12/4/2009 - ORLANDO, Fla. (AFNS) -- More than 100 chaplains and chaplain assistants from throughout the Air Force attended the Chaplain Corps Summit here recently, in part to celebrate 60th anniversary of the Air Force Chaplain Corps and the 100th anniversary of the chaplain assistant career field.
The summit began with an interfaith worship service, included a review of Chaplain Corps history and concluded with a Heritage Banquet.
"We reminisced over years of service and fellowship in our past and looked ahead to the role of the Chaplain Corps in meeting current and future mission needs," said Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Cecil R. Richardson, chief of chaplains.
Chaplain Richardson related the Chaplain Corps' rich and storied history. Chaplain Charles I. Carpenter, the Army Air Corps' "Air Chaplain," emphasized the need for pastoral identity of chaplains with the people they served. After successfully persuading senior leaders that the Air Force should have its own chaplaincy, Chaplain Carpenter helped ensure the drafting of the transfer order on May 10, 1949.
Predating the Air Force Chaplain Corps, the "chaplain assistant" position was established forty years earlier on Dec. 28, 1909. Paragraph 1 of the General Order by the War Department stated, "One enlisted man will be detailed on special duty, by the commanding officer of any organization to which a chaplain is assigned for duty, for the purpose of assisting the chaplain in the performance of his official duties."
"Air Force chaplains and chaplain assistants continue to support our Airmen in today's fight as we walk where they walk and go where they go," Chaplain Richardson said.
07 December 2009
04 December 2009
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
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
CTWG: Always Vigilant adds AF News RSS feed
Below right underneath the CAP Headlines News section is the newly added Air Force RSS feed including Air Force photos of the week and the top 5 news items of every day - enjoy.
CTWG PA
CTWG PA
USAF: Airmen lead training course for Iraqi police
by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera team
12/3/2009 - BAGHDAD (AFNS) -- Airmen assigned to the Iraq Police Transition Team here started a new class Nov. 18 for recent graduates of the Iraqi Police Academy as an effort to further enhance their capabilities as officers securing their communities.
The five-day class is part of an on-going effort to transition responsibility for community security in the cities from coalition forces to Iraqi police.
The primary goal of the training is to build on what the Iraqi's already learned at their academy and show them new ways in how to accomplish the mission of bringing security and stability in and around the streets of Baghdad.
"This training is going to provide them with the tools they will need to proceed as effective officers for their communities," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Cross, a Det. 2 instructor deployed to the region from Offut Air Force Base, Neb. "We will train them in basic community policing, survival skills, communication and leadership. We will also work on weapons handling fundamentals, along with detainee handling."
U.S. Air Forces Central combat camera team
12/3/2009 - BAGHDAD (AFNS) -- Airmen assigned to the Iraq Police Transition Team here started a new class Nov. 18 for recent graduates of the Iraqi Police Academy as an effort to further enhance their capabilities as officers securing their communities.
The five-day class is part of an on-going effort to transition responsibility for community security in the cities from coalition forces to Iraqi police.
The primary goal of the training is to build on what the Iraqi's already learned at their academy and show them new ways in how to accomplish the mission of bringing security and stability in and around the streets of Baghdad.
"This training is going to provide them with the tools they will need to proceed as effective officers for their communities," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Cross, a Det. 2 instructor deployed to the region from Offut Air Force Base, Neb. "We will train them in basic community policing, survival skills, communication and leadership. We will also work on weapons handling fundamentals, along with detainee handling."
02 December 2009
NER: CISM Course Update
There have been changes made to the upcoming CISM 3 day combined Group and Individual Peer Support Course set for 19, 20 21st of Feb 2010 to be held at Westover ARB in Ma.
The first change will be in the price for members to attend course. The NER in wanting to assist Wings in bringing CISM training to as many interested members as possible, including existing CISM Team members who in 2010 will need certificates in both Group and Individual Crisis Intervention, has decided to subsidize a portion of the cost for this NER sponsored CISM training.
Taking this combined course with ICISF at one of their regional conferences will cost approximately $600 for non ICISF members, over $500 for members. Each course individually taken with ICISF would cost over $300 plus travel and lodging.
All CAP Regions and Wings are now charging $125.pp to attend the 3 day combined course and have been instructed by the National CISM Team to phase out the 2 day CISM courses in favor of the 3 day combined course by 2010.
CAP requires current CIST members to refresh their Group Crisis Intervention certificate (1) once every three years IAW CAPR60-5. Taking this course will "re-set" your refresh date to the date of issuence of your new Group certificate as well as the Individual Cert.
Both Group and Individual certs will be required for basic CISM team membership in 2010. Both certs will soon be visible for review in e-service by Region and Wing CISOs, Mission IC, Mission Staff, to check CIST members currency while participating in a mission, so we strongly urge existing members and new perspective CIST members to take advantage of this probable one time low cost training.
