House Approves Maloney Resolution Honoring Civil Air Patrol’s 75th Anniversary
HARRISBURG – The House today voted to pass legislation sponsored by Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol.
The official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was created in 1941 by an administrative order of the United States director of Civilian Defense.
A nonprofit organization with 56,000 members nationwide, CAP performs approximately 90 percent of inland search and rescue missions in the continental United States. CAP also provides emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs.
Maloney introduced the resolution as part of his ongoing effort to promote volunteerism.
“Members of the Civil Air Patrol have given their lives to protect our country and bring those in distress to safety,” Maloney said. “And that is really, to me, what this resolution is all about – volunteerism. It is taking something of value that only you can give – your time and your effort – to help others and strengthen our communities.”
The ranks of the Civil Air Patrol and those wanting to serve in Army aviation grew quickly right after Pearl Harbor as Americans volunteered to serve their country in a time of need.
One of those volunteers was Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, a native son of Boyertown who became the first chairman of the Civil Air Patrol National Board.
Spaatz also directed the bombing campaign against Nazi Germany in World War II and was the first chief of staff of the United States Air Force.
In fact, Maloney noted, the highest honor a Civil Air Patrol cadet can earn is the Spaatz Award. Those earning that honor are expected to follow Spaatz’s example, serving as role models for junior cadets and later becoming leaders in their communities.
To qualify to take the Spaatz exam, cadets must prove themselves as “servant-leaders.”
“I think resolutions such as this help to remember the true servant leaders the Civil Air Patrol has produced,” Maloney said. “They demonstrate what many of us have to live up to in public office.”
Representative David Maloney
130th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charles Lardner
717.260.6443
clardner@pahousegop.com
RepMaloney.com