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History of the Middle East Region
Civil Air Patrol
United States Air Force Auxiliary
2015
Written by Major Joseph E. Myers CAP
Middle East Region Historian
Col John M. Knowles CAP
Commander Middle East Region
1
RCS NCHO (CAP)
HISTORY
OF THE
MIDDLE EAST REGION
CIVIL AIR PATROL
1 January – 31 December 2014
Assigned to
Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary
Headquartered at
Ashton, Maryland
.
Joseph Myers
Maj. CAP
Region Historian
John M. Knowles
Col. CAP
Region Commander
Office of Origin: MER/HO
Derived from:
Multiple Sources
2
Map of the Middle East Region Civil Air Patrol
NAT CAP Wing
MDWG
DEWG
WVAWG
VAWG
NCWG
SCWG
Geographic Area
of the Middle
East Region Civil
Air Patrol
3
Chronology
January
4
C A C conference call
11
C A C conference call
26
DDR Training
30 – 1 February Joint MER SCWG conference
February
1
CAC conference call
4
MER Staff meeting
8
CAC conference call
13 – 31 March Middle East Region Safety Blitz
23
NUC Meeting
DDR Training
26
CAP Legislative Day
26-28 Winter Command Council Meeting
28
Spaatz Association Dinner
March
1
New Middle East Region Website Rollout
1
CAC conference call
4
MER Staff meeting
8
CAC conference call
15
Quarterly MER Cadet Programs/DDR meeting
23
CPPT summary conversation
28
DEWG conference
April
5
CAC conference call
6
Squadron of Distinction for 2015 named Leesburg Composite Squadron (VAWG)
8
MER Staff meeting
12
CAC conference call
16 – 17 BoG meeting
20 NUC meeting
May
2 – 3 VAWG Conference
9 – 15 MER Chaplain Corps Region Staff College
13 MER Staff meeting
15 Constant Watch Communications Exercise
15 – 17 MER SAR
18 MER Wing Commanders Call
NUC Meeting
25 – 30 Tri Wing (NCWG, VAWG, WVAWG) SAR Evaluation
31 – 6 June Middle East Region Staff College
June
5 – 7 Inspector General Senior Course
6 – 7 Inspector General Summit
1 – 26 July Online Unit Commanders Course hosted by MDWG
14
CAC conference call
27 – 5 July MER Flight Academy
28 Quarterly MER Cadet Programs/ DDR meeting.
July
1 – 30 Tri Wing Operations Evaluation (NCWG,VAWG,WVAWG)
3 – 12 Tri Wing Encampment (NatCap, MDWG, DEWG)
8
MER Staff meeting
12 – 17 MER Cadet Leadership School South
12
CAC conference call
17 – 24 MER Cadet Leadership School North
4
20 MER Wing Commanders Call
25 – 1 Aug MER Honor Guard Academy
25 – 2 Aug NCWG Encampment
August
9
CAC conference call
12 MER Staff meeting
16 CLS South staff debriefing
23 CLS North staff debriefing
25 – 26 BoG meeting
27 – 29 CAP National Conference
28 CAP Named “Airmen” as a part of USAF Total Force
September
9
MER Staff meeting
13 CAC conference call
18 Quality Cadet Unit Awards Announced 37 from MER
25 – 27 MER Cadet Competition
October
4
Quarterly Cadet Programs/DDR conference call
5
Hurricane Joaquin causes flooding in South Carolina
11 CAC conference call
19 MER Wing Commanders Call
November
5 – 8 CSAG meeting at Maxwell AFB
8
CAC conference call
11
MER Staff meeting
20 – 22 MER Commanders Retreat
December
1
Civil Air Patrol’s 74th Anniversary
9
MER Staff meeting
13
CAC conference call
14
MER Commanders Staff call
Introduction
During 2015 major emphasis has been placed on the Region Staff supporting their wing
counterparts, as subject matter experts, mentors and facilitators. This embodies the Middle East
Region motto of “No Boundaries, No Limits”. Professional Development, Recruiting and Retention,
and Cadet Programs have also been areas of emphasis during 2015.
This was a very active year for the members of the Middle East Region, with Cadets and Senior
Members participating in numerous training events and actual missions across the region. The
members have responded with dedication and professionalism to events from a Tri Wing Sar Eval
to Hurricane Joaquin and the resulting flooding and devastation in South Carolina.
Public affairs initiatives conducted by the 7 wings within the Middle East Region were active. Each
Wing along with Region has a pro-active website that provides internal and external (public)
information. Some of the external information includes photos and news releases about CAP
activities.
Each Wing participated in multiple “community support” activities including Color Guard Color
Presentations, Parades, Air Shows, manning Recruiting Booths.
o Each Wing Each Wing participated in the Red Ribbon Week, drug awareness initiative.
o Major emphasis was placed on recognition of the Civil Air Patrol’s WW 2 Veterans
centered on recognition events for the Congressional Gold Medal for CAP’s Costal
Patrol veterans.
o Significant media coverage includes: Recognition by government officials for Disaster
response; training events, Spaatz and Earhart awards, new commanders, orientation
flights, tree lighting ceremonies, Veteran’s Day honors and more.
o Participated in the annual national “Legislative Day” activities held in Washington, DC
o Each Wing participated in the annual national “Wreaths Across America” event, laying
wreaths in Veteran Cemeteries across their wing.
5
o
Wings throughout participated in various ES missions, which yielded public
awareness.
Statistics by Wing
Listed below are the statistics for each wing of the Middle East Region as found in the Annual
Report to Congress.