The second change will be the way a member registers for course. Registration will now be on-line through Eventbrite and payment may be asked for at time of registration instead of payment by check. The details of this are still being worked out be NER staff and should be finalized by mid-to end of this week. More info will follow as soon as available.
Please do not send checks to NER CIS at this time. If we do on-line pay, any check that has already been received already will immediately be returned via USPS.
Billeting will be on base and is the responsibility of member. Contact Info for billeting will be forwarded to registrant prior to course date.
Thank you all for your interest in CAPs CISM program.
Jack N. Arena, Capt. CAP
Director
Critical Incident Stress Management
Northeast Region Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol
The first change will be in the price for members to attend course. The NER in wanting to assist Wings in bringing CISM training to as many interested members as possible, including existing CISM Team members who in 2010 will need certificates in both Group and Individual Crisis Intervention, has decided to subsidize a portion of the cost for this NER sponsored CISM training.
Taking this combined course with ICISF at one of their regional conferences will cost approximately $600 for non ICISF members, over $500 for members. Each course individually taken with ICISF would cost over $300 plus travel and lodging.
All CAP Regions and Wings are now charging $125.pp to attend the 3 day combined course and have been instructed by the National CISM Team to phase out the 2 day CISM courses in favor of the 3 day combined course by 2010.
CAP requires current CIST members to refresh their Group Crisis Intervention certificate (1) once every three years IAW CAPR60-5. Taking this course will "re-set" your refresh date to the date of issuence of your new Group certificate as well as the Individual Cert.
Both Group and Individual certs will be required for basic CISM team membership in 2010. Both certs will soon be visible for review in e-service by Region and Wing CISOs, Mission IC, Mission Staff, to check CIST members currency while participating in a mission, so we strongly urge existing members and new perspective CIST members to take advantage of this probable one time low cost training.
The second change will be the way a member registers for course. Registration will now be on-line through Eventbrite and payment may be asked for at time of registration instead of payment by check. The details of this are still being worked out be NER staff and should be finalized by mid-to end of this week. More info will follow as soon as available.
Please do not send checks to NER CIS at this time. If we do on-line pay, any check that has already been received already will immediately be returned via USPS.
Billeting will be on base and is the responsibility of member. Contact Info for billeting will be forwarded to registrant prior to course date.
Thank you all for your interest in CAPs CISM program.
Jack N. Arena, Capt. CAP
Director
Critical Incident Stress Management
Northeast Region Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol
29 November 2009
DoD: Friday morning at the Pentagon - every Friday
Hat tip to Michael Yon.
Friday Morning at the Pentagon
Friday, 27 November 2009 09:40 JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY Next Article >
Published: 27 November 2009
By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY
McClatchy Newspapers
Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war. Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and facing months or years in military hospitals.
This week, I'm turning my space over to a good friend and former roommate, Army Lt. Col. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq and is now back at the Pentagon.
Here's Lt. Col. Bateman's account of a little-known ceremony that fills the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and many tears every Friday morning. It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.
"It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here.
This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army' hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew.
Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area.
The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. "10:36 hours: The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.
"A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class.
"Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden ... yet.
"Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel.
"Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more of his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer.
"11:00 hours: Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands hurt... Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway - 20, 25, 30.... Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts.
They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals. Some are wheeled along.... Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.
"There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past.
These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home. This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years.
"Did you know that?
The media haven't yet told the story."
V/R TK
TOM KUNK
COL, GS
Division Chief for ODO
HQDA, G3/5/7
Friday Morning at the Pentagon
Friday, 27 November 2009 09:40 JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY Next Article >
Published: 27 November 2009
By JOSEPH L. GALLOWAY
McClatchy Newspapers
Over the last 12 months, 1,042 soldiers, Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel have given their lives in the terrible duty that is war. Thousands more have come home on stretchers, horribly wounded and facing months or years in military hospitals.
This week, I'm turning my space over to a good friend and former roommate, Army Lt. Col. Robert Bateman, who recently completed a yearlong tour of duty in Iraq and is now back at the Pentagon.
Here's Lt. Col. Bateman's account of a little-known ceremony that fills the halls of the Army corridor of the Pentagon with cheers, applause and many tears every Friday morning. It first appeared on May 17 on the Weblog of media critic and pundit Eric Alterman at the Media Matters for America Website.
"It is 110 yards from the "E" ring to the "A" ring of the Pentagon. This section of the Pentagon is newly renovated; the floors shine, the hallway is broad, and the lighting is bright. At this instant the entire length of the corridor is packed with officers, a few sergeants and some civilians, all crammed tightly three and four deep against the walls. There are thousands here.
