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ISSUE

OUR SQUADRON PERIODIC UPDATE

What the Future Holds

2012 Summer Encampment The 2012 Summer Encampment will be held at Columbus AFB, FL this year. For those cadets that want

06

MAY 2012

DOTHAN COMPOSITE SQUADRON CIVIL AIR PATROL, USAF AUXILIARY MONTHLY FLYER
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This will be my last newsletter to address you as the commander so I wanted to take this opportunity to say something. It is hard to believe that over two years has passed since I became the Dothan Composite Squadron Commander. It literally feels like it was just yesterday I was trying to find out why I was in trouble for not submitting a report on time to wing, that I didnt even know existed. If it wasnt for each and every one of you, this squadron would not be what it is today. It has been a complete honor and privilege to work with each of you and I look forward to continue working with you while conducting ES missions, training flights or just hanging out at the airport to find out if a cadet passed their checkride and earned their pilots license. I have truly learned a lot from you; from figuring out that report I didnt know about to conducting Search and Rescue Missions. I will be visiting each of you to thank you personally, because naming everyone that has been there to help when the squadron needed it, is too long to put on this small area Im given on this newsletter. I know this squadron will continue to succeed in everything it does. I believe this squadron has the most combined aviation experience in this entire wing and probably in the entire region; the Civil Air Patrol is lucky to have you as part of its organization. Lt Col Bob Irsik is a professional and strives to do his best at whatever task he takes on. His new job as your incoming Squadron Commander will be no different. Remember, as I have always said, this is your squadron and it will succeed based on your hard work. Please continue to take care of him the way you did me. Once again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you as your squadron commander. I will see you in the air. Fly Safe!

to fulfill this requirement, the encampment will be held from June 27th to June 30th, 2012 in Mississippi. If you wish to attend, talk to the Cadet 1SG and go to the website at http://almsencampment.eventbrite.com/ . Encampment is needed for the Mitchell Award.

Wing Emergency Services School (WESS) The next iteration of the Wing Emergency Services School to help cadets and senior members to

become Ground Team qualified will be held 12-14 October 2012. Pack your bags and survival gear and join us. An application, packing list and timeline e-mailed to each of you at the beginning of the month. More info at: www.wess.alwg.us

CONGRATULATIONS! In the Last 90 Days: CADET PROMOTIONS

C / A mn Jo sh M c G l o n e C / A mn Mc N a b b C / A mn B e l d C / A mn W i l so n C / A 1 C S e a n M cG l o n e C / T S g t H a l ve r so n C / T S g t B yrn e C / C M S g t I r si k

THIS IS SU E
I RSIK PAS SES HIS CH EC K RID E P.1 CADETS E AR N AC CO LA DE S P.2 IT S A CA DET L IF E P. 3 W HAT T HE F UT U RE HO L DS P. 4

Dothan Squadron Subordinate Unit Inspection (SUI) Every two years our squadron must go through one of these inspections to ensure our squadron is

providing its members with a quality program and that they are adhering to the required policies and regulations. Our inspection will be held on June 2, 2012 from 0900 until complete. Everyone will meet at the squadron building.

C CA AD DE ET TR RIIC CH HA AR RD D IIR RS SIIK KE EA AR RN NS SH HIIS SP PIIL LO OT TL LIIC CE EN NS SE E! !

On Saturday, May 19, 2012, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Richard Irsik became the newest Private Pilot in the United States. To anyone, especially at the age of 17, that is a pretty lofty goal to accomplish. Sitting through the grueling oral that lasted hours, question after question, was hard enough. It felt like it would never stop. Richard thought to himself, I thought this was a flight test. Eventually the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) Designated Examiner gave the go ahead to prepare the aircraft for the practical flight portion of the exam. Another hour and change passed and he finally returned. He was sweating profusely, looking exhausted. The aircraft slowed to a halt and he crawled out of the aircraft just as it shut down. After the thorough post-flight, the check pilot and the evaluator returned to closed doors where more grueling oral resumed. Everyone was pacing outside like a baby was to be delivered. Just as some were getting nervous, the examiner asked that everyone come into the room. He finally made the announcement that Cadet Irsik had waiting to hear all of his life; Ladies and Gentlemen, the newest pilot in the United States. He was overcome in joy as each member of the squadron and family gave him a hug. It was probably another several hours before it dawned on him that he was actually a pilot and no longer a student pilot. This story is probably pretty common among those who have aspired to get their pilot rating. The one difference, however is that Richard has Type 1 diabetes. He heard doctors tell him for years that it would never happen and not to waste his money on flight training. But his perseverance and drive never relented. He would not take No for an answer. The result is obvious, Success! I am not telling this story because of the incredible odds he has overcome or that Richard has met a personal goal, although those both true. I am telling this story because it is a direct depiction of the message I have been communicating to every cadet and senior member I have met In Civil Air patrol. It is a story of someone who took the initiative and never gave up. No one was going to take that flight training for him. No one was going to bug the doctors, over and over again, until they got the answer they were looking for. He knew what he wanted, he devised a plan, and he went after it. Of course there were some obstacles in the way. There always are and will be, but the person that succeeds in life is the one that negotiates those obstacles and finds a way to get it done. Richard still wants to be a Commercial Pilot one day. The expert aviation doctors have told him that his diabetes will never allow him to get a Class 2 medical so he can fly for a living. Something tells me he is not going to give up. I have a feeling that one day I will see Richard Irsik in a Commercial Pilots uniform. The only person that will make his dream a reality is Richard. Congratulations, your future is unlimited!

