San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

A memorial service was held at Grace Community Church, Ramona, CA at 1400 hours, Saturday, 22 March 2008 for former Cadet Second Lieutenant Bobby A. Coeur who was a member of San Diego Cadet Squadron 144. Bobby and two of his friends were involved in a fatal car accident on 15 March in which Bobby did not survive; although his two friends suffered injuries, they both survived. The service was led by the minister of Grace Community Church, Rev. Paul Nelson on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with clear skies and the sun warming the Ramona Valley.

Pastor Paul Nelson started the service with a prayer and told the people his staff planned for 200 in attendance. As the service began, extra chairs were being set up inside the sanctuary and outside in the courtyard, for a total of about 400 people were in attendance! This clearly indicated that Bobby had a lot of friends. The service continued with Bobby’s Uncle and Aunt from Michigan saying a few words about their life experiences with him. His parents Bob and Marolyn spoke about his life and Marolyn requested that his young friends look at Bobby’s life and let him “lead their lives” in a positive way. The minister spoke about Bobby and that he is in a much better place, i.e., in the presence of God. He also spoke of God’s salvation and everyone’s life journey citing many Bible scriptures bringing many of us comfort.

After Pastor Nelson completed his sermon, he opened up the rest of the service to those who desired to say a few words about Bobby. A total of 26 people stood up to speak, each one sincerely speaking from the heart. The overall summary of most was that Bobby was able to make people laugh and comfort them in their pain.

Maj Daryl Newton (former Sq. 144 Commander): “It is my honor to be included in this remembrance of a special young man. As I was recalling humorous moments among many memories of Bobby, it occurred to me that it was enough to say that, “I knew Bobby” and in the same moment how easy it is to take for granted the friendships and relationships that color daily life. I met Bobby and Marolyn in 2003 at a regular meeting of our squadron, as they considered membership-Bobby was eager and interested while Marolyn carefully weighed the time commitment (not to mention the one hour drive!). Bobby was another little guy who would soon wear an ill fitting Air Force uniform intended for a grown up. Many come… many go… and then a few get glued to your heart for your time spent with them and beyond.

Many of you knew Bobby better than I, but for my four years with him, I know these things: Bobby was honest; a Christian; had hairy legs; was fast; led by example which is not the main thing—it’s the ONLY thing in leadership; had a dry sense of humor; wanted to please; wasn’t afraid of work; was a patriot; will be missed.

I think he knew how I felt about him—we hadn’t spoken since the Fall of 2006. We’ll meet again. As a father, I wish I could say something meaningful to ease the pain for the immediate family here. God’s word seems the only suitable conclusion: Romans 8, the first chapter: Thee is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

C/2Lt Peter Kler (current Cadet Commander): "Bobby had a passion for three things in life – excellence, learning, and microwave popcorn. I can remember him reading through an encyclopedia to soak up the information, and I can remember how protective he was of his popcorn. On behalf of his friends here, I would like to say goodbye to our friend, brother, and comrade."

C/2Lt Joseph Connolly (former Cadet Commander): "Bobby Coeur was one of the most dedicated people I have ever known. When he lived in Rancho Peñasquitos, he had about a 20 minute drive to the CAP meetings. Once he moved to Ramona, it became an hour long drive - one way! This would have been a perfect excuse to quit, but he kept coming. He wouldn't have as much time to prepare because of the long commute, so he'd come and Peter Kler and I would notice that his hair would be out of regulation. So we'd scramble and find whatever dull knife or sewing scissors we could find and tear out, then cut off his hair. That's the level of dedication he had."

C/2Lt Chandra Murphy (former Bravo Flight Commander): "Shortly after I joined, C/Lt Coeur became Cadet Commander. He brought his own flare to meetings that no one else could. Many of you did not know him as an officer, but he was one of the most amazing officers I have ever met. He could be a tough officer when he had to be, but he could put that aside and be willing to help anyone, even an Airman Basic. I highly respected him."

