Over the course of my recent membership in CAP, I've made it a point to observe as well as talk with the "wanna bees" who join/are members CAP.
For the most part, I find these individuals to be very dedicated, tend to spend a heck of a lot more money on various "military" type uniforms than most of the general senior membership.
I've found that many had a burning desire to join the military and serve their country, but due to physical and/or mental conditions, couldn't meet the stringent armed forces medical standards.
Others, retired from their professional lives and/or lost love ones due to age or illness, and found themselves depressed and without purposes. Their finding of CAP 'gave them a new purpose in life" and many became significant contributors of time, talent (and some treasure) to various squadrons in the wing.
So, from one military retiree, I'd like to salute you for your service to CAP and apologies to those that may have been offended by remarks on the board in the past about "wanna bees"
RM
Quote from: RADIOMAN015 on February 10, 2010, 11:04:09 PM
Over the course of my recent membership in CAP, I've made it a point to observe as well as talk with the "wanna bees" who join/are members CAP.
For the most part, I find these individuals to be very dedicated, tend to spend a heck of a lot more money on various "military" type uniforms than most of the general senior membership.
I've found that many had a burning desire to join the military and serve their country, but due to physical and/or mental conditions, couldn't meet the stringent armed forces medical standards.
Others, retired from their professional lives and/or lost love ones due to age or illness, and found themselves depressed and without purposes. Their finding of CAP 'gave them a new purpose in life" and many became significant contributors of time, talent (and some treasure) to various squadrons in the wing.
So, from one military retiree, I'd like to salute you for your service to CAP and apologies to those that may have been offended by remarks on the board in the past about "wanna bees"
RM
I'll throw my $0.02 in as well. Like RADIOMAN my experince with most CAP volunteers Wannabees, Cadet Moms, or "I just want to fly" guys...has been positive. I too want to send my Retired USAF salute to everyone who stands up and does his part to make CAP work.
I gotta say, I thought this was headed in a completely different direction, but I agree 100%.
:clap: :clap: :clap:
Definitely didn't see that title as positive, but well said post. I'll throw in my 'Active Duty' salute; I wouldn't have gotten here without those members of CAP.
and thank you for your service to our country
As a 15 year vet of the US NAVY, and CAP Member for 3 years THANK YOU :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Quote from: RADIOMAN015 on February 10, 2010, 11:04:09 PM
So, from one military retiree, I'd like to salute you for your service to CAP and apologies to those that may have been offended by remarks on the board in the past about "wanna bees"
Sorry, but I just can't agree because you are hijacking the "wannabe" label to mean something that most of us don't mean when we say "wannabee". I salute all the members from any walk of life who joins CAP and participates fully. These people are not "wannabees" but active and productive members. They are what they are - members of the Civil Air Patrol.
^ +1
:clap: