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Peaks a d PlanesOfcial Magazine of the Colorado Wing, Civil Air Patrol

Summer 20

In This Issue:, Evergreen Cadets Enjoy Academy Succes, COWG Excellent USAF Ops Eval

, National Recognition at CAP Conference, CAP Congressional Gold Medal, 2014 Lancer Encampment at USAFA, Black Sheep Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Awards Aplenty for Colorado Wing Memb

, Tribute to 1st Lt.

Rob Pehkonen


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Continued on page 9 . . .

Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Peaks and

Planes is the official publication of theColorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.It is published three times a year by theColorado Wing Public Affairs Staff.

Peaks and Planes is published by a privatefirm which is not associated with theDepartment of the Air Force or the Civil

Air Patrol Corporation. The appearance ofadvertisements for products and services,as well as supplements and inserts foundin this magazine, does not constitute

endorsement by the United States AirForce or the Civil Air Patrol Corporation.

Colorado Wing Interim Commander

Lt. Col. David Novotny, CAP

Colorado Wing Director of Public

Affairs/Editor

Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, CAP

Vance Brand Squadron Public Affairs

Officer/Editor

1st Lt. Lyn Parker, CAP

Article submissions are always welcome.Please send them in Microsoft Word format

to 1st Lt. Lyn Parker, Co-Editor, Peaks andPlanes at [email protected]. Attach

photos (in jpeg format) to your email and makecertain to include full caption information for

each one.Article Submissions- Next Issue Submission

Deadline: November 30, 2014

HeadquartersColorado Wing, Civil Air Patrol360 W. Otis St.Peterson AFB, CO 80914-3103

Phone: 719-556-8280

Fax: 719-556-6186

On the Cover:

BACKGROUND: CAP 182 at MountainSAREX in Leadville, CO. (Photo by the late

1st Lt. Rob Pehkonen, Mission Pilot)

INSET: 1st Lt. Rob Pehkonen after

returning from Colorado Floods Mission

Sorties. (Photo by Lt. Col. Mike Daniels,

COWG Floods Mission PIO)

Commander’s Comments

Lt. Col. David Novotny, CAP

Interim Commander, Colorado Wing

Peaks and Planes Summer 2014

On June 9, 2014, ColoradoWing said “Goodbye”to a great member whomade an impact on CAP.

First Lieutenant RobertPehkonen, or Rob to all ofus, died suddenly on June 4. Rob was a seasoned Mission Pilotand served on wing staff as the Emergency Services TrainingOfficer. At the funeral, Rob was posthumously presented withthe CAP Meritorious Service Award. The Honor Guard fromThompson Valley Composite Squadron performed the flagfolding ceremony and I had the honor of presenting that flagto Rob’s widow, Heidi.

At the Wing Conference in May, I asked you as members

to think about the legacy you will leave behind when youleave CAP. Never did I ever think that I’d be writing about alegacy so soon. Fair skies and tailwinds, Rob. You can readmore about Rob and his legacy elsewhere in this edition ofPeaks and Planes.

The Colorado Wing Cadet Encampment was held June 14-21,2014 at the US Air Force Academy Prep School. I had thepleasure of spending a day with the cadets at the Academy’sRopes Course. The cadets “encouraged” me to accept theirchallenge and tackle the climbing tower, which I did. As I wasabout half way up the tower, contemplating my next move, Irealized that I had placed my life in the hands of three cadetswho were tending my safety line. Never have I trusted cadetsmore than on that day. Thanks cadets for letting me downsafely and thanks to Lt Col Buddy McCormick for planningand executing another fine encampment.

Colorado also hosted the 2014 Advanced TechnologyAcademy. ATA is a National Cadet Special Activity which

Fair

Skiesand

Tailwinds


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In Memory of 1st Lt. Rob Pehkonen

In June of this year Thompson Valley Composite Squadron and the Colorado Wing of the Civil Air Patrol,along with family and friends, suffered a devastating blow with the sudden death of 1st Lt. Rob Pehkonen.Rob was a loving husband, father, successful business man and dedicated volunteer to not only CAP butalso the Fort Collins / Loveland Pilots Association, Angel Flight, and the Wings of Freedom Foundation.

Rob’s love for aviation was contagious and his desire to give back to the community was admired byeveryone who knew him.

Rob joined CAP in September 2010. 1st Lt. Rob Pehkonen breezed through training as Mission Scanner,Mission Observer, and became a fully qualified Mission Pilot in June 2011. Rob also served as crew chieffor TVCS two aircraft 59X and 2CP. He was instrumental in organizing cadet o rides for TVCS, Greeley,Adams and North Valley Squadrons. While running a successful business and raising his family, Rob in2012 managed to fly 116 total hours for CAP which included 36 Air Force our actual training missions.

In his shortened career with CAP 1st Lt. Rob Pehkonen received 3 SAR Find Ribbons, 2 Disaster ReliefRibbons, 3 Achievement Awards and a Commanders Commendation. At the time of his death Rob was

serving as the Wing Emergency Training Officer. Rob also to part with the COWG UAS support team thatwas asked to provide technical support for the North and South Carolina Wings UAS mission in supportof the United States Marines.

We sincerely thank his wife Heidi and their children Sawyer, Ryan, and Saddie for sharing Rob with us.All of us would agree that it was an honor and privilege to work with such an unselfish and dedicatedprofessional. Robs’ passing made me think of John G. Magee, Jr.’s poem High Flight (written in 1941).”Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter- silvered wings, sun wardI’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun split clouds ………put out my hand and touched theface of God.”

By Capt. Michael Fassi, CAPThompson Valley Composite Squadron- Public Affairs Officer

Photo by Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, CAPColorado Floods Mission PIO



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Meritorious Service AwardPresented to 1st Lt. RobPehkonen Posthumously

1st Lieutenant Rob J. Pehkonen, CAP, distinguished

himself in the performance of outstanding meri-torious service to Civil Air Patrol as SAR Pilot,Airborne Photographer/Instructor and COWGEmergency Services Training Officer.

During the disastrous floods in 2013 in NorthernColorado, 1st Lt. Pehkonen worked tirelessly fromthe moment the weather cleared and CAP wascleared to fly missions. Rob’s involvement coveredsetting up the support for capturing the thousandsof photos taken by the crews flying in support of

the flood mission, flying actual sorties in supportof the mission either as a pilot or photographer,and working with FEMA in processing the photos.A number of solutions for the issues that came upduring the mission regarding camera procedures,training issues for AP’s, and the logistics of cameraswere solved by Rob, directly contributing to a suc-cessful execution of the mission. He continued towork when our customer changed from FEMA toCO Dept of Transportation, who wanted damageassessment photos of infrastructure.

The actual flood mission lasted 10 days, but Roband others spent 2 months after the floods sup-porting FEMA’s needs for follow-up recon. 1st Lt.Pehkonen was mentioned and quoted several timesin the article in the CAP Volunteer magazine.He helped bring some very good press to CAP.1st Lt. Pehkonen displayed exceptional leadership,professional competence and unusual devotion toduty in handling the many and diversified func-

tions of COWG Emergency

Services Training Officerwhich, without exception,performed its mission in anoutstanding manner. Hisprofessional knowledgeand administrative abilitycontributed significantly toimproved effectiveness ofColorado Wing EmergencyService program.

Lt. Pehkonen was part of theCOWG UAS support team that was asked to providetactical support for the North and South CarolinaWings UAS mission in support of the US Marines.Rob traveled to the Cherry Point Marine Air Stationin North Carolina and spent five days supporting thetraining of CAP air crews. Rob flew a number of sor-ties in conjunction with the operation to demonstratethe tactics involved in escorting the UAS. Rob’spresence and training capability contributed directlyto the outstanding success of the mission. Again,

Lt. Pehkonen’s involvement was given favorableattention by the CAP Volunteer magazine.

