Illinois Group 22

G1000 Class

2011-11-21T23:00:00.001-06:00

Recently a G1000 ground school was conducted at Lake in the Hills Airport. The event sponsored by Group 22 was also an FAA WINGS event. 19 pilots received advanced credit during the 6 hour course. Along with Civil Air Patrol Pilots, there were a few non CAP pilots in the class. It was a great opportunity to learn and recruit as well. Gliem provide an instrument refresher course as a door prize. A drawing was held at the end of the day and congratulations goes out to Major Ken Stone of the Palwaukee Composite Squadron. Thanks goes out to Major David Gillingham for conducting the course and to Blue Skied Aviation at Lake in the Hills airport for providing the classroom space.

Group 22 Shines at Wing Evaluated Excercise

2011-09-02T12:40:00.000-05:00

Group 22 Staff members were a key part of the Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol Air Force Evaluated Mission. Both Air Branch and Ground Branch were run by Group 22 and both sections received an excellent rating by Air Force Evaluators. Preliminary results revealed the Wing scored an Overall Successful rating.
Thank you for all the members of group 22 Units who participated and helped the Wing show off for the Air Force. When the Official results are published we will have a good idea of where we can make improvements in our operations.

One new innovation was a direct result of Group 22 success in utilizing Google Docs during SUI inspections. Wing Staff went to school on this and developed an electronic status board for the mission. While this had a direct impact on Air and Ground branch grades, there is definitely some room for improvement.
We hope to have a more comprehensive training plan in place for the upcoming year. Brush up on those quals and work on your proficiency and areas that need improvement.

Group 22 Delivers an Aircraft To Florida

2011-08-23T12:25:00.000-05:00

When the call went out for pilots to deliver two aircraft to South East Region, Group 22 staff stepped. Group 22 Commander Major Brian Pokuta and Major Joe Long, along with Captain Rod Rakic were selected for the mission. In two days of flying the three pilots flew from Illinois Wing Headquarters to Columbus Indiana to pick up two GA8 aircraft. The GA8 were on loan to NESA and were to be returned to Falcon Field Georgia and Marco Island Florida. The three aircraft were flow first to Georgia were the first aircraft was dropped off. En route the three kept in communication using the CAP Radio. This allowed all three aircraft to share the G1000 NEXRAD information to avoid hazardous weather. The next leg to Florida used the same technique, and it was a good thing. Storms over Tampa forced the two remaining aircraft to divert to Ocala Florida where the pilots remained overnight. The next day started off with smoke in the cockpit of the 182 G1000. Major Pokuta returned to Ocala while Captain Rakic and Major Long circled overhead and landed behind Pokuta. The three loaded up and pushed on to Marco Island dodging rain showers over Naples, FL. In two day the three flew over a thousand miles and successfully delivered the GA8s. The electrical problem will be fixed soon and the 182 will be back in Illinois shortly. Congrats to all on a job well done.

Group 22 Commander Passes Form 91 Check Ride

2011-07-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

After many years of training, Major Brian Pokuta, Illinois Wing Group 22 Commander, finally passed his initial Form 91 check ride. This makes the Group 22 Commander a qualified Mission Pilot. It wasn't long before these skills were called into service. During the Group 14 Sarex held on July 16, 2011, one of the pilots came up sick. With Maj Pokuta on his way to De Kalb, the call was made and Maj Pokuta diverted to Wing Headquarters at Du Page airport to fly one of the three mission aircraft being used that day.

Major Pokuta in the GA8

A Job well done! One of the things that makes this achievement more notable is the fact that Major Pokuta has been one of the heavy lifters within the Illinois of Civil Air Patrol. Serving as the Lake County Composite Squadron and now as the Group 22 Commander, Major Pokuta has been busy focusing on the duties associated with commanding a squadron and now the group. Completing the mission pilot rating while doing the rest is quite notable. With others in the pipeline, training for form 5 and form 91 check rides within Group 22, this is a great example of how a busy schedule doesn't have to hold you back.