Bobby’s life was filled with competitive activities, baseball being one of them, starting off very early in life as a left fielder and excellent batter. Once Bobby told one of his Palomar College baseball teammates that, “I’m going to hit a home run.” His friend told him go for it! When Bobby stepped up to the plate, he looked back at the dugout to his teammate and gave him a nod and blasted the ball over the fence for a homerun! The baseball coach stated that his shirt number 99 would be retired with no one assigned that number in the future.

He was home schooled from 6^th grade on through various Christian home study programs. On 1 June 2007 he graduated from Christian Life Academy High School along with eleven other students included our own squadron member C/2Lt Peter Kler. Bobby excelled in math and science and wanted to study chemical engineering in college. At the time of his untimely passing, he was a student at Palomar College and waiting for acceptance to Cal Poly CSU for the fall 2008 semester.

Bobby was also a Boy Scout and received his Eagle Scout badge in June 2007. This was quite a feat, juggling Boy Scouts and CAP. His Scout Master mentioned that when it was time for his first review board, his Boy Scout uniform was impeccable! There were no Irish pendants, shirt was tucked in, hair combed, etc. His review board went off flawlessly. His Scout Master attributed this to his CAP training and attention to detail!

At Stater Brothers Grocery Store, he started out as a courtesy clerk and was recently promoted to a position in the meat department. A fellow employee in the meat department mentioned that he was very friendly and fun to work with.

Bobby had a positive impact on each person he met. The stories of his compassion and helpfulness to others could fill pages upon pages of print. His parents completely supported CAP and had him dressed in his CAP uniform for the final viewing the night before this memorial service.

Pastor Nelson had to gently end the comments portion of the service as it was nearing 1600 hours. He gave the benediction and thanked all for attending. Lines formed to express sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Coeur and their daughter Ariel. Refreshments and fellowship followed outside in the courtyard.

The CAP presence was represented by four squadrons: Cadet Sq. 3 in the San Fernando Valley (240 miles round trip); Skyhawk Composite Sq. 47 in Oceanside; Senior San Diego Sq. 57 in El Cajon; and his former squadron, San Diego Cadet Sq. 144. Personnel are listed as follows:

Captain Jay Weinsoff Cadet Squadron 3 (San Fernando Valley)

2Lt Zion Dungo

C/1Lt Elliott Dill

C/2Lt Sean Quigley

Skyhawk Composite Squadron 47 (Oceanside)

Chaplain (Capt) Richard Nelson

Maj John DiGiantomasso

C/CMSgt Kevin Harter

C/MSgt Kaila Reed

C/SSgt Michael Chung

C/SrA Joelah Bruccoleri

Senior San Diego Squadron 57 (El Cajon)

1Lt Shairrie Van Duzer

San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

LtCol Benjamin Aaron

LtCol Elbert McDowell

Maj Daryl Newton

Maj Dennis Ammann

Capt David Saavedra

1Lt Chris Natwick

Cadet Sponsor Heidi Olson

C/2Lt Peter Kler

C/2Lt Matthew Corey

C/2Lt Joseph Connolly

C/2Lt Douglas Saavedra

C/2Lt Chandra Murphy

C/SSgt Joe Culver

C/TSgt Alex Ramos

C/SSgt Brent Timm

C/SSgt Joshua Flewellen

C/TSgt Spencer Beaulieu

C/Amn Rebecca Olson

C/Amn Hanna Olson

C/Amn Emily Duescher

C/Amn Caleb Duescher

C/Amn Nathan Duescher

C/Amn Jesse O’Keefe

C/Amn Blake Hanslik

Former C/2Lt Bobby A. Coeur will be dearly missed by everyone who had the privilege of meeting and knowing him as his friend. Many thanks to all CAP personnel who attended this memorial service by supporting his family and showing respect to our fallen wingman.

Cadet Second Lieutenant Bobby A. Coeur

Civil Air Patrol (CAP), San Diego Cadet Squadron 144

February 2003 - January 2008

CAP TRAINING:

Basic Cadet School (highest test score) - Airman Training School (Honor Cadet) - Non-Commissioned Officer School (best speaking presentation) - Advanced Communication User Training Course - Wings Over Gillespie Air Show Staff (2004 & 2005) - BCS/ATS Staff (2004) - Calif. Wing Encampment (2005) - CPR/AED Certified (2005) - Air National Guard Field Training Exercise (2003, 2004 & 2005) - served as Flight Sgt, 1st Sgt, Flight Cmdr, & Cadet Commander - Cadet Advisory Council Rep to Group 7 - Wright Brothers Award (2005) - Billy Mitchell Award (2006).

OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:

Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout) - Staff on Vacation Bible School - Lettered in Varsity Baseball - Sunday School teacher - 1^st Place in City-wide Schools Math Competition - Cleared & restored a trail for the San Diego County Parks Department - Courtesy Clerk, Stater Brothers Grocery Store

Civil Air Patrol, California Wing

2006 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year Award

Cadet Second Lieutenant Bobby A. Coeur

C/2Lt Bobby A. Coeur joined Civil Air Patrol in February of 2003, and is 17 years old. During the period from January to December 2006, Cadet Coeur has met or exceeded the high standards established for Non-Commissioned Officers in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. His service to San Diego Cadet Squadron 144 has been exceptional and he has since been promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenant. Cadet Coeur possesses excellent military bearing, and is a patriotic Cadet. A bright future is surely ahead of him.

Cadet Coeur has served CAP with distinction, having been appointed last year as our Cadet Commander after earning his Mitchell Award. He has always achieved consistently high scores on achievement tests and review boards, which are reflective of his dedication to the program. He conducts himself as a gentleman, and is a respectful, compliant and valued member of our Cadet detachment. Cadet Coeur foresakes the "spotlight" in favor of completing the mission. He carries out his duties with minimal fanfare but with consistently successful results, from which we all benefit--that is the trademark of an exceptional NCO.

During the period in question, through his service and duty performance, Cadet Coeur has distinguished himself and the Civil Air Patrol. For these reasons, it is our privilege to announce that Cadet Bobby Coeur is Squadron 144 and California Wing’s Cadet NCO of the Year.

Maj Daryl L. Newton, former Squadron 144 Commander

Posted by Vince at 6:42 PM | Permalink

Trip Report
By Maj Dennis S. Ammann
Cmdr, SD Cadet Sq. 144

At 0830 hours, Saturday, 15 March 2008, the following personnel reported for transport-tation to Miramar Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), San Diego:

Cadets
C/2Lt Douglas Saavedra
C/CMSgt Chandra Murphy
C/SSgt Spencer Beaulieu
C/SrA Scott Lynch
C/A1C Hayden Sheyda
C/A1C Emily Duescher
C/A1C Andrew Elsken
C/A1C Caleb Duescher
C/Amn Nathan Duescher
C/Amn Hanna Olson
C/Amn Blake Hanslik
C/Amn Jesse O’Keefe
C/Amn Rebecca Olson
C/Amn Matthew Valdez (South San Diego Cadet Sq. 201)
C/AB John Shearer
C/AB Matthew McFarland
C/AB John Davis (South San Diego Cadet Sq. 201)
C/AB Cesar Dela Vega (South San Diego Cadet Sq. 201)

Senior Members
LtCol Ben Aaron
LtCol Elbert McDowell
Maj Dennis Ammann
Capt David Saavedra
2Lt Jeff Cable
Cadet Sponsor Jeffrey “Oley” Olson
Cadet Sponsor Heidi Olson
Cadet Sponsor William McFarland

At 0900 hours the two squadrons arrived at the east gate of MCAS Miramar and were greeted by Maj Timothy “Pablo” Sheyda of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466 (HMH-466), the famous fighting world renowned Wolf Pack. Maj Sheyda is the father of C/A1C Hayden Sheyda who is a member of SD Cadet Sq. 144. After being screened through security, we were escorted to the Wolf Pack ready room for a briefing by Maj Sheyda. The major displayed a PowerPoint presentation about the mission, specifica-tions, history, and recent deployments to the Middle East.

After the briefing, Maj Sheyda led the cadets and senior members to the maintenance hangar for a look at one of the CH-53 Sea Stallions undergoing overhaul. He explained the various components of this mammoth helicopter being worked on, i.e., the General Electric engines, rotors, in-flight refueling probe, etc.

