Q:         How do I join the CAF and the Centex Wing and the Yellow Rose Squadron?

A:         Applications for national CAF membership are available at the Hangar and online at the CAF web site.  Applications for membership in the local units are available at the Hangar.  National dues are $200 a year and dues for the local units are $50 each.  You are welcome to visit at the hangar and at a meeting prior to joining if you would like to get a feel for the organization. 

Q:        Are uniforms required and if so where can they be purchased?

A:        The ‘official’ shirt is a dark blue short or long sleeved shirt with the CAF wings and logo in silver.  This shirt is available from the HQ PX.   The HQ PX also sells a variety of shirts and caps that have the organization logos. This ‘uniform’ is worn when participating on official CAF HQ related activities, such as Sun-n-Fun and AirVenture and the Winter and Summer Conferences that are held in Midland.  Most units have a shirt with the unit’s name on it.  Centex Wing periodically orders the light brown shirt many members wear to meetings.  The Yellow Rose Squadron also has a ‘crew shirt’ that members wear.  The Centex PX has a variety of aircraft-oriented tee shirts for sale.  You are welcome to attend activities without purchasing a shirt of any kind.

Q:        What aircraft are at the Centex Hangar?

A:        Two aircraft are assigned to Centex Wing, a U-3A in navy colors and a P-39 from WWII.  The Yellow Rose Squadron is assigned the Yellow Rose B-25.  Two CAF aircraft support groups have aircraft in the hangar—the P-63 and the Kate (a converted T-6 used in Tora flights.)  Members with aircraft that meet requirements established by the Wing Staff have aircraft in the hangar.

Q:        What are the activities associated with the aircraft?

A:        The aircraft participate in air shows occasionally.  Many of the pilot-owners of hangar aircraft participate in flyovers in the local area and frequently practice formation flying.  Once a year, the units hold a Fly Day and give members and their families an opportunity to ride in some of the aircraft in the hangar. 

Q:        Can I participate in those activities?

A:         Yes!  The B-25 takes members to air shows to man the Yellow Rose PX.  A ground school for the B-25 is held every year that explains the systems, flying activities, crew duties, etc.  It is highly advisable to attend the school if you are interested in supporting those activities.  Anyone who wants to have a more hands-on experience can go through the Flight Mechanic training to be a member of the crew on B-25 flights.  Also, for many of the flyovers, back seat rides are available in participating aircraft. 

Q:        Are there other opportunities for rides?

A:         Yes.  The B-25 participates in the CAF ride-for-hire program and occasionally offers rides for sale when there are at least 5 paid riders.   Also, there are General Aviation (GA) aircraft owned by Wing members.  When they are flown there are often empty seats available for Wing members.  Usually the people who are around the hangar most often will know when these flights are available. 

Q:        How does the Wing make all the activities come together?

A:        With skill and cunning!  The Wing has "zero” paid employees.  Everything is run by members (also called volunteers).  There is an elected Wing Staff with responsibilities in various areas.  These staff members and volunteers handle ALL activities. The Wing cannot be successful without committed volunteers.  Activities and events are organized and planned at monthly meetings of the units.

Q:        How does a new member volunteer?

A:        On your application you indicate your interests. That information is shared with applicable Committee Chairpersons. Additionally, all new members are advised to attend a formal orientation session where matters concerning the Wing are openly discussed.  This is the forum for you to pose additional questions.  Finally, just come to the hangar and announce you are there to get acquainted and want to help.  We’ll do the rest; there will be a New Member Coordinator there to meet you.  The hangar is open from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.  There may be people there at other times, but you shouldn’t count on it without prior arrangement.

Q:        What if I do not live close to the Hangar?

A:         There is potential for you to participate from your home location.  You can join an event at a city near your home. 

Q:         Can my spouse be a member?

A:        Certainly, and it is encouraged.  Also, teenagers can become Cadets.  Membership requirements for a spouse/significant other are the same as for you.  Refer to additional questions on the following page. Cadet fees are somewhat less and involve a different application form.  Your spouse/partner is welcome to attend meetings and activities.

