BARTOW-ETOWAH COMPOSITE SQUADRON SER-GA-129

FLYING EAGLES
CIVIL AIR PATROL, THE OFFICIAL AUXILLIARY OF THE
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

The CAP National website is http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/

The GAWG website is http://www.GAWG.cap.gov/

Semper
Vigilans

SER-GA-129
Ga129.org

EMERGENCY
INTEGRITY

SERVICES

VOLUNTEER
SERVICE

AEROSPACE

EXCELLENCE
RESPECT

EDUCATION
CADET
PROGRAMS

CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL

On 10 December 2014, the Civil Air Patrol was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Capitol Hill in
honor of its founding members role in protecting the homeland against deadly German U-boat attacks during World
War II and carrying out other vital wartime domestic missions. Approximately 40 living World War II members
and their relatives, as well as the families of deceased members, were in attendance.
Civil Air Patrol was founded on 1 December 1941, six days before Pearl Harbor. During the War years,
some 200,000 men, women and teenagers from all walks of life participated in CAP during the war years, largely
without recognition or reward. Participants included stars of the silver screen, successful businessmen, future
Tuskegee Airmen, and aspiring pilots.
During the war, members of CAPs coastal patrols flew their own or borrowed planes. They flew 24 million
miles from March 1942 through August 1943 over the Atlantic and Gulf coasts in order to ward off German U-boat
attacks against U.S. shipping, especially domestic oil tankers bound for Europe to help fuel the military machine.
At that time the U.S. Navy lacked the resources to guard against the submarine attacks and provide escorts for
commercial convoys.
The CAP coastal patrols, flying out of 21 bases located along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Maine to
the southern tip of Texas, spotted 173 U-boats and attacked 57. The patrols also escorted more than 5,600 convoys
and reported 17 floating mines, 36 bodies, 91 ships in distress, and 363 survivors in the water.
Other pioneering Civil Air Patrol members patrolled the countrys borders by air, vigilant for potential
saboteurs. In addition, they towed targets for military trainees, watched for forest fires, conducted search and rescue
missions, provided disaster relief and emergency transport of people and parts, and conducted orientation flights
for future pilots.
In all, 65 CAP members lost their lives in the line of duty by the end of the war.

The Senate passed legislation authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal in May 2013.
The Housed followed suit a year later, and
President Barack Obama signed the bill into law on 30 May 2014.

Maj. Gen. Joe Vazquex, the CAP National Commander said, I salute CAPs founding members for their legacy of
service and sacrifice in protecting the homeland during World War II. Now some 73 years later, CAPs rich history
of service continues. Modern-day members, nearly 60,000 strong, still perform vital homeland security missions,
search and rescue missions, and provide emergency response for natural and manmade disasters.

In-depth information about CAP and its World War II missions and members
can be found at www.capgoldmedal.com.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 59,000 members
nationwide, operating a fleet of 550 aircraft. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs about 85 percent
of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center
and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 70 lives annually. Its unpaid professionals also
perform homeland security, disaster relief, and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state, and
local agencies. The members play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than
24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet programs. CAP received the World Peace Prize
in 2011 and has been performing missions for America for over 72 years. CAP also participates in Wreaths
Across America, an initiative to remember, honor, and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans.

SILVER MEDAL OF VALOR

AWARDED TO
CIVIL AIR PATROL
GROUP I
ELLIJAY COMPOSITE SQUADRON
CADETS
Award presented by SE VC Col Barry
Melton and GAWG CC Col Richard
Greenwood

Article submitted to Times-Courier of Gilmer County by

Capt Donald Murry, PAO, Ellijay Composite Squadron

On 28 January 2014, Franklin Daniel and Richard Gage Stephens were hiking near
their home when they witnessed a Ford F-150 pickup lose control on snow and ice covered
road and slide down a mountainside with an 80 percent grade. The driver, 56-year-old
Kathy Hall, was struck on the head and thrown down the mountainside while attempting
to exit the unstable vehicle.
C/AIC Richard Gage Stephens and his brother C/SSgt Franklin Daniel Stephens,
who had just completed CAPs first-aid course the week prior to the accident, moved down
the mountainside to assist the victim. They placed themselves below the unstable vehicle
at great personal risk in order to render aid. C/SSgt Franklin Daniel Stephens exposed
himself to below-freezing temperatures by using his coat and gloves to keep the victim
warm while his brother went to notify authorities and retrieve blankets.
Due to the inclement weather and poor road conditions, emergency responders did
not reach the scene for nearly an hour and 45 minutes. By the time emergency responders
arrived, the Cadets with the help of a neighbor had immobilized the head and spine of Ms.
Hall. Afterwards, she told the Times-Courier of Gilmer County that the help she received
prevented more serious and permanent injury.
The Silver Medal of Valor, the highest award CAP can bestow, is awarded for
distinguished and conspicuous heroic action, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call
of normal duty.
Congratulations to Cadets Stephens and to the Ellijay Composite Squadron, our Group I
sister Squadron, for providing such excellent training which helped to save a persons life.

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS
Workday at the Squadron intensive work on the single-wide
trailers floors/installation of new ductwork for double-wide
trailers heating unit

Saturday

6 Dec

Thursday

11 Dec

Continued work on the single-wide trailer/AE at night

Saturday

13 Dec

Meeting for 6-8 March Leadership/ES Training @ Catoosa

SAREX
Evening Holiday Party Fulton Composite Squadron

Sunday

14 Dec

Trip with electrician to Sqdn to check out non-functioning heat

pump in double-wide trailer

Tuesday

16 Dec

Hanukkah began at sundown

Wednesday 17 Dec

Trip to Ellijay to scout out Base India Mike for future activities
Participants: George Geiger, Jim Card, Kevin Thiem, Ilana Mor

Thursday

18 Dec

A/C technician checked out heat pump.problem with unit

During the day: All but end room, floors completed in singlewide trailer.temporary lighting available.electricity/lighting
in uniform & gear sheds
CD at night

Saturday

20 Dec

Community Xmas Dinner

outstanding opportunity to work with others to make a positive
difference in the community
Participants included:
Cadets Andrea Richardson, Parker Richardson, Johnathon
DiCara, Aaron Loya, Noah Livingston, Christopher Cochran, and
Cadet Thomason
Senior Officers Eric Richardson, Kristie Richardson, Marcos
Palafox, Shawn Drawver, and Ilana Mor
Special guest and former Cadet Commander Cole Pittman

Thursday

25 Dec

Xmas no meeting

*************************************************************************
Thursday

1 Jan

New Years Day no meeting

Program Plans for 2015

1st Quarter
JANUARY
3 January

10 January

Workday at the Squadron

Uniform Shed/ Chevron inventory
SUI Preparatory Meeting
Group I Commanders Call
GA129 Annual Awards Presentations & Holiday Party

17th or 24th
January
31 January

Glider Flights
Workday at the Squadron
Clean grounds/buildings
Meeting for 6-8 March Leadership/ES Training @ Catoosa
Sometime in January Group I Cold Weather FTX
FEBRUARY
20 22 Feb
Frostbite
Sometime in February SUI
MARCH
6 8 March
Leadership/ES Training @ Catoosa
APRIL
10 12 April
Proposed GAWG Conference
30 April
Fifth Thursday Special Program

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 2015

18:00 19:00

DATE

19:00 21:00

EW E S EVE
NO MEETING

JANUARY

JANUARY

CADET/SR OFFICER
DUTY POSITIONS

SAFETY BRIEFING CADETS & SR OFFICERS

PT-CADETS
SR OFFICER MEETING

15 JANUARY

ES/COMM TRAINING

22 JANUARY

COLOR GUARD
TRAINING

LEADERSHIP (CADETS)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (SR
OFFICERS)
AEROSPACE EDUCATION
(CADETS & SR OFFICERS)

29 JANUARY

CADET COMMAND
STAFF MEETING

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT/DDR
(CADETS & SR OFFICERS)

AT THE BEGINNING OF MEETINGS:

PRESENTATION OF THE COLORS/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
CADET OATH/SAFETY PLEDGE
GREETINGS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES
In order to set-up an e-Services account:
Go to http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/html/index.htm.
Select the >Members<link.
This will take you to the members section at http://www.capmembers.com/.
On the members page, select the >e-Services<link on the left side of the page.
This link will take you to the e-Services Sign-In webpage where you will establish your account.
Just follow the instructions.
You will have to agree to the OPSEC statement to establish the account. Once you have established an
e-Services account, a helpful link for Cadets is:
http://www.capmembers.com/cadet_programs/library/. The answers to most of your questions will be
answered just by browsing this webpage and selecting links as required

CAP REQUIRED TRAINInG

Follow the information below to complete the required training:
1. Online Safety Briefing
https://www.capnhq.gov//CAP.SafetyBriefingApp.Web/SafetyBriefingOnline.aspx
There is a test at the end of each briefing.
2. Equal Opportunity Training https://tests.cap.af.mil/EO_Training/Index.cfm
There is an Agreement Statement at the end of the presentation.
3. Operation Risk Management (Safety Courses)
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/safety/safety_training/orm_training.cfm
There are three levels of training. The Basic Course is required. You may study all
levels if you wish. There is a test at the end of each course. The tests are open book so
you may want to download the PDF format for reference during the test.
4. Aircraft Ground Handling
https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.MultiMedia.Web/Video.aspx
There is a test at the end of the video.
5. Wingrunner Course
Before attending a glider flight, Cadets and Staff must complete a Wingrunner
Course.
The online course and exam is at:
http://www.soaringsafety.org/school/wingrunner/toc.htm

SAFETY IS A #1 PRIORITY IN CIVIL AIR PATROL

IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN CIVIL AIR PATROL MEETINGS AND
ACTIVITIES, MEMBERS MUST BE SAFETY COMPLIANT. THIS CAN
BE ACCOMPLISHED BY ATTENDING THE MONTHLY SAFETY
BRIEFING WHICH IS OFFERED AT THE SQUADRON, OR BY GOING
ONLINE AND TAKING THE ONLINE SAFETY TEST.

A SPECIAL STORY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

By Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt

120097

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strong sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
And on the wall pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sobering thought came to my mind.
For this house was different, so dark and so dreary,
The home of a soldier, now I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.
Was this the hero of whom Id just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldnt help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
Santa dont cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I dont ask for more,
My life is my God, my country, my corps.
The soldier rolled over and soon drifted to sleep,
I couldnt control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,
And we both shivered from the cold evenings chill.
I didnt want to leave on that cold, dark, night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, Carry on Santa, its Christmas day, all is secure.
One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.

SANTAS VISIT by Dr. Ilana Mor

THE GIFT OF GIVING by Dr. Ilana Mor

Once again the holiday season approaches
Like programmed robots we scurry in preparation
For the pageant of giving and receiving gifts.
We glow in remembrance of times gone by
Filled with anticipation
Slipping back into childhood memories.
Eyes twinklingcheeks red from the cold,
Delightful songs fill our ears
And the spirit of comradeship pervades the air.
How wonderful this time of year,
A time bursting with good cheer.
Minds crammed with happy thoughts
Good deeds foremost in peoples minds.
Oh, if only we could bottle the essence of giving
Breathe of its nectar all year through
Pour a drop on lonely depressed souls, and
Watch as the gift of giving nourishes their inner being.

For our 2015 New Years Resolutions, lets be sure to add the gift of giving to
our lists in order to spread joy to those we encounter throughout the year.

SMART GOALS FOR 2015

AT THE ENTRANCE TO 2015,
LET US MAKE SOME SMART GOALS
FOR OUR SQUADRON.
THESE GOALS SHOULD BE
SPECFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVEABLE,
REALISTIC, AND TIME-BOUND.
SOME SUGGESTIONS:
FOR CADETS:
PROMOTE ONE GRADE BY THE END OF APRIL
CREATE A STRONG COLOR & HONOR GUARD
ATTEND THE GAWG SUMMER ENCAMPMENT OR ATF
ATTEND THE 6-8 MARCH LEADERSHIP/ES WEEKEND
@ CATOOSA
FOR SENIOR OFFICERS:
SELECT ONE SPECIALTY TRACT AND TRAIN & PROGRESS
IN THAT TRACT
CREATE AN INTERESTING PROGRAM FOR PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING INTERESTING
SPEAKERS
ATTEND THE GEORGIA WING CONFERENCE IN APRIL
FOR CADETS & SENIOR OFFICERS:
CREATE A STRONG EMERGENCY SERVICES TEAM
IMPROVE THE FACILITIES
C E TE F -FILLED CTIVITIES INCLUDING INTERESTING
SPEAKERS
CONTINUE TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL COMPOSITE SQUADRON
EMEMBE I O DE TO CHIEVE S CCESS
YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN!