"Spirit of Ronald Reagan"
by
Capt Robert Nagby, CAP Squadron 45 MARB

On 13 January 2006, former first lady Nancy Reagan dedicated a C-17 cargo plane dubbed the "Spirit of Ronald Reagan" which is painted over the crew door. In a statement, Mrs. Reagan remarked that "Ronnie believed that it is the responsibility of every American to help guard the freedoms we hold so dear, so I know he would be especially pleased that this plane will be flown by citizen air crews, providing support for our troops fighting in faraway lands. About 1,500 people attended the event, base officials said.

Local CAP units (including Squadron 45) assisted March Air Reserve Base personnel in this historic event.