This hallway, more than any other, is the `Army' hallway. The G3 offices line one side, G2 the other, G8 is around the corner. All Army. Moderate conversations flow in a low buzz. Friends who may not have seen each other for a few weeks, or a few years, spot each other, cross the way and renew.
Everyone shifts to ensure an open path remains down the center. The air conditioning system was not designed for this press of bodies in this area.
The temperature is rising already. Nobody cares. "10:36 hours: The clapping starts at the E-Ring. That is the outermost of the five rings of the Pentagon and it is closest to the entrance to the building. This clapping is low, sustained, hearty. It is applause with a deep emotion behind it as it moves forward in a wave down the length of the hallway.
"A steady rolling wave of sound it is, moving at the pace of the soldier in the wheelchair who marks the forward edge with his presence. He is the first. He is missing the greater part of one leg, and some of his wounds are still suppurating. By his age I expect that he is a private, or perhaps a private first class.
"Captains, majors, lieutenant colonels and colonels meet his gaze and nod as they applaud, soldier to soldier. Three years ago when I described one of these events, those lining the hallways were somewhat different. The applause a little wilder, perhaps in private guilt for not having shared in the burden ... yet.
"Now almost everyone lining the hallway is, like the man in the wheelchair, also a combat veteran. This steadies the applause, but I think deepens the sentiment. We have all been there now. The soldier's chair is pushed by, I believe, a full colonel.
"Behind him, and stretching the length from Rings E to A, come more of his peers, each private, corporal, or sergeant assisted as need be by a field grade officer.
"11:00 hours: Twenty-four minutes of steady applause. My hands hurt, and I laugh to myself at how stupid that sounds in my own head. My hands hurt... Please! Shut up and clap. For twenty-four minutes, soldier after soldier has come down this hallway - 20, 25, 30.... Fifty-three legs come with them, and perhaps only 52 hands or arms, but down this hall came 30 solid hearts.
They pass down this corridor of officers and applause, and then meet for a private lunch, at which they are the guests of honor, hosted by the generals. Some are wheeled along.... Some insist upon getting out of their chairs, to march as best they can with their chin held up, down this hallway, through this most unique audience. Some are catching handshakes and smiling like a politician at a Fourth of July parade. More than a couple of them seem amazed and are smiling shyly.
"There are families with them as well: the 18-year-old war-bride pushing her 19-year-old husband's wheelchair and not quite understanding why her husband is so affected by this, the boy she grew up with, now a man, who had never shed a tear is crying; the older immigrant Latino parents who have, perhaps more than their wounded mid-20s son, an appreciation for the emotion given on their son's behalf. No man in that hallway, walking or clapping, is ashamed by the silent tears on more than a few cheeks. An Airborne Ranger wipes his eyes only to better see. A couple of the officers in this crowd have themselves been a part of this parade in the past.
These are our men, broken in body they may be, but they are our brothers, and we welcome them home. This parade has gone on, every single Friday, all year long, for more than four years.
"Did you know that?
The media haven't yet told the story."
V/R TK
TOM KUNK
COL, GS
Division Chief for ODO
HQDA, G3/5/7
CTWG: New Fairfield High Program Press
New Fairfield High students meet the PT test!
Civil Air Patrol program takes flight at New Fairfield High
By Erik Ofgang, CONTRIBUTING WRITER Danbury NewsTimes.com
Published: 09:45 p.m., Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Civil Air Patrol can be physically demanding, but Ryan Chapman doesn't complain.
"I like the physical training and the military parallels it has," he said.
Chapman is 16 and a junior at New Fairfield High School. He has been a member of the Civil Air Patrol's Danbury squadron for the past three years and has attained the rank of cadet captain.
He is now helping to lead a cadet Civil Air Patrol program at New Fairfield High School. He is one of 23 students in the program, which is the first Civil Air Patrol program to be offered as part of a school curriculum in Connecticut.
The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, a nonprofit organization that has 57,000 members nationwide. The patrol performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions and was credited with saving 91 lives in the 2008 fiscal year.
There are five major tenets to the cadet program: leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, character development and cadet activities.
Cadets are taught military drills and ceremony, and learn about flight. In addition, each cadet gets 10 flights in a Civilian Air Patrol plane.
New Fairfield High School social studies teacher Chris Welter is the captain of the new squadron, the 801st Cadet Flight. He has been impressed with the way students have responded to the program.
"It's been exciting to see them so energetic to be a part of it," he said
Welter, an Army veteran, said the program will help students prepare physically and mentally for a career in the military and will provide a career alternative for students who do not plan on going to college.
"You can never have too many options when you're a young person," he said.
Mike Chapleau, the assistant principal at New Fairfield High School, added, "It's also great for those who are college bound."
He said the cadets learn respect, leadership, discipline and other skills that will help them succeed.