Air Crew Training

2011-06-27T15:11:00.008-05:00

A Goup 22 air crew took of on a sunny Sunday morning for some flight training. Major Brian Pokuta, Group 22 Commander put together a crew of 5 for the days training. Taking advantage of the increased crew capacity of the Gippsiland GA8, Major Pokuta, Major Long, Capt Bob Gould, 1Lt Mike Grenz and 2 Lt Paul Svechota took of to practice airborne search techniques. 1lt Svechota spotted the target, a military Cobra Helicopter on static display, on the first pass. The scanners worked on pilotage skills, and locating targets and location on aviation charts and CAP Grids. The key to being a proficient air crew is to practice as much as possible. A self funded training sortie is often times the best bet to get inot the air.

Change of Command for Group 22

2011-04-26T12:23:00.003-05:00

On April 17, 2011 Illinois Group 22 received a new commander. After 4 years of distinguished service, Major Bob Williams was relieved and Major Brian Pokuta was sworn in as the commander. The brief ceremony was presided over by the Illinois Wing Commander Col Gordy Larson and was only part of a larger graduation ceremony marking the end of the Spring Encampment at Great Lakes naval training Center.

While Major Williams will remain on Group 22 staff, he will be focusing on Emergency Services. Major Pokuta will be visiting Units in the Group and continuing the work and progress of Major Williams.

Congratulations to Major Williams on a job well done, and congratulations to Major Pokuta on a new challenge.

LITH IL 282 Selected as 2010 Great Lakes Region Squadron of Distinction

2011-03-29T09:33:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Catain Kilanski and the members of Lake In The Hills Composite Squadron on their being selected as the 2010 Great Lakes Region Squadron Of Distinction. LITH runs a strong program with emphasis on progression, O-Rides, and encampment participation which weighs heavily in the objective criteria for the award. Its members are very active in all phases of the CAP mission, and their faces are familiar at most major wing activities including ES training, encampments, and King of the Rock. This is the second time IL282 has been selected for this type of award, having previously received Squadron of Merit under former CC, Lt Col Rhonda Anderson. Thank you again to LITH's staff for their dedication to excellence. Maj. Williams

Group 22 Particpates in Ice Bowl 2011

2011-02-09T17:10:00.003-06:00

The extended cold weather CAP Emergency Services exercise that has become known as the "Ice Bowl" was held on 26 Jan 2011 at both Du Page Airport and at the Paul Wolff Forest Preserve with great success.
Major Andy Welch and his team provided oversight and training opportunities for ground team and communication personnel at the Forest Preserve while 1Lt Cher Gupta Fletcher and her team, including Lake County Composite Squadron Commander Captain Brian Pokuta, handled air operations at Du Page Airport. All together, there were 48 people from 12 different squadrons participating.
While the ground team training proceeded the air operations were grounded most of the morning with low ceilings and limited visibility. This didn't stop those gathered from completing training, reviewing and renewing many required tasks.
It wasn't until 2:00 PM that the skies cleared and the crews received the "green light" to launch. Despite the delay the team at Du Page was able to launch 4 sorties in support of the ground teams and guiding them to their targets.
As usual the event was well organised and well attended, and this is why this event has become a staple of emergency services training in Illinois.

Group 22 Winter Message

2011-01-16T13:28:00.006-06:00

Here we are in the middle of the cold dark winter. Although thoughts of flying and ES training may be far from your mind, there are still plenty of opportunities around. We should remember that training continues throughout the year. Ice Bowl is just around the corner and other training opportunities are closer than you might think. The Air Force Evaluated exercise is coming up in August. Keep an eye on the Group 22 calendar for more details. We would like a good showing from Group 22. With that in mind, now is the time to hone your ES skills. Whether it's working on new skills or fine tuning old ones, let's lean forward and participate in as many training activities as we can before the evaluated mission.
In addition to the Air Force Evaluated Mission, IL Wing staffers as well as Group 22 staffers are meeting with Emergency Response Agencies throughout the State. They are spreading the word about CAP capabilities and assets. This could potentially bring more actual mission work to us. If you would like to participate in these potential missions, it's up to you to be the best you can be. This means being at the top of your game. It also means presenting a professional appearance and having a professional attitude. We are fortunate in Illinois and Group 22 in that we have in our ranks, members who possess these attributes. That being said let's continue to improve and continue to set the standard for the Wing, Region, and Nation.
Group 22 Staff looks forward to seeing you at upcoming training.

