Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE  — While the Civil Air Patrol’s 67th anniversary is just around the corner, members of the local squadron are spreading the word about their organization.

The CAP is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force and was created Dec. 1, 1941. It became well known for its assistance in spotting German subs during World War II.

Now, there are more than 60,000 members nationwide that assists in about 95 percent of the search and rescue missions in the U.S., according to the CAP Web site. Its members are also called upon during natural disasters, for homeland security and counterdrug missions on request of the federal, state or local agencies.

Civil Air Patrol cadet airman Brent Davis settles into the pilot seat, while CAP pilot Sam Streger takes up the rear seat during a gliding orientation several weeks ago. Cadet airman Matt Nunez observes. (Courtesy Photo from Civil Air Patrol) Advertisement

In Montrose, there are 40 members, said  recruiting officer Lt. Bruce Greensmith. Last week, members visited Centennial Middle School to raise interest in its cadet program.

“The cadet program is a major part of (the CAP),” Greensmith said. “It provides good core values for young people.”

The local squadron meets every Monday. During the meeting, members participate in different drills or classroom lectures about such things as aviation safety and rules, control and instrument workings.

In the past several weeks, cadets participated in a one-weekend event that had them flying gliders and powered aircraft orientation flights in Cortez. In another event, cadets attended an Air Force Academy football game and toured the academy’s facilities.

Each cadet gets five hours of flying time, along with five hours of glider time. They can join the year-around program at age 12. When they become an adult, they become a senior member. Many have their pilot’s license by that time, Greensmith said.

However, one doesn’t need an interest in being a pilot to participate in the CAP. Greensmith is an “observer” when it comes to air missions. He sits next to the pilot, in charge of navigation.

Recently, the Montrose squadron has been called upon to look for hikers, has helped with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and searched for a downed plane in the Rocky Mountains.

“It’s a lot of fun, but it’s a lot of work,” Greensmith said.

Greensmith said he was excited about the interest from middle school students. Sixty-one signed up for more information, and of those who were contacted, 12 parents and 10 youth showed for the group’s Nov. 17th meeting. Six have signed up to join the cadet program.

Interested youth or adults who would like to find out more about the program can contact Lt. Swanson at (970) 275-0016 or Lt. Bruce Greensmith at (970) 240-8108. People can also attend the Monday meetings that start at 7 p.m. in the National Guard Armory at the Montrose Airport.

 

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