INSPIRES CADETS

[ national headquarters update ]
CIVIL AIR PATROL
Celebrating Our 65th Year of National Service
As we were proposing the shift from a newspaper
to a magazine back in early 2005, I was asked,
“What will be the purpose of the Civil Air
Patrol Volunteer?” The answer was simple: To
tell the story of our members — write about
their dedication, commitment, character and
accomplishments — and describe in words and imagery what it
truly means to serve this great country of ours in the Civil Air
Patrol. It was to give those people who are not CAP members a
chance to read about the wonderful things our members do every day and, in the process,
help them to identify with the personal rewards our members experience. Better yet, how
wonderful it would be if they ultimately decide to become a part of the CAP team.
As we wrap up our first publication year, I believe we achieved our goal. The stories have
been captivating and varied. From the incredible successes associated with our disaster relief
efforts during the 2005 hurricane season to this issue’s pictorial celebration of CAP’s 65 years
of service to America — we captured the heart and soul of our volunteers in action and we
showed our readership who these everyday heroes really are. I’m also happy to report our
membership has stabilized and may be on the verge of an increase.
For our readers who are not members, future issues of the Civil Air Patrol Volunteer will continue
to bring you stories of everyday people who are out there building character, getting
involved and making a difference in your community. They will be stories about your neighbors
— the same people who fill your prescriptions at the local drug store; who teach in your schools;
who work in your doctor’s office; who mow your lawn; who serve your food; who work in your
factories; and who own and support your small businesses. We hope you find these stories
insightful and entertaining. Better yet, we hope they inspire you to join the CAP ranks!
I invite you to attend the next weekly meeting of your local unit and see what your neighbors
are working on. To find out how you can get involved, become a better leader, mentor
our youth and ultimately enrich our great nation by being a CAP volunteer, please go to
www.cap.gov or call (800) FLY-2338.
To all CAP members, thank you for your sacrifice and dedication, and I challenge you to
share this magazine with as many nonmembers as possible. Use it as the recruiting tool for
CAP’s future.
Don Rowland
Executive Director
CIVIL AIR
U.S.
PATROL
To find out
how you can
get involved,
become a better
leader, mentor
our youth and
ultimately
enrich our great
nation by
being a CAP
volunteer, go to
www.cap.gov
or call (800)
FLY-2338.
Civil Air Patrol Volunteer 4 November-December 2006