This morning I turned on my television to learn about another tornado
This one went through a boy scout camp, killing four and injuring forty (as of this morning).
It is not secret CAP and the Scouts have a friendly rivalry going on, but these scouts demonstrated true heroism as they battled the tornado and it's aftermath. Stories were told of scouts performing CPR on each other as they awaited rescue.
My condolences go out to those four families who lost someone so dear to them.
Semper Vigilans.
June 12, 2008
June 8, 2008
Gen. Tuxill's Retirement Ceremony
This past Saturday, I had the great honor and fortune to attend Maj. Gen. Bruce Tuxill's retirement ceremony. Gen. Tuxill was the Adjutant General for Maryland, and served in that capacity with distinction. The wing was invited to attend because, as the General put it, we "were there for the guard".
As with most of these ceremonies, there was a lot of hurry up and wait. We, along with representatives of the National Guard, Air Guard and Maryland Defense Force rehearsed the ceremony to ensure everyone was on the same page. The rehearsal went smoothly, and we were dismissed early for lunch and general wandering around.
I took the only other cadet from my squadron able to attend to the Maryland Military Museum, which seemed to focus entirely on Maryland's contribution to the First World War. There was, however, a nice video on the State's involvement in the Second World War.
The rest of the day besides the ceremony itself was spent mingling with two of the group commanders, a couple of the wing staff members, and representatives of several other CAP squadrons. Some Cadets did a rousing rendition of "Don't Stop Believing"to pass the time. As Major Tiso (our group Emergency Services Officer) observed, it's a great song when Journey sings it, but they were having fun (and so was I).
Around 12:00, an Air Force Major came to us and called all the Civil Air Patrol's representatives over. He spoke for several minutes about how the (former) Adjutant General was incredibly impressed with our performance, and how much he appreciated our help. As a result, we were all presented with a Challenge Coin for our service during that day, and for the duration of the General's command.
The ceremony itself was not so breif, but the comments made by the the guests were. The Governor, the incoming Adjutant General and General Tuxill all made speeches. The General, having a lot to be proud of, cited the combat sorties flown by the Air Guard in support of operations around the globe, and the deployment of Military Department forces to support the recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
The General did speak breifly about the Wing, noting that although we weren't under the Maryland Military Department, we were there when the Guard needed us, and he thanked us for our help once again.
I must thank the General for all the support he has given us. He has gone to bat for this wing more times than most, giving us money from his department, providing National Guard Support, and serving as a champion of our organization as a whole. He has placed himself in front of the State Legislature to get us money, and assigned us missions that would normally be assigned to Guard units.
As I said in my last post, General Tuxill's support for the Maryland Wing has been unwavering, and serves as an example to Adjutant Generals of all states. I wish I had a challenge coin to give the General, as a way to say Thank You to him.
Good Luck Sir, and Semper Vigilans!
As with most of these ceremonies, there was a lot of hurry up and wait. We, along with representatives of the National Guard, Air Guard and Maryland Defense Force rehearsed the ceremony to ensure everyone was on the same page. The rehearsal went smoothly, and we were dismissed early for lunch and general wandering around.
I took the only other cadet from my squadron able to attend to the Maryland Military Museum, which seemed to focus entirely on Maryland's contribution to the First World War. There was, however, a nice video on the State's involvement in the Second World War.
The rest of the day besides the ceremony itself was spent mingling with two of the group commanders, a couple of the wing staff members, and representatives of several other CAP squadrons. Some Cadets did a rousing rendition of "Don't Stop Believing"to pass the time. As Major Tiso (our group Emergency Services Officer) observed, it's a great song when Journey sings it, but they were having fun (and so was I).
Around 12:00, an Air Force Major came to us and called all the Civil Air Patrol's representatives over. He spoke for several minutes about how the (former) Adjutant General was incredibly impressed with our performance, and how much he appreciated our help. As a result, we were all presented with a Challenge Coin for our service during that day, and for the duration of the General's command.
The ceremony itself was not so breif, but the comments made by the the guests were. The Governor, the incoming Adjutant General and General Tuxill all made speeches. The General, having a lot to be proud of, cited the combat sorties flown by the Air Guard in support of operations around the globe, and the deployment of Military Department forces to support the recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
The General did speak breifly about the Wing, noting that although we weren't under the Maryland Military Department, we were there when the Guard needed us, and he thanked us for our help once again.
I must thank the General for all the support he has given us. He has gone to bat for this wing more times than most, giving us money from his department, providing National Guard Support, and serving as a champion of our organization as a whole. He has placed himself in front of the State Legislature to get us money, and assigned us missions that would normally be assigned to Guard units.
As I said in my last post, General Tuxill's support for the Maryland Wing has been unwavering, and serves as an example to Adjutant Generals of all states. I wish I had a challenge coin to give the General, as a way to say Thank You to him.
Good Luck Sir, and Semper Vigilans!
June 2, 2008
MD Adjutant General Retiring
It is with sadness that I say farewell to Maj. Gen. Bruce Tuxill, USAF and the Maryland Adjutant General. General Tuxill has been a steadfast supporter of CAP throughout the many years I have been involved in Maryland Wing. I had the pleasure to briefly meet him at the Maryland Wing Ball last year. He was certainly a stand-up guy, and his comments about CAP and what we can be ring in my ears to this day.
General Tuxill's support of the CAP is a model to all State Adjutant Generals. His belief in us has landed CAP many great opportunities in this state, and increased our readiness and willingness to serve. With his support, Maryland is a fine wing to serve in.
To further demonstrate his support of the CAP, the wing has been invited to participate in the General's retirement ceremony.
I hope that his successor will follow the example the General has laid out. And perhaps one day soon, I will be able to meet the General again, but this time as a fellow CAP officer.
May 26, 2008
Memorial Day
Today is the day we Americans reflect upon the sacrifices of so many for the rest of us. Regretfully, I lack the abilities to adequately convey those feelings one must express on days such as these.
However, although this day rightly focuses on the five armed forces, please remember that CAP officers have also died in the line of duty. "The Flying Minutemen" documents 67 deaths of CAP officers and men during World War II, and many more have died since then. Most were looking for someone who needed them.
So on this Memorial Day, please raise your glasses to the men and women of the Armed Forces, but don't forget the Civil Air Patrol's brave souls in that toast.
Update: I can't believe I forgot this, but today appropriately celebrates our 60th year as the Auxiliary of the Air Force. Semper Vigilans, fellow Patrolman, and hope for another 60 years as the Auxiliary.
May 23, 2008
Twister in So. CA
For those of you who haven't turned on the news recently, a tornado ripped through southern California yesterday. At first, I paid no attention to this story as twisters are pretty common this time of year. But then I learned that the mouth was half a mile in diameter.
That's a big tornado.
From what I understand, the damage is pretty devastating, but the citizens are coping and recovering. Wildfires may not be our forte, but disaster relief certainly is. Hopefully CAWG is involved in some way. I know I have that familiar feeling. Put me in the game, coach.
Let me know if anyone hears anything about this.
And to those responding, and those effected: Semper Vigilans
That's a big tornado.
From what I understand, the damage is pretty devastating, but the citizens are coping and recovering. Wildfires may not be our forte, but disaster relief certainly is. Hopefully CAWG is involved in some way. I know I have that familiar feeling. Put me in the game, coach.
Let me know if anyone hears anything about this.
And to those responding, and those effected: Semper Vigilans
Look out below!
Thanks to RiverAux, I have been informed of a proposal out in Oregon for CAP Aircrews. This article indicates the development of small survival packs our aircrews can drop to a survivor. The best part is they're easily adaptable to fill whatever needs the survivor(s) may have.
Personally, I think this is a great idea. As aircrew, I have often thought about our role in the greater response beyond searching. Rocking our wings as it were is not enough to give a survivor moral support. If I was a crash victim, and I saw a Cessna above me rock their wings, I wouldn't know what that meant. How should they if they're not in the community? At least this way they have proof.
Of course, if the victim is injured and can't move, it's useless. That's where medics would come in. Oh wait...
Personally, I think this is a great idea. As aircrew, I have often thought about our role in the greater response beyond searching. Rocking our wings as it were is not enough to give a survivor moral support. If I was a crash victim, and I saw a Cessna above me rock their wings, I wouldn't know what that meant. How should they if they're not in the community? At least this way they have proof.
Of course, if the victim is injured and can't move, it's useless. That's where medics would come in. Oh wait...
May 22, 2008
Deja Vu?
I didn't intend to post another entry so soon after my last post (which should be read). However, I was watching Fox News, only to find that California is once again suffering from wildfires. Once again I have a 'put me in the game, coach' feeling. I foresee the next few days will renew the debate that CAP belongs in the game here. However, despite that gut reaction to jump in and help, I will reiterate my position: CAP has no place in the game...at least not yet.
However, this is a good debate to have. So...have at it!
However, this is a good debate to have. So...have at it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)