(Atlantic, IA) – You’re invited to come and meet members of the Civil Air Patrol’s Southwest Iowa Composite Squadron, this coming Sunday (Jan. 18th) in Atlantic, beginning at 2-p.m. The program takes place at the Atlantic Armory (201 Poplar St.), and offers you a chance to learn how the organization develops youth and serves our community, state, and nation.

Atlantic is home to the Squadron, which is comprised of anywhere from 18-to 30-members, at any given time. Current cadets and adult members come from Harlan, Avoca, Red Oak, and Anita as well as Atlantic. Southwest Iowa Composite Squadron meets Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm at the Armory to advance their education and training within the program.

Mary McBride and other adult volunteers from Atlantic, Harlan, and Red Oak provide oversight and guidance to the program. Once they reach a certain rank in the program, cadets begin to take ownership over the program and do most of the planning and carry out training for the lower ranking cadets.

Photo from the ARISE Facebook page

The Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force and became official in 1941 at the beginning of WWII. It continues today with three missions from the Air Force: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs.
The Cadet program is aimed at 12-18 year old youth, developing their skills in the areas of leadership, aerospace knowledge and experience, fitness, and character development.

Adults and cadets are also given opportunities throughout Iowa and the country to train in whatever areas of C.A.P. that interests them. Civil Air Patrol also offers funding to keep uniforms and programs affordable. Adults in the program can choose to train and serve their community within any of the missions mentioned. Emergency services offers opportunities to serve in the areas of search and rescue or disaster response.

The program is sponsored by ARISE and held at the American Legion Memorial Building (the Armory) at 201 Poplar, Atlantic. There is no fee to attend, and everyone is welcome.