19 June 2008

Update from Capt Chris Colvin, IAWG/PA

Good afternoon,

Here is the update for 19 June.

The biggest CAP news today is…

President Bush visited the Cedar Rapids area and was greeted at the Linn County EOC by CAP members Major George Cobley, 2nd Lt Michael Dzado, Senior Member Brian Mishmash and Cadet Airman Katelyn Mishmash. A photo will be made available by White House Staff as soon as possible.

Due to the Temporary Flight Restriction, there were no air sorties today.

The Iowa Wing continues to be tasked by HSEMD and FEMA to provided tactical reconnaissance and communication to support in response to the flooding.

Wing and Squadron members continue to staff the SEOC and the Linn County EMA security desk.

Below are a number of quotes from people outside of CAP regarding the Iowa Wing’s response to the State of Emergency:

“I’m impressed with the Civil Air Patrol’s staffing at the State Emergency Operations Center and their willingness to take on the missions assigned to them. Beyond that is the quality of product they deliver. The Civil Air Patrol has been a valuable asset to the concerted effort for flood response.“
– Dr. Philip Pitzen, Protective Security Advisor, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

“Photos from the CAP flyover provide local responders with critical information to help them make decisions based on potential flooding. Partnership with Civil Air Patrol provides us with a valuable resource that can provide critical information in both response and recovery.”
– Joyce Flinn, Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division

“The Civil Air Patrol’s flight service provided for a prime example of representative government that is allowing us to bring Iowans’ concerns to Washington. ”
– U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

“I have been a long time supporter of the Civil Air Patrol and appreciate their on-going efforts in the recovery process.”
– U.S. Senator Tom Harkin

“The Civil Air Patrol has met visual and reconnaissance needs of the state and federal agencies and we are very happy with the product."
– Dianne Wilson, FEMA, Region 7