September 2008 Newsletter

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BRIEFINGS
September, 2008	The Newsletter of the Yellow Rose Squadron	Vol. 11-09
	Briefings e-mail address: B25YR@msn.com

LEADER'S WORDS

By Ron Dietes, Squadron Leader

     Most of you have probably already heard that the newly overhauled left engine failed on our maintenance flight last Thursday August 14^th. We have talked to Global and we have removed the engine and I will be driving it to Global in Oklahoma City tomorrow (Sunday August 24^th). From the metal shavings we found in the oil screen, it appears that the main crankshaft bearings failed.   Right now, we do not know what caused the failure. Global wants to disassemble the engine and see if they can determine what went wrong. Even then, we may never know. Of course, when this happens it is never at a good time. The Rose is going to miss some shows and we are trying to locate an airplane to take over our commitments so these air shows will not be without a WWII bomber. I am guessing that if everything went exactly right, we would still be down for about two months. You know, it is not just about the down time, but we also have to think about the dollars that this is going to cost. Dollars that we hoped to use for other Rose projects. We will just have to cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, I am hoping for the best and I think that those of us that have been working in the hangar, removing the engine are also hopeful and positive. It makes me proud to be part of the Yellow Rose team.

     So while the engine is in Oklahoma City and we are waiting for it to return, the regular hangar workers will continue to clean and spruce up the Rose and also help out with projects around the hangar that need attention.

     Bob Gardner brought his jacket that has the Yellow Rose monogrammed on the back. It looks really good and he also had another sample that we emailed to the squadron. Both samples looked good, although I heard comments that the emailed version seemed to look a little better. The choice though, is still up to each of you. I am sorry that I have not been able to follow up on the Yellow Rose shirts. Once the engine project settles down, I will get back on the shirts and visit the shop to see about color samples. Most of the members at the meeting seemed to like the shirt I wore and if we do not like the choices from the monogram shop, I will contact Academy and see if we can work out something with them.

     Don’t forget about the Christmas Party on December 6^th. It will again be in Fredericksburg at the Hangar Hotel and you can contact Bubba Renfro for additional information. So mark your calendars and make your hotel reservation. Those of us that have been in previous years know how much fun we have. Just ask the one of the “Crud” players.

     Remember elections are coming up and Grant has a handle on the procedure. The positions up for election are Squadron Leader, Maintenance Officer, Operations Officer and Adjutant. So if you want to run for any of those positions contact a member of the Nominating Committee (Grant Lannon).

MINUTES OF THE August 12th, 2008 YELLOW ROSE SQUADRON MEETING

By Pat Moore, Squadron Adjutant

Meeting commenced at 1802 hrs

Pledge of Allegiance

Prayer

Bob Gardner made a motion to accept the minutes of last month’s meeting as printed in the newsletter. Jim Liles seconded; motion carried.

Guests: Will Archie-a friend of Mel Soderberg, and Paul Curs, a friend of Bob Gardner.

REPORTS

XO - no report

ADJUTANT - no report

OPERATIONS - Steve Gladwin told membership that the Baton Rouge trip is coming up. He also said the Shore A.F.B. show is a possibility as well. The Rome, GA. Show has been confirmed. Another show offer is at Fort Worth, Texas which is basically the same time as Shore. The Midland show is coming up in September as well.

FINANCE - Judy presented the finance report and passed around a finance statement for membership to look at. July was a slow income month.

Jim Liles made a motion to accept the finance report as presented, Bob Gardner seconded, motion passed.

MAINTENANCE - Jim told membership that the engine is now on the aircraft as well as the propeller. Jim said help is needed with an upcoming retract and to put the plugs back in. The Rose also needs a good wash before Baton Rouge. Help is also needed putting the old engine back in the can. It is also necessary to get the old engine out of the hangar.

PX - Pat Moore spoke for Greg who sent his report via e-mail; Greg ordered more flight crew shirts and hats of all sizes. He also ordered 50 of the new Yellow Rose shirts that Midland had made up. Kelly Garvin should have one of these shirts to display at this evening’s meeting. Greg will soon be stocking up the PX for any further shows we do.