The distinctive accomplishments of 1st LieutenantRob J. Pehkonen are very clearly outstanding andunmistakably exceptional when compared to similarachievements of personnel of like grade and respon-sibility. The efforts of Lt. Pehkonen reflect greatcredit upon himself and the Civil Air Patrol.

This is the citation that accompanied the Meritorious Service Award presented posthumously to 1st Lt. Rob Pehkonen and

presented to his family.

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Perhaps it’s the mountain air or maybe it’s something in the highcountry water but the Evergreen Composite Squadron has seenthree of their cadets receive appointments to three of the five U.S.Service Academies over the last four years. The reality of whythe squadron has been enjoying such great success in seeing theircadets receive congressional nominations and academy appoint-ments is likely due to the squadron’s leadership and focus.

The Evergreen Composite Squadron’s Commander is Maj. DaryllKeeling who is a 1980 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and a formerF-16 pilot. The squadron’s Deputy Commander is Maj. Oleh Stefaniuk who is a

1975 graduate of the USAFA. As a result of their experience, guidance, leader-ship and mentoring, along with the guidance and expertise of other ECS Staffmembers, the squadron’s cadets seem to have a leg up on the competition.

In 2011, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Stuart Vanderkooi received and acceptedan appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In 2013,Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Danielle Garcia-Lance received and accepted anappointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, andin 2014, Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Kooper Hackmann, the 2014 COWGCadet of the Year, received and accepted an appointment to the U.S. AirForce Academy.

Other Colorado Wing squadrons have seentheir cadets win appointments to the serviceacademies over the years but the Evergreensquadron may hold the record for having themost academy appointments over a periodof four years during the tenure of the samecommander. Maj. Keeling attributes theirsuccess to the good fortune of having several terrific young men and womenin the Evergreen squadron along with the advantage of a knowledgeable andencouraging senior staff who have provided excellent focus and mentorship

to those cadets who are interested in pursuing an academy appointment. Andit doesn’t hurt to have academy grads in command!

Most of the Evergreen squadron’s members live in the foothill communitiesof Evergreen, Pine, Morrison, Conifer and Bailey as well as high countrytowns like Dillon and Frisco and travel on Hwy 285 or I-70 on Mondayevenings to the squadron’s meeting location at the Evergreen LutheranChurch on Hwy 73. Of course there’s no guarantee that being a top cadetwith the Evergreen Composite Squadron will ensure an academy appoint-ment, but history does often repeat itself as proven by this squadron!

Evergreen Squadron Cadets EnjoyService Academy Success

By Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, CAPCOWG Director of Public Affairs

Peaks and Planes Summer 2014 Peaks and Planes Summer 2014


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One of the greatest honors a Civil Air Patrol PublicAffairs Officer (PAO) can hope to achieve is beingrecognized for his or her efforts in the position. Atthe Wing level, a PAOcan be named SquadronPublic Affairs Officer ofthe Year. At the regionlevel, he or she can beselected as Region PublicAffairs Officer of the Year.

And at the national level,the PAO can be awardedwith the Col Robert V.Payton Public AffairsOfficer of the Year. Thishonor goes to the seniormember who is chosen fordisplaying extraordinaryprofessionalism during anevent in his or her Wingputting the mission first,

the community secondand bringing a positiveview of Civil Air Patrolto everyone who reads thestory or sees the newscast.This year the honors ofRegion Public AffairsOfficer of the Year andNational Public AffairsOfficer of the Year werepresented to the Colorado

Wing Director of PublicAffairs, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Daniels. Hisexceptional work last year was recognized with thepresentation of the National PAO of the Year awardat the CAP National Conference in Las Vegas, NVon August 16th.

In a year marked by much activity for the ColoradoWing, Lt. Col. Daniels drew on his expertise in the

use of media — print, broadcast and social — topresent the Wing in the best possible light. AsMission Information Officer for the Wing’s response

to Colorado’s historicflooding in September2013, Lt. Col. Danielsarranged media flightsthat resulted in CAP men-tions on ABC’s “WorldNews Tonight” and “Good

Morning America,” whichin turn were picked upby more than 250 ABCaffiliate stations as well asthe British BroadcastingCorp. in addition, CAP’sinvo lvement in theresponse to this naturaldisaster — complete withinterviews of nine WingMission pilots and Aerial

Photographers — was fea-tured in stories broadcastby four Denver televi-sion stations. On a moreroutine basis, Lt. Col.Daniels participates inother actual and practiceEmergency Servicesmissions. Last summer,he worked with CAPNational Headquarters to

coordinate, support andhelp teach a highly successful National Public AffairsOfficer Academy IV in Denver, where almost halfof those attending were from Colorado Wing. Healso serves as editor of the Wing magazine, Peaksand Planes, which won a first-place Balsem Awardpresented by the CAP National Headquarters PublicAffairs Office. He was also presented with a 1st PlaceBalsem Award for External Media Coverage.

Colorado Wing’s Public Affairs Ofcer

Receives Highest Recognition By 1st Lt. Lyn Parker, CAPVance Brand Cadet Squadron, PAO

Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, COWG Director of Public Affairs(center) receives the Civil Air Patrol’s 2014 Col. RobertV. Payton Public Affairs Ofcer of the Year from NationalCommanders Maj. Gen. Charles Carr (left) and Maj. Gen.Joseph Vazquez (right). Photo by Susan Schneider, CAPNHQ Photographer


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On March 3, 2013, Civil Air Patrol members MajorRobert Wray, Major Stefanie Hudgins and thenCadet Chief Master Sergeant Kyle Fields, now CadetCaptain, were traveling to Centennial, Colorado,when a sport-utility vehicle drifted off the roadheaded south. It hit an embankment and flipped endover end, finally coming to a rest on its roof. Thethree occupants of the vehicle were coming from

Northern Colorado. Maj. Stefanie Hudgins, whowas driving, immediately stopped to help.

“When I arrived at the vehicle, all of the windowswere busted, the vehicle was still on, smoke wascoming from the engine, two occupants wereunconscious and the driver was in pain,” said Wray.“Luckily the median was wide enough to where theydid not land in the north bound lane, they landed inthe median.”

For a brief moment, Wray thought about the painin his back, a result of two fractured vertebrate dueto a car accident one month prior.

“At the time, a lot of thoughts were going throughmy head,” said Wray. “I was very sensitive topossible spinal cord injuries as I had recently beeninjured. However, when I saw the smoke from theengine, I made the decision to get the three peopleout as soon as possible. The adrenaline kicked in.”

Maj. Wray and Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Fields

went to work not knowing if the two unconsciousmembers in the back seat were alive. Wray lay on theground and started low crawling through the shat-tered glass. The driver was still conscious, so Wraywent through the front passenger door, reached upand pushed the driver’s seatbelt button, the driverfell to the bottom of the vehicle where Wray helpedhim crawl out.

Colorado Wing Members AidPassengers after Witnessing Roll-Over

Car Accident

By 1st Lt. Lyn Parker, CAPVance Brand Cadet Squadron, PAO

Cadet Fields helped provide first aid while Maj.Hudgins provided traffic control in the highway.

Wray went back in for the other two passengers,realizing he was cut up and bleeding from the glass.Both of the other passengers were fairly large maleadults who were trapped by the roof of the SUV.

“When I got back in the vehicle, the passenger wasstuck and his arms were pinned,” said Wray. “Ifound a knife in the vehicle and started to cut hisseat belt, but found a way to reach his release buttonfor his belt. He didn’t have the strength to help meget him out, so I slowly low crawled backwards toget him out of the vehicle.”

Maj. Wray, Maj. Hudgins, Cadet Chief Master Sgt.

Fields and a few others who had stopped startedadministering first aid to the next passenger.

Going back into the vehicle, Wray found the lastpassenger still unconscious, after checking his pulse,Wray noticed several injuries, but was still con-cerned with the possibility for fire. This passengerwas in the worst position, completely scrunched,surrounded by debris and no immediate entrance

Continued on page 9 . . .



