WING NEWS:

 

CAP position on Steve Fossett search clarified
July 28, 2008

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS -- On Oct. 3, 2007, Civil Air Patrol suspended the search for aviator Steve Fossett following one of the largest and most intensive searches for a missing aircraft in modern history.

Despite CAP’s well-coordinated efforts, Fossett and his aircraft remain undetected. Throughout the search for Fossett, Lt. Col. Cindy Ryan, then Nevada Wing public information officer, served as primary media spokesperson. The search was conducted primarily from Minden-Tahoe Airport in Nevada. With suspension of the search, media inquiries are now handled by CAP National Headquarters Public Affairs at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Recent comments attributed to Ryan regarding the search for Fossett contain errors of fact, appear to be taken out of context and were not released with the knowledge or approval of CAP.
Civil Air Patrol’s role in the search for Fossett, as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, was limited to search and rescue in coordination with other emergency service providers. Issues pertaining to Fossett’s personal life and/or rumors surrounding his disappearance are entirely unrelated to CAP’s search efforts and, therefore, it would be inappropriate for CAP to comment about them.

Over the last decade, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and CAP have been involved in thousands of searches for missing aircraft, and only 18 of those missions are unsolved. CAP members perform 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the AFRCC and were credited by AFRCC with saving 103 lives in 2007.

The search for Fossett ended after a 20,000-square-mile search that included members of CAP’s Nevada, California, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas wings. Initially, more than 60 CAP Nevada Wing members and six aircraft were involved in the search effort. Sophisticated “grid” searches of thousands of square miles of rugged, high-desert terrain were conducted by CAP volunteers who devoted in excess of 17,000 man-hours both on the ground and in the air. CAP flew 629 flights totaling 1,774 flying hours.

From the start of the operation, these areas were searched repeatedly at different times of day and light angles in order for crews to better see into deep mountain ravines. Ground search teams on foot, horseback and all-terrain vehicles simultaneously combed the same target areas.

In addition, nearly a dozen radar analysts reviewed the Fossett radar data, including experts from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Air Force, Navy, National Transportation Safety Board and CAP, using multiple approaches and software tools, all looking for Fossett’s radar track.

CAP, the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center, Nevada National Guard, Nevada’s Department of Emergency Management, California’s Office of Emergency Services and many other agencies worked under a unified command structure in order to share resources and coordinate efforts. Also, the Hilton Flying M Ranch’s assets worked closely with CAP and these agencies to ensure their efforts were not duplicated and safety was maintained at all times.

“The search for Steve Fossett is a testament to the unforgiving terrain comprising the search area,” said Lt. Col. E.J. Smith, Nevada Wing vice commander. “The combination of high altitude, thick forest and mountainous terrain proved to be unconquerable during this particular search operation

Civil Air Patrol members honor excellence, chart future at annual conference in Kissimmee, Fla.
July 23, 2008

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – More than 650 Civil Air Patrol members from across the nation will gather in Kissimmee, Fla., for the 2008 Civil Air Patrol National Board and Annual Conference to be held Aug. 6-9 at the Gaylord Palms Resort.

The conference theme, “Citizens Serving Communities: Above and Beyond,” is also CAP’s new compelling message. It describes the spirit of Civil Air Patrol’s civic-minded citizens who serve their communities through aerospace education, search and rescue, emergency services and cadet programs.

The annual conference provides members the opportunity to further their professional development, network and help chart CAP’s future.

As part of CAP’s ongoing commitment to the professional development of its members, CAP will offer more than 50 learning labs on Aug. 8-9 and seven preconference courses on Aug. 5-6. Topics will include disaster relief, homeland security, communications, safety, aerospace education and public affairs. Also, exceptional CAP members will be honored for their service in 21 categories during an awards ceremony to be held from 8:30-9:45 a.m. on Aug. 9.

In conjunction with the conference, members of the CAP National Board, CAP’s governing body, will meet on Aug. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. and on Aug. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The board’s agenda will include election of a national commander and a national vice commander.

