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.