CAP: Blast from the past #2

CAP: Blast from the past

CAP: CBS News Gulf Report

CAP: OPS-Quals Shut Down on 1 February, 2010

Operations-Qualifications v.2 Upgrade

The launch of Operations-Qualifications v.2 is scheduled for Tuesday, 2 February, 2010. The upgrade will consist of many new user-friendly features that will assist members on tracking their qualifications. Our thanks and appreciation go out to all who assisted with preliminary testing. In order to ensure enough time for the release, we will shut down OPS-Quals at 12:01am 1 February 2010. At that time no other operations in the systems will be possible. We recommend that you printout FRO Reports preceding February 1st. This will provide units a reference copy for qualified pilots in Ops-Quals. Please plan accordingly.

Notable new features include:

Look and feel updated with a more responsive user interface. Less screen refreshes.
Every member will have access to any member's information. If they do not have permissions to edit the information, it will be read-only.
You do not have to download the font for the 101 Card barcode to show.
You can now uploaded ES and Pilot documents.
If you hover over any item in OPS Quals it will provide you with information (i.e. who validated/approved it, date it was validated/approved, etc.).
Real-time FRO Support Report.

Thanks for your cooperation, CAP IT

CAP: 29 Palms Find

The Civil Air Patrol found a missing plane and the two men inside (01/19/10) After an intense search from the skies and on the ground, a Civil Air Patrol Ground Search And Rescue Team reached the site of an aircraft crash in the Joshua Tree National Park late Monday night.

Crews found the two people who were trapped in a Cesna 172M aircraft. They were taken via helicopter to Desert Regional Medical Center with injuries sustained in the crash.

The plane left from Roy Williams Airport in Joshua Tree and was due into Palm Springs International Aiport Monday, FAA spokesperson Allen Kenitzer confirms to KPSP.

The owner of Roy Williams Airport, Park Richardson, tells KPSP that the two men in the plane were flight instructor Wayne Henry of Twentynine Palms and his student Rocky Harvey of Joshua Tree.

"The reason they are alive is probably because of the expertise of the instructor," Richardson tells KPSP.

Richardson says Henry is a "top-notch" instructor and has been working out of the Roy Williams Airport for 22 years. Henry has more than 18,000 hours of flight experience, according to Richardson.

Rescuers say when they found the small plane, it was upside down and in snow. The victims were stabilized at the scene until Riverside County Fire could be airlifted to the scene to get them out.

The heavy rain did not help in the search either.

Before the passengers were found, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) told KPSP Local 2 News "Weather is creating a challenge for the aircraft as the ground is obscured as the flight crew maintains a safe altitude for terrain clearance."

Lt. Matt Scherzi with CAP said, "It's our job is to save lives. We're there to save lives."

The plane, built in 1973, is registered to a woman out of Joshua Tree, according to Federal Aviation Administration records.

KPSP Local 2 will continue to follow this developing story and will provide updates as the become available.

CAP: Narrow Band FM Frequencies

All Personnel, Northeast Region, CAP:

By direction, Commander, NER, effective 1 January 2010 the new “narrow band FM” frequencies are mandatory.

Within the next few days the respective wing Directors of Communications will be requested to distribute information sheets within their wings listing the primary channels to be used in each wing. Keep a copy of this information for your guidance.

Any questions should be directed through your chain of command.

CAP: Nominations for "Of The Year" Awards Due

Please be advised that Cadet of the Year (note already sent to you by Major Lesick) and Senior of the Year applications are due to CTWG HQ no later than January 15. Remember that the Cadet of the Year application must be on a Form 58 with all supporting documentation. Incomplete Form 58's will not be considered. The Form 58 must be typed on the computer form--no hand written forms will be accepted.

Please check CAPR 39-3 and its changes for any other National awards that are due in January.

Since our next Wing Conference will most likely be in October again, any other wing awards will be asked for submission sometime in August.

Thank you.
Lt Col Cassandra Huchko
CTWG CS/DA/DP

CAP: Wreaths Across America - CT Schedule

Tuesday 8 December
1500 Veterans Memorial, Coventry CT
1700 Connecticut State Capitol, Hartford

Wednesday 9 December
0830 Southington High School, Southington CT
1030 Home for the Brave, Bridgeport CT
1145 Sikorsky Aircraft, Bridgeport CT
1430 Town Hall, Darien CT

Thursday 10 December
0845 Darien High School, Darien CT

CAP: 68th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – The 58,000 citizen volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol will mark CAP’s 68th anniversary on Dec. 1. The celebration commemorates the rich history of vigilant service provided by the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force over the past seven decades.

