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From Indiana Wing
MERITS OF FALCON SQUADRON MEMBERS NOTED
The Falcon Squadron held their Change of Command Ceremony on 18 May 2010. Lt Col Darrel Williamson handed over command to Capt Steven Wright.
During the Squadron Change of Command Ceremony efforts of many cadet and senior members were lauded with achievements and commendations from Indiana Wing. Members including Maj David Hodge were exceptionally noted, having received the Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving because of his actions during a train accident at the Louisville Zoo in 2009.
The Louisville Courier Journal noted his and other members' efforts here: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100602/ZONE11/6020315/Zookeeper+s+heroism+noted++David+Hodge+rescued+injured+toddler+following+2009+zoo+train+accident
Congratulations to the Falcon Squadron!
INDIANA WING OFFICERS COMPLETE ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS
TERRE HAUTE TRIBUNE-STAR COVERAGE OF SATURDAY'S TABLETOP EXERCISE
Click here to access Trib Star Article: http://www.tribstar.com/local/local_story_058235102.html
Published: February 27, 2010 11:51 pm
Civil Air Patrol prepares for emergencies
Valley group trains with Vigo EMA
By Brian M. Boyce
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE — While Chileans scrambled to recover from a devastating earthquake Saturday morning, dozens of volunteers were busy working laptop computers and maps in Terre Haute, preparing for a natural disaster at home.
The Indiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol met with members of the Emergency Management Agency at Hulman Air Field in the EMA’s building as part of an emergency services tabletop exercise from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. About 20 pilots and other specialists participated.
The scenario presented involved a low pressure weather system raising temperatures in northwestern Indiana, resulting in melted snow and steady rains dropping six to seven inches throughout the state. Flooding and storm damage was severe.
The Civil Air Patrol’s 2nd Lt. Lindsay Shipps served as Public Information Officer for the exercise, explaining a variety of factors were to be injected into the scenario. Incidents ranging from stranded civilians to restrictive flying conditions were all involved.
Shipps, who lives near Bloomington, was one of many volunteers traveling to Terre Haute for the exercise. A legislative assistant for State Rep. Nancy Michael (D-Greencastle) by day, Shipps was participating in the wing’s activation briefing Saturday morning.
Capt. Steven Fedor drove up from Louisville, Ky. to serve as Team Leader and Mission Operations Preceptor at the event. As an Emergency Services Training Officer within the Civil Air Patrol, Fedor outlined the memorandum of understanding linking that group to numerous disaster relief agencies such as EMA and the Department of Homeland Defense.
“The main purpose of today is to teach the mission staff how to handle an emergency until the calvary arrives,” the 23-year-old EMT said.
Fedor credited the U.S. Air Force’s auxiliary program and the services it can provide in times of disaster. “It’s a very good opportunity,” he said. “I’ve been in since I was 13. I actually learned to fly in the Civil Air Patrol.”
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
2010 INDIANA WING ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
It is an honor for me, as one of my first acts as Indiana Wing commander, to announce this year’s annual award winners. Once again we have a chance to honor a portion of the more than 1300 senior members and cadets that work so hard to serve their communities. As we do each year, we will take an opportunity to recognize each recipient at our Wing Conference in April, but also take an opportunity to email them now and thank them for their efforts on behalf of our “community, state and nation.”
