U. S.

Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol Squadron 153 Charter #PCR-CA-345 Jan-Dec 2010 #PCR-CA-345

WORDS FROM THE TOP Squadron Commander Maj. Mark Wong

It has been a fun and exciting and busy! year for our squadron. Besides our routine Wednesday meetings and Foxhunts, we have participated in several Orientation Flights, the Race on the Base, the 4 th of July, Wings, Wheels, & Rotors Expo, conducted a mountain and a desert Field Training Exercise, built and launched model rockets, begun training a Color Guard and an Honor Guard, enjoyed a squadron pool party, a Halloween party, and so much more. Many of our squadron family have also distinguished themselves this year. We sent personnel to staff the joint CA/NV Wings Encampment, Cadet NCO School, Cadet Programs Conference, Squadron Leadership School, and the Corporate Learning Course. We sent seniors and cadets to nearly all training provided this year by Group 7 or CAWG including all of the aforementioned activities. Our numbers have also grown! We began the year with seven senior members and 15 active

cadets. We are ending the year with 9 senior members and 23 active cadets. Lets continue this growth! I anticipate this new year to be particularly exciting, with more activities and fun. Let us all strive to make this year better than last Trained To Lead!!!

4th of July
by C/MSgt Daniel Clay

My Experience at the Los Alamitos 4th of July Celebration

by C/SSgt Michael Quintana

The cadets (and seniors) who were involved in the 4th of July did a very good job, and thankfully there were no problems or accidents that occurred during the day. It was a good idea for 2dLt. Goodwin to bring his air-conditioned RV. The only problem with the event was that the cadets did not put safety first and forgot to bring whistles or flashlights to the event. Over all the day went by very well and the base is very grateful to have us at their disposal for these events. Glider Flights
by C/AB Nicholas Pio

My experience at the 4 of July celebration was awesome because we got a certificate from the commanding general of the base and this has been my third time working for the 4th of July at the base. The food that the American Legion Hall provided was fantastic the pizza was great and they only gave me and Cadet Van de Brake popcorn to us only. It was fun working with the MPs they were making sure that the people were listening to us and they were directing traffic to.
th

On August 1st we had Glider Flights for the first time in a while, and it was great. We first had to assemble the glider, putting on the wings and elevator. After we did that we had to tow it behind a truck all the way to the other side of the runway. Next we all had some training on how to be a wing runner (walker), and then we launch the gliders via a tow plane. Watching the glider from the ground was great too because it

looked so graceful in the sky. Once it was your turn they asked your weight and to put in ballast weight for me and also had to bring the rudder pedals as close as they could. Once we detached from the tow plane it was great because the pilot told you how to fly the glider and then gave you control of the glider. Once the pilot had control again he made a 45 degree turn, which was really steep, and created a lot of G forces. Then he asked if I had a pen and when I pulled it out steeply lowered the nose of the plane and told me to let go of the pen and it floated in the air before he pulled back up. It was my first time being in a glider and it really act much differently than a powered plane. This was a really great experience and I hope to do it again soon.

Gliding
by C/Amn Colton Priest

August 1st of this year was the first time my fellow cadets and I have ever been two thousand feet above the ground with no
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engine supporting us. It was also the first time that I have ever been weightless (I felt like an astronaut) or weighed twice as much as my normal weight. I really didnt know what to expect when I pulled the lever to release the cord that connected me to the tow plane, but once I released the cord I had the coolest feeling in the world knowing that I was soaring above the earth. The experienced pilot was showing me a few of the fun maneuvers that the glider could do. One of my favorite parts was when we dove then pulled up (we felt positive g force) then, when the instructor pushed on the stick, we dove again and we felt the negative g force and it was the very first time I have ever been weightless. All in all though I would call my first glider flight with squadron 41 very fun and exciting, and it was a good first entry into my sailplane logbook to start off my flying career. My Experience at the Big Bear FTX
by C/SSgt Michael Quintana

My experience at the FTX was ok because I got sick at the FTX I didnt like the fact that I got sick but the FTX was steal great I had fun when we did the hike and when we played TA for two hours in the night time. But next time Im going to be prepared for next FTX. Big Bear FTX
by C/MSgt Daniel Clay

