San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

17-18 October 2009 Report

Tierra del Sol, CA -- Our fifth annual Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Astronomy Night held on 17 and 18 October 2009, was a repeat of the last four; dark clear sky, warm night, and wonderful liaison with our fellow CAP personnel and members of the San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA). Again three squadrons participated with San Diego Cadet Sq. 144 the host, South San Diego Cadet Sq. 201, and for the first time, Escondido Charter High School Sq. 714. Another first were three members of the 147th Combat Communications Sq. (CBCS), California Air National Guard (ANG) who joined us. This Air National Guard unit has been supporting Sq. 144 since 2005 with an excellent place to meet each week.

Each year Mr. Dennis “Astro Man” Ritz invites CAP out to his observatory located at the SDAA, just one hour east of San Diego and ten miles south of I-8 freeway. Mr. Ritz is a retired chemical engineer, private pilot, and an avid amateur astronomer with three telescopes. With his vast knowledge of the night sky and his trusty lap top computer, he can zoom in on any planet, star, galaxy, nebula, one might ask for. The three telescopes he let use were: a 16” Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, and two Meade Dobsonians 18” and 16” telescopes.

At about 1430 hours all three squadrons met at the Golden Acorn Casino where Mr. Ritz guided the CAP convoy to the SDAA astronomical site. There C/1Lt Chandra Murphy quickly formed up the three squadrons for the mandatory safety brief by Maj Dennis Ammann concerning the altitude (3,500’), hydration, wild animal/insect concerns, and navigating in the dark using red filtered flashlights.

The following CAP personnel were present:

San Diego Cadet Sq. 144
Maj Dennis Ammann (Cmdr)
Capt David Saavedra
Lt Russ Wesley
C/1Lt Chandra Murphy (Cadet Cmdr)
C/1Lt Douglas Saavedra
C/MSgt Jesse O’Keefe
C/TSgt Andrew Elsken
C/SrA Andrew Overson
C/SrA Michael Saavedra
C/A1c Calvin Amos
C/A1c Zoe Horton
C/Amn Brad Fiske
C/Amn Everett Costello
C/Amn Nicholas Elsken
C/AB Seth Bauman

Escondido Charter High School Sq. 714
C/Amn Ryan Grenier (Sq. 714)
C/TSgt Nathan Blackburne (Sq. 714)

South San Diego Cadet Sq. 201
LtCol Steve Handrop (Cmdr)
Maj Bill Riddle (Chaplain)
C/CMSgt Jason Hannibal
C/MSgt Zachary Hamner
C/MSgt Steve Hannibal
C/MSgt Wayne Stokes II
C/SSgt Jacob Hamner
C/SSgt Philip Barlis
C/A1C John Handrop
C/A1C Julian Ditona
C/A1C Christian Salaiz

Guests:
147th Combat Communications Squadron, CA ANG
SMSgt Leona La Madrid
SMSgt Michelle Roberts
SMSgt Cindy Amparan

Parent Drivers/Assistants
Mrs. Kuei-Mei Ammann (cook)
Mr. Steve Murphy (cook)
Mr. Kevin Fiske (cook)
Mr. Alan Blackburne
Mrs. Susan Blackburne
Mr. Jon Hannibal
Mr. Wayne Stokes

The tents were quickly off loaded from Lt Russ Wesley’s ‘pack mule’ or pick-up truck with 22 tents set up – CAP Tent City. At about 1700 hours the BBQ dinner was served. Cooking for the fifth year was Mrs. Kuei-Mei Ammann and assisting her were Mr. Steve Murphy and Mr. Kevin Fiske. The standard hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad/chips, and desert were on the menu along with chicken/shrimp skewers. Each cadet was responsible for bringing an item for the BBQ dinner. Extra food is always planned for so that an invitation is extended to the SDAA astronomers to eat with us. Prior to eating, Chaplain Bill Riddle was asked to say Grace.

At about 1815 hours, dinner was over and everything stowed for the night, our hosts Mr. Dennis Ritz and SDAA President Mr. Bob Austin were asked to say a few words about the rules and regulations which included how to conduct oneself at this field laboratory/observatory. Mr. Ritz spoke about what we would see that night, i.e., Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Mars, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, etc. Maj Ammann pointed out five prominent stars along with a few WOW items about them. Cadet Jesse O’Keefe was tasked with adapting all flashlights with red cellophane in case they did not have red filters. White light along with the moon are two items astronomers will not tolerate. So red filters were affixed on all flashlights and the moon was taken care of by scheduling this night during the new moon, which was next to the sun. After witnessing a beautiful sunset of orange, the cadets fanned out for their respective observations.