DE (Delaware)
256 Senior members
144 Cadets
72 Aircrew personnel
235 Emergency responders
Squadrons
11 locations statewide
Aircraft
5 single engine
Vehicles
12 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
5 VHF/FM repeaters
64 VHF/FM stations
12 HF stations
Missions
4 Search and rescue missions
2 Finds
12 Other state support missions
130 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 946
MD (Maryland)
751 Senior members
CAP
731 Cadets
172 Aircrew personnel
781Emergency responders
Squadrons
33 locations statewide
Aircraft
12 single engine
Vehicles
14 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
10 VHF/FM repeaters
102 VHF/FM stations
18 HF stations
Missions
6 Search and rescue missions
6 Finds
14 Other state support missions
860 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 2,074
National Capitol
252 Senior members
CAP
181 Cadets
Wing Commander: Col Michael Moyer CAP
Wing Commander: Col William Parris,
Wing Commander: Col Bruce Heinlein
6
64 Aircrew personnel
256 Emergency responders
Squadrons
8 locations statewide
Aircraft
5 single engine
13 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
6 VHF/FM repeaters
78 VHF/FM stations
10 HF stations
Missions185 cadet orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 1,213
North Carolina
864 Senior members
889 cadets
246 Aircrew personnel
1075 Emergency responders
Squadrons
38 locations statewide
Aircraft
13 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
21 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
20 VHF/FM fixed repeaters
2 VHF/FM airborne/technical
Repeaters
364 VHF/FM stations
44 HF stations
Missions
18 Search and rescue missions
11 Finds
2 Saves
1,142 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 3,086
South Carolina
499 Senior members
269 Cadets
119 Aircrew personnel
480 Emergency responders
Squadrons
19 locations statewide
Aircraft
10 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
15 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
14 VHF/FM repeaters
152 VHF/FM stations
31 HF stations
Missions
11 Search and rescue missions
7 finds
404 Orientation flights
Wing Commander: Col David Crawford CAP
Wing Commander: Col Francis Smith CAP
7
Total Hours Flown 1,870
VA (Virginia)
939 Senior members
CAP
824 Cadets
235 Aircrew personnel
942 Emergency responders
Squadrons
30 locations statewide
Aircraft
12 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
23 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
14 VHF/FM repeaters
236 VHF/FM stations
45 HF stations
Missions
13 Search and rescue missions
7 finds
1 Save
746 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 2,325
West Virginia
365 Senior members
254 cadets
75 Aircrew personnel
358 Emergency responders
Squadrons
15 locations statewide
Aircraft
6 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
24 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
10 VHF/FM repeaters
173 VHF/FM stations
36 HF stations
Missions
4 Search and rescue missions
2 Finds
383 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 1,211
Wing Commander: Col James A. Covel
Wing Commander: Col Paul McCroskey CAP
8
Middle East Region Summary statistics for 2015;
12,625 Hours Flown
Statistics for 2014;
3,665 Orientation Flights
12,132.7 Hours Flown
83 Missions, 35 Finds, and 3 Saves
3,708 Orientation Flights
63 Aircraft
151 Missions, 33 Finds
1 Save
4 Gliders
68 Aircraft
122 Other Vehicles
4 Gliders
81 VHF/FM Repeaters
1,169 VHF/FM stations
184 HF Stations
3,960 Senior Members
3,292 Cadet Members
Total Personnel 7,252
154 Squadrons
149 Other Vehicles
74 VHF/ FM Repeaters
1,066 VHF/ FM Stations
177 HF Stations
3,681 Senior Members
3,036 Cadet Members
6,717 Total Personnel
146 Squadrons
9
Awards
Cadet Awards for 2015
Spaatz
3
Cadet Awards For 2014
9
Eaker
19
15
Earhart
65
47
Mitchell
189
149
Senior Member Awards for 2015
Senior Member Awards for 2014
Gill Rob Wilson
14
13
Garber
24
33
Leoning
64
64
The awards listed above represent the hard work and dedication of the Senior Members and
Cadets of the Middle East Region during the listed periods.
This year the Middle East Region conference was held in conjunction with the South Carolina Wing
conference at the end of January. It was a wonderful conference and Col Smith and his team
working with Col Barron did a great job. The only unfortunate thing about the conference was
that it was held before the nominations for the region "of the year" awards were due so we could
not honor those selected for the MER of the Year awards. These members and units names were
forwarded to National Headquarters as the region’s nominees for the national awards.
AWARD
MEMBER/UNIT
WING
UNIT
Ground Team
Lexington Composite Sqdn
SC
Lexington Comp
Officer (SM)
Lt Col Peter Hantelman
DC
Fairfax Comp
Cadet Officer
C/Col Adam Eudy
SC
Low Country Comp
Cadet NCO
C/CMSgt Emily Capra
VA
Fredericksburg Comp
Sorenson (CP)
Lt Col Thomas Sadaukas
DC
Arlington Comp
Communications
Lt Col James Friel
DE
DEWG HQ
Public Affairs
1st Lt Mary Baker
WV
Potomac Highlands Comp
Inspector General
Lt Col John Mariakis
MD
MDWG HQ
CDI
Maj Guilford Queen
MD
Parkland Middle School
Chaplain
Lt Col Norman Byerly
NC
NCWG HQ
Squadron Chaplain
Capt Tony Gibbs
SC
Greenville Comp
Counter Drug
Maj Alfred Artz
VA
Leesburg Comp
Lewis IC Staff
Lt Col Gene Jackson
MER
MER HQ
AE Teacher
Ms. Sue Lewis
MD
Esperanza Middle School
Holm AE Off
1st Lt Justin Kirk
VA
Monticello Comp
DDR
Capt Deborah Tuson
DE
Eagle Cadet
PD Officer
1st Lt Julie Dimitrov
SC
Beaufort Comp
Brewer-Senior
Capt Frank Panek
WV
Martinsburg Comp
Brewer-Cadet
C/Col Robert Lewis
MD
St Mary's Comp
Brewer AE Ind
Lt Col Lawrence McGovern
MD
St Mary's Comp
Brewer Lifetime
Lt Col William Knight
VA
Leesburg Comp
WV
Martinsburg Comp
AFA
Property Manager
Paul Turner Safety
C/Capt Nicole Orr
1st Lt Daniel Donahoe
West Virginia Wing
MD
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Comp
WV
10
DDR Wing of the Year
South Carolina Wing
SC
Listed below are the Middle East Region recipients for the Balsem Public Affairs Award.
