Civil Air Patrol - Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup Raptor Composite Squadron
T
The Gallup Civil Air Patrol
United States Air Force Auxiliary - Civil Air Patrol
Gallup, New Mexico
A Letter from the Commanding Officer
Major J.P. (Jim) Stephens, CAP
Winner of the Civil Air Patrol's 2006 F. Ward Reilly Leadership Award.
Dear Friends,
For years, the Gallup Civil Air Patrol (GallupCAP) Cadet Program has produced young men and women of purpose, character, and a commitment to those ideals necessary for citizenship and leadership in a free republic. At GallupCAP, we offer a traditional, American-style educational program where personal values, honor, and love of country still matter. In that regard, the Pledge of Allegiance, the blessing at mealtime, and cultural respect and appreciation for those of different race, gender, and religion are not only expected, but mandatory.
The military process at GallupCAP is not an end in itself; it is simply the means to an end. The end being an educated young man or woman who has experienced the challenges of the military model of education and who is completely prepared for the rigors of college or in life – a cadet who is poised, polite, and confident in any social environment. Hence, GallupCAP cadets stand tall, offer a firm handshake, respect authority, and display a level of confidence that parents may not have observed previously.
The military setting adds structure, responsibility, accountability and yes, consequences when necessary. All contribute to a well-rounded young man or woman. This environment works for those who have historically underachieved, who simply have not been able to manage their time, and who tend to procrastinate in every endeavor. The rigorous days at GallupCAP are filled with academics, military activities, social activities, and athletics. Thus, there is little time for non-productive activities.
It might sound as if GallupCAP is all work and no play. But that could not be further from the truth. Besides the mandatory subjects of the CAP Cadet Program, there are many activities for our members to get involved with. From being a member of our award winning Color and Honor Guard, to the Drill Team, to being involved with communications, Search and Rescue and many other activities, we offer something for everyone that chooses to become involved. These activities are performed on or in some of the finest CAP facilities in this part of the country.
Here at GallupCAP, we change what cadet’s think is good enough in terms of effort and achievement. Mom and Dad, you will see the difference.
On another subject, we are always looking for motivated adults who want to assist us in what we do here at GallupCAP. No experience is required and the training and experience you will gain by being a Senior Member of the Civil Air Patrol is immeasurable. We encourage the parents of Cadets to join as this gives both the parent(s) and the Cadet something in common and can work at together. We have had several "CAP Families" in our past and we encourage it as much as we can. Just think of it like this, we cannot perform our mission and our Cadet Program without adults. The more adults we have helping, the better our program will be.
In closing, I look forward to meeting you and answering your questions at one of our meetings very soon.
For the Corps,
J.P. (Jim) Stephens, RN
Major, CAP
Commander, GallupCAP
 | ||||||