Everyone was encouraged to introduce themselves to the various SDAA club members and inquire what they were observing. The club members were more than happy to share their telescopes, teach the cadets about what they were viewing, and answer questions about their equipment. Each year Mr. Austin makes his 17” Dobsonian telescope available to the cadets and welcomes them to view the stars in his observatory. Likewise Mr. Ritz’ observatory was open for everyone’s viewing through his three powerful scopes. Some of the cadets became expert pointers and trackers of the heavens inside Mr. Ritz’ porthole to objects millions of light years away.

It’s very important that the cadets go home knowing they have seen the most distant object one can see with the naked eye: Andromeda Galaxy (M31) our nearest neighbor. Seen as a tiny fuzzy ball, it’s 2.2 million light years from Earth and is high in the sky for easy viewing during October. Billions of years from now Andromeda will collide with our Milky Way Galaxy, with Earth already turned into a bunch of star dust as the Sun will have died out long before.

At 2200 hours a second meeting was held to discuss what the cadets viewed. Jupiter was a popular object with it’s four Galilean Moons. The star cluster Pleiades (M45) (about 440 light years from Earth) was also a hit and in an excellent viewing position. The cadets were taught how to say Pleiades in Japanese: Subaru. That’s right, next time you see a Subaru car, look at the insignia on the trunk or front grill; you’ll see the Seven Sisters Star Cluster - Pleiades. This cluster is truly a beautiful sight to be hold with its blue-white stars shining away and the gaseous cloud scattering the light, a perfect example of God’s handiwork. The Ring Nebula (M57) was also popular and looks like a very nice place to visit being only 2,300 light years away, keep in mind light travels 186,000 miles a second.

After the short meeting the cadets were informed there is no taps and can stay up all night, but most turned at 0100 hours and commenced viewing the insides of their respective eye lids. The last hold out was Cadet Jesse O’Keefe, who turned in at 0400 hours! Capt Saavedra headed up the early stargazers at 0400 hours for an in-depth look at the constellation of Orion which is a treasure chest of nebulae and star clusters, plus Saturn was rising with it’s ring almost edgewise to Earth, with Mars straight up.

As in years past, reveille was held at 0600 and CAP Tent City was quickly dismantled and loaded back in the vehicles by 0700 hours. Prior to departure, the traditional “FOD” walk-down was held as the cadets formed a line abreast and collected trash from one end of the site to the other. About five bags of trash were taken home with us.

Prior to departure, the squadrons thanked “Astro Man” for hosting this year’s CAP Astronomy Night and opening up his observatory to us. Maj Ammann presented a Sq. 144 hat and patch as tokens of his friendship to CAP. Mr. Ritz was made an honorary member of Sq. 144, the Phoenix Squadron. As a pilot and amateur astronomer, he was invited to Sq. 144 and perhaps give a one hour presentation on the Cirrus SR22 low wing, four seat aircraft he used to own or any topic about astronomy. Although Mr. Austin was sleeping when we departed he too was very instrumental in allowing CAP to access the site, his telescope, club conference room, and opportunity to camp out under the stars.

The squadrons left at 0830 hours and headed back to San Diego for the one hour drive.

I do not know of any other CAP squadron in California Wing that has this type of intense ‘classroom’ to reinforce what cadets learn in Module 5 of the AE Study Guide. This is truly a gold mine and more fun than reading about the heavens. Cadets will never be lost, because they can now point to the center of our galaxy (only 50 light years away) and know which arm of the Milky Way we’re in.

People who supported this activity were all the parents who drove us to the SDAA site and helped with the cooking, clean up, tent set up/stowage. This was the second year 1Lt Russell Wesley provided his ‘pack mule’ saving more room in the vehicles for cadets. Mr. Steve Murphy was everywhere, driving, cooking, stowing food away, and assumed the duties of ‘Astro Trash Man’, taking the five bags of star dust home.