The keynote speaker for the conference banquet is Air Force Lt. Gen. Allen Peck, commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, who will speak at 7 p.m. on Aug. 9. Peck leads the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force, graduating more than 50,000 resident and 120,000 nonresident officers, enlisted and civilian personnel each year. Additionally, he is responsible for officer commissioning through Officer Training School and the Reserve Officer Training Corps. His background includes graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1975, two tours on Air Staff at the Pentagon performing as a key planner for the air war over Serbia and assistance in planning and execution of coalition air operations for Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The Florida Wing, host of this year’s conference, has more than 90 local units throughout the state and more than 3,500 members -- 2,137 adults and 1,406 cadets. Gainesville Composite Squadron cadets recently won the color guard competition during CAP’s 2008 National Cadet Competition in Dayton, Ohio.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 56,000 members nationwide. 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 the nearly 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 66 years.

Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs Officers meet from across the nation
July 23, 2008

CNN correspondent Miles O’Brien will be among the featured speakers when Civil Air Patrol public affairs officers from across the nation meet at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla., on Aug. 5-6 for the 2008 CAP PAO Academy.

Other high-profile speakers will include Col. Mike Caldwell, deputy director of public affairs, Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.; Mike Strickler, public affairs operations officer for Air Force North at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.; and Lt. Col. Cindy Ryan, national public affairs team leader who handled international media relations during CAP’s monthlong search in 2007 for adventurer Steve Fossett. In addition to the search for Fossett, O’Brien covered the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003.

The event also will include presentation of the Maj. Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement Awards to PAOs for outstanding performance in a variety of categories. The awards ceremony will be held Aug. 6 at 4 p.m. in Osceola B, Gaylord Palms.

“CAP’s 900 PAOs across America work tirelessly to help the communities we serve understand who we are and what we do,” said Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP interim national commander. “Professional development opportunities such as this one ensure that CAP members have the resources and the skills to reach their full potential as volunteers.”

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 56,000 members nationwide. 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 the nearly 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 66 years.

AOPA donates $5,000 to Civil Air Patrol
July 23, 2008

CAP helps generate zero airspace restrictions during fly-in
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Thanks to an aggressive communications plan, including hands-on outreach by Civil Air Patrol squadrons up and down the East Coast, pilots attending the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s recent Fly-In and Open House met the challenge to have zero violations of expanded airspace restrictions over nearby Camp David, Maryland.

In recognition of and appreciation for CAP’s helpful role in preventing airspace violations, AOPA will present a $5,000 check to CAP during the organization’s National Board meeting. The event will take place on Aug. 8 during CAP’s General Assembly to be held from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. at the Gaylord Palms Resort In Kissimmee, Fla.

CAP members from the Northeast, Middle East and Great Lakes regions assisted AOPA by
alerting pilots at airports throughout the eastern U.S. that prohibited airspace over Camp David, Md., the presidential retreat, had been expanded. The expanded airspace restriction, coupled with the nearby Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) airspace restriction, squeezed pilots into a small arrival corridor. CAP’s communications successfully helped prevent any airspace violations for AOPA fly-In attendees.

“We challenged pilots coming to the fly-in to show the FAA and the security folks just how conscientious pilots really are,” said AOPA President Phil Boyer. “We said if they delivered on that challenge — no incursion violations — we’d donate $5,000 to the Civil Air Patrol to thank them for their assistance in this effort. This is money I’m GLAD to give away.”

“This was a great opportunity to assist an important CAP partner,” said Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter, CAP interim national commander. “As an organization consisting of many pilots, both retired military and general aviation enthusiasts, we are proud to do our part to ensure smooth flying for AOPA and its members.”

With a membership base of more than 415,000, or two thirds of all pilots in the United States, AOPA is the largest, most influential aviation association in the world.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 56,000 members nationwide. 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 the nearly 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 66 years.

Julie DeBardelaben ♦ Deputy Director, Public Affairs ♦ W: (877) 227-9142 Ext. 250 ♦ C: (334) 868-0198Steve Cox ♦ Public Affairs Manager ♦ W: (877) 227-9142 Ext. 251 ♦ C: (334) 296-5881www.gocivilairpatrol.com

Civil Air Patrol members hone emergency services skills at academy
July 14, 2008

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – About 500 Civil Air Patrol members, including a great many cadets, are enhancing their skills at the National Emergency Services Academy, a multidisciplinary training program held July 26-Aug. 9 at Camp Atterbury, a 35,000-acre Indiana National Guard facility in Edinburgh, Ind.

