Civil Air Patrol celebrates National Character Day on Nellis Published Sept. 13, 2011 By 2nd Lt. Marc Cruz Nevada Civil Air Patrol NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Many people have overcome diversity, challenges and many other obstacles in life to accomplish their long and short term goals. These members of society go on to lead productive and, in many cases, successful lives. Recently, the Civil Air Patrol gave their members an opportunity to talk to a few of these people, in order to promote positive thinking, showcase the importance of setting goals and demonstrate perseverance. More than 50 Civil Air Patrol cadets and 15 senior members attended the Civil Air Patrol's National Character Day, Sept. 3, 2011, at the Airman Leadership School on Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. The purpose of National Character Day is to encourage cadets to overcome obstacles on their way to achieve their personal life goals. It also attempts to steer cadets away from drugs and push them to persevere. The events for the day included inspirational talks from military guest speakers: Civil Air Patrol Lt. Col. Jack Schofield, a World War II veteran who is currently running for Congress, and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Lee Davis, U.S. Air Force Aerial Demonstration Squadron maintenance NCO. Also speaking to the patrol members were two former football players: Mark Jackson, a former NFL player who participated in three Super Bowls as a member of the Denver Broncos and the New York Giants, and Mr. Rudy Ruettiger, a former University of Notre Dame football player who was portrayed in the 1993 movie "Rudy." Both football players told their own personal stories in order to convey a motivational message to the cadets: it is possible to overcome any obstacles in order to achieve your goals. The cadets were told not to let anyone put them down, not to let what other people say determine what they do in life and to continue to strive for the things they want to accomplish in life. After hearing the speakers' stories, the Civil Air Patrol members in attendance were able to ask questions and meet the guest speakers. Following the question panel, the cadets ran a 200-yard obstacle course. The course represented the obstacles each person experiences in life. By overcoming the heat, pain and exhaustion to complete the course, each member showed his or her dedication to compete. The lessons the Civil Air Patrol cadets learned from Character Day will hopefully influence the way the members carry on in their everyday life and help them live up to Schofield's saying, "If it is to be, it is up to me."
