30 January 2009

CAP: Heroes behind the scenes

McCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.

McCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. - New Year’s Day 2009 started on a good note for Paul Christensen, a 23-year old pilot of a Taylor Craft-21 bound for Idaho, but New Year’s Eve was another story.

Late on Dec. 31, John Henderson, a radar expert with the Western Air Defense Sector here received an urgent call from the Sector’s Mission Crew Commander. A pilot leaving from Moscow-Pullman, Wash., never reached his destination in Slate Creek, Idaho. His family was worried, especially since it was dark and very cold along the missing pilot’s route.

“Once I got the call, I worked closely with the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall AFB, Fla., to relay any information as I got it,” said Mr. Henderson.

Mr. Henderson is a major in the Civil Air Patrol, and has unique skills dealing with radar data making him perfect for his job.
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