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The Valley Today is a radio show and podcast dedicated to shining a light on the vibrant community leaders and local events that make the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia truly special.  Insightful conversations, engaging stories, and event details connect listeners with the heart and soul of the valley, showcasing its unique culture, initiatives, and people.
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  2. Honoring Heroes: Civil Air Patrol and Wreaths Across America

Honoring Heroes: Civil Air Patrol and Wreaths Across America

Nov 29, 2024

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Major Jacob Bixler and cadets from the Winchester Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. The discussion kicks off with an introduction of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), touching on its role as the volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and its focus on cadet programs, aerospace education, and emergency services.

Major Bixler reintroduces the audience to the CAP and the diverse community involved, emphasizing the leadership opportunities for cadets. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Creese shares her journey, inspired by her father, highlighting her growth in leadership and public speaking. She discusses her current involvement and future aspirations within CAP, including her aim to achieve the Spaatz Award before transitioning to an adult member.

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Cora Creese (Lauren's younger sister) also shares her experiences, discussing her interest in leadership and potential career in aviation. She emphasizes how CAP has helped her develop various skills and how it connects members as an extended family through shared activities and responsibilities.

The conversation then shifts to the Wreaths Across America project, a community event organized by CAP at the Winchester National Cemetery. Major Bixler explains the mission of the event: to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations about the sacrifices made for the country. Both Lauren and Cora share their personal experiences with the event, noting its impact on participants and the community.

Listeners learn about the logistics of sponsoring a wreath for $17 and the importance of ensuring no veteran's grave goes without a wreath. Major Bixler encourages community involvement and sponsorships to meet their goal of covering all 5,500 headstones. Click here to help.

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization's mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.