Arizona Wing • Civil Air Patrol

Volume 4 Issue 7 November-December 2006

Inside this issue:

National 2
Commander’s
Message
Commander’s 3
Desk

Chaplain’s Corner 4

Command First 5
Sergeant Notes

Safety Tips 6

New Director of 7
Public Affairs
Appointed
SHCS 301 DCC 8
Promoted & Awarded

Cadet News: 9-11

Falcon Field Cadet
Activities

HQ Arizona Wing • Public Affairs

1Lt Robert H. Davidson Maj James Nova Capt J. Brandon Masangcay
Director Asst. Director Asst. Director /
rob@badmojodesign.com pao@azwg.cap.gov WingTips Editor
WingTips@azwg.cap.gov
Volume 4, Issue 7 Page 2

From the National Commander

Article and Photo excerpt from
Volunteer Magazine, Nov-Dec 2006

On Dec. 1, 2006, Civil Air Patrol will celebrate its 65th

anniversary. This is a great time to reflect on how much our
volunteers have achieved in their first 65 years of national service.
The CAP members of 1941 were a heroic breed — men and
women who served their country by sinking or chasing away German
submarines off America’s East and Gulf coasts. As a result of their
bravery, patriotism and tenacity, CAP subchasers effectively
thwarted German U-boat attacks and, in the process, saved
countless lives.

Today, CAP handles 95 percent of inland search and rescue missions, with
approximately 75 lives saved each year. Our members are generally the first on the scene
transmitting satellite digital images of the damage within seconds around the world and
providing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade disasters,
including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas and Oklahoma wildfires,
tornadoes in the south and central U.S., North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006
earthquake in Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the U.S. and Mexican border.
In addition, CAP members are dedicated to counterdrug reconnaissance and to
teaching a new generation about aerospace and its impact on our future. And our cadet
programs ensure our youth receive some of the finest leadership training the nation has to
offer.
Unlike our founding CAP fathers, many of whom flew their own airplanes and
performed life-threatening missions without any formal training, our 56,000-plus members
are now provided with top-notch, year-round professional development training opportunities
and with aircraft equipped with the most advanced technologies available for search and
rescue.
During our yearlong anniversary celebration, CAP will conduct grassroots
observances in local communities designed to heighten public awareness of our Missions for
America. As we launch this special marketing campaign, I extend congratulations to all of
our volunteers — both past and present — for their vision, commitment and sacrifices that
made these missions possible. I salute each of you — the heart and soul of Civil Air Patrol!

Semper Vigilans!
Page 3 WingTips, Nov-Dec, 2006

This time of year, it is important to reflect upon what we have been doing, and what we would like
to do in the future. All of you have put your time and efforts into so many positive
accomplishments, and we have a lot to be thankful for. The members of this Wing are our most
important and valuable resources, and the very reasons why our organization is as great as it is.
We should always remember to strive to work together as a team, be safe, professional and cour-
teous to each other.

Our goal is to become recognized as the best in the nation. Over the years, Arizona has received
numerous awards both locally and nationally thanks to your efforts, and we must continue to work
towards achieving this recognition. It’s not going to be easy because the standards are continually
being adjusted and raised to ensure that we provide outstanding service. Each one of us is
responsible to make sure that we are doing our part and helping serve our country by finding the
best ways possible to reflect the pride of Civil Air Patrol. Once you received your membership
card, you became part of a team and extended family that stands ready to serve and aid where
needed.

Whichever missions you choose to apply yourselves to, remember that our successes are depend-
ant upon how well we can perform as a team. We can make our organization even better than it is
today if we work together to achieve this goal. Try to work through the chain of command to
resolve issues and be assured that all of this will pay big dividends in the future.

I wish that you and your families and friends have a very safe and happy holiday season.
 Volume 4, Issue 7 Page 4

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
annual 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.

So, I will offer the following for your consideration:

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: Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of the victory of the Maccabees and
the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple.

For others: Kwanzaa is a 7 day festival celebrating the African American people, their culture and
their history.

For Islam: The celebration at the end of Ramadan is called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). It is a
joyous occasion, similar to Christmas in its celebration but with strong religious significance. The giving of a
special charity for this occasion is obligatory.

For Buddhist: In Theravadin countries, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Lao, the new year is
celebrated 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.

God bless you all, and may we all grant all our neighbors the freedom of speech and religion we take for granted
for ourselves.

Merry Christmas and Shalom!

Page 5 WingTips, Nov-Dec, 2006

TEAMWORK: We need everyone to function at 100% efficiency to support our dynamic mission
in Arizona and the key to reaching that performance level is teamwork – teamwork fostered by
mutual respect and trust, communication, being a good wingman and operating safely.

As a unified team we can accomplish more than we can as individuals. To operate effectively
and efficiently as a team, we must foster an environment of mutual respect and trust. Trust is a
result of honest and sincere loyalty to our supervisors, subordinates and peers. Whether we
agree or disagree, we must strive to always separate the issue from the individual. Everyone
deserves to be treated with respect and dignity – there is no excuse for belittling or degrading
anyone, either internal or external to our organization. Every member is important and each
member needs to know that others recognize that importance.