The Balsem award is presented annually to public affairs officers for outstanding entries
in nine different public affairs categories.
Category
Award
Name
Wing
Project
Brochure/Poster
Balsem
MDWG
Open House
External Media
Coverage
External Media
Coverage
External Media
Coverage
External Media
Coverage
Photography
Balsem
VAWG
WAA
VAWG
Training
Exc.
2014 TriWing
WAA Fact
Sheet
WAA
Slide/PowerPoint
Merit
Social Media
Balsem
Social Media
Balsem
Website
Excellence
Website
Excellence
Website
Merit
Website
Merit
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Lt Jimmy Kelly - Prince
Wm Comp
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Lt Col Chris Roche MDWG HQ
Lt Jimmy Kelly - Prince
Wm Comp
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Capt Gregory FletcherFredericksburg
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Lt Jimmy Kelly - Prince
Wm Comp
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Balsem
Excellence
Merit
Merit
MDWG
VAWG
VAWG
MDWG
VAWG
MDWG
VAWG
VAWG
2014 Wing
Conf.
Everyday
Hero
Facebook
Page
Unit Website
VAWG
Site
Redesign
Unit Website
MDWG
Group II Site
11
Conclusion
The best way to close out the report for 2015 is with the Region Commander’s words from his
January 2016 Commanders commentary, it is shown below.
MER Commander's Commentary - January 2016
The month started out with a fantastic visit to the North Carolina Wing conference in Raleigh. I had the opportunity to visit with them, hand out some
awards, see a very moving CAP Gold Medal Ceremony, and some of us even had a chance to sing karaoke. It was a lot of fun and Col Dave
Crawford and his staff put on a great weekend.
The following week was filled with Wreath Across America ceremonies. Maj Gen Vazquez and the MER Honor Guard presented a wreath at the US
Capitol along with both Senators from Maine. The cadets did a great job watching over the wreath, honoring our veterans until sundown. Friday,
CAP was honored to assist at the wreath ceremony at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Gardens. Cadets and seniors assisted the public in mounting a
wreath on the wrought iron fence around the garden, one for each person killed during the attack. Lt Col JD Ellis, the DCWG/CV, coordinated the
event for CAP and, with some other CAP members working at the Pentagon, gave tours after the ceremony was complete. The final event was the
main event for WAA, where a wreath was laid at every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. CAP had over 250 volunteers assisting at ANC.
The CAP/CC led the group laying wreaths to honor the four airmen buried at Arlington that have CAP achievements named after them.
Meanwhile 220 volunteers, led by Cols Ziggy Bernfeld, Jane Davies and Maj Jason Secrest took on the challenge of working with WAA truck captains
to coordinate the unloading of 60+ trailers of wreaths. More than 70,000 people showed up to lay wreaths on the gravesites and it takes a lot of
behind the scenes effort to make it appear easy. CAP members met at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall where the incident command post had been
set up in a parking lot. Support from the base and the USO helped make the day go smoother.
On top of this, thousands of CAP members supported similar events at more than 1,000 cemeteries across the US and Canada. The WAA motto of
"Remember, Honor, and Teach" was demonstrated all across the region by our cadets and senior members. Your support of this program, which
started in 1992 as a small effort by the owner of a wreath making company in Maine, has grown into an international event. CAP was there in 1992
and will continue to support WAA all across the country. Thank you to every member who helped on the 12th and who supported WAA through fund
raising and selling wreaths in order to place as many as possible on our veterans’ graves.
As we start each New Year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions. I know that each new year I resolve to be healthier and a little more patient
among other things. One thing I would like to challenge all of you with this new year is to live by our core values. They are Integrity, Volunteer
Service, Excellence, and Respect. I try and live my life every day turning these words into action. All of them are equally important but this month I
would like to focus on Respect.
As many of you know, I was asked to wear-test the USAF ABU utility uniform for CAP by Gen Vazquez. This change is something that many CAP
members have been asking for and our national leadership and the Air Force are working to make it happen. There is no guarantee we will make this
change and it is a lot more complicated than most people realize but as part of the review process a handful of members have been asked to help out.
A photograph of myself and the NER/CC Col Leclair wearing two slightly different variations of the ABU was taken at the WAA Pentagon ceremony.
While it is a stretch to say we "broke the internet," the resulting traffic on social media was so great that while I was still at the Pentagon I received
several text messages and calls from staff public affairs members of CAP letting me know that there was a significant increase in the volume of
responses to the pictures. I clarified to them that Col Leclair and I were wear-testing the uniform for CAP with the approval of the CAP/CC and CAPUSAF and that the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force was aware of the test. By now you may be asking yourself, why are we focusing on
Respect? It is because of the rather large amount of hateful comments made by people posting on a number of web sites and forums around the
internet. My favorite definition of Integrity is to do the right thing even when no one is looking. It appears that some of us need to redefine the
definition of respect to include "even when I am posting anonymously online.” Respect doesn't get put on hold when you sit down at a computer or
pull out your smart phone and sign in as "airman#1" or some other nom de plume. It is with each of us in every comment we say or write. Spewing
rude or vulgar comments behind the cloak of anonymity online is simply unacceptable. I do realize that some of these people are not CAP members.