Last, we would like to thank LtCol Steve Handrop and his squadron for joining us each year, our two wingmen from Sq. 714, and our three amigos from the 147th CBCS CA ANG for joining us and supporting us throughout these many years. Not only did our cadets learn about astronomy, they made friends with other squadrons, felt a closer bond with our ANG fellow wing ladies, and experienced the friendliness of the SDAA. Some of us saw more than just the beauty of that starry night, for this is truly God’s handiwork that not very many people are able to enjoy anymore. Perhaps you will join us next year and make the effort to see and learn what we experience each year.

Keep looking up! Semper Vigilans!

Maj Dennis S. Ammann
Commander, San Diego Cadet Sq. 144

“You much knowing tube, more precious than any scepter.”
Johannes Kepler (1571-1630)
-- describing Galileo’s telescope. --

Posted by Vince at 9:57 AM | Permalink

Saturday 15 Aug 09 Encampment Day 8: We woke up and had breakfast in parking lot then packed our gear and cleaned up the barracks before returning it to the California National Guard. At 1400 hrs we had the big graduation parade led by SQ144's C/Major Connolley. SQ144 really shined with many of our cadets and senior members running encampment as staff. We then started the long drive home, and we all arrived safely about midnight on Sat Night. Hopefully SQ144 will have more basics at encampment next year since many of our newest members have not reached the prerequisite of Cadet Airman.

Friday 14 Aug 09 Encampment Day 7: Encampment is winding down and everyone is looking pretty sharp! The cadets got up early then went to practice the graduation parade. There was also a formation drill competition amongst flights. The top flights were closely matched and deciding a winner was not easy. Then we got suited up in PT Gear and had a group mile run rally. 220 cadets passed, encampment today and the encampment vets were allowed to "box" their hats a tradition that shows other cadets who has been to encampment. Cadet Major Connely gave a speech about teamwork, dicipline and leadership then did 220 pushups, one for each cadet that passed. After the speech the flights were allowed to prepare for the dreaded white glove inspection hosted by the Commander. The flights worked together to prepare for the inspection and everything looked perfect! After the inspection the cadets were allowed to relax and celebrate passing encampment with a party.

Thursday 13 Aug 09 Encampment Day 6: Today was a real long day. The morning was spent preparing the barracks for inspection by cleaning the latrine, common areas, and preparing the racks. Afterwords was the volleyball competition for the squadron which was a real fight! There was a lot of deliberation about who won! There was a special competition between the staff and the senior members. The Senior members actually won by 5 points! After the volleyball, we went back to cleaning for inspection and flights were rotated out to the airport for O-Rides. There were approximately twenty aircraft that would pick up cadets then fly them to Paso Robles airport 26 miles to the north then switch seats then fly back down to San Luis County Regional airport.

Wednesday 12 Aug 09 Encampment Day 5: The cadets got to go out and launch the rockets they built the day before on the helicopter pad. Each cadet got to launch his rocket three times. there was a total of 12 launch stations and the cadets watched their rockets go off individually, then on the third launch the rockets were fired all at once. Major Digiantomasso brought out his big rockets and it was really cool to see them go off and parachute back. Then there was a volleyball competition. The squadrons got to play against each other, and tomorrow there will be playoffs between the three best squadrons. In the afternoon we got to shoot the M16 rifle simulators at computer targets. The simulator was computer scored and cadets were labeled as sharpshooter, marksman, expert, or unqualified. Afterward there was more parade practice and the squadron commander gave a motivational lecture. Also today we were visited by Tango flight, which consists of eleven turkeys that live out at Camp SLO!

Tuesday 11 Aug 09 Encampment Day 4: Another early morning wake up, in the morning we went off to build model rockets with Major John Digiantomasso. After rocket building we went to theater and learned about aviation careers and reducing drug demand. In the afternoon we went to the obstacle course. The cadets had to go up and over a number of obstacles including crawling under barbed wire and a chain like fence. This really built up camaraderie and esprit de corps . The flights are really working well together as teams. In the evening the squadron inspection was held by the three squadron commanders. There were many discrepancies, but the squadrons were working well together to fix them all.

Monday 10 Aug 09 Encampment Day 3: The day started early with a 0530 wakeup followed by PT and a mile run. The cadets then spent the morning in the classroom and had classes about drugs & alcohol, US Air Force career opportunities, & cadet programs. After Lunch the classes continued with topics that included military discipline and attitude, military appearance and uniforms. Then the cadets went back onto the parade grounds and practiced marching and formations. The evening included the 2nd barracks inspection and cadets were taught to look for details. Cadets did much better today than in yesterdays inspection.

