RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – On Mar. 2, 2010, State Representative Joe Farias met with Texas Legislative Squadron Commander CAP Lt. Col. Gordie White, Randolph Composite Squadron Deputy Commander for Seniors CAP Maj. Lynn DeHaan, and other CAP members at the squadron headquarters where he was inducted into the Texas Wing Legislative Squadron.

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[1]-[2] Texas State Rep. Joe Farias addresses the squadron's cadets and senior members. [3] Lt. Col. Gordie White, Commander of the Texas Legislative Squadron, tells squadron members the importance of the political process.

Most CAP members present were cadets, and seeing all these young people, Rep. Farias said, “I have four sons and I always told them ‘never let up, never give up, and never say die.’” He went on to emphasize the values of good citizenship and encouraged his audience to “stay focused on your goal, yet see what else is going on around you”.

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[4] (L-R) Randolph Composite Squadron Commander Maj. Lynn DeHaan, Rep. Joe Farias, and Legislative Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Gordie White. [5] Maj. Lynn DeHaan congratulates the newest member of the Texas Legislative Squadron, Rep. Joe Farias.

Lt. Col. Gordie White told the cadets, "It's a wonder how the Texas State Legislature can meet once every two years for only 140 days, and get all the state's work done." He also explained to the cadets that the Texas Legislative Squadron is composed of legislators aware of the Civil Air Patrol's contributions during and after natural disasters – such as Hurricane Ike – and are sympathetic to CAP's needs.

Rep. Farias is in his first term of office representing District 118, that includes Randolph AFB and parts San Antonio's south side. He retired from the San Antonio City Public Service in 2003, after 32 years.

Maj. Robert Brecount, CAP, Texas Wing PAO