More than 450 members of the 31st Wing of the Civil Air Patrol held their annual statewide conference, April 21, 2018 at the Holiday Inn facility, Grantville, Pennsylvania to bring together cadets and senior members from the six regional groups in a fun and educational experience.
On hand were Airman and Soldiers of the Pennsylvania National Guard, providing a wide variety of displays and equipment to enhance the day of learning and provide just a taste of potential careers available to the cadets in their very near future.
Among the displays was a rapidly deployable communication satellite dish provided by the 271st Combat Communications Squadron, a part of the 193rd Special Operations Wing.
Looking more like a giant beach ball than a sophisticated communication hub, the receiver/transmitter offers rapid setup and portability. Weighing in at just over 60 pounds, the entire package fits in a case that could almost be stored in the overhead compartment on a commercial aircraft.
And the CAP is no stranger to the Pennsylvania National Guard.
“Within the state, we work collaboratively in a variety of domestic operations with the Civil Air Patrol,” said Pa. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Tim Sevison, superintendent Headquarters of the Pa. Air National Guard. “The blizzards that hit Erie, approximately 50 CAP members teamed with National Guardsmen to check on the elderly.”
Across the board, the impression of the day left on the participating Airmen and Soldier volunteers about the caliper of the young cadets of the Civil Air Patrol was one of respect and discipline the cadets reflected.