Communication is the cornerstone of establishing positive and effective relationships and is the
foundation of an effective team. Communication enables each of us to solve problems at the
lowest level and fosters an environment of respect, loyalty and camaraderie. We all must have
the courage to communicate with each other regarding the good, the bad and the ugly. Effective
communication up the chain of command is essential until issues are successfully resolved.

A good team member means looking out for each other – being a good wingman. Our success
as leaders is ensuring we provide uplift to those who are struggling and pull back the reins on
those who are drifting. CAP members in leadership positions must get out among the troops
and learn to feel the pulse of the unit, group or wing – this is impossible to accomplish from
behind the desk or sitting in a corner at a unit, group or wing activity.

Finally, we have the awesome responsibility to ensure we operate safely both in the air and on
the ground. Unsafe practices should be highlighted and briefed as lessons learned and
measures must be in place to ensure the highest levels of safety – this is everyone’s
responsibility.

In closing, leaders must mold a collection of individual performers into a cohesive team which
works together to accomplish the mission. Teamwork results when people are willing to put the
mission before all else.
Volume 4, Issue 7 Page 6

Safety Tip
Article by
Lt Col Mark D. Hardison, Director of Wing Safety

Holiday Fire Safety

The primary focus of this article is the seasonal Christmas tree. It is also important to remember that
there are other fire hazards at this time of year as well: the candles in a menorah, lit for Chanukah, or for
Kwanzaa; can pose as great or greater a fire hazard as a Christmas tree. Please be mindful of fireplace fires
as well! Addressing another topic, General George Washington said that “fire is a dangerous servant and a
fearful master”. There is a great deal of truth to this saying, even in this simple context.
One of the safest options is to use an artificial tree. While is does not have the same smell, it is much
more flame resistant; look for the “UL” (Underwriters Laboratories) label when you buy it. If you and your
family do choose to use a live tree; the points below (reprinted with permission) are important to follow.
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 contact. 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 basis. 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 outlet,
wood stove or fireplace. Put it in the coolest location possible. Never leave a lighted tree unattended. 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.
Page 7 WingTips, Nov-Dec, 2006

New Director of Public Affairs Appointed

Biography and Photo by
1Lt Rob Davidson, Director, Public Affairs

1Lt Rob Davidson

President - Davidson & Belluso Advertising & Design

Prior to founding Davidson & Belluso in 2001, Rob was an art director for E.B. Lane
Marketing Communications in Phoenix. With almost 15 years in advertising, he has
extensive experience in the field working for several firms throughout the country
including: Ogilvy & Mather, Leo Burnett, BBDO, J.W. Thompson and Chiat Day.

In the major markets of Chicago and Los Angeles, he’s worked on large accounts
such as: Hyatt Resorts, Motorola, Panasonic, McDonald's, Toshiba, Sears, Allstate
Insurance, Cellular One and Target.

Born and raised in Chicago, Rob graduated from the University of New Mexico with
a bachelor’s degree in mass media communications.
Volume 4, Issue 7 Page 8

Sky Harbor Composite Squadron 301

DCC / MLO
Promoted and Awarded
Article and Photos by Capt J. Brandon Masangcay
SHCS 301 Commander / Asst. Director, Public Affairs

Capt Coon receives her shoulder Capt Coon receives the Commander’s Commen-
boards from her husband, Brian and dation Award from Capt Masangcay.
Capt Masangcay.

Capt Katherine M. Coon, Deputy Commander for Cadets and Moral Leadership Officer was
promoted effective 20 November 2006. She was also awarded the Commander’s
Commendation Award, her citation reads:

1Lt Katherine M. Coon distinguished herself in outstanding service to the Arizona Wing, Civil
Air Patrol, and the United States as Deputy Commander for Cadets and Moral Leadership
Officer, Sky Harbor Composite Squadron 301, Phoenix, Arizona from 5 August 05 to
11 November 06.

During this period, 1Lt Coon exercised her professionalism and leadership skills to entice
enthusiasm in the cadets under her command. She combines her experience as a public
school band director and youth leader in her church to a leadership formula that cadets look
up to. 1Lt Coon was an essential part of the 2006 Arizona Wing Encampment Chaplain
Staff. Her compassionate demeanor in counseling aided a number of cadets to complete the
training.

The singularly distinctive accomplishments of 1Lt Coon bring great credit upon herself, the
Arizona Wing, and the Civil Air Patrol.
Page 9 WingTips, Nov-Dec, 2006

Falcon Field Composite Squadron 305

Cadets assist at
United Food Bank
Photos by Capt Allan Pearlstein, FFCS 305 PAO
Volume 4, Issue 7 Page 10

FFCS 305 Cadets

Host B-17 Fly-In
Photos by Capt Allan Pearlstein, FFCS 305 PAO
Volume 4, Issue 7 WingTips, Nov-Dec, 2006

FFCS 305 Cadets

Undergo CPR Training
Photos by Capt Allan Pearlstein, FFCS 305 PAO