Senior Member of the Year -- Lt Col Reggie Paul (IN093, Group XII; IN WG Counter Drug Officer)
Lt Col Russ Hollenbeck Cadet of the Year Award -- C/Col Aaron Redfield (IN036, Group I)
Unit Commander of the Year – Maj Jim Engel (previously IN002, Group XII)
Wing Staff Member of the Year – Maj Sam Hornbuckle (IN001, Director of Safety)
David Dennis Memorial Award (Phase III Cadet of the Year) – C/Capt Andrew Derr (IN213, Group XII)
Col George Young Cadet NCO of the Year - C/MSgt Jackson T. Maier (IN002, Group XII)
Cadet Squadron of the Year -- Morgan County Cadet Squadron IN219 (Group V)
Senior Squadron of the Year - Terre Haute Senior Squadron IN093 (Group XII)
Composite Squadron of the Year - Monroe County IN002 (Group XII)
Squadron of Merit – Fort Wayne Composite Squadron IN201 (Group V)
Distinguished Aviator Award – 1st Lt Wayne White and 1st Lt Gregory Wood (IN069, Group V and IN214, Group XII)
Colonel Edwin W. Lewis, Jr. Incident Staff Member of the Year Award – Lt Col Darrel Williamson (IN126, Group XII)
Colonel Dion E. DeCamp Ground Team of the Year Award – Morgan County Cadet Squadron (IN219, Group V)
Brewer Award – Cadet – C/Capt Chris Weizapfel (IN220; Group XII)
Brewer Award – Organizational – Indianapolis Air Show (nominated by IN WG/AE)
Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award – Capt Carol Kolb (IN803, School Group)
Aerospace Education Officer of the Year Award -- Lt Col Larry Lopshire (IN802, School Group)
Jack Sorenson Cadet Programs Officer of the Year -- Major Jeff Young (IN001; previously Director of Cadet Programs)
Safety Officer of the Year -- Captain Adam Springmeyer (IN093, Group XII)
George Texido Legislative Officer of the Year Award – Lt Col Ralph Bruns (IN001, previously Indiana Wing Legislative Officer)
Logistician of the Year - Capt Keith Hennessey (IN126, Group XII)
Character Development Instructor of the Year – Lt Col Larry Lopshire (IN803, SCH GP)
Finance Officer of the Year – 2d Lt Anna Etchison (IN227, Group V)
Lebo Public Affairs Officer of the Year – TFO Jessica Caplan (IN220, Group XII; Wing Public Affairs Officer)
A special thanks to the unit commanders and Indiana Wing staff officers that nominated individuals for awards, and to the group commanders and the Chief of Staff for serving on our Wing Awards Board. Each year the Awards Board runs a little longer as we try to work through so many strong packages. Thank you!
Congratulations, once again, to all of our award winners!
s/v
RICHARD L. GRIFFITH, Colonel, CAP
Commander, Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol
INDIANA WING CIVIL AIR PATROL LAYS WREATH HONORING AMERICAN SERVICEMEMBERS
On December 7, 2009, members of the Indiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol took part in a wreath laying ceremony in the rotunda of the Indiana Statehouse. The ceremony was held in observance of Wreaths Across America, a congressionally designated initiative aimed at remembering, honoring and teaching the importance of respecting the memory of each fallen servicemember.
The Civil Air Patrol and other civic organizations held simultaneous wreath laying ceremonies in statehouses across the nation today, providing a tangible reminder of the importance of taking time to bear in mind each American servicemember who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Under the guidance of Maj Jeff Young, Indiana Wing Inspector General, representatives from a variety of Civil Air Patrol units participated in the event in the rotunda of the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
State Senator James Merritt (R-Indianapolis) and State Representative Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) assisted in the wreath laying.
Immediately following the wreath laying, Cadet Captain Harrison Merrill of Indianapolis was recognized as an Amelia Earhart Award recipient. The award acknowledges completion of certain requirements for the Civil Air Patrol cadet program and is a rare achievement. Cadet Captain Merrill is the 14,568th recipient in the United States since the award was created in 1964.
State Senator James Merritt (R-Indianapolis) presented the Earhart award to Cadet Captain Merrill.
Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 58,000 members nationwide. CAP, in its Air Force auxiliary role, performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 72 lives in fiscal year 2009. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counter-drug 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 23,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for 68 years. Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol consists of more than 1300 volunteers, eight aircraft, and 15 vehicles in 30 local chapters across Indiana.
CAP/CC MESSAGES CONCERNING UNIFORM WEAR
The Civil Air Patrol National Commander has provided two recent messages concerning uniform wear. One addresses pride in our uniforms as we prepare for our participation in "Wreaths Across America" and the second addresses changes in our corporate uniform policy. Please take time to look at both.
