Civil Air Patrol's COVID-19 Remobilization Efforts Reach 'Turning Point'
March 24 was a happy day for Civil Air Patrol, as the last of CAP's 52 wings reached Phase III (the least restrictive phase) for COVID-19 remobilization — a major milestone in the organization's historic response to the pandemic.
“We are excited to see all the wings in Phase III and consider this a turning point," said Brig. Gen. Regena Aye, who leads CAP's remobilization teams as national vice commander. “While we understand another variant or surge might cause movement between the phases, I am confident our members and wings will quickly adapt operations if that occurs.
"We have seen tremendous dedication to mitigating the risks posed by COVID-19 during the pandemic, and our members have mastered the precautions necessary to operate safely. In essence, we have learned to live with the COVID-19 threat.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to our members and staff, who have shown great perseverance in facing a daunting, invisible foe,” Aye said. “I know it's been a long journey that tested our patience as well as our resolve. Our members and staff have done great work during pandemic operations.
“I would also like to express my gratitude to the COVID-19 Plans team and Exceptions team. These teams are comprised of professionals who were often heavily tasked during the pandemic and still found the time and energy to lend their expertise to our COVID-19 efforts in CAP.”
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Great Lakes Region's Rose Hunt: 'Always Treat People with Respect'
For Women's History Month, CAP.news profiles Col. Rose Hunt, Great Lakes Region commander and former Wisconsin Wing commander.
Hunt has a two-word philosophy — along with an ethic that makes a longshoreman’s work habits look like those of a middle school boy — that has propelled her trailblazing career in business and in Civil Air Patrol.
“People First.”
“If you treat people with respect, give them the value they deserve, they’ll go forth and do great things,” Hunt said. “If you’ve made them feel important and valued, they’ll do great work. You need to help them understand the ‘Why.’ Always start with the ‘Why?’ Take care of your humans.”
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Early CAP Member Set Records as Female Flyer |
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For Women's History Month, Civil Air Patrol honors Louise McPhetridge Thaden.
She began her aviation career in 1926 with her first solo flight and rapidly became a major figure in the aviation world. Over the next 10 years she set air records in many categories and won numerous awards, culminating with the Harmon Trophy Award in 1936 as Outstanding Aviatrix of the Year.
CAP’s national artist, Maj. Ron Finger, has depicted a historic aircraft similar to one Thaden flew during the 1940s — the Curtiss-Robertson Robin C-1.
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Check out these Women's History Month stories about other notable women who have served in Civil Air Patrol: |
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Kentucky Cadet Earns 'Wings' on 17th Birthday
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Cadet 1st Lt. Mason Rowe of the Kentucky Wing earned his FAA private pilot certificate March 24 — his 17th birthday.
“It's been a great path that I've been able to take,” said Rowe, who also soloed in a glider at the age of 14 and in an airplane on his 16th birthday.
Rowe is the 149th Cadet Wings graduate and the first cadet with a Ray Navigator (senior member mentor), becoming CAP's newest pilot to receive his certificate with funding from the Ray Foundation.
“We are very appreciative of the [Ray funding],” said his father, Mark Rowe. “It was a huge help. Not sure we could have done it on his birthday without it!”
Mason Rowe estimated most of his pilot training — “close to 30 hours” — came in the past month, courtesy of the Ray funding.
The Rowes belong to the Kentucky Wing's Owensboro Composite Squadron.
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Hawaii Wing to Remember CAP Pilots Lost in Accident |
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A Celebration of Life memorial service is planned for Lt. Col. James Degnan and Capt. David Parker — Hawaii Wing pilots lost in an aircraft accident on Kaua'i March 20.
The service is set for April 5 at the Kaua'i Veterans Center from 6-8 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. The veterans center is located at 3215 Kapule Highway in Lihue.
Efforts are being made to livestream the service. Further details will be announced later.
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Spring Recruiting Challenge on Tap for CAP Wings |
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The Spring Recruiting Challenge is set for April 1-July 31. It will consist of two competition categories — total growth and percentage growth.
Wings will be grouped into two categories — large (more than 1,000 members) and small. There will be four winners total: the wing with the highest total growth and the wing with the highest percentage growth from each of the two categories.
The four winning wing commanders, their respective region commanders, and their wing/region directors of recruiting and retention will enjoy a special lunch with Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, national commander, and Brig. Gen. Regena Aye, national vice commander, during the 2022 National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
“We hope this challenge will motivate and inspire units to rebuild their membership rolls,” Phelka said.
The National Recruiting and Retention Team will host a series of online workshops to provide assistance for recruiting and retention directors at all levels to help plan and conduct open houses, information sessions, and publicity events. Workshop dates will be released soon. Open house resources are available for download.
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Donate Your Car, RV, or Plane and Make a Difference |
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Wings and Wheels is a nationally known vehicle donation program that accepts cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and airplanes for the benefit of Civil Air Patrol.
The program makes it easy to turn your car, RV, or plane into a donation for CAP and its programs.
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'Beacon' Previews Safety Information System Rollout
This month’s Safety Beacon is published and available online. The March issue of the newsletter highlights a few new concepts associated with the rollout of the CAP Safety Information System later this year, and clarifies non-mishap reportable events.
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This Week's Top Headlines |
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“Sioux Falls, Rushmore Squadrons Earn Opportunity to Represent South Dakota Wing at Regional Level”
(Pierre, S.D.)
“Civil Air Patrol Cadet Wins VFW Post 4337's Patriot Pen Local and District Level National Essay Contest”
(Leesburg, Fla.)
“The Sky's the Limit: Civil Air Patrol's Steamboat Squadron Looks to Grow”
(Steamboat Springs, Colo.)
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Every unit of blood collected through the combined efforts of Civil Air Patrol volunteers saves three lives. During its 23-month response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Pulse Lift has collected this number of units: |
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Operation Pulse Lift's two-year COVID-19 anniversary (April 15) stretch goal is 12,000 units. |
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CAP Marketing & Strategic Communications
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