Most likely some are disgruntled former members who, for reasons known only to themselves, chose to troll sites related to CAP and provide their
opinions. However, I am equally sure that some of our current members find themselves unable to resist jumping into the fray. Respect, just like
integrity, means treating everyone the way you would like to be treated even when they don't know who you are. To be very clear, we are all entitled to
our own opinions. In fact a wear-test is all about getting feedback on your opinions. Some opinions are negative and that is okay; what is not okay is
crossing the line of respect in expressing your negative opinion.
I've touched on one aspect of communicating in writing on websites and social media but there is another potential pitfall that many people are not
aware of. When most of us write it is almost impossible to express emotion or tone. When a reader is interpreting what you wrote they are affected
by their own mood, the words they saw before your words and their overall thoughts on what you wrote about. If you were speaking to them they
would have the benefit of your tone and nonverbal cues, but writing does not offer this to the reader. One method I use to help with this is to have
multiple people proofread what I write. Yes, I am confessing that before you see these commentaries, three or four other people read them first and
make me look much smarter than I really am (thanks - Lt Col Winter and Majors Reed and Knowles). You don't always have that luxury so my
suggestion to you is to review everything you put out for others before you hit send and to follow that core value of respect.
12
The recruiting contest has heated up this month with two new members tied for the lead at nine members each: Maj Jacob Gerstein, DC-051, and
2nd Lt Alice Stange NC-145. Cadet Caleb Mize, NC-150, still holds the lead in the cadet category at 6. There is one member at seven and three
members at six. The contest runs from 1 July 2015 to 1 April 2016 so there is still plenty of time for you to get into the race.
Let me close by saying thank you for 2015. We had an amazing year and 2016 looks to be even busier. Our safety program continues to be the top
priority for our leadership. Sending everyone home safe after a meeting or activity is the most important thing we can do. In 2015 we made some
tweaks to our program to stop punishing members by preventing them from participating in any activity if they did not get the safety box checked. This
was a good thing but it seems to have led to a bad habit. I know you are having safety briefings at your meetings and that you are participating in the
overall safety education program but some of you are failing to document it. The regulations still call for monthly safety training. The only way to
document this for your SUI is through the safety management system. Please make sure you are keeping this up to date. It makes CAP a safer place
for all of us.
Happy New Year!
JOHN M. KNOWLES, Colonel, CAP
Commander
Middle East Region, Civil Air Patrol
13
APPENDIX 1
GLOSSARY
AF
United States Air Force
BoG
Board of Governors
CAC
Cadet Advisory Council
CAP
Civil Air Patrol
CLS
Cadet Leadership School
CPPT
Cadet Protection Training
CSAG
Civil Air Patrol Senior Advisory Group
CUB Slide
Commander’s Update Briefing PowerPoint Slide
DEWG
Delaware Wing
DDR
Drug Demand Reduction
Eaker
Cadet Award awarded for completion of phase 4 of the
Cadet Program. This award is named for General Ira C. Eaker
.
Earhart
Cadet Award awarded for completion of phase 3 of the cadet
program. This award is named for Amelia Earhart
Gill Rob Wilson
The Gill Robb Wilson Award is Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) highest award for
Senior member professional development.
Garber
The Paul E. Garber Award is given to Civil Air Patrol members who complete
Level IV of the Senior Member Professional Development Program.
Leoning
The Grover Loening Award is given to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members who
complete Level III of the Senior Member Professional Development Program
HF
High Frequency
NatCap
National Capitol Wing
NCWG
North Carolina Wing
MDWG
Maryland Wing
MER
Middle East Region Civil Air Patrol
Mitchell
4th Highest cadet award named for General Billy Mitchell
NUC
National Uniform Committee
Repeater
A radio repeater is an electronic device that receives a weak or low-level radio
signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power
RSC
Region Staff College
SAR
Search And Rescue
SCWG
South Carolina Wing
Spaatz
Highest Cadet Award named for General Carl A. Spaatz. General Spaatz was the
first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and first Chairman of the CAP
National Board
VAWG
Virginia Wing
VHF/FM
Very High Frequency/Frequency Modulation
WVAWG
West Virginia Wing
14
APPENDIX 2
BIBLOGRAPHY
1. Civil Air Patrol National Website/ Volunteer/ Cadet Awards
2. 2015 Legislative Day Newsletters Middle East Region Wings
3. Middle East Region Staff Meeting CUB Slides
4. Middle East Region Commander’s Commentary e mails for 2015
5. 2014 Annual Middle East Region History Report
6. Middle East Region webpage
7. Middle East Region Facebook page
15
Appendix 3
Middle East Region Staff
Duty
Commander
Section
MER/CC
Vice Commander – East
MER/CV-E Col Jerry Weiss
Vice Commander - West
Chief of Staff
MER/CV-W Col Dennis Barron
Col John Knowles
MER/CS
Col Eugene Egry
Administration and Personnel
MER/A1
Maj James Brogan
Operations
MER/A3
Lt Col Jay Langley
Logistics
MER/A4
Lt Col David Oldham
Plans and Programs
MER/A5/8 Lt Col Eric Haertel
Communications
MER/A6
Lt Col Maurice Thomas
Information Technology
MER/A6I
Maj James Holcomb
Missions
MER/A7
Col Lawrence Trick
Aerospace Education
MER/A7E
Lt Col Thomas McLellan
Cadet Programs
MER/A7O Lt Col William Ryan
Professional Development
MER/A7P
Lt Col Elizabeth Dunn
Finance
MER/A9
Lt Col Phyllis Griffin
Chaplain
MER/HC
Ch (Lt Col) Greg Hill
Historian
MER/HO
Maj Joseph Myers
Inspector General
MER/IG
Lt Col Cheryl Fielitz-Scarbrough
Legal Affairs
MER/JA
Lt Col Tim Corrigan
Public Affairs
MER/PA
Maj Brenda Reed
Safety
MER/SE
Maj Guy Butts
16
Civil Air Patrol
United States Air Force Auxiliary
2015
Written by Major Joseph E. Myers CAP
Middle East Region Historian
Col John M. Knowles CAP
Commander Middle East Region
1
RCS NCHO (CAP)
HISTORY
OF THE
MIDDLE EAST REGION
CIVIL AIR PATROL
1 January – 31 December 2014
Assigned to
Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary
Headquartered at
Ashton, Maryland
.