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takes place at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs every June. Thecourse is headed by Lt Col Mike McNeely of the Colorado SpringsCadet Squadron. This week-long activity utilizes several planesand pilots from Colorado Wing where cadets learn about GEIIP,Airborne Photography, ARCHER, satellite tracking, night visiongoggles, and several other cutting edge technologies. Thanks ColMcNeely for another outstanding ATA.

By the time you read this, COWG will have finished its OperationsEvaluation (OPSEVAL). An OPSEVAL occurs every 2 years andis the mechanism the Air Force uses to evaluate our EmergencyServices ability to respond to various misisons. Mission base wasin Fort Collins with satellite bases in Colorado Springs, Montrose,Grand Junction, and Denver.

The 2015 Wing Conference has been scheduled. The dates for the

2015 Wing Conference are May 1-3 and the location will be thebeautiful Keystone Lodge in Keystone, CO. Lt Col Andy Rajca isthe Project Officer for the event. Mark your calendars for May 1-3,2015 for a memorable weekend.

Speaking of memorable weekends, the 2014 CAP NationalConference is being held August 14-16 in Las Vegas. At the confer-ence will be a change of command ceremony with Maj Gen ChuckCarr turning over CAP command to Maj Gen Joseph Vazquez. GenVazquez is the current CAP Vice Commander. He and his wife,Leslie, attended our Mountain Sarex last year in Leadville, so manyof you have already met our future commander.

Finally, on the topic of new commanders, I will be stepping downas Interim Wing Commander as Lt Col William Aceves II hasbeen named to be the permanent Commander of Colorado Wing,effective August 11, 2014. I took the position of Interim WingCommander fully knowing (and expecting) that I would be replacedby the permanent choice. It was my choice not to seek the positionof Wing Commander. I have thoroughly enjoyed my short tenureas your Wing Commander (again), since I did the same thing in2013 as Col Sherwin recovered from heart surgery. Colorado Wingis a great Wing, one of the best in the nation. We are known for

responding quickly and being able to carry out long and demandingmissions. It has been an honor to lead such a fine group of volunteerprofessionals.

Until next time, Fair Skies and Tailwinds.

to the vehicle. Wray said he onlyhad about 12 inches to try andlay the passenger flat and draghim. Soon after the last passengerwas out, emergency crews were

on scene.

“Someone needed to stop,” saidHudgins. “We did what we hadto do. We wanted to make sureeveryone was ok. [Wray] didexactly what I would expecthim to do; he has never worriedabout himself, his actions do notsurprise me at all.”

Wray said he felt the whole situ-

ation lasted forever, but from thetime of the crash until the lastpassenger was out, only about 20minutes had elapsed. Police andfire crews took a statement fromWray, Hudgins, and Fields.

About thirty minutes after theaccident driving to their CAPmeeting, Wray started to feel hisback again, the adrenaline was

gone. The team started to talkthrough the incident, said Wray.

“I am really proud of the cadet,”said Wray. “The kid took chargeand made the older kids who wereinjured lay down and made surethey were ok. He did an outstand-ing job. Hudgins also kept peoplemoving and controlled the situa-tion. It was a true team effort.”

Civil Air Patrol Maj. RobertWray, also a captain in the UnitedStates Air Force, was presentedthe Air Force CommendationMedal July 16, 2014 for hisactions in evacuating the passen-gers after witnessing the rollover,and all three were nominated forCAP Life Saving Awards.

Commander’s Comments, cont. from page 1Car Accident, cont. from page 7



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Colorado Wing has been busy so far during FY14.Our pilots have flown nearly 1,500 powered hoursand 240 glider sorties. During this period, we havesuffered four aviation mishaps, all fairly minor.One was damage to a C-182 tail section, discoveredduring a 100-hour inspection, and the other three allinvolved flat tires during landing, one of which wascaused by a tube failure. Blowouts of aircraft tirescaused by excessive braking cannot occur if the pilotkeeps his/her heels on the floor during takeoff andat touchdown. Enough said.

In my last column, I incorrectly stated that missionpilot trainees may fly B-12 sortie profiles whenaccompanied by a SET-qualified mission pilot. MPtrainees may, in fact, train with any qualified MP.The MP must be SET qualified in order to sign off(evaluate) items in the MP SQTR.

I want to continue the discussion about MP qualifi-cation and CAPF 91 checkrides in this issue of Peaksand Planes. First, let’s go over a logical progressionfor becoming a MP. For a new CAP member, the

sequence would be CAP pilot, transport missionpilot, mission scanner, mission observer, plainsmission pilot, then mountain mission pilot.

Mountain qualification in COWG is a two-partprocess – the first part affects all CAP pilots and thesecond is for mission pilots. To fly in the mountains(terrain exceeding 8,000 ft.), a pilot must have a“mountain flight” endorsement on his/her CAPF5. Initially, this entails taking a mountain flyingground school (the AOPA on-line course, or a CAP

or Colorado Pilots Assoc classroom course) andsatisfactorily completing a COWGF 9 flight checkwith an IP, all within the previous 24 months. Ifthe pilot is already a qualified CAP pilot, a checkpilot can add the endorsement with an abbreviatedForm 5 without additional flight time. Renewing themountain flight endorsement on subsequent Form5’s is done by showing the check pilot the previousForm 5 mountain flying endorsement and taking a

ground school within the preceding 24 months. Therequirements for obtaining and renewing the CAPF5 mountain flight endorsement are specified in theWing Supplement to CAPR 60-1.

To become a mountain MP, a plains MP must

obtain the MFC qualification. The CAP MountainFlying Clinic Classroom Instruction tasks of theMFC SQTR can be satisfied by taking either aCAP or the Colorado Pilot’s Association MountainFlying ground school. The CAP Mountain FlyingClinic Airborne Instruction task consists of SectionV (mountainous terrain procedures) of a CAPF91. MFC-qualified MP’s should always renewtheir MFC qualification when taking a Form 91.The requirements for obtaining and renewing theMFC are specified in the Wing Supplement to

CAPR 60-3.

A CAPF 91 checkride is administered much like anactual REDCAP sortie. There is a simulated overallmission, usually known by the pilot a day or two inadvance, followed by a specific assignment givenat the time the checkride starts. In every case, adeparture time or time on target will be part of themission brief. The MP will be expected to make that

By Lt. Col. John E. Mitchell, CAPCOWG/DOV

STAN/EVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Crew mission brieng at a 2006 SAREX. Because oftoday’s mission demands, only the MP (or MO, if actingas the mission commander) is briefed while the other crewmembers are performing other assigned duties.


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time unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

CAPF 91 check rides are taken with a crew ofthree, with the MCP acting as MO. Given theincreased demands by CAP’s customers (FEMA,Colorado Division of Homeland Security, county

emergency management offices, etc.) for aerialphotos, MP’s should expect an air photo taskingto be part of the mission scenario for their Form91, and arrange for a qualified AP to be part oftheir crew if at all possible.

A Form 91 checkride (plains or mountain) primarilyfocuses upon the pilot’s ability to plan the assignedmission, manage the crew, meet any off time ortime-on-target, and safely accomplish the missionin a professional manner using crew resourcemanagement. In order to do that, the MP must

delegate responsibilities to crew members duringthe planning phase, make duty assignments duringthe mission brief prior to departure, and implementcrew resource management procedures during theflight. Some of the items to be accomplished duringthe planning phase are:• Identifying the assigned search area, includinglat/longs of grid corners.• If a grid search, determining what part of the gridto search first.• Determining a route and waypoints to the searcharea utilizing dead reckoning and pilotage.• Preflight inspection, including having the appropri-ate amount of fuel.• Loading and organizing personal gear on board.• Programming the GPS, if appropriate.• Weather and TFR checks.• Completing weight and balance and risk assess-ment calculations• Completing the briefing part of the e104 andattaching the W&B and RA.

