Civil Air Patrol guests at Blue and Gold awards banquet.

Jim Griggs, Captain, CAP
Commander IL-049

(from L to R- Lt Col Wipotnik, 2d Lt Grenz, Maj Dempsey)

On Friday February 19 2010, Cub Scout packs 270 and 316 held their annual Blue and Gold Banquet at River Trails Middle School in Mt. Prospect. As is the tradition, every year a different branch of the United States Military does an inspection of the Scout ranks.

This year the Palwaukee Composite Squadron was honored with an invitation to attend to assist in the inspection. CAP members Lt. Colonel Wipotnik, Maj Dempsey and 2nd Lt Grenz enjoyed the opportunity to address the young men and their leaders about the various missions and programs CAP has to offer, and how we serve the community at large. CAP and Scouting enjoy common ties in that our programs focus on teaching our youth leadership skills along with educational programs and various indoor and out door activities.

It was a fun filled evening of food, awards, and entertainment. Also being recognized at this year's function was the centennial of the Cub Scouts.

Community Outreach At Chicago Aviation Expo

Marc Stanley, 1st Lt, CAP

Public Affairs Officer

Palwaukee Composite Squadron (IL-049)

Left to right, Captain Bob Gould and 2d Lt Mike Grenz.


On Saturday January 30, the Illinois Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics held their annual Aviation Expo at the Itasca, IL Holiday Inn. The event was co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team (FAAST). Another co-sponsor was the Chicago Area 99’s, local members of an international organization of female pilots who promote networking and scholarship opportunities for women in aviation. As many as 300 people attended a variety of General Aviation safety seminars. Nestled among the vendors at the Expo were Palwaukee Squadron's own Captain Bob Gould and 2d Lt Mike Grenz, who spent the day talking with visitors and answering questions regarding CAP’s various missions and programs. Said Grenz, "I enjoyed this opportunity to network with others who share a passion for aviation".

10-M-0094

At approximately 0930, ILWG issued a REDCAP alert after multiple reports of a distress beacon heard at altitudes between 2500-20,000 ft. The initial reports seemed to put the beacon in the vicinity of Rockford, IL. After the data was reviewed by the Incident Commander, Ground Team Alpha, was released to the area west of Elgin, IL.

The team consisted of Palwaukee personnel 1st Lts. Damon Card (GTL), Scott McKnight, John Trimarco, and Captains Jim Griggs and Axel Velazquez. Upon reaching the rally point, the team was assigned The Landings Airport (82IS) near Gilberts, IL. The Gippsland GA-8 initially localized the signal in that vicinity. After reaching the airfield, the signal was acquired on the ground and quickly located in a nearby hangar. The C172 in question was in the process of being worked on, and the mechanic was still on-scene.

Team Leader Lt. Card was very pleased with the timely response PWK managed. "Lately we have seen an uptick in mission activity within the Wing, all without SARSAT now, and the continued quick response window from PWK is a great asset in this more complex environment".

Also responding to this alert was a Ground Team from Group 2, ILWG.

Palwaukee Composite Squadron Holds Annual Holiday and Awards Banquet

View All the Photos For the 2009 / 2010 Annual Holiday Party At:

http://picasaweb.google.com/il049.photos/PalwaukeeHolidayParty20092010AndAwardsCeremony

Mike Grenz, 2d Lt., CAP
Asst. Public Affairs Officer
Palwaukee Composite Squadron (IL-049)


On 10 January 2010, members of the Palwaukee Composite squadron gathered along with friends and family to enjoy an evening of camaraderie at Bristol Court Banquets in Mount Prospect to celebrate the past year and our many accomplishments together.

Captain Jim Griggs formally accepted command of the Squadron from Group 22 Commander, Maj. Bob Williams. He relieves 1st Lt. Scott Murphy, who helped to revitalize the Squadron’s membership as well as to strengthen its ties with Chicago Executive Airport and neighboring communities during the 3 years he was in charge.

The Squadron is blessed with a thriving Cadet Program and the following young people were honored for their contributions.

Civil Air Patrol Achievement Award presented to C/2nd Lt. Hannah Gottschalk
Cadet of the Year presented to c/SSgt Joseph Pratts
Palwaukee Leadership Award presented to c/2nd Lt. Ryan Weinberg
Most Spirited Cadet Award presented to c/SSgt Mitchell DeMaeyer
Cadet Mitchell DeMaeyer also received the Wright Brothers Milestone Award
Most Promising Cadet Award presented to c/SSgt Maxwell Liebl
Cadet Maxwell Liebl also received the Wright Brothers Milestone Award
Cadet Red Service Award presented to c/MSgt Grayson Watson
Cadet Red Service Award presented to c/SSgt Joseph Pratts
Cadet Frederick Lingner promoted to Cadet Senior Airman
Cadet Jordan LaMarche promoted to Cadet Technical Sergeant
Cadet Grayson Watson promoted to Cadet Master Sergeant

In addition, the incoming Cadet Commander: c/2nd Lt. Ryan Weinberg accepted command from outgoing Cadet Commander c/2nd Lt. Hannah Gottschalk.

Our Unit’s ability to provide emergency services, aerospace education and youth programs would not be possible but for the hard work and dedication of Senior Members. This evening, the following Seniors were also recognized for their contributions:

Commander's Award for Excellence - 1st Lt. John Trimarco
Deputy Commander’s Award for Excellence - 1st Lt. Tom DeMaeyer
Staff Officer of the Year - Capt. Ron Walerowicz
Volunteer Spirit Award - Lt Col Lou Wipotnik
Emergency Services Award - 1st Lt. Damon Card

Additionally, Major Williams presented CAP Achievement Awards to the following senior officers who helped to refurbish the Group 22 Mobile Command Post:

Major Robert Dempsey
Major Dave Picek (ILWG HQ)
Capt. Brian Pokuta (Lake County)
Capt. Jim Griggs
Capt. Axel Velazquez
1st Lt. Damon Card
1st Lt. Scott Murphy

As the new year begins, we look forward to helping our neighbors further, as well as learning and having fun together. Special thanks to the Bristol Court Banquets for the fine food and hospitality,