She lobbies me, too

An article about my niece.

LOCAL CADET LOBBIES CONGRESS

Cadet Lt Col Serena Wedlake representing the Charlotte County Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol went to Washington D.C., accompanied by 150 other CAP members from around the nation, to lobby members of Congress on several important issues. Serena served as the Florida Wing and South East Region Cadet Advisory Council Vice Chair and the National CAC Primary Representative for the South East Region.
Their major thrust of the visit was to address the Fiscal Year 2011 Operations and Maintenance Funding which was reduced by $4.5 million. It was noted that if CAP’s O&M is not fully funded, our readiness to support emergency and operational missions will be significantly degraded. Among the impacts brought up were:
• A reduction of 12,000 flight hours in support of local, state and federal missions
• Operational training by over 35%
• Counterdrug and other support to states reduced by 80% or eliminated
• 8 positions eliminated from National Headquarters
• CAP’s ability to safely conduct air operations will be compromised, and
• Support to the cadet program will be reduced
• CAP would not be able to perform 90% of all Inland Search and Rescue Missions

They also spoke with the Congressional members about CAP’s Homeland Security Bill
(S704) which is awaiting action in The Senate Homeland Security & Government Affairs Committee. They urged the members of the Committee to pass the bill out of committee.
Another matter discussed was the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of CAP’s World War II Service. CAP was formed on December 1, 1941 and was instrumental in forcing the German submarine fleet to leave our shores. They urged Members of Congress to cosponsor the bill as it is introduced.
Lt Col Wedlake stated this was one of the best experiences of her CAP career, giving her, at age 19, the chance to meet with Congressmen and discuss the bills and issues of importance to CAP. She will be attending Legislative Day again next year looking forward to meeting new members of Congress. We at the CC Squadron are very proud of the performance of this young lady in all of her duties.