march compass of the missouri wing newsletter

7/29/2019 March Compass of the Missouri Wing Newsletter

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C MPASS

P.O. Box 637 St.Charles, MO 63302 St. Charles County Smartt Airport636-250-4515 Fax 636-250-4515 www.cafmo.org

COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE

MISSOURIWING

The

MISSOURIWINGEXECUTIVESTAFF

WING LEADERCol. Patrick Kesler28 Confederate WaySt. Charles, MO 63303636-928-5687636-250-4515 [email protected]

ADJUTANTCol.Bob Moore

6 Hidden Meadow CourtSt. Charles, MO 63303636-928-5546 home314-486-1205 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE OFFICERCol. Bob Lawrence111 W. Essex Ave.Kirkwood, MO 63122314-494-7539 cell314-894-3200 x103 work

FINANCECol. Steve Gossett

4 Limerick LaneO'Fallon, MO 63366636-474-9763

314-306-5021OPERATIONS OFFICERCol.Craig O'Mara1085 Graywolf CourtFairview Heights, IL 62208618-632-6113 home618-558-7211 [email protected]

MAINTENANCE OFFICERCol. Pat Fenwick6 Heather DriveSt. Peters, MO 63376636-441-2856

SAFETY OFFICERCol. Chris Herrmann309 Clearwater DriveBelleville, IL 62220618-233-4782

PIO OFFICERCol. Cecilia [email protected]

Saturday - March 9 - General Meeting - 1:30 pm

MARCH 2013

Mar 9 B-25 Ground School 8:00amMar 9 General Meeting 1:30pm

Apr 6 Hot Springs, AR Aerospace Day B-25, TBM, LHFEs, PXApr 13 General Meeting 1:30pmMay 11 General Meeting 1:30pmMay 24-27 Columbia, MO Salute To Veterans B-25, TBM

(LHFE rides at Smartt on May 27)Jun 8-9 Cameron, MO Airshow B-25, LHFEs, PXJun 8 General Meeting 1:30pmJun 22-23 Davenport, IA Quad Cities Airshow B-25, TBM, LHFEs, PXJun 28-29 Cape Girardeau, MO B-25, TBM, L-3, LHFEs, PXJul 12-13 Tarkio, MO Wingnuts Flying Circus Airshow TBMJul 13 General Meeting 1:30pm

Aug 10 General Meeting 1:30pm

Aug 17 Sullivan, MO B-25, L-3 LHFEs, PXSep 7 Warrensburg, MO Skyhaven Airshow B-25, LHFEs, PXSep 14 General Meeting 1:30pmSep 20-21 Camdenton, MO Lake Airshow B-25, L-3, LHFEs, PXSep 21 HANGAR DANCE!Sep 28 Jefferson City, MO Open House B-25, L-3, LHFEs, PXOct 12 General Meeting 1:30pmOct 19 Mt. Vernon, IL Little Egypt Fly-In TBM, L-3, PXOct 26 Smartt Field Open House & Pumpkin DropNov 9 General Meeting 1:30pmDec 14 General Meeting 1:30pm

UPCOMING EVENTSNOTE: NC = Not Confirmed

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View The Compass in colorat cafmo.org

WINTERATTHE WING


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WING

LEADER'S

REPORT

And remember, you can help Keep Em Flyingand haa great, rewarding time in your life while doing so. Its alwgreat to make new memories especially when they associated with the memories of that Great Generation.

Respectfully submitted,

Col. Pat Kesler, Wing Leader

MembershipAs the second month of the year comes to a close we o

have 65.5% of the members dues received. As you may knthese dues are much needed in order to help offset some ofcosts that are required for us all to have a place to go and avhousework, yard work and have a good time with our Wing frie. So please if you are one of the 34.5% that have not pplease do so. I also have to apologize about the delay in2013 Membership cards. I had plans this year to get everythout in the first month but somehow missed that goal. Thosego out soon.

PXIn recent years the PX participation has changed slightl

the events that we go to. Go back a handful of years and wbooking the shows the Air Show Coordinator was able to seca few rooms for PX staff. However that is not the case longer. I am happy to say that I am offered assistance by mmembers to help with the PX. However there is now that reand I am unable to bring extra hands with me due to laclodging. For the shows in which I am able to bring extra stwill be sure to add those to the Air Show Sign in sheet thaposted at the Hangar.

