Citizens Serving Communities to Shape Lives and Save Lives

Inside this Issue... A special message from the Commander, CAP Awards 95 cadet scholarships, Civil Air Patrol demonstrates sanitizing procedures for aircraft and vehicles, honoring a CAP WWII veteran, cadets launch rockets, mission support for the Tennessee tornado, alumni and friends highlight, final salute, CAP's report to Congress and more!

Nearly all in-person cadet operations, worldwide, are on hold for the first time in our 77-year history. During this pause that extends at least until 11 May, the Cadet Program’s main goal for itself is to maintain cadets’ interest in CAP.

If you or your company is interested in offering a 30-minute virtual activity for our cadets, please contact us.

A few years ago, my son was looking for a community service program he could participate in. We discovered Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a volunteer organization focused on emergency services and aerospace education.

Inspired by his grandfather, who is a retired major in the United States Air Force, it was the perfect combination of leadership opportunities and community service for him.

Six months later, I joined CAP as well because he was having way too much fun without me!

Creating America's Future...Today!

95 Cadet Scholarships Worth $155,500 Awarded

Civil Air Patrol cadets from 34 wings have received 95 scholarships – 59 academic and 36 for flight – worth a total of $155,500 . Academic scholarships account for $116,500 of that amount and flight scholarships for $39,000. In addition, 20 cadets from 15 wings received recommendations for acceptance to the U.S. Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs.

In 1979, the Air Force awarded me one of the two appointments that Civil Air Patrol has to the USAF Academy Prep School. My family couldn’t afford college at the time. There’s no way I could have gotten started without CAP! -Maj Ted Hartenstein, CAP Alumnus, PCR-WA-003

Every cadet holds the key to creating the future for our country. Your donation WILL make a difference in the life of an individual cadet. We raise funds year-round for these scholarships. However, we are asking that you help fund this program today. When summer comes and cadets can look to school and flight time, your donation will be a gift.

CAP's Video Corner

 Video #1 - Be COVID-19 Careful

Civil Air Patrol Demonstrates Sanitizing Procedures for Aircraft and Vehicles

Video #3 - Cadets Launching Rockets Before Social Distancing Became the Thing!

Saving Lives....

Tennessee Wing Photographs Nashville

Tornado Damage

The Tennessee Wing generated thousands of aerial images of damage in the wake of the deadly tornado that struck Nashville and surrounding mid-state communities two days earlier.

In all, the wing conducted nine flights – four devoted to aerial photography, four to relocate key personnel and one to observation – and also deployed a pair of ground teams.

Lt. Col. Rob Borsari, the wing’s director of operations, said the wing’s missions followed requests for aid from various agencies, as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Oregon Unit Earns 3rd Trip to National STEM Competition Finals

The Oregon Wing’s Aurora Composite Squadron has again earned a national finalist berth at the Air Force Association’s national STEM competition, StellarXplorers.

This is the Aurora squadron’s fourth year as a contestant and third year in the 10-team finals. This year’s competition included 213 high school teams, with 13 representing Civil Air Patrol.

AE California Member Named NASA

"Solar System Ambassador"

Alumni & Friends Spotlight

Lt. Col. Robert Kenneth Kelly, USAF (Ret)

Louisiana

Why did you join CAP?

I joined the New Orleans Cadet Squadron in June of 1949 as step one of my aim to be a pilot. I participated in 3 summer encampments (Barksdale AFB, Keesler AFB, and England AFB). Untold hours of "close order drill" engrossed my time for the next 3 year. Also, I spent every Friday night at Delgado College with the "CAP Aviation Study Manual."

Career Span:

In 1952, I enlisted in the USAF with the rank of airman 3rd class based on prior CAP training and retired as lieutenant colonel in 1976. Service and assignments included Photo Radar Interpreter, Photo Radar Intelligence Officer, 15th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, 544th Aerospace Reconnaissance Technical Wing, 67th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, 548th Reconnaissance Group, Defense Intelligence School, Resource Management Directorate Assistant Chief of Staff Intelligence. After retiring, I took a position as a system engineering specialist with Bunker Ramo Corporation and served in various positions involving the bidding, staffing and management of intelligence support systems to the National Military Intelligence Center.

What specific lessons or experiences from CAP has influenced your career or life?

Rewards were plenty: Participating in drill competitions at Billy Mitchell Field and Kirtland AFB and the International Air Cadet Exchange with the Canadian Cadet League; completing the navigation check ride and participating in Search and Rescue.

Anything else we didn’t ask that you would like to share?

I met my wife because of Civil Air Patrol and we are both active in the Louisiana wing alumni gathering every few years. 

Coming Soon!



We've had multiple requests in our office for FREE tools and resources to asist with estate planning.

Alumni & Friends Opportunities!

Alumni Items Available for Purchase

Vanguard Industries is the exclusive provider of Civil Air Patrol Alumni and Friends merchandise. Every purchase goes to support the CAP Alumni Scholarship for Cadets. So buy a hat, pin, shirt, sticker, and more and support America's future!