The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization was founded on Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America’s involvement in World War II. Its members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols, vigilance that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks on shipping in American waterways. Fifty-nine heroic members died; 26 were lost at sea; and seven others were seriously injured while carrying out CAP missions during the war.

“Our citizen volunteers have a proud legacy of selfless service to their country and their communities. They truly go above and beyond each day, giving their best as needs arise,” said Maj. Gen. Amy Courter, CAP’s national commander.

“This occasion provides citizens across America the opportunity to honor Civil Air Patrol and its members. Be sure to say ‘thanks’ to these unsung heroes in your communities who provide such vigilant service, often without fanfare. Each day, through their volunteer efforts, our members help save lives and preserve liberty for all.”

CAP NatHQ PA

CAP:

For ALL CTWG Officers

Commander and CAC Reps - Please Also Shre With Your Cadets

(Received from National Headquarters 10/25/09)

It is with deep regret that I inform you that one of the great ladies of Civil Air Patrol passed away yesterday. Colonel Louisa S. Morse was the Delaware Wing Commander from 1953 to 1976, Middle East Region Commander from 1976 to 1979 and then National Controller from 1979 to 1983. She was inducted into the CAP Hall of Honor in 1982. A memorial service will be held on, Tuesday, 27 October, at 2:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1502 W 13th St, Wilmington, DE 19806. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to the Delaware Wing.

In the event you never had the opportunity to meet this remarkable lady, I've attached some background information. She was a tremendous support of Civil Air Patrol for many years and will surely be missed.


SUSAN P. PARKER
National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol
105 S. Hansell Street
Maxwell AFB AL 36112-6332

CAP: National Preparedness Message 3

It's hard to believe that National Preparedness Month will be over in just a few days. It's gone by so fast, and many Civil Air Patrol members across the country have done great things this month to prepare themselves, their families, friends, and communities, but it doesn't end there.

Most people believe that nothing bad will ever happen to them, and unfortunately disasters know no boundaries and can impact anyone at anytime. It is important for you to plan ahead so that you are prepared, and to help others do so as well. These efforts don't have to end at the end of National Preparedness Month either.
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to plan in advance. Answer these questions.

How you will contact one another?
Who do you contact and do you have their numbers with you?
How you will get back together?
What you will do in different situations? For example, what if there is limited or no phone service? How about if roads are blocked to your neighborhood?

Make sure you have a family emergency plan, everyone in your family really knows the plan, and consider the following in developing your family emergency plan if you don't have one already:

- It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.

- Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact. We suggest that the number be kept not only in your cell phone, but also on a card in your wallet or in case your cell phone battery dies. This way you can use someone else's phone if necessary.

- You may have trouble getting through, or telephones may be down altogether, but be patient. Some people found after recent disaster that though their calls would not go through, text messages often did, so if you can't get through, try sending a text message from an enabled phone.

- Find out what kinds of disasters, both natural and man-made, are most likely to occur in your area and how you will be notified. Methods of getting your attention vary from community to community. One common method is to broadcast via emergency radio and TV broadcasts. You might hear a special siren, or get a telephone call or emergency workers may go door-to-door.

- A template family emergency plan is available from the Ready Campaign at:
http://www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/familyemergencyplan.pdf

Most of us spend a lot of time away from home. You may also want to inquire about emergency plans at places where your family spends time: work, daycare and school. If no plans exist, consider volunteering to help create one. Talk to your neighbors about how you can work together in the event of an emergency. You will be better prepared to safely reunite your family and loved ones during an emergency if you think ahead and communicate with others in advance. More information is available to help with this at: http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/work_school.html.

It is hard to believe in this day and age of Blackberries, 24 hour news channels, and electronic billboards that people don't know a lot about the potential emergencies in their area, but it still happens. Being informed about the different types of emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate ways to respond to them will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Take the time to learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. Know what the plans are when schools, businesses or government agencies close because of a last minute emergency. Determine the evacuation routes from your community. Find out what resources are available in your area and what else you can do to be more involved at: http://www.ready.gov/america/local/index.html.

