Patriotism and Heroism. Now these are terms or ideas that surely conjure up all sorts of pictures to each of us. They rightly range from:

· the 1776 Minute Man hurriedly grabbing his mussel loader defending a brand new nation,
· the dough boy of World War I scrambling over the top of a muddy trench in Europe defending an embattled continent,
· a lone B-25 somewhere over a lonely ocean on a mission to end World War II,
· a half frozen GI somewhere along the thirty-second parallel fending off an army that far outnumbered his own,
· a “grunt,” as we knew them, crawling through a jungle searching for an enemy as elusive as any foe could be,
· a desert clad soldier sweating in a merciless sun defending yet another piece of real estate that few could find on a world globe,
· our more resent patriots fighting in a country without real boundaries against a foe that has no moral fiber and chooses to attack the defenseless showing no mercy.

Over the many years of this nations short history we used these terms, “patriot and hero,” to pay homage to our most gallant and brave fighters, and a well-deserved Loral it is too. In the last year, since the cowardly attack on this country in New York City, we have been truly blessed with yet another view of heroes: those brave men and women that, everyday, place their lives on the line for each of us. From the high profile jobs of fire fighter to search and rescue worker to security and law enforcement, a new brand of hero has emerged into our full view. And yet again we pay high honor for bravery, and rightly so.

But I would propose that there are yet unsung heroes, heroines and patriots among us that we should acknowledge. I see the school teacher that every day strives to instill knowledge, I see the youth worker who wants every young person to be able to grow up strong in this Great Country and the laborer that exudes his or her sweat to finish projects that benefit each of us that we can never thank. Yes, all Americans are heroes and patriots in their own ways.

But wait, I have missed one group of patriots that I think we all may tend to overlook. These are the people that leave their native lands, often leave their families, leave the security of a known life to come to this country and make it a better place in so doing. Would any of us be so brave as to move thousands of miles away and start new lives? Would any of us participate in another countries civic projects and organizations? And who among us would be brave enough to swear allegiance to a new flag, rejecting all others? If you ever have a chance to go to a naturalization swearing in ceremony, do so. It will not have much, if any pomp, it will lack in some ways a “proper” dress code, and it might even seem boring to a U.S. born citizen. But look around. You will see tears of joy, tears of hope and tears of relief that this day has finally come to pass. Pause for a moment, think of the incredible inner turmoil here in this room and welcome these that have given up so much that they may come and offer themselves to this country.

Lt Col Bob Ross, CAP
Commander Thunderbird
Composite Squadron IV

Home #: 293-1676
Email: rross37479@aol.com

    I thought you'd be interested in this story from Science@NASA: A group of astronauts will never forget the day they flew right through a cloud of auroras while onboard the space shuttle Atlantis. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2002/08jul_underfoot.htm?friend

    The Eagle Composite Squadron is again hosting a Winter Encampment for the New Mexico Wing December 26-30 at Kirtland AFB. The cost of this encampment is estimated to be $50. This encampment will be similar to last years winter encampment with cadets either sleeping on the floor in Wing Headquarters or some other building as we did last year. This results in a quite rustic but acceptable setting. We will have room for up to 40 cadets including cadet staff so cadets should apply as soon as possible. There is no need to send money at this time.
Members interested in attending this encampment should submit an application to the following address: Lt Col Paul J. Ballmer, CAP, 6544 Pine Park Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109
Individuals who would like to serve on staff (cadets or seniors) should also include a letter indicating that they would like to be on staff and what position(s) they would be like to fill. Cadets who have never attended an encampment will have the first priority for attendance. Others will be accepted if there is enough room for them to attend.
This encampment will give cadets full encampment credit. The schedule has been set up following the Required Minimum Course Content Chart (Figure 51-) in CAPM 52-16.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail PJBallmer@worldnet.att.net or by phone at 505-323-6069.

    On the third Saturday of every month cadets have the opportunity to participate in FREE Orientation Flights. Standard CAP aircraft are used (Cessna, high wing type). We meet at 8 AM at Kirtland Base Operations North parking lot. Each cadet is eligible for five one-hour flights. For each one hour flight the cadet spends 30 minutes in the front seat and 30 in the rear seat. Each flight has specific activities as prescribed by the syllabus. Cadets will get multiple opportunities to actually fly the plane. Aircraft are owned by New Mexico CAP and are piloted by specially trained and
experienced CAP pilots. All you  have to do to claim your flights is to sign  up with Capt. Newton (Aerospace Instructor) on the first meeting of every  month.

Starting with the August 13 meeting Capt. Newton will be teaching Private   Pilot Ground School. This will be very similar to the classroom training  required of all new student pilots working towards their Private Pilot  Certification. This course of instruction will NOT satisfy the FAA's requirements since Capt. Newton is NOT an FAA certified instructor. However, it will be an excellent introduction to the sort of knowledge required to be mastered by all pilots and, hopefully, will satisfy the desire of many cadets to learn more about aviation. Capt. Newton is a former Air Force Flight Instructor and flew B-52s, T-38, and T-37 aircraft during his Air
Force career. He is an FAA certified Commercial Pilot with an Instrument Rating. The course will be taught on the 2nd and 4th meetings of every month and will continue until further notice. So, if you want a better understanding of general aviation  then be sure to make it on the 2nd and 4th  meetings.

· When the occasion is piled high with difficulty, rise with it. Think anew and act anew.
· Don't lose confidence in your people when they fail.
· Let your subordinates know that you are always glad to have their suggestions.
· If you never try, you'll never succeed.
· Except in matters of broad policy, encourage subordinates to take action on their own initiative, without waiting for orders.
· Remember that the best leaders never stop learning.
· Surround yourself with people who really know their business, and avoid "yes" men.
· Be quick and decisive at employing new advances and make every attempt at getting new and innovative equipment into your people's hands immediately.

  On Saturday, September 14, 2002 the Experimental Aircraft Association will host a Fly-in at Moriarty Airport from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Thunderbird has been asked to present the Historical Colors at noon. We have also been asked to assist with flight-line duties, both aircraft and helicopter, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm (this is real hands-on duty for those that have practiced at SAREXes). A booth at the fly market has been reserved for us  to do some fund raising and recruiting. Dinner will be provided for working members.

    Families are invited to join the festivities at Moriarty.  An introduction to aviation for kids 8-17 includes orientation and flight in airplane note: A parent or guardian must be present to sign permission forms! This note is intended for siblings of CAP members not yet old enough to join. CAP members need to do orientation rides with CAP aircraft. Other activities include: pancake breakfast at 8 am, a pig roast at 4:00, a fly  market (flea market) of civic, youth, clubs, churches and charitable groups, aircraft displays, kids workshops and automotive displays.
  Entertainment through out the day includes,  Moriarty marching band, CAP Color Guard and military planes fly over . Please bring chairs to sit in if you plan on spending the day out there. Also sunscreen will be very needed on anyone spending time on the flight line (all visitors).

 We need your help !! Cadets, parents, families!  This will be the only fund-raiser we have this year. Cadets will be needed to park airplanes and helicopters most of the day and do color guard activities. If you or your family can work in our  booth please contact  Maj Robbi Ross at 293-1676 or robbialb@aol.com.   There will be many activities for  the whole family, please join us.

For the commander,  Thank You
 
 
 

Last update 29 Aug 02

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