, was for the animal’s safety. ―I’ve always felt close to animals,‖ said Levine, whose wife works with a cat rescue shelter on
Marco called For the Love of Cats. Levine said his wife told him about Bob Freer, whom she had seen profiled on the television network Animal
Planet. She knew Freer was based out of Florida City and encouraged her husband to contact him.
Next, Levine drew on the resources of the Isles of Capri and Marco fire departments. The Isles of Capri department holds jurisdiction over the air-
port, but lacked a truck with an elevation platform. That’s where the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department stepped in.
Marco fire Engineer Dustin Beatty said the collaboration with the fire squad from Isles of Capri is common. But this joint effort was an unusual as-
signment. ―Cats in a tree, I’ve heard of that,‖ said Lt. Steve Donovan of the Isles of Capri fire department, ―But snakes out of a hangar, that’s a new
one.‖
Beatty dealt with a reptile on one other occasion, but the elevation of the snake’s hiding place was a little different.
―We’ve had a snake in a manhole, but not a snake in an airplane hangar,‖ said Beatty.
When the rescue crew finally arrived, they were received like the home team entering the stadium. Freer came clad in a floppy fisherman’s hat and
a gray t-shirt. The rest of rescue squad arrived in black sleeveless T-shirts that read ―Everglades Outpost‖ and pictured a yellow cobra. Beatty and
the three-person team climbed onto the Marco fire truck and rode up the elevated platform. As the team got closer to the snake, Everglades Outpost
member Joe Wasilewski remarked that the snake was not that big. Burmese pythons can grow up to 20 feet at their largest.
Freer, Wasilewski and Mario Aldecoa, the team’s third member, climbed off the truck’s platform and onto the retracted hangar door, which served as
a scaffold for the men to reach the snake. The team had to be careful to stay on the door’s metal trusses. A false step onto the panels would have
meant crashing to the floor. Wasilewski reached the dormant snake first. He poked at the python, trying to reach its head.
The snake stirred and tried to escape Wasilewski’s grasp, but Freer and Aldecoa arrived in time to grab hold of its sinuous body before it could
slither away. The three men wrestled the python for several minutes — passing the head to one another to avoid a bite — before finally getting a
secure grip.
Freer and Wasilewski carefully walked back to the truck’s platform, the snake still struggling in their hands. They passed the snake to Aldecoa, who
had climbed back onto the truck’s platform for the hand-off. The team descended with their cargo still snapping its jaws with a threatening ferocity.
―He ain’t happy,‖ Wasilewski said. Down below, the observing crowd cheered the heroes. Once off the truck, Freer and Wasilewski held the snake for
the onlookers to touch. Many stood back and took pictures with cell phone cameras. Freer, holding the snake over his head with one hand around the
neck, estimated the snake was 8 feet long. The Civil Air Patrol elected to name her Lt. Bernice and make her an honorary member of the squadron.
―Everybody’s smiling. Everybody’s happy,‖ Levine said. ―The snake is safe. Everything’s great.‖ Freer said Lt. Bernice would be taken back to Ever-
glades Outpost. Because Burmese pythons are considered exotic, invasive animals, Bernice will not be released back into the w ild. Instead she will
be displayed for educational purposes and given a comfortable home to live out the rest of her days.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/apr/03/8-foot-burmese-python-rescued-marco-airport-hangar/
By AARON HALE
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 6

