150+ Turn Out for Disaster Relief Training in the Southwest Region

Civil Air Patrol members from across the Southwest Region gathered Aug. 22-24 for a large-scale disaster relief exercise designed to sharpen emergency response skills and strengthen coordination with local, state, and federal partners.

The training brought together over 152 members from the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas (pictured), and Louisiana wings. Using the Incident Command System, participants rehearsed scenarios ranging from chaplain mission support to cross-state and agency communications coordination and post-storm aerial reconnaissance.

The weekend featured a strong focus on communications, especially to ensure wings were able to conduct long-term strategic planning and test cross-wing coordination.

“Exercises like this are vital because they let us stress-test our plans before a real crisis,” said Capt. Mark Chappell, Southwest Region disaster relief officer. “Every sortie we fly, every radio call we make, every simulated rescue we conduct is about building confidence and readiness.

Preparedness Month: A Time to Get Ready

Each September, National Preparedness Month reminds us that emergencies can happen at any time, often with little warning. This year’s theme, Preparedness Starts at Home, emphasizes that the most effective step toward resilience begins with individual and family readiness.

Civil Air Patrol is proud to serve communities nationwide during disasters through search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, and emergency support. But preparedness is not just for responders — every household can take action today to reduce risk and recover more quickly when faced with a crisis.

Alabama Wing Check Pilots Complete Course

Fourteen Alabama Wing check pilots and one CAP-USAF officer participated Aug. 16 in a wing-level National Check Pilot Standardization Course at Jefferson State Community College in Pell City.

Led by Lt. Cols. Harold Coghlan and Dave McGonegal from Group 2 headquarters, participants were briefed on or discussed aviation safety, fundamentals of instruction, operational updates, and standardization topics.

In addition to the academic seminars, four training flights were conducted. 

Texas Members Qualify as sUAS Technicians

Seven Texas Wing members from four squadrons completed the first in a planned series of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Technician training sessions, working alongside a pair of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members and two U.S. Navy reservists.

The program centers on increasing the number of trained sUAS technicians through training events in different locations each month for three months, with a goal of developing more recreational and mission pilots.

Wing Conducts Ground Search and Rescue Academy

Members from across the New York Wing and Northeast Region recently participated in the wing’s annual Ground Search and Rescue Academy, enhancing their land navigation and emergency services skills through a comprehensive six-day training program.

Cadets and adult members taking part in Ground Team Member 1, 2, and 3 courses received advanced instruction in essential skills such as map and compass navigation, survival techniques, and mission readiness.

Academy Boosts New Jersey Cadets' Cyber Skills

Sixteen cadets from six squadrons across the New Jersey Wing gathered at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for the wing’s third annual cyber academy for two days devoted to increasing their cybersecurity knowledge and awareness while absorbing inspiration to consider careers in the field.

“This academy not only strengthens our cadets’ understanding of cybersecurity but also empowers them to become leaders in one of the most critical fields of the 21st century,” said Col. Amy Myzie, New Jersey Wing commander. “By working with experts from government, military, and industry, our cadets gain practical insights and inspiration that will serve them throughout their lives.”

NHQ News

Notice: Revised CAPF 12 Adult Membership Application Available

The CAPF 12 Adult Membership Application has been updated and is available in the GoCivilAirPatrol.com Publication Library.

The revision includes three new questions in Section IV – Commander or Designee Approval (Page 2) regarding Unit Membership Review Boards. While responses to these questions are not required, they will assist in evaluating compliance with CAPR 39-2, Paragraph 1.5.

Important: Previous versions of CAPF 12 should no longer be used. However, applications already received or en route to National Headquarters do not need to be resubmitted using the revised form dated Sept. 25. 

For questions or more information, please contact Membership Services.

Give with Purpose. Your Choice. Your Gift.

Direct your gift where it matters most.

Choose the program that inspires you and watch your generosity take flight.

Every gift to Civil Air Patrol launches real opportunities that help shape tomorrow's aerospace leaders, strengthen emergency response in your community, and secure America's aviation future.

Choose a gift from one of five categories: cadet programs, aerospace education, geospatial program, capital projects, or support where needed most.

Double Your Impact: Make Every Hour and Dollar Count with Employer Matching

Did you know your volunteer hours and donations could go even further? Many companies offer matching gift programs and volunteer hour grants to support the causes you care about most. Here's how it works:

• Log your volunteer hours.
• Submit your donation for a match.
• Amplify your impact in the community.

Whether you’ve given your time or made a contribution, don’t leave free money on the table. Check with your employer today and help us grow our mission — together!

CAP Accepting Applications for Volunteer Vacancies

The Development and Government Relations teams are seeking applications for national volunteer staff positions.

Find these position descriptions and application information here.

Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST Oct. 12.

Top Headlines

“Aviation Festival and Air Show”

-wyomingnewsnow.tv

“Students Soar Through Civil Air Patrol Aviation Programs”

-thedesertreview.com

“Ready for Take Off: Ormond Beach Civil Air Patrol Holds Ribbon-Cutting for New Cadet Training Facility”

-observerlocalnews.com

“Statesboro Civil Air Patrol Cadets on Aerospace Mission”

-statesboroherald.com

“Civil Air Patrol Cadet Earns Private Pilot Certificate in Louisiana Wing”

--theadvocate.com

For more information on Operation Pulse Lift, go to OPL's webpage on GoCivilAirPatrol.com. There you will find the latest Blood Donation Center schedules, instructions on how to set up a BDC, and other mission information.