Civil Air Patrol IL Wing News Blog

Palwaukee Cadets Tour O'Hare Facilities

Marc Stanley, 1st Lt, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Palwaukee Composite Squadron (IL-049)

 
“American Eagle Operations Center” From left to right, cadets Steven Schweinsberg, Galina Lipkin,
Kyler Miller and Grayson Watson flanked by American Eagle staff members.

“CRJ700 Cockpit”  From left to right, cadet Mitchell DeMaeyer, 1st Lt Tom DeMaeyer and cadet Max Liebel.
 
A group of cadets and escorting senior members from Palwaukee Composite Squadron (IL-049) recently enjoyed a rare opportunity to tour both the FAA Control Tower and the American Eagle Flight Operations Center at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.  Their adventure started at the Control Tower where they received an initial briefing from O’Hare Tower Operation Manager Larry Taylor who also serves in the Air National Guard.  Mr. Taylor discussed the role the Tower plays in directing flights into and out of O’Hare, the third busiest airport in the nation.  He also fielded a variety of questions regarding Tower operations as well as how cadets can prepare for a career in air traffic control.  Mr. Taylor shared some of his experiences from 23 years as a US Air Force air traffic controller and trainer, including recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Next came a presentation from Palwaukee’s own 1st Lt Jim Krieger, who serves as the Quality Control Manager for O’Hare Tower Operations.

After this initial briefing, the group was escorted up 17 stories to the Main Operations Center of the Tower where they had the opportunity to take in panoramic views of the Airport as well as to observe the controllers on duty directing aircraft into and out of their airspace. The Tower staff also showed the cadets several radar systems that they use to keep track of traffic both in the air and on the ground.
 
Next, the Palwaukee cadets were off to visit the American Eagle Flight Operations Center. The hosts for this stage of their tour were CAP 1st Lt Tom DeMaeyer, who is an American Eagle Senior Captain, and American Eagle O’Hare Assistant Chief Pilot John De Paola. The group saw the crew quarters where pilots can relax and prepare for their next flight. Lt. DeMaeyer escorted each individual in turn to the cockpit of a CRJ700 airliner where he described the aircraft’s systems and answered numerous questions. The tour also included a stop at the Operation Center’s tower where aircraft are dispatched.
 
Major Bob Dempsey, director of Palwaukee’s cadet program, said: “This was one of the best aerospace field trips the Squadron has participated in. It was a great opportunity for the cadets to have access to these places and take a close look at several different aviation related careers. Our visit to the FAA Control Tower was one of the first of its kind since the 9-11 tragedy and would have never been possible without the efforts of both Lts. Krieger and DeMaeyer”.

Palwaukee Cadet Earns Mitchell Award

By Marc Stanley, 1st Lt, CAP
Public Affairs Officer
Palwaukee Composite Squadron

Cadet Ryan Weinberg of Palwaukee Composite Squadron received the General Billy Mitchell Award and was also promoted to C/2d Lt at the November 10th meeting.  Presenting the award was Great Lakes Region Vice-Commander, Col. Robert Karton, joined by Group 22 Commander, Maj. Robert Williams, and Squadron Commander Captain Scott Murphy.

Cadet Weinberg joined Palwaukee in 2006 and currently serves as the Cadet Flight Commander.  He has attended 4 encampments, serving as the First Sergeant at the 2009 IL Wing Spring Encampment.  In 2008 he was awarded the USAF Sergeant’s Association Medal for outstanding performance. Maj. Robert Dempsey, who supervises the Squadron's cadet program, describes Cadet Weinberg as a “hard worker, very deserving of this recognition”; he expects that he will now assume an even greater leadership role. 

The Mitchell Award is given after completion of the first eight structured segments of the CAP cadet program.  In addition, a cadet must also pass an examination covering leadership theory and aerospace topics.  Cadets who receive the Mitchell Award are eligible for advanced placement in the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enlist in the US Air Force.  They are also eligible for advanced credit in the Air Force ROTC program.  Mitchell Award cadets may also apply for a variety of scholarships and are eligible to participate in certain special CAP activities.

