The Water Rudder

The Official Newsletter of the Civil Air Patrols Southeast Composite Squadron Juneau, Alaska
January 2008-Winter Issue Volume 2 Number1

Commanders Call:

Major Ken Nestler

Happy Anniversary.
Its hard to believe that its been a whole year since I became commander. I want to thank folks for all of your support. We had lots of good clinics and classes last year. Hopefully well have equally good clinics and classes this year. We are looking forward to a CPR & First Aid class this spring. We also have a chance to get a Squadron Leadership School held this year. In actual missions, were anticipating an active Homeland Security Program this year. We will need lots of folks to help crew the aircraft in addition to the pilots. Thanks to Jean for all the leadership in getting the Awards banquet organized. It was a great success. Heartfelt thanks to Admiral Brooks for his remarks at the awards Banquet and to Lt Col Bingham for his moving talk on patriotism. Also present were Steve Lewis leader of the Juneau Mountain Rescue and State Trooper Umbs. In addition State Representative Andrea Doll and Assembly-person Bob Doll attended the banquet. Hopefully you got a chance to talk some or all of them. Congratulations to all the folks that got their ratings and promotions. (See Personnel Officers section in this news letter for detailed list) Special congratulations to Steve on 55 years in the Civil Air Patrol; lots of knowledge to pass along! We also had a couple of 40 year folks, Jean Sztuk and Al Hazelton. There are others who keep trying to catch up. Keep up the effort! Congratulations to Bing for his Commanders Commendation and being named Squadron Senior of the Year and to Bob Mattson for his wonderful picture taking skills. That mirror reflection photograph is great; it was even recognized nationally and resulted in Bob receiving a NHQ award. Thanks to Al for all the effort he has put in to the Glider Program over the years. He received a Commanders Commendation for his work with the Cadets in the Gliders. Wayne Longacre received a Commanders Commendation for his work with the Cadets at this years encampment and his skills with squirrel care. Congratulations to Jeff who was named Wing Senior Officer of the Year. Also, a reminder about the Reno Air Races; I highly recommend that you take the opportunity next year to attend, Sept 10-14. Please let me know of your interest ASAP so we can organize a Juneau airlift.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

Cadet Goings-on: The cadets continue working on their model rocketry program, with Cadet Kiefer taking the instructional lead. Most took their first written exam in December, and are now working on their first rocket. Shooting instruction is continuing as plans are being made to get them out to the range for some more actual shooting. As expected, the Cadet Honor guard once again showed their expertise in presenting the colors at the recent squadron banquet.

(Photo by Capt M. DeFreest)

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

Safety News: Submitted by: Lt Rob McDonald, Safety Officer Juneau Composite Squadron 1) Our Right of Refusal As a Pilot/Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we have always been very up front with passengers during preflight briefings and during the required B-3 Aviation Training classes that any pilot, observer, or passenger can cancel a flight at any time if they feel uncomfortable in an operation. We are trying to empower people to make their request known early to eliminate an all-too-common event of someone saying after their flight how they wished they hadn't gone for some reason or another. The reason could be safety-oriented, weather-related, or personal either before the flight departs or at some point during the flight. The Civil Air Patrol recently adopted a similar mindset and they have promoted it to all members in an e-mail that Wing sent out and Commander Nestler again forwarded to the Juneau Composite Squadron. This states: Any CAP pilot or crewmember may refuse a flight for any reason and there will be no punitive action resulting from such refusal!

2) A New Take on Aviation Safety For many years, aviation training and literature have stressed the "80% Rule." This rule says that 80% of all aviation accidents are due to human error while the remaining 20% of accidents are due to mechanical and weather factors. While this is still true, let's more truly show the human error component by breaking the 20% down into 19% of accidents due to mechanical factors and 1% due to weather. Now, let's clarify that all mechanical issues are also human error-related components since people were the ones who made, assembled, or repaired an aircraft. So, in the end, we see that 99% of aviation accidents are due to human error, whether it was pilot error or an external cause that triggered an inappropriate response. This clearly shows the need to be ever-vigilant in all aspects of aviation safety. So, let's all take responsibility for every single action we take in every single aspect of our Civil Air Patrol duties and contacts. Place safety first and please do not leave an item/issue undone or not brought to attention that someone should know about or for the next person to find wrong. This could put someone else in danger or delay an important mission or activity.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

Operations: Delayed Float Clinic not such a good idea: The float clinic originally planned for Sept was pushed back due to aircraft maintenance delays and then change of fiscal years. As luck would have it, the JNU Float Pond froze over a couple weeks after N5142G finally arrived at Juneau, and the week before the mission authorization came through. The landing gear was delivered with the floatplane, so it will soon be put onto wheels for the hard-water months.

(Photo by 1Lt Doug Jones)

Three CAPF-5 check rides were accomplished outside of the planned float clinic; two during the aircraft swap itself (C-9 Mission) and a third as a paid proficiency flight (C17). We were fortunate to get these accomplished prior to freeze-up so that well have pilots already qualified when the plane goes back onto floats in the spring-time.

Other News & Photos:

(Photo by Maj J DeFreest)

In September, 2Lt Tim Long earned his private pilot certificate (& CAP Pilot Wings). and then became proud Papa to our newest future cadet, as seen here in the arms of Major Jean Sztuk at the Hangar Banquet in December. Congratulations to Tim & his family.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

(AK-022 Unit Photo)

December 29th marks a sad day for Juneau Squadron & Alaska Wing; while a great day for Washington, as 1Lt Andrea Chay gets a reassignment at the FAA & moves back to Seattle. Andrea served as assistant comms officer and jumped in to assist on many other functions such as helping with the Legislative Reception, Squadron Banquet at the Hangar on the Wharf, and took on the role of Movie Night Hostess. A going away party was held for her at the last December meeting.

Wing Conference A handful of Juneau members made it to the Wing Conference held in Anchorage in early October even though the airlift was cancelled due to severe weather conditions in Southeast. At the Wing Conference Awards Banquet, Capt Bob Mattson was awarded Commanders Commendation personally and 3 more were received by Commander Nestler on behalf of other Juneau members. Additionally, Major Jeff DeFreest was named as the 2007 Alaska Wing Officer (Senior Member) of the Year.

(Photo by Capt Martha DeFreest)

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

SECS Awards Banquet The Juneau Squadrons Awards banquet, held on the CAPs 66th birthday was held at the Hangar on the Wharf in downtown Juneau. It was well attended with 64 Senior, Cadet, members as well as guests. Major Jean Sztuk and her committee did a fine job at our new venue. Alaska Wings Major Dave Thompsen served as Master of Ceremonies and addresses were made by Admiral Brooks and Lt Col Bingham. Awards and promotions are summarized in the Personnel Officers on page 7 and 8.

(Photo by Capt Martha DeFreest)

Lt Col Boyce Bingham (right) received a Commanders Commendation for his efforts with the CAPSTONE Program, and was also named SECS Officer (Senior Member) of the Year. Training Opportunities:
Look for the FY-2008 Training Plan in the Ops Room & Classroom; or call Commander Nestler for info.

Aircraft Status:
Beaver N5142G Beaver N5347G Cessna N19MJ Cessna N4950R Wing Mtc Hangar ANC (delivered 10/2007) Mission ready @ JNU (on floats) Wing Mtc Hangar ANC Mission ready @ JNU

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

Cadet Members Awards and Personnel Actions Cadet Airman Wilcox and Mapleston: Curry Award Cadet Master SGT OBrien: Lindberg award Cadet Staff Sergeant Hales: Wright Brothers Award Senior Personnel Awards and Actions:
Welcome to New Members: (None Reported) Correction for Autumn Issue: Capt Karl Marx & 1Lt Lisa Marx transferred from North Carolina Wing

Awards & Promotions Summary Table: Provided by 1Lt Philippe Damerval, Personnel Officer Name Major Steve Sztuk Award 55 Year longevity Citation For over 55 years of dedicated service to the Civil Air Patrol, the Juneau Squadron awards the Red Service Ribbon with a 55 Year Longevity Device to... For over 40 years of dedicated service to the Civil Air Patrol, the Juneau Squadron awards the Red Service Ribbon with a 40 Year Longevity Device to... For over 40 years of dedicated service to the Civil Air Patrol, the Juneau Squadron awards the Red Service Ribbon with a 40 Year Longevity Device to... For over 30 years of dedicated service to the Civil Air Patrol, the Juneau Squadron awards the Red Service Ribbon with a 30 Year Longevity Device to... For over 20 years of dedicated service to the Civil Air Patrol, the Juneau Squadron awards the Red Service Ribbon with a 20 Year Longevity Device to... For over 20 years of service to the Civil Air Patrol, the Juneau Squadron awards the Red Service Ribbon with a 20 Year Longevity Device to... PCR-AK-022 Senior Member of the Year Wing Commanders commendation for Brewer Award Commanders commendation Commanders commendation Commanders commendation Wing Commanders commendation Alaska Wing Senior Member of the year Certificate of proficiency and promotion to Captain. For completion of Level II Professional Development with Specialty Ratings in Logistics and Safety, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Certificate of Proficiency to Capt Lt Lisa Marx

Lt Colonel Alexander E Hazelton Major Jean Sztuk

40 Year longevity

40 year longevity

Major Kenneth A Nestler

30 year longevity

1st Lt. Clyde M Felix

20 year longevity

1st Lt. Elizabeth D Belflower

20 year longevity

Lt. Col. Boyce J Bingham Capt. Bob Matteson Boyce Bingham Lt. Col. Alexander E Hazelton Capt. Adrian Wayne Longacre Major Jeffrey W Defreest Major Jeffrey W DeFreest Capt. Lisa M Marx