Group 22 Hosts Fall SAREX

2010-10-31T18:50:00.004-05:00

On October 30, 2010, 45 members of Civil Air Patrol from a number of squadrons throughout northern Illinois met a Chicago Executive Airport for a training exercise. Thanks to our friends at Signature Flight Support for the use of hanger 5(Pictured above) for the Incident Commmand Post and muster area. Despite some gusty winds crews flew 7 sorties with three aircraft. We were also able to field 3 ground teams, for a ramp search, downed aircraft search and a missing person search. Ground teams coordinated with aircraft who guided them to the "downed" aircraft and also a "missing" person. (see photo)

The day was not without challenges. Winds at one point were gusting over 24 knots which caused a couple of cancelled sorties. As the first sortie launching from PWK was on takeoff roll, a problem with runaway trim developed. Mission pilot Captain Ken Stone recognised the problem, aborted the takeoff, and brought the aircraft safely back to the ramp. The day continued with the two remaining aircraft. In addition to these challenges, a looming Presidential TFR was fast approaching. All crews were able to return to their home base safely before the flight restriction was put into place.

Ground teams were able to train Ground Team Leaders, and tasked ground team members in numerous tasks. The ground team searching for the aircraft and missing person practiced using signaling devices including mirrors and tarpaulins.

Thanks to all who were able to participate. If you missed out on this go around, not to worry, 1Lt Damon Card (Group 22 ES Officer) will be working with Major Andy Welch, at Group 14, and coordinating more training for FY 2011. Don't miss these opportunities to train. We want to be ready, whether it's an actual REDCAP or the upcoming Air Force Evaluation.

Another Find For Group 22

2010-10-10T19:02:00.002-05:00

After successfully completing his Annual Form 5, Captain Brian Pokuta and Major Joe Long checked off with the FRO. The FRO, Col Joe King informed them there was an active REDCAP mission. The IC, Major Bob Taylor was contacted and the crew was briefed.

While performing some radio maintenance in McHenry, Major Corey Stohlquist detected an ELT beacon on 121.5. The crew launched enroute to Lake in the Hills to pick up a scanner, 2Lt Jim Wresch. While entering the pattern at Lake in the Hills, Captain Pokuta picked up the beacon on the Becker and had a good audible tone. The IC was contacted and informed the beacon was most likely coming from Lake In the Hills airport. The UDF team, Major Stohlquist and Major Becker were rerouted to the airport. The air and ground team located the beacon in a DA40 that had flown earlier in the day. While looking for the beacon, pilots on the airport reported an overdue YAK to the CAP members. The pilots where concerned because this was uncharacteristic of the YAK crew and they where two hours overdue. Rockford approach had reported hearing an ELT earlier, and there was real concern the ELT Rockford reported may have been a second beacon. With the missing YAK, there was a possible secondary mission developing. After locating the ELT on the airport and attempting to contact the owner the airport pilots reported the YAK had diverted to Aurora and where enroute back to Lake In The Hills. (Pictured Above over the numbers). The teamwork and skill of Group 22, Group 14 and IL Wing personel are a tribute to the training Civil Air Patrol members conduct on a daily basis. Good Job everyone!

