Archive for May 2013
Veterans’ sacrifices ‘must not go unnoticed,’ national commander urges in Memorial Day message
Join me this Memorial Day in remembering the millions of courageous men and women of the U.S. armed forces who have served, fought and died in defense of America, both in wars and other military service.
This holiday is especially meaningful to Civil Air Patrol because of our proud history of service to America during World War II. As members, many of you know the story well: that the original members of CAP are among the heroes we honor on every Memorial Day. Inspired by the highest sense of patriotism and pride, these volunteer aviators valiantly defended their homeland during the early days of World War II by acting as “subchasers” along America’s shores. In all, 64 members of these brave aircrews died and 26 were lost at sea. Their legacy of selfless service to our country led to Public Law 557, which made CAP the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force soon after the war ended.
Civil Air Patrol is very proud of this legacy and equally proud of our partnership with the U.S. Air Force. Whatever the need and whenever the call, CAP members are always vigilant in their service to America. It is a commitment we celebrate on this Memorial Day as we pause to remember our veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The sacrifices of CAP’s fallen, and those of hundreds of thousands of others who have died for our great nation, must not go unnoticed. Many of you have U.S. combat veterans in your units who fought and served courageously alongside these brave men and women both at home and abroad. They know well the importance of their sacrifice – that because of it we enjoy so many freedoms today.
So, on this Memorial Day, don’t forget these men and women, for they have given so much.
Semper Vigilans!
CHARLES L. CARR JR.
Major General, CAP
Commander
CAP Congressional Gold Medal bill passes Senate
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS – A bill to honor Civil Air Patrol’s World War II members with a Congressional Gold Medal has passed the Senate after gaining the necessary co-sponsors needed for consideration.
S. 309, passed under unanimous consent Monday night, recognizes CAP members’ contributions during wartime, including using their own aircraft to conduct combat operations and other emergency missions under hazardous conditions.
Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr, CAP national commander, credited members’ and other supporters’ hard work and expressed his thanks not only to leaders throughout the organization but also to the 82 Senators — 15 more than the minimum needed — who have signed on as co-sponsors for S. 309.
U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who introduced the bill, said that “as the long-standing commander of CAP’s Congressional Squadron in Washington, D.C., I have long recognized the contributions of CAP to our nation, particularly in its time of greatest peril during World War II. That is why I sponsored the Congressional Gold Medal bill in the Senate.”
“I want to publically thank my colleagues in the Senate who joined me as supporters of this legislation as co-sponsors of S. 309,” Harkin said.
Gov. Branstad orders flags at half-staff Friday in observance of Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony
(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad has ordered all flags on the Capitol Complex be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013, in observance of the Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony which is to be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Oran Pape State Office Building of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays on the capitol Complex. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
The following memorial ceremony is open to the public and all are invited to attend the 30-minute ceremony to pay their respects to Iowa police officers killed in the line of duty:
Friday, May 10, 2013
10 a.m. Iowa Peace Officer Memorial Ceremony
Iowa Peace Officer Memorial
Oran State Office Building, Iowa Department of Public Safety
Des Moines, IA
Please note the new location this year.
Gov. Branstad orders flags at half-staff to honor Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician Donald P. McGrane
(DES MOINES) – Gov. Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2013, to honor Vietnam War Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Technician Donald P. McGrane of Waverly, Iowa, who was set to be laid to rest today at Arlington National Cemetery.
McGrane had been missing since July 19, 1967.
The governor’s directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the governor’s executive order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.
Flags will be at half-staff on the state Capitol building and on flag displays in the Capitol complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.
For background on Donald P. McGrane, please see the below release from the Department of Defense:
Last call for Balsem Award Entries!
CAP PAO/PIOs,
The Balsem Awards deadline is Wednesday, May 15, so there is still time to enter your work for the chance to be recognized for excellence in 9 categories! Entering is easy. Simply complete the Balsem Awards template on eServices, BUT be sure to allow enough time for your commander to approve your entries.
The template will be shut down at midnight on May 15.
Civil Air Patrol Receives Grant for Pilot Training
1st Lt Ron Mutchler
Commander
Des Moines Senior Squadron
DES MOINES, IA – The Des Moines Senior Squadron, a unit of the Iowa Wing, Civil Air Patrol, was recently awarded a $2500 grant from Prairie Meadows Community Betterment Grant Program.
The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force and provides area Emergency Services agencies with aerial and ground search and rescue support for downed aircraft, missing persons, and disaster assessments, to list a few. The organization also provides aerospace education and character development programs for area cadet members ages 12-21.
Prairie Meadows Community Grant Program is affiliated with Prairie Meadows Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel which provides gaming opportunities for Iowa residents at their facilities in Altoona, Iowa.
The Des Moines Senior Squadron will be using the grant funds to provide pilot proficiency training in aerial search and rescue as well as provide flight time for air crew personnel. The squadron currently has 8 active pilots in its membership along with 10 support members for air and ground operations. The squadron predominately serves the areas of central and western Iowa from our home base at the Ankeny Regional Airport. For more information about the Des Moines Senior Squadron and the Civil Air Patrol, contact 1Lt Ron Mutchler at (515)783-7056.
Southwest Iowa Composite Squadron
Northwest Iowa Composite Squadron IA-007
Iowa Wing CAP
Iowa Wing News 