Civil Air Patrol offers unimaginable opportunities
By Tessa Compton
March 10, 2014
427
Hoots and hollers echoed throughout the Dover Armory as young gentlemen and ladies raced the clock in an effort to pass each of their individual physical training tests, a test they must complete as cadets in the local composite squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Other Civil Air Patrol volunteers gave pats-on-the-back and wisdom to improve the cadets scores the next time around. Meeting every Tuesday of the month at the Dover Armory from 6-9 p.m., the Civil Air Patrol offers opportunities unimaginable for both young and old.
The Civil Air Patrol was born out of a desire for the common man to serve his country at its greatest time of need. As a result the Civil Air Patrol proved its worthiness, logging more than 500,000 hours of flying time and saving hundreds of lives during World War II. Today, the Civil Air Patrol is recognized as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and an auxiliary to the United States Air Force with a three part mission in mind: emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs.
The 16-step Cadet program including training in leadership, physical fitness, character development and aerospace education is exactly what area youth 12-21 years of age can look forward to completing by joining the Civil Air Patrol in our community. Titus Rennicker, participating cadet and local 7th grader, shared, Its nice having a place to go, help out the community, volunteer and learn leadership skills. Young men and women do not need to wait until adulthood to start using their lives to build a personal legacy. They can start now.
The more motivated the cadet, the farther the cadet will advance in the program. Cadets can participate in special activities offered on weekends and throughout the summer at the local, state, regional and national level. As part of the Aerospace education program, local cadets get to learn the history of model rocketry while actually building three different model rockets over time, including constructing the actual engine. Cadets may also attend a flight academy where they may fly solo in an airplane or travel abroad in the international Air Cadet Exchange program. While there is much fun to be had, cadet membership offers many benefits, especially if the cadet should choose to pursue a career in aviation, space or the military. Civil Air Patrol membership is looked upon favorably by most ROTC programs. Plus, cadets who earn cadet office status while in the Civil Air Patrol may enter the Air Force as an E3 (airman first class) rather than the entry level rank of an E1 (airman basic).
The Senior Member program for volunteers age 21 and older allows ordinary citizens in our community to start making a difference as well, to become an everyday hero without joining the military. Major Matthew Bates, Civil Air Patrol squadron commander, after recalling a drag racing accident in Carrolton, said, I wasnt trained in helping anybody; and, it happened 20-30 feet down below me. Inspired to join after witnessing such circumstances, Major Bates, and other CAP senior members for that matter, no longer have to stand by the sidelines in an emergency situation. They are trained in emergency services including, but not limited to, search and rescue and disaster relief. Still, senior members in our local Civil Air Patrol squadron can make one of the most important differences of all by positively impacting todays teens. When considering joining the Civil Air Patrol, Major Bates said, When I was growing up, there were people investing in my life as a youth, and it was time to give back.
For more information about how to get involved, contact Major Matthew Bates at 740-491-3010.