Alabama Redstone 119 Squadron Getting a New Home

The Redstone Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is transferring their Cadet Program to a new home to be located at the Space and Rocket Center (SRC),
next to Aviation Challenge. The CAP Cadet Program currently meets on Redstone Arsenal at the airfield in the same location as the Offi-
cers. The Cadet move is due to out growing the current facility and sometimes-inconvenient access to Redstone Arsenal and is expected to
occur in the February-March timeframe. Redstone Squadron Commander Mark Adams and Program Manager for Aviation Challenge, Ruth
Olive, are still working the out the logistics for this move. The Cadet Program will remain under the control of the Redstone Squadron, even
though the SRC does hold a charter from CAP it will remain inactive. There was discussion about reactivating the SRC charter but it was
agreed that it wouldn't be practical.
The SRC and CAP envision this arrangement as a win-win for both organizations. Each year the SRC hosts a large number of visiting stu-
dents that are immersed in the fields of math, science and technology while participating in teamwork which gives them self confidence and
communication skills. When the Campers leave the SRC they may not have an outlet for what they have experienced. This is where the CAP
will benefit. As Campers return home from the SRC, they can visit the CAP website at http://cap.findlocation.com/, to locate the nearest
CAP unit. The local CAP program is designed to provide youth, from sixth grade through age 21, with a safe, encouraging environment in
which to learn, mature and explore opportunities to help them reach their potential as adults. Cadets participate in a structured program
through group and individual activities that include aerospace education, physical training, leadership, and moral and ethical values. The
program encompasses 16 achievement levels that include study in these four areas. Upon completion of each achievement, the cadet earns
increased cadet rank, decorations, awards, eligibility for national and international special activities, and an opportunity for flight and aca-
demic scholarships.
The CAP Alabama Wing (ALWG) leadership is very excited about this opportunity to be located at the SRC. There are opportunities to recruit
new Cadets and get involved with a Fly-a-Teacher program. Capt. Mark Adams, "The Cadet Program is about to explode at Redstone." The
Cadets are excited about this move while the Deputy Commander for Cadets Jonathan Allen feels, "The benefits of this move are tremen-
dous. Not just for Cadets of the Redstone Composite Squadron, but also for our gracious hosts. This move means CAP will have better fa-
cilities and good exposure to the public. It also means that the SRC will have an organization that provides an "Aerospace Outlet" for the
Aviation Challenge and Space Camp Graduates. I am extremely grateful with this vote of confidence that the SCR has shown us." With the
Redstone Cadets being located at the SRC, the program " More Than Meets the Skies."

The Redstone CAP Cadets assemble prior to the weekly meeting in what it referred to as the "CAP Shack". The Cadets meet every Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 7

Florida’s Boca Raton Squadron Support Wings of Freedom

When the Wings of Freedom with its array of WWII aircraft flew into Boca Raton Airport the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the US Air Force volunteer auxiliary,
was there as they are every year the Collings Foundation brings these ―big birds‖ to town. Cadets and Seniors Officers of the Boca Raton Composite
and Palm Beach Military Academy Squadrons performed community service helping with crowd control, directing traffic and miscellaneous duties. The
Collings Foundation with the local veterans provided to all who visited a glimpse into WWII.
Prior to the bombers arrival, at the Boca’s squadron’s Tuesday evening meeting, members were treated to a visit from Retired Air Force Captain Henry
Ehrenman who gave a first hand account of his WWII experiences. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1941 and was sent to armament school. He talked
about his training and the missions he performed in WWII’s Pacific Front. He has been named and characterized in several of author Joseph Heller’s
books, Now and Then and Catch 22. Boca’s Cadet Commander, Second Lieutenant Michael Lima, said, ―It is amazing to hear about his story. It makes
me want to read those books and more about WWII.‖
At the weekend Wings of Freedom event CAP had a static display of its plane. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about Civil Air Patrol’s three mis-
sions of Emergency Service, Aerospace Education and Cadet Programs. Cadets spoke to kids about CAP’s Orientation flights, special summer training
academies, leadership opportunities and community service projects. Senior members spoke to adults about various emergency service training and
how they can use their skills to give back to the community.
Boca Raton Composite Squadron meets Tuesday evenings 6:30 to 9PM at Boca Raton Airport, near Lynn University Flight School Bld see
www.bocacap.org (membership) or contact Major Crowling via email at crowling@sunavionics.com
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 8

