First Female Cadet from Havasu Attends PJOC

By: Captain J. Cosmano
London Bridge Composite Squadron 501

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Breanna Mitchell, of the London Bridge Composite Squadron, was the first female from Lake Havasu to attend the Air Force Pararescue Orientation Course, also known as “PJOC,” recently hosted at the US Air Force Pararescue School. Out of 400+ CAP cadets attending the course, she was number 65 and only one of nine females accepted into the program.

Every member of Squadron 501 is proud of Cadet Mitchell and all she has done to achieve this accomplishment, especially as the first female to do so. She is planning to attend the Advanced Pararescue course located in Tucson withi the next 2 years. The qualification Physical Training test required for the course isn’t an easy obstacle, even teens that think they were physically fit were having difficulties.

AZ CAP Cadets see Latest in aviation, aerospace in Prescott

By: Lt Gary Haslam
Public Affairs Officer, Prescott Composite Squadron 206

Prescott, AZ – The largest Arizona Wing Cadet event of 2010 gathered over two days in Prescott, AZ, when Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University hosted 112 Civil Air Patrol cadets and senior members from 17 Arizona squadrons.

Arizona cadet squadrons converged on Prescott from Deer Valley, Prescott, Show Low, Cochise, Paradise Valley, Neotoma, Casa Grande, Sky Harbor, Glendale, Frank Luke, Falcon, Cottonwood, Dan Kenney, Doolen, London Bridge, Verde Valley and Tucson.

The Aerospace Education event was the inspiration of Major Phil Hubacek, deputy director of Aerospace Education for Arizona Wing and Group II Aerospace Education Officer. Through the cooperation of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the two day event was designed to open the minds of Arizona Civil Air Patrol cadets to the educational and career opportunities available in aerospace and aviation.

Cadets arrived at the Embry-Riddle campus around noon Wednesday, July 21, 2010, stowed gear, ate lunch, and gathered on the soccer field for Pledge of Allegiance, Greeting and Safety Briefing. Burt Mullins, Angela Woo and Matt Turner welcomed the cadets on behalf of Embry-Riddle.

Cadets were divided into two groups. One group was transported to the Embry-Riddle Flight Line operations at the Prescott Airport and the other group began the campus tour.

The campus tour group visited the University’s Aerospace Experimentation and Fabrication Building focused around aerospace engineering fabrication and experimental projects. The cadets explored the Fabrication Suite, Materials Science Lab, Materials Testing Lab, Structures Lab, Structural Dynamics Lab, Space Systems Lab, Composites Lab and Rapid Prototyping Lab with 3D printers for creating solid parts from engineered drawings.

One project the cadets saw was the ERAU sponsored jet dragster. The jet dragster, designed and built in 2004 with the help of Embry-Riddle aerospace engineering and aviation maintenance students, is a feature attraction at air shows and drag racing events around the country during the year. The rocket car, which accelerates from zero to 60 mph in less than a second, reaches a top speed of 270 mph

Cadets on the campus tour visited the Global Security and Intelligence Studies (GSIS) Operations Center and Army Situation Room - two areas used for hands-on situational training exercises, planning and study for ROTC students.

The campus tour also visited the Air Traffic Control Lab where cadets sat in the controller’s chair and directed simulated air traffic – some cadets had more success than others.

Finally, the campus tour took all to the wind tunnel lab where engineering students study the wind effects on aircraft and space craft designs. The cadets saw 4 wind tunnels, 3 subsonic and one supersonic shock tube.


The group visiting the Embry-Riddle Flight Line at the Prescott Airport got the opportunity to fly level 6 FAA simulators. These simulators have 180° field of view of animated images of flight around the Prescott airport. The image realistically responded to the simulators flight controls. The simulators were Cessna 172 aircraft with advanced all-glass cockpits. Cadets could actually log their flight time in these simulators for FAA credit! Everyone flew.

They saw other advanced simulators including the crosswind simulator.

Cadets toured the ERAU ramp and experienced the actual Cessna 172 training aircraft used at the university and then toured the Universal Helicopter ramp next door and got a brief education how helicopters operate. They all had a chance to sit in the helicopter and get the feel of it.

One of highlights of the Flightline Tour was a visit to the ERAU Crash Lab. Here, actual aircraft crashes are restaged for student forensic study. Cadets were shown how the position of debris and shape of key parts lead investigators to conclude the chain of events in the last few minute of the crash. 8 1/2 acres hold what's left of more than a half-dozen downed aircraft.

One of the most anticipated events was Wednesday evening’s Great AZ Wing Glider Championship on the soccer field. Six squadrons competed for 1st Place, 2nd Place, Most Innovative Design. And a special award was given, although not competed for: The Golden Turkey Award - for the, ahh, well you know what it was for.