The program in New Fairfield was started through the efforts of Brian Chapman's father, Ken Chapman, who is vice chairman of the Board of Education and active in the Civil Air Patrol.
Ken Chapman said he looked into creating an ROTC program at the high school, but New Fairfield High could not meet the space requirements. He thought the Civil Air Patrol would be a great alternative.
Chapman was member of the patrol's cadet program as a teenager in Atlanta and said it left a lasting impression on him and his fellow cadets. He would go on to graduate from West Point, while his cadet commander, Col. Eric Boe, would go on to become an astronaut.
Boe is slated to be the commander on the final shuttle flight next September.
Welter, New Fairfield Superintendent Joe Castagnola, and other officials helped Ken Chapman create the program.
Brian Chapman is already licensed to fly a glider solo and plans to get a regular pilot's license, as well. He plans to follow in his dad's footsteps and attend West Point or another military academy.
Among New Fairfield's recruits to the Civil Air Patrol is Chris Martin, 14.
"Flying's a big thing in my life," Martin said. He hopes to have a career in the Air Force and thinks the program will help him prepare. In addition, what he's learning as a cadet can be applied to other aspects of his life.
"It teaches you good values in life overall," he said. "It disciplines you."
26 November 2009
25 November 2009
Morale: Giving Thanks
From: James S Eadie, Capt USAF MC, 332 Expeditionary Air Evacuation Squadron Balad, Iraq
Hat tip to blackfive.net
A Time for Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I eagerly anticipate the plates of turkey and stuffing, the moments of camaraderie around the TV watching football and the sharing of stories amongst friends, but it is the soldiers’ stories of bravery and courage that should be shared on this day of Thanksgiving.
I had the rare chance to talk in depth with one of my CCATT patients on our last flight, a young 24 year old Marine from Camp Pendleton, California. It is Javier’s story hangs with me this day. Javier gave me permission to share his story with you, a true story of heroism, and sacrifice that deserves to be told on Thanksgiving.
On the morning of 16 November 2005, the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment were taking part in operations along the Iraq-Syrian board to clear the towns of insurgents.
Javier [Alvarez], a strong and sturdy looking square jawed Marine Corporal was on his third deployment to Iraq. He had seen heavy combat in his previous two deployments, and had been injured once before earning him a Purple Heart. On this day he was in command of a Squad of fourteen men. I knew just by talking to him that his men were fortunate to have him leading them into battle. He spoke with clarity and confidence of a man twice his age. In the truest essence, he was a Marine.
Taking point, Javier led his five man team towards the house. Shots rang out around them as they advanced. They could see the downed Marines ahead. A young Lieutenant lay face down outside the house. Javier did not know if he was still alive. They would have to act quickly if they were to save him and the others.
As they approached the house the enemy fire intensified and Javier felt a sudden sting and burning in his right leg. He looked down at his leg. Damn, he thought, “I’ve been shot.” He indeed had taken two bullets to his thigh, but he pushed on.
Undeterred, Javier continued to lead his men towards the house. With increasing fire, they took up a defensive posture against the house wall. Slightly protected there, he began tending his wounds with direct pressure as the others returned fire. He could see several downed Marines only arm lengths away, but they could not be reached safely. Gun fire continued to rain down on them. Another member of the squad was hit. They were in a bad position.
What happened next was recalled to me by the Medic that they called Doc. During the barrage of fire, with their backs literally up against a wall an enemy grenade was thrown out of a window landing in the middle of the five men. Doc told me “It was amazing. I was applying pressure to one of the injured soldiers when someone yelled out GRENADE. Javier just dove at the grenade. I have never seen anything like it.”
Javier grabbed the grenade with his right hand. He told me “I knew I only had three to five seconds before it would go off.” With his body shielding his men from the grenade, he made a valiant effort to heave the grenade away. As the grenade left his hand it exploded.
Javier’s right hand was immediately amputated at the wrist. Shrapnel from the grenade penetrated his left thigh. Others in his group took shrapnel to their arms and legs, but no one lost their life.
Doc told me on the plane that he was convinced that they all would have died if it were not for Javier’s heroic actions.
The fighting continued. As more Marines approached the house to provide covering fire, Javier now with two gun shot wounds to his right leg, shrapnel to his left leg and an amputated right hand worked to get his injured men clear. With the aid of his Platoon Sergeant, Javier and his men walked out of the kill zone to the casualty collection point away from the fighting.
Doc stayed in the fight for a while despite being hit with shrapnel from the grenade. He tended to the downed Marines and at one point crawled into the house to pull out the Marine who lay inside. Unfortunately, most of the Marines they came to help had been fatally injured. There was little that could be done. Doc continued to care for the downed soldiers until others noted his wounds. Doc was finally escorted out of the fight to attend to his injuries.
