WHEREAS, the Civil Air Patrol was established on December 1, 1941 to supplement the U. S. military during World War I, and in 1948 CAP was designated as the U.S. Air Force’s official auxiliary with three missions – emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education; and

WHEREAS, since CAP’s beginning, the organization has set itself apart during the country’s most tumultuous times; locating and sinking enemy submarines during World War II, assisting rescuers and state agencies immediately following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and heavily supporting hurricane relief efforts, most notably during the 2005 hurricane season; and

WHEREAS, CAP further provides vital homeland security missions that help ensure the protection of the nation’s capital and the nation as a whole by assisting Air Force pilots with target-intercept training; and

WHEREAS, CAP provides exceptional educational and growth opportunities for youth through its more than 22, 000-member strong Cadet Program, which annually provides access to top national summer flight academies and to 30 national programs emphasizing leadership and careers in aviation, as well as flight training in powered and glider aircraft; and

WHEREAS, CAP’s Aerospace Education Program annually touches more than 900 educators, more than 20,000 cadets and thousands of other youths in classrooms across American by teaching children multidisciplinary aviation concepts that emphasize aviation’s connection to history, math, science, government and economics; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has been awarded the National Commanders Unit Citation Award for performance of service above and beyond the normal call of duty during the search for missing aviator Steve Fosset; and

WHEREAS, during 2009 the Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol has performed numerous duties to aid the citizens in the State of Nevada that include missing aircraft and lost hikers searches, reconnaissance of the Wells earthquake, missions supporting state and local law enforcement and the use of its Cadet Color Guard in various events to include the Wreaths Across America program; and

WHEREAS, CAP is commended for its “Missions for America” and its outstanding cadet and aerospace programs which annually touch the lives and ensure the safety of thousands of American citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim December 2009 as