Sunday 9 Aug 09 Encampment Day 2: The basic cadets were woken up early with a lot of commotion at 0500 hrs. In the morning we heard from 2LT George Colis a USAF communications officer and he discussed the USAF mission and showed a cool video about what happens in Afghanistan. He also discussed the USAF structure, and the benefits in joining the USAF. Another senior member talked about CAP Activities, then at 1000hrs cadets went to church services. In the afternoon, the cadets learned how to fold their clothes to encampment standards including making their socks into little "boats." Afterwords, they learned the rules of volleyball and got to play with their squadron and prepare for the volleyball competition later in the week, then they went to the parade grounds and practiced marching the closing ceremonies. The evening was concluded with a very tough flight inspection.

Saturday 9 Aug 09 Encampment Day 1: about 290 basic cadets have arrived from both California & Nevada wings. They were taught how to properly check in, then they checked in and signed a contract stating that they would complete at least 80 percent of their training at encampment. Then they unpacked their gear into their open bay barracks, and went marching in parade ground to learn who was able to march and who needed to learn. Barbeque chicken was served for dinner and the cadets were taught how to properly make their beds. Everyone got to shower before bed

Friday 8 Aug 09: Cadet staff & Flight Training Officers (Senior Member Staff) sat down for briefings about hazing, operational risk management, marching hazards, & other topics in order to prep for the arrival of the Basic Cadets tomorrow at 10AM. Encampment is ready!

Thursday 6 Aug 09: All squadron 144 staff personal arrive safely at Camp San Luis Obisbo. The cadet staff practiced drill, customs and procedures for inspections. The weather is beautiful with a westerly breeze.

Posted by Vince at 7:36 PM | Permalink

This was the 14th year that Wings Over Gillespie (WOG) Air Show was held at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, CA. Although WOG was cancelled last year because of cost expenditures and other issues, Commemorative Air Force (CAF), Air Group One (AG-1) decided to press ahead and hold this local hometown popular air show on 6-7 June 2009. Col. Bob Simon, CAF, AG-1, Wing Leader, took the lead and gathered the necessary permits, FAA approval, and community support to successfully pull this off commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the invasion of occupied France by Germany. CAP was there on Saturday and Sunday, helping out on the flight line keeping spectators safe and any other task asked of them. This was the first year, CAP was asked to present the colors at opening festivities at 1000 hours each day.

The following personnel from five local CAP squadrons supported WOG:

Skyhawk Composite Sq. 47
LtCol Michael Woods
*Maj John DiGiantomasso
*Capt Andrea DiGiantomasso
*Capt Carl Godbee
*C/CMSgt Michael Chung
*C/MSgt Ruby Rosado
*C/MSgt Noah Chun
*C/SrA Nicholas Chun

Escondido Cadet Squadron 714
Maj Robert Rea
C/SMSgt Alex Ramos
C/AB Jonathon Ruiz
C/AB Matthew Johnson
**C/Amn Cesar Escalona
*C/AB Hunter Le Pla
**C/AB Ryan Grenier
C/AB Simon Stewart
C/AB Andrew Johnson

San Diego Cadet Sq. 144
Maj Dennis Ammann
Capt David Saavedra
1Lt Jeff Cable
1Lt Chris Haukom
SM Adam Dorin
CS William McFarland
C/1Lt Douglas Saavedra
C/2Lt Chandra Murphy
C/2Lt Daniel Gorin
C/SMSgt Rebecca Olson
C/TSgt Jesse O’Keefe
**C/A1c Matthew McFarland
C/Amn Brett Ward
C/Amn Michael Saavedra
C/AB Robert Wolfe

San Diego Senior Squadron 57
Capt Shairre Van Duzer

South San Diego Sq. 201
C/SMSgt Jacob Pucci
C/TSgt Zack Hamner
C/SSgt Wayne Stokes
C/SrA Philip Barlis
C/A1c Brian Thomas
C/A1c Alex Thomas
C/Amn Heidi Froslie
C/Amn Jackie Froslie

* color guard duties only
** color guard duty & flight line security

Maj Dennis Ammann, Project Officer assembled CAP personnel at 0630 hours each day at the Admin Bldg parking lot and briefed the personnel concerning CAP’s responsibility, taxiway B-4 taxiway CAP HQs, schedule of events, and most importantly the standard safety brief concerning aircraft movements, propeller hazards, prop wash, hydration, sun exposure, etc. C/2Lt Chandra Murphy, Cadet OIC, quickly assigned personnel to their respective positions and posts.

