We are going to do a group effort on getting this newsletter going again, Dave Pirtle, Jim McMillion, and Mike Taylor will be co-editing the effort. We encourage each of you to provide input. If you have anything to add to it, please contact us.

Mike will try to provide the Commander’s Corner as before. We will have updates on Squad activities and a Training Schedule as well as recaps on missions.

A new feature will be a focus on what you as individual members do; your lifestyle, your family and occupation, both now and past. We will be contacting each of you for that info so we can put it together and showcase 5-10 members each month. It will be random selection. Probably the most willing to share that info will be the first ones used.

Another new feature will be a guest comment section. Anyone may write a feature regarding SAR activities or related topics and submit it for publication. The Editors reserve the right to edit and/or delete objectionable material but will allow controversial subjects to be used.

Trail Bike: Date and location TBA. Instructor Bill Daily

Rope: Training on Sat. Oct 27^th location TBA

Rope Cert Class: TBA (Hopefully in November) We need to know who may be interested in taking this course. Please contact Chris Christy if you can participate.

Tracking: Soon if enough interest.

There will be a "End of Fund-Raiser" picnic for all members on Sun Oct 21st at the Squad property in lieu of the Christmas party this year. We encourage each of you to attend with your families. Horseshoes, Volley Ball and other activities are planned. Menu is Potluck with the Squad providing the entrée and condiments. Bring your own liquid refreshments. Time is 2:00 to 5:00. We need to know how many to plan on so please call Shirley at 476-3024 or Patt at 472-7457.

Many of our members recently volunteered their time to assist the Payson Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH).

Vynette and Cliff Sage, Ira Gibel and Ron Crimmins helped with the drywall hanging. Dave Pirtle, Monique Usher, Rick Heffernon, Shirley & Doug Conklin, Ira Gibel, Jim McMillion, Jim Matych, Charlie Conover, Bill Fuller, Scott Reger, Mike Taylor and Anita Carnine all got down and dirty cleaning up the yard and digging holes for shrubs.

The home was built for Anita’s daughter Christine. The PAHH and Anita’s family were very appreciative of the help.

Thanks to all of you for your community spirit.

MISSIONS

The recent missions include an unsuccesful (so far) search for a 84 YOA Paul Gaither. Paul lives in Payson and was frequently seen walking around town. When his guardian discovered him missing on Wednesday Set 12, a search was instigated in the West Payson area out to Doll Baby Ranch because witnesses reported seeing him walking on the Doll Baby Road. Three days of searching provided no clues and the search was suspended awaiting further developments.

A successful (of sorts) mission was a search on Sep 27 for a 51 YOA suicidal subject. His body was found after an intensive search effort led by VC John Boyles. Chris Christy and Dave Beckstead found the subject by standard tracking methods. Cliff and Vynette Sage were also on his track from a different direction and were 2^nd on the scene.

It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to one of our members this month. Steve Holt passed away Sep 28^th at his home in Payson. We will all miss him as he was a constant source of wit and humor as well as having a creative mind and could always come up with new ideas or a different perspective on how to solve a particular problem.

Thanks Steve for sharing your life with us for five and a half years.

It is at times like this that we reflect on our SAR family and realize just how valuable each one is to the whole. It is important for each of us to participate and add our contribution to the effort. And equally important that we recognize and accept the part each other member plays, no matter how often or seldom they may be seen.

It has been suggested that each new member be assigned a "big brother/sister" to contact, support and encourage them as they adjust to and learn in TRSAR. I challenge each of us to adopt that concept. If you were assigned a person exclusively, it would only be another duty and not from the heart. Also, the new member needs variety and input from all of us. Chances are likely that a person assigned to a new member may not have that much in common with him/her. If each of us will take it upon ourselves to contact, assist and encourage each member, new or old, then the Squad will prosper and grow in cohesion and direction.

The secret is communicate, communicate, communicate! And that’s no secret!

See you on the trail.

Mike

No guest comment this issue.