Uniform Wear at "Wreaths Across America" Events
Presentation on Corporate Uniform Changes
INDIANA WING CADETS PARTICIPATE IN VETERAN'S DAY PARADE
FORMER INDIANA WING COMMANDER RETIRES FROM CIVIL AIR PATROL
After nearly 45 years of service, Col Joseph W. Gilkey II, has retired from Civil Air Patrol. Col Gilkey served in a variety of roles within the Indiana Wing, culminating in his appointment as Indiana Wing Commander from 1991 to 1992.
During the August 2009 Indiana Wing Commander's Call at Wing Headquarters in Indianapolis, Col Gikley received his retirement certificate and a congratulatory letter from Civil Air Patrol's National Commander, Maj Gen Amy Courter.
Col Mark Reeves, Indiana Wing Commander, presented Col Gilkey with his certificate from National Headquarters and noted, "This type of long service to Civil Air Patrol is a great example to our unpaid professionals...Col Gilkey has demonstrated true commitment to CAP and its missions over the last forty years!"
INDIANA WING CADETS PARTICIPATE IN CADET OLYMPICS FOR SECOND YEAR
Great Lakes Region's website features Indiana Wing's Cadet Olympics.
INDIANA WING RECEIVES INITIAL INSPECTION RESULTS
The Wing HQ just went through its Compliance Inspection. Interviews started on Friday (18 Sept) and the out-brief was Monday evening (21 Sept). A team of seven USAF and CAP inspectors flew in from all parts of the country to review our programs and activities. I am here to tell you that the Wing did VERY WELL.
Here are the unofficial results:
Overall Wing Grade: Successful
Section Grades: Two "Highly Successfuls, 12 "Successfuls" and four "Marginally Successfuls".
(Just as a reminder, the new grading system is “Highly Successful” , “Successful” , “Marginally Successful” and “Unsatisfactory”. “Highly Successful” is the highest possible grade.)
Overall, I am very, very, very pleased with our work….in particular Cadet Programs (CP/DDR) and Operational Mission Management (ES/DO/CD) as these two sections really impressed the inspectors. The accountability areas of Safety, Finance, Supply and Communications (where we have struggled in the past) did very well. We have a couple of areas where we need some changes in procedures or additional training, but the bottom line is that the Wing is in going in the right direction. The IG Team Leader was able to relay from the National Vice Commander and the Region Commander how pleased each of them were with the work Indiana Wing has done over the past several years.
I want to take a moment here to personally THANK each of my staff members for their hard work. At times, I have not been pleasant to work with, but my persistence, I think, has paid the Wing dividends. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
If you get a chance, please take a moment to stop my staff and say, “Thank You!”. These dedicated members are the ones that stepped up to accept the burden and responsibility for these programs and to represents the entire state.
W. MARK REEVES, Colonel, CAP Commander, Indiana Wing
WING COMMANDER GIVES YEAR TO DATE REVIEW
As we head into the end of the summer, the Wing command staff has been working on getting ready for the Compliance Inspection to be held in September. One of the requirements is that each Wing answer questions about the Wing's performance. Based on that review, here is some information that you might find interesting:
Units and Members
- Groups: 4
- Squadrons: 29
- Flights: 3
- Senior Members: 617
- Cadets: 684
FY 09 ES Activities (thru 31 Jul 09)
- $22,000 in training funding
- Nearly $8,000 in Orientation Rides
- 588 Counterdrug Hours
- 18 Actual SAR Flying Hours
- 246 Actual SAR Ground Hours
- 200 SAR Flying Training Hours
- 1000 SAR Ground Training Hours
- 229 Orientation Flight Sorties
- 269 cadets received an O-Ride
Assets
- 2 C-182R
- 2 C-182T
- 4 C172P
- Blahnik L23 Glider
- 12 Vans
- 2 mobile incident command posts
- 2 support trailers
- Tens of thousands of dollars in IT, equipment and comm assets
Each year we are in the top three nationwide for total Counter Drug hours, the last two years in the top 15 in hours per airframe, our membership has grown nearly 45% and the largest squadron in all of Civil Air Patrol is at the Anderson Preparatory Academy. These numbers do not count members that attended EAA Oshkosh, NESA, Summer Encampment, GLR Staff College, the Indianapolis Air Show, community parades, and so on and so on.
Suffice to say, “I’m tired!” but very proud of the work that each of you is doing. Thank you!
