Volume 6, Issue 12 “Progress through Leadership” December 2008

In This Issue
Commander’s Desk 2
Chaplain’s Corner 3
Holiday Safety Tips 4
IG Greetings 5
New Commanders / 6
PAO/Admin
Greetings
London Bridge Sq 7
501
Sq 308 & 356 Rock- 8
etry FTX
CERT Training 9

SHCS 301 Cadet 10

Earns GMT-3
Frank Luke, Jr. 11
Cadet Sq. 356
Phoenix-Mesa- 12/
Gateway Airport 13
Open House Event
Santa Cruz 14
Composite Sq. 101
holds Training Day
Spotlight: Capt 15
Lizbeth Patterson,
USAF Res
Promotions / 16
Awards
Upcoming Events 17

Office of Public Affairs

Maj James L. Nova 1Lt Rob Davidson Capt J. Brandon Masangcay
Chief, Public Affairs Wing PAO Assistant Wing PAO
WingTips Editor-in-Chief

WingTips is published monthly by the Arizona Wing · Civil Air Patrol, a private, charitable, benevolent corporation and
Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of CAP or the U.S. Air Force.
WingTips welcomes manuscripts and photographs; however, the Arizona Wing · Civil Air Patrol reserves the right to edit or
condense materials submitted and to publish articles as content warrants and space permits. Please send all
correspondence to WingTips Editor-in-Chief, Capt J. Brandon Masangcay, 150 W. Sheffield Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85233,
call 480.620.1942 or e-mail: wingtips@azwg.us
 Page 2 Volume 5, Issue 12

Wing Commander’s Desk

Col John M. Eggen
Arizona Wing

Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas lights and decorations are going up
all over my neighborhood. As I was out walking the other day, admiring the
energy and industry of my neighbors, one of them called out to me “Happy
Holidays”. Noting that he had Christmas lights up, I replied to him “Thank
you and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.”

Later that day, I was in the grocery store and saw banners and
decorations wishing us all Happy Holidays. I saw the store manager and
walked over and asked him to which holiday did the signs refer? I’ll have to
give him credit – his political correctness was so ingrained he didn’t miss a
beat before he replied “Why, whichever one you celebrate”. Not to be denied,
I pressed on. I asked him, if the holiday was “whichever one” I celebrate,
why was the store filled with Christmas and, to a lesser degree, Hanukkah
foods, decorations and other things for sale? He clearly did not want to be
having this discussion with me. So, I told him I was more offended by the
attempt to deny that what is being celebrated is Christmas and Hanukkah
than I could ever be if someone said “Happy Hanukkah” to me. And I do not
believe I have ever insulted a Jewish person by saying “Merry Christmas”.
Mostly, they have just said “Merry Christmas” back or told me they celebrate
Hanukkah at which time I have replied something like “I hope you and your
family have a wonderful Hanukkah celebration.” I have never, not once,
gotten an angry or negative reaction from wishing anyone “Merry Christmas”.

In the spirit of the season, I wish for all of us, the entire world, the
peace and joy promised by the birth of Jesus; and I hope the miracle which is
the reason for the celebration of Hanukkah gives us all hope that other mira-
cles can lead the world into a place of peace and light.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HANUKKAH TO ALL!!

John and Stephanie Eggen
Volume 6, Issue 12 Page 3

Many of us are busy bustling around doing the "Shopping Mall Dance" spending money to be sure we are fully
prepared for a season of gaiety and gift giving. Then, amongst the jangle of the cash registers, comes the an-
nual cry to "Put Christ back into Christmas."

Our Nation has a Constitution that guarantees, among other things, our freedom of religion and speech. Many
people come to the USA to gain those freedoms for themselves.

Because we live in a free country we have a multitude of holidays in and around the end of December.

Dec 25th Christmas –

For Christians: Joseph and Mary went up into the hills and found the caves. In one cave was a stable room.
Joseph cleaned it and made beds of fresh hay. He found a feeding trough which he cleaned and filled with hay
to use as a crib. The next night Mary gave birth to a son and they named him Jesus, as the angel had said.

