I had some time for reflection the other evening.

I have to admit that I have been suffering from early stages of burn-out lately.  What with personal priorities to be dealt with, the necessary duties of being Commander have been weighing heavily on my back.  I’m not a person who seeks a position of authority, I don’t even hire employees in my business.  I am the type, like most of you, who likes to be in the trenches, doing the fighting.  I would rather be on the trail than dealing with CP decisions and paperwork.  But I have enjoyed being the leader of this organization because there has been very little in-fighting or dissension among the members.  So I have dealt with the parts I don’t care for in order to enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship.  Leading you has been a matter of walking alongside and sharing the responsibility.  I like that.

So when several problems have cropped up recently and I see attitudes emerging and some power struggles developing, I started to think maybe it’s time to step down and let some one else take the wheel.

I had the opportunity to go into the trench Saturday evening and I admit, it felt really good to be on the trail, so to speak.  Working an assignment, being one of the troops, physically searching rather than waiting for others to report back.  I almost felt guilty for leaving Jim Matych at the SO as I went with Dave Murphy.  Almost. 

Then as I sat alongside the highway early Sunday morning holding a frightened injured boy in my arms, feeling his trembling body relax against mine, I remembered why I joined TRSAR in the first place.  It’s not for praise nor recognition nor even for seeing the TRSAR name in the newspaper.  (That one has bothered me a lot over the years.)  It was for little Brian and all the others like him who need a hand-up and a hug.

I did not find this child, Jim Matych deserves the credit, as do Anita and Les and Warren and Vynette and her son and all the others who came out.  God put me in the right place to call in the find but it was TRSAR as a group who saved Brian.

Even those who could not be there at that time were equally responsible for bringing him in.  We function because we are a unit.  No one can do it all nor be at every activity.  It takes all of us to pull it off and no one deserves credit any more than another.

So I am again content to the lot assigned to me.  I’ve never coveted the title of Commander and would willingly pass it on to anyone who wanted it and is qualified to handle it.  But that’s not the issue.  We each are faced with responsibility and our job at any given time is to do the very best we can at the assigned task.  Quitting because the road gets steep or rocky is not how to achieve neither the task nor how to be prepared for the next assignment.

I have always enjoyed the Squad because of the caring quality of the members.  That has not changed.  You are the very best group of people on this earth.  Thank you for allowing me to stumble along in front of you, pretending to lead when in reality, you are carrying me.

 TR2 Mike T.

MISSIONS

August 11, 2000 – Young – Thirteen-year old boy, left home at about 0830 hours after discussion with father.  Found three miles north of Young on F/S 512 by Roger Miotto safe and sound but still somewhat disgruntled and headed to Camp Verde to see girlfriend.  It was a long drive, thanks to all that was able to drive the distance and endure the rain.  It seems he has learned a lesson from what I have heard from an anonymous person in Young who knows him. 

August 12, 2000 – Highline trail – This mission involved the removal of two hikers struck by lightning.  The female hiker survived the strike, however the male hiker was fatally struck.  While hiking a thunderstorm rose and the group started to return to the beginning of their journey.  On the way back lightning struck a tree and followed a root to the trail, at that point both hikers were struck.  It was a hard mission due to the weather, of which gave even the ATV’s a most difficult time.  The responding members did a good job and their efforts are appreciated very much.

August 26, 2000 – East Verde Park – A forty-year old male had been missing for several months.  This was felt to be a retrieval mission if the subject was found.  Although the subject was not located during the search the family and friends appreciate the efforts of TRSAR.  Thanks to all who responded.

September 2, 2000 – State Route 87 Mazatzal Rest Area – Thirteen-year old boy, Mentally challenged and Cerebral Palsy fell from back of pickup truck unknown to parents.  Found by Mike Taylor at MP-231.8 south of area where thought lost with no major injuries, cuts, lacerations and contusions.  Thanks to all that responded, this is why we do what we do and are grateful when the injuries are rated as minor.  Especially when they could have been fatal.

TRAINING AND EVENTS SCHEDULE

September 14, 2000 – Busy day: Set-up for County Fair in Pine, contact Les if you want to help; GPS Training – 0800 hours, Tonto Natural Bridge Road at the wide pull-off; Monthly Meeting, 1900 hours, Manzanita Manner on North Longhorn.

September 16, 2000 – Mock Mission – Time and place TBA of course, can’t give you any clues on this one.  That would take all the fun out of it. 

September 18, 2000 – Takedown for County Fair in Pine, contact Les if you want to help

LOST AND FOUND              

There was a beaded bracelet found at the 4^th of July party at Charlie Conover's.  If anyone knows the owner, have him or her contact Charlie, Mike or Vynette.  I am sure they will be happy to return it to the rightful owner.

Radio for sale

Bob Bonney GCSO 476-4711

Vertex VX10, rapid charger, and battery.  Price $200.00

Message from the “Editor…?”

I must apologize for no newsletter last month.  I took a vacation… if you want to call it that.  Long story.  In short, a death in the family, a sick dog, the rear window of the wife’s new Nissan Xterra shot out, three injuries to the wife, and lots of wind and rain.  But look at it this way, it could always have been worse!  We saw lots of beautiful country, saw relatives, and took some real nice photos.  The insurance company paid for the $1310 window, the dog got well, the wife has healed up, and I learned how to set up and take down the tent trailer in less than ten minutes in the rain.  Any volunteers to go on vacation with me next year?  I didn’t think so.  Hey, no Guts, no Glory. You will find attached to the email or as the last page a list of GCSO employees and their badge numbers.  Several members have requested this list for some time.  I wish to apologize for my tardiness on making up this list.  Seems like I’ve been doing a lot of this apologizing here recently.  I will get my act together, trust me.  Maybe it is a sign of the ever-progressing aging process!!!!

See ya at the activities and training.  Have a good September.  At least what’s left of it.

TR-28 Bill Daily