In all told, Javier’s Squad took heavy injuries. We air lifted out 6 members who had sustained shrapnel injuries and one who lost his leg. Javier clearly took the brunt of the injuries, but miraculously no one lost their life. Javier’s selfless action had saved the lives of many men.
I spoke at length with Javier on the flight to Germany. Perhaps it was the awe that I felt talking with him that kept me coming back, or maybe the fact that his men admired him so much. In the end, I think I was drawn in by him because he was just like you and me. He was real. A soldier who had done everything asked of him by his country. He fought with honor and dignity, and led his men with courage. Above all, he put his men’s life above his and protected them from harm.
He didn’t ask for honors or special treatment. His biggest concern when we were loading him onto the plane was his fellow soldiers. He would not lie down until he had visualized and spoken with all of his troops on the plane.
When I arrived home from the mission, I opened the paper. There before me in simple bullet format read the names of the most recent US deaths in Iraq. I generally do not look at these lists. They are just names with no personal connection. But this day, halfway down there were five Marines listed including a young Second Lieutenant all from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment from Pendleton, California who had died on 16 November, 2005. These were the men that Javier and his Squad gave everything to try to save.
I stared at the paper for many minutes, recalling the story Javier and his men had told me. I marveled at the sacrifices they made and felt a tremendous sense of loss for these men whose names now stood out from the paper as not mere records, but as living, breathing men who gave everything their country asked of them.
As I get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here in Iraq, I have so much to be thankful for. My wife is amazing, we have been blessed with a child on the way, and I feel like I have the greatest family and friends that one could ever wish for, but there is more. I see around me everyday soldiers giving everything they have with the full belief that their actions do make a difference. That their sacrifices are for freedom and will one day improve the lives of ordinary Iraqis.
When I sit down on Thursday to my thanksgiving meal, I will be holding these soldiers and their families close. We as a country have so much to be thankful for.
For me, on this Thanksgiving Day, I will be thankful for Javier. He has given the gift of life to his men and their families. I often ask myself if I was in his position, what would I have done? I don’t know, but I certainly hope that I could be like Javier.
My warmest wishes to you all for a wonderful Thanksgiving, we truly have a great deal to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving,
James S Eadie, Capt USAF MC
332 Expeditionary Air Evacuation Squadron
Balad, Iraq
Critical Care Air Transport Physician
Hat tip to blackfive.net
A Time for Thanksgiving
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, I eagerly anticipate the plates of turkey and stuffing, the moments of camaraderie around the TV watching football and the sharing of stories amongst friends, but it is the soldiers’ stories of bravery and courage that should be shared on this day of Thanksgiving.
I had the rare chance to talk in depth with one of my CCATT patients on our last flight, a young 24 year old Marine from Camp Pendleton, California. It is Javier’s story hangs with me this day. Javier gave me permission to share his story with you, a true story of heroism, and sacrifice that deserves to be told on Thanksgiving.
On the morning of 16 November 2005, the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment were taking part in operations along the Iraq-Syrian board to clear the towns of insurgents.
Javier [Alvarez], a strong and sturdy looking square jawed Marine Corporal was on his third deployment to Iraq. He had seen heavy combat in his previous two deployments, and had been injured once before earning him a Purple Heart. On this day he was in command of a Squad of fourteen men. I knew just by talking to him that his men were fortunate to have him leading them into battle. He spoke with clarity and confidence of a man twice his age. In the truest essence, he was a Marine.
Taking point, Javier led his five man team towards the house. Shots rang out around them as they advanced. They could see the downed Marines ahead. A young Lieutenant lay face down outside the house. Javier did not know if he was still alive. They would have to act quickly if they were to save him and the others.
As they approached the house the enemy fire intensified and Javier felt a sudden sting and burning in his right leg. He looked down at his leg. Damn, he thought, “I’ve been shot.” He indeed had taken two bullets to his thigh, but he pushed on.
Undeterred, Javier continued to lead his men towards the house. With increasing fire, they took up a defensive posture against the house wall. Slightly protected there, he began tending his wounds with direct pressure as the others returned fire. He could see several downed Marines only arm lengths away, but they could not be reached safely. Gun fire continued to rain down on them. Another member of the squad was hit. They were in a bad position.
What happened next was recalled to me by the Medic that they called Doc. During the barrage of fire, with their backs literally up against a wall an enemy grenade was thrown out of a window landing in the middle of the five men. Doc told me “It was amazing. I was applying pressure to one of the injured soldiers when someone yelled out GRENADE. Javier just dove at the grenade. I have never seen anything like it.”
Javier grabbed the grenade with his right hand. He told me “I knew I only had three to five seconds before it would go off.” With his body shielding his men from the grenade, he made a valiant effort to heave the grenade away. As the grenade left his hand it exploded.