For others: Christmas is a time for Families, Fun, and Festivities! A time of family gatherings and holiday meals,
A time for Santa, stars, and singing carolers, a time for ornaments, gifts, and twinkling lights, a time of sleigh
rides, hot cocoa, and gingerbread cookies.

Dec 26th First day of Chanukah, Kwanzaa and Eid-ul-Fitr

For Jewish: Dec 22-29 is Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Mac-
cabees and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple.

For African Americans: Kwanzaa is a 7 day festival celebrating the African American people, their
culture and their history. This is a cultural holiday, not a religious one, created in 1966 by Dr.
Maulana Karenga at California State University.

For Islam: The celebration at the end of Ramadan is called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). It is a joy-
ous occasion, similar to Christmas in its celebration but with strong religious significance. The giving of a special
charity for this occasion is obligatory. In Islam Dec 29th is the first day of the new year.

For Buddhist: In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the new year is cele-
brated for three days from the first full moon day in April. In Mahayana countries the new year starts on the first
full moon day in January.

December 31st: Watch Night in Black communities to celebrate the eve of the Emancipation Proclamation Janu-
ary 1, 1863. In the modern world this is also New Year’s Eve and a busy night for law enforcement.

Jan 7th: Christmas is celebrated by Orthodox Christians who observe the Julian calendar which is, at the present
time, thirteen days behind the Gregorian calendar.

Hear our prayer, O God, we thank you for creating all the light of the universe. We thank you for giving unto us
the knowledge to create light in our world to dispel the darkness. We thank you for making your holy light avail-
able to us to illuminate our way. May the brightness of your love drive away all the shadows of the soul. As we
enjoy the lights of Christmas and Hanukkah help us to share with others the light of love and peace and joy.
Help us to send forth in this world, beacons of brotherhood and good will to all people. Amen.
 Page 4 Volume 5, Issue 12

Safety Tip
by
Lt Col Mark D. Hardison

This is a time of year filled with holidays and family gatherings. Three of the celebrations in December
(Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa) use candles as an integral part of the festivities. While the advice in the
article below is specific to Christmas, fire safety with candles and other sources of open flame (fireplaces, wood
stoves and bonfires) is still an important consideration for your plans every time you use them.
At a holiday bonfire, the danger can surprise you. S'mores are not really flammable, but the marshmal-
lows can flare up, and your hair and clothing can easily catch on fire. Have you ever been in a public gathering
where a "candlelight service" was being observed, and taken a moment to orient yourself as to where the fire
extinguishers are? Do you remember your training on using a fire extinguisher? If you have not had fire extin-
guisher training, at the least you should read the instructions printed on the extinguishers. Yes that should be
plural; there are several different kinds of fire extinguishers. Take a look around and see what types are in use
at your school, business and house of worship. Going low-tech should be remembered as well. "Stop-Drop-
and-Roll" is a good technique to remember.
ChristmasTree Fire Safety
Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, resulting in 6 deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in
property damage. Typically shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree
fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem but dry and neglected trees can be. National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) created a popular training video clip that illustrates what happens when fire touches a
dry tree in a home living room setting. Within three seconds of ignition, the dry Scotch pine tree is completely
ablaze. At five seconds, the fire extends up the tree and black smoke with searing gases streaks across the
ceiling. Fresh air near the floor feeds the fire. The sofa, coffee table and the carpet ignite prior to any flame con-
tact. Within 40 seconds "flashover" occurs -- that's when the entire room erupts into flames, oxygen is depleted
and dense, deadly toxic smoke engulfs the scene. For comparative purposes, the NIST fire safety engineers
selected a green Scotch pine, had an additional two inches cut from the trunk's bottom, and placed the tree in a
stand with at least a 7.6 liter water capacity. The researchers maintained the Scotch pine's water on a daily ba-
sis. A single match could not ignite the tree. A second attempt in which an electric current ignited an entire
matchbook failed to fire the tree. Finally they applied an open flame to the tree using a propane torch. The
branches ignited briefly, but self-extinguished when the researchers removed the torch from the branches.
Christmas trees can remain relatively fire resistant if you follow these simple steps:
RECUT THE TRUNK at least one inch above the old cut as soon as you get it home. This allows it to
continue to pull moisture into its foliage. Keep one inch of stump for every foot of tree for maximum
water absorption.
KEEP THE TRUNK IN WATER immediately after it is recut. Moisture is the key to keeping the tree
fresh and thereby enhancing its fire resistance. If the tree will be kept outside for a few days, stand it in
a bucket of water outside until you are ready to bring it indoors.
CLEAN THE STAND. Before placing the tree in a sturdy stand (appropriate for the size of tree), rinse
the stand with a capful of bleach mixed in water. This reduces the growth of organisms.
LOCATE THE TREE AWAY FROM SOURCES OF HEAT. Avoid placing the tree near a heater out-
let, wood stove or fireplace. Put it in the coolest location possible. Never leave a lighted tree unat-
tended. Caution: Be careful not to block a door with the tree or rearranged furniture.
CHECK THE WATER LEVEL IN THE STAND DAILY. Never let the water level go below the bottom
of the trunk. Commercial floral preservatives can also be added to the water to help keep the tree fresh.
CAREFULLY CONTROL LIGHTS ON THE TREE. Miniature holiday lights should be used on
trees. Standard-size holiday tree lights generate heat, which accelerate the rate of drying. Do not leave
lights turned on for prolonged periods or leave them unattended. Caution: Make sure all electoral cords
have no frays or cracked wires and broken sockets BEFORE placing them on the tree. Do not attempt
to repair a worn light set! Throw it away and purchase a new replacement.
REMOVE THE TREE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. Even a properly cared for cut tree
will eventually die. Take it to a recycle center or leave for your refuse collector.
Volume 5, Issue 12 Page 5