Q:        How are communications handled at the Wing?

A:        Through a variety of methods.  Monthly, members will receive newsletters from HQ at Midland and from the Wing and Squadron. Also, there are monthly membership meeting held at the hangar.  The hangar break room has a bulletin board where timely information is posted.  The best way to get the ‘scoop’ is come to the hangar frequently.  We also utilize email broadcasts for timely information.   

Q:        Does the Wing have a Web Page and Email?

A:         Yes!  HQ Midland also has a Web Page.  The HQ Web Page is www.commemorativeairforce.org and the Wing Web Page is www.centexwing.com.   The Yellow Rose Squadron page is www.b-25yellowrose.com.  There is also a HQ member Web Page, www.ghostsquadron.org, for you to explore.

Q:        What is a work party?

A:        An activity planned at the hangar on Saturdays to keep the building in tip top shape and perform ongoing maintenance on the aircraft and equipment.  There are additional tasks that need regular attention.  The hangar is open 4 days a week and there are activities going on all the time.  You are invited to come as often as possible.  Maintenance work is generally scheduled on M-W-F-S of each week.

Q:        When are my HQ annual dues ($200) due to Midland?

Q:           When are my Wing annual dues ($50) to be paid?

A:            January 1^st each year.  Your dues can be paid in person or by US Mail.  We appreciate it when you pay with a check or cash  to avoid credit card fees. 

Q:           Does the Wing have periodic social/fun activities?

A:            Yes!  The annual Dinner Dance held at Veterans Day is a ‘blast’ and also a fund-raiser for the Wing.  Get your tickets early.  Everyone works to put on this event. There is also a special committee that proposes and plans special fun events throughout the year.   A Christmas party and Fly Day is held every December.  Your monthly Wing newsletter announces many activities.

Q:           When are Officers elected to Wing positions?

A:            November.  They take their offices on January 1^st.  Officers serve two-year terms and the terms are staggered. 

Q:           Are there activities outside of the Hangar?

A:            Yes!  Many times the Wing is asked to supply speakers to tell about our organization.  Also, the Wing is asked to set-up displays of WWII memorabilia and help host interest in our displays.

Q:           Can I contribute to the restoration and upkeep of a specific aircraft maintained by the Wing?

A:            Certainly and it is encouraged.  There are several levels of support--all are acknowledged.  You should contact the Maintenance Officer if you are interested.  Don’t be shy and expect to be checked out before taking on serious work.

Q:           What does the 501 (C) 3 designation mean to me?

A:            We are a tax-exempt charitable organization. You will have charitable deductions on your federal and state taxes if you file the long form. This includes your dues to HQ Midland, Centex Wing and contributions to the museum and sponsorship of aircraft.

Q:           Do I have to pay to ride in a Wing’s aircraft?

A:            If you are a Crew member and/or are working on an aircraft there is no fee.  As a member you may be entitled to a ride on one of the Wing’s aircraft after you have become involved and contributed to Wing activities, subject to available seats, etc.

Q:           What should I know about the Monthly Membership meetings?

A:            Centex meetings are held in the Officer’s Club.  It is a dinner meeting and we have dinner before the meeting starts.  Serving generally starts at 7 p.m. but there is a social period before the meeting starts.  The Yellow Rose Squadron meeting is at 6 p.m. on the same night as the Centex meeting.  The main dish is provided by a member.  A sign-up for this is held at the beginning of each year.  Side dishes and desserts are brought by members.  There is a donation jar as well.  If you do not bring something you should be generous in your donation!    After the meeting cleanup volunteers are needed for kitchen duty.  Everyone is expected to take a turn at helping.

Q:           What are some other important rules at the Hangar?

A:            The hangar is a non-smoking environment.  There is no exception to this rule.  Snacks and drinks are available in the Break Room and lunch is often provided--a donation jar is available to pay for them.  It takes a lot of work to keep the hangar functioning.  Everyone is expected to pitch in.  There is a lot of oil around the hangar and dark clothes are suggested when coming to work.   Finally, it is very important for new members to be aware of the CAF’s Code of Conduct.  A copy will be made available for new members.