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South Dakota Members Promote CAP, Wing at State Capitol
Twenty-one members from the South Dakota Wing visited the state Capitol for the wing’s annual Legislative Day, elevating Civil Air Patrol’s visibility among legislators while also giving cadets insight into how government works.
After a photo opportunity with Gov. Kristi Noem and Lt. Gov. Larry Roden for a photo, a Capitol employee led the CAP contingent on a 45-minute tour. Then came a break for lunch.
With the wing's government relations adviser, Lt. Col. Tom Anez, in the lead, stops followed in the House and Senate chambers.
The visitors were welcomed and introduced by, respectively, Rep. Tim Reisch and Sen. Jim Stalzer. Reisch is a new member of the wing Legislative Squadron — to which most members of the Legislature belong, with the honorary rank of CAP major — as well as former state adjutant general,
Before the day concluded, the wing members watched several debates over bills in both chambers.
“The Civil Air Patrol youth program focuses on leadership and aerospace/STEM learning,” said Col. Michael Marek, South Dakota wing commander. “Providing our cadets the opportunity to see our state seat of government and witness legislators in action is an important experience for them.”
In addition to legislative appropriations, the South Dakota Wing also receives state funding via the Department of Military to support CAP’s services to state and local agencies in South Dakota.