Springfield Composite Squadron's colorful patch
has become a familiar sight at area community events, air shows, where
squadron members volunteer their time to help others. Lesser known is
the fact that many of our members are also trained to perform Civil
Air Patrol search & rescue missions, both on the ground and in the
air. In Spring 2006, the Squadron provided assistance when more
than 1,000 area homes and businesses were damaged by tornados. Both
cadet and senior staff traning are underway to build our groud team
and air crew responses.
Aerospace education is another important part of
the Squadron's work, with many opportunities to learn about aviation
from actual pilots and experts in the aviation field.
The Squadron's cadet program offers youth ages 12+
(or in the 6th grade) a vast array of opportunities to learn about aviation
and the military. Cadets have periodic opportunities to fly in CAP aircraft.
Many also take advantage of CAP-sponsored encampments and schools devoted
to flight, search & rescue, weather forecasting, space exploration
and other exciting fields.
We meet Wednesday evenings at the
Illinois Air National Guard Base, or Capital Aircraft. Both are located
at Springfield's Capital Airport. We are a
proud part of the Civil Air Patrol, a civilian auxiliary of the United
States Air Force.
