Historians List

[BillB]

Why don't Wings have any lists of Squadron Historians? Or for that matter, National have such a list? In talking to several Squadron Historians, they advised they have never heard anything from the Wing Historian. Does the Wing Historian know they exist? Is there any communication among Historians? Do Squadron Historians know what material the Wing Historian may have on their Squadron, or what other Historians might have on their Squadron, past or present?
By the same token, what might the Squadron Historian have that the Wing Historian doesn't have? Does the Wing Historian have the histories of every Squadron in their Wing? Why is there no communications anywhere in the Historian Specialty Track?

[ol'fido]

From what I have seen in the past few years, the history program varies widely by location and unit level. In some cases, it seems to  be like trying to get a good grip on smoke. In some cases the squadron histories are passed down as scrapbooks to be kept up. The biggest hindrance I see outside of wings is continuity. With one year memberships and units constantly folding and starting up at different levels, there is no effort to maintain records on the local level many times.

For instance, I used to be in Group 12 and then wing reorganized the groups and we combined with Group 19 to become Group 1 which had previously been in Chicago. Group 22 is now headquarted in Chicago but it used to be in Carmi, IL in the early 60's. Did the records follow these units? I Doubt it. Where did the records go? Adressing that lack of continuity and an organized archive at different levels would help. Also, more clear guidance on what records and items to archive would help.

[BillB]

According to the 2008 Report to Congress, there are over 1500 Squadrons in CAP How many of those have active Historians? And if they do, who coordinates the collection of the histories? Does a Squadron Historian know what the Wing Historian my have on his/her Squadrons history? From what I've observed, most Squadron Historians are only in that position for two maybe three years before they move on in the program. When they move chances are some of the history gets lost. As an example, I shipped two large boxes of photos of Florida Wing activities from about 1950 to 80 to the Wing Historian. Now all these photos appear to be lost during the changes of Historians.

[RiverAux]

Well, this information is fairly easily obtained out of eservices if you have the proper permissions.  You can pull up lists of those appointed to whatever staff position you desire or pull up lists of those in various specialty tracks. 

My guess is that the historian position has probably the lowest rate of staff positions being filled of any in CAP.   There just aren't a lot of people in the world with the inclination to do that job.  Of course, CAP doesn't make it very easy given that it produces very little in the way of documentation that is of real historical value.  The other major problem is that when you do have an active historian they tend to accumulate the stuff they collect at their home and when they quit or die it may not be turned back to CAP. 

[BillB]

The problem lies in what historical papers, memoribilia, uniforms etc that CAP members, Historians and National Historian staff may have collected. There is no central catalog of who has what. Surely there is a small building at Maxwell that can house the collections. Cadets and volunteers from Alabama, Georgia and Florida Wings could spend a week cataloging such a collection. Between what the National Historian, the Curator of the Historical Foundations and Wing Historians might have stored away, this would be a major undertaking. But with the material scattered among all of the Historians in CAP, there is no idea what might be in closets, dusty files and so on. 

[RiverAux]

Which is why I have advocated the past that CAP find a respected university manuscript collection or appropriate military museum towards which all documents and historical items should be sent.  CAP will never have enough money to properly house and care for these items while making them accessible to historians (both CAP and non-CAP).  I don't think this would be all that difficult to arrange and I really don't understand why it hasn't been done yet. 

[ol'fido]

Archiving at the local level can be a challenge. As BillB stated many historians are only members for 2-3 years and when they depart there is often no effort made to collect what material they have and retain it at the squadron. Also, many units are working with limited space and may not own the facilities they have thus making storage a real pain. When you get to the Group level, many groups may not even have a physical HQ outside of the commander's home or office. While wings and regions may have a HQ building or office suite, how much of that is available for archival storage?

Beyond archiving, there is also the problem of what to archive and how to do it. There is a tendency to save every scrap of paper or to throw everything out after 5 years. There is no telling how much of our history ended up in the garbage because some well meaning commander or admin officer wanted to "clean out the files".

One solution to this might be to piggy back onto the PAO program and have Historian seminars and training events in conjunction with PA training as these seem to be complementary fields of study. How much of our history is preserved in the form of news stories and photo, unit newsletters, activity yearbooks, and photos. The only thing the historian would have to guard against is the PAO's desire to edit out the warts and present a polished image.