One way to assure being able to meet an off timeor time-on-target is to allocate assignments anddeadlines using a reverse planning process. The MP,given a specified time-on-target, could plan back-wards to determine a takeoff time, an engine starttime, and the crew mission briefing time. Knowingthat, the MP could establish a time and location forcrew members to complete their assigned planningor preflight tasks and meet for the mission brief.

A Form 91 checkride requires the pilot to locate thegrid to be searched “without electronic aids.” Often,grid corners are not close to obvious landmarks,making this task anything but simple. An approachthat foresters used in the days before GPS to findpermanent monitoring locations in the forest works

well for locating grid corners: You first fly to alocation somewhere near the grid corner that caneasily be identified from the air; then proceed fromthere to a less prominent waypoint that’s closer tothe grid corner; then identify the actual corner onthe basis of the second waypoint. For example, tofind the NW corner of CYS grid 500, a MP mightfly first to the town of Briggsdale, then proceednorth up Crow Creek to a small reservoir. From thereservoir, the pilot could fly on a bearing of 050° forapproximately 4nm. The grid corner would be ¼-

mile east of Crow Creek at that point. Once the gridhas been located using pilotage and dead reckoning,the MP is allowed to make use of electronic meansto find the other corners.

Let’s review some administrative matters to beaccomplished during the postflight. First, make surethe MCP makes a notation on the CAPF 91 that theMO and MS ratings have also been renewed. Youstill have to renew the MO and MS SQTR’s in OpsQuals, but the Form 91 is all that must be uploaded.

If the MP’s MO qualification has expired, it maynot be renewed as part of the Form 91 checkride.Second, MFC-qualified MP’s should bring a copy oftheir MFC SQTR, and have the MCP renew it at thesame time. It, too, must be renewed electronicallyin Ops Quals and a copy uploaded.

As you might surmise, successfully completinga CAPF 91 checkride requires significantly moretime and resources than does a CAPF 5 checkride.Planning for it, including getting a AP/MS for thecrew, can start several days prior to the checkride.The oral, planning, execution, debrief, and postflightcomponents of the Form 91 will last at least a halfday. And the mission is never over until the paper-work has been submitted into WMIRS, which takeseven more time.

If you have any questions concerning mission pilottraining or CAPF 91 checkrides, talk to your unitstan/eval officer.


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Congratulations to the recipients of the following awardsthat were presented at the 2014 Colorado Wing Conference:

Cadet of the Year C/2nd Lt. Kooper Hackmann

Cadet Officer of the Year C/1st Lt. Nicholas Timpe

Cadet NCO of the Year C/CMSgt. Cody Hedrick

Aerospace Education Cadet of the Year C/1st Lt. Carlin Idle

Aerospace Education Senior of the Year Capt. William Blatchley

Communicator of the Year Maj. Gary Oplinger

Sorenson Cadet Programs Officer of the Year-Maj. DonaldBolles

Wing PAO of the Year Lt. Col. Michael Daniels

Squadron PAO of the Year 2nd Lt. Lyn Parker

Chaplain of the Year Maj. Alan Garner

Senior Member of the Year Lt. Col. John Butler (posthumously)

William Hines Aircrew Member of the Year 1st Lt. Randy

SettergrenJames G. Alsum Wing Counter Drug Member of the Year Lt. Col.James Jenkins

Rocky Mountain Region AFA Aerospace Education Cadet of theYear C/1st Lt. Carlin B. Idle

R o c k y M o u n t a i nRegion LegislativeOfficer of the YearCol. Gary H. Tobey

R o c k y M o u n t a i nRegion PAO of the YearLt. Col. Michael C.Daniels

R o c k y M o u n t a i nR e g i o n S q u a d r o nChaplain of the YearMaj. Alan K. Garner

AWARDS PRESENTED AT2014 COLORADO WING CONFERENCE


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Distinguished Service Award Col. Earl B. Sherwin

Exceptional Service Award Maj. Morris “Mo” Hall

Exceptional Service Award Maj. Gail E. Jergensen

Exceptional Service Award Col. Brian Smiley

Meritorious Service Award Maj. Karen Dale

Meritorious Service Award Maj. Gail Jergensen

Meritorious Service Award Maj. Thomas N. Scheffel

Meritorious Service Award Maj. William J O’Connor

Region Commander’s Commendation Chap. (Lt. Col.) JeffreyWilliams

Commander’s Commendation 1st Lt. Keith Watson

Commander’s Commendation Capt. Jon Bucher

Commander’s Commendation Capt Michael Schulte

Commander’s Commendation Lt. Col. Tom Eggers



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The most friction in any REDCAP heats-up in the firsthour of an alert. The biggest rub is the complexity ofpaperwork dueling the tic-tock of the mission clock.

Assembling crews, assembling gear, communicatingwith the IC, filling out an initial 104, scanning it tothe IC, taking down briefing notes, filling out the

weight and balance, filling out the ORMs safetyworksheet, Entering the 104 and other data toWMIRs, getting to the airport, getting aircraft keys,checking weather, the preflight checklist, pullingout the plane, loading crew and gear, updating the104, etc, etc, etc…

AND at this point the mission hasn’t even begun.

It is hard paperwork deadlines meets real REDCAPpressure.

To the rescue of search-and-rescue-crews comes a timesaving App for Apple devices. An App with a step-by-step layout, intuitive controls, everything withoutcutting one corner or missing a mission beat.

Conceived and programmed by Black Sheep mem-ber Capt. Mike Schulte, this App, according to thepilots using it, saves 30 to 45 minutes of time fromalert to launch.

Remember that 45 minutes saved - puts our aircraft

Mobile App Created by CAP MemberLaunches Aircrews

With Aid of an Apple iPad

Maj. Ed O’Brien, CAP Black Sheep Senior Squadron

100 miles closer to a REDCAP target.

It also saves redos, can’t-find-that’s, where’d-it-goes, whatta-mean-you-didn’t get-its, and perspira-tion piled on exasperation.

All the CAP forms in one zippy package that’s ashandy as a Smart-phone or IPad. Prefills, referencedata (like the weight and balance for every single

plane in CAP’s National Fleet), search grids, accesspasswords, intuitive maneuvering through all thesteps, and the connectivity to send it to WMIRs,ICPs, or Flight Release Officers.

What Capt. Schulte has developed is actually 4different products:

1. CAP Preflight - CAP Preflight integrates theCAPForm 104 Briefing, ORM, and Weight &



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Balance worksheets to streamline the preflightplanning process so you can breeze through the

paperwork and focus on the mission.2. CAPFlightPro2 - incorporates all the features ofCAP Preflight and adds:In Flight Tracking - capture sortie events and a GPSlog of the flight for a great debriefingForm 71 - Aircraft Inspection ChecklistFuel Receipt Capture - take a picture of the receiptand the app creates the PDF for you

3. CAP Grid - Supports Conventional and CellGrid Formats. For planning on the fly and flyingthat plan.

4. SAR Track - Use on a mission to keep an easy,accurate, real-time log and provide a detaileddebriefing.

Capt. Schulte estimates it took him 500-700 hoursof his own volunteered sweat to produce these Apps.However, if every pilot in the Colorado Wing saves30-45 minutes per sortie, then Mike’s contributionto mission efficiency, finds made, lives rescued andperformance enhanced – this application will payoff

in man-years of paperwork time saved.

The reason Mike took on this App-build is simple.As he stated in a recent interview; “I thought it wasridiculous how long it took us to get going. The ICsgot testy, the crews got frustrated, and the customerscomplained. I just figured I could help.” AND soMike has. Mike really has…


Congratulations COWG! At the 2014 Civil Air PatrolNational Conference in Las Vegas on Saturday,16AUG, the Colorado Wing was presented withawards for outstanding performance within theRocky MountainRegion in DisasterRel ief as wel las Counterdrugand HomelandSecurity. Lt. Col.Dave Novotnyaccepted the awardsf o r t h e W i n gf rom Nat iona lC o m m a n d e r sMajor General Carrand Major GeneralVazquez.

