CIVIL AIR PATROL BUTLER COMPOSITE SQUADRON 712

20 October 2007 Volume 7, Issue 2

The Communicator
Challenge: On January 31, 1956, a USAF flight from Nellis Air Force Base Nevada to Olmstead Air Force Base Harrisburg, was rumored to have crashed in the Monongahela River just outside of Pittsburgh. What type of plane was it, and where is it?

Commanders Call:
There are two very important dates you should mark in your calendars RIGHT NOW: There is more on both of these events elsewhere in this newsletter, so check those items for details. I conducted my first Commanders inspection of the Cadet Corps on 1 October.
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that we must wear our uniforms properly. There are a wide variety of uniforms authorized for wear by CAP members. Keeping them straight is often a challenge. Fortunately, we have a

5 November: Squadron 712 Open House, PA Representative is our Guest of Honor

12 November: Squadron 712 Annual Awards Banquet at The Runway restaurant

Inside this issue:

CAPs 65th Anniversary USAF 60th Anniversary In the Air AGAIN! O-Flights Cadet Commanders Comments Squadron 712 Picture Page 712 Aviation Merit Badge Class Group 1 Day Flyer 712 Open House Upcoming Events Drill Instruction Coming!

Many members of 712 need to find this handy reference: character in the 39-1 and talk to their CAP Manual 39-1, I plan to make these Civil Air Patrol Unibarbers about proper haircuts! inspections the first form Manual. You meeting of each quarter. (NOTE: the next can be sure youre seeing the most curone is on 7 January 2008.) rent information when you view this manual on www.CAP.gov. Be sure to check I took it easy at this inspection, calling the Letters of Change in the index of out the more obvious problems with unimanuals too. These reflect changes to be forms and gaps in knowledge. Januarys incorporated in the next update of the 39inspection will be considerably more de1. Theres also a copy of CAPM 39-1 at manding. HQ.
With regard to uniforms, Colonel Lee, our new Wing Commander, made it clear in one of his first statements as commander Remember, aside from Members of the United States Air Force and its related
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Brigadier General Amy S. Courter, our new National Commander

The U.S. Civil Air Patrols Board of Governors named Brig. Gen. Amy Courter as our interim National Commander. She will hold that position until August 2008, when the membership will elect a new National Commander. (Gen. Courter is eligible to run.) General Courter has held the position of Acting National Commander since early August, when the Board of Governors suspended Gen. Pineda, pending investigation of allegations of misconduct. See Gen. Courters message regarding CAPs 65th Anniversary inside.

Call to Attention:
CAP 65th Anniversary USAF 60th Anniversary Cadet Orientation Flights 3 NOV Group One Day 5 NOV 712 OPEN HOUSE!!! 12 NOV Squadron 712 Banquet

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The Communicator

U.S. Civil Air Patrols 65th Anniversary message from Gen. Courter
Throughout this year, Civil Air Patrol will be celebrating its 65th anniversary. This is a great time to reflect on how much our volunteers have achieved in their 65 years of national service. The CAP members of 1941 were a heroic breed - men and women who served their country by sinking or chasing away German submarines off America's East and Gulf coasts. As a result of their bravery, patriotism and tenacity, CAP subchasers effectively thwarted German U-boat attacks and, in the process, saved countless lives. Today, CAP handles 95 percent of inland search and rescue missions, with approximately 75 lives saved each year. Our members are generally the first on the scene transmitting satellite digital images of the damage within seconds around the world and providing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade disasters, including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas and Oklahoma wildfires, tornadoes in the south and central U.S., North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006 earthquake in Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the U.S. and Mexican border. In addition, CAP members are dedicated to counterdrug reconnaissance and to teaching a new generation about aerospace and its impact on our future. And our cadet programs ensure our youth receive some of the finest leadership training the nation has to offer. Unlike our founding CAP fathers, many of whom flew their own airplanes and performed lifethreatening missions without any formal training, our 56,000-plus members are now provided with top-notch, year-round professional development training opportunities and with aircraft equipped with the most advanced technologies available for search and rescue. During our yearlong anniversary celebration, CAP will conduct grassroots observances in local communities designed to heighten public awareness of our Missions for America. As we launch this special marketing campaign, I extend congratulations to all of our volunteers - both past and present - for their vision, commitment and sacrifices that made these missions possible. I salute each of you - the heart and soul of Civil Air Patrol! Semper vigilans! Brig. Gen. Amy Courter Interim CAP National Commander
This message was copied from the home page at www.CAP.gov

USAF 60th Anniversary

The advocates for an independent branch of the US military dedicated to the power of aircraft in war and in peace had to wait a long time as the ability of mans flight progressed. It was not until September 18th, 1947 that the US Air Force became that independent branch of the military. Now that we have passed the 60th anniversary of the creation of the US Air Force, it is a good time to think back upon its creation and some of the events that were instrumental in its creation. In 1947, there was a serious effort to transform all branches of the US military in the wake of the lessons learned during World War II, as well as the transformations of the military from its colossal size of the war years to its new and drastically smaller size. For the US military, their aircraft fleets were divided between the US Army Air Corps and the US Navy including the Marine air groups. The Army Air Corps had expanded during the war years from a support role to the ground forces into a strategic partner that was instrumental to the winning of

September 18th, 1947...the US Air Force became that independent branch of the military the war. The organization then became the Army Air Forces. Strategic bombing campaigns, tactical air support, transportation of men and materials, as well as delivering paratroopers became the role of the Army Air Forces. The transition of this segment of the US Army required a number of changes, but this was made easier by the separate commands that were used during the war years between
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Cadet Commanders Comments:

As many of you know, I participated in many different activities this past summer. In all, I attended 4 different CAP Schools: Cadet Leadership School (CLS), Hawk Mountain Ranger School (HMRS), Powered Flight Encampment (PFE) and Basic Encampment (as a staff member. My favorite was the Hawk Mountain Ranger School. Hawk Mountain (the Mountain" OR "Hawk" as it is commonly referred to) is a national activity focused on Search and Rescue. It is held on the eastern side of Pennsylvania near the town of Kepton, just north of Hamburg. There are three schools in the Ranger program, Summer School, Winter School West and Winter School East. Summer School is the main Hawk Mountain event and it includes Cadets from all over the country and Puerto Rico. It is held at the Mountain every year and has many different levels. There are the Basic squadrons, Advanced squadron (Alpha), Medic (Mike), Special Advanced (Echo), Ropes (Tango), Ranger Staff (either Romeo or XRay), and for Seniors, the Senior Basic (Sierra). Of these squadrons, Tango and Echo are the only squadrons that are offered to both Cadets and Senior Members. Generally, if you are new to the summer school, you are placed in one of the basic squadrons. You can request placement in the advanced squadron, but you must have a legitimate reason to be placed there. For example, I had already achieved Ranger grade, GTM level 1 and have training in Search and Rescue skills and techniques. This summer, I plan to attend my second summer school, this time going through the Medic squadron. I hope to see at least one or more of you there! Winter School East and Winter School West, are nearly the same training. These events occur on a weekend in February, the Winter Schools focus on SAR in the wintertime when the weather is harsher. Winter School west is held in Western PA and Winter School East is at the Mountain. Winter West is the only Hawk Mountain School that changes location, and is away from Hawk. I encourage everyone to attend at least one Ranger School during your tenure with CAP, be it at Summer School or at a Winter school. More information about Hawk Mountain, its schools, and much more is found on the website at http:// www.pawingcap.com/hawk/. If you have any questions about the Ranger Program, SAR (both GTM and Ranger), or Hawk, go through your chain of command to get them answered. A couple words of wisdom for the younger cadets: Someone always has the answers, it is a matter of finding that someone and asking the right questions. C/2Lt Ken Berkopec Cadet Commander

BACK IN THE AIR! After being shut out of flying Sq. 712s Cadet Orientation Flights for months by foul weather and a foot injury, I was able to get back in the air on 20 October! Cadets Hamby, Lawther and Zinn (seen with me in the picture) took their FIRST OFlight; later, cadet Ritenour joined me for his 2nd flight. We flew more than 3 hours on a beautiful fall day! All cadets should be thankful that CAP and the USAF provides the privilege of O-flights as a benefit of our membership! Next scheduled 712 OFlights are 17 November. Sign Up! Kevin Berry, 1Lt CAP Commander, CAP Cadet Orientation Pilot

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the ground forces and the air forces. As a part of some of these transformations of the military in 1947, the Civil Air Patrol was officially inaugurated as the US Air Force Auxiliary. (CAP predates the USAF by about 5 years being founded in December 1941!)