The results of the 2010 Great AZ Wing Glider Championship are as follows:
1st Place: Tucson (Sqdn. 105)
2nd Place: Deer Valley (Sqdn. 302)
Most Innovative Design: Paradise Valley (Sqdn. 310)
Golden Turkey Award: Paradise Valley (Sqdn. 310)

Most of the squadrons choose to camp near the soccer field locker rooms and pitched tents. A ‘snake walk’ was conducted to clear the area of unfriendlies. No snakes were encountered. Others chose to sleep inside on the floor of the nearby gym.

One the second day, the groups changed tours and locations but not before Prescott Sqdn 206 was up doing PT at 0530. The rest rolled out of bed around 0600, then broke camp, stowed gear and then off to breakfast.

A pizza lunch was hosted by Embry-Riddle and the cadets got to see a presentation about the Army and Air Force ROTC programs and ask questions about careers and college scholarships.

The Medical Officer for the event, Lt. Col. Charles Bendixen reported no injuries or emergencies; the Safety Officer, 2Lt Jim Heintzman took full credit for this. Special attention and thanks go out to Lt. Col. David Cartier, 1Lt Priscilla Cartier, Maj. Bill Lynam, Lt. Col. Bob Anderson, Lt. Col. Pete Feltz and Lt. Col. Fred Seifritz for making this a great two day event.

A Message from the Chaplain

Dear Arizona Wing,

In case you were not aware, Art Rogers, Payson Operations Officer, provided this information:

Jim Cambier died last Tuesday, 20 July.  Services will be held in Payson this Friday as listed below.

Jim was a long time member of the Payson 209 CAP squadron.  At one time or another he was the deputy for cadets, communications officer, transportation officer, squadron commander, and others.  His real joy was working with the cadets.  He was also an expert on CAP communications issues.  He had retired after a long career with the FAA ground avionics maintenance team. 

When I was planning a move to Payson in 1999, Jim was one of the first persons I met.  Since I was a ham radio operator I went to a local club meeting.  Jim was the President of the ham club at the time.  I was also a member of the USAF reserve CAP-USAF organization.  I researched the local CAP unit and discovered the squadron commander was also Jim.  We became good friends.

I am forwarding information on the Friday service.  If anyone flies into Payson I will arrange transportation for them.

Art Rogers

Payson Operations Officer

The MEMORIAL service is this Friday, July 30th at 11:00am at St. Paul's Episcopal church on the corner of Sherwood and Easy Street.   There is a celebration and reception after the service at their home in East Verde Park.

The ERAU Tour Was an Outstanding Success!!

By: Lt Col A. Peter Feltz
Director of Aerospace Education, Arizona Wing

A few of the staff arrived on Tuesday to ice down water, some other drinks and snacks. We had a nice dinner at the Gurley Grill in downtown Prescott and went to a motel or home to rest up.

Wednesday the staff arrived about 0930 to set everything up for the registration. We had a total of 112 members show up which included about 20 senior members and 92 cadets. They came from 19 units throughout the state. About 65 set up camp across the road from the registration area and the rest prepared to stay in the Eagle Gym close by.

The cadets were broken up into "A" and "B" groups. Half were taken to the Prescott airfield to enjoy operating simulators and examine the aircraft and other functions. The other group stay at the campus and were escorted to many of the facilities such as the crash site wind tunnel and many others. After the tours were over we were treated to an excellent dinner in the dinning hall. All you can eat and drink. The cadet really took good advantage. Oh to be young again.

After dinner we went to the soccer field and set up for the glider competition. The participation was a little disappointing and very few units participated. It was a little windy and tough to fly the light gliders. The winning glider was well designed and constructed and flew nearly 100 feet in two different tries. See attached photos of the winner. To bad the glider wasn't in the photo. The other photo is the beginning assembly.

On Thursday we had an excellent breakfast in the dinning hall and the two groups swapped tour areas and returned at the assembly hall for a pizza lunch and presentations from an Army recruiter and an Air Force recruiter. After quite a few questions the assemble was dismissed and preparations made to depart.

All the comments we received were of a positive nature and many thought it would be a good idea to do it again next year. Look for other photos and articles by SSgt Phillip Kittelson on Facebook and Wingtips.

I wish to thank all the staff and members who took care of the cadets and transported them to the function. I particularly wish to thank my deputy, Maj. Phill Hubacek who spent many hours putting the program together.

Arizona Wing 2010 Sun-God Drill Team

By: Captain Wendy Fields
Drill Team Escort, Frank Luke Jr Cadet Squadron 356

C/Col Matt Bricker started building the 2010 Sun-God drill team, the AZWG drill team, in July by contacting former team members, seeing if there was interest among veteran teammates after not competing in 2009. Not surprisingly, many members jumped at the chance to compete again at the national level. With several members on board, try-outs were held for the remaining positions. All cadets, rookies and veterans, understood the history of the team and what it meant to be a part of its legacy. With a decorated past that started in 2006, when they earned 1st place in the National Cadet Competition, the Sun-God drill team subsequently brought home a 2nd place and another 1st place finish before taking the 2009 season off.

Each year, before competing at the national level, the team has to take first place at the South West Regional Cadet Competition. Color Guard and Drill Teams that took top honors in their respective wings from all six wings within the region are eligible to compete against one another to represent the SWR at NCC. For several members of the Sun-God drill team, this contest was their first opportunity to compete. Overall, this year’s performance was outstanding and they were recognized for their hard work. The team was heading to nationals once again.

Even after their decisive win at region, the team knew that nationals would offer more a challenging competition. The best drill teams in the nation would be there, all vying for the coveted USAF Chief of Staff Sweepstakes Award Trophy. Saturday practices became mandatory, as were overnights once per month. They called on outside resources to assist with specific training. They created multiple study guides for each Aerospace module and Leadership chapter. They fundraised to ensure the team was self sustaining. They displayed the dedication and desire few teenagers embrace, but did it as a team. Not wanting to let down their companions, they studied numerous pages, ran countless miles, and drilled for endless hours. Taking minutes off of their personal mile times, many ran several miles per day to shave just a few more seconds and achieve their personal best times. They were ready. They knew every command, and could execute it with perfection in perfect unison with those standing around them.

As the cliché goes, though they worked hard, they played just as hard. From lunches at Chino Banditos to midnight snack at the chow hall, comradery grew among the members and so did the trust. New stories of a befuddled chef and jokes of “Sierra Charlie” were added to tales that had been passed along by the veterans, allowing the team to take a mental break from the stresses of competition. The team continued to grow stronger with each practice.

Performing at their peak during Nationals, they were asked to give a special encore performance for General Price of the Pentagon to illustrate their Innovative Drill routine, a routine commanded in silence, with each separate movement of the five minute routine memorized by all 13 individuals. Watched by all competing at NCC, the Sun-God drill team completed their drill with pride. With their third place finish across the nation, all members of the Sun-God drill team: c/Col Matt Bricker, c/LtCol Brian Simpson, c/Maj Lindsay Davis, c/Maj Laura Beck, c/Maj Corey Fields, c/Capt Renner Mead, c/1LT Cliff Branch, c/1LT Anthony Petonic, c/ 2LT Justina Wilkison, c/CMSgt Steve Cesare, c/CMSgt John Pravongviengkham, c/CMSgt Joseph Pravongviengkham, and c/CMSgt Adam Spanier, could hold their heads high with integrity, knowing they are among the best in the nation.

With the conclusion of the 2010 National Cadet Competition, the AZWG drill team has already started preparations for 2011. Schedules are being planned for try-out, practices, and fundraising. Knowing there are several open positions to fill, the team will hold try-outs in late August. Announcements will be made via wing e-mail. If you would like to be a part of this honored tradition of the AZ Wing, come to try-outs. All dedicated CAP cadets are welcome to participate.

Group II Commander Recognized by CAP National Commander

Group II Commander, Major William Lynam, was recognized recently by Major General Amy S. Courter, Civil Air Patrol National Commander, for his contribution to the online Officer Basic Course.

Officer Basic Course replaced AFIADL 13, the first course normally completed by new CAP Officers and NCOs, offered by the Air Forces Air University.

“It was an interesting challenge,” says Major Lynam, who authored the Vision and Mission statements of the course, “including researching the subject area, generating test questions and working with my liaison, Col Gilbert from the Northeast Region.”

Senior members may register for Officer Basic Course after completing Level 1. Cadets may also take the course, after completion of their Mitchell award. The course, geared towards new Senior Members, covers the Personal, Professional and Organizational dimensions of leadership.

In a letter to Major Leynam, General Courter talks about the importance of the new course. “For Civil Air Patrol to truly meet its potential, our members--especially our senior member officers and noncommissioned officers--must be trained and educated to meet today's and tomorrow's challenges.”

The letter from General Courter can be read here.

2010 AZ WING CONFERENCE KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Former Air Force One PIlot COL. MARK TILLMAN, USAF (RET.) to Speak AT 2010 AZ Wing Conference

Former Air Force One Pilot Col. Mark Tillman, USAF(Ret.) will be presenting the Keynote Speech at this years Arizona Wing Conference. Col Tillman served as Chief Pilot of Airforce One and was at the controls for over 49 trips to 75 foreign countries.

As Arizona Wing Civil Air Patrol Members, you have the once in a lifetime opportunity to hear firsthand the experiences of the pilot, who among his many accomplishments, was in command of the Presidential Missions of Air Force one on September 11, 2001.

The Arizona Wing Command Staff is proud to extend this opportunity to you. The video link below conveys the accomplishments of Col Tillman more effectively than words alone. Watch this and you will see why this is an event not to be missed.

Early Registration Pricing has been extended to July 9th to allow all of our members the chance to attend. Wing Conference will be held July 30-31. The Awards Banquet will begin at 7pm on July 31. A link to more details and registration forms is posted below the video.

For Registration, visit the link below. Click on Registration at the top of the page to download a registration form for the 2010 Conference.

http://arizonawing.com/conference/