Volume 5, Issue 8 “Progress through Leadership” December 2007

Eggen Appointed New SWR

Arizona Wing Commander Vice Commander

On December 1, 2007, a selection board was held to

evaluate candidates for appointment as the incoming Southwest Region Commander Colonel
Joseph Jensen has appointed Colonel
Arizona Wing Commander. The board consisted of
John J. Varljen as Southwest Region Vice
the SWR command staff, the Texas Wing Com-
Commander.
mander and a former Arizona Wing Commander (and
current AZ Wing staff member).
Col Varljen’s area of responsibility will
cover Oklahoma, New Mexico and
I am pleased to congratulate Lt. Col. Eggen on his Arizona.
selection, and to assure the members of Arizona
Wing that Lt. Col. Eggen is extremely well qualified Southwest Region Vice Commander
for this appointment. I have every confidence Colonel Andre Davis will cover Arkansas,
that the Arizona Wing will continue it’s tradition of Louisiana and Texas.
excellence under Lt. Col. Eggen’s command, and I
ask you to join me in supporting him in this impor-
tant assignment.
Joseph Jensen, Colonel, CAP
Commander, Southwest Region
 Page 2 Volume 5, Issue 8

Interim Wing Commander’s Desk

Major John W. Kruger
Arizona Wing

This holiday season, families will gather with neighbors and friends to rekindle old
friendships, revive honored traditions, and renew the hope and love that is part of the
season. And as they do, their thoughts and prayers will naturally turn to our men and
women in the armed forces whose mission it is to defend peace and freedom—
especially now when they are under such unprecedented attack.

As America’s armed forces, they are the sharp sword of freedom. They fight without
complaint on foreign seas, in dangerous skies, and on hostile lands. They voluntarily
put heir lives at risk and sacrifice their comfort and the comfort of their families so that
all our fellow citizens can enjoy the blessings and the benefits of liberty.
We salute their courage. We appreciate their sacrifice, and we pray for their success.
Please take a moment out of your busy holiday schedule to remember those that
made the ultimate sacrifice.

As we complete our leadership transition with Lt Col John Eggen being appointed our
new commander, I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to eve-
ryone that supported me as your interim commander. It has been an honor and privi-
lege to serve you. We just received word that we received a “successful” rating on our
wing survey audit. This wing has had a banner year with many great successes thru
ought the year. Each of you can be proud of those accomplishments. This wing is
Number One in SWR and well on its way to become the Number One wing in the na-
tion. I encourage you to stay the course and support Lt Col Eggen as he steps up to
be your next leader. I salute your selfless service, devotion to duty and pray each day
for your continued success. Please accept my warmest and most heartfelt wishes for a
safe and a happy holiday.

“Semper Vigilans”
Volume 5, Issue 8 Page 3

Many of us are busy bustling around doing the "Shopping Mall Dance" spending money to be sure we are
fully prepared for a season of gaiety and gift giving. Then, amongst the jangle of the cash registers,
comes the annual cry to "Put Christ back into Christmas."

Our Nation has a Constitution that guarantees, among other things, our freedom of religion and
speech. Many people come to the USA to gain those freedoms for themselves.

So, I will offer the following for your consideration:

Dec 25th Christmas –

For Christians: Joseph and Mary went up into the hills and found the caves. In one cave was a stable
room. Joseph cleaned it and made beds of fresh hay. He found a feeding trough which he cleaned and
filled with hay to use as a crib. The next night Mary gave birth to a son and they named him Jesus, as the
angel had said.

For others: Christmas is a time for Families, Fun, and Festivities! A time of family gatherings and holiday
meals, A time for Santa, stars, and singing carolers, a time for ornaments, gifts, and twinkling lights, a
time of sleigh rides, hot cocoa, and gingerbread cookies.

Dec 26th First day of Chanukah, Kwanzaa and Eid-ul-Fitr

For Jewish: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and the
rededication of the Jerusalem Temple.

For others: Kwanzaa is a 7 day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and their
history.

For Islam: The celebration at the end of Ramadan is called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). It
is a joyous occasion, similar to Christmas in its celebration but with strong religious significance. The
giving of a special charity for this occasion is obligatory.