The US Air Force has changed greatly in the last 60 years. From a massive fleet of World War II piston powered aircraft and early jet fighters to an organization that operates with cutting age technology to operation on the ground, in the air, in space and in cyberspace. Keith McMillen, 2Lt CAP Deputy Commander for Seniors

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The Communicator

Squadron 712 Picture Page

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Squadron 712 Hosts Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Class

On 13 October, Squadron 712 teamed up with AirQuest Aviation, the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at the Butler County Airport, and the Moraine Trails Counsel of the Boy Scouts of America, to present a one-day comprehensive Aviation Merit Badge Class. 63 Scouts and more than 20 adult BSA members attended the class, held in AirQuests Hangar 2. 1Lt. Kevin Berry, Squadron 712s Aerospace Education Officer and Commander, lead the course, employing multimedia presentations, hands-on activities, PCATD flight simulators, real aircraft, tours of the airport facilities, and discussion groups conducted by aviation career professionals. The day began with the presentation of our colors by the Squadron 712 Color Guard. Cadets Barnes, Berkopec, Campbell and Gilliss provided a sharp detail to help us begin the day right. Scouts participated in a paper airplane build and fly contest, performed preflight inspections of actual airplanes, flew computerized flight simulators with the help of our pilots, and took a walking tour of the airports ramp where they got a first-hand look at one of the most important streets for business in Butler County, Runway 08/26! Small groups made one-on-one interactions possible during the Scouts discussions with Aviation Career Professionals. Group leaders included: an Airline Captain and check pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, Airframe and Power plant mechanic, Charter Service Coordinator, FAA Flight Standards District Office specialist, LifeFlight Helicopter pilot and a representative of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. 63 Scouts were able to meet the requirements for their Aviation Merit Badge in one day thank to the combined efforts of the CAP, BSA, the Aviation Career Professionals, and our host AirQuest Aviation. This unique combination brought together all the resources necessary to meet, and exceed, the Merit Badge criteria in one place. Special thanks to the following, in no specific order: Katie Head, 1Lt CAP, Sean ONeill, 1Lt CAP, Captain Craig Hunt, USAirways, Clayton Findon, Charter Service Coordinator, Dan Welms, CFII, Richard Weinzierl, FAA Specialist, LifeFlight of the West Penn Allegheny Health System and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. A special thanks goes to Dr. Dennis Zerega, Advisor Troop 169 Pittsburgh, my copresenter and the man who got me into this in the first place. Finally, I can not say enough about the wonderful facility and total cooperation we received from AirQuest Aviation. They threw open their doors to us, provided expert staff help during the course and even provided lunch for everyone who attended the class! A special thanks goes to Jerry Kennihan, owner of AirQuest and his staff, Lacey, Clayton and Dan. Given the success of this event, well be holding another sometime in the future. Kevin Berry, 1Lt CAP Aerospace Education Officer & CC

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The Communicator

Conference is FREE

Group 1 Day, 3 November 2007

127 Byers Road, New Stanton, Pennsylvania (724) 925-3591

0900 1130 Commanders Call

(lunch on your own)

1300 1530 Workshops Cadet Advisory Council Operations/Emergency Services, Communication, Aerospace Education & more Semi-Formal Dinner, reception at 1800 Afterwards, Entertainment with DJ Rooms are $ 55.00 per night, paid directly to Days Inn

Conference Only = free to all members

Lunch = on your own (several places nearby) Dinner = $ 22.00 Seniors and non-members, $ 20.00 cadets

Payable to HQ GP ONE,CAP
Please detach & send with check or money order to: MAJ C. Flick, 116 Debra Lane Somerset, PA 15501

Name ____________________ Unit __________ Phone __________________ Number of Senior Meals ___________ x $ 22.00 = total ____________ Number of Cadet Meals____________ x $ 20.00 = total ____________

Headcount needs to be in by 23 October 2007

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Butler Composite Squadron 712

Civil Air Patrol

Invites you to attend our ...