Javier’s right hand was immediately amputated at the wrist. Shrapnel from the grenade penetrated his left thigh. Others in his group took shrapnel to their arms and legs, but no one lost their life.
Doc told me on the plane that he was convinced that they all would have died if it were not for Javier’s heroic actions.
The fighting continued. As more Marines approached the house to provide covering fire, Javier now with two gun shot wounds to his right leg, shrapnel to his left leg and an amputated right hand worked to get his injured men clear. With the aid of his Platoon Sergeant, Javier and his men walked out of the kill zone to the casualty collection point away from the fighting.
Doc stayed in the fight for a while despite being hit with shrapnel from the grenade. He tended to the downed Marines and at one point crawled into the house to pull out the Marine who lay inside. Unfortunately, most of the Marines they came to help had been fatally injured. There was little that could be done. Doc continued to care for the downed soldiers until others noted his wounds. Doc was finally escorted out of the fight to attend to his injuries.
In all told, Javier’s Squad took heavy injuries. We air lifted out 6 members who had sustained shrapnel injuries and one who lost his leg. Javier clearly took the brunt of the injuries, but miraculously no one lost their life. Javier’s selfless action had saved the lives of many men.
I spoke at length with Javier on the flight to Germany. Perhaps it was the awe that I felt talking with him that kept me coming back, or maybe the fact that his men admired him so much. In the end, I think I was drawn in by him because he was just like you and me. He was real. A soldier who had done everything asked of him by his country. He fought with honor and dignity, and led his men with courage. Above all, he put his men’s life above his and protected them from harm.
He didn’t ask for honors or special treatment. His biggest concern when we were loading him onto the plane was his fellow soldiers. He would not lie down until he had visualized and spoken with all of his troops on the plane.
When I arrived home from the mission, I opened the paper. There before me in simple bullet format read the names of the most recent US deaths in Iraq. I generally do not look at these lists. They are just names with no personal connection. But this day, halfway down there were five Marines listed including a young Second Lieutenant all from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment from Pendleton, California who had died on 16 November, 2005. These were the men that Javier and his Squad gave everything to try to save.
I stared at the paper for many minutes, recalling the story Javier and his men had told me. I marveled at the sacrifices they made and felt a tremendous sense of loss for these men whose names now stood out from the paper as not mere records, but as living, breathing men who gave everything their country asked of them.
As I get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here in Iraq, I have so much to be thankful for. My wife is amazing, we have been blessed with a child on the way, and I feel like I have the greatest family and friends that one could ever wish for, but there is more. I see around me everyday soldiers giving everything they have with the full belief that their actions do make a difference. That their sacrifices are for freedom and will one day improve the lives of ordinary Iraqis.
When I sit down on Thursday to my thanksgiving meal, I will be holding these soldiers and their families close. We as a country have so much to be thankful for.
For me, on this Thanksgiving Day, I will be thankful for Javier. He has given the gift of life to his men and their families. I often ask myself if I was in his position, what would I have done? I don’t know, but I certainly hope that I could be like Javier.
My warmest wishes to you all for a wonderful Thanksgiving, we truly have a great deal to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving,
James S Eadie, Capt USAF MC
332 Expeditionary Air Evacuation Squadron
Balad, Iraq
Critical Care Air Transport Physician
24 November 2009
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
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
CTWG: Lt Col Robert L. Horner
To All CTWG Officers
It is with deep regret that I announce the death of Lt Col Robert L. Horner. He passed away this morning at the age of 86.
A graduate of Norwich University, he flew B24s and B29s in the Army Air Force during World War II. He joined CAP in April 1948, and served in many command and staff positions. Prior to his retirement, he was the Connecticut Wing Historian - fittingly, since he was on hand to witness most of our history, and to make some of it himself.
For many years, Lt Col Horner had the distinction of being our wing's longest-serving member. He was also a lifetime member of the New England Air Museum.
--
Pete Jensen, Col, CAP
Commander
Connecticut Wing
It is with deep regret that I announce the death of Lt Col Robert L. Horner. He passed away this morning at the age of 86.
A graduate of Norwich University, he flew B24s and B29s in the Army Air Force during World War II. He joined CAP in April 1948, and served in many command and staff positions. Prior to his retirement, he was the Connecticut Wing Historian - fittingly, since he was on hand to witness most of our history, and to make some of it himself.
For many years, Lt Col Horner had the distinction of being our wing's longest-serving member. He was also a lifetime member of the New England Air Museum.
--
Pete Jensen, Col, CAP
Commander
Connecticut Wing
CTWG: Always Vigilant Content Update
If you take a look off to your right you will notice AV has added some new function - RSS feeds.