Another thing that is making the traditional historians job harder and easier at the same time is CAP's growing reliance on electronic forms and documentation. Scanners, social media, and thumb drives can allow storage of documents in a relatively small and convenient form. But they can also result in the loss of irreplaceable material due to viruses and computer crashes.

[Eclipse]

At a minimum, anything of value, even insignia and similar articles, should be scanned, photographed, and kept somewhere which is independent of any one person.

((*cough*))  googleappsforeducation ((*cough*))

[Smithsonia]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
River/Ol'Fido/BillB;
This is being done right now - at www.Teamcap.org and the TeamCap scribd site which is connected.

Mark Hess' collection is big, growing, and accepting donations of collection images right now. The deep, consistent, and ongoing research of the past is patiently being scanned and conserved. I don't know of any member who has given more in an attempt to centralize and distribute all of CAP's History than Lt. Col. Hess. Don't forget at the moment this is a library and not yet an interpretive center. If we can attract enough historian attention and assign reading and analysis - then we'll have more summaries, composites, and analytical reports.

For instance Mark has uncovered much about Willa Brown and is attempting to get an Illinois Wing member to interview Ms. Brown's best friend. This kind of work is going on in the background. The JF. Curry work continues and large supplement on Earl Johnson should be next.

What NHQ does - comes and goes, ebbs and flows with succeeding administrations. I think the continuity of the program is held among the individual members (Regular members with an interest in history, Historians/AEOs/and PAOs) who dedicate themselves to self assigned and important projects.

I would say that more has been done for the Historian Program over the last 3 years than the previous 66.

Another great place to find information is YOUTUBE. Here's an interview with Jimmy Doolittle's daughter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgt8PMoRGG8&featur
The web and its various utilities makes so much available. The trick is to collect, centralize, and then distribute this material. CaptTalk has done much too and should be thanked, deeply.

[RiverAux]

That is a nice site but it isn't an official CAP site and is just as vulnerable as any pile of papers in the wing historian's house.  He can shut it down and delete it at his whim. 

Materials need to go to a real document collection that isn't subject to the whims of any one individual. 

[Smithsonia]

River;
I agree that for perpetuity sake the site needs to be Godfathered. I understand that there are discussions along these lines. I don't know more than that. "Official" recognition had nothing to do with starting this project - Only one man's deep and abiding interest in CAP History.

Being one person who's witnessed all sorts of garage bands, computer companies, and Cable Television network start ups - Once one man/woman sticks their neck out and says follow me over the top - Good things can follow. I trust that the same will happen here. www.TeamCap.org has more history than exists at National Headquarters and the CAP Historical Foundation combined - so letting it fade seems unlikely. Those are "official" both of those sites are moribund. Freedom and intellectual independence have been important to this point - at some point it won't be and perpetuation will become more important.

The same was True for the Getty, Smithson, and Guggenheim private collections that became national treasures.

[BillB]

Ed does anyone know what the National Historian or the Historical Foundation has? I doubt Jim Shaw has a complete listing of what the Foundation might have since he hasn't been Curator that long. Part of the problem is what has been cataloged, and where might it be available to Squadron Historians? It would be nice if the Historian of the Mickey Mouse Composite Squadron might be able to see what National or the Foundation has on their Squadron. Possibly National has something the Squadron doesn't have.
And you're right Historians need to scan their files and send them to Mark at WWW.teamcivilairpatrol.org.

[Smithsonia]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Bill;
I know there are people aware of the problem. We faced it too when considering how to begin work on the www.TeamCap.org site. At that time we couldn't get access to the CAP National Historian exhibits and images. I think that there will need to be an archival accounting. I've been asked to consider doing it - however, I am not an archivist (which is more library sciences in nature). I am more of an interpretive historian. Think of this process like the CIA - there are information collectors (in history these are researchers) then there are organizers of the information (in history these are archivist and this is where the program currently falls down) and then there are people like me who tell the stories taken from the researchers and archivists basic work.

