HR1279 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1279 LRB095 21349 KXB 50578 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, During World War II, volunteer aviators of the Civil Air Patrol's (CAP) Coastal Patrol distinguished themselves valiantly, flying more than 24 million miles during 86,000 overwater missions, a total of 244,600 flight hours, to help win the battle against U-boats that were preying on coastal shipping; and

WHEREAS, CAP volunteers spotted 173 subs, attacked 57, hit 10, and sank two; called in to aid 91 ships in distress; saved 363 survivors of sub attacks, discovered 17 floating mines, and flew 5,684 special convoy missions; and

WHEREAS, Inspired by the highest sense of patriotism and pride in their mission, 59 members of these courageous aircrews died, 26 were lost at sea, and seven others were seriously injured; and

WHEREAS, Today CAP continues this tradition of service before self as one of the most unique volunteer organizations in America, consisting of everyday heroes, from pilots, teachers, and youth mentors to technology experts, communicators, chaplains, and more; and

WHEREAS, Whether performing search and rescue missions or helping communities recover from floods, wildfires, tornadoes, or hurricanes, CAP members are there to aid their nation; and

WHEREAS, Coming full circle from its beginnings in World War II, Civil Air Patrol is again performing homeland security missions, assisting the Air Force in ensuring the skies above our nation are safe by flying target-intercept training missions for U.S. military pilots; and

WHEREAS, With 550 aircraft and thousands of trained aircrew members, CAP is a tremendous force multiplier for the Air Force and other federal, state, and local agencies; and

WHEREAS, CAP also provides exceptional growth opportunities to 22,000 youth in Cadet Programs, which stress leadership and character development and teach aviation and emergency response skills; and

WHEREAS, CAP's Aerospace Education, School Enrichment, and Drug Demand Reduction programs touch thousands of educators, over 22,000 cadets, and thousands of other youth in classrooms across America by conveying important aerospace concepts while increasing students' physical fitness and teaching the value of a drug-free lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, CAP's Missions for America impact the lives of thousands of Americans each year and CAP is credited with saving an average of 80 lives annually, assisting our nation's law enforcement agencies with taking millions of dollars in drugs off our nation's streets; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the 60th anniversary of the signing of Public Law 557, which made the Civil Air Patrol the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to a representative of the Civil Air Patrol as a symbol of our respect.