Inspector General’s
Tips
By
Maj Frank Scherer, AZWG IG

From the Wing IG, All Asst IG's and the Wing SUI team members:

Please have a safe and wonderful Holiday period. Remember those

who are not able to be with their families and friends, either by not living
nearby, or serving this GREAT NATION in harms way. May the peace of
the Season be with you always.

Frank M Scherer, Maj, CAP

Arizona Wing Inspector General
 Page 6 Volume 5, Issue 12

New Commanders

Safford Squadron 103 - 2Lt Earlyn Peasnall (interim)

Cottonwood Squadron 212 - 1Lt Bobbie Davis

The Public Affairs and Wing Administration Staff wish you and
yours a Blessed Holiday Season filled with health, love, and
happiness and Best Wishes for 2009!

Major James L. Nova

Capt J. Brandon Masangcay
1Lt Robert H. Davidson
Volume 5, Issue 12 Page 7

London Bridge Composite Sq. 501

Cadets Participate in Holiday Charity
Article and Photo by
1Lt Joel Cosmano, DCC—LBCS 501

On Nov 22nd, cadets from the London Bridge Composite squadron,

helped a local collection point for Operation Christmas child. Cadets
Aston, Neskhi, Mitchell Bre, Mitchell Beth, Newcomb, and Cadet
Commander Capt Massey along with DCC 1Lt Joel Cosmano helped
for more than 6 hours and boxed up over 1000 shoe boxes to be
shipped out to children around the world. Each shoe box was stuffed
with toys, or needed items such as tooth paste, combs, cloths or other
items that you and I have everyday. Everyone was happy to put in
some time and will do it again next year.
 Page 8 Volume 5, Issue 12

West Valley Cadets

Venture on a Rocketry FTX
Article by C/Amn Michael A. Smith GCS 308
Photos by Lt Cindy Visoso, GCS 308 PAO