SAFETY - no report

NEWSLETTER - Jerry wanted to remind everyone that items for the newsletter must be in to him by the 25^th of the month.

ADOPT-AN-AIRPORT - no report

PUBLIC RELATIONS - Bob displayed to membership a sample of the digitized image of the Yellow Rose to be put on the back of the Yellow Rose jackets. We will own the file of the image.

Ron said that members would buy their own jackets and have the image put on the jacket. There’s a one time fee of $95.00 for the digitizing, which Bob said he would handle. The image on the back would cost $32.00 and includes the lettering “The Yellow Rose Squadron”. Members would have two options for the front of the jacket; o n the right side of the jacket one can have “Flight Crew” put on for an extra $4.50. On the left side, a member’s name can be put on also for $4.50.

Grant gave a talk regarding the upcoming squadron elections. There must be a nominating committee with three members and an election committee with three members-current staff cannot serve on these committees. The September newsletter will have to announce the elections. The president of the CAF will have to be notified as to who the nominees will be. The elections are to be held on November 11.

Grant also mentioned Gary Gates, who has done so much work on the seats of the Rose. Apparently, the jumper seat has to be removed for now until an FAA form 337 is filled out and sent in.

Grant also spoke about December 6 & 7 in Fredericksburg. The Pearl Harbor Survivor’s association is having what may be their last reunion that weekend in Fredericksburg-Dec. 7 is also the day of the Yellow Rose Christmas party.

The Rose will take part in a static display, rides, and a fly-over for the Pearl Harbor Survivors.

Steve Gladwin spoke briefly about Midland’s rule about applying the new CAF logo to CAF aircraft. This needs to be done prior to the Midland Airshow. Staff will have to meet to decide where the best location on the Rose is to place the new decal.

Grant made a suggestion that Gary Gates be given a CAF membership and a Yellow Rose membership for all the work he has done for the group. Grant turned his suggestion into a motion; Jim Liles seconded, motion carried.

SICK CALL/GONE WEST - Judy Clayton is undergoing chemotherapy. Mel Soderberg will be having knee surgery on September 2. Calvin’s son is doing much better. Jerry Taylor’s wife is also doing much better.

Ron brought up a suggestion that the Yellow Rose fly-day be on December 14-membership agreed.

Jim Liles made a motion to adjourn, Jack Reeves seconded it; motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 1834 hrs

YR Jacket Info

From Bob gardner

      Hi all… Its been several months since I began the process putting an embroidery of the Yellow Rose on backs of jackets. If you recall Jerry Taylor walked in to a meeting with his jacket an all in attendance said “Where did you get it? I want one!

      Upon investigation we found that the original template for the embroidery nor the firm that did it can not be found. I and others called firms in San Antonio and surrounding area received quotes from $250 to $325 just to digitize a master disk not alone the embroidery which was $50 - $70 each.

     Today I am please to inform all that Brenda Taylor of “ Yankee Stiches” 4000 W. IH 10, Seguin Texas 78155 quoted the Squadron a one time digitizing price of $95 and two master files for us to keep and use as we see fit.

      The price for the embroidery of Rose (as you see in the photo) is $32.00. If you want “Flight Crew” and or your name added to the right front chest area add $9.00 ($4.50 ea.)

(I suggest your name be in script) The price does not include the cost of your jacket.

     Style and jacket material are of your choice. If you have specific questions as to how it may apply to your jacket I suggest you call Brenda direct 612.963.8867

     Out of state members can send direct. Otherwise I will be glad to pick up jackets , orders & $ at the next meeting to save them a few steps and gas.

