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Let Me Tell You A Story

Let Me Tell You A Story

By Valerie Scheuering

 

Let me tell you a story. I was born in 1959 in Reno, NV. I never realized that my mother's life would have a profound influence on mine, but it did. To tell you mine, I must begin with hers. 

In 1953 my mother, Paula Drulias, and her sister, Ina-Jean Drulias, joined the Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) while attending Reno High School. 

My mom attended her first summer encampment (as a sophomore) at March AFB CA, her second in 1954 at Mather AFB CA, her third at Nellis A.F.B., NV. Paula's CAP squadron visited Fallon N.A.S for a breakfast fly-in as a 1Lt Cadet Commander. She attended the National Encampment in 1955 for female cadets (one of two selected). She was then selected to represent the Nevada Wing of Civil Air Patrol, along with five other cadets, to the National Encampment for a special training session at Lackland AFB, TX. 

I know you are thinking, where am I going with this? Well, because of my mother's experience, I decided to enroll in the JROTC program at Reno High School and upon graduation joined the U.S. Air Force and went through Basic Training at Lackland AFB, TX. My mom and I were able to talk about her experience in the Civil Air Patrol and I in turn shared my experiences with her. We talked about the changes at Lackland and the things that hadn't changed. I had no idea until we talked, that the CAP was the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. 

So now you have an understanding of the women who influenced my life, my mom and my aunt. I am now the 1st Vice Commander of the American Legion, Department of Nevada, all because my mom encouraged me to join the U.S. Air Force. I wish they could both be here to see, but I know they'd be proud of what I've accomplished. 

Here's wishing the Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol a Happy 80th Birthday and to another 80+ years!

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