C/Amn Zoe A. Berlinski builds her rocket

3 - 2 - 1...LAUNCH

1Lt Peter Mountain, GCS 308/CC

assists C/Amn Salazar

On November 8 – 9, 2008, 36 CAP cadets from Glendale Composite

Squadron 308 and Frank Luke, Jr. Cadet Squadron 356 camped out at
Sampley Airport in Aguila, AZ, for a rocket and DDR (Drug Demand
Reduction) FTX (field training Exercise). During the weekend, the cadets
built four rockets: two fuel powered, one using Alka-Seltzer and water,
and one using rubber bands. For the DDR class, they split into four
groups. Each group designed and filmed a mini commercial on why not
to use drugs. On Saturday night, after the classes, they all played a
mega game of capture the flag out in the desert.
Volume 5, Issue 12 Page 9

CAP Members Attend

Community Emergency Response
Team Course
Article by C/SrA Justin Visoso, GCS 308
Photos by Maj Rita Bivens-Scherer, Group IV Commander

13 members of the Civil Air Patrol attended a 7 week C.E.R.T. first response team train-
ing with other civilians. These volunteers met at the City of Peoria Fire Station on a
weekly basis. The volunteers were trained to use a fire extinguisher. Training involved
the explanation of extinguishers and their use depending on the fire. On one of the eve-
nings, the volunteers learned how to triage in order of most critical. The instructors also
taught first aid techniques to bandage wounds, use everyday items to immobilize frac-
tures, and also treat for shock. On the last training day, there was a drill. This drill tested
all of the skills and gave an idea of how C.E.R.T is to respond in the event of an emer-
gency. The drill caught many volunteers off guard. It was a learning experience. The
drama class students of Peoria High School were our performing victims. At the end of
the training, we realized becoming a C.E.R.T. member is a great responsibility. We
ended the training knowing we were certified and await the assignment to assist in an
emergency and possibly save a life.
 Page 10 Volume 5, Issue 12

Sky Harbor Cadet Squadron 301

Cadet Earns GMT-3 Qualification
Article and Photo by
Sgt John Horne, SCHS 301 PAO

Cadet Airman First Class William Horne has qualified as a Level 3 SAR Ground Team
Member after 9 long months of intensive training. Cadet Horne has been a member of
Sky Harbor Cadet Squadron 301 since October, 2007. During that time he also
participated in the Basic Airman Leadership Course, Spring Desert FTX and the
Summer Encampment.

To qualify C/A1C Horne had to complete training in desert survival skills, search &
rescue techniques, radio communications, wilderness first aid/CPR, and land navigation.
He also participated in approximately 6 Simulated Search and Rescue Exercises
(SAREX) conducted on a monthly basis by the Arizona Wing.

The SAR Ground Team Program of the Civil Air Patrol is an adult program that allows
participation by cadets who qualify by completing the same requirements as senior
members. Ground Team members are subject to being called out on short notice and
must maintain a fully equipped 24-hr pack that is available at all times. C/A1C Horne will
join his mother, Capt. Sandra Peskin, who is also a Level 3 SAR Ground Team Member
based at Falcon Composite Squadron 305. Much of Cadet Horne’s training was
completed at the FFCS 305 facility.
Volume 5, Issue 12 Page 11

Frank Luke, Jr. Cadet Squadron 356

Cadets Take to the Air Once Again
Article and Photos by
Lt Cesar Lora, DCC FLCS 356

Ltt Kerr and Cadets Guadalupe and Gustavo Silva

Lt Kerr conducts aircraft inspection with Cadets
Nick Lewis and Jordan Sanchez

Cadet Matthew Chatfield flies right seat

Six cadets of Squadron 356 took to the skies of the West Valley once again. On Sunday, 23
November 2009, an Orientation flight was conducted at the Goodyear Airport, In Goodyear, AZ.
The six cadets that participated are Cadets Patrick Osmond, Matthew Chatfield, Guadalupe
and Gustavo Silva, Nick Lewis and Jordan Sanchez. The plain was piloted by 1st Lt Jerry Kerr.

The cadets flew in a 2006 Cessna 172 glass cockpit; the flight was from Goodyear, AZ to
Buckeye, AZ. The orientation flights are conducted to help the cadet become familiar with the
instruments of an airplane and how they work. “The cadets had a real good time and they learn
a lot”, stated 2nd Lt Cesar Lora, who is the Squadron Deputy Commander and was on hand at
the airport coordinating the event.