Colorado WingWins Awards

for Outstanding

Performance inRegion at NationalConference

By Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, CAPCOWG Director of Public Affaris

MOBILE APP, cont.


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In July 1984, Carl Feldhamer established the BlackSheep Squadron. On July 17, 2014, Feldhamer’swidow, Lt. Col. Thelma Feldhamer, their childrenand grandchildren joined current and formermembers of the squadron to celebrate the 30thanniversary of the unit Carl began. Master ofCeremonies, Col. Gary Tobey detailed the BlackSheep’s early beginnings, introduced familymembers and former squadron commanders. Col.Tobey said Carl Feldhamer, a WWII veteran and

lawyer, was enthusiastic and driven. He strove forprompt and efficient training to meet CAP missions.He immediately assigned new members to a job inthe squadron. He initiated newspaper collectiondrives to purchase hand held radios for members.He held monthly aircrew training to help crewsmeet flight requirements. He started and trainedthe Colorado Legislative Squadron and revised theColorado Worker’s Compensation laws to includeCAP cadets.

The Black Sheep started out as a composite

30 Years of Service for Black Sheep

By SM Thomas J. Welle, CAP Black Sheep Senior Squadron Asst. PAO

squadron andduring that time,Feldhamer hostedan InternationalCadet Exchangeprogram, grow-ing the unit to thenation’s largest, at227 members.

Tragically, onApril 7, 1990,Carl Feldhamer died in a plane crash on a flighthome from Colorado Springs to Centennial. Somemembers that searched and ultimately found himnear Elber, CO, were present at the anniversarycelebration.

“He died as he lived, at full throttle with his bootson,” said Col. Tobey.

The Black Sheep Senior Squadron is extremely

grateful to the Feldhamer family, ColoradoWing Commander Lt. Col. DavidNovotny, and former membersthat honored us with their presenceat the anniversary. Their legacylives on through those of us thatserve today.

Front row, left to right: Andy Hartsough, Dick Hugen, Gary Tobey, ThelmaFeldhamer, Raquel Rosen (Carl Feldhamer’s daughter), Richard Rosen, JackHead, Ernie Batchelder.Second row, left to right: Ed Wade, Leonard Ginther, Mark Feldhamer (Carl’s son),Ken Cameron, Leigh Hettick, Shane Wathen (Carl’s grandson, Raquel’s son), RodJenkins, Bryan Raley, Mike Fensten, Bob Warner.



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the SAREX and knew the mountain area, they tookthe initiative without CAP assignment to look for themissing plane in Del Valle’s personal aircraft.

The crash site was near the Harrison Creek drainagesouth of Walton Peak, a 10,544 ft mountain, andoccurred Saturday morning during a flight lesson.

William Earl Allen, 62, of Broomfield and hisstudent Terry Lynn Stewart, 60, lost their lives in

the accident. Locals say that pilots unfamiliar withthe terrain can misjudge how much elevation theyneed to gain to clear the drainage. The crash is stillunder investigation.


Steamboat Springs, Colo.—On Saturday, August 9,a single-engine Piper Arrow was reported overduefor arrival in Boulder. Lieutenant Colonel DonHeineman and Major Robert Del Valle located theplane crash around 8 p.m. on Rabbit Ears Pass.Heineman and Del Valle, both of the SteamboatSprings Composite Squadron, relayed the locationof the plane to ground units with Routt CountySearch and Rescue who hiked into the wreckage area

and found the crash at 2:30 a.m. Sunday. As manyCOWG CAP aircrews were involved with the Wing-wide evaluated SAREX on August 9th and sinceHeineman and Del Valle were not participating in

Steamboat Springs Civil Air PatrolPilots nd Plane Crash Site

By Capt. Carrie Gibbs, CAP Deputy Commander for Cadets

Steamboat Springs Composite Squadron

The Colorado Civil AirPatrol License Plate is nowavailable at your CountyClerk’s office!

COWG members if you’ve yet to order yourown personalized Colorado Wing 3 SeasonJacket the next opportunity is now! A Wingannouncement will be sent out with the orderform attached.All questions about how your jacket can bepersonalized should be addressed to Lt. Col.Mike Daniels, COWG Director of Public Affairsat [email protected].


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USAF OPS Evaluators GiveCOWG Excellent Rating

The COWG received an “extremely strong”EXCELLENT rating after the USAF OperationsEvaluation concluded on August 9th at Ft. Collins-Loveland Airport. Maj. Bill O’Connor was theIncident Commander and afterward he shared

the following message with the Wing from anEmergency Services perspective:

“Two years ago the COWG received a rating fromthe AF evaluation team that we felt was fair basedon the actual execution of the Ops Eval, but notreflective of the excellence of COWG’s ES per-formance as measured by actual missions. ES andWing command set out on a plan to improve theexecution of ES tasks through focused training on

Communications Section Chief 1st Lt. Mark Sheets (Left)and his Deputy, Maj. Eric Schwarm (Right) were recognizedby the USAF OPS Evaluators for Outstanding Performanceduring the COWG OPS EVAL. Photo by Lt. Col. Mike

Daniels, OPS EVAL PIO

Capt. Jaeger, Planning Section Chief, was recognized by theUSAF Evaluators for Outstanding Performance. Ian (Left)seen here conversing with Liaison Ofcer Col. Earl Sherwin(Far Right) and COWG Interim Commander, Lt. Col. DaveNovotny (Center). Photo by Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, OPSEVAL PIO

Kudos to the ICP Staff shown here in their various colored vests to identify their respective sections.Special thanks to IC Maj Bill O’Connor and Logistics Section Chief Maj Stefanie Hudgins for pulling itall together. Photo by Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, OPS EVAL PIO

By Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, CAP2014 COWG Ops Eval PIO and

Maj. Bill OConnor, CAP2014 COWG Ops Eval IC


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ES, and improve the ICS system through technologyassist, plus good old fashion training emphasis. Theresults were evidenced with our Excellent rating onthe Ops Eval this year.

With a mission or an exercise of this magnitude,individual effort does not make it successful unless

that individual effort is team based and in concertwith the entire team. Successful execution of themission is a result of the team all pulling in thesame direction. COWG and its 100+ members whostepped up to the challenge pulled off what theevaluators said was an impressive improvement overthe last Ops Eval. Our aircrews (including two fromWYWG), ground teams, and ICP staff all performedat the excellent and outstanding levels, with trulyoutstanding individual performances as measuredby the evaluators.

As good as we are, we can improve. The AF, andRMR, support COWG’s training efforts throughfunded exercises and flights. We need to continueto make these as efficient and effective as we can.Through focus on the tasks and objectives, we keepourselves sharp and improve on the excellence weshow. Two years from now we get to do this allover again. At the 2016 Ops Eval, we can achieve

an outstanding rating based on a slight improvementon our performance at the 2014 Ops Eval. We cancertainly achieve this as the Wing has the talent anddedication to achieve it.

I am proud to be associated with a professional ESorganization such as the COWG, and we continueto demonstrate our abilities where it counts; onactual missions. Thanks to all who participated inthe Ops Eval and everyone else who were not ableto be at the exercise but cheered on the team fromthe sidelines.”

IC Maj. Bill O’Connor conferring with Mission Chaplains Lt.Col. Gary Breig and Maj Alan Garner. No Divine interventionwas needed on our Ops Eval thanks to the skills, talent,training and experience of our super COWG team but stillnice to have them there “just in case!” Photo by Lt. Col. MikeDaniels, OPS EVAL PIO

The COWG Planning Section was rated as Outstanding bythe USAF Evaluators! Photo by Lt. Col Mike Daniels, OPSEVAL PIO


USAF Ops Evaluator Lt. Col. Randy Koenig interviews Maj.Jim Garrard COWG OPS EVAL Finance Section Chief


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Civil Air Patrol Maj. A. Wayne Field is among fourColorado Wing personnel who will be awarded theCongressional Gold Medal later this year. Field, aColorado Springs resident, served more than threedecades in CAP and is receiving the nation’s high-est civilian honor specifically for his contributionsto national defense during World War II when in1943, as a member of New York Wing’s Tri-CitySquadron, he trained in Nazi aircraft identificationin the event of an attack on the United States.

