LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the New York Cadet Wing Color Guard of
the Civil Air Patrol upon the occasion of presenting the colors at the
start of the session of the New York State Senate, January 11, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the New York Cadet Wing Color Guard of the Civil Air Patrol upon the
occasion of presenting the colors at the start of the session of the New
York State Senate, to be held on Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at the New
York State Capitol in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Civil Air Patrol enjoys a proud legacy of selfless sacri-
fice and service to country and community that spans decades; the organ-
ization was born one week prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor;
and
WHEREAS, Thousands of volunteer members of the Civil Air Patrol
answered America's call to national service and sacrifice by accepting
and performing critical wartime missions; and
WHEREAS, On July 1, 1946, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law
476 incorporating the Civil Air Patrol as a benevolent, nonprofit organ-
ization; on May 26, 1948, Congress passed Public Law 557 permanently
establishing the Civil Air Patrol as the auxiliary of the new United
States Air Force; and
WHEREAS, Three primary mission areas were set forth at the inception
of the Civil Air Patrol: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emer-
gency services; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Civil Air Patrol handles 90 percent of inland
search and rescue missions, with approximately 75 lives saved each year;
its members are generally the first on the scene transmitting satellite
digital images of the damage within seconds around the world and provid-
ing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade
disasters, including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas
and Oklahoma wildfires, tornadoes in the south and central United
States, North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006 earthquake in
Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the United States and
Mexican border; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Civil Air Patrol members are dedicated to coun-
terdrug reconnaissance and to teaching a new generation about aerospace
and its impact on our future; its cadet programs ensure our youth
receive the finest leadership training the Nation has to offer; and
WHEREAS, Hailing from Saratoga County, the New York Cadet Wing of the
Civil Air Patrol, and its members: Blake B. Hotopp of Ballston Lake, New
York; Jessi M. Rapelje of Ballston Spa, New York; David F. Rakvica of
Charlton, New York; Scott P. Downs of Malta, New York; Ryan M. Triller
of Clifton Park, New York; and Karl R. Burghart of Ballston Spa, New
York were privileged to present the colors on the USS Intrepid at recent
ceremonies; and
WHEREAS, The Civil Air Patrol makes a huge impact each and every day,
going above and beyond to make a profound difference in America's commu-
nities; and
WHEREAS, This occasion presents a unique opportunity for this Legisla-
tive Body to recognize and pay tribute to the members of the New York
Cadet Wing Color Guard of the Civil Air Patrol; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New York Cadet Wing Color Guard of the Civil Air Patrol and
its members upon the occasion of presenting the colors at the start of
the session of the New York State Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Colonel Jack Ozer, New York Wing, Civil Air Patrol, and the
aforementioned members of the New York Cadet Wing of the Civil Air
Patrol, Saratoga County, New York.