For Buddhist: In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the new year is
celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. In Mahayana countries the new year starts
on the first full moon day in January.

Let us give thanks for the valiant troops who stand guard throughout the world so we may celebrate our
religious holidays in peace here in the United States of America. Freedom isn’t Free.

God bless you all, and may we all grant all our neighbors the freedom of speech and religion we take for
granted for ourselves.

Merry Christmas and Shalom

 Page 4 Volume 5, Issue 8

Inspector General’s
Tips
By
Maj John E. Lindsey, Asst. AZWG IG

Are you at Odds with Others in the Squadron?

Do some of your unit members rub you the wrong way? How do you handle members
with whom it is difficult to get a long? It might help to view your fellow volunteers as
members of the family. As with family, you may have differences, but you work them
out in a spirit of brotherhood and cooperation. After all, the Squadron is really no place
for engaging personal contests and arguments.

Instead of allowing disagreements to become personal and boil out of control, focus you
attention and mind on specific squadron-related issues underlying the conflict. Identify
the problem, ponder possible solutions, and then, determine the best answer to address
the obstacle.

When you focus on the discussion on solutions rather then problems, it’s easier to keep
in mind the ultimate goals: improving relationships and building your squadron.
Volume 5, Issue 8 Page 5

capMD
By
Lt Col Charles Bendixen
AZ Wing Medical Officer

WHAT GOES DOWN MAY COME UP

It has often been said that “What Goes Up Must Come Down”. When it comes to
passengers who are unaccustomed to flying in light aircraft, what goes down, may come
up. Having given over 300 cadet orientation flights, I have learned this fact on numerous
occasions. Having learned from experience, I have a few tips on prevention of messes in
the cockpit.

As in Medicine, prevention is the first line of defense. There are a number of things that a
pilot can do to help prevent motion sickness in his passengers. First, take a history to
determine if your new passengers are prone to motion sickness. If this can be determined
in advance, it might be wise to suggest that they obtain some Dramamine tablets and to
take one at least an hour prior to the flight. Secondly, a motion sickness prone cadet
should ride in the front seat first before seating them in the rear. This gives them a more
gradual introduction to the motions of flight since the front seat ride is smoother than the
back seat.

The second line of defense in medicine is “Patient Education”. The passengers should also
be advised to look outside the airplane since this will give them a view of the horizon.
Keeping visual spatial orientation will minimize the tendency to become motion sick. They
should avoid looking down at their laps. Also, prior to the flight the passengers should be
advised that “sick sacks” are available and that they should advise you as soon as they feel
at all queasy so that you can provide a bag. I keep several small zip-lock plastic bags with
my maps in my lap board so that they are instantly available. I do not count on them being
readily found in the aircraft. They have an advantage over regular commercial “sick sacks”
in they can be quickly sealed as well as quickly re-opened. This helps prevent odors from
affecting the other passengers.

One additional tip. Pretend that you are flying an airliner with many passengers. That
means avoiding abrupt maneuvers or unusual attitudes.
 Page 6 Volume 5, Issue 8

Safety Notes
By
Lt Col Mark D. Hardison
AZWG Director of Safety

December Safety
There are several important safety issues to keep in mind this month.

The most pressing is the Safety Stand Down Day. The first and most important thing will be to
PLAN and the OBSERVE the Safety Stand Down Day. Please read the e-mail from Major Kruger
about this, dated December 6th. Almost as important is insuring that your unit receives CREDIT
for the Safety Stand Down Day. This must be received by 31 December!

The next item is the Annual Safety Survey. While this only has to be done once a year, it must be
DONE. Why not do the Annual Safety Survey while you are taking care of the Safety Stand Down
Day? Also, this is an EXCELLENT opportunity to involve members who might be interested in
safety work. Even your Cadets can (and should!) be involved. Commanders are reminded that in
the absence of a designated Safety Officer (on a CAPF 2A), that the Commander IS the Safety
Officer. The Annual Safety Survey is due on January 31st of each year. Like a Christmas present,
earlier is better!

School will be out for Winter break, some people will travel visit family, there will be outdoor
activities, potlucks, shopping, travel, work will not cease… it is a busy month!

Keep your Situational Awareness high as much as you can! Be aware of children, out of school,
playing and running into the street. Remember to travel wisely; don’t drive past your endurance,
and try to enjoy the trip AND the destination. Outdoor activities can lead to hypothermia; dress
appropriately. At a potluck, keep hot food hot and cold food cold. And eat and drink in
moderation. Remember that shopping has its own hazards too! Don’t become a victim of identity
theft, or other theft. Travel? Yes, I’ve already mentioned it; you’ll probably travel more that
once. Work is important, fulfilling; and can be quite stressful. Be sure to use at least some part
of the holidays (whichever ones you celebrate!) to unwind or “de-stress” yourself.

Make the choice to be Safe this month, and every month!

Volume 5, Issue 8 Page 7

London Bridge Composite

Squadron 501 Cadets
earn Mitchell Award
Article & Photos by
Capt Joe Herczeg, LBCS 501 Commander

Cadets 2d Lieutenants Charles Massey (left) and Cody Stapp

(right) receive their respective Billy Mitchell Awards from (then)
Group 2 Commander, Maj Frank Scherer

Show-Low Composite
Squadron 210 Cadet
Participates in AZ TOPOFF 4 Drill
Article by 1Lt Terri S. Anderson

In the recent TOPOFF 4 drill held in Arizona, only one Cadet

participated, Chief Master Sergeant Jarod Richards from Show Low
Squadron 210. While several other Senior members from 357 and two
from 210 were also present to help in the exercise, Chief Richards
participated in the 211 call center, fielding questions from another group
in the Simulation Cell that pretended to be callers from the general
public. This was a new experience for Chief Richards, but a good
one. He learned many things, including how to deal with rather difficult
members of the public. Overall, all the participants learned a lot about
the TOPOFF drill and the preparations that have been made on behalf of
the State of Arizona. Squadron 210 was honored to participate in this
national drill on behalf of the Arizona Wing.
 Page 8 Volume 5, Issue 8

Willie Composite Squadron 304 Color Guard

becomes
2008 Arizona Wing Color Guard
Article by: C/Col Jamie Hurly, AZWG Cadet Commander
Photos by: Capt J. Brandon Masangcay, WingTips Editor

The 2008 Arizona Wing Color Guard (l to r) C/SSgt Nathan R. Zitek,

C/SSgt Jacqueline G. Andrieu, Commander; Maj John Kruger, AZWG
Interim Wing Commander; C/A1C Daniel J. Harris; and C/SSgt
Katherine J. Andrieu
Squadron 304 earned 1st place in Panel Quiz, Inspection, Indoor
Practical Drill, and Standard Drill, along with team member
Katherine Andrieu earning the Female Fleet foot Award.

The 2008 AZWG Cadet Competition went very well, was very competitive, and the Espirit de Corps
and teamwork of the wing was ever present. Squadrons cheered each other along, supported one
another, and in multiple cases shared gear and equipment to ensure a better experience for all.
What a great experience for all! As you can see by the results the competition was indeed neck and
neck, but at the end of the day squadron 302 took 2nd Place Overall, and Squadron 304 took 1st
Place Overall.

Congratulations to all for such a great competition, and thank you to all who made this possible.

The 2008 SWR cadet competition will be held at Barksdale AFB, LA, from March 27-29. PLEASE
support your Arizona Wing Color Guard and Drill Team as we represent you in the pursuit of out 3rd
consecutive SWR championship.

It was mentioned to the competitors Arizona Wing is one of only TWO wings in all of CAP to have
been home to BOTH a NATIONAL CHAMPION Drill Team AND Color Guard. It is your support that
continues to make this possible.
Volume 5, Issue 8 Page 9

Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 Color Guard:

(l to r) C/SSgt Kyle A. Corales; C/TSgt Michael A.
Padrick, Commander: C/SrA Kegan L. Edmondson;
C/Amn Steven M. Cothran
Squadron 302 took 1st place in the Written
Exam, Mile Run, and Outdoor Presentation of the
Colors. Cadet Michael Padrick also of Sqdn 302
was Awarded the Highest Score in the Written
Exam, and his team mate Steven Cothran earned
the Male Fleetfoot Award.

Yuma Composite Squadron 508 Color Guard: (l to r)

C/SrA Bren A. Blanchard; C/SMSgt Jacquelyn M. Taylor,
Commander; C/SSgt Ian M. Flint; and C/A1C Mathew
A. Culley
Squadron 508 was awarded the Special Team
A war d f or de di ca ti on, pe rs ev era nc e,
sportsmanship, and competitiveness.

Frank Luke, Jr. Cadet Squadron 356 Color Guard: (l to r)

C/A1C Michael A. Rojas; C/SMSgt Ryan P. Michael,
Commander; C/SSgt Erika J. Hendrickson; and C/Amn
Christopher C. Chavez
Cadet Erika Hendrickson of Squadron 356 was
recognized as the Competition's Outstanding Cadet
 Page 10 Volume 5, Issue 8

Group IV Dining-Out
Honors
Exemplary Service
Article by Capt Jerry Porter, DVCS 302 PAO
Photos contributed by various members

Exemplary service contributed by more than three dozen exemplary Civil Air Patrol (CAP)
volunteers was honored when more than 200 members and guests gathered Nov. 17 for the Arizona
Wing’s Group IV Dining Out in November at Luke Air Force Base.
Group IV consists of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, Glendale Composite Squadron 308,
Goodyear Senior Squadron 313, Luke Cadet Squadron 356, Yuma Composite Squadron 508 and Group
IV Headquarters. Maj Adam Such, Group IV Commander, presided over the event as President, and
C/Capt Justin Macari, Sq 356, as Mr. Vice, and C/2nd Lt Katrina Noll, Sq 508, as Madam Vice.
A social hour prior to the dinner provided cadets and officers the opportunity to meet and greet
special guest U.S. Air Force Brig Gen Noel T. “Tom” Jones, commander of the 56th Fighter Wing at
Luke AFB as well as enjoy each other’s company with family and friends.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Maj Such, and Maj John Kruger, Interim Arizona Wing
Commander. C/2d Lt Robert Gassert of Sq 302 introduced General Jones, who delivered the keynote
address on the topic of leadership and underscored the need “to always do the right thing, regardless
of consequences.”
Lt Col John Eggen, former Group IV commander and current Director of Governmental Affairs
for CAP National Headquarters, read a proclamation from Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano
designating November as Arizona’s Civil Air Patrol Arizona Wing Group IV Month in Arizona.
The evening’s highest individual honor went to Capt Rita Bivens-Scherer, commander of
Glendale Composite Squadron 308, who received the Meritorious Service Award for achievements that
include increasing squadron membership, elevating the number of qualified Emergency Services,
leading her squadron to its position as the predominate aircraft flight-hour leader in Arizona Wing and
being the principal leading officer in acquiring a grant from the Arizona Department of Transportation
for a building fund totaling $200,000.
Another special presentation was made to then Col William Lynch, former Arizona Wing
Commander. He was presented by Maj Such on behalf of Group IV with a special Commander’s
Commendation and glass plaque honoring his service.
Both Col Lynch and Capt Bivens-Scherer received standing ovations in honor of their
contributions.
(continued on page 13)
Volume 5, Issue 8 Page 11
 Page 12 Volume 5, Issue 8

Awards Presented
at Group IV Dining-Out

Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302:

Commander’s Commendation -- C/2nd Lt. Robert Gassert; 1st Lt. Casey Young,
Capt. Les Manser, Capt. Jerry Porter, Capt. Michael Rich, Capt. William Rogers
and Capt. Ken Young.
Gen. Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Award – Capt. Jerry Porter.
Certificates of Appreciation -- C/Amn Alethia Patocs, C/A1C Alexander Patocs and C/
CMSgt. Clifford Branch III.
Glendale Composite Squadron 308:
Commander’s Commendation -- TFO Seth Martin, 1st Lt. Clinton Wolverton, Capt.
Dave Gregor, Maj. Richard Frazier and Maj. Don Pocock.
Gen. Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Award – SM Dominick Manginelli.
Luke Cadet Squadron 356
Commander’s Commendation – C/CMSgt Misty Holton, C/MSgt Ryan Michael, 2nd Lt
Sharlene Michael, 1st Lt. Wendy Fields and Capt Cheryl Macari.
Yuma Composite Squadron 508
Commander’s Commendation – C/2nd Lt. Katrina Noll, Capt Marilee Taylor, Maj. Lee
Vance and Major Todd Pinnt.
Certificates of Appreciation – C/SSgt Jacquelyn Taylor, Capt. Daniel Groeling, Capt.
Gordon Harwell, Capt. Stephen Poe
Group IV Headquarters
Commander’s Commendation – SM Jared Such, 2nd Lt. Ruben Kafenbaum, 1st Lt.
Matt Fields, 1st Lt. Larry Sheets, 1st Lt. Dale Steinmetz, Lt. Col. William Lynch, Lt. Col.
Heather Muehleisen and Lt. Col. Wes Waddle.
Certificate of Appreciation – Lt. Col. Chas Buchanan
Volume 5, Issue 8 Page 13

(from page 10)

Another highlight of the awards function was the presentation of the Brig Gen
Billy Mitchell Award to three of Group IV finest cadets. Group IV was honored to have
Gen. Jones assist in the award presentation to C/2nd Lt. Caleb Eaves and C/2nd Lt.
Robert Gassert, both of Sq 302, and C/2nd Lt. Katrina Noll from Sq 508. The General
gave each cadet a sincere and personal thank you for outstanding service and commit-
ment to CAP.
On a lighter note, several cadets and officers were “selected” to take part in
another military tradition – the Grog Bowl. Following this tradition, C/2ndlt Katrina Noll,
aka Madam Vice, describe the wonderful fragrance and concoction of the Grow Bowl and
how the violators of the published ‘rules of the mess’ would share in this tradition. After
the mess order was restored, the Grog was closed, but not before each Sq Commander
took their trip!
As the evening ended, Maj. Such described the event as “the highlight of my CAP
career” and concluded, “The message I want to leave with each of you is you have my
sincere admiration and respect. You are why this group is so successful.”
Volume 5, Issue 8 Page 14

Verde Valley Composite Squadron 205

holds an Awards Potluck Dinner
Article by Lt Col Mike Sue, VVCS 205 Commander

On the 1st of December, the 66th Anniversary Day of the founding of the Civil Air Patrol, the
Verde Valley Composite Squadron 205, Group II, held an Awards Potluck Dinner.

Major Frank Scherer, Wing IG, and wife Captain Rita Bivens-Scherer, were visitors. Major
Scherer was the guest speaker for the evening.

Also on display was the squadron's proclamation, which had been signed by Sedona Mayor
Pud Colquitt, a supporter and friend of the CAP.

Awarded were "Special" certificates of appreciation and also The Nelson Award, made in
honor of Major Gail Nelson, who was a strong supporter of the cadet program and who bequeathed
a large sum of money to Squadron 205 on his passing. Gail Nelson was an early CAP cadet and
became a senior member as well and retained his flight medical certificate late into his lifetime.
Hazel Nelson, his wife was also a member of Squadron 205. This year the Nelson Award went to
First Lieutenant Darryl W. Thompson who helped the cadets with Aerospace Education.

Also awarded were Commanders Commendations to Major Donna L. Pratt for great
assistance to the squadron commander as professional development officer, recruiting & marketing
officer and general helper. Also awarded Commanders Commendations were First Lieutenants Lorna
A. Thompson, and William F. Tripp for their great contributions to the life of the squadron.

A Squadron 205 Special Certificate went to Lt Col Jack Zier which featured a
multi-media painting of a spatula and pilot sandwich in honor of his dedication to cooking during the
Sedona Western Americana Day celebration at the Sedona Airport where the squadron did a fund-
raiser.

A Squadron 205-specific Gold-leafed Award of Excellence was presented to Major Luis A. Camus, the
squadron deputy commander and medical officer in honor of Camus' dedication to the squadron,
and the core values of the CAP. This award is presented in recognition of an unusually high degree
of service to Squadron 205.

Winter & Summer FTXs

Dates Announced
Major Scott “Kozak” “Kozakiewicz has announced the dates for the annual Field Training
Exercises (FTXs):

Winter FTX 2008 / February 1-3, 2008 - Squadrons will set own costs

Summer FTX 2008 / April 4 - 6, 2008 - Cost $35, includes training materials and all meals
along with snacks.