HISTORIANS REPORT 2009

1. HISTORIANS REPORT 2009 “History is just not old stuff anymore”

2. HISTORIANS OFFICE - CAP NHQ

3. Colonel Leonard A. Blascovich, CAP National Historian • Heading up the research team to locate a permanent home and Museum for CAP History and archives • Working on an in-depth history of the relationship of CAP and the USAF since before 1947 to the present. • Completed monograph that covers the history of the CAP/USAF Uniform 1951 to present. • History of the CAP’s Board Of Governers • Working on the true and factual history of CAP Grade structure and wearing the same as the military and its impact on USC 10 & USAF • In the final stages of the CAP Unit Citation Database. • Designed of CAP Honor Guard Badge • Displays at Waco Museum in Ohio of CAP WW2 • Displays at Long Island Maritime Museum CP 17 WW2 • Working legal issues on who owns CAP history, photographs and artifacts • Working with Jack Faas, Chairman of the CAP Historical Foundation to develop its public awareness program. • Completed an in depth inventory of CAP National Archives • We now possess the largest collection of CAP Memorabilia and WW-II documentation in the USA.

4. LTC Todd Engleman, CAPAssistant National Historian • Met with staff at National Museum  of USAF (Wright-Patt) to locate old CAP display.  Currently in “revolving collection” (i.e. – in storage), and not on display.  Eventually hope to restore it and have it placed on permanent display (possibly in presidential gallery under the two suspended CAP aircraft). • Scanned and organized CAP historical documents for publication/research. • Gathered research data on coastal wreck survey from NOAA.  Hoping to locate WWII German submarines, with eventual intent to identify those sunk by CAP. • Submitted draft CAP Pamphlet on historical preservation (tentatively CAPP 8) to NHQ/HO staff for review. • Visited OKWG HQ at Tinker AFB and met with historian.  • Transferred to NHQ historical staff as Asst. Nat’l Historian. • Assisted Curator with data on WWII CAP munitions used for Coastal Patrol aircraft. • Attended OHWG conference. • Coordinated for Robert Arn (WWII subchaser) promotion to Colonel and DSM.  • Conducted oral history interview with COL Robert Arn.  Planning follow-on home visit in January. • Took over records of NB members from WWII to present from Len Blascovich • Submitted sketch of Chaplain 60th anniversary coin to Jim Shaw for input. • Contacted Chaplain Woodard about 60th Anniversary. • Began CAP 70th Anniversary designs. • Located full NOAA wreck database identifying known ship and airplane wreck sites off US east coast.  Will use this to compare with known CAP information. • Met with Curator of VA Museum in Dayton, OH. • Began draft of CAPP 5 revision (superseding older CAPP 5 and CAPP 6) for Oral and Written Histories • Completed tasks for master rating in historian specialty track. (CAPF 2A attached) • Writing revision to Lee Regan’s Collector’s Catalog (1985). • Online research on other organizations (NOAA, AOPA, others) to identify connections with CAP and locate documentation. • Researching biographical information about the founders of CAP. • Researching organizations that pre-dated CAP and became part of it in 1941. • Scanning historical documents from private collection into OCR capable files for easier future research. • Research into OH Civil Air Guard. • Compiling Medal of Valor information and citations for future publication.

5. Major James Shaw, CAP National Curator • Created glass chess board for Major General Bowling, Colonel Hodgkins. • Provided CAP Historical Graphics CD (1.2GB) to: Wing & Region Historians. • Proposed newer version of Homeland Security Ribbon and Medal • Recruited 4 new members for CAP Medal of Valor Association. • Interviewed former GAWG Cadet Merhert (C/2nd Lt. 1956-1961) • Created and printed 300 custom posters with squadron name and new CAP website information on them. • Custom designed new version of Eyes of the Home Skies Poster for reproduction and sale through Historical Foundation. • Attended GAWG Conference and took personal CAP collection for conference display. • CAP Presentation at Westover High School for career day’ -Live Oak Elementary for Aviation Explorer week • CAP and Model Rocketry Class at Avalon United Methodist Church - Boy Scout Pack 11- AWANA meeting for Leesburg Baptist Church. Chart and Map reading class at Boy Scout Baloo Family Weekend Lee County Elementary School • Attended GAWG Unit Commanders Course. • Proposed design for National Staff Badge for National Commander • Lead effort to have Col. Ben Stone of GAWG inducted into Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame. He is on ballot for 2010 inclusion. • Created and printed 300 book markers and poster for sale of CAPHF items at NB 2009 • Published historical guideline and presented at NB 2009 • Assisted in the publication of CAP Historical Book by Lt Col Perrenot • Designed challenge coin for Wreaths Across America and Drug Demand Reduction program. • Assisted with the legality of CAP picture rights. • Edited CAP historical manual for Lt. Col Todd Engelman • Presented Model Rocketry Class • Provided historical foundation with music CD to use for fund raising. • Acquired Coastal Patrol Base 11 scrapbook. • Created two custom glass presentation pieces for Curry family members. • Completed test for Senior Safety Officer aircraft ground handling test Master Safety Officer • Created custom Curry Awards presentation crystals. crystal eagle for foundation donor • Currently working on Kruse Museum panels.

6. LTC Axel Ian Ostling, CAP Archivist-Historian & Researcher • Team member to locate a permanent home and Museum for CAP History and archives • Key member of the CAP Preservation Team • Working on scanning the CAP Colonel Personnel records 1946-to 1980 and developing a database for this information • Research for the CAP aircraft at the New England Air Museum (the historically significant Sikorsky S-39 amphibian and a Stinson 10-A from the Coastal Patrol) and developing a new CAP exhibit at the NEAM. • Developed a document describing the CAP exhibits at NEAM for the Museum at Lantana, Florida, where CAP had a Coastal Patrol base in WW II. • Working with another museum volunteer on an upgrade in the CAP exhibit at NEAM since adding the Stinson 10-A to the Sikorsky S-39B • Training the NEAM docents on Civil Air Patrol (history and current operations). • Completed an in depth inventory of CAP National Archives

7. LTC Allan F. Pogorzelski, CAPArchivist-Historian Researcher • Researching the CAP- NCO History, and rank structure 1941-1991 • Supporting New York Wing Historical collection • Researching the who, what, and where of CAP’s U-boat sinking’s. • Heraldry Advisor for CAP Awards and Decorations. • Working with Congresswoman Anita Lowe for recognition for CAP WW2 Member to be awarded the American Defense Medal • Researching the history behind the Unit Citation design and awards

8. LTC Joan C. Follender, CAP Historical Aerospace Education Officer • Completed a Program and associated test that covers CAP’s historical points as outline in the Flying Minuteman one that seniors and cadets can take on-line. • Successfully completion with be recognized by the “Brigadier General Earl L. Johnson, USAAF” History Achievement Certificate

9. Major Geraldine Ostling, CAPHistorian-Public Affairs • Developing methods and procedures' with list of specific contacts that might have avenues’ of educational and corporate sponsorships. • Whereupon CAP Historians would be able to work with colleges & universities along with industry and foundations for money, grants and/or supporting research for CAP History. • Coordinate with the CAP Historical Foundation to avoid counter productivity.