Field, now 88, addressed approximately 75 cadetsand senior members on Peterson AFB on June 24,2014, to tell his story. In 1943, Field, then 17, wasworking at the Binghamton, NY airport, hometo the Tri-City (Composite) Squadron. A pilotin-training himself, he joined CAP as a cadet forextra flying hours and because of what the squadron

Colorado Wing Veteran to ReceiveCongressional Gold Medal

By Maj. Robert Wray, CAPColorado Springs Cadet Squadron PAO

represented during a time of War. With Americafighting on multiple front around the world, therewas a patriotic fervor and Field was happy to supporthowever he could. In addition to training on Nazi

aircraft identification, Field participated in many ofthe same programs found in CAP squadrons today– marching, uniform inspections and classroom-style aerospace lessons. He was proud of his serviceand was a regular participant in his smaller squadronuntil he was chosen to serve in the U.S. Army.

Field was originally selected to attend college as part ofa U.S. Army training program. When funding for thatprogram was canceled, Field, then 18, quickly became

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Wayne Field stands inhis backyard here May 28, 2014, with his Military OrderPurple Heart Association ight cap. Field is a mechanized

reconnaissance veteran who fought in the Battle of theBulge and was wounded shortly after in 1945. After beingdischarged from the Army, Field started the rst post-WorldWar II Civil Air Patrol units in Binghamton, New York, andserved in CAP for more than 30 years contributing to thesuccess of CAP today. (Photo by Jacob Morgan)

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Wayne Field sits in hisbackyard here May 28, 2014, with his U.S. Army ribbonsearned during service in World War II. The Purple Heart sitson the left as the highest honor Field earned during WorldWar II. Field is a mechanized reconnaissance veteran whofought in the Battle of the Bulge and was wounded shortlyafter in 1945. After being discharged from the Army, Fieldstarted one of the rst post-World War II Civil Air Patrol unitsin Binghamton, New York, and served in CAP for more than30 years contributing to the success of CAP today. (Photoby Jacob Morgan)



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a prime candidate to enlist, which he did. Deployed toEurope shortly after D-Day in 1944, Field explainedhow he was an infantry member who fought in France

and Germany. His most notable battle was the Battle ofthe Bulge where from December 16, 1944 to January25, 1945, the German Army launched its last majoroffensive of the War. Field described his most chal-lenging experience, when he became separated fromhis unit with one other soldier. They wandered into asmall town, thinking it had been liberated from Nazicontrol. It had not. After taking fire, they sought refugein a German controlled building, occupied by the SS,the elite German fighting force.Field hid in the building for over

a day, stealing a German firearm.At one point, he hid under a darkstairwell with his fellow soldierwhile SS patrols walked rightby him. “I don’t know how theydidn’t see me. I thought I wasgoing to die. The SS didn’t takeprisoners this late in the war,” saidField. The two soldiers escaped

the next day. Field remained in Europe until August,1945. He was injured twice and received the PurpleHeart medal.

The attendees were captivated by Field’s stories,asking dozens of questions. Even after World WarII ended, Field described how he continued to

serve his country through his leadership in CivilAir Patrol. Upon his return home, he found theTri-City Squadron to be inactive, so he placed anadvertisement in the local newspaper and quicklyre-activated the squadron and added 30 cadet andsenior members in less than two months. An instruc-tor pilot, he also served as squadron commanderin New York Wing, Massachusetts Wing, IllinoisWing, Missouri Wing and Colorado Wing. Fieldhad a decorated CAP career that included dozens ofsearch and rescue missions and the opportunity to

fly Active Duty Air Force Aircraft on cross-countrymissions in the 1960s.

Upon hearing that he was selected for theCongressional Gold Medal, Field was especiallyproud, saying, “I have lived a long life, but this isthe most meaningful thing that has happened tome, and I cannot be more proud.” Field feels thatthis award was long overdue since so many CivilAir Patrol personnel served during World War IIin anti-submarine and homeland defense, but alsohave continued a proud tradition of cadet training

and search and rescue since. Field loved his service,exclaiming, “I love it; the cadets, fellow membersand everything I did while in CAP.”

Maj. Field is scheduled to receive the CongressionalGold Medal in 2015 along with three other ColoradoWing members: Col. Jim Cooksey from Aurora,Maj. Paul Gilmore, from Aurora and Lt. Col. JohnButler, now deceased, from Westminster.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Wayne Field and his wifeMarie Field stands in his backyard here May 28, 2014.

The Purple Heart sits on the left as the highest honorField earned during World War II. Field is a mechanizedreconnaissance veteran who fought in the Battle of theBulge and was wounded shortly after in 1945. After beingdischarged from the Army, Field started one of the rst post-World War II Civil Air Patrol units in Binghamton, New York,and served in CAP for more than 30 years contributing to thesuccess of CAP today. (Photo by Jacob Morgan)


(L-R) Col. Jim Cooksey, Maj. Paul Gilmore and Lt. Col. John Butler


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Colorado Wing had the largest contingent of stu-dents attend the CAP National Inspector General(IG) College June 1-6, 2014, held at the Air ForceInspection Agency, located at Kirtland AFB, NewMexico. What better place to hold the CAP IGCollege than at the home of the USAF InspectorGeneral program! Instructors were from the CAPIG staff as well as the CAP-USAF staff.

The college, offered every two years, is the capstonetraining course for the Inspector General program,and completion of the Basic and Senior IG coursesare prerequisites. Wing Inspector Generals arerequired to attend the course, and region andwing commanders as well as Assistant InspectorGenerals are strongly encouraged to attend. TheColorado Wing Inspector General and four of thefive Assistant Inspector Generals were students.Also attending as a student was the next NationalCommander of CAP, Brigadier General Joseph

Vasquez, which helped to highlight the importance

Colorado Wing Sends Five toNational IG College

By Col. William E. Aceves II, CAPColorado Wing Commander

Formerly COWG Inspector General

that is placed on the Inspector General program.

Prior to arriving, all fifty students were requiredto take an examination, as well as complete a

variety of homework assignments which receivedfeedback during the college. Experience wouldreveal that there would be very little timeavailable once the course started to finish anyuncompleted homework!

Col. Kenneth Parris, CAP/IG, and Col LawrenceStys, CAP/IGT and the Course Director, startedthe college by warmly greeting the assembledstudents. The first day’s instruction introduced thestudents to the role Inspector Generals have in the

organization, with an emphasis on how they interactwith and help the key leadership. Also coveredwas the requirement by the Statement of Work forthe Civil Air Patrol to have an Inspector Generalprogram patterned after the Air Force InspectorGeneral program, to include a complaint process, aninspection program, and a method to address Fraud,Waste, and Abuse. The students then broke up intotheir assigned seminar groups.

Col. Lawrence Stys, Course Director, looks on as Maj. Gen.Charles Carr addresses the IG College.

COWG IG Contingent with the CAPCV Maj. Wayne Gould,Lt. Col. Harvey Siegel, Brig. Gen. Joseph Vasquez, Lt. Col.Skip Hyde, 2nd Lt. Cynthia Smith, Lt. Col. William Aceves



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The next two days focused on complaint resolution.Students learned how to intake a complaint using theElectronic Case Information Management system(ECIM), as well as how to manage a case using thesystem. A large amount of time was devoted to theComplaint Analysis step. This step is probably thesingle most important part of the complaint process.

