CIVIL AIR PATROL, MONTANA WING

TRANSPONDER

OCTOBER 2011
Civil Air Patrol - Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond
Captain Bruce Kipp Wing Public Affairs Officer (406) 942-0098 pa@mtwg-cap.us

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Montana Wings Transponder, a monthly eNewsletter for senior members and cadets. The Transponder will provide you with information from Wing and above and showcase the achievements and activities of the seniors and cadets in Montana Wing

WING TIPS
From the Wing Commander: I would like to thank all the members that have stepped up and taken staff positions and Wing level and below. I would also like to thank those that have worked so hard to bring Montana Wing up to standards in administration, finance, logistics, inspector general, operations, aerospace education, chaplain and everyone else that has worked so hard for the Wing. We have a compliance inspection in July and I feel that we are in a position to score the highest Montana Wing has ever scored. I see the commitment and dedication of the staff to make this happen. Were still in a tight financial situation but that will hopefully be behind us when we begin to receive state funding. Safety has been very good with only minor issues and I thank everyone for keeping safety at the forefront. We need to continue to improve the Wing and stay safe while completing our missions. We have the Wreaths-Across-America function with Canada and I would like to see a large turnout for that event. Keep up the good work. Col Herb Cahalen The next Wing conference call is set for 2 November at 1900 hours. Teresa will send a reminder

NHQ has advised that in order to ensure CAPs continued support for critical U.S. Air Force-assigned missions some aspects of the organizations operations are being temporarily suspended during the continuing federal budget uncertainty. Priority is being given to search and rescue, disaster relief, air defense intercept and other critical missions tasked by the Air Force. The situation is expected to continue until the final Fiscal Year 2012 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill is approved by Congress Wing is deeply involved in planning for Thunderbird Mountain - a regional center for ground team training to be built on a 320-acre parcel a few miles outside the town of Pains, MT in Sanders County. National funding has been made available and Regional and Wing officials are optimistic that the facility could be up and running as early as next summer. Thunderbird Mountain with its varied terrain can also be used for winter field training, field first aid training and possibly water rescue as the Thompson Falls River runs through the property From the Wing Chief-of-Staff: As Wing Chief of Staff, Id like to welcome Capt Bruce Kipp from the Billings Beartooth Composite Squadron, to the position of Wing Public Affairs Officer. As we all know, the PAO cannot do a good job unless we supply him with information about the Squadrons doing their jobs. Please, everybody lets help Captain Kipp be a great PAO. Lt Col Paul Goedert

 Effective 1 October 2011, CAP membership dues went up. For Fiscal Year 2012 for new cadet members and cadet renewals the rate is $35. The rate for new senior members is $70 and a senior member renewal is $60 In 2012 Wing will host a NISA team to train qualified individuals as NIMS Incident Commanders Col Cahalen won the beautiful hand-made quilt from the recent Wing-wide Quilt Raffle

The October Missoula SAREX was cancelled due to inclement weather. Instead, a virtual SAREX was held with players remaining at their home locations and conducting the business of the SAREX via computer Wing would like to re-energize the Cadet Advisory Council (CAC). Applicants should be Cadet Officers and must have their squadron commanders endorsement Wing will host the Regional Cadet Leadership School (RCLS) 24-26 February 2012 at Ft. Harrison. Lt Col Goedert and Lt Col McGavock are coordinating the event Planning is underway for the Wing to host Wing and Region Cadet Competitions next spring in March and April. The location for the Wing Cadet Competition in March is yet to be determined; the Regional Cadet Competition in April will most likely be at Ft Harrison Wing will host the 2012 Regional Summer Encampment in August at Ft. Harrison. The Encampment Commander, Lt Col Paul Goedert, is seeking applicants for the senior and cadet staffs Planning is underway for the Big Sky Composite Squadron in Bozeman to host a Training Leaders of Cadets course 25-26 February 2012 at ft. Harrison. Congratulations to Montana Wing Commander Col Herb Cahalen and Vice Commander Lt Col Chuck Lynch who just returned from CAPs annual National Staff College. The National Staff College is CAPs inresidence course for senior members who aspire to executive-level leadership. Designed for members who are, or will, assume positions of regional or national importance in CAP, the curriculum includes advanced studies in communications, leadership and management. The faculty is composed of CAP personnel and members of the USAFs Air University professional military education schools. The seven-day National Staff College is conducted in October at CAPs National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL At Noon (Mountain Standard Time) on 9 November, FEMA, DHS and the FCC will conduct the first national test of the nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) test. This nationwide test will run concurrently across all time zones. This test is the first of its kind and is designed to broadcast a nationwide message to the American public. There have been tests in the past but none to all parts of the nation at the same time. The test will run concurrently on all radio and TV bands and the message will run for three minutes. During the test, listeners will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." Although the EAS test may resemble the periodic, monthly EAS tests most Americans are already familiar with, there will be some differences in what viewers will see and hear. The audio message will be the same for all EAS participants; however due to limitations in the EAS, the video test message scroll may not be the same or indicate that "this is a test." There is some concern that citizens may somehow over react to the test. Relevant agency information can be found at: FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm FCC: http://transition.fcc.gov/email_camp/media/30SEC_EAS_PSA_open-C1.mov Kudos to LtCol Ebelt, Wing Director of Aerospace Education. Her Big Sky Density Flyers team is Go for Houston! Her teams microgravity physics experiment was chosen to participate in NASAs 2012 Teaching from Space Microgravity eXperience Program. Her team will travel to Houston where, from 5-11 February

