PROPS: Civil Air Patrol's Silver Medal of Valor Awarded

Virginia CAP Member Honored for Valor in Burning Vehicle Rescue

Capt. David G. Disselkamp of Virginia Wing’s Southside Composite Squadron has been honored with Civil Air Patrol’s Silver Medal of Valor for his actions in removing an elderly man from an overturned vehicle in flames on a highway off-ramp in June 2021.

Disselkamp was driving on World War II Veterans Memorial Highway in Midlothian, Virginia, on June 28 when he spotted the vehicle lying on its side in a high-speed blind curve, then immediately pulled over to assess the situation.

Without hesitation he sprinted across several lanes of traffic to the burning vehicle, inside which an elderly man was trapped.

More About Capt. Disselkamp's Heroic Actions

Cadet's Choice Draws National Attention

Cadet Capt. Noble Rasmussen of the Nebraska Wing's Omaha Composite Squadron made national news last week when it was announced he had received appointments to all five U.S. military service academies. He revealed his school of choice — the U.S. Air Force Academy — in a “Fox & Friends” telecast on April 28.

Rasmussen's accomplishment first aired earlier in the week on 3 News Now in his hometown and quickly spread to Fox News and Yahoo! News as well as other TV affiliates nationwide. By week's end, more than 25 million people had learned about the cadet's achievement through regional and national news channels.

His accomplishment was also recognized by Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelkia, CAP national commander/CEO, who congratulated him in an email. “I saw your story on the Fox News’ website and wanted to offer my personal congratulations on your unique success,” Phelka said.

“It is extremely rare to receive an offer of acceptance from all five military academies — well done! I was so pleased and proud to learn of your outstanding achievement. I truly hope your time as a CAP cadet has prepared you well to be of service to the nation. You represent CAP very well and I’m proud that you’re a CAP cadet. I wish you continued success in the future.”

Cadet Rasmussen's Fox News Story

Cadet Rasmussen's Yahoo! News Story

American Red Cross Honors Civil Air Patrol

Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka (third from left), CAP national commander/CEO, accepts an award from the American Red Cross in recognition of CAP's two-year commitment to the organization's COVID-19 response.

The presentation was made April 23 by Jason Benedict (right), director of the ARC's Southwest Region Blood Program, at CAP's Arizona Wing/Southwest Region Conference. The two men were joined on the stage by (from left) Lt. Col. Robert Ditch and Col. Rob Pinckard.

From April 15, 2020-April 15, 2022, CAP members from across the nation — responding to a request from the surgeon general of the U.S. — supported the collection and donation of over 12,000 units of blood. The contributions came at a critical time when the nation had lost more than 80% of its blood donor capabilities with the closure of businesses, churches, and schools and universities.

Every unit of blood collected through the combined efforts of CAP volunteers saves three lives, according to the Red Cross. During the pandemic response, Operation Pulse Lift has collected this number of units:

Report Your Blood Donation to CAP

Operation Pulse Lift's new stretch goal for the beginning of the fiscal year, Oct. 1, is 15,000 units, with a 2022 year-end goal of 16,667.

NHQ News

Details for 'Candy Bomber' Celebration Announced

More details have been announced for the Celebration of Life events planned May 20-21 in the Provo, Utah, area for retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen — “the Candy Bomber” who brought candy, comfort, and hope to deprived German children as “Uncle Wiggly Wings” during the 1948-1949 Berlin Airlift.

Halvorsen, one of the early CAP members whose service during World War II earned the organization the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014, died Feb. 16 at age 101.

Here are highlights from the scheduled events:

May 20, Provo Municipal Airport (KPVU) — From 10 a.m.–4 p.m., tours will be given of the Air Force C-17 that will be christened as the ”Spirit of the Candy Bomber” in honor of Halvorsen. Tours will also be given of the Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation's ”Spirit of Freedom” C-54. This will be followed by a naming ceremony at 5 p.m. for the C17, with a special program featuring highlights from Halvorsen's life.
May 21, Spanish Fork Municipal Airport (KSPK) — Walk-through displays will feature memorabilia and STEM activities for youth. Set for 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. are the groundbreaking for the new Halvorsen Heritage Center and other presentations, followed by a C-54 flyover and candy drop.

Registration is required to participate in several general events. For more information, go to The Candy Bomber: Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education Foundation website, which includes details about virtual events.

In addition, CAP squadrons are encouraged to celebrate Halvorsen’s life by participating in service activities in their communities around these two days. Read more about suggested Day of Service events in Halvorsen's memory in the April 13 PROPS. Please email any photos or details of your service event to mac@capnhq.gov.

Starting Today, 'PROPS' to Publish Twice a Month

With this delivery of PROPS, CAP's digital digest of news, events, essential information, and human-interest stories is becoming a twice-a-month publication. This means the newsletter formerly sent weekly to your inbox will now be delivered during the first and third weeks of each month.

“Over the past 2½ years, PROPS has become one of Civil Air Patrol's most effective communications tools,” said Steve Cox, who oversees production of the newsletter. “The Marketing and Strategic Communications team appreciates your faithful readership over this time period and looks forward to your continued support as we alter the schedule. This will allow our team more time to focus on CAP's ongoing branding efforts.”

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Interested in Serving on National Diversity Council?

CAP is accepting volunteers to fill three at-large positions on the National Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council. The council serves as an advisory body for the national commander and national staff on matters related to diversity and inclusion. It may also conduct projects and studies and develop materials to support the diversity and inclusion program.

Appointments will be for a two-year term. The council will meet quarterly on a virtual platform, with additional meetings as called by the national commander or the council chair.

Senior members wishing to volunteer should submit their resume and a one-page narrative discussing the following:

Your perspectives on diversity and inclusion, specifically in CAP.
How you would contribute to the diversity of the council. This is not limited to race, gender, religion, etc.; include what you think is important.

Submit packages no later than May 12 to diversity@capnhq.gov. Address any questions to the same email.

Thanks to shoppers like you, AmazonSmile has donated $32,390.91 to Civil Air Patrol's national programs. Select CAP as your favorite charity while you shop on Amazon.

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