Meaning - The collections under Leonard Blascovich and Jim Shaw need an accounting archivist and they need a regiment of archivists - more than they need an interpretive historian. For my purposes it was easier to start from scratch than take the years to learn the trade secrets of the archivist, sort through the materials, and catalogue the material, interpret and research the material, and then preserve the physical material. Better to collect the images from scratch and move forward with pace, than clean up the work of others who may and may not be willing participants.

Given all of the considerations above - I have been given gross numbers of documents and images in the national collections - Mark Hess at TeamCap has more by a multiple factor. Once completed there will be millions and millions of pages at www.TeamCap.org - But then it also has Air Force and military history on the site too.

[James Shaw]

So has this turned into "beat up" on the Historical Program and its people now?

[Eclipse]

My last count on CAPWatch showed 1445 charters total.

I don't view any of this discussion as "beating up" anyone.

BTW -

http://www.teamcivilairpatrol.org/  does not work but is referenced above.

[ol'fido]

So has this turned into "beat up" on the Historical Program and its people now?

I would say it's more about trying to make the local and group history programs better and trying to find a systematic way to go about preserving and ensuring continuity at that level.

[Smithsonia]

In defense of Jim Shaw's frustration. Some days historians feel like an alert officer trying to organize a UDF mission at a remote airport on a blizzardy Christmas Morning. We get lots of "you oughta go do this or that" but not that many volunteers. AND, while there are (X) number of historians there are (X minus minus) number of "active" historians.

As our 70th anniversary approaches, my understanding is - there is a push coming from National to change this. I hope so.

That said, I get kudos and appreciation a plenty from the Colorado Wing. I feel blessed and richly rewarded in my Squadron, Group, AND Wing. Layers of former CCs from various states, Region CCs, and even a former National Commander regularly attend my history functions along with other eager and attentive members. So for me, next to my ES service, Historian is the best job in CAP.

[tarheel gumby]

In some wings the command staff just don't know what to do with an active historian. I am slowly trying to change that in NCWG but inertia takes time to overcome.

[Smithsonia]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
go Go GO!  Joe!!   Make them... know!!!

[RiverAux]

So has this turned into "beat up" on the Historical Program and its people now?

Not at all.  There have been several historians that have done quite a lot to preserve CAP's history and the fact that we have a historical program at all is a major plus in comparison to many other organizations. 

However, a historical program that does not have its collections in a safe, permanent well-cataloged archive that is open to researchers has a major flaw. 

[James Shaw]

Rant and Soap Box has been taken out so prepare!!

When I first became Assistant National Historian under Col Len Blascovich I had the very list that you speak of. I had expanded access to eservices that allowed me to pull this type of information. When I became National Curator my access was severly cut and now all I can see is National Staff. I see the same thing that every other CAP member has access to.

When I lost the acess I attempted to keep the list but it became very difficult and time consuming. People changed, email accounts dissapeared and very few people responded to much. The list died over about a two year period.

Most of the historians that I know are very dedicated just like all of the other CAP members, the biggest difference for us is that most members do not see the work that we do because it is usually wrapped up in someone elses work or project. We assist other groups such as the PAO, NHQ Staff with stuff and other projects that require some type of historical research. The historical stuff that you do see is only about 25% of what is actually done. I have had information that was supposed to be done for stories pulled for other stories. It happens to us just the same as it does to others.

Not all of our work is uniforms and badges (despite what other may see), we also work with historical apects of governence and board actions in support of research that is being done by other CAP Corporate Members. We are more than antique and dust collectors.

On the line of uniform related items. We have ideas passed by us from alot of people and the vast majority of them are shot down before it gets off the paper. Badges, ribbons, medals, and the such are consider alot and go through a vetting proces. Maybe and I mean maybe 5% makes it through. Even them most of those are killed as well. Not my choice buy that is the process. I am asked to design items and patches as well. We are asked for concept ideas to be produced and sometimes they go through and other times they die as well. For example:
At the last two NB's I was approached by leaders of national programs to design challenge coins, they wanted the designs within the next couple of hours that included heraldry information. As usual the historians responded and did our best just like other members would.

We have a VERY good list of the CAP Histrorical Collection because Col Bill Schell my predecessor was a phenomenal collector and cataloger. We know what we have and it is used when I try to find items. I do a cross check of what is in the collection so I dont waste CAP's money. It is safely stored and secured in a climnate controlled facility that only certain members have access to. There isw however a redundant system in place in the event that something happens to one of the primary members.