Group 22 Member Participate in Fox Valley SAREX

2010-08-29T11:06:00.003-05:00

Members from three Group 22 Units, Palwaukee Composite Squadron, Lake County Composite Squadron and Group 22 Staff participated in a training mission on Saturday August 28, 2010. The Fox Valley Composite Squadron hosted the day of training for units from all over Northern Illinois. The day started out as the sun was rising. Two CAP aircraft Departed Chicago Executive Airport en route to Du Page Airport. As the two aircraft were entering the traffic pattern, a CAP aircraft from Moline was arriving as well. With the Fox Valley bird, a total of four aircraft flew 18 sorties throughout the day. Members were able to complete requirements for numerous emergency services ratings. Members were qualified in new tasks to include mission scanner, flight line, and mission safety officer.
The level of participation was impressive. As we wrap up the fiscal year ending in September, this may be the last chance to participate in a funded mission. As we move forward to the next fiscal year starting on October 1st, Group 22 staff will be coming up with an aggressive training plan. We will work with units within the Group as well as Units like Fox Valley in Group 14. These missions take a lot of time to plan and execute and can't be done without dedicated members to do the heavy lifting. Whether it's qualifying in a crew position for air or ground, or mission base positions, we need every member, to include cadets, to step up and participate in training and actual missions throughout the wing. Look for more information from Lts Card and Whang as we move forward into the next fiscal year.

Group 22 Air Crew Finds ELT

2010-08-23T09:38:00.004-05:00

Captain Brian Pokuta, Lake County Composite Squadron Commander, was pre-flighting a CAP aircraft at Chicago Executive (KPWK) in preparation for a mission pilot training sortie. Captain Joe Long, IL Group 22 Deputy Commander was en route to the airport when the REDCAP came in. IC Major Eric Templeton coordinated the change from a training sortie to an actual mission. Captain Jim Griggs, Palwaukee Composite Squadron Commander, notified the crew he had a scanner en route to join the crew. Captain John Hanusin showed and the crew was wheels up in minutes.
Reports where coming in all day from North Central Illinois of an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) transmitting from an unkown location. The Group 22 crew departed KPWK westbound and climbed to 5,000 feet. It wasn't long before the Becker picked up the signal and an audible signal was heard on 121.5. The crew was in contact with the IC through Captain Ron Walerowicz who was at IL WIng. The crew tracked the signal to Poplar Grove Airport (C77). The crew coordinated through the IC and landed at C77 to track down the ELT. Captain Pokuta used his hand held aircraft radio and skills gained while training as a Urban Direction Finder (UDF) team member. The signal was located in a hanger on the airport, and with help from the airport staff, the aircraft was identified. The pilot had flown earlier in the day but could not be located to silence the ELT. A tin foil "tent" was constructed to block the signal until the owner could be located.
Thanks to flexibility, training and teamwork, IL Group 22 members chalked up another find for the Wing.

Group 22 Units Participate in Open House Even After it Was Cancelled

2010-08-10T19:06:00.005-05:00

After a night of severe thunderstorms and a line of new storms that stretched from Lake Michigan into Iowa, the powers that be decided to cancel the June 26th 2010 open house at Chicago Executive Airport. After calls went out to inbound members, and after securing the Cessna 182T G1000 safely in a hanger on the other side of the field, the weather began to ease. People began to show up and a slightly abbreviated open house was on. Members from Group 22, Palwaukee Composite Squadron, Lake County Composite Squadron and Forest Park, remained on site to assist with parking, recruiting and selling refreshments. So even though the tent area designated was somewhat flooded, event organizers called an audible and set up tents on the Charlie ramp. Flight schools moved in static display aircraft, and a Collings Foundation B-17 and B-24 were on hand four tours and for those will to pay the fee, actual flights, thus proving once again, "Flexibility is the key to Air Power." Thanks to all those who helped, and to those that wanted to but were waived off. The next opportunity to shine will be 11 September at Waukegan Airport. The Lake County Composite Squadron will need help during this open house and Air Show.

Group 22 Staff Continues with Unit Inspections

2010-06-28T20:42:00.003-05:00

Major Bob Williams, along with the Group 22 Staff and help from the Lake County Composite Squadron Commander, made the trip out to Galt Airport (10C) to complete a Subordinate Unit Inspection (SUI) for the McHenry County Composite Squadron. Records were inspected in the Unit's Hangar, and programs were inspected in the Airport FBO pilot lounge. The inspection team tallied the results as the cows looked on. Congratulation to Major Medina on a successful inspection. With the Group Staff present and Commanders from two Group 22 Units already there, the SUI was followed by a Group 22 Staff meeting with the arrival of the Palwaukee Squadron Commander Capt Griggs and Lt Trimarco.
Group 22 Staff welcomed Lt Damon Card who was present and Lt Tommie Whang who was finishing up training at NESA. The new staff members are a welcome addition as Group 22 continues with Subordinate Unit Inspections.