The cadets of 356 would like to send a special thank you to 1st Lt Jerry Kerr, for dedicating so
much of his personal time to the Squadron.” It is Officers like Lt Kerr that make this program so
great”, stated Lt Lora.
 Page 12 Volume 5, Issue 12

CAP Officers and Cadets

Show Presence at
Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport
Open House
Article and Photos by
1>t Jayne Abraham, WCS 304 PAO

Forty-five uniformed Civil Air Patrol senior and cadet members from three squadrons: Willie
Composite Squadron #304, Falcon Composite Squadron #305, and Sky Harbor Composite
Squadron #301 were represented at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Open House event
on November 1, 2008. The cadets assisted with security operations, while senior members
manned the recruiting table and flight simulator. The weather was perfect for this event,
which is usually held in March but has been changed to coincide with the November Veter-
ans Day holiday. Several WWII aircraft were on deck, and tours of the Arizona Air National
Guard 161st Air Refueling Wing, KC-135 Air Tanker, Arizona Army National Guard mobile
Air Traffic Control Tower, Mesa Police, Fire and Air Ambulance service helicopters were en-
joyed by many. Thank you to those squadrons and Civil Air Patrol members who dedicated
their time and service to this prestigious event.
Volume 5, Issue 12 Page 13

Sky Harbor Cadet Squadron 301

Cadets Participate in
Phoenix-Mesa-Gateway Airport
Open House
Article and Photos by
Sgt John Horne, SHCS 301 PAO

Pictured: C/Amn Brandon Guerrero

Pictured: C/Amn Jared Floyd Left: C/A1c William Horne

Right: C/Amn Marcus Hicks

On November 1, 2008 Sky Harbor Cadet Squadron 301 cadets assisted officials at
the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Open House. SHCS 301 cadets provide
security for airplanes on exhibit and “crowd control” to insure safety for visitors
seeking rides on various aircraft. Participating cadets included C/SSgt Chase
Brant, C/SSgt Jarius Nero, C/A1C William Horne, C/Amn Jared Floyd, C/Amn
Marcus Hicks, C/Amn Brandon Guerrero and C/Amn Justin Birnbaum.

2nd Lt. Thalya Nero, SM Evelyn Dawson and Sgt. John Horne were senior
members from the squadron also participated by staffing a recruitment booth at the
event. Cadets and senior members from Willie Composite Squadron 304 and
Falcon Composite 305 were also present to assist at the Open House event.
 Page 14 Volume 5,
6, Issue 12

Santa Cruz Composite Squadron 101

Holds Training Day
Article and Photos by
Lt Col Robert Anderson, SCCS 101

As part of its efforts to build its Emergency Services capabilities, the Santa Cruz
County Composite Squadron held a training day at the Oro Blanco Ranch near
the Nogales Airport. Cadets practiced land navigation, line search procedures,
and casualty evacuation. In addition, Maj Seright, the Group 1 ES officer, and Lt
Goodspeed, from Tucson Composite Squadron 105, taught a class on Urban DF
and followed it with a practical exercise. The weather cooperated, the cadets
had fun, and ES skills were honed…in all, a very successful effort.
Volume 5, Issue 12 Page 15

Spotlight:
Capt Lizbeth Patterson, USAF Res
Group III USAF-CAP Liaison
Article by Sgt John Horne, SHCS 301 PAO
Photo by Capt Lizabeth Patterson, USAFR

You see her here, you see her there, you see her everywhere. I’m speaking, of course, of Capt Lizbeth Patterson,
USAFR. She is the CAP-USAF Liaison Officer for Arizona Wing Group 3. Since December, 2007 this energetic
officer has been regularly seen at FTXs, Encampment, OPEXs, ground team trainings and squadron meetings all
over the East Valley. She is one of six Liaison Officers assigned to Arizona. This article is a profile of Capt. Patter-
son and her role on the CAP-USAF team.