Cadet Weinberg is a Junior at Vernon Hills High School and plans to serve in the U.S. Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment after receiving his diploma. Says Cadet Weinberg: “To me, the Mitchell Award is just a piece of paper. The true accomplishment is all these bonds that have been created, and the knowledge and ability I have gained from CAP that I will carry with me forever.”

Group 22 Performs Search & Rescue Exercise

By James Kalemis
Mission Information Officer

Six sorties were performed by air and ground crews during a SAREX performed in northern Illinois.  The sorties included a photo reconnaissance mission of Marseilles and Utica dams, an ELT search, and a High-Bird sortie.  

The exercise was lead by Major Jerry Scherer, Incident Commander.  "This is the time for us to make mistakes so we can learn to be better.  It was a successful training day.  New members participated on their first mission", remarked Major Scherer.

"ILWG's operational capacity was enhanced through the hard work and dedication of the volunteers that participated in this exercise", said Capt. Mordechai Levin, Planning Section Chief.  "The exercise was done with limited resources showing up, but still achieved satisfactory training", remarked Lt Col. Brian Nielson, Operations Section Chief.

Additional section leaders were Major Bob Williams, Ground Branch Director, Capt. Joe Long, Air Branch Director, 2nd Lt Tim Buckley, Safety, and 2nd Lt Ron Walerowicz, Communications.

Click here for additional photos

THIS IS AN EXERCISE MESSAGE

Civil Air Patrol Assesses LaSalle County for Flooding Impact

Wheeling, IL —  Responding to a request from the LaSalle County FEMA office, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was tasked with evaluation of emergency egress routes from LaSalle County.  Additional requests for infrastructure photos came from the Army Corps of Engineers, related to facilities near Marseilles, IL and Starved Rock F.P..

An initial briefing of the incident has been given by the Incident Commander, Major Jerry Scherer, at 8:15 AM emphasizing mission objectives, safety, and resources. Initial air sorties will be commencing through the morning, weather permitting..

Further information will be released as the mission progresses.  If you need to contact mission base, call 773-617-8932 and ask for the Information Officer.

EXERCISE **** EXERCISE **** EXERCISE

Palwaukee Squadron Hosts ‘OPERATION: READY’

By: Jim Griggs, Capt., CAP

Deputy Commander / Seniors IL-049

WHEELING, Ill -- On 29 August, Palwaukee Composite Squadron hosted an open house at Chicago Executive Airport, Wheeling, Illinois. Dubbed ‘Operation: Ready’, the 5 hour event succeeded in drawing approximately 150 visitors through the course of the day.

CAP assets on hand were a C-182 in a fresh new paint job, and the Group 22 Mobile Command Post (MCP) trailer, teamed with a CAP van. The MCP was opened up and staffed to show the public some of the tools that can be utilized in the event of an emergency. Palwaukee ESO, 1st Lt. Damon Card had an array of Ground Team gear on display as well to show visitors the types of personal equipment we utilize.

During the morning, Deputy Commander of Cadets, Major Bob Dempsey, and Commander, Captain Scott Murphy, presented two cadets with certificates recognizing their award of a Flight Scholarship. The scholarship was created by the family of Ralph Shepstone , a long time pillar of the aviation community at Chicago Executive. The two cadets used this scholarship to attend the Johnson Flight Encampment this summer.

Also featured at the event was a R-44 helicopter offering rides to the public, crash equipment from the Prospect Heights Fire Department, and a USCG Dolphin helicopter from AIRFAC Waukegan on static display with the flight crew explaining the equipment on board. Co-sponsors of the day were Windy City Flyers, Leading Edge Flying Club, and the Young Eagles who flew 20 youths aged 8-17 throughout the day. The hangar facility was courtesy of Signature Flight Services, a longtime supporter of the Palwaukee Squadron.   

