Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do, Excellence, then is not an act, but a habit.” It is only through practice and repetition that we can develop our skills and techniques. The difficulty is that as volunteers we must carefully balance our lives between our multiple roles (e.g. spouse, parent, school, job, church, volunteer) which is not always an easy task. Increasing activity in one area by neglecting another usually leads to some unpleasant situations, including; divorce, loss of income, guilt, stress and burnout.

It is important to truly understand your own motivations for volunteering. A clear understanding of why you get up at 2:00 AM and go out searching for a total stranger will help you identify your priorities and basic motivations on which to base your decisions. These priorities will change over time. I have come to believe that training is the most important activity for most of us to be involved with, whether as student or instructor. This includes missions and other activities where we are learning even as we perform our duties. Knowledge and skill is what sets SAR members apart from the general public. Training is where we begin to gain that.

Keeping everything in balance and continuing to increase your knowledge and skills needed for SAR activities is challenging but not impossible. Focusing your attention on your interests and aptitudes is the best way to avoid burn-out. The number of activities that we can be involved in are many and varied. Few members can participate in every activity, but you can excel in more than one. Determining the time you have to invest, and committing to becoming the best you possibly can in a limited number of areas of interest should reduce your level of stress and increase your value as a volunteer.

With clear priorities and an understanding of your own motivations, the ability to say, “No, I choose not to do that” without guilt, when asked to participate in some activity will enable you to enthusiastically participate in those areas in which you truly wish to be involved.

I am not trying to discourage people from being involved and participating in the different SAR activities. In fact, I encourage everyone to get their feet wet in more varied activities in order to find out what they are truly interested in. What I am saying is be careful to not overextend yourself. Your commitment and positive attitude as a person who is happy with their life and volunteer involvement will affect those around you in a positive way. 

TR2, Mike T.

Knowledge and skill is what sets SAR members apart from the general public.

Board Member Election

Active members, be sure to bring you ballots to the December meeting.  There will be none at the meeting.  The nominees are:  Vice-Commander; Vynette Sage (no other nominees). Treasurer; Ron Crimmins (no other nominees).  Board Member; one open position; Chris Christy, Ira Gibel, Don Peters (vote for one).  Other persons may be nominated at the December meeting and voted on as write-ins.  All the nominees are ready, willing and VERY MUCH able to take up the position nominated for.  Vote for the one you think will serve you and the squad in the most formidable manner.  Thanks much for your vote.  We promise, if there is question, the votes will be recounted at the meeting with no intervention of legal representation or court action!!!!!  The votes will be counted and decided upon prior to the end of the meeting!!!!! Really!!!

After all, we’re in Arizona.

Member Recognition and Upgrades

For five excellent years of service, John Avery was presented with his Five-Year Certificate.  Anita Adams upgraded to active member. Congratulations to both.

New Applicants

Three people applied for membership in the Squad, those being Cameron Mills, Bill and Kathleen Bagley.  All are waiting for the trials and tribulations of acceptance. Best of luck to all.  It is a pleasure to welcome you. 

Departing Member

Dave Murphy is leaving the squad.  He will be missed greatly.  He has done much for the squad and its individual members.  Dave goes out of his way to help the people he was looking for and the squad.  Dave has been transferred to the Checker Auto Parts Store in Prescott.  Be sure and stop by to see him if you get over some time. I am sure he would be pleased to see any one of us.  Maybe he will be back someday and again become a welcomed member of the squad.  Best wishes and good luck with the new store Dave.  We’ll miss you.

Training Coordinator

Dacey Taylor has stepped down from the Training Coordinator position and it has been taken over by Jim Martin.  Jim will do a very good job with the position.  He is dutiful and just a all around hard worker, and a nice guy of course.  Dacey and myself will be continuing the rope training sessions and certifications.  Jim will direct the other aspects of training needed.  He welcomes any and all suggestions you may have in the training area.  He wishes to do the best job he can, and to help him give him your suggestions in the areas you feel you and the squad need training.  Some of the new people to the squad have received little or no training.  If you can think of any areas needed, please let Jim, Dacey or myself know so we can afford the best training we can to all members, new, old and in between.

Training Schedule

December 14, 2000 -- Navigation Training -- Tonto Natural Bridge Road -- 0900 hr.  This training is on GPS, Compass, Maps and other types of navigation depending on the instructor’s preference for the day.  Good training by good instructors.

January 13, 2000 -- Rope Training -- Rye Bridge -- 0900 hr.  All are members are most assuredly welcome to the training.  Watch the crazy people jump off the bridge!!!!

January Sometime -- Mock Mission -- Date and time TBA.  What will they think of next?  Who knows?  The Shadow knows!!!!!!  (Am I dating myself?)

Missions