Thank you for your outstanding support of National Preparedness Month. Civil Air Patrol members do great things to help their communities every day, and your efforts to help your communities to prepare for emergencies will pay great dividends. Preparedness does not end at the end of National Preparedness Month though. We hope that you have seen throughout this month that preparedness should be a part of what we all do every day. Keep up the relationships that you have established with your partner agencies and organizations. Take the time to review your emergency plans periodically and update your kits. Know what is going on in your community, and get involved to make it a safer place to live. And remember, there are always tools available to you to help you in your preparedness efforts at http://www.ready.gov/.

AMY S. COURTER
Major General, CAP
National Commander

CAP: NASA announces Col. Eric A. Boe as pilot of the final Shuttle Mission

NASA officials assign crew for final scheduled Space Shuttle mission
9/23/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- NASA officials have assigned the crew for the last scheduled space shuttle mission, targeted to launch in September 2010. The flight to the International Space Station will carry a pressurized logistics module to the station.

Veteran shuttle commander and retired Air Force Col. Steven W. Lindsey will command the eight-day mission, designated STS-133. Air Force Col. Eric A. Boe will serve as the pilot; it will be his second flight as a shuttle pilot. Mission Specialists are shuttle mission veteran Air Force Col. Benjamin Alvin Drew, Jr., and long-duration spaceflight veterans Michael R. Barratt, Army Col. Timothy L. Kopra and Nicole P. Stott.

Eric Boe is a CAP senior member and was profiled in a recent issue of CAP's VOLUNTEER magazine.

CAP: News of the Force Special Report

The CAP - An Outsider's Perspective
By Daniel C. Lopez, III, News of the Force-San Antonio

This past week, in San Antonio, Texas, from Sept. 3-5, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) - America's Air Force Auxiliary - held its Annual Conference and National Board Meeting. Since I am a resident here, and NOTF's local bureau chief, I was asked to cover the story.

Before I continue, I must acknowledge the generous support and permission I received from the CAP's national commander, Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter. She granted me access to the meeting and allowed me to see first-hand a fraction of the workings of the CAP. Without her generosity, this article would not have been possible.

My only prior knowledge of the CAP came from a former friend, Travis Lull, with whom I went to high school. He was a cadet member of the CAP in Phoenix, Ariz. Then, there are the articles which are published in News of the Force. I was informed that the editor and chief of News of the Force was getting live updates during the conference, so I chose to take a human interest angle - about the people behind the stories.

As I observed the proceedings, I thought about Thomas Jefferson’s belief that it was the duty of every American to rise up and take cause to serve the greater good.

My CAP public affairs liaison was Mr. James Tynan. He informed me that the attendance for this year's conference was over 625 members. Those in attendance ranged from the cadets (ages 12-18), many just starting out, to the senior adult members (age range 19 and beyond). Since the CAP is not a military reserve organization there are no age cut-offs for membership. Those who do leave the CAP do so when they see fit, however, they can come back if they so desire.

While attending the conference, the members were able to sit in on any of its more than 50 learning labs. These labs are designed to help refine the skills and training the members have.

With the help of Mr. Tynan, I was able to talk with several CAP members about their experiences in the Civil Air Patrol. For those who shared their stories with me - and to Jim Tynan, I say "thank you."

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE STORY

The first member I spoke with was CAP Col. Richard Cooper. Col. Cooper is with the CAP's Washington Wing. He started out in the CAP as a cadet two years before he graduated from high school. He always loved aviation, he said, and the CAP gave him a chance to gain flight hours and achieve his pilot’s license in 1972. He was able to take his experiences from the CAP and transfer them into the U.S. military, where he served as an aviator. He left the military in 1991 and re-entered the CAP as a senior member. He felt that this was his way of giving back to the organization that helped him get to where he was. His wing focuses on a drug demand reduction program - this program is designed to help keep kids off drugs by teaching them to say "no" and showing them the dangers that come with drugs. Col. Cooper said that one of the things that adds to a member's success is strong family support.

