Abraham Louisiana

[ region news ]
North Central
Squadron pitches in for hunger-fighting initiative
MINNESOTA — In light of the devastation wrought by the Haitian
earthquake, which raised awareness of the problems facing disadvantaged
areas throughout the world, members of the Viking Composite Squadron
teamed up with other community volunteers to support the Hunger Initiative
organization and its effort to pack bags of food for relief in Africa.
Northeast
Champion color guard honored by State Senate
Viking Composite Squadron members fill
food bags for the Hunger Initiative at a
community gym.
The Hunger Initiative’s nationwide goal for the January campaign was to pack more than 1 million meals — enough to
feed more than 3,000 children in Dondo, Mozambique, for an entire year. The Viking squadron members worked in
two-hour shifts alongside other community volunteers to package 50,000 bags of food. Each held six meals
containing a unique nutritional formula developed by food scientists — including easily digestible protein,
carbohydrates and 21 vitamins and minerals and consisting of rice, soy and dehydrated vegetables. Event organizers
cooked samples for volunteers to try, and squadron members were surprised at how good the meal tasted.
The event enabled the CAP members not only to participate in an important volunteer effort addressing a pressing
need, but also to raise the organization’s profile in the community. >> 1st Lt. Erik J. Lindquist
NEW YORK — The New York Wing’s 2009 national color guard champions appeared on the floor of the New York
State Senate to present the colors and to be recognized for their year of achievements. The team — Cadet 2nd Lts.
Zin Han, Thomas Macrini and Albaro Pillco and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Jason Chan — won the New York Wing and
Northeast Region color guard titles, then went on to finish first at Civil Air Patrol’s National Cadet Competition last
year in McMinnville, Ore.
State Sen. James L. Seward, who also is commander of the New York Wing’s Legislative Squadron, presented the
team with a Senate resolution — later placed into the New York State Legislative Record — in front of family
members, senators and Northeast Region and wing staff. “This group of young people represents a shining example
of what can be accomplished through dedication and hard work,” Seward said. “All New Yorkers should be proud of
their fine achievement on the national stage.”
Photo by 1st Lt. Erik J. Lindquist,
Minnesota Wing
Photo courtesy of New York State Senate
The CAP national champion color guard
— from left, Cadet 2nd Lts. Zin Han and
Thomas Macrini, Cadet Tech. Sgt. Jason
Chan and Cadet 2nd Lt. Albaro Pillco —
are shown on the floor of the New York
State Senate.
The session began with the pledge of allegiance led by the team’s escort,
Maj. Mac Brice, commander of the Lt. Col. Michael R. Noyes Middle
School Cadet Squadron, while the cadets presented the colors. Then
Seward read the resolution he sponsored, which said in part, “It is the
sense of this legislative body that when young people of such noble aims
and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be
celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of the great state of New
York.” Col. Ken Andreu, New York Wing commander, said the awards
and accolades recognized the cadets’ “dedication and prowess” and that
the team members “represent our best hopes for what New York can
and will achieve.”
Echoing that sentiment was Northeast Region Commander Col.
Christopher Hayden, who said, “It is through moments like this that Civil Air
Patrol gains the recognition it deserves.” >> Capt. James Ridley
Civil Air Patrol Volunteer 54 April-June 2010