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Cadet Program

Cadets Spread Wings with Civil Air Patrol

 

Abilene, Texas (March 15, 2022) – Amid a looming shortage of future aviators, Civil Air Patrol is finding a way to rebuild the shortfall. Members from the local unit assembled this morning to give cadets orientation rides in a Cessna 172. 

 

“I’m honestly just really excited about getting to fly,” Cadet Michael Hinshaw states, “especially being able to fly over and see my house.”

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14 Cadets Earn Model Rocketry Badge through New Academy

 

Clyde, Texas (March, 2022) – Cadets from across Texas Wing assembled in Clyde, Texas to earn Model Rocketry Badges through the first annual Abilene Composite Squadron Model Rocketry Academy.

The activity director, Lieutenant Colonel Jed Taylor of Abilene Composite Squadron, explained goals for this activity included “cadets earning their Model Rocketry Badge, but more importantly to develop a cadre of graduates to return as instructors as we turn this activity into an annual event.”

Tagged As: Aerospace/STEM Cadet Cadet Program Rocketry STEM-kit

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Training to be Our Best on Your Worst Day

 

Abilene, Texas (Feb. 22, 2022) – You may have seen some people in military style uniforms, orange vests, and weird looking equipment out and about today. Members from the local Civil Air Patrol squadron trained on urban direction finding using emergency locator beacons.

 

While the technology was developed for aircraft, emergency locator beacons are also carried on boats and even small enough to be carried in backpacks by hikers.  The unit has specially designed tools capable of locating emergency distress beacons.

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T-minus 20 days and Counting to Blast Off

Abilene, Texas (Feb. 13) – Student excitement grows as preparations continue for the first annual Model Rocketry Academy for Abilene Composite Squadron.

 

The Civil Air Patrol Model Rocketry program allows cadets the opportunity to earn a badge recognizing their accomplishments. According to the activity director, Lieutenant Colonel Jed Taylor, “to earn their badge, cadets must learn and demonstrate their knowledge through four tests, including a safety test, and perform five successful rocket launches and recoveries.”

 

The lead instructor for the activity, Cadet Second Lieutenant Christopher Potter, described the activity as “a great experience for cadets seeking to learn more about rockets and aerospace!” Potter was also excited about the opportunity for “cadets to earn their Rocketry Badge in just one weekend.” which is, Potter continues, “something that takes most squadrons over a month to accomplish.”

 

The activity’s organization chart is different from normal Civil Air Patrol terminology. The staff of the activity has organized into Launch Groups and Delta’s. These terms were inspired by the recent reorganization of the United States Space Force into Deltas. 

 

Cadet Staff Sergeant James Kearsing recently assisted in building the initial risk management assessment for the activity and commented on how “tremendously well put together” the activity is. Kearsing continued “The staff are very dedicated to making sure the students succeed, have fun, and stay safe.”

 

While everyone continues to plan for the weekend-long activity starting on March 4, at Clyde High School in Clyde, Texas, Cadet Second Lieutenant Isaiah McGuire is building in anticipation of the activity. McGuire stated he “can’t wait to meet and work with new people.”  McGuire expressed he is most looking forward to making new connections and building his peer network.

While excitement continues to build for the activity, Taylor states there are still 25 slots available for students, and anyone who has earned their Model Rocketry Badge is encouraged to contact the academy if they would like to assist with staff. Registration is through the unit’s website, Abilene.CAP.gov/unit-activities/model-rocketry-academy. Questions regarding the activity may be directed to mra@AbileneCAP.org.  The unit will be posting pictures and announcements about the activity through social media on Facebook and Instagram @AbileneCAP. 

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Filling Students Stomachs

 

Clyde, Texas – Members of the local Civil Air Patrol unit operated a food drive in support of Communities in Schools of Clyde CISD. The unit was able to collect more than 105 pounds of food and over $140.

 

These donations will go to filling backpacks given to more than 80 students across all four campuses. One donor informed the cadets with tears in his eyes “Programs like this saved my life as a kid.” Cadets were greeted with community support and the spirit of sharing. “It was a nice feeling.” Cadet Airman Jerry Wood spoke about the day, “I love the supportive community we live in.”  

 

Volunteer Service is a core value of Civil Air Patrol. The squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jed Taylor was “encouraged by the cadets who are enthusiastic about helping their community.

 

While the food drive can be counted as a success for today, the need will continue. Donations can continue to be made care of Racheal Laughlin at the front office of Clyde High School.

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Supporting the Community

 

Clyde, Texas (22 Nov) – The local Civil Air Patrol unit has partnered up with Communities in Schools to help ensure there are no empty bellies this year. 

 

According to Rachel Laughlin, the Communities in School program currently feeds 84 students across all four campuses in Clyde.

 

The Abilene Composite Squadron will be setting up a table at the United Supermarkets in Clyde, Texas on Saturday, 27 November from 11 am to 4 pm.  The group will be collecting individual boxes of cereal, pudding cups, fruit cups, apple sauce, fruit snacks, individual Mac & Cheese packets, fruit juice boxes, oatmeal packets, peanut butter/cheese crackers, raisin boxes, cheez-its or goldfish bags, individual shelf stable milks, granola bars, or cereal bars.

 

If you are unable to make it by the Food Drive, Communities in Schools will accept your donations at the front office of Clyde High School.

 

All donated goods will fill backpacks of students across the Clyde School District.  Come out and help support the community.

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