    

8th Annual King of the Rock

By James Kalemis, Capt, CAP

2009 King of the Rock Commander

The Group 22 Cadet Initiative, nicknamed King of the Rock, took place at Rock Cut State Park near Rockford, IL, this past weekend.  Fifty cadets gathered together to compete in ten mental and physical challenges.  Sixteen Senior Members facilitated the challenges that included a string obstacle course, a LEGO rocketship, a Solar System puzzle, a medallion search while being mute, a pipe balancing challenge, a plank elevation trial, a balancing rod, and a PVC pipe blowgun.  The campground is adjacent to a beautiful pond that enables water-related challenges, this year being a water tower with elevating ping pong and a watergun challenge. 

The teams also had to make Saturday evening dinner.  The meal judges were the Cadet Staff and 1st Lt Diane Workman.  The McHenry County squadron, in an attempt to outdo the others, dined the judges under candlelight and an appropriately attired Maitre De.  Lake in the Hill’s Watson Warriors tried to persuade the judges with excellent steak. Lewis’ Black Sheep had a birthday party theme complete with birthday cake.  But the clear winners of the meal were the Iron Five team from Woodfield with almost a perfect score.  They had a unique meal of Mediterranean / Middle East food and left the judges speechless – literally!

The nine teams made up of four to six cadets from Boone, McHenry, Lake in the Hills, Woodfield, Midway and Lewis Composite Squadrons representing three Groups. The Cadet Staff were Cadet Commander Hagnar and 1st Sergeant Reynoso.  Each team also gets a “seventh member”, a prop that must be carried at all times and “participates” in all events.  If the seventh member is lost or destroyed, challenges may institute a penalty.  This year the seventh member was a foil balloon, while eggs, tomatoes, and watermelons were used in the past years.

An Honor Cadet Award was selected by the Senior Member staff.  This year was a tie between Lewis’ C/MSgt Sarah Goldman, who showed an incredible concern and motivation for her team; and LITH’s C/1st Lt Danny White, who exhibited excellent leadership.

The third place team, with 838 points, was Boone County’s Neitzel Red Ninjas.  The team was lead by cadet Max Bahling and included cadets Trevor Botkin, Paul Hornick, Been Meek, Dylan Powers, and Michael Kunz.

The second place team, with 883 points, was LITH’s Watson Warriors.  The Warriors were lead by cadet Danny White and included cadets Sabryna Peters, Andrew Sim, Alex Amann, Keenan Wresch, and Nathan Philips.  The Warriors have won four of the past seven years and really wanted to take the trophy back... but missed it by only three points!

The first place team, with 886 points, was Lewis’ Black Sheep.  The Black Sheep were lead by cadet Jack Wood and included cadets Hannah Geiger, Jonathan Rhodes, Brandon Villarreal, Kevin Pendl, and Robert Wlosek (the latter from Midway Composite Squadron).  The winners keep the King of the Rock Cadet Major Jacob Reuth Memorial Trophy for another year.  

Photos from the event are on the photo page.  Photos are by 2nd Lt Frank Wayne and SM Marzena Lecka.

Congratulations to the Lewis Composite Squadron for having the winning team and taking back the trophy, second year in a row.  Next year’s competition will be the first weekend of August.  Mark your calendars now for a chance to be named…

King of the Rock!

Chicago Air & Water Show

More than boats and planes to Civil Air Patrol

 

By Maj Brian S. Cramer, CAP and

Capt Daniel J. Wynard, CAP

 

On Saturday, August 15, a contingent of Civil Air Patrol volunteers joined the over two-million people on Chicago’s lake front for the Chicago Air & Water Show.  Selling official programs at the show is a major fund raising activity for CAP units in the greater Chicago area, but this year, CAP members’ emergency services training came into play. 

 

Twenty-six members of CAP squadrons representing Romeoville, Frankfort, and Bolingbrook, in addition to their program selling activities, found themselves responding to two medical emergencies and a missing person search.

 

Cadets assigned to work near the show’s main entrance noticed a man at a drinking fountain who appeared to be having problems.  As they approached, the man asked for help.  He told them that he had a history of allergic reactions to bee stings and had just been stung on the neck.  Cadet Jack Wood immediately communicated the situation to the CAP command post using his radio.  His message was quickly relayed to City of Chicago Emergency Services.  In less than three minutes, four Chicago Fire Department paramedics converged on the scene to treat the victim.  Several hours later, the gentleman returned to thank the cadets who helped him.

 

A short while later, at the U.S. Marine Corp exhibit, a six-year-old was attempting chin-ups when he slipped and fell.  The young boy hit the ground and cut his forehead, just missing his eye, and was also bleeding from his nose and mouth.  Capt. James Chiang, CAP, a doctor and member of the IL Tactical EMS, was nearby, saw what occurred and reacted quickly.  He requested that the Marines manage the crowd while he controlled the bleeding and calmed the child until the paramedics could get there.   By the time paramedics arrived, Dr. Chiang had stabilized the young man for transport to the hospital.

 

After the show was over and the crowds were leaving, CAP members were heading toward the gate when they came across a frightened woman who had become separated from her eight-year-old cousin in the press of the crowds leaving the show.  Again, CAP radios relayed the situation and the teams began searching.  After about 20 minutes a Chicago Police Officer spotted the frightened child and the family was reunited. 

 

Thanks to CAP’s extensive training in emergency response situations, these events all ended with positive outcomes.

WWII Veterans Visit Fox Valley Composite Squadron

By 1st Lt Rebecca Tulloch
Fox Valley Composite Squadron

On Friday, June 26, 2009, the Fox Valley Composite Squadron hosted two WWII Veterans, Mr. Don Johnson and  Mr. Burnell Wollar for their June guest speakers night.  Mr. Johnson was a bombardier in the Amy Air Corps. who flew several missions over Europe in B-24s. Mr. Johnson served in the Army infantry and participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.  Both servicemen are active in their local VFW chapter in Barrington, Illinois, and volunteer much of their time visiting our youth at schools and various organizations sharing their experiences of WWII. Our squadron cadets asked many insightful questions of the veterans and showed great interest in their stories. At the conclusion of the program, the squadron honored our veterans with a group salute. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Wollar can be contacted through the VFW in Barrington, IL.

Fox Valley Composite Squadron honors WWII veterans during their guest speaker night in June 2009.

Capt. Hoover (in photo above) and 1st Lt. Tulloch (in photo below) pose with WWII Veterans Mr. Don Johnson and Mr. Burnell Wollar.

MCCS Provides Color Guard for Medal of Honor Luncheon

Cadets Casey Mclennand, Emily Medina, Ross Kohler and Shelby McMahon, all of the McHenry County Composite Squadron, with Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Alan Lynch at the Union League Club.

Officers also present at the Luncheon were Capt James Kalemis, 1st Lt Diane Workman, Col Bob Karton, Col Gordon Larson, and Col Paul McKay, USAF.

Six ILWG Members Attend WIWG ES Workshop

The Wisconsin Wing held its Emergency Services Workshop at Volk Field Air National Guard.  The weekend event concentrated on training on many ES tracks, including Ground Team, Aircrew, CERT, and Mission Base Staff.  Classes were also held on IS-700, First Aid, and the ES Officer Specialty. 

Three members of the McHenry County Composite Squadron, Capt. James Kalemis and Cadets Peterman and Hoffeditz, and three members of the Midway Composite Squadron, 1st Lt. Ryan Minor and Cadets Garza and Wlosek, participated on the Ground Team activities.  The activities included Land Navigation, Fire Building and Extinguishing, Shelter Building, Night Land Navigation, Working with Canine Teams, Search Line and UDF sorties.  Although it was a sunny but very cold weekend, all members got to exercise their skills, complete their tasking, and had their SQTR signed off.

 

 

 

CIVIL AIR PATROL CELEBRATES 65 YEARS IN THE FOX VALLEY

Photos and Story by 2nd Lt Rebecca Tulloch
Fox Valley Composite Squadron

Civil Air Patrol Fox Valley Composite Squadron IL-274 celebrated 65 years in the Fox River Valley region of Illinois 25 miles west of Chicago by installing a new commander, 1st Lt Bob Gerber.

 

1st Lt Gerber received the CAP flag symbolizing the beginning of his command service to the squadron.

Attending the traditional, “Change of Command” ceremony was State Representative Randy Ramey of the 55th IL State Representative District and Mayor Donald DeWitte of the City of St. Charles.

 

Captain Michael Lain is honored with a gift of appreciation for his service as out going Squadron Commander. Capt Lain will now be serving as the Illinois Wing Operations Officer.

 

State Representative Ramey tours one of our CAP aircraft with 2nd Lt Gupta-Fletcher during our 65th year celebration.  After the ceremony, guests and dignitaries had a chance to celebrate with by socializing with the squadron members over cake and punch.

N. Illinois Squadrons Assist with Flood Mitigation Effort

A view of the intersection before the work began to relieve the flooding.

   

      

2d Lt. Scott McKnight (left) works with 1st Lt. Bob Gould (seated right) in preparing sandbags. Also pictured in the center of the photo with the blue ball cap and blue polo shirt is Congressman Mark Kirk. To his left is 2d Lt. Damon Card as well as a number of US Navy sailors that also volunteered in the effort.   

      

Pictured with Congressman Mark Kirk (center) are Major Bob Dempsey, Deputy Commander, Cadets (left) and Capt. Jim Griggs, Deputy Commander, Seniors, both of the Palwaukee Composite Squadron.

(Photos by 2d Lt. Marc Stanley)

By 2d Lt MARC STANLEY

Public Affairs Officer, Palwaukee Composite Squadron

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill -- At mid-day on Saturday 13 September, the Palwaukee Composite Squadron was contacted by local officials from the Village of Prospect Heights, Illinois regarding flood assistance. The Des Plaines River was at flood stage, and some subdivisions were already being saturated by the quickly rising water. After calls to the National Operations Center (NOC), and the ILWG Director of Operations, a mission number was assigned, and an alert was sent out.

Shortly after the contact by local officials, Palwaukee Squadron personnel started planning for the impending mission, and queried its members for availability. Ninety minutes after the alert was sent out, the first team assembled mustered at the Mission Base located at the Palwaukee Squadron's meeting facility, and was then sent into the flooded area to assist with sandbagging duty.

Working with members of the local fire department, Public Works, Village officials, local residents, as well as sailors from Naval Station Great Lakes that had also volunteered to participate, the CAP teams assisted with the flood mitigation efforts until after midnight. Congressman for the Tenth District of Illinois, Mr. Mark Kirk showed up with staff members to personally assist in the filling of sandbags. Congressman Kirk took the opportunity to shake hands with the many CAP members at the scene, and thank them for their assistance to the local communities. Village officials have indicated CAP will be on its list of 'go to' agencies for future disaster relief (DR) situations.

In all, 28 members from 6 different units responded to the REDCAP. The units represented were: Forest Park Composite Squadron, Lake County Composite Squadron, Lewis Composite Squadron, Midway Composite Squadron, Palwaukee Composite Squadron, and Group 22 HQ.

Members that participated were as follows: Majors Bob Dempsey and Paul Hanna; Captains David Gillingham, Jim Griggs and Brian Pokuta; First Lieutenants Charles Brown, Bob Gould, Mark Halman, Scott Murphy, Jay Trivedi and Axel Velazquez; Second Lieutenants Damon Card, Kenneth Hartogh, Scott McKnight, Marc Stanley, John Stys, and John Trimarco, SM Mike Grenz as well as Cadets Ryan Blasky, Hannah Gottschalk, Clint Greenlee, Zack Hagner, Chris Hartogh, Brett Krueger, Kenneth Macejak, David Miller, Seth Thomas, and Adam Wallace.