Joseph Myers
Maj. CAP
Region Historian
John M. Knowles
Col. CAP
Region Commander
Office of Origin: MER/HO
Derived from:
Multiple Sources
2
Map of the Middle East Region Civil Air Patrol
NAT CAP Wing
MDWG
DEWG
WVAWG
VAWG
NCWG
SCWG
Geographic Area
of the Middle
East Region Civil
Air Patrol
3
Chronology
January
4
C A C conference call
11
C A C conference call
26
DDR Training
30 – 1 February Joint MER SCWG conference
February
1
CAC conference call
4
MER Staff meeting
8
CAC conference call
13 – 31 March Middle East Region Safety Blitz
23
NUC Meeting
DDR Training
26
CAP Legislative Day
26-28 Winter Command Council Meeting
28
Spaatz Association Dinner
March
1
New Middle East Region Website Rollout
1
CAC conference call
4
MER Staff meeting
8
CAC conference call
15
Quarterly MER Cadet Programs/DDR meeting
23
CPPT summary conversation
28
DEWG conference
April
5
CAC conference call
6
Squadron of Distinction for 2015 named Leesburg Composite Squadron (VAWG)
8
MER Staff meeting
12
CAC conference call
16 – 17 BoG meeting
20 NUC meeting
May
2 – 3 VAWG Conference
9 – 15 MER Chaplain Corps Region Staff College
13 MER Staff meeting
15 Constant Watch Communications Exercise
15 – 17 MER SAR
18 MER Wing Commanders Call
NUC Meeting
25 – 30 Tri Wing (NCWG, VAWG, WVAWG) SAR Evaluation
31 – 6 June Middle East Region Staff College
June
5 – 7 Inspector General Senior Course
6 – 7 Inspector General Summit
1 – 26 July Online Unit Commanders Course hosted by MDWG
14
CAC conference call
27 – 5 July MER Flight Academy
28 Quarterly MER Cadet Programs/ DDR meeting.
July
1 – 30 Tri Wing Operations Evaluation (NCWG,VAWG,WVAWG)
3 – 12 Tri Wing Encampment (NatCap, MDWG, DEWG)
8
MER Staff meeting
12 – 17 MER Cadet Leadership School South
12
CAC conference call
17 – 24 MER Cadet Leadership School North
4
20 MER Wing Commanders Call
25 – 1 Aug MER Honor Guard Academy
25 – 2 Aug NCWG Encampment
August
9
CAC conference call
12 MER Staff meeting
16 CLS South staff debriefing
23 CLS North staff debriefing
25 – 26 BoG meeting
27 – 29 CAP National Conference
28 CAP Named “Airmen” as a part of USAF Total Force
September
9
MER Staff meeting
13 CAC conference call
18 Quality Cadet Unit Awards Announced 37 from MER
25 – 27 MER Cadet Competition
October
4
Quarterly Cadet Programs/DDR conference call
5
Hurricane Joaquin causes flooding in South Carolina
11 CAC conference call
19 MER Wing Commanders Call
November
5 – 8 CSAG meeting at Maxwell AFB
8
CAC conference call
11
MER Staff meeting
20 – 22 MER Commanders Retreat
December
1
Civil Air Patrol’s 74th Anniversary
9
MER Staff meeting
13
CAC conference call
14
MER Commanders Staff call
Introduction
During 2015 major emphasis has been placed on the Region Staff supporting their wing
counterparts, as subject matter experts, mentors and facilitators. This embodies the Middle East
Region motto of “No Boundaries, No Limits”. Professional Development, Recruiting and Retention,
and Cadet Programs have also been areas of emphasis during 2015.
This was a very active year for the members of the Middle East Region, with Cadets and Senior
Members participating in numerous training events and actual missions across the region. The
members have responded with dedication and professionalism to events from a Tri Wing Sar Eval
to Hurricane Joaquin and the resulting flooding and devastation in South Carolina.
Public affairs initiatives conducted by the 7 wings within the Middle East Region were active. Each
Wing along with Region has a pro-active website that provides internal and external (public)
information. Some of the external information includes photos and news releases about CAP
activities.
Each Wing participated in multiple “community support” activities including Color Guard Color
Presentations, Parades, Air Shows, manning Recruiting Booths.
o Each Wing Each Wing participated in the Red Ribbon Week, drug awareness initiative.
o Major emphasis was placed on recognition of the Civil Air Patrol’s WW 2 Veterans
centered on recognition events for the Congressional Gold Medal for CAP’s Costal
Patrol veterans.
o Significant media coverage includes: Recognition by government officials for Disaster
response; training events, Spaatz and Earhart awards, new commanders, orientation
flights, tree lighting ceremonies, Veteran’s Day honors and more.
o Participated in the annual national “Legislative Day” activities held in Washington, DC
o Each Wing participated in the annual national “Wreaths Across America” event, laying
wreaths in Veteran Cemeteries across their wing.
5
o
Wings throughout participated in various ES missions, which yielded public
awareness.
Statistics by Wing
Listed below are the statistics for each wing of the Middle East Region as found in the Annual
Report to Congress.
