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Commander’s Commentary—January 2005

Col Kay Joslin Walling

Dear Maryland Wing Members,

While I usually end with a final note about safety, Civil Air Patrol started this year with a fatal aircraft accident. On Monday, 11 January, two members of the Louisiana Wing were killed while practicing ILS approaches near the Monroe Regional Airport. While the NTSB will determine the cause of the accident, it is a good time for all of us to review our own operational risk management procedures, remember that paperwork must be properly completed before a flight., and remind ourselves that safety is mission #1.

Wing Headquarters was hopping on Saturday, 8 January. Cadets from across the state were interviewed for National Cadet Special Activities. Only three Squadron Commanders missed the Commander’s Call. Logistics was once again busy reconciling the inventory, cleaning out the supply room, and issuing uniforms and equipment. The Safety briefing from Maj Bruce Drury, CAP got rave reviews from the Air Force Reservists. Operations announced its plan for a wing wide reimbursement rate for aircraft and the plan to supply each aircraft with a Wing credit card for mission purchases. Each month, the members of the Wing Staff amaze me as they continue to surpass their previous performance.

On Sunday, 9 January, I had the privilege of traveling to Warfield ANG Base. I first met with Col Guy M. Walsh, Commander of the 175th Wing. We discussed expanding the activities between the Maryland Guard and Maryland Wing Civil Air Patrol, specifically designing a program for Civil Air Patrol senior members similar to the Shadow Program we have for cadet members. After lunch in the dining facility, served by members of the Carroll Composite Squadron, I was joined by members from the Harford, Glenn L. Martin, and Ft. McHenry squadrons to participate in the Airman of the Year Awards ceremony. The members assisting in the dining facility and the members assisting with the awards ceremony did an outstanding job representing Maryland Wing CAP. MG Bruce F. Tuxill, Adjutant General, and BG Charles A. Morgan, III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, both were very complimentary of Civil Air Patrol’s assistance.

As we grow and move forward we will face challenges. but I have confidence that when we fall and stumble - we will stumble forward. In the meantime, we have many things of which to be proud.

Share the pride!

Sincerely,

Colonel Walling's signature

KAY JOSLIN WALLING, Colonel, CAP
MDWG/CC