The FTX, I thought, went over well. There could have been a better cadet/staff

ratio but other than that it definitely fun too because we was great. There was a good made our shelters only out of what we could find on the ground. Once it got dark we played Tactical advancement, which I thought was one of the best parts of the trip. Having to sneak up to the other team to take their glow stick was hike, but there could have just really fun. We also been more of the cross learned a lot of teamwork country rather than following because we had to cooperate the road. The chow was ok together to reach the (mine was better) and it was common goal of taking their on time. TA was fun (could glow stick. At the end of the have used a bigger field) and last day having a smore the classes were fine. There during Fire Watch was a could be some different ones good way to end the trip. than shelter building and escape and evasion. Over Cadet Programs all, I believe that the cadets Conference had a fun and safe time on by C/MSgt Lester Adea the FTX. This is my fourth FTX year in Civil Air Patrol Squadron 153 and I am still by C/AB Nicholas Pio having a good time attending On July 9th we left different events. Recently, a for Big Bear, and we couple of cadets and I returned on the 11th. It was a attended the Cadet Programs long ride there since we did Conference (CPC) of 2010 get a little lost on the dirt located at Camp San Luis rode leading up the camp site Obispo. CPC is a casual but when we got the there event where cadets from all the two cadets that made it over the nation are invited up early had already set the and gather together to take tents up. This was my first seminar classes. These time going to an FTX, so it classes focus on educating was my first time doing the the cadets in what CAP is Fire Watch. I liked the Fire about: aerospace education, Watches more than I thought leadership, emergency I would because you could services, drill teams, and so see so many stars. The many much more! These seminars activities that we did were are not only educational but great too. The hike was fun also fun. Personally, I took because we had to find firearm safety, color guard checkpoints and answer the class, dance class, questions. Next we did a emergency services class, camouflage class, which was and survival gear. my favorite class because After the seminars some of us had to hide in the comes the party: games, brush while the others tried pool, sumo wrestling, and to find us using a FOD walk. food are available. Then The shelter making class was

finally, after all the seminars are completed followed by the party, there comes the banquet. Cadets either wear their blues uniform or class A uniforms in order to look nice. Its sort of like a military ball or prom. What happens is an awards and recognitions ceremony, memorial for those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice and of course, the feast. After the feast, the fun part comes the dance! Overall, CPC is a great event to learn about CAP, make friends, and have fun. Its hard to miss the good times I had at each CPC I went to. Merchant Marine Memorial
by C/SSgt Daryl Leach

On May 24, 2010 in San Pedro the Merchant Marines held a memorial for all of the fallen merchant marines. I was requested to play TAPS for them and I accepted. I had the pleasure of meeting people such as Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Captain Roger Laferriere of the US Coast Guard, John Pitts the president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial, and several World War II vets. The program consisted of the introductions of special guests, speakers, the memorial service, the recognition of those who served, a moment of silence, and lastly a luncheon. I played TAPS after the rifle salute in the recognition of those who served. During the luncheon I sat with John Pitts, his daughter, a few vets, and Captain Roger Laferriere. I
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was served a salad, a wonderful prime rib, and I lovely cheese cake. I talked to John Pitts about the Merchant Marines and their history. As it turns out the Merchant Marines carried all of the supplies for all of the wars and 1 out of every 26 of them died in service. The marines only had 1 out of every 36 die in service but they also had more people. I also heard exciting stories from the vets and Captain Roger Laferriere. Overall it was an amazing event and I am glad I was a part of it. O-rides
by C/Amn Colton Priest

feet above or below our goal. I had lots of fun flying and at the end of the day the pilot said that all of our flights were so smooth that he couldnt decide between us so we all won the title of a very good and smooth flyer.

Squadron History
by Maj Mark Wong

Our squadron was chartered in September 1969. We have very little information, however, regarding these early years of the unit. In fact, we dont begin to put bits and pieces together until almost 1990!

O-rides
by C/AB Nicholas Pio

This Saturday, a few of my fellow cadets and I, from both cadet squadrons 153 and 138, went to Fullerton airport for orientation flights with a few pilots from squadron 150. This was my second orientation flight and I had high hopes for it. Once we settled into the plane, the pilot taxied onto the runway for a very smooth takeoff. We started our ascent to four thousand feet. Once we reached the 4000 mark and got away from all the other planes, the pilot turned the controls over to my friend, Andy, who was sitting in the copilots seat. He told us that there will be a competition to see which cadet had the smoothest flight. The first cadet had a VERY smooth flight with some very good turns. Once he was done flying we landed, and then it was my turn to take the controls. Not to brag but I also had a good flight, and I never let our altitude get 50

On July 31st we had orientation flights out of Fullerton airport, and it was great. They showed us all around the plane (Cessna 182), and what each part does. Next, they showed us the cockpit, telling use what all the instruments tell the pilot while he is flying. It was amazing because the plane had really advanced instrumentation, with computer displays. Once we got in the air the greatest part of the experience happened when the pilot actually let you have control of the plane and fly it. While flying he had us do turns, climbs, and descends, while looking outside for other traffic. It was not a disappointment when you had to switch seats and the other cadet fly because then got to just sit back and watch the view, and also feel a lot of Gs when the other cadet pulled up to steeply. This was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had because it was my first time flying a plane, and I will never forget it.

