WASHINGTON — NASA is looking for the right stuff, or in this case, the right name for the next Mars rover. NASA, in cooperation with Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures' movie WALL-E from Pixar Animation Studios, will conduct a naming contest for its car-sized Mars Science Laboratory rover that is scheduled for launch in 2009.

Astronaut Eric Boe, a CAP senior member and Air Force colonel, will pilot the space shuttle Endeavour Nov. 14, his first space trip. Photo courtesy of NASA

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — Civil Air Patrol Senior Member (and Air Force Col.) Eric Boe will achieve what many dream of and few accomplish – the chance to travel into space. As an astronaut with NASA, he will pilot the space shuttle Endeavour for mission STS-126 on his first voyage into space.

The District of Columbia has launched the 2009 Presidential Inauguration Web site to provide information on events, transportation, security measures and closures. Go to www.inauguration.dc.gov for more information.

Members of Andrews Composite Squadron and Wackenhut security locate an active distress signal from a life-raft in Lorton, Va. Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing responded in mid-October with three search teams and flew four sorties. Photo by Maj. Paul Cianciolo

WASHINGTON — Veterans and servicemembers not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, thanks to changes in federal law that took effect in October.

A Civil Air Patrol cadet enjoys lunch in Brussels with fellow cadets from Finland, Switzerland, Canada, U.K. and France during the 2006 International Air Cadet Exchange. Photo by Maj. Paul Cianciolo

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — In 2009 cadets representing 13 countries will visit Civil Air Patrol squadrons in the U.S. as participants in the International Air Cadet Exchange program. The program, now more than 60 years old, promotes international friendship and understanding through a common focus on aviation.

# 26757 Click here to learn how you can be a star in someone's life by supporting your local Civil Air Patrol through the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign.

This YouTube video shows how you can be a star in someone's life by supporting your local Civil Air Patrol through the 2008 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area – CFC #26757.

In October 2000 the International COSPAS-SARSAT Program announced at its 25th Council Session held in London that it plans to terminate satellite processing of distress signals from 121.5 and 243 MHz emergency beacons starting Feb. 1, 2009.

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. — News that wreckage found in the rugged eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of California is that of Steve Fossett’s plane was met with relief today by Civil Air Patrol members who combed 22,000 square miles in a monthlong search for the missing adventurer.