| An
Introduction from the National Commander |
| Civil Air
Patrol: A Proud Legacy Continues |
| Civil Air Patrol enjoys a proud legacy
of selfless sacrifice and service to country and community that spans decades. |
| The first Civil Air Patrol members of 1941
were a heroic breed, men and women who served their country by
sinking or chasing away German submarines off America's East and
Gulf coasts. As a result of their bravery, patriotism and
tenacity, CAP subchasers effectively thwarted German U-boat
attacks and, in the process, saved countless lives. |
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| Today, CAP handles 90 percent of inland
search and rescue missions, with approximately 75 - 100 lives saved
each year. Our members are generally the first on the scene
transmitting satellite digital images of the damage within
seconds around the world and providing disaster relief and
emergency services following natural and manmade disasters,
including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas and
Oklahoma wildfires, tornadoes in the south and central U.S.,
North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006 earthquake in
Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the U.S. and
Mexican border. |
| In addition, CAP members are
dedicated to counterdrug reconnaissance and to teaching a new
generation about aerospace and its impact on our future. And our
cadet programs ensure our youth receive some of the finest
leadership training the nation has to offer. |
| Unlike our founding CAP
fathers, many of whom flew their own airplanes and performed
life-threatening missions without any formal training, our
55,000 members are now provided with top-notch, year-round
professional development training opportunities and with
aircraft equipped with the most advanced technologies available
for search and rescue. |
| Indeed, Civil Air Patrol makes
a huge impact each and every day, going above and beyond to make
a profound difference in America's communities. As a vigilant
CAP volunteer, you save lives and preserve liberty for all.
Thank you for your service. |
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| Semper vigilans! |
Maj. Gen. Mark E. Smith
CAP National Commander |
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