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The Extra Mile
Growing
up in the Hudson River Valley in Upstate New York, my parents taught me at an
early age the importance of hard work, but more importantly, the value of
helping others.
I can still remember with fondness helping my mother, father and grandparents
around the farm, picking vegetables, weeding under a hot sun, and stacking
hay.
Despite the long hours my father put in on the farm, he found time to serve
many years as a member of our local volunteer fire company. Dad always told
me that being part of the community meant you had an obligation to contribute
to its growth and well-being. I can remember many times the fire horn sounded
and my father dropped whatever he was doing to run off to the firehouse to
help our neighbors.
I have carried that lesson with me ever since. After graduation from Yale and
Columbia Law School, I returned home to the family farm and the community
where I had grown up. I wanted to give back to my friends and neighbors and
soon moved into public service - first as mayor of the City of Peekskill,
then in the New York State Legislature and now as Governor of the Empire
State.
The notion of helping others and improving our communities - such a core
value of Scouting - is what motivated me to public service. Each and every
day, my Administration and the men and women who work so diligently on our
behalf are making our State a better place to live, work and play.
Not a day goes by that I don't hear about some instance of State employees
going the "extra mile" in helping someone in their time of need.
Take for example, the heroic rescue of a doctor in need of medical attention
from the South Pole by members of the New York State Air National Guard in
October 1999. The 109th Airlift Wing of the New York State Air National Guard
has provided airlift support to the National Science Foundation's South Pole
research program since 1988.
In 1999, the New York Air National Guard unit assumed the responsibility of
being the sole provider of airlift support to the South Pole program, taking
over for the United States Navy.
Flights in support of the South Pole program usually begin in late October to
early November, the start of the Antarctic spring season, when the less
extreme conditions will permit safer flights.
However, a member of the Foundation's South Pole research team, Dr. Jerri
Nielsen made a self-diagnosis of breast cancer. Her condition made an earlier
flight necessary, a dangerous mission conducted in temperatures at the very
threshold of the ski-equipped C-130's operational capacity.
On October 6, 1999, the 109th launched two aircraft from its upstate New York
base in Schenectady to Christchurch, New Zealand. Two days after the planes'
arrival at Christchurch, the crews attempted to launch two aircraft for
McMurdo Station in Antarctica, but were unable to successfully launch until
the third day due to high winds and blowing snow.
Extreme cold temperatures at the South Pole hampered the 109th from launching
for more than 24 hours after their arrival at McMurdo. Finally, on Friday,
October 15th, one of the aircraft set out for the South Pole.
Three hours after takeoff from McMurdo, it arrived as the temperatures had
warmed to the required -50 degrees. The aircraft landed at the limits of its
operating ability. Less than 25 minutes after the crew's arrival, the
aircraft was off with Dr. Nielson and prepared to begin the long journey to
bring her back for the medical care she needed.
The New York National Guard 109th Airlift Wing completed this historic
medical evacuation flight on October 16, 1999 - marking what is believed to
be the earliest flight to the South Pole in the history of mankind's
exploration of Antarctica.
The flight crew endured life-threatening, arctic conditions and executed an
extremely difficult and dangerous rescue mission to help a woman they had
never met. Their actions embody the true spirit of New York. Their bravery,
compassion and genuine commitment to helping others are a source of
inspiration to all Americans.
It is that spirit of selflessness and devotion to service and helping others
that we ought to recognize and encourage - and that is a key reason why I
think Scouting is such an outstanding and worthwhile activity for young
people.
I wholeheartedly support Scouting, the noble ideals and goals it embodies,
and the fine example it sets for our young people. Each of them, who give of
their time, energy and talents to dedicate themselves to Scouting, is to be
commended.
George Pataki
Governor of New York
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