Making a CAP Impact: Southwest Region's Morris 'Came for the Flying and Stayed for the People'

Every member of Civil Air Patrol does what they can to help support its missions. And as CAP’s operations have increased through the organization's role in the Air Force’s Total Force, CAP members have had to balance volunteering with their work/life/family obligations.

And perhaps no member of CAP juggles their schedule more than Col. Martha Morris, the former Arizona Wing commander who has been Southwest Region commander since August.  

This profile of Morris launches a regular series of CAP.news articles showcasing how CAP and its members make an impact throughout the nation.

Vietnam Veterans of America's Detroit Chapter

Increases Scholarship Endowment to $90,000

The Civil Air Patrol Foundation and Detroit Chapter #9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America have expanded their partnership nearly tenfold. After donating $12,500 to CAP for scholarships in 2020, this month the chapter endowed the scholarships for $90,000.

“Civil Air Patrol feels so blessed to have this endowed scholarship,” said Col. Chris Ballard, Michigan Wing commander.

Added Col. Raj Kothari, CAP Foundation Board chair: “This endowment is going to allow us to support cadets in Civil Air Patrol for decades to come and will have an immeasurable impact on their lives.”

The announcement came as the group awarded its latest scholarship. Cadet 2nd Lt. Antonio Accardo (pictured with Ballard) of the Livonia Thunderbolt Composite Squadron received this year’s $2,500 scholarship.

Spring 2022 'Volunteer'

Now Available Online

The newest issue of Civil Air Patrol Volunteer will be arriving in mailboxes shortly, but it is now available online.

The 60-page Spring edition contains a quartet of full-length features, including the cover story on CAP's past, current, and future astronauts — those who have pursued and achieved their dreams of spaceflight.

Another article focuses on the Hawaii Wing's efforts to warn others in the Island State about impending tsunamis, and an additional story concerns two CAP couples from opposite coasts who breathed new life into vintage aircraft.

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The 80th Anniversary Special Edition of Civil Air Patrol Volunteer won gold in the magazine category of this year's Hermes Creative Awards — an international competition for professionals involved in the concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media.

“Congratulations to the entire Volunteer team for publishing another award-winning issue,” said John Salvador, CAP's chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to have a creative team of such wonderfully talented writers, editors, illustrators, designers, photographers, advisers, historians, and contributors.” 

Last Call to Register for Spaatz Fundraiser

The Spaatz Association and its Board of Directors will hold their annual Gathering of Diamonds fundraiser online from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Eastern time May 1.

The event will feature memories from the family of Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, for whom Civil Air Patrol’s Spaatz award — the highest achievement possible for CAP cadets — is named, as well as a welcome to new recipients of the award. Less than one-half of 1% of cadets achieve the honor.

4 Days Left to Sign Up for Balloon Challenge

The April 30 registration deadline for the Aerospace Education team's second National High-Altitude Balloon Challenge for cadets falls this week, leaving four days to register.

Every CAP composite or cadet squadron has the option to participate. Sign up now to join in the fun.

Details on the STEM-based competition are available here.

This Week's Top Headlines

“Oregon Civil Air Patrol Training Focuses on Finding Missing Aircraft”

-KTVZ.com

(Grants Pass, Ore.)

“USAF Cadet Returns to Sugar Valley to Inspire Young People”

-OurDavie.com

(Mocksville, N.C.)

“Civil Air Patrol - Hometown Heroes”

-KPLCTV.com

(Lake Charles, La.)

Tweet of the Week_@Civil Air Patrol

Insta Photo the Week #Civil Air Patrol

Every unit of blood collected through the combined efforts of Civil Air Patrol volunteers saves three lives. During its two-year response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Pulse Lift has collected this number of units:

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.