Holiday Message 2020

December – the holidays are rapidly approaching, and we look forward to celebrating the miracles, memories, and happy times that this season represents. How we celebrate is so very diverse as well, representing the various traditions that we have as individuals and families, and representing the great diversity that we have in Civil Air Patrol. Such diversity is one of our many strengths as an organization, and it is played out in the many ways in which we worship, celebrate, feast, and relax during this holiday season. This year’s celebrations will be different, of course, given the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But celebrate we will, in our own manner and in keeping with our own traditions.

Over the holiday season I tend to reflect, personally and professionally, on the previous year and plan for the upcoming year. Perhaps you do the same. I must admit that I will not shed a tear when 2020 closes out. What an amazing year it has been, certainly epic in our lifetimes and one for the history books. I don’t need to detail the immense challenges we have faced over the course of the year – you have lived them.

As I reflect, though, I come to realize that many extraordinarily good things also occurred in 2020. In the context of Civil Air Patrol, we as an organization proved relevant, yet again, in meeting the needs of our nation. Our most remarkable organization provided boots on the ground and wheels-up service to our communities, states and nation in response to coronavirus and natural disasters. Our organization continued to save lives – 130 during the last fiscal year – and shaped lives through our cadet and aerospace education programs. And all this was possible through the efforts of our volunteer members and employees, the support of our generous donors, and connections with our alumni and friends of Civil Air Patrol. A call to selfless service, innovation to overcome crippling obstacles, unwavering financial and moral support, and resilience are the characteristics you epitomized, the same characteristics found in our long blue line harkening all the way back to our founding on December 1, 1941.

I, along with Civil Air Patrol’s senior leadership, have already spent much time planning for the upcoming year. You have heard me talk about how we are in a pivotal time period where, collectively, we are shaping Civil Air Patrol for future success. We are ensuring the transformational changes we pursued are baked into the organization’s DNA to ensure long-term improvements. We are learning lessons from the coronavirus experience to help us in the future. We are acting to make the organization all the more inclusive and diverse. And we are capitalizing on recommendations given to us to improve as an organization.

What will 2021 bring – to us individually and to Civil Air Patrol? The story is yet to be written, but I, for one, have great hope for the new year. I believe that vaccinations and continued personal safeguards will slowly bring us through the pandemic. I believe that Civil Air Patrol will continue to be relevant and make a difference, thanks in large part to our exceptional people. And I believe that I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve with you and to serve you as your Chief Executive Officer and National Commander.

Have a happy, and safe, holiday season!

Maj.Gen.Mark Smith
National Commander/CEO