SOUTH TEXAS CIVIL AIR PATROL- Public Affairs Blog: Corpus Christi Comp Squadron and Coastal Bend Cadet Squadron Support BEACH to BAY

Corpus Christi, Texas- Cadets and Senior Members from two South Texas Civil Air Patrol units proudly assisted with the 36th Annual running of the Beach-to-Bay relay Marathon in Corpus Christi, Texas on 21 May 2011. The relay is the largest such relay in the United States of America and attracts participants from all over the world.

Cadets provide three main services at this event, finish line assistance, support of the awards area and the presentation of the Colors for the start of the awards ceremony. CAP participation in the event, this year, was coordinated by Major Joe Ely Carrales, Commander of the Coastal Bend Cadet Squadron, and SM Kurt Ryder, Deputy Commander for Cadets of the Corpus Christi Comp Squadron. Lt Col John Barfoot participated in the the race running a 4.69 mile stretch in 39 minutes.

When questioned about the effort Lt Col Barfoot simply replied, "...felt great."

The effort to get CAP personnel in position for the event is a long one requiring the CAP VAN be positioned in Bishop or Kingsville, Texas well prior to the event. The CAP has been involved with the event going back to the year 2000 and solidly since 2007.

Transportation of Cadets from Kingsville to Corpus Christi, Texas and marshaling this year presented new challenges since the location of the finish line was moved from its traditional start at Cole Park to McCaughan Park, which will be its location in the future.

Cadets remained hydrated and in good spirits despite the sun and sea gulls.

"It was different this year," began Major J.E. Carrales, "however it was good to see and hear the local band Flashback as well as do an outstanding job for the event."

Major Jerry Lunceford and SM Kurt Ryder helped organize the finish line. On a peculiar note, Major Lunceford is holding (unseen) a box containing a engagement ring. The fellow obscured by Cadet Ritter's head was setting up a proposal to his long time girlfriend who was running in the race.

Cadets at work assisting runners at the finish line. Some runners may be in distress and need to be taken to the Medical tent or to a tent where they can get a massage if they cramp.

Early on the cadets established a perimeter, to insure that the Cadet Colors Element would have an unobstructed area in which to present the colors.

Later on, the challenge became holding back a crowd of an estimated 10,000 people just prior to the awards assembly. I would like to thank the participants who respected the line and allowed for a smooth activity.