It is here where a complaint allegation is properlyframed, and the proper resolution (assist, refer,transfer, dismiss, or investigate) is decided. Therewas a lot of writing and re-writing in this section,which successfully mirrored what transpires duringan actual complaint. Additionally, every studentreceived instruction in and an opportunity to practiceinterviewing techniques. The final task was trainingin writing up a Report of Investigation, again requir-ing writing and re-writing.

Days four thru six were devoted to the newSubordinate Unit Inspection (SUI) process. Theinspection process underwent a complete changethis year through collaboration between CAP andCAP-USAF to bring it in line with how Wing levelCompliance Inspections are done.

Part of the process includes a new checklist thathas been provided to members through CAP’sKnowledgebase. Four tabs have been eliminated,and the number of questions has been reduced.

The checklist has standardized discrepancies andstandardized methods required to clear up eachdiscrepancy. This takes all guesswork out of what aunit needs to do to be successful. The key to inspec-tions is providing the required documentation thatproves units are in compliance with regulations.

The process has also streamlined the interview pro-cess by requiring documents to be uploaded by theunit to e-Services so the inspection team can reviewthem prior to the onsite inspection. There is also anew online report and inspection grade resolutiontool which makes inspections more standardizedand less subjective.

Students spent an entire day being briefed on andexposed to the new checklists, the new gradingsystem, and the philosophies behind each change.The next day was spent covering any last minutequestions, and the afternoon culminated with apractice SUI at the New Mexico Wing headquarters.

The following day the seminar groups worked oncompleting the SUI checklists, writing the SUIreport, and got a taste of how the discrepancieswill be handled by the units using the upcomingDiscrepancy Tracking System (DTS).

There was a little time for leisure. On Thursdayevening the college met at Santiago’s MexicanRestaurant, located at the base of the Sandia Tram.Those taking the tram to the top of Sandia Peak(10,300 feet) before diner felt the view was awe

inspiring, but not the COWG Contingent – the viewfrom Pike’s Peak is better! Joining the college fordinner was the National Commander, Major GeneralCharles Carr, Chief Operating Officer for CAP,Mr. Donald Rowland, and the CAP-USAF ViceCommander, Col Jay Updegraff.

On Friday, after the last of the SUI section wasover, Major General Charles Carr, and the NationalCAP-USAF Vice Commander, Col Jay Updegraff,shared their views with regards to the role of the

Inspector General program overall, and how withCAP being tasked with new missions in the 21stcentury, 24/7/365 mission readiness will be critical andthe role that the CAP Inspectors Generals will play inachieving that necessary level of mission readiness.

The final bit of business was graduation. Allmembers of the COWG contingent graduated,which gives COWG one of the best trained groupof Inspector Generals of any wing.


COWG IG Contingent with the CAPCC Lt. Col. Skip Hyde,Maj. Wayne Gould, Maj. Gen. Charles Carr, 2nd Lt. CynthiaSmith, Lt. Col. Harvey Siegel, Lt. Col. William Aceves


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as he has extensive command experiencehaving served in command positions at thesquadron and group level. He has completedall levels of the CAP Senior Training Program,having received the Garber, Loening, Yeagerand Wilson awards. Col. Aceves holdsnine (9) specialty tr ack Master Ratingsincluding Command, Aerospace Education,Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services and

has received numerous CAP honors includingthe Exceptional Service, Meritorious Serviceand Commanders Commendation awards.

Congratulations to our new Colorado WingCommander, Col. Bill Aceves!


Although he officially took commandof the Colorado Wing on Monday,11AUG14, Col. Bill Aceves partici-pated in a Colorado Wing Change ofCommand Ceremony at the 2014 CAPNational Conference in Las Vegas. On15AUG14 Rocky Mountain RegionCommander, Col. Robert Bost, RMRChief of Staff, Col Stan Skrabut andformer COWG Interim Commander, Lt.Col. Dave Novotny, conducted a formalChange of Command complete withthe Colorado Wing flag as other RockyMountain Region Wing Commandersand RMR staff looked on.

Col. William Aceves is highly qualifiedfor the position of Wing Commander

Colorado Wing WelcomesNew Commander

By Lt. Col. Mike Daniels, CAPCOWG Director of Public Affairs


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Members of the Mile Hi Cadet Squadron providedsupport at the annual Buckley Retiree AppreciationDay event on June 14, 2014. Cadets greeted visitors,provided brochures, and staffed an informationtable. The event was held in the Buckley LeadershipDevelopment Center. United States Air ForceCommand staff from the 460th Space Wing con-ducted a POW/MIA ceremony, and representativesfrom 49 federal, state and local non-profit organiza-

tions were present to provide information on benefitsto over 300 military retirees from all branches of theservices. The Commander of the 460th Space Wing,Colonel John Wagner, thanked Civil Air Patrol fortheir support at this and other base events.

Mile Hi Supports Buckley RetireeAppreciation Day

By Lt. Col. Tom O’Melia, CAP Mile Hi Cadet Squadron, Safety/Finance/Supply Officer

(L-R) Maj. Judy Huff, Commander Mile Hi Cadet Sq., CadetAirman Ronan Pelz, Cadet Staff Sgt. Zachary Worrell

(L-R) Col. John Wagner (Commander, 460th Space Wing), Maj. Judy Huff, CAP (Commander, Mile Hi Cadet Sq), C/SSgt.Zachary Worrell, C/Amn Ronan Pelz, (Unknown AF NCO in back), Lt. Col. Tom O’Melia, CAP, Lt. Col. Gary Schulz, CAP, andCommand Chief Master Sergeant Craig Hall, 460th Space Wing


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COVER TO COVER, cont.


Seesaw: How November ’42 Shaped the Future

www.seesaw1942.com

By late 1942, the world had been fighting World War

Two for a long time with no end in sight. November of

that year saw campaigns and battles which set the course

of the rest of the war. Specific battles, decisions, and

actions contributed to the war’s outcome. Those results

continue to shape lives around the world.

The author, Stan Moore, discusses what led up to thebattles and campaigns of late 1942, and looks at how

specific decisions and their effects are important to

today’s world. Moore draws on new and unpublished

letters and personal accounts. He also taps a wide range

of books, journals, and research to explore personalities

known and unknown, pivotal battles and decisions, and

underlying reasons and motivations.

This book is an excellent read to quickly learn andunderstand the facts (known and little known), key play-

ers and the overall outcome of World War II. Includes

several photographs and maps of the European and Pacific Theaters.

Stan Moore is a third generation Coloradan and a Vietnam veteran.

6 x 9, 260 pages, black & white text, Paperback $14.00.

Seesaw is available at the Tattered Cover, Wings Over the Rockies, Amazon,Kindle, and Nook and at select independent booksellers around Colorado. Mention

“Peaks and Planes” in a direct email to the author and he would be pleased to offer

a signed copy and free shipping to CAP members on any book order placed before

the end of 2014. Stan Moore can be reached at [email protected].


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On March 8th and 9th our squadron went to the Monte Vista Crane Festival. On the 8th, Bailee Velasquezand Mary Hood had a table to let the folks at the Crane Festival know that we had a squadron in the Valley.They passed out pamphlets to kids and adults. On March 9th, we had several cadets that worked for about3 – 4 hours to help pack up the vendors and take items out to their cars and sweep up the venue. This wasa great way to show community service.

Monte Vista Crane Festival (This was the Greater Sand Hill Crane where folks come to watch thecranes)

On May 17th three senior members and one cadet showed up to help with cleaning up the Del NorteCemetery. There were community members there as well to get rid of weeds, prior to the Memorial Dayweekend.

