[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 1, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                68TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL AIR PATROL

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 68th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). For nearly seven 
decades CAP has provided for the safety and defense of our nation.
  Established on December 1, 1941, CAP responsibilities were initially 
liaison flying and interdiction of infiltrators on the United States' 
East Coast and southern border during World War II. CAP's role 
eventually expanded in response to the German submarine threat, and it 
began to provide vital coastal surveillance and defense capabilities. 
The vigilance of CAP pilots successfully deterred enemy submarines from 
operating along American coasts with relative impunity.
  Today, CAP operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and is 
designated as an all-volunteer civilian auxiliary to the United States 
Air Force. Since WWII, CAP has adopted a mission dedicated to three 
core pursuits: Aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency 
services.
  CAP's Aerospace Education Program annually touches more than 900 
educators, more than 20,000 cadets and thousands of other youths in 
classrooms across America. The education program teaches children 
multidisciplinary aviation concepts that emphasize aviation's 
connection to history, math, science, government and economics.
  CAP provides exceptional educational and growth opportunities for 
youth through its nearly 22,000 member Cadet Program, which annually 
provides access to top national summer flight academies and to 30 
national programs emphasizing leadership and careers in aviation, as 
well as flight training in powered and glider aircraft.
  CAP's emergency services are its most high profile function and its 
members are routinely called upon to aid communities in response to 
natural disasters across the nation. CAP volunteers rose to the 
occasion during one of our nation's most trying times and provided 
assistance to rescuers and state agencies immediately following the 
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Over 100 lives are saved each 
year by CAP search and rescue missions.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Civil 
Air Patrol for its commitment to aerospace education, cadet programs 
and emergency services. I am greatly appreciative for their 
contribution to the safety of all Americans.

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