MCCS Change of Command and Promotions

C/1st Lt Ethan Peterman receives the cadet command from Captain James Kalemis, Commander, McHenry County Composite Squadron.

Captain Kalemis presents C/Capt Emily Medina with a plaque of photos from her early years in the Civil Air Patrol as gratitude for her service.  Captain Kalemis urges the audience to take a look at the photos and how young some of the cadets looked!

C/1st Lt Peterman addresses the audience, praising C/Capt Medina's service and providing some goals for his upcoming command.

Major Bob Williams, Commander Group 22, presents C/CMSgt Shelby McMahon with the Mitchell Award.

Captain Kalemis and Major Williams promote Cadet McMahon to C/2nd Lt.

C/AB Bailey Hoffeditz is promoted to C/Airman. Cadet Hoffeditz has the special honor of completing a high score on her Curry test on the first attempt.

Palwaukee Cadet Receives Mitchell Award

Great Lakes Region Vice Commander, Col. Robert Karton (left) presents Cadet Hannah Gottschalk with her Gen. Billy Mitchell Award

By: 2d Lt. MARC STANLEY, CAP

WHEELING, Ill -- Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Hannah Gottschalk received the General Billy Mitchell Award and was also promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant at the August 19th meeting of the Palwaukee Composite Squadron. Presenting the award was Great Lakes Region Vice-Commander, Col. Robert Karton, joined by Group 22 Commander, Maj. Robert Williams, and Squadron Commander 1st Lt. Scott Murphy.

C/2d Lt Gottschalk joined the Palwaukee Squadron shortly after it became a Composite unit again in 2006 after a hiatus of ten years, and is the first cadet in recent years to begin her CAP career at the squadron and then subsequently earn the Mitchell Award. Both of the other Mitchell awardees in the unit transferred to Palwaukee from other squadrons.

Maj. Robert Williams stated: 'I view this as the culmination of the efforts of a lot of people who worked hard to bring back a robust cadet program here at Palwaukee. We didn't want them to just show up for meetings, we wanted them active and fully engaged in everything CAP has to offer. I put the goal on the table, but Maj. Dempsey and others executed on my ideas and made them their own. Cadet Gottschalk's achievement is proof that the program here is fully functional and I expect to be handing out a lot more Mitchells in the near future.'

The Mitchell Award is given after completion of the first eight structured segments of the CAP cadet program. In addition, a cadet must also pass an examination covering leadership theory and aerospace topics. Cadets who receive the Mitchell Award are eligible for advanced placement in the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enlist in the US Air Force. They are also eligible for advanced credit in the Air Force ROTC program. Mitchell Award cadets may also apply for a variety of scholarships and CAP special activities.

C/2d Lt Gottschalk is a student at Prospect High School in Arlington Heights, IL. 'She will be a great cadet leader in Palwaukee Composite Squadron' says Maj. Robert Dempsey who supervises the Squadron's cadet program.

2008 King of the Rock

The 7th Annual Cadet Initiative was held at Rock Cut State Park.  Six teams competed at eight activities.  The activities included a drill off, a scored dinner, and Project X activities that are mentally and physically challenging.

Five of the past seven years the Lake-in-the-Hills team, Watson's Warriors, have won the event.  This year the Kings were dethroned with a new team winning the event, the Black Sheep.  The team was composed of three members from Lewis Composite Squadron, Cadets Kassis, Newman, and Reynoso, one from Lincoln Way Composite, Cadet Miller, and one from McHenry County Composite, Cadet Chappell.

The winning team takes to their home squadron the roaming trophy. 

Additional photo are on the Photo Page.