2012, they will fly weightless on NASAs C-9 Reduced Gravity Platform on 30 zero gravity flights. Lt Col Ebelts team consists of her teaching partner Jann Clouse from Missoula and three teacher colleagues from her hometown of Cut Bank; Joyce Lewis, Carol Morgan and Sandy Murphy. Their experiment - Liquid Layers in MicroG will use seven different liquids each with a different density to create a density column. Lt Col Ebelt explains: We want to know what will happen to the liquids in microgravity and if the liquids will settle into layers in hyper gravity. The teachers students will collaborate on analysis of post-flight data via Skype. View the YouTube video for an explanation of what her team will do in Houston: http://youtu.be/pFTAbVaVjlM Aviation Scholarship Opportunities in Montana: Montana is fortunate to have generous individuals and organizations that believe in promoting aviation by offering monetary assistance to qualified persons. The Montana Aeronautics Division (MAD) assists in administering some of these scholarships and encourages participation. The scholarships are offered to a Montanan to defray costs of education (i.e., flight instruction, A&P, etc.) and will be presented during the 2012 Montana Aviation Conference in Bozeman. Awarding of the scholarships will be based on a letter explaining the reason for applying, future career goals, past aviation experience, if any, and any outstanding achievements. The same letter can be submitted but the applicant must submit one copy addressed to each individual scholarship they are applying for. Letters of application must include a mailing address and daytime phone number. If you are selected to receive one of the scholarships your photo will appear in the 2012 Montana Aviation Conference Program, please include a photo with your applications for this purpose (only one photo necessary). Letters should be mailed to: Montana Aeronautics Division, P.O. Box 200507, Helena, MT 59620-0507 or call (406) 444-2506 for further information. Letters must be postmarked on or before January 9, 2012. A Love of Aviation (ALOA) Scholarship An anonymous donor established this scholarship of $250 in 1997. In 2010 two more anonymous donors contributed an additional $250 each creating a $750 scholarship. This year another anonymous donor contributed an additional $250 in memory of Mike Biggerstaff who died in May from injuries sustained in an airplane crash, creating a $1,000 scholarship. AOM Flight Training Scholarship AOM has established this $500 scholarship to financially assist a student pilot in obtaining their private pilot certificate. Blue Goose First Generation Flight Scholarship This $250 scholarship goes to a first generation pilot to assist with flight training. This scholarship is designed to assist a person who has a love of aviation, yet had limited exposure to aviation, someone from a non-aviation background/family. Harold Hamm Scholarship Harold and Zola Hamm were the anonymous donors that established the first $250 A Love of Aviation (ALOA) Scholarship in 1993. With the passing of Harold on September 1, 2006, Zola decided to rename the scholarship the Harold Hamm Scholarship in honor of her husband of 19 years. Harold had an extremely strong passion for aviation. Together he and Zola completed two airplane projects: the restoration of a J-3 Piper Cub, and an experimental RV-6 aircraft. In 2008 Zola graciously increased the amount of the Harold Hamm Scholarship to $500. Montana Antique Aircraft Association (MAAA) Scholarship MAAA offers this $1,000 scholarship to help defray the costs of flight instruction. Montana Pilots Association Air Safety & Education Foundation Flight Training Award The scholarship is open to a person with considerable interest in aviation. The $750 scholarship is to be used for flight training. Montana Pilots Association Junior Pilot Award This recipient is chosen for outstanding interest in aviation, citizenship within their community and demonstrated academic achievement. The recipient must have soloed and be actively involved in flight training. This is a $750 scholarship.

