LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – This weekend at the Lewisburg Airport, the captains and cadets of the Greenbrier Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) held a bbq meet and greet, hoping to enlist youngsters and adults alike in the phenomenal CAP program where they learn leadership skills, life-saving measures, and to fly aircraft. It was a beautiful, sunny day for flying as the young cadets took orientation flights as part of the requirements for advancement in the program. Cadets present ranged from 12-17 years of age and are students at local schools. Captain Chris Bishop and his family, cadets and other service members provided an exciting day for newcomers.
According to the Civil Air Patrol’s website, “Since the Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground. The Civil Air Patrol was approved by the Commerce, Navy, and War departments in November, and CAP national headquarters began operating Dec. 1, 1941, under the direction of national commander Maj. Gen. John F. Curry. Existing CADS, CAR and other flying units soon merged under the CAP banner. Public announcement of CAP and national recruiting commenced on Dec. 8, 1941, the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.”
Additionally, the website notes that “As a Total Force partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe.”
The Civil Air Patrol is not only for those between the ages of 12 and 18, it is also for adults who can volunteer as senior members. The Civil Air Patrol is “America’s premier public service organization for carrying out emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide.” The organization is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. According to the official description, “CAP’s vigilant citizen volunteers are there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster, and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 56,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.”
The Greenbrier County Composite Squadron and Captain Chris Bishop, along with several other senior members and cadets ranging from 12-18 years old, provided a scrumptious BBQ of hamburgers, chili dogs, snacks and drinks. Under a giant maple tree on the property, visitors were able to talk at length with cadets and get their thoughts on the program. The cadets were a shining example of respect as they interacted with guests.
While at the airport where they have a fixed base, visitors were able to watch several cadets take their orientation flights. The cadets will learn to fully operate, repair and fly planes like a Cessna 172. The CAP program has its own fleet among many other resources available to the over 56,000 members.
Each cadet displayed intense knowledge of their duties and wore the familiar camouflage uniform, with some senior cadets in their dress blues. One cadet took the time to tell visitors about the many ribbons and medals on his uniform. Each cadet is required to complete four phases of the program with 16 achievements. When each one is completed, a ribbon is awarded to the cadet. Each phase is named after a notable CAP member from the past with some phases left open; for one of them to strive for. The first achievement is named after Major General John F. Curry, who was the first National Commander of CAP.
The program is open to any volunteer, regardless of age or sex. Local squadron meetings are held each Monday at The Lewisburg Airport.
For more information on how to join this program, reach out to Captain Bishop or others on their Facebook Page at Greenbrier Composite Squadron-Civil Air Patrol or visit their website at gocivilairpatrol.com. You may email Bishop at chris.bishop@wvwg.cap.gov or call 681-296-8350.