This emblem belonged to the 153rd Air Rescue Sqdn. Who are they? Well, simply put they used to be us! We have no record of this emblem, who designed it, when, and what it means. So, in early 1991, the cadets of Squadron 153 designed our current squadron emblem. (A little known secret: The artwork for our current squadron emblem was generously donated by the Walt Disney studios!) I believe this clearly highlights the need for our current Squadron Historian, FO Matthew Kamei, to keep a detailed record of squadron events, activities, promotions, and other such milestones. Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer School (NCOS)
by C/TSgt Anistasha Wilhelm

Once per year, the California wing of Civil air patrol hosts a weekend-long school designed to train the

CAP cadet programs future leaders. Cadet noncommissioned officer school (NCOS) is the third stepping-stone in the California wing integrated leadership program, the fist being Basic cadet school (BCS) and Airman training school (ATS). California wing requires that potential NCOS attendees obtain a grade of cadet airman first class and graduate from either BCS or Encampment. This past year, NCOS was held the weekend of November 13-15 at March Air Reserve Base in Southern California. Upon arrival, cadets were partitioned into several separate seminars. These groups were similar to the flights, the only differences being the nature of the instructional course that set for alternating leaders of the group and a deeply relaxed atmosphere. Cadets were held accountable to seminar leaders for their actions as well as for verification of the attendance of the classes and workshops that were required attendance for the school. Individual seminars were given charge of their own schedules, entrusted to take it upon themselves to meet set times for reveille, be present at meals on time, and attend workshops and classes punctually. Over the course of the three-day school, students were subjected to curriculum designed to expand leadership capabilities and teaching skills. Between public speaking classes, learning to teach and lead drill and ceremonies, and gaining an
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education on how to operate as a cadet NCO, students had little time for rest. The days at the school started early and ended late, and there was always more learning to be had. Something as simple as marching the seminar to the next scheduled class or meal became an invaluable learning experience. Among the most important of imposed lessons, students were taught the importance of command presence, feedback, and areaawareness while holding authority over a flight or any number of cadets. The hard work and the jam=packed schedules of the weekend did not prove in vain. Upon graduation, each student of the 2009 California Wing NCOS took with it the knowledge that they had received a leadership education unlike any other. It was now up to the student to take what he/she learned back to his or her own squadron.

2010 Non-Commissioned Officers School

by C/SrA Andy Goodwin

This years California Wing Noncommissioned Officers School (NCOS) took place at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside. It started on Friday, October 22 and ended on Sunday, October 24. To be eligible to attend NCOS, you must be at least a cadet senior airman and have attending either Basic Cadet School (BCS) or Encampment. Most cadets are between technical sergeants to master sergeants. While at NCOS, we learned to drill a flight, but we learned even more. We learned to become leaders. Some of the few other things we learned were how to teach a class, which we presented to our fellow seminar cadets, learning to teach new drill movements to our flight, and proper color guard procedures. I would recommend any SQ153 NCOS Graduates: cadets who have not attended 2009 NCOS before to definitely C/CMSgt Devon Butler go to NCOS next year. I C/TSgt Anistasha Wilhelm learned more information C/SSgt Daryl Leach from the three days at NCOS C/SrA Michael Quintana than my entire CAP career 2010 so far.
C/SrA Andy Goodwin C/MSgt Daniel Clay

day we found a snake by one of the cadets tents and we were hungry so we decided to make it dinner. It was pretty cool watching Lt Col. Skullr skin the snake. I will never forget the first time I had rattlesnake though! On the way home I looked back on the weekend and I had a pretty good time, eager to attend the next FTX.

Owl Canyon FTX

by C/AB Sebastian Seibert von Fock

Owl Canyon FTX

by C/AB Colton Priest

This October my Civil Air Patrol squadron had an FTX out in the desert. Im really not the camping type but since we only have a few a year, I decided to give it a try. It turned out to be really fun and I learned a lot like map and compass reading. During the second
Navigator, January December 2010

This was my first FTX so I had no idea what to expect. When I came to our Squadron headquarters we first helped pack the cars. Then we were divided into different cars. I was able to drive in the RV where there was a couch with seatbelts. We had driven for about 3 hours before we were at the campground which was about 11 miles if you follow the road from Barstow. When we got out it was pitch-dark and we had to turn on our flashlights. Then we helped people set up tents, had a safety briefing, and were scheduled into fire watches duties. Finally we were allowed to go to our tent. The next morning we were woken up early and had to do physical exercise which was grueling especially in the hot desert sun and the heavy leather boots. I only did about half

of the exercises before I had to quit because of exhaustion. We then broke our fast and were taught how to get water in the desert. Then we went for a compass hike (in which we also ate our lunch), had a radio class, and finally went for a very long hike where half of the squadron was suffering from blisters including myself. When we had come back we first rested and ate dinner. The rest of the group then had camouflage class while I had kitchen duty (cleaning the dishes). We all had smores and also grilled a rattlesnake which we had caught and killed earlier on in the day. Then we played TA which was capture the flag with glow sticks. Our team lost miserably, but it was still fun. We retired after this game and were woken up early again the next day. On the last day we mostly prepared for leaving the campsite and on our drive back ate at Carls Jr. Overall, I did not enjoy the FTX while I was there because I was sore and had a lot of blisters. In the end though I was glad that I went since I learned many new thin (like how a rattlesnake tastes), and I was able to experience many great things. Desert FTX
C/AB Rashid Taquir

The dessert FTX was an extraordinary experience. To some it was boring but to others it wasnt that bad. When we got there it was hectic, it was do this do that. We didnt go to bed until about midnight that
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