Texas Wing - Civil Air Patrol
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News - Thanks, 22 August 2010
AUSTIN, Texas – As I gaze into the limitless horizon of my future career in the US Navy, I take a brief look back at my past and reflect on what my membership with the Civil Air Patrol has done for me.
Numerous encampments, notably GSARSS; a great experience at LESA; several National Cadet Special Activities; the Powered Flight Academy and more! I can’t help but think that absolutely none of these CAP adventures would have been possible without the support of the CAP senior members that have dedicated much time and a lot of efforts to aiding youngsters reach whatever goals they had in mind.
First and foremost, I’d like to recognize First Lieutenant William (Bill) Foster, USAF, who was the first to introduce me to flying and speak to me about the Civil Air Patrol when I was eleven years old. Even though he was not an active CAP member at the time, he actively promoted aviation amongst today’s youth through the Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles and the Commemorative Air Force. In fact, he spurred my interest in aviation by allowing me to fly with him on a Young Eagles flight (which ended with me missing the step on the airplane's strut and falling on my rear). The EAA Young Eagles is a great program that introduces young people ages 8-17 to the experience of flying. For more information on Lt Foster’s fly-ins to air show events, feel free to visit his website at www.pilots-log.com
Well known for her involvement with Texas Wing Cadet Training & Education Program (CTEP) schools, Lieutenant Colonel Dawn King has always provided me with insight towards my career choices through her motherly advice. Along with her, the many other senior members of the Pegasus Composite Squadron were always willing to support my endeavors.
Imagine a very large man who is a loving moving force. Now, imagine a slightly smaller woman who is also a loving moving force. These are my parents, and the most essential part of who I am today. Using their "moving" skills, they made sure that I was always on top of my grades, as they supported me in whatever activities I wanted to participate. Whether it was martial arts, band, JROTC, or CAP, they were always there for me and I'm deeply thankful to them for that.
Last but not least, the most influential senior member I have encountered is Major Arthur Woodgate, CAP Director of Public Affairs & Director of Organizational Excellence, Southwest Region. I first met Maj. Woodgate at the 2007 Winter Encampment when I was on cadet PAO staff and he was still a captain assigned to Group III, Texas Wing. I was impressed by his insights, vision, and fatherly advice. Learning to write under his mentorship improved my vocabulary and writing skills. Maj. Woodgate has been the invisible “shadow” in all my articles ever since, and has always been there to edit my work. He had helped other cadets before me, and he agreed to work with other cadets afterwards, taking us all under his writing skills “wings,” helping us along with our articles. I still have a hard time believing that this intelligent, wise, and articulate gentleman had enough confidence in my abilities to select me as one of the two Cadet PAO to staff the 2008 Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course in Florida, for the first time that a CAP National Cadet Special Activity was to be reported solely by cadets. I can honestly say that I would never have come as far as I have today had it not been for Maj. Woodgate's guidance.
I fear this article has taken an “Academy Award Speech” turn, and now I can hear the music playing to get me off the stage. I find it hard not to mention the countless others who also helped me get to where I want to be. However, without the persons I mention above, I wouldn't have ever received that Congressional nomination towards the Air Force Academy. Although my plans for the USAF Academy didn’t pan out the way I had hoped for, the 4-year Navy ROTC Scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University- Daytona Beach isn’t such a bad deal either.
Now I am on the verge of leaving to embark on a new journey, but I will never forget my experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and the people I was privileged to meet along the way.
Cadet Capt. Raphael Erie, CAP