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Sen. Toomey Praises Passage Of Bill To Honor Civil Air PatrolMay 22, 2013 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) today praised Senate passage of a bipartisan bill he cosponsored honoring the dedication and sacrifices made by members of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II. The bill passed the Senate unanimously. During World War II, the Civil Air Patrol was comprised entirely of volunteers who used their own planes and money to fly combat, humanitarian and other critical missions throughout the war. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), would award a single Congressional Gold Medal to the Civil Air Patrol. Donations would then cover the cost of replica medals for surviving Civil Air Patrol members and the families of deceased members. "Civil Air Patrol members risked their lives to serve our country during World War II, and 64 of them died in their efforts to protect freedom. As a pilot and Civil Air Patrol member, I am pleased to join my Senate colleagues in supporting this honor for these brave and distinguished Americans," said Sen. Toomey. "It's an honor for me, personally, to serve in an organization with such a rich history of patriots serving our nation. The Congressional Gold Medal Bill, S. 309, is so important, not just to our members and our young cadets who represent our future leaders, but to every citizen across the U.S. To remember, recognize and honor each and every hero who, in a volunteer capacity, using their personal property, aircraft and resources, served their nation to provide security to our homeland is imperative. We have little time left to recognize these men and women, many who gave their lives while selflessly serving their nation. Please help us in our effort to award this most appropriate honor to these individuals," said Col. Sandra E. Brandon, Commander, Pennsylvania Wing Civil Air Patrol. Read this original document at: http://www.toomey.senate.gov/ p=press_release&id=1030 |