W. MARK REEVES, Colonel, CAP Commander, Indiana Wing
INDIANA WING NATIONAL AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
National Headquarters Civil Air Patrol has notified HQ, IN WG that C/Col Kate Whitacre, was selected from the more than 26,000 cadets across the country as the Civil Air Patrol Cadet of the Year. C/Col Whitacre is currently attending an undergraduate engineering program in Ft Wayne and is assigned as the Indiana Wing Assistant Administration and Personnel Officer. In addition to receiving the Spaatz Award, she has served in a variety of cadet leadership roles, including being the current Region Cadet Advisory Council Chair; has attended the International Air Cadet Exchange and the Cadet Officer School; and was recognized for her achievements in the Cadet Program by Resolution of the United States Congress last year.
Also, Lt Col David Ford has been recognized posthumously as the National Legislative Officer of the Year, recognizing his work in giving CAP volunteers in Indiana employment protection during emergency response situations. Lt Col Ford’s passing was a great loss to Civil Air Patrol and the State of Indiana.
Finally, Capt Frank Merrill, commander of the Titan Cadet Squadron (IN802), received this year’s Frank Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award (Category II) at the National level for his exceptional involvement in Aerospace Education. His leadership in chartering a new cadet unit and volunteering to teach Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program in a public charter school, as well as his success in growing the Indianapolis Air Show involvement for CAP each year, demonstrate his excellence in this key mission area.
SAREVAL RESULTS IN A "SUCCESSFUL"!
I want to extend a great "Thank you!" to all of our unpaid professionals that participated in our Search and Rescue Evaluation this weekend. We received a "Successful" rating, allowing us to continue to perform our Search and Rescue, Disaster Relief, Counter Drug and general Emergency Services missions. Without this rating, showing that we are qualified to do our work, our ability to continue to be an active Emergency Services organization would have been in jeopardy.
In particular, I want to note some exceptional performers: Capt Adam Springmeyer, who received an "Excellent" for his work as a flight line supervisor, our Ground Teams which were rated as "Excellent", TFO Jessica Caplan who was roundly applauded for her work in the "High Bird", Lt JT Gill who was an engaged and involved Logistics Section Chief and Capt Krista Morrisen, who served as a critical link to the Richmond community.
Although they are a Region asset, the Evaluation Team also recognized our procedure for requesting an Archer team, having a GA-8 available, properly using the Archer asset and then also the WI WG Archer team's performance in the role.
We are already planning for the Guided Training Exercise coming up the fourth weekend in October; the Region is currently looking at having this three Wing exercise (IL, OH, IN) at Columbus (BAK). Focus for Indiana Wing will again be developing and strengthening our Mission Base staff, faster deployment of aviation asset, working to get permission to deploy assets from home base, and more accurately assessing and projecting ground team and aircrew needs.
Thank you again for everyone's involvement...all of our groups were represented and I was proud of your work this weekend.
W. Mark Reeves, Col CAP Commander Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol
2009 INDIANA WING SAREVAL KICKS OFF IN RICHMOND
(Richmond, Indiana)—Civil Air Patrol volunteers from across Indiana are currently heading to Richmond to participate in a bi-annual Search and Rescue Evaluation. The evaluation, conducted by US Air Force staff, tests the Civil Air Patrol’s ability to respond to disaster relief, emergency services and homeland security emergencies.
Civil Air Patrol has mobilized six aircraft, eight vehicles and a mobile incident command post to participate in the evaluation. In addition to a fully staffed Incident Management Staff, more than 75 Civil Air Patrol volunteers from Evansville to Valparaiso are expected to participate. Participants will demonstrate skills in aircraft piloting, ground search and rescue, aerial photography and storm damage assessment.
Colonel Mark Reeves, the Indiana Wing commander said, “This is a chance for the Air Force, our parent organization, to evaluate our volunteers’ ability to serve our community. This will measure how good we are at what we train to do…use aircraft and trained volunteers to support our communities in their time of need.”