The idea of a strong support unit sometimes leads to a legacy. That's what happened in the case of John Desmarias. He's been with the CAP for over 22 years. He started as a cadet in Rhode Island and worked his was through Phase IV of the cadet program quickly. While he was in the CAP as a cadet, his parents decided to join the CAP as well. Since his family all came from a firefighting background, they gravitated to the emergency services aspect of the CAP. When his brother was old enough to join, the entire family became a CAP legacy. He has served on ground search and rescue teams, then later on the wing/headquarters side. His father is now an officer in the CAP's Nebraska Wing. Mr. Desmarias is now working full-time at the CAP's headquarters at Maxwell AFB, Ala. He claims the CAP is what brought his family together.

But this sense of bringing people together does not stop with the families of the CAP - it reaches deep into the heart of the community. Take for example the job of Lt. Col. Jerry Leveque. He's an active duty soldier in the U.S. Army and is also a teacher in a Title I school in Houston, Texas. He brings the message and values of the CAP to his students via its cadet program. For the past seven years, his school has had the largest CAP cadet program in the region. He has a 72 percent completion rate among his cadet corps. Those who graduate high school after having been in the CAP wind up going to college and on to good careers. Col. Leveque credits the success in his program to parent involvement. Parents help with the chaperoning and fund-raising, all for the good of their children. Col. Leveque also believes in giving every cadet a chance - no matter where they are in life. Some of the cadets, he said, are too poor to travel to the competitions and events, but with the help of the community as well as the CAP, every cadet gets to go. It's important for them to see new places and meet new people, the colonel said. It's one of the lessons they will carry through into the rest of their lives, he added.

CAP Col. Edward D. Phelka is the commander of the CAP's Colorado Wing. One of the unique things about the Colorado Wing, he said, is their academy, which focuses on teaching emergency services CAP pilots how to do search and rescue missions while flying over the mountains. His wing command has 800 cadets and 1,000 adult members. Col. Phelka is also a long-time member of the CAP. He has been in for 22 years and is inspired, he said, by what the CAP is doing for the country.

The one thing that all the CAP members I talked to seem to have in common is their pride in the CAP and their wings; the sense of duty for the jobs they do for the community; and a love for the CAP.

ERIC BOE: FROM CAP CADET TO NASA ASTRONAUT

One famous member of the CAP is a NASA astronaut, Eric Boe. He's a member of the CAP who has gone far in life and is still involved in the organization as a way to give back. He still remembers being interested in aviation as a child and joining the CAP. He was able to solo in a plane as a CAP cadet, and this helped him earn fight hours towards his pilot's license. His membership in the Civil Air Patrol helped him enter the Air Force Academy, he said, and upon graduating he became an Air Force test pilot and moved to Columbus, Ga. There, he was a fighter pilot instructor.

In the back of his mind, he kept thinking about the time his parents called him into his living room to watch the Apollo moon landing. He claims that this is what got him interested in flying. After spending time as a fighter pilot instructor, he applied to NASA. Given his experience, he was accepted. He trained long and hard, and in November 2008, he was the pilot on the space shuttle Endeavour. For sixteen days he was docked with the International Space Station to help fix its solar array. At one point during the mission, he was given the task to fly around the space station itself. He says that being at NASA is like being in the CAP - it's a team working together to accomplish the mission.

Boe speaks passionately about the future of space travel and thinks that the CAP may someday play a big part in that as well. He believes that the continued exploration of space is "like Columbus finding America," and sees major commercial airlines one day offering trips into space.

Eric Boe is proof that dreams can come true, and the CAP, he said, has helped him make his possible.

MY TIME WITH THE GENERAL

Between her meetings with the National Cadet Advisory Council - the CAP's cadet "student body" that helps make policy for the rest of its cadets - and another event, CAP Maj. Gen. Amy S. Courter was gracious enough to sit down with me and share her story and her views on the future of the CAP.

Gen. Courter - like many adults who enter the Civil Air Patrol - began at the senior level. She came from a background with the law enforcement Explorers. After she graduated from a Michigan police academy, a friend of hers said, "Why not join the CAP?" The CAP has allowed her to use her knowledge of law enforcement in the CAP's emergency services ground search and rescue missions. "I completed the academy in the program, and someone told me about the CAP, where I could 'Use my emergency services skills forever!' And they have been right. Previously, I had not heard of the CAP, or I surely would have been a cadet member," the general said.

