Rocketry Planet

SALISBURY, Maryland USA — Wicomico Country and the Lower Eastern Shore citizens should be proud of the rocketry teams of the Wicomico Composite Squadron — Civil Air Patrol and Wicomico High School. During May, one CAP cadet team and two from the high school gained eligibility to compete among 100 finalists in the national Team America Rocketry Challenge, held at The Plains, Va.

This local squadron was the only CAP unit to meet the demanding requirements of this competition from throughout the nation. Not only is this an outstanding accomplishment, it is the third consecutive year the Wicomico Composite Squadron has earned such an honor.

These young men and women, together with their counterparts from two Wicomico High School teams, were Maryland's only representatives to be eligible for the finals. Overall, this program involved 7,000 students forming 653 teams from 43 states and the District of Columbia.

These rocketeers designed, built, tested and launched their rockets to meet stringent requirements set by the sponsoring Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry.

TARC considers model rocketry a safe and fun way to inspire students to study math and science, and to pursue careers in aerospace. The 2009 event was the seventh annual competition; it is the world's largest model rocket contest.

Their rockets soared to heights exceeding 600 feet and remained airborne for almost one minute. A raw egg placed inside the rocket returned to the ground intact after an inboard parachute deployment.

1st Lt. Robert Bryant, Wicomico Composite Squadron's aerospace education instructor and Janice Austin, math department chairwoman from Wicomico High School, served as mentors. They continually were an inspiration to and cheerleaders for their team members.

Any adult or young person interested in the CAP rocketry program or membership in this organization, which is the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is invited to visit the squadron online at www.WicomicoCAP.org for more information and contacts.

Our young Wicomico rocketeers of the future deserve our recognition and congratulations.

Maj. George R. Murray Jr. is public affairs officer for Wicomico Composite Squadron, Maryland Wing.

Copyright © 2009, The Daily Times.