A simple but solemn ceremony which officially recognizes a new commander of a unit was held last month. The Change of Command Ceremony is one of the oldest military traditions, dating back to the time of Frederick the Great of Prussia. As armies grew larger, a formal change of leadership became necessary as a means of introducing the soldiers in the field to their new commander. The ceremony was simple and brief, allowing it to be performed at any time and place. It was conducted before the troops in the field, fostering esprit de corps by making them a part of the ceremony.Colonel Richard Greenwood, Georgia Wing Commander, officiates as Captain Burrell relinquishes command and Captain Fisher assumes command of the Ellijay 507 Civil Air Patrol Squadron.

Civil Air Patrol handles 90 percent of inland search and rescue missions, with approximately 75 lives saved each year. Our members are generally the first on the scene transmitting satellite digital images of the damage within seconds around the world and providing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade disasters, including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas and Oklahoma wildfires, tornadoes in the south and central U.S., North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006 earthquake in Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the U.S. and Mexican border.

In addition, CAP members are dedicated to counterdrug reconnaissance and to teaching a new generation about aerospace and its impact on our future. And our cadet programs ensure our youth receive some of the finest leadership training the nation has to offer.

If you would like more information about CAP, go to: www.gocivilairpatrol.com or call Captain Don Murray @ 706-273-1553.