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

This certificate is embossed with the Brigadier General Charles E. Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award for completion of additional requirements in the area of Aerospace Education. 1st Lt. Jason E Burke Leadership ribbon For completion of the Master Rating in Logistics, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Leadership Ribbon with a Silver Star to For completion of the Technician Rating in Communications, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Leadership Ribbon to For completion of the Senior Rating in Public Affairs, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Leadership Ribbon with Bronze Star to Maj Jeff DeFreest Previously Earned: Emergency Services Technician Operations Senior Flight Operations - Master For completion of the Senior Rating in Aerospace Education, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Leadership Ribbon with Bronze Star to Capt Martha DeFreest Previously Earned: Communications Technician Emergency Services Senior For completion of the Technician Rating in Aerospace Education, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Leadership Ribbon to For completion of the Technician Rating in Health Services, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Leadership Ribbon to For completion of the Technician Rating in Finance, the Juneau Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol awards the Leadership Ribbon to For completion of the Technician Rating in Personnel For completion of the Technician Rating in Senior Development Promotion to 1st Lieutenant

1st Lt. Andrea L Chay

Leadership Ribbon

Major Jeffrey W Defreest

Leadership Ribbon

Capt. Martha A Defreest

Leadership Ribbon

1st Lt. James L Harvey, Jr

Leadership Ribbon

1st Lt Ardis D Logan 1st Lt Michael S Pellerin 1st Lt Philippe Damerval 2nd Lt Robert Goetz 2nd Lt Robert Goetz Captain Wallace H Long 2nd Lt Robert D MacDonald Major Steve Sztuk 1st Lt Patrick J Schier Major Kenneth A Nestler Major Steve Sztuk

Leadership Ribbon Leadership Ribbon Leadership Ribbon Leadership Ribbon PROMOTION Lifesaving Ribbon Lifesaving Ribbon Lifesaving Ribbon Lifesaving Ribbon Counterdrug Ribbon Counterdrug Ribbon

For flying at least 10 sorties in support of the national counterdrug effort. For working at least 10 sorties in support of the national counterdrug effort.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

Lt Colonel Alexander E Hazelton Major Jeffrey W Defreest Capt. Jon E Ahlgren

Counterdrug Ribbon Counterdrug Ribbon Counterdrug Ribbon

For flying at least 10 sorties in support of the national counterdrug effort. For flying at least 10 sorties in support of the national counterdrug effort. For flying at least 10 sorties in support of the national counterdrug effort.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

Meet the Members: Written & Submitted by Major Jean Sztuk

Captain MARTHA DEFREEST

Martha said she joined Civil Air Patrol because, You can fly, or you can fly with a purpose. Joining CAP is flying for a purpose and spending avgas on helping in community efforts of search and rescue. She joined CAP in 2002, holds rank of captain. She holds the positions of Emergency Service, Wing Director Aerospace Education, Communication Officer, Engineering Officer, and Government Relations Officer. Her husband, Major Jeffrey DeFreest is past commander of Juneau Squadron and currently the Public Affairs Officer for the unit. Martha holds a B.S.C.E. from the University of Idaho. She is employed by the USDA Forest Service as a Civil Engineer. She earned her private pilot wings and other ratings include high performance, tail wheel, and seaplane endorsements. When asked, What else do you want our members to know about you (please brag and little as we dont know unless you tell us), Martha said, Im none to shy about playing fiddle and guitar at local venues around Juneau. Her most vivid memory of flying was performing stall recovery prior to stall recovery training! She stated that her most vivid memory of Civil Air Patrol was flying the Dawn Patrol with Captain Dawn Welch, starting at 4:30 AM, tasked to find the Green Peace vessel, and successfully completing the mission south of Petersburg.

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

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CAP Supporters & Sponsors:

Travel Bug: Take a look at http://www.geocaching.com/track/details.aspx?tracker=453558 and follow our Geo-Cached 2006 Squadron Challenge Coin May be some bad news the travel bug has apparently not moved. That might indicate that it was compromised or lost. Keep an eye on the website, and let us know if you see it back on-line!

Travel Bug # 453558

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

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Humor Column:
Submitted by Major Jean Sztuk A woman was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes. Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight. He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, "Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?" The blind lady replied, "No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs." Picture this: As the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog!! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered! They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines? Things aren't always as they appear!

The Pilot

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Southeast Composite Squadron - Juneau, Alaska

For further information contact Major Jeff DeFreest, Public Affairs Officer, PCR-AK-022 at: jdefreest@gmail.com

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