HomeMy WebLinkAboutREXBURG CIVIL AIR PATROL/
REXBURG, Idaho -
City leaders of the Upper Valley want to bring back a Civil Air Patrol unit to the area. On Thursday night, the squadron held an open house. The Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer group
that helps with search and rescues, teaches aerospace education to kids and offers cadet programs for teenagers. On Thursday evening, more than 20 kids packed the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Hall wanting to learn more about the squadron.
"I was really impressed by a lot of the cadets and how professional they were . I've always wanted to be involved with something like that in Idaho, but we don't have many opportunities
for youth in Idaho. I thought civil air patrol would be great and give me a taste of the military lifestyle that is crucial," said Gregory Drake, a Second Lieutenant. The squadron that
encompasses the upper valley had to retire, but now city leaders want to have it up and running again. Unit Commander, Steven Drake, said they still need more members.
"We actually teach cadets how to become certified so they can help search and rescue teams and they are able to communicate with rescue teams and other personnel. It is valuable because
it teaches them that they play a responsible role in the community as well," said Drake.
Second Lieutenant Jett Hawk said you also learn other valuable skills. "You can learn leadership skills from this and then as you move up the ranks it is almost more of a management
position. There are ground teams. You learn self-discipline and getting to know people. Those are some of the most amazing things about this program," said Hawk.
The squad still needs to have a commander, support staff, more members and donations before it begins operations in Oct. If you would like to make a donation or learn how to be a part
of the squadron, call Unit Commander Drake at 208-240-1240.
REXBURG — The Civil Air Patrol will be holding an open house on January 15, 2015 at Rexburg’s VFW building for community members and those interested in becoming a part of the local
Rexburg squadron.
Kenneth Condon, a representative of Civil Air Patrol, said, this meeting is designed to provide more information to the community of Rexburg about the Civil Air Patrol. “It’s going to
be me and Colonel Brasher speaking and we’re going to give the background of the Civil Air Patrol, what exactly it is that we do and what the future of the program in Fremont, Madison
and Jefferson counties is going to be.” Condon said.
Condon said the event will be set up as an “open house.” In the back of the room there will be displays and people talking about emergency services, cadet programs, and other aspects
of the Civil Air Patrol. “The goal is to inform the community on who and what we are and what we’re trying to do.” Condon said. Condon also said it is an opportunity for the community
to tell Civil Air Patrol leaders what they want from the Civil Air Patrol in their community. He also said that this meeting is an attempt to reach to the adults and community leaders
in order to gather support and build their organization. “What we’re looking for are community leaders and anyone who wants to learn about the Civil Air Patrol and get involved,” Condon
said.
One thing Condon said the Civil Air Patrol is more focused on individuals in the community interested in participating as senior members in the new squadron that will be forming in Rexburg.In
contrast to the youth program which covers ages 12-21, senior members are those ages 18 and older who help supervise the youth program and are involved in the Civil Air Patrol’s operation
search and rescue operations. Condon said military experience is not required to be a senior member or leader in the Civil Air Patrol.
He said the goals of the Civil Air Patrol are three-fold: aerospace, emergency services and the cadet programs. Condon said he has been assigned by his wing commander to have the squadron
in Rexburg reestablished by Oct. 1. Condon said during the meeting the flag of the Rexburg squadron will be given to Mayor Richard Woodland, who will hold on to it until the Rexburg
squadron can be officially establish. The Civil Air Patrol was established at the beginning of America’s entry into World War II, in an effort to allow volunteers to participate in
the defense of the United States.
In an “Introduction from the National Commander,” it states that Civil Air Patrol sub-chasers protected America’s coasts and were instrumental thwarting German U-Boots attacks.
Today, the organization includes nearly 60,000 members and specializes in search and rescue as well as the training of youth.
Squadrons
If you are interested in joining a local squadron or just want to check us out and see what we do, please see below for squadron locations and meeting times.
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Eagle Rock Composite Squadron ID-097: Squadron Commander Capt Paula Haldy – Phone: 208-523-1309
Meeting Location: Airport Hangar on Foote Drive, Idaho Falls, ID
Meeting Day and Time: 1st and 3rd Thursdays @7:00PM; Cadets meet every Thursday, 6:45PM-9PM at Elks Lodge #1087 at E Elva St, Idaho Falls
Pocatello Composite Squadron ID-096: Squadron Commander Capt Kenn Condon Phone: 208-406-6716
Meeting Location: Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building 300 N. Johnson, Pocatello, ID
Monthly: Week 1 and 2: Blackfoot Airport Thursday 6:30PM. Week 3 and 4: Pocatello VMB Thursday 6:30PM
Rexburg : A Flight of Pocatello Composite Squadron: Squadron Commander Capt Kenn Condon Phone: 208-406-6716
Meeting Location: Veterans of Foreign Wars Building, W 2nd N, Rexburg, ID
Monthly: Week 1 and 2: Blackfoot Airport Thursday 6:30PM. Week 3 and 4: Rexburg VFW Thursday 6:30PM
Joe Engle Composite Squadron ID-069: Squadron Commander Capt Michael Akers Phone: 509-780-2929
Meeting Location: Burley Municipal Airport, old FAA Building
Meeting Day and Time: Seniors – Second and Fourth Thursdays @ 7PM. Cadets – Weekly, Thursdays @6:30PM
Twin Falls Composite Squadron ID-049: Squadron Commander Lt Col Peter Andersen Phone: 503-807-3419
Meeting Location: Twin Falls Airport (CAP building)
Meeting Day and Time: Seniors – 1st and 3rd Mondays at 7PM. Cadets – Thursdays at 7PM
Boise Composite Squadron ID-073: Squadron Commander
Meeting Location: Boise Squadron Building (Building 415) Gowen Field National Guard Base
Meeting Day and Time: Weekly, Tuesday 6:30-9:30PM