DE (Delaware)
256 Senior members
144 Cadets
72 Aircrew personnel
235 Emergency responders
Squadrons
11 locations statewide
Aircraft
5 single engine
Vehicles
12 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
5 VHF/FM repeaters
64 VHF/FM stations
12 HF stations
Missions
4 Search and rescue missions
2 Finds
12 Other state support missions
130 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 946
MD (Maryland)
751 Senior members
CAP
731 Cadets
172 Aircrew personnel
781Emergency responders
Squadrons
33 locations statewide
Aircraft
12 single engine
Vehicles
14 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
10 VHF/FM repeaters
102 VHF/FM stations
18 HF stations
Missions
6 Search and rescue missions
6 Finds
14 Other state support missions
860 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 2,074
National Capitol
252 Senior members
CAP
181 Cadets
Wing Commander: Col Michael Moyer CAP
Wing Commander: Col William Parris,
Wing Commander: Col Bruce Heinlein
6
64 Aircrew personnel
256 Emergency responders
Squadrons
8 locations statewide
Aircraft
5 single engine
13 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
6 VHF/FM repeaters
78 VHF/FM stations
10 HF stations
Missions185 cadet orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 1,213
North Carolina
864 Senior members
889 cadets
246 Aircrew personnel
1075 Emergency responders
Squadrons
38 locations statewide
Aircraft
13 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
21 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
20 VHF/FM fixed repeaters
2 VHF/FM airborne/technical
Repeaters
364 VHF/FM stations
44 HF stations
Missions
18 Search and rescue missions
11 Finds
2 Saves
1,142 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 3,086
South Carolina
499 Senior members
269 Cadets
119 Aircrew personnel
480 Emergency responders
Squadrons
19 locations statewide
Aircraft
10 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
15 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
14 VHF/FM repeaters
152 VHF/FM stations
31 HF stations
Missions
11 Search and rescue missions
7 finds
404 Orientation flights
Wing Commander: Col David Crawford CAP
Wing Commander: Col Francis Smith CAP
7
Total Hours Flown 1,870
VA (Virginia)
939 Senior members
CAP
824 Cadets
235 Aircrew personnel
942 Emergency responders
Squadrons
30 locations statewide
Aircraft
12 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
23 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
14 VHF/FM repeaters
236 VHF/FM stations
45 HF stations
Missions
13 Search and rescue missions
7 finds
1 Save
746 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 2,325
West Virginia
365 Senior members
254 cadets
75 Aircrew personnel
358 Emergency responders
Squadrons
15 locations statewide
Aircraft
6 single engine
1 glider
Vehicles
24 vehicles
Interoperable Communications
10 VHF/FM repeaters
173 VHF/FM stations
36 HF stations
Missions
4 Search and rescue missions
2 Finds
383 Orientation flights
Total Hours Flown 1,211
Wing Commander: Col James A. Covel
Wing Commander: Col Paul McCroskey CAP
8
Middle East Region Summary statistics for 2015;
12,625 Hours Flown
Statistics for 2014;
3,665 Orientation Flights
12,132.7 Hours Flown
83 Missions, 35 Finds, and 3 Saves
3,708 Orientation Flights
63 Aircraft
151 Missions, 33 Finds
1 Save
4 Gliders
68 Aircraft
122 Other Vehicles
4 Gliders
81 VHF/FM Repeaters
1,169 VHF/FM stations
184 HF Stations
3,960 Senior Members
3,292 Cadet Members
Total Personnel 7,252
154 Squadrons
149 Other Vehicles
74 VHF/ FM Repeaters
1,066 VHF/ FM Stations
177 HF Stations
3,681 Senior Members
3,036 Cadet Members
6,717 Total Personnel
146 Squadrons
9
Awards
Cadet Awards for 2015
Spaatz
3
Cadet Awards For 2014
9
Eaker
19
15
Earhart
65
47
Mitchell
189
149
Senior Member Awards for 2015
Senior Member Awards for 2014
Gill Rob Wilson
14
13
Garber
24
33
Leoning
64
64
The awards listed above represent the hard work and dedication of the Senior Members and
Cadets of the Middle East Region during the listed periods.
This year the Middle East Region conference was held in conjunction with the South Carolina Wing
conference at the end of January. It was a wonderful conference and Col Smith and his team
working with Col Barron did a great job. The only unfortunate thing about the conference was
that it was held before the nominations for the region "of the year" awards were due so we could
not honor those selected for the MER of the Year awards. These members and units names were
forwarded to National Headquarters as the region’s nominees for the national awards.
AWARD
MEMBER/UNIT
WING
UNIT
Ground Team
Lexington Composite Sqdn
SC
Lexington Comp
Officer (SM)
Lt Col Peter Hantelman
DC
Fairfax Comp
Cadet Officer
C/Col Adam Eudy
SC
Low Country Comp
Cadet NCO
C/CMSgt Emily Capra
VA
Fredericksburg Comp
Sorenson (CP)
Lt Col Thomas Sadaukas
DC
Arlington Comp
Communications
Lt Col James Friel
DE
DEWG HQ
Public Affairs
1st Lt Mary Baker
WV
Potomac Highlands Comp
Inspector General
Lt Col John Mariakis
MD
MDWG HQ
CDI
Maj Guilford Queen
MD
Parkland Middle School
Chaplain
Lt Col Norman Byerly
NC
NCWG HQ
Squadron Chaplain
Capt Tony Gibbs
SC
Greenville Comp
Counter Drug
Maj Alfred Artz
VA
Leesburg Comp
Lewis IC Staff
Lt Col Gene Jackson
MER
MER HQ
AE Teacher
Ms. Sue Lewis
MD
Esperanza Middle School
Holm AE Off
1st Lt Justin Kirk
VA
Monticello Comp
DDR
Capt Deborah Tuson
DE
Eagle Cadet
PD Officer
1st Lt Julie Dimitrov
SC
Beaufort Comp
Brewer-Senior
Capt Frank Panek
WV
Martinsburg Comp
Brewer-Cadet
C/Col Robert Lewis
MD
St Mary's Comp
Brewer AE Ind
Lt Col Lawrence McGovern
MD
St Mary's Comp
Brewer Lifetime
Lt Col William Knight
VA
Leesburg Comp
WV
Martinsburg Comp
AFA
Property Manager
Paul Turner Safety
C/Capt Nicole Orr
1st Lt Daniel Donahoe
West Virginia Wing
MD
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Comp
WV
10
DDR Wing of the Year
South Carolina Wing
SC
Listed below are the Middle East Region recipients for the Balsem Public Affairs Award.
