10 June 2008

Update from Col Steve Kuddes, NCR/CC

I am sure that most of you are already aware of the disaster response missions under way in our Region. All of our Wings have to some extent been affected by the weather the past month. Tornadoes, hail, high winds and flooding have taken a toll on not only us but the residents of our states. But our Region is not the only area of the country to see the severe weather.

The forecast for tonight and tomorrow is for more severe weather with tornadoes, heavy rain and hail in the mix. With Des Moines and Iowa City already experiencing flooding, this is not good news. We have to continue to be ready to help as many of our Wings have already been called to do. Add in the ELT, missing aircraft and missing person searches we have been involved in and we realize how important our duties are to our nation. The long range forecast calls for more rain and more storms. Our job isn't finished, its just beginning. But being the professionals we are, we will continue to perform our missions to the end.

I am very proud our our members and their dedication to perform the missions we are called upon to perform. We have the satisfaction of doing what we have volunteered to do but how many times have we thought about the people we serve? More and more those people are realizing that the little red, white and blue airplane means help is on its way or gives comfort to them that someone cares about them. Just the little things we do can mean so much to those who need to know that we do care. Seeing the CAP vehicle in their area gives them some sense of security.

Please pass along my thanks and let our members know that we are proud of them for everything they do. And let them know that they do make a difference in the lives of others even though they may not hear it themselves.

Steve W. Kuddes, Colonel, CAP
Commander, North Central Region