First there are updates from eServices notices, followed by CAP Headline News and last but not least a fed to the the Pentagon Channel's - "Around the Services" with daily updates from everywhere in the world. Included in the Pentagon Channels menus are other attractions such as the highly recommended THE GRILL SERGEANT!
First there are updates from eServices notices, followed by CAP Headline News and last but not least a fed to the the Pentagon Channel's - "Around the Services" with daily updates from everywhere in the world. Included in the Pentagon Channels menus are other attractions such as the highly recommended THE GRILL SERGEANT!
23 November 2009
CTWG: Celebrate the 68th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol
TORRINGTON — The community is invited to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol, a civilian, volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 64 Berry Street.
Civil Air Patrol units from Danbury, Waterbury and Torrington will be present, including the Junior R.O.T.C. unit from the Torrington High school, area recruiters of the Armed Forces and all veterans are invited. Invited to attend are also the city officials of Torrington.
As we salute our current members of the armed forces, we will also remember the Japanese attack Dec. 7, on the United States Naval base at pearl harbor killing more than 2300 Americans. The U.S.S. Arizona was completely destroyed and the U.S.S. Oklahoma capsized. The attack sank three other ships and damaged many additional vessels. More than 1800 aircraft were destroyed.
For more information contact Thomas J. Drobena, Major, Connecticut Wing Chaplin
Civil Air Patrol units from Danbury, Waterbury and Torrington will be present, including the Junior R.O.T.C. unit from the Torrington High school, area recruiters of the Armed Forces and all veterans are invited. Invited to attend are also the city officials of Torrington.
As we salute our current members of the armed forces, we will also remember the Japanese attack Dec. 7, on the United States Naval base at pearl harbor killing more than 2300 Americans. The U.S.S. Arizona was completely destroyed and the U.S.S. Oklahoma capsized. The attack sank three other ships and damaged many additional vessels. More than 1800 aircraft were destroyed.
For more information contact Thomas J. Drobena, Major, Connecticut Wing Chaplin
19 November 2009
NER: CISM Course to be offered
NER will be sponsoring the new 3 Day combined Group and Individual/ Peer Support CISM course.
Who should take this course:
New regulation changes to the CAPR 60-5 will require all existing CISM Team members to hold both Group and Individual/ Peer Support Certificates which will now be uploaded and can be viewed in E-services.
All members interested in applying to become members of your Wings Critical Incident Stress Management response teams.
Members who need to refresh their existing Group or Individual Certs. Note: Must take full 3 course to refresh or to receive credit. Members cannot split course as the material overlaps. Course instructor will not make exceptions and must validate and verify your full attendance.
Anyone interested in helping yourselves, family, friends or coworkers deal with exposure to traumatic stress before, during and or after a traumatic incident or event.
Course is open to the public, but we must have non-CAP members drivers Lic # or SS card number and home address 21 days prior to them being granted access to the base. This is per base security.
Course dates: 19th, 20th and 21st Feb 2010.
Course Location: Westover ARB Ma, in the CAP squadron classroom.
Course times: TBA after registration, course is 27 contact hrs total. Expect to arrive at Westover by mid afternoon, early evening to register your room if staying on base. Class will probably start Fri night around 5:30-6pm.
Course Max: 30 Course Min 15-20
Course fee: $125.00 Check made out to NER CAP. Cost covers workbooks (x2) certificates and 27 CEU's.
Course deposit: $50.00 non-refundable deposit must be received on or before 13 Feb 2010.
Billeting: on Base at approx $40. per night. Please remember this is a Military instillation, so we need to know who and how many are attending. The contact info for base lodging will be forwarded to registrants along with start times. Please use registration form.
This is a long course for a weekend, but the rewards are great. Such as the personal satisfaction to be able to help others in crisis whether it be in a group or individual setting .
Thank you for your service.
JACK N. ARENA, Capt. CAP
Director
Critical Incident Stress Management
Northeast Region Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol
Who should take this course:
New regulation changes to the CAPR 60-5 will require all existing CISM Team members to hold both Group and Individual/ Peer Support Certificates which will now be uploaded and can be viewed in E-services.
All members interested in applying to become members of your Wings Critical Incident Stress Management response teams.
Members who need to refresh their existing Group or Individual Certs. Note: Must take full 3 course to refresh or to receive credit. Members cannot split course as the material overlaps. Course instructor will not make exceptions and must validate and verify your full attendance.
Anyone interested in helping yourselves, family, friends or coworkers deal with exposure to traumatic stress before, during and or after a traumatic incident or event.
Course is open to the public, but we must have non-CAP members drivers Lic # or SS card number and home address 21 days prior to them being granted access to the base. This is per base security.
Course dates: 19th, 20th and 21st Feb 2010.
Course Location: Westover ARB Ma, in the CAP squadron classroom.