WebsiteThe ongoing saga of the Wing Website is one that is a

ever changing. As I mentioned in the last General Meetihave decided to rework the website again. I can bore you w

many details but I will hold off on that. The good news is thhave partnered with someone that is knowledgeable in this nplatform and have already began design on the members, gaand a few other surprises!

Col. Bob Lawrence

Spring is near and we recently enjoyed the largest snowfalln years. Theres a 10 foot high mountain of snow & ice piled upon the west side of the ramp as I write, but it should be melted

down by April. That did not slow-up our mechanics one iota.They havent missed a step and are working diligently in preparingour charges for the fast-approaching flying season.

The required B-25 and TBM pilot ground schools are beingheld in early March and the L-3 will soon follow. B-25 and TBMmaintenance taxi checks and test flights will be held betweenate March and early April. Pilot recurrency flights and checkrideswill follow shortly for pilots not updated for the maintenanceflights. These flights are restricted to minimum crew by FAAregulations, but there will still be a lot of activities associatedwith these required sorties that will require member participationand help. It will be great to hear (and smell) those mighty radialagain!

Please check the event schedule on the front page and get

ready for a fun-filled, memory-generating eight months. TheAirshow signup list will be made available in mid-March and willbe located on a clipboard in the hangar hallway as always. If youare unable to make it out to the Wing to physically put your nameon the list, please email me and express your desires. Be sure toread my article Airshows Are Coming and refresh your memorybank on what is required and expected of all members thatparticipate as aircrew members and Junior Birdmen. Newmembers should definitely read it and ask any pilot or experiencedmember questions you may have. Realistically, a majority of theearning will be generated while on the mission, but it is extremelymportant to know the required clothing and pre-missionrequirements before you show up for the first outbound flight.It looks like we will not be attending the 71st Doolittle Raiders

Reunion in Fort Walton Beach, Florida this April. There is nosubstantial funding secured for the reunion this time around. Toquote Larry Kelley, the reunion coordinator: The Fort WaltonBeach Chamber of Commerce is the host this year to a muchmore subdued Raider reunion. Their budget is very limited. I amsure you have heard that the Raiders have announced that this istheir last public reunion. They asked me to put together a groupof four B-25s for some formation flying over the parade anddown the beach for their beach party. I had not originallycontacted the CAF units since they have the formation flying 500restriction. The Fuel budget is blown and Event tickets (luncheonand Saturday night banquet) sold out the day I arrived for myplanning meeting. The four B-25s that Larry is talking about areall privately owned and self-supporting. Upon consultation withthe Staff, we have decided it would be cost-prohibitive to put 8-10 hours on SHOW ME to participate in this event. This wouldhave been a great adventure, but it is hard to justify the fuelexpenses and associated time on the engines. God Bless theRaiders as this will apparently be their last official gathering. Ihave been told that they will open the bottle of brandy and do afinal toast with the remaining goblets in a private ceremony. Forfurther Reunion information you can visit the websitewww.doolittlereunion.com/ .

Please stay warm and dry and plan on getting active atthe Wing. We can always use your help and certainly lookforward to seeing the smiles, handshakes, and enthusiasm thisorganization continues to generate. Cant wait to hear thosehangar doors opening and those tugs tugging! We are sofortunate!!!

SAVE ENERGY AND $$$$$$

Col. $teve Gossett and I have recently become concernabout the fact that the Heater/AC has been heating the offarea for days when no one is there. It is being left at a toawarm setting and burning up utility dollars for no reason at Please if you come into the area and turn the thermostat updown for heating or AC Be sure to turn it back down or up onyou leave. The person that performs the adjustment is responsfor resetting it to the previous setting. For Winter monthsshould be left at 50 degreeswhen not in use. Summer mondictate a setting of80 degreesor higher when not in use. Aremember, unless $teve or I are actually there, there is no rreason to use the heat/cool setting unless you will be occupythe office area for a meeting or work. Also, if it is being usplease keep both the outside and hangar hall doors closed

the unit will never catch up.Ready Kilowatt and I thank you. Col. Pat Kesler


3/6

AIRSHOWS ARE COMING!!!It that time of the year and I always reprint this important

article for all of the newer members and those older, experiencedmembers like me that need their memory re-booted andrefreshed. This article might look a little long but it isextremelyimportant. So, please, sit down, relax, have another cup ofcoffee (or tea or whatever) and absorb as much as possible...you might want to save this article and review it prior to yourfirst event.

