GIVING BACK

sunburns. “We argued about cutting up the last oar for
firewood,” Harding continued, “but decided it might be
more useful as a way to reach more grass or to hit an
alligator.” They had quickly discovered that things that
go bump in the night in the ‘Glades include alligators.
Just as the sun began to rise on the third morning of
their ordeal, “We could see helicopters with search lights
skimming the horizon. We dipped the remaining oar in
the gasoline and waved it like a torch to attract attention.
No luck. A few hours later, we saw a small plane
flying back and forth at a low level and getting closer.
Grabbing our remaining sawgrass, we doused it in gasoline
and set it on fire to create smoke. Shortly thereafter,
the plane headed right for us. Jubilant, we waved wildly.
The plane circled once or twice and then left. A few
minutes later it came back, circled us and left.” The boys
were puzzled. “We didn’t know if he knew we were
stranded. Why did he keep leaving? We thought this
pilot was nuts.”
“Eventually,” Harding continued, “the distant circling
got closer and was accompanied by the sound of airboats.
Several minutes later, two
airboats manned by sheriff’s
deputies and park rangers popped
through the grass!” One group
took the boys on board, and the
other brought their boat back.
You can imagine the scene at
the boat ramp as the boys were
greeted by parents and the media.
The only food at the boat ramp
was chips and soda. “We devoured
several bags and cans each. We
were lucky not to be charged for
the extra two days’ rental — or the
oars!” he said.
What did the boys’ ordeal have
to do with the U.S. Civil Air
Patrol? “I had found out in the
ensuing newspaper article that
CAP was responsible for finding
us,” Harding recounted, “so I
looked up the nearest unit (Boca
Raton Senior Squadron) and went to a meeting to say
thanks. Once the commander found out I was a pilot,
the membership paperwork was stuffed in my hand
before I could finish thanking everybody. I had to wait a
month until I was 18 to join, and I have been a member
ever since.”
Over the past 20 years, Harding — now a CAP lieutenant
colonel — has had the opportunity to repeatedly
give back to the organization that once rescued him.
“I have been qualified at some point in most ES mission
specialties,” he said. “I’m a chief check pilot and
mission pilot. I’ve completed the new glass cockpit
training from Cessna, the (Gippsland) GA8 Airvan
training and ARCHER training.”
He flew missions during the Katrina and Rita hurricanes,
and is often involved in ARCHER missions at
Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
Harding said he still enjoys fishing, and might even
fish the ‘Glades again one day — but not without his
cell phone and a handheld Global Positioning System
device! ▲
Lt. Col. Michael Harding, third from left, gives flying tips to Florida Wing cadets, from left,
Staff Sgt. John Clark, 2nd Lt. Michael Lima and Maj. Christina Zarrilli. Harding joined CAP
after an aircrew spotted him in the Everglades in 1985 after being stranded for three days.
U. S. Civil Air Patrol Volunteer 9 July-August 2007