At 0800 hours Capt David Saavedra and Maj Ammann attended the WOG pilot’s briefing at the airport maintenance hangar, meeting with other staff members. After the briefing, C/2Lt Murphy was updated on a few more tasks assigned by CAF. With her experience at CAWG Encampment and other activities, she quickly adapted and reassigned personnel and tasks without delay or mishap. Unfortunately CAP’s numbers were down this year because of final exam studies and Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT), accordingly flight line distance covered was reevaluated and adjusted.

Each day opening ceremonies started at 1000 hours with the National Anthem song by a female member of CAF. On Saturday, Sq. 714, lead by Maj Robert Rea and C/SMSgt Alex Ramos assembled their color guard and had them post the colors. The Sq. 714 color guard consisted of cadets: Cesar Escalona, Hunter Le Pla, Ryan Grenier, and from Sq. 144 Cadet Matthew McFarland. Sunday’s CAP color guard consisted of cadets: Michael Chung, Ruby Rosado, Noah Chun, and Nicholas Chun lead by Maj John DiGiantomasso from Sq. 47. Also present was a local Sea Cadet color guard, adding an additional element of patriotism. The Condor Squadron consisting of four North American AT-6 Texans flew over the airfield for the Missing Man Formation. As the four plane formation flew by, one broke straight up to represent the fallen warriors from past wars while the other three continued straight and level to the west.

During the afternoon various aircraft performed fly-bys including the largest aircraft present, a Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (C-47 Skytrain derivative). This aircraft was configured as a paratrooper aircraft and participated in the D-Day invasion on 6 June 1944 of occupied France during WWII 65 years ago. Six skydivers exited the aircraft, each displaying one of the armed forces and one with the POW/MIA flag. The Condor Squadron demonstrated low strafing/ bombing passes as aircraft similar to them might have done during WWII, complete with pyrotechnics in between runways 27R and 27L; as always, this was a real crowd pleaser. Another crowd pleaser were the WWII enactors representing units from the German, American, and British Army, providing a mock rifle battle along runway 27. 1Lt Ken Blaze from Sq. 47 is a member of the British Army enactor unit representing Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery’s Northern African Corps.

Some of the aircraft that flew during WOG were: Four T-34 Mentors; The Planes of Fame flew a F8F Bearcat, F4F Wildcat, P-40 Warhawk, Vought F4U Corsair, and a P-51 Mustang for low passes and aerial maneuvers. The California Fire (CalFire) brought two aircraft; a modified ex-Navy Grumman S-2 Tracker aerial fire bomber and an ex-USAF North American OV-10 Bronco aerial fire command and control aircraft. The Bronco flew a few low passes and the Tracker demonstrated a water drop in between the runways 27L and 27R. Mr. John Colliver performed his aerobatic show flying the AT-6 Texan and Mr. Mark Kennedy flying his Staudacher S600 aerobatic plane. The Red Stars also performed flying formation flying in their Russian Yak trainers.

Aircraft in the static display area were: Two medium WWII bombers, a North American B-25 Mitchell and a Douglas A-26 Invader along with a Russian Antonov AN-2 Colt (world’s largest bi-plane and pick-up truck of the air). Three helicopters were on display: A Navy Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, USMC Boeing CH-46 Seaknight, and a SDFD Bell UH-1 Iroquois. From the San Diego Air and Space Museum Annex were the following: Grumman F-14 Tomcat, North American F-86 Sabre, General Dynamics F-16 Falcon, and Douglas AV-8 Harrier all towed across runway 27 from their hangar at Gillespie Field. Numerous civilian antique aircraft were flown in by their owners and included: Stearmens, Cessnas, Pipers, etc. There were three excellent Piper J-3 Cub examples next to CAP HQs, one of which was a float plane.

The weather each day was overcast in the morning but lifted about 1000 hours and was clear the rest of the day. The temperatures were wonderful in the middle low 70 degrees with a cool breeze coming in about 1600 hours each day. Water was always available by the CAF water wagon.

On Sunday, CAP personnel were scaled down from the previous day, with C/2Lt Murphy learning from the U.S. Marine Corps to “improvise, adapt, and overcome” in support of the numerous requests from CAF.

