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History

Be sure to check out our 'Hall of Fame' with photos, small bios and quotes from current and former members.

 

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has a rich history and is a multi faceted organization with many programs that could appeal to a wide variety of people. CAP is a volunteer non profit organization that is part of the Air Forces 'Total Force' initiative (Active, Reserve, Guard and Auxiliary).  Our members wear the Air Force uniforms and are tasked with missions by the Secretary of the Air force.  Of the three missions we have your school would be looking at the Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education Member (AEM) program.  

National History:

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF).  

Historical Milestones

1941:  CAP was created by Administrative Order 9 on December 1st 1941, with Maj. Gen. John F. Curry as the first CAP national                                       commander. The organization was originally formed to provide civilian air support to aid the war effort of World War II through border                       and coastal patrols, military training assistance, courier services and other activities. Video available                                                                         here: http://www.capgoldmedal.com/videos/   

 

1943:  Transferred to War Department: CAP's efforts were recognized and, after the close of the war, Civil Air Patrol was transferred from                       the United States Army to the newly formed U.S. Air Force. 

1946:  Incorporated (Public Law 476): Through the enactment of Public Law 79-476 by the U.S. Congress and signed by President                                 Harry S. Truman, Civil Air Patrol was incorporated as a nonprofit organization of "volunteers and declared to be of a benevolent nature,                 never again to be involved in direct combat activities."

1948:  Auxiliary of the United States Air Force (Public Law 557)

2010: This video focuses on Civil Air Patrol's top mission of the year, its Southeast Region's summer-long response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

2011 - 70th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol:

 

WW2 Mini Story (courtesy of former cadet David Reed):  

“CAP Coastal Patrol flew 24 million miles, found 173 subs, attacked 57, hit 10, and sank 2. During WWII, CAP flew a half million miles and lost 64 CAP aviators. Women also played a role in CAP during WWII. In fact, they had many duties. They were pilots for inland liaison, were in forest fire patrols, and multiple other missions.

(See David Reeds full article here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19sgABk-vyfNnVbjfXKTl1A34tsRnbUrD)

 

There are many websites that detail all the impressive things that we have been a part of over the years:

https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/history-of-civil-air-patrol

http://www.capgoldmedal.com/history/fact-sheet/

https://www.maxwell.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/1024853/civil-air-patrol-a-story-of-unique-service-and-selfless-sacrifice/

Our Squadron History: 

The Lawrence County composite squadrons primary focus is on Cadet Programs.  We have recently began to focus on the Aerospace Education aspect and have gotten 17 local educators signed up to use our STEM program.   We have answered a few calls for help in the past couple years on the Emergency Services side, the giant Snow storm in Erie back in 2018, along with a few missing persons searches.

 

Nov 14th 2019. 

1st Lt Corinne Savena has agreed to take over command; Lombardo goes back to Deputy and reduces his number of duty positions to spend less time at the squadron.  (Now Cadet Captain) Nolan Curran remains cadet commander.  Cadet Alpha squadron Sgt Alfano and Bravo Flight sgt Kaltenbach are on the path to replace Curran when he steps down.

 

July 18th 2019. 

1st Lt Brian Lombardo took over command temporarily as Captain Reed needed to focus on his Professional life and do less with the squadron.  Lt Corinne Savena was asked to consider the role of commander but she wasn't ready at this time.  Reed has stayed on as an active senior member helping as needed as Deputy commander, Safety and other jobs as needed. 1st Lt Cadet Nolan Curran is still the cadet commander at this time.

July 10 2017 - July 18th 2019:

Captain Dan Reed was squadron commander for two years starting in July 2017; he agreed to step up when Wilver started working more  Cadet Joseph McCollum and Robin Gess were cadet commanders at this time. 2nd Lt Brian Lombardo became Deputy commander to help Reed with the workload.

March 7 2014 - July 10 2017:

Captain Colleen Wilver ran the squadron.  She resigned her position a few years after her son left the program; she stayed on for 2 more years assisting remotely as Finance and adviser.  Her membership lapsed and now she remains a community supporter of our cadets and invites them to get community service hours a few times a year.

 

20?-March 7 2014

Major Pat Randall Ran the squadron

 

Prior to Randall was, Dennis Neese, and Chuck Wedge (deceased)

 

*Anyone with historical info, photos or records please reach out to us so we can add them to our collection.

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