Alabama Wing Responds to Tornados in Southwest AL

Just over a week after photographing tornado damage is Jackson, Morgan and Lawrence counties, the Alabama Wing responded to a request to com-
plete damage documentation for tornado touchdowns in southeastern Alabama. Although damage was found in several counties, the primary damage
from the February 17, 2008, tornadoes was in Prattville, Alabama. Two Satellite Digital Imaging System (SDIS) crews from Tuscaloosa and Birmingham
90 squadrons flew missions in support of Alabama Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security and other organizations needing documentation
of the damage. High resolution video taken by the Tuscaloosa squadron was also transmitted to state agencies.
SDIS crews took pictures of Russell County and Prattville, Alabama showing the extent of the destruction caused by the tornadoes. The homes of sev-
eral Alabama Wing members were destroyed or damaged and, at one point, two CAP cadets were reported missing, but were located unhurt. Maj. John
Neil, Director of Operations for Alabama Wing, reported that 85% of Alabama Squadrons notified the wing they were ready to deploy ground and air
assets as needed.
Major Patricia Mitcham
Alabama Wing, DPA

Alabama Wing—Cadet Color Guard

Montevallo, AL — On Sunday, February 3, 2008,

the Cadet Color Guard of the Civil Air Patrol, Bes-
semer Composite Squadron presented the colors
for guest speaker First Lady Patsy Riley at the
Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel at The
American Village in Montevallo. The program was
part of a series called Sundays in the Chapel.
Maj Patricia Mitcham
Alabama Wing, DPA

Photo at right:
C/Lt. Col Petelos, C/A1C Vaught, AL First Lady Patsy
Riley, C/A1C Rives, C/Amn Pearson
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 9

Florida Wing Team Wins SER Color Guard Competition

PATRICK AFB, FLORIDA –

The Florida Wing Color Guard, comprised of cadets from the Gainesville and Marion County Composite Squadrons, earned the championship title at the
Southeast Region Color Guard Competition at Patrick AFB on April 26th. Team members are C/CMSgt Tim Lhota (commander), C/SMSgt Tiffany Ja-
kowczuk, C/TSgt Josh Davidson and C/SSgt Sam Dauss.
The Florida team received 1st place honors in five events, and took 2nd place in the remaining two contests, earning them the overall title. In addition,
C/CMSgt Tim Lhota received the award for Highest Written Exam Score. C/SMSgt Tiffany Jakowczuk earned trophies for the 2nd Highest Written Exam
Score, and 2nd place Fleet Foot. The team will now represent Southeast Region at the National Cadet Competition, June 26-29 in Dayton, Ohio.
Photo 1: Florida Wing Color Guard salutes the Colors during Outdoor Practical Drill.
Photo 2: SER Color Guard Competition winners pose with SER Commander, Colonel James Rushing.
Article and photos by Captain Leslie Ballard, Group 2 Public Affairs Officer, Florida Wing

Alabama Squadron Visits USAF Weather Squadron

Kessler AFB, Miss.-- The Mobile Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol visited the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron at Keesler AFB, Ms on
Thursday, 17 April 2008. After ground briefing by 53rd Crew members we boarded a 1999 model C130 J Hercules aircraft which flew us on a practice
weather mission in which we flew over the water (close to shore). Joining us on the practice mission were nine University of South Alabama AFROTC
Cadets and another Civil Air Patrol Squadron from Meridian Mississippi. The flight lasted approximately an hour and a half in which we flew from Keesler
to Dauphin Island, over Mobile Bay and back up the coast to the Mississippi River south of New Orleans, and then back to Keesler.
After the flight the Mobile Squadron cadets attended an Honor Guard training camp to prepare them for Honor Guard Service. The cadets were subjected
to a rigorous four hours of non-stop training complete with an Air Force drill sergeant who subjected them to a surprise uniform inspection. The next
day, we were honored guest at a drill team competition on base prior to departure.
Submitted by 2nd Lt. Emmett Farnell, PAO, Mobile Composite Squadron
Photos taken by: 2Lt. Farnell
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 10