The Balsem award is presented annually to public affairs officers for outstanding entries
in nine different public affairs categories.
Category
Award
Name
Wing
Project
Brochure/Poster
Balsem
MDWG
Open House
External Media
Coverage
External Media
Coverage
External Media
Coverage
External Media
Coverage
Photography
Balsem
VAWG
WAA
VAWG
Training
Exc.
2014 TriWing
WAA Fact
Sheet
WAA
Slide/PowerPoint
Merit
Social Media
Balsem
Social Media
Balsem
Website
Excellence
Website
Excellence
Website
Merit
Website
Merit
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Lt Jimmy Kelly - Prince
Wm Comp
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Lt Col Chris Roche MDWG HQ
Lt Jimmy Kelly - Prince
Wm Comp
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Capt Gregory FletcherFredericksburg
Lt Gregory Morgan Lynchburg Comp
Lt Jimmy Kelly - Prince
Wm Comp
Capt Alice Raatjes- Carroll
Comp.
Balsem
Excellence
Merit
Merit
MDWG
VAWG
VAWG
MDWG
VAWG
MDWG
VAWG
VAWG
2014 Wing
Conf.
Everyday
Hero
Page
Unit Website
VAWG
Site
Redesign
Unit Website
MDWG
Group II Site
11
Conclusion
The best way to close out the report for 2015 is with the Region Commander’s words from his
January 2016 Commanders commentary, it is shown below.
MER Commander's Commentary - January 2016
The month started out with a fantastic visit to the North Carolina Wing conference in Raleigh. I had the opportunity to visit with them, hand out some
awards, see a very moving CAP Gold Medal Ceremony, and some of us even had a chance to sing karaoke. It was a lot of fun and Col Dave
Crawford and his staff put on a great weekend.
The following week was filled with Wreath Across America ceremonies. Maj Gen Vazquez and the MER Honor Guard presented a wreath at the US
Capitol along with both Senators from Maine. The cadets did a great job watching over the wreath, honoring our veterans until sundown. Friday,
CAP was honored to assist at the wreath ceremony at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Gardens. Cadets and seniors assisted the public in mounting a
wreath on the wrought iron fence around the garden, one for each person killed during the attack. Lt Col JD Ellis, the DCWG/CV, coordinated the
event for CAP and, with some other CAP members working at the Pentagon, gave tours after the ceremony was complete. The final event was the
main event for WAA, where a wreath was laid at every gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. CAP had over 250 volunteers assisting at ANC.
The CAP/CC led the group laying wreaths to honor the four airmen buried at Arlington that have CAP achievements named after them.
Meanwhile 220 volunteers, led by Cols Ziggy Bernfeld, Jane Davies and Maj Jason Secrest took on the challenge of working with WAA truck captains
to coordinate the unloading of 60+ trailers of wreaths. More than 70,000 people showed up to lay wreaths on the gravesites and it takes a lot of
behind the scenes effort to make it appear easy. CAP members met at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall where the incident command post had been
set up in a parking lot. Support from the base and the USO helped make the day go smoother.
On top of this, thousands of CAP members supported similar events at more than 1,000 cemeteries across the US and Canada. The WAA motto of
"Remember, Honor, and Teach" was demonstrated all across the region by our cadets and senior members. Your support of this program, which
started in 1992 as a small effort by the owner of a wreath making company in Maine, has grown into an international event. CAP was there in 1992
and will continue to support WAA all across the country. Thank you to every member who helped on the 12th and who supported WAA through fund
raising and selling wreaths in order to place as many as possible on our veterans’ graves.
As we start each New Year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions. I know that each new year I resolve to be healthier and a little more patient
among other things. One thing I would like to challenge all of you with this new year is to live by our core values. They are Integrity, Volunteer
Service, Excellence, and Respect. I try and live my life every day turning these words into action. All of them are equally important but this month I
would like to focus on Respect.
As many of you know, I was asked to wear-test the USAF ABU utility uniform for CAP by Gen Vazquez. This change is something that many CAP
members have been asking for and our national leadership and the Air Force are working to make it happen. There is no guarantee we will make this
change and it is a lot more complicated than most people realize but as part of the review process a handful of members have been asked to help out.
A photograph of myself and the NER/CC Col Leclair wearing two slightly different variations of the ABU was taken at the WAA Pentagon ceremony.
While it is a stretch to say we "broke the internet," the resulting traffic on social media was so great that while I was still at the Pentagon I received
several text messages and calls from staff public affairs members of CAP letting me know that there was a significant increase in the volume of
responses to the pictures. I clarified to them that Col Leclair and I were wear-testing the uniform for CAP with the approval of the CAP/CC and CAPUSAF and that the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force was aware of the test. By now you may be asking yourself, why are we focusing on
Respect? It is because of the rather large amount of hateful comments made by people posting on a number of web sites and forums around the
internet. My favorite definition of Integrity is to do the right thing even when no one is looking. It appears that some of us need to redefine the
definition of respect to include "even when I am posting anonymously online.” Respect doesn't get put on hold when you sit down at a computer or
pull out your smart phone and sign in as "airman#1" or some other nom de plume. It is with each of us in every comment we say or write. Spewing
rude or vulgar comments behind the cloak of anonymity online is simply unacceptable. I do realize that some of these people are not CAP members.