Operation Backwoods-Austere Incident Command Post SAR/DRex

The Alabama Wing will be hosting the Operation Backwoods-Austere Incident Command Post SAR/DRex in Cullman, Alabama from 15-17 June 2012. The objective of this training activity is to conduct an integrated search and rescue exercise (SAREX) involving both aircrews and ground teams with possible additional DR taskings being run with a staffed mission base, which will plan and execute sorties to achieve an overall mission objective as would be encountered during a typical AFRCC or EMA tasked mission. As ALWG sometimes operates in austere environments, this exercise will attempt to make no use of commercial power or shelter. Temporary capabilities will be used as much as practical to both evaluate our ability to operate under such circumstances and to hone the skills necessary to do so. Please contact Maj David McGonegal, Operations, or 1st Lt Gray, ES, if you wish to attend this training.

SENIOR PROMOTIONS
S M Ju st i n D o u g l a s - 1 S M K e rr y K e e l - 1 L t
st st

Lt

S M Ji m M cG l o n e - L t C o l

S E N I O R P D AW A R D S
S M D a ve C o o n e r - L e ve l 1 S M Ji m M cG l o n e - L e ve l 1 S M Ji m my W o ma c k 1
St

L t Ju st i n D o u g l a s - L e ve l 1

S M Ma t t B ri c ke r - L e ve l 1 & 2 L t C o l L o ve l y - L e ve l 4

DCS FLYER ISSUE #6

MAY 2012

C A P P I L O T R AT I N G S
C/CMSgt Richard Irsik - Pilot

Dothan Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol, US Air Force Auxiliary 750 Flightline Drive Dothan, AL 36307 PAO: 1st Lt Justin Douglas

NEW MEMBERS IN LAST 90 DAYS:

Cadet Sean Ayers Cadet Calvin Beld Cadet Sean McGlone Cadet Joshua McGlone SM Jimmy Womack SM Chesley Cooner SM Justin Douglas
SM Jim McGlone

Civil Air Patrol

USAF Aux iliary

Semper Vigilans!

Brett Lewis, Lt Col, CAP Commanding

NOT ES F R OM T H E D E P UT Y C O M M AN D E R FOR CADETS

Cadets, Finally, our newsletter is out! It seems as though so much has happened since the last newsletter. We created the Great Start Program and Green Flight, went on glider rides, more of which are coming, participated in the Wing and Region Cadet Competition, participated in the Region SAREX, and more. The summer season is quickly approaching us. Many more activities are going to start appearing on both the squadron and wing calendars. We invite each of you to participate as much as you can. I cannot stress enough the importance of the 2012 Summer Encampment. Not only is it needed for your Mitchell Award and nd subsequent award of 2 Lt, but it is an exciting and pivotal point in your CAP career. You will be immersed in the Civil Air Patrol and Air Force culture, learning about the military in the closest way possible without actually joining the military. This summer, in August, the Color Guard/Drill Camp will start. This camp will help to prepare you for the Color Guard and Drill Competition. Please attend as a couple of our very own members will be staffing the course. The rest of summer will be used for Emergency Services training in the field. So put on your boots and lets get ready to have fun and work hard. Semper Vigilans! Capt Melissa Lewis Deputy Commander for Cadets

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ALABAMA WING COLOR GUARD CHAMPIONS!

