SDWG Team Calls on Members of Congress
A team from South Dakota Wing (SDWG) engaged in a series of productive meetings with members of the South Dakota congressional delegation and their staff members on February 29.
Led by Colonel Michael Marek, SDWG Commander, the team, comprised of Lieutenant Colonel Tom Anez, Cadet Colonel Keon Den Hoed, Cadet Second Lieutenant Clover Naughton, Cadet Second Lieutenant Joseph Lasseter, and 2d. Lt. Austin den Hoed held discussions with Senator Mike Rounds, as well as representatives from the offices of Senator John Thune and Representative Dusty Johnson.
“Our CAP National Legislative Day meetings were part of a nation-wide CAP initiative to brief the Congressional offices on the good things going on in CAP in their home states,” said Marek. “We were seeking support for the next national CAP appropriations bill, which will be $73.5 million, including $15 million for new aircraft and $2 million for new vehicles. The request will be for a 6.5% increase from last year.”
The South Dakota wing team encountered favorable responses in all three Congressional offices, Marek said.
Senator Thune’s staff escorted the South Dakota team on the underground tram from the Dirksen Senate Office Building to the US Capitol Building and provided a tour of the Capitol building, including in “no public tours” hallways, and. In Representative Johnson’s office, they were invited to exit the office onto the balcony surrounding the Longworth House Office Building for an unprecedented view of Capitol Hill and the surrounding area.
Following the meetings, the South Dakota cadets enjoyed two days of tours in the DC area, traveling by Metro with their adult escorts. Col Marek met with other wing and region commanders for briefings on upcoming initiatives by CAP national staff members, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.