The 2013 Airshow schedule is being formulated as you readthis. The shows are listed on the front page of this newsletter

and new ones will be added as they are confirmed. Because theCOMPASS only comes out once a month, we will be listing theshows on our website and also have a hard copy/clip board atthe Wing. The Airshow Coordinator (Col. Matt Conrad), OperationsOfficer, and Wing Leader will be responsible for keeping thisshow schedule current.

Airshows not only help us pay our bills but also provide usthe ability to share our aircraft, mission, and expertise with theoutside world. They help us keep the memories of that greatgeneration alive and provide a visual, audio, and physical displayof history. Each show will allow Wing members the opportunityto travel to and from the event on the participating aircraft or PXTruck. These members are designated AdditionalCrewmembers in so much as they complement the Pilot(s) in

performing actual crew duties.While at the show, participants are normally provided hotel/

motel accommodations, meals, and lots of camaraderie. ThePIC (Pilot In Command) of each aircraft is in charge andresponsible for assigning duties and coordinating support ofaircraft activities. Any current Missouri Wing member is offeredthis great opportunity and encouraged to participate as long ashe/she is current on Wing and National CAF dues. Remember,all additional crewmembers must have participated in one of theB-25, TBM, or L-3 Aircrew Safety Training sessions. Theparticipant must also be physically able to enter and exit theindividual aircraft on his/her own power and should expect to beactive on the ground while at the show. Duties include aircraftpost-flight cleaning/wipe-down, assembling/disassembling the

viewing stand, helping with aircraft fuel/oil servicing and manningthe aircraft during the show. One should expect to answer generalquestions from the public while maintaining vigilance in providinga safe environment around the aircraft. Rest assured - you donthave to be an expert! There will be aircraft-specific flyersavailable, as well as experienced pilots and mechanics. You willlearn a whole lot as the weekend progresses. We will insurethere are airshow-experienced members in addition to the pilotson each trip to instruct and add guidance.

Scheduling aircrews and PX support will be done by theOperations Officer, Wing Leader and members of the Staff. Signupwill be available via the signup list posted in the hangar hall,emails, and as a last resort a phone call to the Wing Leader(please hold these to a minimum). In some cases, where there

are more volunteers than seats, aircrew assignments will bebased on past shows already attended, personal desires (i.e.hometown or family members residing close to the airshow area),and other factors. We will attempt to be as fair as possible andinclude as many different members possible in support of theseshows throughout the year. I would like to emphasize that activeWing participation is, of course, a factor in the selection processand might be a deciding element when a tough decision is beingmade. Wing Participation includes helping out at the hangars,sweeping floors, emptying trash, museum help and any activitythat betters our organization. We do realize that a lot of ourmembers work full-time or have family commitments that prohibitweekly participation at the Wing, but also need to repay ourhard-working members. Also, its important to be able to help

out in preparing the aircraft prior to the show. Bottom line is that

there should be enough airshows available to get every interemember airborne. Also, remember that one of our primsources of income while at the show is our great PX trailer.definitely need support here and will guarantee you a good tselling t-shirts, hats, models, buttons and dog tags. While atshows, we encourage all participants to share their time betwaircraft and PX support/duties.

All crewmembers should wear a flight suit (with patchand have a MO Wing polo-type shirt available to wear whenPIC deems it appropriate. Crew attire/dress is controlled byPIC and pre-briefed prior to reporting to the hangar for departThis aspect of crew responsibility varies with events and is v

important because of the image we present while off statioParticipating in airshows is one of the more exciting memorable activities offered by your membership in the MissWing. Its always a fun time and will provide you with opportunenjoyed by very few individuals. However, it is also an actwhose level of success is directly proportional to the amounenergy and dedication expended. You will have a great time,you will also work for those great memories, excitement, feeling of accomplishment. Get ready, get excited, spend sotime at the Wing helping out, and lets all look forward to anogreat flying season. Col. Pat Kesler

Smartt Field Taxiway

C-47

T-33


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- Get instruction on the task and learn the proper wayaccomplish it- Do the job the proper way, with the proper tool and the rnumber of people- Dont be lazy: dont take shortcuts, move obstacles, cleanmesses

3) Reattempt the task - Try again only if you halleviated the unsafe condition.