Dothan, Alabama has been home to the Dothan Composite Squadron for over 38 years. After forming their first color guard team in October of 2011, they attended their first cadet competition February 24 and 25 th of 2012. The color guard won the following events: 3rd place 1-mile run, 3rd place Indoor Practical Drill, 3rd place Aerospace panel quiz, 2nd place Standard Drill, 1st place Leadership written examination, In Ranks Inspection, and Outdoor Practical Drill. Cadet Joshua Amerspek was awarded the highest individual Leadership score, and cadet Halverson was titled Fastest Female Runner. Placing in all categories, Dothan won first place overall and named the Alabama Wing Champions. Of course, we were given some amazing trophies with, which we will proudly display at the squadron. Due to this outstanding honor, they were invited to compete in the Southeast Region Cadet Competition to attempt to earn the chance of representing the Southeast Region in the National Competition held in Washington DC. As this is the first Color Guard for the Dothan Squadron, this is an extraordinary honor. The Southeast Region Competition proved tough, but our squadron earned 3rd Place in Uniform Inspection. Watch out for our team next year, after learning from our mistakes, we plan to go back and win the region competition at next years competition.

UNIFORM TIPS WHEN NOT TO WEAR THE CAP UNIFORM

Although we all love to wear our CAP Uniforms showing our pride for what we do for CAP and as a citizen of the greatest country in the world, sometimes it is inappropriate to wear the uniform. Here are some examples: 1) at any meeting or demonstration that is a function of, or sponsored by, any organization, association, movement, group or combination of persons that the AG of the United States has designated as Totalitarian, Fascist, Communist, or subversive; or advocates or approves the commission of acts of force or violence to deny others their rights under the Constitution of the United States; or seeks to alter the form of the U.S. Government by unconstitutional means; 2) when participating in activities such as public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or in any public demonstration not approved by the USAF. Wearing the uniform may imply sanction of the cause for the demonstration or activity conducted; 3) when furthering private employment or commercial interests, if official sponsorship might be inferred. 4) when engaged in private employment. 5) anytime it would tend to bring discredit or reproach upon the uniform. 6) most foreign governments prohibit the wear of military uniforms by visitors. Members will not wear a CAP uniform in a foreign country except for members on orders to participate in IACE or other international events for which National HQ has expressly authorized the wear of the uniform. Members of CAP cadet squadrons overseas wear the CAP uniform on the host military installation only upon approval of the installation commander in accordance with CAPR 35-4, Overseas Cadet Squadrons.

ITS A CADETS LIFE

WEST POINT ADVISOR VISITS DOTHAN CADETS

Major Steve Overby visited the cadets of the Dothan Squadron on February18, 2012 to educate the cadets on the advantages and enrollment process of the popular Military Academy, West Point. Major Overby was a graduate of West Point who dedicated his time to serve in the Army and later serve in the National Guard. Enrolling in this school and being accepted are two very different challenges. Over 15,000 files are kept on hand every year for those who have been nominated by high authority. Nominations are not all that is needed for a candidate to be considered. Academics, physical well-being, and leadership roles are just as important. One should try to maintain perfection on the ACT or SAT. The mission of West Point is to create leaders; therefore, being involved in many activities throughout high school and holding leadership roles is an eye-catcher for the interviewers of this academy. I would encourage people to start early if they are serious about attending, Overby said. For more information, please visit westpoint.edu.

DID YOU KNOW?

More than ten people a year are killed by vending machines. A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans. The chances of you dying on the way to get your lottery tickets are greater than your chances of winning. The military used toilet paper to camouflage their tanks in Saudi Arabia, during the Desert Storm War. Gloucestershire airport in England used to blast Tina Turner songs on the runways to scare birds away. In infantry, you should try to look unimportant. They may be low on ammo. Five second fuses only last three seconds. Flying from London to New York by Concord, due to the time zones crossed, you can arrive 2 hours before you leave. The first United States coast-to-coast airplane flight occurred in 1911 and took 49 days. Soldiers from every country salute with their right hand. American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served first class. There is a greater chance of you dying while walking to your car than flying in an airplane.

THE CHAPLAINS CORNER

by Lt Col (Ch) Tom McGonegal

Integrity; CAP Members have very many requirements on them: To attend meetings & activities To acquire proper training for specialty & ES To keep track of relevant regulations & procedures pertaining to ES duties. To wear proper uniforms for activities outside of squadron meetings. To keep proper records of all activities To Come And Pay dues, flight time, etc. To Thank God our Creator for each and every blessing. How are you doing; lately?

DID YOU KNOW ?

CAP TRIVIA
Q. What type and how many vessels did CAP sink in World War 2? Be the first to tell your Deputy Commander for Cadets or Seniors to receive a free miniature squadron patch.