Palwaukee Squadron to Host Hanger Dance

2010-05-25T15:51:00.004-05:00

More information: Palwaukee Squadron

Group 22 Units Celebrate Another Safe Year!

2010-03-14T19:25:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the Commanders and Members of all six Group 22 units and HQ for another safe year as recognized by the receipt of the annual Mishap-Free Certificate of Achievement!

Kilanski Accepts The Flag at LITH

2010-03-10T14:07:00.004-06:00

The Group 22 Commander and Deputy Commander were on hand at Lake In The Hills Airport last night to officiate the change of command from Capt. Terri Peters to Capt. John-Paul Kilanski of GLR-IL-282.

Capt. Peters announced her desire to be relieved of command earlier this year to pursue other interests, but will be involved with the squadron until at least the fall, and it is anticipated that her daughter, C/2dLt. Sabryna Peters will continue her cadet service for at least two more years.

Thank you to Capt. Peters for her steadfast efforts over the last two and a half years, and congratulations to Capt. Kilanski on his new posting.

Wipotnik Receives Orientation Pilot Ribbon

2010-03-02T19:37:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Lt. Col. Lou Wipotnik of the Palwaukee Composite Squadron on his recent receipt of the Cadet Orientation Pilot Ribbon which is presented to CAP Cadet Orientation Pilots who fly fifty (50) cadets or more over the course of their CAP service.

Ross Kohler appointed Group CAC Chair

2010-01-19T23:58:00.003-06:00

Cadet Major Ross Kohler, Cadet Commander of McHenry Composite Squadron, has been selected to serve as CAC Chair / Wing Representative for Group 22.

In addition to this appointment, Cadet Kohler was also selected to serve as Cadet Deputy Commander for the 2010 Illinois Wing Spring Encampment.

Scherer Receives Spaatz Award

2010-01-19T20:40:00.005-06:00

A hearty and well-deserved "Congratulations" goes out to Cadet Colonel Jeramee G. Scherer of the Rockford Composite Squadron on his recent receipt of Spaatz Award # 1749!

Members of Group 22 receive awards at Palwaukee Party

2010-01-15T18:17:00.006-06:00

Major Bob Williams, IL Group 22 Commander and Deputy Commander Capt. Joe Long, joined members of the Palwaukee Composite Squadron at their annual Holiday Dinner and Awards Banquet. Along with numerous awards for members of the Palwaukee Squadron, Major Williams presented an Achievement Award to members for their work on the Group 22 Emergency Services Trailer, better known as, The Albatross.
Major Williams presided over a Change of Command Ceremony in Which Capt Jim Griggs assumed Command of the Palwaukee Composite Squadron. C/2Lt Weinber also assumed the position of Cadet Commander Replacing C/2Lt Hannah Gottschalk. Also Attending the festivities were Capt. Brian Pokuta, Commander of the Lake County Composite Squadron and Maj Dave Picek, IL Wing Communications Officer.

Group 22 Patch On Display in UK Air Museum

2009-12-21T22:57:00.005-06:00

Last month Group 22 received a request for a patch for display at the Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum in Suffolk, UK.

The museum has a hanger display and memorial dedicated to the memory of the men of the 446th Bomb Group USAAF who gave there lives while operating from Bungay Airfield during WW2.

The request came from Telford Thomson, a gentleman in his '70's with some 1600 hours power flying. In addition to 12 years in the RAF, he served an additional 14 years with the Air Training Corps, which is an organization similiar to CAP. In the ATC, he was a Squadron Commander for 6 years as well as a gliding instructor.

He now serves as a museum volunteer, and is building what he hopes will one day be the largest display of CAP patches and other insignia in all of Europe.