OPEN HOUSE
Monday November 5, 2007
Free Event!

7 pm to 9 pm Butler County Airport Hangar C-2

PA Rep. Daryl Metcalfe Guest of Honor

Continuous Presentations on: Cadet Program Slideshow of Squadron Activites Aerospace Education Search and Rescue Equipment Emergency Services Capabilities Communications radios Drill Demonstration CAP Uniforms Refreshments will be served!
Contact Kevin Berry, 1Lt CAP, Commander for more information: 724-586-1182, or kjberry@zoominternet.net
CAP is an official auxiliary of the United State Air Force; it is strictly a voluntary organization. We hope Cadets will be inspired by our programs, but they are under NO OBLIGATION to join the Air Force. (Advanced cadets who choose to join the Air Force may enter at higher grade.) Were here to develop our future leaders, serve our community and country, and to have fun while were doing it!

Pilot a flight Simulator with our pilots help!

Squadron 712 Upcoming Events:

Civil Air Patrol Butler Composite Squadron 712
Hangar C-1 Butler County Airport 470 Airport Road Butler, PA 16001

See squadron calendar posted at HQ or online at www.google.com/calendar then search for Squadron 712

3 November Group 1 Day Somerset: see related article 5 November Squadron 712 OPEN HOUSE, guest of honor is PA Rep.Daryl Metcalfe visits 712 12 November WWII Veteran, P-51 pilot give Veterans address 12 November Squadron 712 Awards banquet 17 November 712 Cadet Orientation Flights KBTP TBA: Tour of Pittsburgh Air Traffic Control Center Newsletter The Communicator deadline 15th of each month

Commanders Phone: 724-586-1182 E-mail: CC712BTP@zoominternet.net

Semper Vigilans, Always Vigilant

CAP is on the Web! WWW.CAP.GOV

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Drill & Ceremonies

Senior Member Marak, 712s Logistics Officer, has responded to my request to help our Squadron improve its proficiency in drill. By his own admission, hes no expert when it comes to drill, but he intends to find someone who is!
LOOK SHARP!

Take advantage of the multitude of CAP training and personal development courses. Make it your goal to help write your name into the ongoing history of CAP today, and everyday you carry a membership card in your wallet! Regards,

Reserve and Air Guard units, CAP members are the only people in this country authorized to wear the Air Force uniform; its quite and honor, and privilege that brings a responsibility to wear it right! With regard to Cadet knowledge: the more you know, the more youll get out of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program! If youre in it for the love of flying, know your Aerospace Modules. If youre in CAP to learn and grow, know your leadership modules. If youd like to participate in Cadet Special Activities, get on www.CAP.gov and www.PAWGCAP.com and read all about them, and how you may qualify to participate. At Octobers inspection I asked simple questions: Whats the Cadet Oath?, Whats that purple ribbon with the whites stripes youre wearing for? I was more than a bit disappointed when some of you couldnt answer these very basic questions. Lt. ONeill and Lt. Berkopec have embarked on a program to help you learn these things. But they can only help; youre the one that MUST learn them. Civil Air Patrol is an organization with a proud history. You need to know where youve been to help you decide where youre going! Learn about CAP, your role in it, and most importantly, the opportunities available to you as a member.

Kevin Berry, 1Lt CAP Commander Squadron 712

An historical picture of your Commander

To that end SM Marak has contacted the Marine Corps League of Butler; hes going to see if he can find an old leatherneck drill sergeant whod be willing to help us get on the ball with our drill and ceremonies. Stand by for more news, and be ready to snap-to if you see a face like the one pictured above around our Squadron HQ! CC

CAP Gippsland G-8