Morrison Aviation Appreciation Scholarship Jeff Morrison, retired former owner of Morrison Flying Service in Helena established the $500 scholarship as a token of appreciation to the aviation community. Mountain AirDance Flight Training Scholarship: Jeanne MacPherson and Bill Gallea offer this $750 scholarship to an active pilot who desires to pursue advanced training, such as tailwheel endorsement, mountain flying, aerobatics, or a higher rating. NW Montana Youth Aviation Scholarship: The Flathead Hangar is offering two $1,000 scholarships to financially assist student pilots with the cost of flight instruction. Student pilots 16-21 years of age from NW Montana are eligible to apply (includes Flathead, Sanders, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, and Missoula counties). Parrott Family Scholarship The Parrott Family offers this $1,000 scholarship to be used over a one year period for pilot training programs for students enrolled in the Rocky Mountain College (RMC) aviation program. The funds may be used for tuition in the RMC aviation program, and/or flight training expenses leading to a Private, Commercial, or Flight Instructor Certificate, and may include Instrument and Multiengine simulator training, and the purchase of aviation related materials and related supplies.

2011 - 2012 SCHEDULED SARXs (Dates may be subject to change) MONTH DATE LOCATION November 04 05 Nov Plains (cancelled due to funding freeze) December 02 03 Dec Helena
2012 MONTH January February March April May June July August September DATE 06 - 07 Jan 10 - 11 Feb 09 - 10 Mar 13 - 15 Apr 07 - 13 May 08 - 09 Jun 06 - 07 July 04 - 04 Aug 07 - 08 Sept LOCATION Great Falls Helena (Table Top SARX or PCT) Laurel Bozeman (Practice for Guided SARX at Three Forks Airport) Bozeman (Guided SARX at Three Forks Airport) Lewistown Laurel Butte Kalispell

The TTX is scheduled for Helena but is subject to change to a different location depending on weather. We may have more than one TTX if weather dictates and alternate weekends do not work. We could also have a winter survival training course in Helena in lieu of the TTX. Montana Wing Director of Operations, Lt Col Pete Graf, presented a session at the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) Coordinator Training at Fort Harrison on 19 October. The three day workshop gave DES Coordinators from across Montana information on a variety of topics from working with Civil Air Patrol to understanding grant requirements. The employment of volunteers during disaster/emergency response was a common theme throughout the training. Lt Col Graf showed damage assessment photos taken by MTWG aircrews during the flooding on the Musselshell River this year, explained CAP's capabilities and how local DES Coordinators can request a mission for help during disasters and emergencies.

STAFF NOTES
ASK THE IG LtCol Karen Semple, CAP MTWG/IG

Q: Why do I need to know about the Inspector General (IG)? A: In accordance with CAPR 123-1, Para 10a, Inspectors general at every level are responsible for ensuring Civil Air Patrol members are aware of and understand their privileges and responsibilities regarding the Inspector General Complaints and Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program. In this issue of the newsletter, Ill address the Complaints Resolution Program. The point of the Complaints Resolution Program is for the IG to assist members in resolving conflicts and problems. The IG conducts inquiries and investigations into alleged violations of standards, regulation, policy, and abuse of authority and provides redress or appeal where none already exists. The IG also supports the Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) Program. Every CAP member has the right to file an Inspector General (IG) complaint at any level without fear of reprisal. First, verify the facts and give your chain of command an opportunity to resolve the issue. You must complete and submit a CAPF 30, Inspector General Personal and FWA Complaint Registration, within 8 days of the incident. Send it via regular mail or email to the MTWG/IG. You may also call or make an appointment to personally speak with the Inspector General. MTWG/IG P.O. Box 7083 Helena, MT 59634 (406) 443-3376 (Primary) (406) 443-3376 (Cell) or Email: IG@mtwg-cap.us You dont need to have a problem to speak with the IG. The door is open if you have a question you do not need permission from your chain of command for access to the IG. If I cant answer the phone when you call, please leave a message with the best time to call you; I return calls as soon as possible, but not later than 24 hrs. In the next issue, well take a look at the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program.