Course times: TBA after registration, course is 27 contact hrs total. Expect to arrive at Westover by mid afternoon, early evening to register your room if staying on base. Class will probably start Fri night around 5:30-6pm.
Course Max: 30 Course Min 15-20
Course fee: $125.00 Check made out to NER CAP. Cost covers workbooks (x2) certificates and 27 CEU's.
Course deposit: $50.00 non-refundable deposit must be received on or before 13 Feb 2010.
Billeting: on Base at approx $40. per night. Please remember this is a Military instillation, so we need to know who and how many are attending. The contact info for base lodging will be forwarded to registrants along with start times. Please use registration form.
This is a long course for a weekend, but the rewards are great. Such as the personal satisfaction to be able to help others in crisis whether it be in a group or individual setting .
Thank you for your service.
JACK N. ARENA, Capt. CAP
Director
Critical Incident Stress Management
Northeast Region Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol
18 November 2009
Return of the Lost Squadron Flag
Photo by Major Steve Rocketto
The LeMay Flag
It was a grey day in 1976 when a box was unceremoniously dropped off at Connecticut Wing headquarters. Inside that box was all that remained of the recently deactivated General Curtis E. LeMay Cadet Squadron, charter number 06054. To have come so far and fast in 15 years, only to have been reduced to some trophies, a few files and the LeMay Squadron flag. How could a squadron averaging 45 cadets a week fall into disrepair? Three Spaatz Awards, two national unit citations, a dozen cadet private pilots and as many student pilots. It’s star shown bright. The cadets reined supreme, with five heated buildings, WWII Ambulances and jeeps, 37-passenger bus, surplus AF station wagons and sedans, and even a J-3 in the corner of the drill hall. All of this located on our very own island - 15 acres on what used to be a fireworks factory. We were kings and queens while the senior members were considered gods. Life was very good.
The Vietnam War was upon us and squadron members joined the service while public opinion quickly turned anti-military. Once known as the father of the Strategic Air Command, General LeMay’s reputation became tarnished when he joined the presidential ticket of then Governor George Wallace. Ultimately, the island was sold, forcing the squadron to move to lesser quarters. The last of the gods transferred out of state or joined the wing staff.
Fast-forward thirty years. I again find myself wearing a CAP uniform, this time driving cadets to Friday night meetings. Yes, after three decades, I’m back in Civil Air Patrol as a senior member. My 12-year-old son and his friend asked to join and since their favorite group is also Led Zeppelin, how could I say no?
The CT Wing Historian had transferred to our squadron and after sharing a few tall tales about my former life as a cadet, he showed up the following week with an old brown box. Crisply folded in the bottom of the box was the LeMay Squadron flag. It was like seeing a ghost and a flood of emotions and memories returned. Within days, digital pictures of the flag were emailed from coast to coast and talk of a reunion was in the air.
On two weeks notice, almost a dozen former cadets and one senior member made the journey. They came from California, Virginia, and New Hampshire and of course, Connecticut. All agreed that CAP had changed their lives for the better. An attorney, business executives, retired Air Force Colonels, and our former first sergeant, a retired Marine Captain telling stories of his F-4 Phantom flights over Nam back in the day. Yes, we brought the flag with us, marveled at its condition and displayed it proudly. It was the catalyst for pulling us together but the question remained, where did it come from? How did the squadron get its flag? No one, not even a founding senior member could recall.
A few months later, we stumbled across some old CT Wing newsletters. Included in the oldest newsletter was an article reprinted from the LeMay News. A cadet had written the article and who was a friend and a C/SSgt at the time. She expressed her frustration that squadron membership was dwindling with each passing week. Even thirty years later, I could feel her pain and wondered where she was today. After a comprehensive Google search and sending a few emails, it was pretty clear that this was going to remain a cold case.
The following week, our wing commander sent out the minutes of the CAP National Board meeting that listed the Board members. One of the names rang a bell; my friend had once dated another cadet by the same last name. I sent an email and guess what, I got a reply. Yes, it was my old friend, the same cadet, and now a senior member. She had stayed in CAP since joining as a cadet in 1969! She never left the organization but had traveled across the country and overseas with her husband’s military career. I sent her pictures of the impromptu reunion we had held a few months back and received an interesting reply. “I know that flag, I had sewn it for the squadron.” She was 16 years old when she hand-made the flag. The last time she had seen the flag was in 1975.
In October 2009, at the Connecticut Wing Conference held at the University of Connecticut, a special presentation was made. Connecticut Wing Commander Colonel Peter Jenson returned the LeMay Squadron flag back to its rightful owner, former National Capital Wing Commander, Colonel Jane Davies.
Article by Captain Art Dammers
For additional coverage see the NatCAP Wing blog "Above the Capital", "A Connecticut Homecoming"
Kyle Johnson
CTWG Public Affairs
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