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About the Group III Emblem
 The
Group III Emblem was
designed in accordance
with Air Force Instruction
AFI 84-105. Group and wing emblems are shield-shaped, while squadron
emblems are on a disc.
The heraldic blazon (the
unique language used to describe heraldic emblems) is as follows:
On a
shield sable with a diminutive border or, the Texas state flag in the
outline of the state of Texas proper, with a Roman numeral III gules in
the field argent. On upper sinister quadrant, the Air Force emblem
argent, on lower dexter quadrant a triangle argent with a three-bladed
propeller gules. Motto: TERTIA SEMPER PRIMORIS (Third [Group] Is Always
First).
In plain English, the
above means:
On a black shield with
a small gold border, the Texas state flag in the outline of the state of
Texas (in its proper colors [of red, white and blue]), with a red Roman
numeral III in the white field. On the upper left quadrant (as worn by
the bearer), the Air Force symbol in white, on the lower right quadrant
a white triangle with a red three-bladed propeller (the CAP emblem).
Motto: TERTIA SEMPER PRIMORIS (Third [Group] Is Always First).
The emblem design was
co-authored by 1st Lt Charles E. Corway and Capt Arthur E. Woodgate. The
finishing touches were the result of a collaborative effort by a Group
III team.
1st Lt Charles E.
Corway, Admin & Personnel Officer, Addison Eagles CS
More on the Group
III Emblem
The focal point of
the patch is the State of Texas, which acknowledges Group III as a part
of Texas Wing and that its volunteer members support the great State of
Texas.
As with the flags of the
United States and the State of Texas, the blue stands for loyalty, the
white represents purity, and the red is for bravery. All of these are
traits exhibited by our volunteer members on a regular basis.
The five points of the
Lone Star represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are
fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broadmindedness. The
Roman numeral three is the official Group designation, and is positioned
in North Texas near the location of the Group headquarters.
The black background
represents the night sky, a time when our volunteers often work while
providing support. Within
the black background are the symbols of the United States Air Force and
the Civil Air Patrol, showing the partnership that exists between them,
both by congressional order and by virtue of their harmonious working
relationship. The entire patch is surrounded by a gold border,
representing the purity of its members' intent to serve their fellow man
through volunteerism.
Finally, the motto
Tertia semper primoris is a Latin phrase that means, literally,
“Third Always First.” However, given that Latin is a very flexible
language, its implied meaning is "Third [Group] Always First." This
motto emphasizes the Group III ideal, in the sense that its members will
always strive for excellence in all that they do. In this context, being
first is not intended to denote winning but rather leading the way as
part of a larger body.
Lt Col
Owen L. Younger, Group III CC |
