Civil Air Patrol celebrates 75 years of service

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Snyder | Civil Air Patrol cadet Jacky Jenkins, right, CAP Squadron 126, is given a tour of the flight deck in a C-17 Globemaster III by the 726th Air Mobility Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Dec. 1, 2016. The CAP is celebrating their 75th anniversary. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder)  

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY

11.29.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Snyder 

52nd Fighter Wing

“It’s really a privilege to be part of CAP for 10 years now,” said Capt. Frank Schuler, CAP 126 Squadron deputy commander. “Just knowing that I’m part of an organization bigger than myself, is a privilege.”
The event included a tour of C-17 Globemaster III hosted by the 726th Air Mobility Squadron, a history presentation on CAP and a cadet promotion ceremony.
“Our main mission for the overseas CAP is a cadet training squadron,” Schuler said.
Volunteers formed CAP Dec. 1, 1941 as part of efforts to fly their own planes at their own expense to support America’s efforts for World War II. The pilots later flew reconnaissance missions near the country’s coasts to protect cargo ships.
Today the CAP has more than 8,000 air crew members and 30,000 emergency responders trained to Federal Emergency Management Agency standards. The CAP also has a youth program with more than 24,000 cadets world-wide which trains them to be leaders, with a curriculum in military leadership, aerospace education, character development and physical fitness.
“The best part about being in the CAP is the opportunity to visit different squadrons on base, meet new people and learn more about aerospace,” said Ayden Flowers, CAP Squadron 126 cadet.

• Date Taken: 11.29.2016
• Date Posted: 12.19.2016 03:23
• Story ID: 218088
• Location: SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, DE