Now we need to take this a step further.what do you dyou cant correct the situation?

At this point, you really dont have much of a choice but tothe wing staff involved.

There are numerous ways to bring safety issue to our attentI would prefer that you bring the issue to my attention first. can talk to me in person or call me about the issue, you can sme an e-mail or you can even leave me an anonymous notthe distribution box in the hallway near the offices. You can conleadership at any level to get help resolving the situation.

Besides our aircraft being valuable equipment we cant affto damage, you are a valuable asset and we cant afford to repa damaged you either.

Safety isnt just the Safety Officers job it is EVERYONGet involved and help keep your wing a safe place to have f

Col. Chris Herrmann

GOTA SAFETY ISSUE???

HERE'SYOUR SAFETY TISSUEMaybe it is just my sarcastic nature that makes me want to

say perhaps common sense isnt so common anymore. However,due to recent events, I guess I need to reiterate the obvious.

Anyway..Pop Quiz (I guess this is becoming sorta a trend) What do you do if you see something unsafe occurring?

Take a second and think what actions you would take.Hopefully, you were able to come up with an answer that is

very similar to the following:1) Take immediate action. Stop your action or intervene

and stop what others are doing.2)Analyze the situation - Look for alternative ways to

safely accomplish the task.I submit to you that you really should have started at this

step, but in case you didnt, now would be a good time toimplement one of these courses of action

Some possibilities may include:- Get help from someone who knows how to properly do the taskor is qualified on the task

11 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT WWIIYou might enjoy this from Col D. G. Swinford, USMC, Ret

and history buff. You would really have to dig deep to assemblethis kind of historical info.

1. The first German serviceman killed in WW II was killed bythe Japanese ( China, 1937), the first American serviceman killedwas killed by the Russians (Finland 1940); and the highest rankingAmerican killed was Lt. Gen Lesley McNair, killed by the US ArmyAir Corps. So much for allies.

2. The youngest US serviceman was 12 year old CalvinGraham, USN. He was wounded and given a DishonorableDischarge for lying about his age. His benefits were later restoredby act of Congress.

3. At the time of Pearl Harbor, the top US Navy commandwas called CINCUS (pronounced sink us), the shoulder patch ofthe US Armys 45th Infantry division was the Swastika, and Hitlersprivate train was named Amerika. All three were soon changedfor PR purposes.

4. More US servicemen died in the Air Corps than the MarineCorps. While completing the required 30 missions, your chanceof being killed was 71%.

5. Generally speaking, there was no such thing as an averagefighter pilot. You were either an ace, or a target. For instance,Japanese Ace Hiroyoshi Nishizawa shot down over 80 planes.He died while a passenger on a cargo plane.

6. It was a common practice on fighter planes to load every5th round with a tracer round to aid in aiming. This was a mistake.

Tracers had different ballistics so (at long range) if your tracerswere hitting the target 80% of your rounds were missing. Worseyet tracers instantly told your enemy he was under fire and fromwhich direction. Worst of all, it was the practice to load a stringof tracers at the end of the belt to tell when you were out ofammo. This was definitely not something you wanted to tell theenemy! Units that stopped using tracers saw their success ratenearly double and theirloss rate go down..........AND YOUVE GOT TO LOVE THIS ONE

7. When allied armies reached the Rhine, the first thing mendid was pee in it. This was pretty universal from the lowestprivate to Winston Churchill (who made a big show of it) andGen. Patton who had himself photographed in the act. !!!!Definitely would not allowable in the Army of today????

8. German Me-264 bombers were capable of bombing NYork City.....but they decided it wasnt worth the effort.

9. German submarine U-120 was sunk by a malfunctiontoilet.

10. Among the first Germans captured at Normandy wseveral Koreans. They had been forced to fight for the Japan

Army until they were captured by the Russians and forcedfight for the Russian Army until they were captured by Germans and forced to fight for the German Army until they wcaptured by the US Army.

AND I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST....11. Following a massive naval bombardment, 35,000 Un

States and Canadian troops stormed ashore at Kiska, in

Aleutian Islands. 21 troops were killed in the assault on the islaIt could have been worse if there had been any Japanese onisland.