After this extensive brief, the group was divided up in two, one group headed to the survival equipment room and the other group walked out onto the flight line for a walk-around tour of the ready duty CH-53 helicopter.

During the survival equipment session, Sgt David Ewart had Cadet Andrew Elsken don an armor plated vest, survival vest, and helmet. He then explained what the various items on the vest and their function, i.e., flares, strobe light, inflation bladder, knife, radio, etc. As he explained, Cadet Elsken stood there thinking about what it’s like to wear all of this heavy gear while trying to fly a helicopter at night or as an aircrewman in the back in 100 plus degree heat! Each cadet was allowed to try on the night vision goggles (NVG) in a darken room and compare their sight with that of the NVGs. The only disadvantage was the limited peripheral vision. How these Marine aviators fly during the night with NVG tunnel vision is just beyond comprehension. The alternative is worse, vertigo! By the way, NVGs cost $10,000 each, so start saving your money if you want a pair.

Meanwhile, outside on the flight line, 1Lts Dan “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, Ryan “Prancer” Thompson, and Michael “Kermit” Pigford pointed out the various systems and components of the Sikorsky Sea Stallion helicopter. Each CAP member was given the chance to sit in the pilot/co-pilot’s seat and learn about the various controls levers/foot pedals, i.e., rudder, collective, and cyclic. The forward looking infrared (FLIR) ball, located on the front left side, is used for night flying. Each pilot has a small TV monitor in which to view behind, forward, or straight down and can also view the cargo sling or troops on the ground. Each FLIR costs about two million dollars, so they are very careful not to damage them! We also saw where the chaff, flare dispensers, and missile disruptors are located in defense of heat seeking missiles. One of the deck trap doors were opened and pointed out how this helo can lift heavy cargo (i.e. F/A-18 Hornet, 155 mm howitzer, etc.). The Sea Stallion can carry 37 combat troops, which can quickly ingress/egress out the back ramp. We also learned about the refueling probe on the front (front right side) and the dangers associated with in-flight refueling with KC-130 Hercules fixed wing aircraft. The CH-53 has a 79 foot diameter rotor blade sweep and if lowered in the front can clip the tip of the refueling probe when fully extended.

After the walk-around and survival gear briefs, the two CAP squadrons posed with our hosts next to the ready duty CH-53 for a group photo. We then walked back inside the hangar to the Wolf Pack “gedunk” to purchase patches, T-shirts, challenge coins, etc. Afterward, the two squadrons formed up outside the security fence and thanked our hosts for a most enlightening tour of this very versatile helicopter and squadron. We are very grateful to Maj Sheyda and his wingmen for this outstanding aerospace education (AE) opportunity. On a side note, we learned that 1Lt Dan “Fitz” Fitzpatrick was a CAP cadet with the North Carolina Wing. He also mentioned how sharp and disciplined the cadets appeared. This compliment from a Marine Aviator and former CAP cadet was well received! The Wolf Pack’s motto is: “The strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack.”

At 1200 hours, the squadrons headed over to the on-base McDonald’s restaurant to eat lunch and then on to the Flying Leatherneck Air Museum at 1300 hours.

First stop was an F-4S Phantom walk-around by our own Cadet Sponsor Jeffrey “Oly” Olson, a retired USMC LtCol fighter pilot who flew the F-4 Phantom and F/A-18 Hornet. His knowledge is unsurpassed as he explained and answered many questions about this fast mover that the Navy, Air Force, and Marines flew from the 1960s through the 1990s!

After Oly’s walk around we headed into the Air Museum and were warmly greeted by LtCol Richard Miller, USMC (Ret.), Director of the volunteer docents. He told us about the future expansion plans of the museum, Marine aviation history, and pointed out a few items in the WWII section. He also welcomed cadets who might want to volunteer for community service by being a docent on the weekends like C/SrA Scott Lynch and accumulate 60 plus hours, earning the CAP Community Service Ribbon.

As a volunteer Marine Air Museum docent, Maj Ammann led the squadrons through the inside of the museum starting with the Women in the Marine Corps exhibit, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Persian Gulf War exhibits. He pointed out the various Marine Aviators, many of who are Medal of Honor awardees. Outside a quick look at some of the rotary wing examples, i.e., H-19 Chickasaw, H-34 Choctaw, CH-53D Sea Stallion, AH-1 Cobra; fixed wing prop: B-25 Mitchell, TBM Avenger, F4U Corsair, AT-6 Texan; and jets to name a few: A-6 Intruder, MiG-15, A-4 Skyhawk, RF-4 Phantom, RF-8 Crusader, etc.

Again LtCol Jeff “Oly” Olson conducted an intense, very informative walk-around of an F/A-18 Hornet that used to be part of the Aggressor Force for the Top Gun Fighter Weapons School, Naval Air Station, Fallon, NV. His knowledge of this aircraft and his personal touch in explaining the capabilities of this fighter was an AE gold mine for us.

At 1530 hours we thanked Col Miller for his time, left the museum, and headed back to the 147th Combat Communications Squadron ending this activity.

This activity could not have been accomplished without our senior members, cadet sponsors, and parents who volunteered to drive. Parent drivers were: Mr. Steve Lynch, Steve Murphy, Patrick O’Keefe, and Tim Beaulieu.

We are all experts on the CH-53 Sea Stallion thanks to Maj Sheyda and his wingmen. We salute and thank you for your service to our great nation!

We thank LtCol Miller for his continued support of CAP and exposing our cadets to Marine Air and its history.

As an added bonus, LtCol Jeffrey “Oley” Olson has turned 18 cadets into F-4 and F/A-18 experts through his vast knowledge of these two wonderful fighters!

I would like to thank everyone for the outstanding turnout and this great AE opportunity to learn about the largest helicopter in the free world and Marine Air in general.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Below is a quick study of the CH-53E Super Sea Stallion

CH-53E SUPER SEA STALLION

Engines: Three 4,380-shp General Electric T64-GE-416 turboshafts

Performance: Maximum speed 196 mph at optimum altitude; initial climb rate 2,495 ft. per minute; service ceiling 18,400 ft.; range 1,292 miles
Weights: Empty 36,336 lb.; maximum take-off 743,500 lb.

Dimensions: Main rotor diameter 79 ft; length, fuselage 73 ft. 4 in.; height 29 ft. 6 in.; main rotor disc area 4,901.67 sq. ft. (7 blades)

Armament: Two 0.5-in machine guns on trainable mountings.

Payload: Between 55 and 64 troops, or 24 litters plus four attendants, or freight. Can lift a 155mm artillery piece, ammo, and personnel to operate the cannon or small armored vehicle or small jet fighter (i.e. A-4 Skyhawk). Also can be used for naval mine sweeping duties.
Comments: In the late 1950s Sikorsky began work on the basic design for a successor to the piston-engined S-56. The result was a pair of helicopters sharing many components: the S-64 became the CH-54 Tarhe flying crane, and the S-65 with a conventional but amphibious fuselage became the USMC’s CH-53 Sea Stallion transport helicopter. The S-65 is a classic heavy helicopter and, resulting from a USMC requirement for an assault transport, first flew in October 1964 as the YCH-53A with two 2,850-shp T64-GE-6 turboshafts and capacity for 38 troops, or 24 litters, or 8,000 lb. of freight. The type entered service in mid-1966 as the CH-53A, and was later re-engined with 3,435-shp T-64-GE-16 engines. In March 1974 Sikorsky flew the first example of its CH-53E upgraded version with three turboshafts powering a larger diameter main rotor with seven rather than six blades. The type displayed much improved lift, and was ordered as the USMC’s CH-53E Super Sea Stallion. The model also attracted the interest of the U.S. Navy, which already used the RH-53 versions of the S-65 for mine countermeasures (MCM). This helicopter provided an excellent platform for towing the MK-103, 104, 105, and 106 MCM sleds. The USAF also uses this helicopter for multi-missions such as SAR, and is designated as the HM-53J Pave Low.

Posted by Vince at 8:18 PM | Permalink