Capt Patterson is originally from Florida and comes from an Air Force family. Her father was a career reserve offi-
cer with the USAF as a Navigator, AF Academy Liasion Officer, Squadron Commander of the AC-130 Spectre
Gunship and Combat Support Commander. After graduating from college with a degree in Criminal Justice she
joined the Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. Her career specialty was Security Police. She served in 6 assignments
spanning 13 countries including one duty posting as Chief of Police on an AF installation. After discharge from the
Air Force she took a full-time job with the Department of Justice. Today she is a Courts Administrator with the De-
partment of Justice. She supervises 5 judges, and 30 staff in two courts in Arizona which process a total of 9,000
cases each year.

As a CAP-USAF Liaison Officer she works to provide “assistance, advice and oversight” to CAP units to insure
that they meet Air Force expectations and standards as befitting an official auxiliary of that service. She provides
this support primarily to the 5 squadrons in the East Valley – Sky Harbor Composite 301, Willie Composite 304,
Falcon Field Composite 305, Paradise Valley Cadets 310 and Scottsdale Seniors 314.

Capt Patterson has a particularly strong interest in the cadet program. She enjoys working with young men and
women teaching the organization, discipline and confidence that comes from participation in Air Force/Civil Air Pa-
trol values. She serves as the Coordinator for the Cadet Encampment and Cadet Competitions. She says her
greatest satisfaction comes from “her interaction with cadets and seeing them grow in confidence, maturity, poise,
& skills.” The cadet program gives young people a “presence” and an ability to “present themselves in a positive
responsible manner” that leaves them so much better prepared for the future. The community as a whole benefits
from the cadet program through young men & women who learn that volunteering is a part of their civic responsi-
bility.

Capt Lizbeth Patterson has played a large part in the strengthening of the East Valley CAP programs by encourag-
ing and supporting squadrons to stretch ever higher towards standards of excellence. I hope that cadets and sen-
iors will give her a salute of appreciation as they see her bustling about all over the East Valley doing a superb full-
time job for CAP after she leaves her other full-time job for the Department of Justice. We have all benefited
greatly from her energy and commitment to the Civil Air Patrol in Arizona.
Volume 5, Issue 12 Page
Page
1616

Arizona Wing
Promotions and Awards

James Cheney, Sq. 304

David G. Isaak, Sq. 107

Jayne Abraham, Sq. 304

Mark Anderson, Sq. 304

Rick Arellano, Sq. 304 Samuel Peña, Sq. 304

Tammy White, Sq. 304 Crystal Noon, Sq. 101

Blake Benard, Sq. 301

Omar Martinez, Sq. 356
Isabella Valencia, Sq. 101

Shanna Anderson, Sq. 304

Alex Campa, Sq. 301
Alec Luza, Sq. 304

Jared Floyd, Sq. 301

Anna Martin, Sq. 301

2Lt Lynn Maxwell, Sq. 304

Erika Hendricks, Sq. 356 Yeager Award

Russell Noon, Sq. 101
Volume 6, Issue 12 Page 17

Upcoming Events

December 2008

1 2 3 4 5 6
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Sq 305 Sq 304 Gp III HQ

[06:30-09:00] [06:30 PM- [08:00-16:35]
Sq. 305 Meeting 09:30 PM] SLS School
Squadron 304
Meeting

7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Gp III HQ Sq 305 Sq 304 AZWG HQ

[08:00-16:35] [06:30-09:00] [06:30 PM- [04:00 PM-
SLS School Sq. 305 Meeting 09:30 PM] 06:00 PM] Wing
Squadron 304 Staff Meeting
Meeting

14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Sq 305 Sq 304 AZWG HQ

[06:30-09:00] [06:30 PM- AZWG SAREX
Sq. 305 Meeting 09:30 PM]
Squadron 304
Meeting

21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Sq 305 AZWG HQ
[06:30-09:00] MERRY CHRIST-
Sq. 305 Meeting MAS

Sq 304
[06:30 PM-
09:30 PM]
Squadron 304
Meeting
28 29 30 31
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

Sq 305
[06:30-09:00]
Sq. 305 Meeting