NESA was started in 1996 to offer intensive training to CAP members. The program combines task-based training with practical application and has become the standard for wings nationwide.

The academy consists of three courses – National Ground Search and Rescue School, Incident Command System School and Mission Aircrew School. Each course is divided into one-week sessions focusing on specific skillsets or tasks. A total of 12 courses, including two courses for prospective incident staff members, are offered.

National Ground Search and Rescue School gives members the skills they need to expertly perform ground searches. Incident Command System School focuses on the skills needed to be top-notch leaders and staff officers of mission resources at the incident command post and other critical operating locations. The Mission Aircrew School keys in on the critical skills needed for pilots and crew members to stay at the top of their game.

CAP members put these skills to good use. CAP performs 90 percent of all inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. – missions that call into action CAP aircrews, ground teams and incident command staff. In fiscal year 2007, CAP was credited with 103 saves.

“Major missions, such as this year’s flooding, tornadoes and wildfires, require CAP members to be professionally trained,” said Interim CAP National Commander Brig. Gen. Amy S. Courter. “Volunteers on the ground are just as essential as those in the air.”

The academy operates with a staff of about 100, mostly CAP volunteers, complemented by an CAP-U.S. Air Force reservists who monitor the training to ensure it meets Air Force standards, and instructors from several federal, state, and local agencies to bring broad experience and realism to the program. Around 250 students complete each of the two one-week training courses. The school boasts about 3,000 graduates.

The majority of cadets choose to participate in the National Ground Search and Rescue School, with the youngest participants being 13 years old. Students must be older to attend the other two schools — at least 18 to participate in Mission Aircrew School and 15 for Incident Command System School.

Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with more than 56,000 members nationwide. Its volunteers 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 the nearly 22,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for more than 66 years.

CAP members should be on alert for Internet fraud
July 08, 2008

Hackers of Vanguard site send e-mail requesting personal information

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS -- Civil Air Patrol members making online purchases from Vanguard Industries -- vendor of CAP uniforms, insignia and numerous other items -- should be on the alert for the possibility of attempted internet fraud by someone recently hacking the company's site.

A notice posted on Vanguard's Web site today reads as follows:
In order to avoid exposure to pharming please verify if you are at vanguardmil.com. Vanguard will NOT send you e-mails requesting personal information. Please contact us at (800) 433-1334 if you have any questions or concerns.

Vanguard also stated they are pesently working with the FBI concerning this matter -- and that it remains safe for customers to conduct online business via http://vanguardmil.com. In addition, customers who placed orders this weekend and who may have been affected by the situation have been contacted via e-mail by the company.

"Pharming" refers to the hacker practice of redirecting traffic on a valid Web site to an alternate, illegitimate Web site that may appear identical. Such practices are summarized at http://www.pharming.org/index.jsp and at http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourself/phishing/pharming.mspx.

Vanguard learned from customers placing orders during the Fourth of July weekend that some had received a message similar to the following:

Thank you for your recent Order #XXXX-XXXXXX-XXX at Vanguard Industries, Inc.

We regret to inform you that we need further information to verify the status of the transaction that you made through your credit card number XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Please understand that this also helps to reduce the risk that any other person misuses your credit card. Anybody, who has your credit card number and expiry date, can you use your credit card on the Internet for making payment. For us, it is important to protect our customers and ourselves from fraudulent transactions.

To continue processing your order, please provide us following documents:
Front and backside of credit card that you placed this order with.
Photo-ID card (such as driver's license, passport) showing the same name & signature as the credit card. One recent bank statement or utility bill (optional)

You can send the verification documents by replying or writing a new email to: order@vanguardmil.net.

Vanguard representatives have confirmed that such e-mails are fraudulent and stressed that the company "will never contact you requesting personal information after your order has been placed."

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