We have talked about (in passing) about how we could best use the collection to promote our history. We have considered donating the items to a "university" or somewhere like that but it is alot more difficult to do that than one would expect. It is alot more complicated because of the nature of the items. We have also begun looking into a central repository for the collection, the issue wuth that is the "custodian" of the collection and the access to the items. This is by no means as easy as it sounds. All of this has been kicked around alot. 

When I was asked to become the National Curator I accepted with a great deal of enthusiasm. I wanted to take a different approach than Bill. He concentrated on 100 variations of the same patch and I want to get our history out to the members. I know that I have had alot of conversations with members and my comments have been the same. "Our history has been setting on shelves, in closets, and attics and I wanted to change that. If you look at my Years Work that I posted you will see that I am very serious about my committment and I know the other historians are as well.

We have alot of opportunites in our program and there is no way to argue against that. I know and so do the other historians. I do have to say with 100% clarity that up until the recent years the historians have not had the support that we needed to make a difference. When Gen Courter took over we saw a HUGE difference in the level of professionalism that was given and expected of us. Being National Staff under her leadership has been great because she will work with me and help me in the tasks and challenges I face. She gives me straight forward honest opinions and expects the same from me. I do my best to do that. The historians we have are just as dedicated as every other member in uniform.

I applaud the efforts of others who are helping to move our history program forward. This is not a one person deal and we do try to work together as best as possible. For the most part we do a pretty good job. We also have troubles that are brought to us because of our work and our efforts. I think that others that are trying to bring CAP history to CAP are great. Believe it or not we also have people who work against us with their own personal agendas. I had an established professional relationship with a member for several years and worked with them in whatever capcity I could, that relationship was hampered by an outside person who launched personal attacks and seemingly won.

Just like every other member I have good feelings and not so good. I have to say that most of them are good. I do not have the same level of time and money as others to spend but that is the same thing that you may comeacross. Despite what some members think just because some of us are National Staff we are NOT corporate officer's and do not have any benefits as far a travel or expense. We are like every other member. I do get reimbursed for items I get for the collection and that is about it. I went to the NB in San Diego and had to pay for it all myself just like other members and I had been unemployed for almost a year but felt it was important for me to go.

I consider myself a professional first and a historian after, and I enjoy the work most of the time. Being a CAP Historian has been great and I feel just as important as any other job within CAP. We do not however get the facetime like others do. Our National Reports are optional at the NB and done if time permits. If I want to do a display at an event I have to find space. I have been fortunate for the most part at GAWG and SER Conferences and given space. I still pay the expenses associated just like every other member.

I have done an estimated 40 custom glass pieces for various CAP members at no cost. CAP paid for the glass most of the time and I did the blasting and etching myself. The labor was donated to CAP because I believe in the program. I have done this for CAP, CAPHF, and some outside purposes in support of CAP. Out of all of the people who appreciated it I would have to say the Gen Courter and Ed O'Brien have shown the greates level of appreciation. I did 17 smaller pieces this past Christmas for various members who have supported the historical program. I get no money for these and donate the crystal and labor because I believe in the program.

Most of my fellow members do not see the depth of time and energy dedicated to preserving and promoting CAP history. We have tremendous people such as Col Len Balscovich. Lt Col Axel Ostling, Lt Col Jeraldine Ostling, Lt Col Todd Engelman, 1st Lt Kacey Smith, Major Ed O'Brien and Lt Col Mark Hess, Lt Col Ray Lyon. These are just a few of the people that are current members. One of our fellow CAPTalkers BillB has donated countless items to me for the collection.

We are kind of like icebergs, you only see the top 10% of the effort but we work our tails off for CAP.

You may consider this long winded or just simply not needed....but look at this way...its history in the making.

Rant over and Soap Box is put away for now!!

[RiverAux]

Jim, just to be clear that I was primarily talking about a collection for historical documents and photographs as an unmet high priority item.  It shouldn't take long at all to find a home for such items (yes, I have done this in the past for 2 other organizations of which I've been a part).  If people actually believe that the annual histories and oral history recordings that they make will actually go someplace safe and where they can be accessed, then they might just be a little more willing to do the work in the first place.  As it stands now, I wouldn't recommend that anyone send any original historical documents or reports to NHQ. 