Wreaths Across America

2009-12-13T00:14:00.006-06:00

Original story and more photos here.

Officer Basic Course Replaces ADL-13

2009-12-08T11:14:00.011-06:00

The long anticipated update to the "Senior Officer's Course", previously referred to as both ECI-13 & HQ AU A4/6 (ECI), has been released.

The new curriculum, called the "Officer's Basic Course" (OBC), is accomplished completely online through 20 modules which each culminate in an open-book test.

Members currently enrolled in the "old" course may continue towards completion. Cadets looking to use the the existing course towards an RCLS credit may continue to sign-up for it until March 2010. There is no word, yet, as to whether cadets will be allowed to take the OBC.

Contact your unit PDO or CC soon to discuss completion of this new course!

More detail here: http://tinyurl.com/yc47bfg

Group 22 Re-engages the EMCC of Lake County

2009-12-07T18:20:00.004-06:00

On December 2 2009, Captain Joe Long attended the Emergency Management Coordinating Council of Lake County. This group consists of different emergency response agencies in Lake County. Although Lt. Col. Mike Rafferty has been attending regularly in the past, the December meeting was the first in which a member of Group 22 staff attended. The meeting was productive and a new interest in Civil Air Patrol capabilities was established.

The EMCC was briefed on recent CAP missions and exercises, as well as the delivery of our newest aircraft. Members of the EMCC had questions about CAP communications capability with different agencies, and the possibility of using CAP aircraft as an aerial surveillance and communication platform during the spring flooding.

Group 22 staff will remain engaged with this group. We intend to educate them on the role of the Civil Air Patrol, beyond the ELT search, to include our role in Disaster Relief and other capabilities.

New Commander Accepts the Flag at Boone County

2009-08-16T14:25:00.007-05:00

Boone County Composite Squadron hosted the Group 22 Commander and Illinois Wing State Director on Wednesday night for a Change of Command Ceremony for both the Senior and Cadet Commander's of IL331, at Poplar Grove Airport.

Capt. John Neitzel relinquished, and 1st Lt. Larry Martin assumed, command during a traditional surrender and presentation of the squadron colors ceremony officiated by Maj. Williams.

Capt. Neitzel received several plaques and tokens of appreciation, including the first Achievement award and ribbon presented by

Illinois Group 22 since the award's inception in late 2008. After receving his presentations, Capt. Neitzel thanked the membership for their support and commented on the continued growth of the unit, and expressed his full support for the new Commander.

1st Lt. Martin then said several words of gratitude for Capt. Neitzel's service, and outlined his goals for the unit. As his first official duty as new Commander, Lt. Martin installed C/MSgt Kolin Anderson as the new Cadet Commander.

Immediately following the changes of command, Illinois Wing State Director Geoff Biedermann presented the Ira C. Eaker award to C/Capt. Andrew Schroepfer.

Peters and Kilanski Receive Promotions

2009-08-16T11:42:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to Terri Peters, Commander of Lake In The Hills Composite Squadron, and her Deputy Commander of Cadets, John Kilanski, who were both promoted to Captain on Tuesday night during their regular squadron meeting.

Congratulations to both and thank you for your continued hard work and efforts for CAP!

Group 22 Members tour the Cape with Group 9

2009-07-26T10:38:00.004-05:00

http://www.ilgroup9.org/2009/07/37-members-fly-to-cape-canaveral.html

ICL Changes Flight Release Officer qualification procedures

2009-07-24T11:14:00.007-05:00

The letter is posted here: http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2009_07_23_FROs_27815180D4D04.pdf

Note, this includes procedural changes and deadlines in September. Please send questions or concerns through your Commander.

Online O-Pilot exams now mandatory

2009-07-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

Cadet Orientation online exams that apply to Cadet Orientation Pilot Airplane, Glider, and AFROTC qualifications are currently optional tasks in OPS-Quals. On 3 Aug 2009, Cadet Orientation online exams will become required tasks per the new CAPR 60-1. On this date we will update our business rules to reflect this change and ensure all members that currently possess the following qualifications: Cadet Orientation Pilot Airplane, Glider, and AFROTC are fully qualified per the new CAPR 60-1.

