Photo By Airman Collin Schmidt | Members of the Civil Air Patrol Malmstrom Composite Squadron pose for a photograph...... read more read more
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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. - Cadets of the Civil Air Patrol Montana Auxiliary Squadron recently had the opportunity to learn first-hand from Team Malmstrom members what Malmstrom Air Force Base’s mission is all about. As an added bonus, the cadets also got to speak with members of the base’s 40th Helicopter Squadron and experience a flight in a UH-1N Huey helicopter during an orientation flight.
“This was a great opportunity for our CAP members,” said 2nd Lt. Noah Warren, 341st Munitions Squadron nuclear accountability reporting section officer in charge and CAP public affairs officer. “The 40th HS took several of our cadets on orientation flights. We try to work with the Air Force and other military branches as much as possible to give our cadets orientation flights in military aircraft. This service provides our cadets with the opportunity to continue their aerospace education and allows many organizations like the 40th HS to showcase their vital roles.”
Over the years the Air Force and CAP have formed a mutual bond, working together to develop servant citizens who take pride in their work, education and history.
During the late 1930s, aviators and those with a love for flight banded together to have their voices heard as they fought to establish an organization that would allow them to implement their personal resources in the fight for freedom and in defense of their country.
Due to their persistence and great help during World War II, President Harry Truman signed Public Law 476 on July 1, 1946, incorporating the Civil Air Patrol as a benevolent nonprofit organization and on May 26, 1948, Congress passed Public Law 557 which permanently established the CAP as the auxiliary of the new United States Air Force.
Today the organization has members in all 50 states and territories and strives to excel in its three primary missions of aerospace education, implementation of cadet programs and emergency services support. Each of the three missions helps members to become good citizens while developing skills for many careers and helping CAP members of all ages to grow and learn.
“The relationship between Malmstrom and the CAP has been crucial to the successful running of the program here in Great Falls,” said Warren. “Many of the members of the Malmstrom Composite Squadron are currently stationed at Malmstrom while serving in the Air Force. The CAP Montana Wing Headquarters is even on base.
“CAP also has core values,” he continued. “These values mirror those of the Air Force. CAP’s core values are: Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect.”
According to Warren, the program strives to instill a strong work ethic within its cadets that rewards the effort needed for self-development.
Cadets are required to master military customs and courtesies, practice appropriate military drill and uniform wear, learn leadership skills and aerospace education, and practice good fitness routines.
During his time with the program, Warren has personally been able to mentor several former CAP cadets that have gone on to achieve great things and study at the Air Force Academy. Several have also received full scholarships to universities where they are currently pursuing careers in engineering, aerospace and multiple non-military careers.
“I watched one cadet give a 10-minute speech in front of 200 people,” said Warren. “When you learn that this 14-year-old joined the program and was too shy to even talk to members of his family, let alone members of the community just a year earlier, this 10-minute speech is truly amazing.
“Without a doubt the coolest part for me has been working with the cadets,” he continued. “I have watched youth transform into amazing adults and have seen first-hand the impact CAP has had on the cadets. This is truly a great program.”
If interested in the CAP, individuals can reach their local unit at www.gocivilairpatrol.com or contact Noah Warren directly at 559-325-4557.
| Date Taken: | 01.26.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.26.2016 18:55 |
| Story ID: | 187097 |
| Location: | MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, MT, US |
| Hometown: | GREAT FALLS, MT, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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