Finding an appropriate home for the patches, uniforms and other memorabilia would be much more difficult and in my point of view isn't quite as critical. 

[tarheel gumby]

Rant and Soap Box has been taken out so prepare!!

When I first became Assistant National Historian under Col Len Blascovich I had the very list that you speak of. I had expanded access to eservices that allowed me to pull this type of information. When I became National Curator my access was severly cut and now all I can see is National Staff. I see the same thing that every other CAP member has access to.

When I lost the acess I attempted to keep the list but it became very difficult and time consuming. People changed, email accounts dissapeared and very few people responded to much. The list died over about a two year period.

Most of the historians that I know are very dedicated just like all of the other CAP members, the biggest difference for us is that most members do not see the work that we do because it is usually wrapped up in someone elses work or project. We assist other groups such as the PAO, NHQ Staff with stuff and other projects that require some type of historical research. The historical stuff that you do see is only about 25% of what is actually done. I have had information that was supposed to be done for stories pulled for other stories. It happens to us just the same as it does to others.

Not all of our work is uniforms and badges (despite what other may see), we also work with historical apects of governence and board actions in support of research that is being done by other CAP Corporate Members. We are more than antique and dust collectors.

On the line of uniform related items. We have ideas passed by us from alot of people and the vast majority of them are shot down before it gets off the paper. Badges, ribbons, medals, and the such are consider alot and go through a vetting proces. Maybe and I mean maybe 5% makes it through. Even them most of those are killed as well. Not my choice buy that is the process. I am asked to design items and patches as well. We are asked for concept ideas to be produced and sometimes they go through and other times they die as well. For example:
At the last two NB's I was approached by leaders of national programs to design challenge coins, they wanted the designs within the next couple of hours that included heraldry information. As usual the historians responded and did our best just like other members would.

We have a VERY good list of the CAP Histrorical Collection because Col Bill Schell my predecessor was a phenomenal collector and cataloger. We know what we have and it is used when I try to find items. I do a cross check of what is in the collection so I dont waste CAP's money. It is safely stored and secured in a climnate controlled facility that only certain members have access to. There isw however a redundant system in place in the event that something happens to one of the primary members.

We have talked about (in passing) about how we could best use the collection to promote our history. We have considered donating the items to a "university" or somewhere like that but it is alot more difficult to do that than one would expect. It is alot more complicated because of the nature of the items. We have also begun looking into a central repository for the collection, the issue wuth that is the "custodian" of the collection and the access to the items. This is by no means as easy as it sounds. All of this has been kicked around alot. 

When I was asked to become the National Curator I accepted with a great deal of enthusiasm. I wanted to take a different approach than Bill. He concentrated on 100 variations of the same patch and I want to get our history out to the members. I know that I have had alot of conversations with members and my comments have been the same. "Our history has been setting on shelves, in closets, and attics and I wanted to change that. If you look at my Years Work that I posted you will see that I am very serious about my committment and I know the other historians are as well.

We have alot of opportunites in our program and there is no way to argue against that. I know and so do the other historians. I do have to say with 100% clarity that up until the recent years the historians have not had the support that we needed to make a difference. When Gen Courter took over we saw a HUGE difference in the level of professionalism that was given and expected of us. Being National Staff under her leadership has been great because she will work with me and help me in the tasks and challenges I face. She gives me straight forward honest opinions and expects the same from me. I do my best to do that. The historians we have are just as dedicated as every other member in uniform.

I applaud the efforts of others who are helping to move our history program forward. This is not a one person deal and we do try to work together as best as possible. For the most part we do a pretty good job. We also have troubles that are brought to us because of our work and our efforts. I think that others that are trying to bring CAP history to CAP are great. Believe it or not we also have people who work against us with their own personal agendas. I had an established professional relationship with a member for several years and worked with them in whatever capcity I could, that relationship was hampered by an outside person who launched personal attacks and seemingly won.

Just like every other member I have good feelings and not so good. I have to say that most of them are good. I do not have the same level of time and money as others to spend but that is the same thing that you may comeacross. Despite what some members think just because some of us are National Staff we are NOT corporate officer's and do not have any benefits as far a travel or expense. We are like every other member. I do get reimbursed for items I get for the collection and that is about it. I went to the NB in San Diego and had to pay for it all myself just like other members and I had been unemployed for almost a year but felt it was important for me to go.

I consider myself a professional first and a historian after, and I enjoy the work most of the time. Being a CAP Historian has been great and I feel just as important as any other job within CAP. We do not however get the facetime like others do. Our National Reports are optional at the NB and done if time permits. If I want to do a display at an event I have to find space. I have been fortunate for the most part at GAWG and SER Conferences and given space. I still pay the expenses associated just like every other member.

I have done an estimated 40 custom glass pieces for various CAP members at no cost. CAP paid for the glass most of the time and I did the blasting and etching myself. The labor was donated to CAP because I believe in the program. I have done this for CAP, CAPHF, and some outside purposes in support of CAP. Out of all of the people who appreciated it I would have to say the Gen Courter and Ed O'Brien have shown the greates level of appreciation. I did 17 smaller pieces this past Christmas for various members who have supported the historical program. I get no money for these and donate the crystal and labor because I believe in the program.

Most of my fellow members do not see the depth of time and energy dedicated to preserving and promoting CAP history. We have tremendous people such as Col Len Balscovich. Lt Col Axel Ostling, Lt Col Jeraldine Ostling, Lt Col Todd Engelman, 1st Lt Kacey Smith, Major Ed O'Brien and Lt Col Mark Hess, Lt Col Ray Lyon. These are just a few of the people that are current members. One of our fellow CAPTalkers BillB has donated countless items to me for the collection.

We are kind of like icebergs, you only see the top 10% of the effort but we work our tails off for CAP.

You may consider this long winded or just simply not needed....but look at this way...its history in the making.

Rant over and Soap Box is put away for now!!

Well Said Sir :clap: :clap: :clap:

[tarheel gumby]

By the way River, Those documents and photos that you speak of take time to scan into an appropriate format. I still am working on scanning personell authorizations from about 1954 through 1965, and I started before I went to the National Conference in San Diego.

[RiverAux]

Surely they do, but I'm talking about preserving the documents themselves.  Electronic storage is good and is the future of history (I like that phrase), but original paper documents and photos must go somewhere safe. 

[James Shaw]

Surely they do, but I'm talking about preserving the documents themselves.  Electronic storage is good and is the future of history (I like that phrase), but original paper documents and photos must go somewhere safe.

This is being done as we write. We have cabinets full of pictures that are being scanned and documents that are being scanned as well. I have taken hundreds of pics and documents and scanned them. I put them in a PDF format so they can be studied and shared without having to "touch" them againunless absolutely necessary.

Last year I burned and distributed over 200 CD's to the wings and regions with key scans of documents. I also distributed over 100 cd's at the NB with 52 music tracks from converted 45rpm and 33rpm's. The historical group also handed out around 60 cd's of the Flying Minute Men pdf book for download pusposes to the wings and regions.

Just a couple of the "short projects" I am working on:

A complete scan of ALL monographs and collectors catalogs to be put on one CD so they can be distributed, as well as some that have never been published before and discovered in the archives.

Around 12 B/W movies and commercials converted from 16MM to DVD as one collection.

[BillB]

Are those 16mm films transferred to DVD available to members? Cost? They would be good for Squadrons to use in a historical class for cadets.

[Lois]

On the subject of historians.  I need a picture of an early CAP member.  Clear back in days they were flying missions up and down the Mississippi looking for subs.  I also have trouble getting any results from the historians.  Please help me find a good picture.

[Smithsonia]

Lois;
There is an entire collection dedicated to the Coastal Patrol Bases.
Go here and rummage around.
http://forum.teamcap.org/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=1790
There is every coastal patrol base in this gallery. Click on the various insignias and chances are that you will find what you are looking for from the numerous pictures contained in this portion of the website.

These resources are provided to any member however it is the expectation of the historians that you spend a modicum of time to find what
you are looking for. In this thread there are the resources you seek clearly named and outlined. www.TeamCap.org is a good centralized source.