SQUADRON HIGHLIGHTS
Beartooth Composite Squadron (MT-008, Billings) The Squadrons Wreaths-Across-America project to place remembrance wreaths on veterans graves at Mountview Cemetery this December was a feature article in the Local & State section of The Billings Gazette for Saturday, 22 October.

 An article about our Squadron is in the hardcopy October-December CAP Volunteer magazine! On Page 54 under Rocky Mountain is the article from our May-June Squadron eNewsletter that was also published in the Laurel Observer newspaper on our model rocketry program with the photo of Cadet Mitchell Effective 6 October: Cadet Samuel Bochy was promoted to Senior Airman and received the Feik Award; Cadet Joshua Cohen was promoted to Airman and received the Curry Award; Cadet Christian Gamble was promoted to Airman First Class and received the Arnold Award; Cadet Ian Novasio was promoted to Airman First Class and received the Arnold Award; and, Cadet Eric Mitchell was promoted to Staff Sergeant and received the Wright Brothers Award The Squadron was awarded a plaque by NHQ Aerospace Education in recognition of our completion of the Aerospace Excellence Program (AEX) for 2010-2011. Each cadet that participated will receive a certificate Butte Composite Squadron (MT-031, Butte)

The Butte Composite Squadrons color guard provided the Montana Crime Prevention Conference with
the presentation of colors. The conference was held in Butte at the Copper King Convention Center on October 18th. Kevin Duskko, Program Specialist from the Montana Board of Crime Control, was very complimentary of our color guard. The colors appeared on KXLF 5:30 p.m. news program on that night. As a good public affairs presentation for CAP, our squadron appeared in the conference program Lewis & Clark County Composite Squadron (MT-060, Helena)

Members of the Squadron participated in the Cromwell Dixon Days centennial celebration, a 1911-style picnic, air show and fly-in of classic planes held at the Helena Regional Airport. Cromwell Dixon was a 19 year old pilot who first flew over the Continental Divide on September 30, 1911 from the Helena Fairgrounds. He also carried a letter, making him the first pilot to carry mail across the Divide. Two days later he crashed and died at an airshow in Spokane. Helena embraced him as a local hero and erected a stone marker at the airport
The Squadron has a team in CyberPatriot IV, Americas high-school level security challenge to defend against computer threat scenarios. 1,019 teams from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Europe, the Pacific and Canada are competing. 218 CAP teams are gearing up for the preliminary online rounds of competition in Round 1 of the All-Services Division A CERT Emergency Medical Operations Refresher was held 25 October. In Photo #1 C/A1C Stephen Murphy helps demonstrate application of a cervical collar by Paramedic Mike O'Brien of Eagle Ambulance in Montana City. In Photo #2 Paramedic Mike O'Brien of Eagle Ambulance explains gear placement and ambulance capabilities to the cadets. Eagle Ambulance helped cadets prepare to assist ambulance crews in the event members of the Squadron CERT Team happen upon a mass casualty incident. The hands-on demo was preceded by a medical operations refresher on blunt force trauma - the most common injury during disasters

Photo #1

Photo #2

Big Sky Composite Squadron (MT-037, Bozeman)

Nothing to Report
Central Montana Flight (MT-057, Lewiston)

Nothing to Report
Flathead Composite Squadron (MT-053, Kalispell)

Nothing to Report
Malmstrom AFB Composite Squadron (MT-012, Great Falls)

Nothing to Report
Missoula Composite Squadron (MT-018, Missoula)

Nothing to Report
Skyhawks Senior Squadron (MT-042, Great Falls) Nothing to Report Thunderbird Mountain Composite Squadron (MT-067, Plains)

Nothing to Report
Send me your input for the November Wing eNewsletter.