ILWG Communications Special Event

In honor of the 70^th anniversary of the founding of Civil Air Patrol, a special radio net was held in December. It is the only known CAP communications event held recognizing 70 years of Civil Air Patrol.

Comprised of 14 volunteer operators, located around the state of Illinois, the day long activity garnered almost 400 unique radio contacts worldwide. Calls came from around the United States, and also from Japan, Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada. Those who sent a SASE were sent a commemorative CAP 'QSL card', which is a radio commemorative event postcard. That card featured a vintage photo of a CAP communication team from the 1950’s (above). Some participating members in the exercise honored the day by posing in a similar fashion for a photo (below). From left are Col. Maurice Givens, Capt. Ron Walerowicz, and Major Jim Bartel.

CAP amateur radio operators who participated were:

• Col. Maurice Givens,N9DC
• Col. Steve Peters, W9KXT
• Lt. Col. Ted Lohr, N9WDS
• Lt. Col. Constance Kelly, AC9CK
• Major Jim Bartel, N9NWU
• Major David Picek, KC9EAU
• Major Robert Becker, N9JCR
• Major Jerry Scherer, KC9LYO
• Major John Brendel, KC9PTF
• Capt. Ron Walerowicz K9SX
• Capt. Joe Schroeder, W9JUV
• Capt. Matt Brown, KC9UJC
• 1^st Lt. Lee French, N9YHO
• 1^st Lt. Michael Petz, KA9HNT

These members, who are all amateur radio operators, are members of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL). An upcoming article on the event is to be published in the ARRL's "QST Magazine", located at http://www.arrl.org/qst

ICE BOWL Exercise a Success!

ILWG's annual cold-weather training exercise, dubbed the "ICE BOWL", took place 27-29 January at locations around the state.

Personnel participated in the exercise through air and ground sorties at locations near Elgin, Moline, Alton, Bloomington, and West Chicago. The goal of the activity was to familiarize responders to the weather-related issues that often complicate the mission environment. Additionally, this served as a good opportunity to work on air-to-ground coordination, and also serve as a 'ramp up' to the March-scheduled USAF Evaluated Mission.

During the exercise, local media were present to tour DuPage mission base. The media got a chance to observe what CAP does, and how our committed volunteers come together to prosecute the objectives assigned. A local Chicagoland newspaper had their write-up on the front page at publication time. The web version of that article is available here .

A total of almost 80 people participated throughout the state, braving wind chills in the lower 20-degree range. But the proficiency work in this adverse weather benefits everyone, like most CAP training. "It's certainly improved my flying," said 2nd Lt. Stewart Orlin, from IL-312. "I had my pilot's license for 10 years before joining CAP. It gives me a way to use my skills. I've learned search techniques...that helps you not to get lost."

Incident Commander, Major Andrew Welch, wishes to express his thanks to all the key staff who worked tirelessly to plan this over a period of weeks, and to all who participated in a safe and enjoyable activity this year.