A JOINT RESOLUTION recognizing the sixtieth anniversary of the signing of public law 557, which made the civil air patrol the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, and honoring the life and service of chaplain royce a. Beacham, one of the finest members of the civil air patrol.
Whereas, during World War II, volunteer aviators of the Civil Air Patrol's (CAP) Coastal Patrol distinguished themselves valiantly, flying more than 24 million miles during 86,000 over‑water missions — a total of 244,600 flight hours — to help win the battle against U‑boats that were preying on coastal shipping; and
Whereas, CAP volunteers spotted 173 submarines, attacked 57, hit 10, and sank two; called in aid for 91 ships in distress; saved 363 survivors of submarine attacks; discovered 17 floating mines; and flew 5,684 special convoy missions; and
Whereas, inspired by the highest sense of patriotism and pride in their mission, 59 members of these courageous aircrews died, 26 were lost at sea, and seven others were seriously injured; and 
Whereas, today CAP continues this tradition of service before self as one of the most unique volunteer organizations in America, consisting of everyday heroes — from pilots, teachers, and youth mentors to technology experts, communicators, chaplains, and more; and
Whereas, whether performing search and rescue missions or helping communities recover from floods, wildfires, tornadoes, or hurricanes, CAP members are there to aid their nation; and
Whereas, coming full circle from its beginnings in World War II, CAP is again performing homeland security missions, assisting the Air Force in ensuring the skies above our nation are safe by flying target‑intercept training missions for United States military pilots; and
Whereas, former CAP member, Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Royce A. Beacham, could trace his family history back to the first flight of the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk; and
Whereas, Chaplain Beacham could trace his personal history to the defending of the United States' coast during WWII, and could say that he was present for both the 50th and 100th Anniversary of the First Flight at Kitty Hawk; and
Whereas, Chaplain Beacham and his father, John L. Beacham, assisted others in setting up the first CAP Squadron in Manteo in 1941, and had served with CAP Squadrons in Greenville, South Carolina, Durham, North Carolina, and the Raleigh‑Wake Composite Squadron of North Carolina, where he remained an active Chaplain for a number of years; and
Whereas, Chaplain Beacham never flaunted his special relationship with history and never thought of himself as being special because of it. He had a higher calling into the present and the future, based upon his relationship and calling from God; and
Whereas, Chaplain Beacham translated his calling into such willing and caring service to and for others. The service he rendered had a special measure of gentleness and tenderness, of care and concern for others; and
Whereas, Chaplain Beacham, during his many years of service to CAP, was honored by being named 1984 CAP National Chaplain of the Year, 1997 North Carolina Wing Chaplain of the Year, and 2004 Middle East Region Chaplain of the Year; and 
Whereas, Chaplain Beacham obtained a Ground Team Rating and Mission Observer Wings in Emergency Services. He also received ribbons for Rescue Find, Air Search and Rescue, Disaster Relief, Senior Recruiting, and many Commander's Commendations; and
Whereas, Chaplain Beacham was laid to rest on Friday, March 14, 2008, in Raleigh, North Carolina, surrounded by his many CAP comrades; and
Whereas, CAP's Missions for America have impacted the lives of many citizens, as has the life of Chaplain Royce A. Beacham; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly extends its greatest appreciation to the Civil Air Patrol, which became the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force with the signing of Public Law 577 on May 26, 1948.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly expresses its deepest sympathy and heartfelt respect to the family of Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Royce A. Beacham.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Royce A. Beacham.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.