Subordinate Unit Inspection Guide

2009-06-30T20:53:00.003-05:00

The most current guide can be found here:
http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/SUI_Guide_C64F96A3FA0C8.doc

Please make sure you're using the most current guide when preparing your upcoming Inspections or Self-Assessments.

Murphy receives promotion

2009-06-02T21:00:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Scott Murphy, Commander of the Palwaukee Composite Squadron on his promotion to Captain!

Group 22 Members receive decorations

2009-06-02T21:00:00.004-05:00

Eight members from Group 22 units were awarded the Disaster Relief Ribbon with "V" device for their participation in relief efforts in Kentucky following what has come to be referred to as the "New Madrid Ice Quake" earlier this year.

Palwaukee Squadron:

Card, Damon
Dempsey, Robert
McKnight, Scott
Murphy, Scott
Stanley, Marc
Wipotnik, Ludwig

Group 22 HQ:

Jerry Scherer
Bob Williams

It should be noted that for several of these members this is not the first award of this decoration, and for Damon Card, his third in one year's time!

Photos from the mission can be found below in the Group Picasa albums.

ILWG Receives an "Excellent" score for eval

2009-06-02T15:15:00.008-05:00

We did it! Great job!

Thanks to a full-press effort by members from all over the Wing, including nine from Group 22 units, we scored an "Excellent" overall for the second evaluation running (last was 2008 in Marion, IL).

We showed the evaluators that we are well-trained, experienced, and prepared to procide support in whatever types of missions nature or fortune should throw at us.

I'd like to personally thank and commend the following inviduals for playing their "A" game all weekend:

From Palwaukee (IL-049):

Damon Card - Ground Team
Scott McKnight - Planning Staff
Scott Murphy - Ground Team
John Stys - Ground Team
John Trimarco - Ground Team

From Lake-In-The-Hills (IL-282):

Bill Watson - Air Operations Staff

From Group HQ (IL-245):

Joe Long - Aircrew
Jerry Scherer - Planning Section Chief

The full list of department grades is below:
*** OVERALL EXCELLENT ***
IC Excellent
Safety Satisfactory
PSC Satisfactory
OSC Excellent
AOBD Outstanding
GBD Excellent
FASC/RUL Excellent
Aircrews Excellent
Archer Satisfactory
SDIS Excellent
Ground Teams Excellent
Chaplain Excellent
CISM Excellent
COMMS Outstanding
IT Excellent
Logistics Excellent
Public Affairs Excellent

We also received some local press coverage, including an article in the Herald-Review, and a 5-minute piece on WAND-TV Saturday evening.

For many on the command staff and teams, the evaluation weeked was the culmination of nearly contnuous weekends since April, with many participating in Spring Encampment, Wing inspections, and multiple practice missions for the evaluation.

Kudos to all of us for a job well done.

Now, go repack your gear, and get ready for the hurricanes and summer storms!

Biennial evaluation participation

2009-05-21T20:56:00.018-05:00

It is critical that you show up and bring your top game for the eval, and leave your ego at home.

I know that many of you have purposely avoided the practice missions because you did not have the time or ability to participate in those and the eval, but its needs to be said that the last weekend in May is quite literally a make-or-break for the entire wing in regards to our ability to continue the success we've had as an ES asset in the region.

The wing just received an "Outstanding" on the Survey Audit, this means that the Wing and its staffers know where everything is, and how to keep it in serviceable condition, now we need to show the CAP-USAF evaluators we actually know how to use the toys and training.

ILWG members have been regularly commended and decorated for their skills, abilities, and most importantly attitudes throughout the Great Lakes Region, and members from Group 22 make up a large percentage of those outstanding operators in ILWG.

Some of you may wind up taking off work and making the trip without being able to function in the specific specialty you prefer. As Capt. Long commented, you may come down and spend more time "on-the-bench" than in the field. This can be frustrating, but it is also very important to have you there.