Most of the complaints I get from members looking for information is due, not to a lack of information or resources, but a lack of initiative to do some probing. If you have read this thread and explored a bit on your own... the information was right there all along. In this case there are 300 photos in the www.TeamCap.org Coastal Bases collection from which you can choose whatever you need.

Google: CAP Coastal bases and these sites come up quickly.
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Air_Power/CAP/AP32.htm
http://www.americainwwii.com/stories/guarding.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Civil_Air_Patrol
http://history.nhq.cap.gov/

If you google images under Civil Air Patrol Coast Patrol/Bases it will display another 1000 plus images for you.
http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=imghp&biw=1296&bih=622&q=Civil+Air+Patrol+Coastal+Patrol&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=
Good Luck Lois.

[YakYak]

For what it is worth, I think it is a grave mistake to think of a history outreach program only as a history program.   The CAP's WWII history, particularly the subchasing missions, is an excellent way to inititally grab people's attenion.  The professionals call this a "news peg"  or "hook."  It is what captures people's attention initially.  From there,  you can roll forward or expand outward to cover more ground.  This is especially true because the WWII volunteer mentality still inspirits the CAP, and CAP's present day missions grew out of WWII missions in a fairly direct line. 

I believe a professionally designed history outreach could make a substantial contribution to CAP's total outreach.  I believe it could create public awareness, trust and goodwill.  It could help with recruiting.  It involves the CAP with its communities in new ways.

When I talk about a "professionally designed outreach,"  I do not necessarily mean this has to be accomplished by someone who is paid.  I am talking about a level of competence more than anything.

[James Shaw]

For what it is worth, I think it is a grave mistake to think of a history outreach program only as a history program. 

I Agree!! None of the historians that I have had the pleasure of knowing has ever viewed our history as strictly an outreach program. As stated in an earlier post we have been able to get more support recently than in the past. This is a foundation to build on and we will continue to do that.

When I talk about a "professionally designed outreach,"  I do not necessarily mean this has to be accomplished by someone who is paid.  I am talking about a level of competence more than anything.

We have a great volunteer historical staff that I feel does a great job. I feel that we as a whole are making strides to bring the CAP History program forward. This is not going to happen over night or within a few months. We do not have the benefit of unlimited time to devote to CAP just like the vast majority of the members on this board cant do that, we are no different. We have to work with eachother as best as we can as a Team and that makes a big difference. General Courter and Col Blascovich have provided great leadership in that respect because they want us to work as a team and model that behavior very well.

People can define our cempetence in any way they choose. I can't control that and won't attempt to. I won't base my worth on someone's opinion of me. I do however feel that people have more competence in you when you do things the way they want you to, and less in you when you don't. I have the utmost trust and confidence in the people I work with and work for. To me it is being part of the team. I know that if Gen Courter or Col Blascovich had an issue with my work than they would not hesitate to tell me. They have respect for their people and the work they do and treat them as they expect to be treated themselves, like Team Members.

[AdAstra]

Jim makes a good argument for the team approach. It hasn't always been so. About five years ago, I was enthusiastically trying to get support or approval for a historical monograph I was researching. Letters and e-mails were politely ignored. When I brought it up at a historian workshop, the attitude was "Not invented here" and literally: "Send us all your artifacts and documents and we'll safeguard them for the future."

I still find it amusing that the many recent projects to record CAP history have been initiated by local members or come from non-CAP sources: CAP Historical Foundation, From Maine to Mexico, the Flying Minuteman Project, Team CAP archives and research center, etc.

This discussion demonstrates that there are interested (and I dare say qualified) local members willing to help. "Special Advisor to the National Commander" is a relatively new concept. Most advisors that I know of have organized committees to assist them. For example, the Professional Development Advisory Committee, chaired by the Special Advisor, includes the region directors of professional development. I was invited to join a temporary committee to help develop Level One and Squadron Leadership School. The temporary, project-based method has been used elsewhere, and can be directly applied to historical projects.

What can we do to assist the larger CAP history program? What can the National Historian do to support us locally? It's not "them" against "us", or national against local. We need to work together, each contributing our strengths, to preserve our past, record the present, and pass this along to current and future members. This is, if you will, our legacy.