At the end of each day, the combined squadrons formed up in front of a Fairey FR.MK 4 Firefly (Saturday) and a Stearman PT-17 Kadet (Sunday) for a group photo. The squadrons were thanked by Maj Ammann for their outstanding support of WOG Air Show and secured at about 1630 hours.

In closing there were no runway/taxiway incursions or any accidents on the flight line thanks to the members of CAP. Our cadets were very professional, sharp looking, and always ready to lend a hand at any request demanded of them. CAP made a very positive public influence at this air show by not only setting up a recruiting booth but also providing a commanding visible appearance while working the flight line.

A special work of thanks to 1Lt Chris Haukom who mentored C/2Lt Murphy and offered her valuable managerial advice. Congratulations to Cadet Murphy for her superb performance managing the cadet component each day, one of her largest undertakings since becoming Sq. 144 Cadet Commander. Finally to Capt David Saavedra, Assistant Project Officer who actually took on most of the work and learned the “ropes” as next year’s CAP Project Officer for WOG.

Thanks to all who attended and worked so hard!

Semper Vigilans!

Maj Dennis Ammann
WOG Project Officer
San Diego Cadet Sq. 144

Posted by Vince at 12:29 PM | Permalink

MAJ CHRIS VAN GORDER RECEIVES CAP CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR LIFESAVING &
SGT JENNIFER HENDRY, SAN DIEGO COUNTY SAR SHERIFF PROVIDES DOG SEARCH DEMO

On 26 May 2009, the squadron was honored with two visitors, former Squadron 144 Commander, Maj Christopher Van Gorder and Sgt Jennifer Hendry, both volunteer San Diego County Sheriffs.

“Semper Vigilans” is the motto of Civil Air Patrol which means in Latin: Always Vigilant. There are many stories about how someone who is called upon to administer CPR at a time when one least expects it. Maj Christopher Van Gorder, a former commander of Squadron 144 was one of those individuals on a February 2008 afternoon during memorial service for a prominent citizen of San Diego. As the individual started his eulogy speech, he fell to the floor suffering from a brain aneurysm. Maj Van Gorder immediately rushed to the victim and started CPR, assisted by two doctors. His wife quickly brought his ES gear from the car which included a small oxygen bottle. As he assisted the individual’s breathing, the EMT arrived about 25 minutes later and took over. The patient was immediately transported to a local hospital less than two miles away and fully recovered. The doctors stated that if not for the quick response and expertise of Maj Van Gorder the patient would have not made it because of the massive brain aneurysm. This squadron and CAP are fortunate to have Maj Van Gorder as a member who is also a prominent member of San Diego as the CEO of Scripps Medical Systems and a volunteer San Diego County Sheriff, SAR Division as a Captain specializing in tracking lost people. Maj Van Gorder was awarded the CAP Certificate of Recognition for Lifesaving, signed by BGen Amy Courter, Commander, Civil Air Patrol.

After the award presentation, Maj Van Gorder introduced Sgt Jennifer Hendry, also a volunteer with the San Diego County Sheriff SAR Division. Sgt Hendry visited the squadron four years ago and was accompanied by Foley a short haired German Shepherd. This year they returned with a new member of her team: Hudson an Alaskan Husky. Both are trained to track lost people utilizing their keen sense of smell. She explained the different types of search dogs Emergency Services (ES) utilize and their specialties, i.e., bomb, drug, cadaver, weapons, and lost people. She also explained how a canine’s sense of smell works and how it follows a trail. Everyone gathered outside in the parking lot with Sgt Hendry while C/Capt Joseph Connolly was asked to lay a trail and hide while Sgt Hendry demonstrated how her dogs work a trail. She asked Cadet Airman Naomi Shea to scream, wave her hands in the air, and run a short distance and hide. Sgt Hendry release Foley to find her which he did very quickly. After this demo, Cadet Connolly’s hat was sniffed by both dogs who immediately when into their respective tracking modes searching a ¼ mile trail he laid down. We saw the difference between asphalt and concrete compared to grass and dirt, as the latter was easier for the dogs to track. Soon Cadet Connolly was found and the dogs received their recognition by Jennifer who also rewarded them with doggy munchies.

These two presentations reinforce how important ES is to CAP and why ES is one of the three missions of CAP. We salute these two people who volunteer and assist the community so well finding lost souls and saving lives as a result.

Submitted by,

Maj Dennis Ammann
Commander, San Diego Cadet Sq. 144

Posted by Vince at 11:04 PM | Permalink