We cannot execute large-scale missions without a large group of field assets and aircrews. Having ready assets available shows that we understand the evolving, unpredictable nature of Search and Rescue, and that our people are willing to give their time and treasure to properly support it - even when they don't get to do what they prefer.

The other thing I would like to touch on is coming prepared and ready to roll.

Make sure your gear is checked, functional, and with you. Having some new, high-tech piece of equipment sitting on your desk at home does no one any good. For Ground Teams, especially, this seems to be an ongoing challenge. Make sure you have your L-Per's, radios, GPS units, and proper gear.

I can't speak for other Group Commanders, but I can assure you that any situation where a piece of corporate equipment, or a vehicle, is needed and not available without a very good reason, will be grounds to reconsider where it is deployed.

The eval weekend is not the time to leave this equipment with your home unit "just in case". If you're there, then it should be with you. If the equipment is issued to a member who "isn't coming", then the question needs to be asked "Why?" Either get it from them, or better still, get them to participate.

This also includes food and water - CAP Ground Teams, by design, are assumed to be self-sufficient for personal health, safety, and comfort. Don't assume there will be lunch at mission base, or that you will have time to stop somewhere. Time is life in SAR - delaying spin up to stop for lunch is unacceptable, especially for Ground Teams.

Further, make sure your credentials and qualifications are in order before you leave the house. 101 cards, CAP ID's, first aid cards, radio cards, CAP Driver's license, etc. If the regs say you must have them, you must, and I can promise you the CAP-USAF evaluators will be checking.

Don't wait until the last minute, or assume that the RUL can "look it up", burdening a base staffer with your adminsitrivia causes unacceptable background noise in the mission base. Expecting Maj. Taylor or his staff to fix your credentials on the fly Friday night while they have 20 other details to attend to is also unfair to them.

Credentials and qualifications are your responsibility as an ES asset, accept that and seek help or guidance today, not next week.

Bottom line, we need you to be on your best game and we need you there.

I know I can depend on all of you to do your best and keep the bar high as you perform your duties.

(Now go pack your gear and report your availability!)

Maj. Williams

ILWG receives "outstanding" on Survey Audit

2009-05-21T20:50:00.003-05:00

Thanks to all the Group 22 units who helped make it possible - bw

May 21, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Illinois Wing Commander, Col. Gordon A. Larson, extends his congratulations to the Logistics and Communications sections of Wing Staff for having achieved a rating of Outstanding on the 2009 Survey Audit conducted by CAP-USAF Great Lakes Liaison Region. The audit took place at Wing Headquarters on May 16 and the official report was released yesterday.

In an email message, CAP-USAF State Director, Lt. Col. Geoffrey B. Biedermann, USAFR, said, "Wing Staff members 1st. Lt. Kevin A. Stebbins (LG), Maj. David C. Picek (DC) and Lt. Col. James P. Weiland (DCL) [especially] deserve kudos along with all of the group and squadron commanders who really helped by getting their paperwork in on time."

In one of the several Commendable comments, the report stated, "All assets were stored by make, model and then serial number. This created a streamline effect and allowed inspection of 394 assets in less than two hours. Maj. David Picek and Lt. Col. James Weiland were very knowledgeable and helpful."

Eight field units were specifically reviewed in the audit including: Lake County Composite Squadron; Palwaukee Composite Squadron; Williamson County Composite Squadron; Civic Memorial Composite Squadron; Scott Composite Squadron; Group 22 Headquarters; 286th Composite Squadron, and Jefferson County Composite Squadron. All units passed with flying colors and a rating of Successful.

Several Wing aircraft and vehicles were inspected and passed with, "No major discrepancies noted," according to the report.

The complete report is available for review at the link below:
http://ilwg.cap.gov/pao/IL_Wing_2009_Survey_Audit_Report.pdf

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For additional information contact:

Col Joseph S. King, CAP
Illinois Wing Civil Air Patrol
Public Affairs Officer
(847) 899-3257
(815) 346-5331 (fax)
pa@ilwg.cap.gov