Del Norte Cemetery Clean Up, May 17

By 2nd Lt. Ruth M. Lewis, CAP

Heart of the Rockies Composite Squadron, PAO

Bailee Velasquez and Mary HoodNick Davis and Luke Bright helping tobreak down vendor

Tyler Copley, Mitchell Dallas, LukeBright, Tristan Archuleta, Nick Davis,Jeremiah Walker

Senior and Cadet put weeds and trash in the truck“American Gothic” at the Del Norte Cemetery clean up

Heart of the Rockies Squadron

Active in Community Events


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During the Memorial Day Observance on May 26, the Home Lake Veterans Community Living Centerhad a ceremony which several cadets and seniors came to watch. There were Calvary members from theFt. Garland Memorial Regiment that were on horseback and they rode past the tall tower carrying flags.There was also a bagpipe musician that played “Amazing Grace.” Five small planes from the “San JuanFliers” flew overhead with one plane that billowed smoke behind it honoring the fallen.

Memorial Day Observance, May 26

The Cadets had a fundraiser at the Alamosa Air Show on July 12. We sold water, lemonade, tea and soda.We will be using the funds to get our cadets certified in first aid and CPR.

Alamosa Air Show, July 12

New Cadet Ethan and Jeremiah Walker at the table

Cadets/Senior members at Home Lake MemorialFt. Garland Regiment

Bailee Velasquez, Ethan Gearhar and Nick Davis witha cooler in a trailer out at the Tarmac


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While many of their peers took along three-day weekend to celebratethe first long weekend of summer,Memorial Day weekend foundCivil Air Patrol cadets and seniormembers taking time out to remem-ber and honor American’s fallenservice personnel. On MemorialDay, dozens of Civil Air Patrolcadets and senior members choseto demonstrate one of CAP’s corevalues - volunteer service - andparticipated in the Memorial Dayservices at Ft. Logan NationalCemetery. CAP members havebecome an integral part of theservice and the organizers of thisevent have come to rely heavily onCAP members to serve in meaning-ful ways throughout the ceremony.Participating in this ceremony hasbecome a highlight for many CAPcadets and one they look forward to every year asthis is an opportunity to honor those Americans who“gave the last full measure of devotion” in service oftheir country and her ideals. Foothills cadets joinedwith cadets from Valkyrie Cadet Squadron and other

By Capt. Mary Cast, CAPFoothills Cadet Squadron, Commander

Denver-area squadrons to be a part of Memorial Dayceremonies at Ft. Logan National Cemetery. Cadetduties ranged from passing out bulletins to holdingflags, escorting Gold Star families, and assistingdignitaries to lay wreaths.

Dressed in their best blues, cadetsarrived early to direct visitors

to parking and to the ceremony.Stationed along roadways andpaths, cadets greeted guests, dis-tributed programs, and answeredquestions about the event. Othercadets met with the master ofceremony and the CAP Officer-in-Charge to finalize various dutiesthat CAP would handle during

Foothills Cadet Squadron Participates

in Memorial Day Ceremonies at

Ft. Logan National Cemetery


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of the United States and Colorado government. Asthe dignitaries moved to the front of the stage andformed around the headstone, CAP Cadet Lt. Col. C.Blome brought the wreath forward and assisted thedignitaries in placing the wreath. Afterward Cadet

Chief Master Sgt. D. Strock assisted the Gold Starfamilies in placing their wreath.

The final ceremonies of the service began. A flockof beautiful white homing pigeons were released tocircle overhead before they flew off to the northwestand home. Their flight was followed by ChaplainWilliams giving the benediction. The solemn notesof “Taps” echoed through the cemetery and over-head a lone WWII aircraft made a final pass over thecemetery. After the conclusion of the ceremonies,

all the cadets and senior members were able to meetMaj Gen Edwards. He greeted the cadets and meteach individually, sharing a few words.

Foothillsc a d e t sthat par-ticipatedin the ser-vice thisyear were

C a d e tLt . Col .C h a r l e sB l o m e ,Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Dusten Strock, Cadet SeniorAirman Matthew Gardner, Cadet Airman AlexanderHill, Cadet Airman First Class Gabriel Ingebritsten,and Cadet Noah Malik.

the actual ceremony. As in yearspast, CAP cadets were tasked withholding the national and serviceflags throughout the ceremony.Several cadets were assigned toescort the Gold Star Mothers tolay flowers during the ceremony.

Two cadets were assigned to beon the stage to guard the wreathand escort dignitaries.

Services began promptly at 1100 with the presenta-tion of the colors by a unified service color guardand an opening prayer given by Lt. Col. JeffreyWilliams, COWG Chaplain. During this time, a loneA-6 painted in Navy yellow and blue flew overheadto render honors. After the opening ceremony, thecolor guard placed the flags in stands and CAP

cadets took charge of the flags. The cadets held theflags for the remainder of the ceremonies, makingsure that wind and sloping ground did not conspireto make the flags fall. After a few introductoryremarks, recognition of veterans from the severaldifferent conflicts and a rousing rendition of theArmed Forces Medley, the ceremony grew a bitmore somber as different speakers reflected onthe meaning of the day. Speakers included MajorGeneral H. Michael Edwards, Adjutant General forColorado, and Senator Mark Udall.

Following the speeches, it was time to honor thefallen. Several cadets came forward to escort GoldStar Mothers to lay their flowers at the foot of thesymbolic headstone. After flowers were laid, it wasthe turn of the dignitaries who were there on behalf


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2014 Colorado Wing“Lancer” Encampment


For many cadets encampment is the most excitingand fulfilling activity in Civil Air Patrol. This year’sencampment definitely didn’t disappoint! TheLancer Encampment was my third encampment atthe Air Force Academy Prep School, my secondas cadet cadre (staff). As many cadets will agree,encampment is one of the greatest learning experi-ences in their CAP career and many have madelife-long friends in the process.

For those who have not yet attended or participatedin an encampment, allow me to describe it foryou. As a student, cadets will learn the Air Forceway of life while actually living for a week at theAcademy Prep School. The flight staff cadets will

By Cadet 1st Lt. Daniel Turner, CAP

Fremont Starfire Composite Squadron, Cadet Commander teach students how to keep barracks clean and howto properly wear the CAP uniforms. They will alsoensure that cadets will know drill and ceremonies,which they will need throughout their entire CAPcareer! The main goal of encampment is for cadetsto learn, and I guarantee, they will learn a lot!

A week of making beds and marching around soundsboring right? Fear not, there are many other activitiesto do at encampment. This year the cadets got to

visit many places and do lots of educational “fieldtrips” during the week. My personal favorite andprobably the most awe-inspiring was the tour of theAir Force Academy. The cadets got to see the veryarea where Air Force cadets live and work and learn

Charlie ight cadets at the Air Force Academy (photo by Lancer Encampment PAO Staff)


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a lot about the Air Force’s missionduring the tour, as well as a visit tothe Chapel and library.

Aerospace education is an impor-tant mission of Civil Air Patrol, soit is included in the encampment,

too. At USAFA, students visitedthe Aeronautics lab and also usedflight simulators and get to experi-ence what flying in an Air Forcetrainer is really like!

Cadets also had an opportunity tovisit Fort Carson and use many othersimulators including a search andrescue simulator where cadets hada sortie mission to find a downed

airplane. There is also a shootingsimulator where students had thechance to hold a demilitarizedM-16 connected to a projector andthey worked on “fine-tuning” their shooting skills.To describe in detail all the activities of encampmentwould take more space than I have available, but

some more fun activities include the ropes course,volleyball, and drill competitions.

For those of you who haven’t attended an encamp-ment yet, it needs to be added toyour “to do” list. If my descriptionisn’t enough to convince you togo, then think about this: withoutattending an encampment you willnot be able to achieve the BillyMitchell award. Furthermore,you will not be able to attend anyNational Cadet Special Activities(NCSA’s) which could include thePowered Flight Academy, GliderAcademy, Cadet Officer School,and so many more. Encampmentis the key to unlock the really coolactivities and events that you can

do in Civil Air Patrol. The encamp-ment training isn’t easy and notalways fun. But when you lookback on it and see how much betterit has made your CAP career, youmay even want to go back as staffand be a leader to new students whowant to further their career in Civil

Cadets learning on ight simulators (photo by Lancer Encampment PAO Staff)

colorado wing - jun 2014

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