Every Monday night at 19:00, a group of volunteers meet at the LA Regional Airport in Gonzales. Many residents in and around Ascension Parish don't even realize we have an airport, much less know about the Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron that is based there.

The Civil Air Patrol /Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is made up of a group of volunteers who are dedicated to serving their community in a variety of ways. Most people who have heard of the Civil Air Patrol think, as I did for years, that it is a program for pilots. In fact, less than a fifth of the members are pilots or aircrew members.  

The Civil Air Patrol was established by Congress in 1941 (days before the attack on Pearl Harbor) and has evolved over the years. Today, CAP handles 90 percent of inland search and rescue missions. They are generally first on the scene of disasters, transmitting satellite digital images of the damage within seconds and providing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade disasters. CAP members perform counterdrug reconnaissance and are dedicated to educating our youth on aerospace and its impact on our future.

Even less known than the Civil Air Patrol itself is the CAP Cadet program which ensures our youth receive some of the finest leadership training the nation has to offer. Similar to JROTC, the Cadet program is a military based program but it is more, in that CAP Cadets have the opportunity to receive training, work and fly right along side Senior Members in most all of the missions the unit performs.

Cadets also participate in a variety of activities and field trips. CAP Cadet program is an excellent opportunity for homeschool and private school students who do not have the option of JROTC and it is a great compliment to current JROTC cadet training with the additional adult mentoring and activities.

The Ascension squadron currently has over 25 active members and growing. Membership is not limited to Ascension parish residents. Our members travel from areas such as Livingston, Walker, Denham Springs, Gramercy, Paulina and Baton Rouge.

In order to help our Cadets get the maximum benefits from the program, we are trying in increase awareness of the Civil Air Patrol Program and what it has to offer. We invite teens (age 12 to 17) and adults alike to contact us and come check out what Civil Air Patrol is all about. For more information online, check out www.gocivilairpatrol.com   Semper vigilans!
 
Lydia C. Pike
Civil Air Patrol Senior Member
Ascension Squadron