In the early years of this decade she was made the wing commander of the CAP's Michigan Wing. She feels that her experience commanding a wing helped her prepare for her position of Civil Air Patrol national commander. She said the key to any position - from cadet through commander - is listening and communication. She feels that the membership has stayed strong and is continues to grow because she and its board listen to the needs of the membership.

When she is not running the CAP, Gen. Courter has her own business management consulting firm. She brings her principles and values from the CAP to her own business. The CAP has helped her throughout her work life, she said, by teaching her to adapt and learn new jobs, and to apply the CAP's way of doing things to help make her endeavors more efficient.

Gen. Courter firmly believes that the youth and the people of America should get more involved in their communities. By helping the community, people begin to feel a sense of pride in their town - and there are several ways to help. Involvement brings growth and opens a person up to new experiences, she said.

When asked why the CAP is growing, the general said, "I would attribute it to planning carefully the long term position of the CAP, aligning the CAP with customers who have needs we can serve, assisting our members to develop themselves to grow and to be ready, and most importantly, honoring the service of our members. From this, the members build pride and find others who can help them serve their communities through the CAP."

I asked the general if it was still fun for her, even now that she is the commander of the entire CAP. She said that, for her, it is still fun, but in a different way. The position of CAP national commander has let her get out and see the differences that the CAP and it volunteer members are making in communities all across America. Her position also lets her spread the message of the CAP on a more personal level, and she gets feedback directly from its members. Under her command, the CAP has forged a great partnership wit the U.S. Air Force. It has led the CAP to forge ahead and expand its training into bold new areas, such as technology. She believes that in the future, the CAP will be right on the cutting edge with the rest of the U.S. military.

One of her greatest moments - on a personal and a professional level - was the day she went to Cape Canaveral, Fla., and witnessed the launch of Eric Boe's historic first mission into space. Her only regret, she said, was having to turn her back to the launch to pose for a publicity picture.

WHAT DID I LEARN?

Eric Boe's mission into space was an example of what one person can achieve through hard work and dedication. Like Gen. Courter in command, the regular CAP members who believe in what they are doing - and the cadets - hold the future of the organization. They come from every walk of life: young, old, rich, poor, businessmen, educators, military, home- makers - all gathered together to serve their communities in time of need and educate the young that there is another way to go. With President Obama's call to be more involved, the CAP has set the standard.

The Civil Air Patrol began in 1941 - just a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, propelled the United States into World War II - and it's volunteer members have continued to serve our nation - in war and in peace.

So, God's speed to the Civil Air Patrol - and it's volunteer members - who have performed their "Missions for America" for more than 68 years.

CAP: National Preparedness Month, 1/2 Way through!

We are now more than half way through National Preparedness Month, and we hope that you are taking some time to be sure that you are prepared for disasters. Once a disaster has struck is the wrong time to learn that you, your family, or friends are not prepared. Preparing personal and family disaster kits in advance helps make sure that you have what you need, and don't get caught off guard. This may seem like a simple thing to do, but it is often times disregarded, leaving people unprepared. Take a few minutes and get your personal kit up to date, and help a friend or family member do the same. Wondering what you should have in your kit? The Department of Homeland Security Ready Campaign recommends that a basic emergency supply kit include the following:

1.One gallon of water per person per day, for three days – remember to include enough for your pets, too.
2.At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water and choose foods your family will eat: ready-to-eat canned meats, peanut butter, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola. 3.Also pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
Battery-powered or hand crank AM/FM radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
4.Flashlight and extra batteries
5.First aid kit
6.Whistle to signal for help
7.Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
8.Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
9.Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
10.Local maps

The Ready Campaign also encourages an individual to think about the special needs of family members:

1.Prescription medications and glasses
2.Infant formula and diapers
3.Pet food, extra water for your pet, leash and collar
4.Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
5.Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

We encourage you to visit http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html to download a free emergency supply checklist and get additional ideas.

AMY S. COURTER
Major General, CAP
National Commander

NER: NER PAO Announcement

TO: ALL PAOs in the NER,

For several year's now NHQ department of Public Affairs has recognized the fine work done by Public Affairs Officers through the Major Howell Balsem CAP Public Affairs Exceptional Achievement Awards program. This competition provides Public Affairs Officers with the opportunity for recognition of outstanding achievements in a variety of categories. The Balsem Awards are named in honor of the Air Force Major considered by Civil Air Patrol’s Historians to be the first Public Affairs Officer to serve CAP at the national level in the 1950’s. These national awards are normally presented at the annual National PAO Academy but as of this year there is no longer an annual academy, so NHQ is allowing the regions to hold their own Balsem Awards competition.

Members can submit nominations in the following categories:

Writing for the Media
Brochure/Poster/Flyer
Newsletters:
Slide/PowerPoint Presentations
Web site:
Photography:
Media Coverage of CAP
Event Promotion/Crisis Management

This will be a region competition where PAO from any squadron, group or wing within the NER can submit bodies of work for one or more of the categories listed above.

Awards: First place winners will be recognized with a Region Commander’s Commendation Award, the second place selectee will receive a CAP Achievement Award and the third place will receive a Certificate of Recognition. I encourage all PAOs within the NER to participate in this program, attached you will find all the supporting documentation.

Wing and Group PAOs, please ensure that this email and supporting documentation gets to your subordinate units.

Capt James Ridley, Sr.
NER Director of Public Affairs

CAP: A Message from the General on National Preparedness

September is National Preparedness Month (NPM). Civil Air Patrol is an NPM Coalition Member again this year, and it is fitting that we take time today, the eighth anniversary of the tragic events of the 11th of September 2001, to reflect and encourage all members and their communities to be better prepared for all emergencies. NPM is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is a nationwide effort to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools as part of the Ready Campaign. Throughout September DHS is working with a wide variety of organizations like Civil Air Patrol to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness planning.

This year there are again four main focus areas for NPM.

a. Get a kit
b. Make a plan
c. Be informed
d. Get involved

There are many opportunities to participate in NPM, and we encourage all members to check out the tools and ideas available on the Ready Campaign website at http://www.ready.gov/ and our own site at http://www.capmembers.com/emergency_services/national_preparedness_month.cfm. We hope you have a safe and educational National Preparedness Month.

AMY S. COURTER
Major General, CAP
National Commander

CAP: Why join CAP?

CAP: The job

CAP: Scientist and past CAP Cadet to interview for Astronaut job

When Sian Proctor was a teenager, she found that her eyesight and the loss of her beloved father thwarted the 20/20 vision she had for life: to become an astronaut.

So, who could have guessed that two decades later, this geology faculty member of South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, would be invited to interview for an astronaut position with NASA?

"I am humbled by the opportunity to make it come true," she said.

NASA will interview her for three days this month at the Johnson Space Center. Only 10 to 15 of the 120 final candidates will be selected for the two-year training period to become an astronaut.

Proctor, 38, was born on Guam where her father worked at the NASA tracking station during the Gemini and Apollo missions. After Apollo 13, the family moved back to the United States.

At age 16, Proctor's then-poor vision required her to get glasses. Her father died a few years later, deepening Proctor's belief that she would never be able to fulfill her dream.

"My life was all laid out, or so I thought," she said. "I wanted so much to follow in my father's footsteps. Growing up, I was good at math and science, I was in the Civil Air Patrol, and I wanted to go to the Air Force Academy. My ultimate goal was to fly F-16s and end my career as an astronaut exploring space. NASA had always been a part of my life."

Then Proctor got glasses and her father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Flying for the military was no longer an option. Neither was NASA. Both required 20/20 vision. More here...

CAP: SAR Advanced Training

New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol in sponsoring an Inland SAR Planning Course presented by the National Search and Rescue School on 21 to 25 Sep 09; registration deadline is 14 Aug.

The class is offered tuition-free to US citizens involved directly in SAR. However, each student or their organization is responsible for all personal expenses, travel, lodging, meals, etc. See http://www.uscg.mil/tcyorktown/Ops/SAR/Inland/default.asp for application procedures.

Class location:
National Guard Aviation Facility
152 Scotch Rd (at the RR overpass)
Ewing NJ 08628

The Inland SAR planning class is not for beginners. It is an advanced course for experienced on-scene decision makers, planners, operations leaders, and direct support staff members. It presents mathematically based search planning tools with solid theoretical underpinnings, along with some allied topics, focused on improving overall SAR response and success.

Richard Olszewski, Lt. Col, CAP
NJ Wing, Director of Operations