Sent in by Col Joe Racine

Harpoon


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GENERALMEETING MINUTES1:30pm, February 9, 2013 CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLIGIENCE ROLL CALL OF STAFF: WL __ ADJ __ EXEC __ OPS __

MAINT __ FIN __ SAFE __ PIO __ RECOGNIZE VISITORS AND GUESTS MINUTES OF LAST MEETING in COMPASS INFIRMED MEMBERS COMMITTEE REPORTS:Compass John CoffeyGasoline Sales Jim Lammert/$teve GossettMuseum Jack Seeman/Joe Wurtz/John Eskew

Web Site Bob LawrencePX Bob LawrenceRecruiting & Membership Bob Lawrence

Air Shows Matt ConradLHFE Bob MooreHangar Dance Pat KeslerOLD BUSINESS CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday, January 5th. Great time. people. Awards.Planning on having another next year in early January. LATRINE QUEEN/KING Tim Mohr has volunteered for acouple months. T-33 Still there. New County Board member is looking init. Via Bill Wehmeier.NEW BUSINESS STAFF REPORTS: MAINTENANCE___ EXECUTIVE

OPERATIONS____ SAFETY___ ADJUTANT___ PUBLIC INFOAIR SHOW___ LHFE____ FINANCE___ AIRCRAFT STATUS: B-25 Annual Insp TBM AnnuaInsp L-3 A/W INDIVIDUAL MAINTENANCE AWARD Present toBuddWelsh PX TRUCK INCIDENT Discussed MAINTENANCE STORAGE BLDG Building or trailers. Anyideas? HANGAR HALL AREA Next to be upgraded in Spring.Ideas encouraged. HQ WING STAFF CONFERENCE Feb 28>Mar 3 - Bob Mo& Bob Lawrence attending STEVE BROWN VISIT Wants to visit Wing. Recommend 2nd Saturday when meetings occur and members are here. DOOLITTLE We (B-25) will probably will not attend

2013 FLYING SCHEDULE Discuss COMPASS AirshowProcedures article coming in March. NO OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION?Meeting Adjourned @ 2:40pm

A BRIEF HISTORY - THE MEDALOF HONOR

Most people know what the Medal Of Honor is and what itmeans. Many may not know the history. Military medals werefrowned upon by our nations early leaders as it resembledEuropean aristocracy.

The Fidelity Medallion was the 1st military award for valor. Asmall medal similar to a religious medal worn on a chain aroundthe neck was only awarded to 3 militiamen of the RevolutionaryWar. The Badge of Military Merit was our nations 1st formal awardfor individual gallantry, established by General George Washingtonin 1782 for members of the Continental Army. Only 3 soldiersreceived this award, which consisted of a purple cloth heart (which

in 1932 became the familiar Purple Heart).In 1847, the Certificate of Merit was established for soldiersof the Mexican-American War. These previous awards were forspecific wars and phased out afterwards. There were no awardsor medals at the start of the Civil War. In 1861, President AbrahamLincoln authorized the Navy Medal of Valor, which became theMedal of Honor in 1863, and over the next six decades, evolvedinto the 3 medals used currently, and shown below(Army, Navy,Air Force). During World War II, subsequent awards wereestablished(Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star).Starting in 2002, recipients also receive a Medal of Honor flag.

While not a military regulation, uniformed service membersare encouraged to render salutes to recipients of the Medal ofHonor as a matter of respect and courtesy regardless of rank or

status. This is the onlyinstance where a military member willreceive a salute from members of a higher rank. Since 1861,3,459 Medals of Honor have been awarded, including 1 woman,Mary Walker, a civilian Union Army surgeon during the Civil War.19 men have been awarded a 2nd Medal of Honor. In 1919 it waschanged so that a V device would be worn for an additionalaward. National Medal of Honor Day is 25 March.Live with Honor ~ Col Tim Mohr

Galveston, Texas

F-100

P-47

B-17

Dauntless Dive Bomber

Privateer


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COMMEMORATIVEAIRFORCEMISSOURI WING

P.O. Box 637St. Charles, MO 63302-0637

MARCH2013

Compass Deadline: April Newsletter - Need info by March 23 May Newsletter - Need info by April 26

March

Birthdays!

Shane Roden (5) Bob Willhauck (6) Frank Galbraith (6)Greg Vallero (19) Ed Michelsen (22) Albert Stix (26)

Mike Silberstein (27) Everett Feltham (31) Gary Tegler (31)

SNOWY DAYAT SMARTT FIELD

march compass of the missouri wing newsletter

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