Proclamation Marking CAP’s 60th Anniversary as USAF Auxiliary

Presenting this proclamation on the twenty-sixth of May, two-thousand and eight, marking the 60th anniversary of the signing of Public Law
557, which made CAP the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
WHEREAS, during World War II, volunteer aviators of CAP’s Coastal Patrol distinguished themselves valiantly, flying more than 24 million
miles during 86,000 over-water missions — a total of 244,600 flight hours — to help win the battle against U-boats that were preying on
coastal shipping; and

WHEREAS, CAP volunteers spotted 173 subs, attacked 57, hit 10 and sank two; called in aid for 91 ships in distress; saved 363 survivors of
sub attacks; discovered 17 floating mines; and flew 5,684 special convoy missions; and

WHEREAS, inspired by the highest sense of patriotism and pride in their mission, fifty-nine members of these courageous aircrews died,
26 were lost at sea and seven others were seriously injured; and

WHEREAS, today CAP continues this tradition of service before self as one of the most unique volunteer organizations in America, consist-
ing of everyday heroes — from pilots, teachers and youth mentors to technology experts, communicators, chaplains and more; and

WHEREAS, whether performing search and rescue missions or helping communities recover from floods, wildfires, tornadoes, or hurri-
canes, CAP members are there to aid their nation; and

WHEREAS, coming full circle from its beginnings in World War II, Civil Air Patrol is again performing homeland security missions, assisting
the Air Force in ensuring the skies above our nation are safe by flying target-intercept training missions for U.S. military pilots; and

WHEREAS, with 550 aircraft and thousands of trained aircrew members, CAP is a tremendous force multiplier for the Air Force and other
federal, state, and local agencies; and

WHEREAS, CAP also provides exceptional growth opportunities to 22,000 youth in Cadet Programs, which stress leadership and character
development and teach aviation and emergency response skills; and

WHEREAS, CAP’s Aerospace Education, School Enrichment and Drug Demand Reduction programs touch thousands of educators, over
22,000 cadets and thousands of other youth in classrooms across America by conveying important aerospace concepts while increasing
students’ physical fitness and teaching the value of a drug-free lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, CAP’s Missions for America impact the lives of thousands of Americans each year and CAP is credited with saving an average
of 80 lives annually and assisting our nation’s law enforcement agencies with taking millions of dollars in drugs off our nation’s streets:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT on this day, the twenty-sixth of May, two-thousand and eight, the United States Air Force com-
mends and extends its greatest appreciation to the Civil Air Patrol on the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary of CAP becoming our United
States Air Force Auxiliary.
 Southeast Region ReCAP May—June 2008 Page 11

Southeast Region Calendar

May 3 — 4 Corporate Learning Course

Cape Coral, FL

May 17 — 18 Squadron Leadership School

Cleveland, TN
The Best of the Best … Leading All
the Rest July 28 — Aug 1 Region Staff College
Knoxville, TN
Lt Col Jim Lawson, CAP
Deputy Public Affairs Aug 6 — Aug 9 CAP National Conference
Newsletter Editor Kissimmee, Florida

Phone: 865-977-2956 Sept 29 — 30 Unit Commanders Course

E-Mail: recap@sercap.us Georgia Wing, Dobbins ARB, GA

Submission deadline for publication Oct 25 — Nov 8 National Staff College

material is the 15th of month prior Maxwell AFB, AL
to publication date.

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT: WWW.SERCAP.US

Safety Pledge
As a Civil Air Patrol member I pledge to promote an uncompromis-
ing safety environment for myself and others, and to prevent the
loss of, or damage to Civil Air Patrol assets entrusted to me. I will
perform all my activities in a professional and safe manner, and will
hold myself accountable for my actions in all of our Missions for
America.