Spacecraft Pilot Proctor Shares 'Journey to Becoming an Astronaut'

Maj. Sian Proctor, the Arizona Wing member who orbited Earth for three days in September as the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft, shared her experience recently with nearly 200 members from the Arizona and California wings.

During her half-hour presentation “Space2inspire: Fostering an Open, Creative, and J.E.D.I. Space” Proctor described being selected for the Inspiration4 flight aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in a contest sponsored by Jared Isaacman, the entrepreneur who privately funded the mission. She had applied for the “Prosperity” seat on the flight, launching an online shop called My Space2inspire where she sells her space-themed art and poetry.

“I became a space artist during COVID,” Proctor said, “and decided that I should apply [for that seat] because being engaged in the arts really transformed me.”

She shared the short video she used to apply for the contest, reading a poem she wrote for the occasion. It explains her concept of “J.E.D.I. Space”: “We have J for justice to ignite the bold; E for equity to cut past the old; D for diversity to end the fight; and I for inclusion to try to make it right.”
Texas Cadets Earn Model Rocketry Badges

Fourteen cadets from across the Texas Wing assembled recently in Clyde to earn Model Rocketry Badges through the first Abilene Composite Squadron Model Rocketry Academy.

Earning a Model Rocketry Badge requires cadets pass four written tests on the history of rocketry, principles of rocketry, and the National Association of Rocketry Safety Code. They must also build and launch four rockets of varying complexity.

Cadet Senior Airman Jerry Wood of the host Abilene squadron built and launched the highest-climbing Fizzy Flyer, which rose about 5 feet off the ground. His favorite part of the activity was “the interactions we had working in launch groups. We really turned into a team.”
Gathering of Diamonds Fundraiser Set for May 1
The Spaatz Association and its Board of Directors will hold their annual Gathering of Diamonds fundraiser online from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Eastern time May 1.

The event will feature memories from the family of Gen. Carl A. Spaatz, for whom Civil Air Patrol’s Spaatz award — the highest achievement possible for CAP cadets — is named, as well as a welcome to new recipients of the award. Less than one-half of 1% of cadets achieve the honor.

Participants will hear presentations on leadership by a air of keynote speakers, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gens. Bruce “Orville” Wright, president of the Air Force Association, and David A. Deptula, dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.

Grant and scholarship recipients from the previous calendar year will also be highlighted.
NHQ News
Air Force Recruiting Service Webinar Open to Cadets
Calling all cadets interested in learning more about U.S. Air Force flying careers, ROTC, the Air Force Academy, or Officer Training School.

The Air Force Recruiting Service is hosting an online opportunity to not only hear about what is on offer but also ask questions.

Join members of the recruiting service at noon Central time April 20 for their Rise Above Aviation Mentorship Webinar.
Maximize Your Impact for Giving to Civil Air Patrol
If you are 70½ or older and have a traditional Individual Retirement Account, you’re eligible to make a tax-free gift to Civil Air Patrol directly from your IRA. You can transfer your stocks directly to CAP and avoid paying capital gains tax.
This Week's Top Headlines
“Civil Air Patrol Leads Search in Path of Winterset Tornado”

“Civil Air Patrol Flight Takes Off at Plant 42”

“Civil Air Patrol is Pathway to the Sky”

“Search and Rescue: Tullahoma Hosts Air Patrol Training”
Tweet of the Week @Civil Air Patrol
Insta Photo of the Week #Civil Air Patrol
Every unit of blood collected through the combined efforts of Civil Air Patrol volunteers saves three lives. During its 23-month response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Pulse Lift has collected this number of units:
Operation Pulse Lift's two-year COVID-19 anniversary (April 15) stretch goal is 12,000 units.

CAP Marketing & Strategic Communications


Connect With Us: