Civil Air Patrol Provides Growing Experiences for Local Youth

Cadets use flight simulator The Bay Net Photos by Daniel Gross

On Wednesday night, January 31st, Civil Air Patrol’s St. Mary’s Composite Squadron, held its Winter Open House to promote what Civil Air Patrol has to offer and encourage many young people from ages 12 to 21 as well as adults to become members or senior members.

“Civil Air Patrol has a lot to offer,” said National Director of Cadets, Lawrence Trick.  “It’s a great way to give back to the community.”  Considered to be the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is a non- profit organization with about 60,000 members nationwide. 

The St. Mary’s squadron is considered to be the second largest squadron in the state, with approximately 60 cadets and 30 senior members.  The squadron meets every Wednesday at St. Mary’s Regional Airport, and each night the cadets go through the course of the cadet program. 

There are many aspects within the program such as aerospace education, moral leadership, physical fitness, emergency services training, and many special activities.  “With moral leadership, it teaches the cadets that there are alternatives in life,” said the PLO of the squadron, 2nd Lieutenant Don Van Wormer.  “[The cadets] need to be capable of making proper choices.”

Many cadets came to the open house very prepared and ready to explain civil air patrol and their squadron, giving a very fine, reputable feel to the night. 

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Daniel Myers has been a member since October of 2004.  He is planning on a career in the air force, possibly to become a pilot.  “I’m interested in rescue and having a good time,” he said.
Civil Air Patrol participates in many situations and events that serve the community such as search and rescue in which CAP is notified if there is a lost person or downed aircraft.  The cadets would then go out and search for this person or aircraft as trained ground team members. 

Myers, in charge of a certain group of cadets said, “I am the Alpha Flight Commander and as a leader it’s a learning experience where, as you gain experience, you become better and more prepared for bigger tasks.”
Cadet 1st Lieutenant Victor Traven is another cadet within the squadron who is looking at a possible military or piloting career.  He has been with the squadron for over four years.  “The organization’s a great way to meet a lot of people,” he said.  “I feel that I have become very mature through the organization.”

During the open house the squadron emphasized the most, the fact that in Civil Air Patrol, cadets are actually doing something – something beneficial for the community and for themselves, according to squadron leaders.  In support of this, Traven said, “You do something.  Instead of sitting at home watching TV, you go out flying on the weekends.”