LaRue chronicles Civil Air Patrol

JOHN LARUE GIVES Civil Air Patrol presentation at Nov. 9 Thanksgiving program.

His uniform is backordered, yet that doesn't stop John LaRue from telling others about his joining Texas' 273rd Composite Squadron of Civil Air Patrol (CAP). LaRue gave his first presentation as part of the Thanksgiving program hosted by the Home Educators Resource Organization and held at the Tanglewood Baptist Church facilities in Jasper Nov. 9.

CAP is an official civilian auxiliary to the United States Air Force. Begun one week before Pearl Harbor on Dec.1, 1941, dedicated citizens began using their planes and flying skills in defense of their country. During WWII, CAP volunteer members logged more than 500,000 flying hours, sank two enemy submarines, and saved hundreds of crash victims.

Today's CAP is a benevolent, nonprofit organization performing humanitarian services on behalf of the U.S. Air Force. Young adults, ages 12-18, can find challenging opportunities in this awardsbased, multi-level program. CAP also accepts senior members ages 18 and up.

All of CAP activities fall under three missions: aerospace education, cadet program, and emergency services. Approximately 27,000 youth and 37,000 adult volunteer members are dedicated to saving lives, flying counterdrug missions, participating in homeland security efforts, providing disaster relief, advancing young people, and supporting America's educators.

LaRue also recognizes CAP as a great way to explore career options in aviation- military or civilian. "The senior cadets are responsible for our weekly programs. At meetings we study aerospace, conduct physical training sessions and drill, take advancement testing, review emergency services, or discuss various aspects of leadership. If CAP is something you might be

interested in, you're welcome to come visit our meetings."

Unit Contact for the 273rd Composite Squadron is Maj. Benny Bryan 409-962-6235. Weekly meetings are 1900 Mondays at the Texas Air National Guard Missions Building, Jefferson City Airport, Beaumont, TX 77705. Go online to HYPERL I N K "http://www.cap.gov" www.cap.gov for more information or to get involved.