Photo of original proposed monogram

Photo of modified monogram

CALL FOR CANDIDATES

By Grant Lannon

The Nomination Committee has been established. It is Grant Lannon, Mike Francis, and Ed McCafferty. The Committee cannot have current officers or candidates for office on it. The offices up for election are: Squadron Leader, Maintenance Officer, Adjutant, and Operations Officer. We are also looking for someone to take over the newsletter starting in January 2009 (for February issue). We have some people who have expressed interest in the jobs but we want everyone who is willing to take a position and feels that they meet the qualifications to let a member of the nominating committee know that they are interested. A healthy organization is one that provides opportunities for participation from the greatest number of members. The schedule is:

1. Announcements of candidates by the Nominating Committee in the October

newsletter. Announcement of date of election (Nov 11) and availability of

absentee ballots if requested (also in Oct newsletter).

                2. Appointment of an elections committee (not current officers, candidates, or nominating

committee members)

                3. Reiteration of election date and candidates by Elections committee in the Nov

newsletter.

                3. Election and announcement of results on Nov 11 if no absentee ballots requested.

                4. Absentee ballots (if requested) mailed out 5 days after election (Nov 16--by election

comm.) to be returned in thirty days (14 December).

                5. Announcement of new staff (if absentee ballots requested) at flyday on Sunday 14

December.

Here are some excerpts from the 2008 Unit Manual (bold type indicates recent changes):

As with any organization, either business or military, the efficiency and productivity of the CAF Unit is dependent upon the quality of its leadership. In the CAF, leadership quality depends not only on the Staff member's individual ability, but also on the amount of time he has to devote to the job.

Unit Leader

Minimum requirements, per General Staff policy, include at least two (2) years as a CAF member in good standing, background in military or business management, ability for good public appearance, adept at public speaking and preferably have a background in aviation. He shall be responsible for providing overall leadership and direction for the Unit. Among his specific duties are; current knowledge of CAF rules and regulations, preparation of Unit meeting agenda, serving as chairman at meetings, appointing various committee members, etc.

Adjutant Officer

Shall record and maintain the permanent minutes of all Unit Staff meetings. He shall maintain suitable correspondence files concerning the business and activities of the Unit and assure that all required unit reports are submitted to HQ in a timely fashion. Further, he shall assist the Unit in the timely preparation and dissemination of such correspondence of a general nature. In coordination with the Finance Officer, he shall maintain the Unit personnel records. He shall advise the HQ Membership Department of any changes of the Unit membership, and on a semi-annual basis provide a roster of Unit members for verification and updating.

Operations Officer

Minimum requirements, per General Staff policy, include all those listed for Unit Leader, plus a general or military aviation background. If the Unit has a CAF assigned aircraft it is recommended that he be a Commemorative Air Force rated pilot with a basic knowledge of CAF flight operations, including airshows and static displays, and the safety requirements and special considerations of each. He should also be well versed in the Aircraft Sponsorship Program. Specific duties include authorizing all flights of Unit assigned aircraft, operation of ground equipment, verification of pilot and crew member currency in FAA and CAF ratings and status, serving as Chairman of the Unit Flight Evaluation Board, and assignment of pilot and crew members for Unit aircraft missions. He shall maintain communications with Headquarters through the Vice President of Safety/Maintenance/Operations.

Maintenance Officer

Should be a FAA licensed A&P or IA. He is responsible for proper care and maintenance of all aircraft assigned to the Unit and for ground equipment. He shall schedule and direct restoration of all CAF aircraft assigned to the Unit. He shall oversee activities of Unit aircraft project officers and disseminate status reports of all Unit restoration projects to HQ and the Unit membership on a current and timely basis. He shall clear all restoration work with the CAF Director of Maintenance/Quality Assurance prior to implementation. He shall clear all planned expenditures through the Unit Staff. Specific duties include ensuring that all aircraft are in airworthy condition prior to flight, maintaining proper records and log books, ordering parts and supplies and training aircraft crew chiefs and ground equipment personnel. He shall submit a monthly maintenance and/or restoration report to Headquarters. Communications with CAF Headquarters will be initiated through the office of CAF Vice President of Safety/Maintenance/Operations.