Civil Air Patrol, the official Air Force Auxiliary, is a nonprofit organization. Its volunteers take a leading role in aerospace education and mentoring America's youth through CAP Cadet Programs. CAP volunteers perform more than 85 percent of inland search and rescue missions in the continental United States as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. Indiana Wing Civil Air Patrol consists of more than 1200 volunteers, eight aircraft, and 15 vehicles in 30 local chapters across the State of Indiana. For more information about the Civil Air Patrol, please call 317-308-0506 or email r.griffith@inwg.cap.gov.
UPDATED STAFF ROSTER AVAILABLE
Indiana Wing Staff Roster uploaded to website in the member section.
2009 CONFERENCE AND AWARDS BANQUET HELD 25 APRIL 2009!
Our Conference this year was on Saturday, 25 April 2009, had the theme of “Citizens Serving Communities” and was hosted by Indiana Group XII in Nashville, Indiana at The Seasons Lodge.
Congratulations to all of the award winners and thank you again for all that you contribute to Civil Air Patrol, Indiana Wing, your squadrons and your communities!
Plan now to join us in 2010!
- Award Winners
- Senior Member of the Year: Maj Jeff Young (HQ, Group I)
- Russ Hollenbeck Cadet of the Year: C/Col Kate Whitacre (IN201)
- Group Commander of the Year: Maj Jeff Young (HQ, Group I)
- Squadron Commander of the Year: Capt Alex Whitacre (IN220)
- Cadet Squadron of the Year: Morgan County Cadet Squadron
- Senior Squadron of the Year: Indianapolis Senior Squadron
- Composite Squadron of the Year: Monroe County Composite Squadron
- Squadron of Merit: Rivercity Cadet Squadron
- Texido Legislative Officer of the Year: Lt Col David Ford (IN999) (posthumous)
- Moral Leadership Officer of the Year: Lt Patricia Kidd-Jordan (IN123)
- Logistician of the Year: Capt Brad Haney (HQ, Schools Group)
- Safety Officer of the Year: Lt Barry Griswold (IN086)
- Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year: Capt Robert Guillaume (IN803)
- Brewer Award -- Senior Member: Capt Frank Merrill (IN802)
- Jack Sorenseon Cadet Programs Officer of the Year: Maj Jeff Young (HQ, Group I)
- Col Dion Decamp Ground Team of the Year: Rivercity Cadet Squadron
- Dave Dennis Memorial Award (Cadet Officer of the Year): C/Capt Keegan Toft (IN123)
- Col George Young Award (Outstanding C/NCO -- Female): C/MSgt Sierra Parsons (IN220)
- Col George Young Award (Outstanding C/NCO -- Male): C/MSgt Ehren Samples (IN123)
- Commander's Commendation Award
- Maj Vic Debolle
- Maj Kris Copes
- Capt Frank Merrill
- Capt Steve Lewer]
- Lifesaving Award with Silver Star
- Capt Eric Santiago
ANDERSON PREP ACADEMY CADETS COMPLETE ORIENTATION FLIGHTS
On March 30, 31 and April 1, 2009, more than 170 cadets of the Anderson Preparatory Academy Cadet Squadron (IN803) flew in Civil Air Patrol aircraft on Air Force-funded orientation flights. Pilots from a variety of Indiana Wing units, as well as the Illinois Wing Director of Operations, participated in flying more than 60 orientation flight sorties from Anderson Municipal Airport over the three day period.
An article from the Anderson Herald Bulletin is here: http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/archivesearch/local_story_089234000.html
GREAT LAKES REGION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Col Chuck Carr, Great Lakes Region commander, has announced the Region Annual Awards winners and the following awards went to Indiana Wing members...great job!
- Frank G. Brewer Memorial Aerospace Award (Sr Member)--Capt Frank Merrill (IN802).
- Colonel Dion E. Decamp Ground Team of the Year--RiverCity Ground Team (IN220)
- Logistician of the Year--Capt Brad Haney (HQ, Schools Group)
- George Texido Legislative Officer of the Year---Lt Col David Ford (IN999) [posthumous]
- Cadet of the Year---C/Col Kate Whitacre (IN201)
Additionally, Col Carr approved the award of the Exceptional Service Award to Capt Robert Guillaume, commander of the Anderson Preparatory Academy Cadet Squadron.