Most likely some are disgruntled former members who, for reasons known only to themselves, chose to troll sites related to CAP and provide their
opinions. However, I am equally sure that some of our current members find themselves unable to resist jumping into the fray. Respect, just like
integrity, means treating everyone the way you would like to be treated even when they don't know who you are. To be very clear, we are all entitled to
our own opinions. In fact a wear-test is all about getting feedback on your opinions. Some opinions are negative and that is okay; what is not okay is
crossing the line of respect in expressing your negative opinion.
I've touched on one aspect of communicating in writing on websites and social media but there is another potential pitfall that many people are not
aware of. When most of us write it is almost impossible to express emotion or tone. When a reader is interpreting what you wrote they are affected
by their own mood, the words they saw before your words and their overall thoughts on what you wrote about. If you were speaking to them they
would have the benefit of your tone and nonverbal cues, but writing does not offer this to the reader. One method I use to help with this is to have
multiple people proofread what I write. Yes, I am confessing that before you see these commentaries, three or four other people read them first and
make me look much smarter than I really am (thanks - Lt Col Winter and Majors Reed and Knowles). You don't always have that luxury so my
suggestion to you is to review everything you put out for others before you hit send and to follow that core value of respect.
12
The recruiting contest has heated up this month with two new members tied for the lead at nine members each: Maj Jacob Gerstein, DC-051, and
2nd Lt Alice Stange NC-145. Cadet Caleb Mize, NC-150, still holds the lead in the cadet category at 6. There is one member at seven and three
members at six. The contest runs from 1 July 2015 to 1 April 2016 so there is still plenty of time for you to get into the race.
Let me close by saying thank you for 2015. We had an amazing year and 2016 looks to be even busier. Our safety program continues to be the top
priority for our leadership. Sending everyone home safe after a meeting or activity is the most important thing we can do. In 2015 we made some
tweaks to our program to stop punishing members by preventing them from participating in any activity if they did not get the safety box checked. This
was a good thing but it seems to have led to a bad habit. I know you are having safety briefings at your meetings and that you are participating in the
overall safety education program but some of you are failing to document it. The regulations still call for monthly safety training. The only way to
document this for your SUI is through the safety management system. Please make sure you are keeping this up to date. It makes CAP a safer place
for all of us.
Happy New Year!
JOHN M. KNOWLES, Colonel, CAP
Commander
Middle East Region, Civil Air Patrol
13
APPENDIX 1
GLOSSARY
AF
United States Air Force
BoG
Board of Governors
CAC
Cadet Advisory Council
CAP
Civil Air Patrol
CLS
Cadet Leadership School
CPPT
Cadet Protection Training
CSAG
Civil Air Patrol Senior Advisory Group
CUB Slide
Commander’s Update Briefing PowerPoint Slide
DEWG
Delaware Wing
DDR
Drug Demand Reduction
Eaker
Cadet Award awarded for completion of phase 4 of the
Cadet Program. This award is named for General Ira C. Eaker
.
Earhart
Cadet Award awarded for completion of phase 3 of the cadet
program. This award is named for Amelia Earhart
Gill Rob Wilson
The Gill Robb Wilson Award is Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) highest award for
Senior member professional development.
Garber
The Paul E. Garber Award is given to Civil Air Patrol members who complete
Level IV of the Senior Member Professional Development Program.
Leoning
The Grover Loening Award is given to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members who
complete Level III of the Senior Member Professional Development Program
HF
High Frequency
NatCap
National Capitol Wing
NCWG
North Carolina Wing
MDWG
Maryland Wing
MER
Middle East Region Civil Air Patrol
Mitchell
4th Highest cadet award named for General Billy Mitchell
NUC
National Uniform Committee
Repeater
A radio repeater is an electronic device that receives a weak or low-level radio
signal and retransmits it at a higher level or higher power
RSC
Region Staff College
SAR
Search And Rescue
SCWG
South Carolina Wing
Spaatz
Highest Cadet Award named for General Carl A. Spaatz. General Spaatz was the
first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and first Chairman of the CAP
National Board
VAWG
Virginia Wing
VHF/FM
Very High Frequency/Frequency Modulation
WVAWG
West Virginia Wing
14
APPENDIX 2
BIBLOGRAPHY
1. Civil Air Patrol National Website/ Volunteer/ Cadet Awards
2. 2015 Legislative Day Newsletters Middle East Region Wings
3. Middle East Region Staff Meeting CUB Slides
4. Middle East Region Commander’s Commentary e mails for 2015
5. 2014 Annual Middle East Region History Report
6. Middle East Region webpage
7. Middle East Region Facebook page
15
Appendix 3
Middle East Region Staff
Duty
Commander
Section
MER/CC
Vice Commander – East
MER/CV-E Col Jerry Weiss
Vice Commander - West
Chief of Staff
MER/CV-W Col Dennis Barron
Col John Knowles
MER/CS
Col Eugene Egry
Administration and Personnel
MER/A1
Maj James Brogan
Operations
MER/A3
Lt Col Jay Langley
Logistics
MER/A4
Lt Col David Oldham
Plans and Programs
MER/A5/8 Lt Col Eric Haertel
Communications
MER/A6
Lt Col Maurice Thomas
Information Technology
MER/A6I
Maj James Holcomb
Missions
MER/A7
Col Lawrence Trick
Aerospace Education
MER/A7E
Lt Col Thomas McLellan
Cadet Programs
MER/A7O Lt Col William Ryan
Professional Development
MER/A7P
Lt Col Elizabeth Dunn
Finance
MER/A9
Lt Col Phyllis Griffin
Chaplain
MER/HC
Ch (Lt Col) Greg Hill
Historian
MER/HO
Maj Joseph Myers
Inspector General
MER/IG
Lt Col Cheryl Fielitz-Scarbrough
Legal Affairs
MER/JA
Lt Col Tim Corrigan
Public Affairs
MER/PA
Maj Brenda Reed
Safety
MER/SE
Maj Guy Butts
16