Little Rock, Ark. – Local squadrons of Civil Air Patrol’s Arkansas Wing, from across the state will host an open house this Saturday, January 14th. “We have units in all four corners of the state: Texarkana, Monticello, Jonesboro, and Rogers, as well as Fort Smith, Mountain Home, and West Memphis. In the center of the state, we have units Russellville, Hot Springs, Conway, and Little Rock.”, explained Col Bobby Allison, Arkansas Wing Commander. Col Allison went on to add that, “We’re ready to shake off COVID and get back to the business of serving communities, saving lives, and shaping futures”.
Col Allison went on to say that he was fortunate to experience the cadet program as a teenager, “As a former cadet I can tell you the program is outstanding and helped to shape my future and that experience is why I’m still a member to this day”.
Maj Garrick St Pierre, who serves not only as the Arkansas Wing Director of Aerospace Education, but also the commander of the Cloverdale School Flight, where he works full time as a teacher, “Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a great opportunity for getting the next generation of young aerospace professionals involved in something greater than themselves. With aerospace and defense being Arkansas’ number one export, these jobs are well paying, and most importantly, they are here in the state.”
Civil Air Patrol has opportunities to help today’s youth enter the aerospace industry with STEM kits, career exploration activities, and assistance with cadets earning their private pilot certificate. CAP’s Cadet Invest program offers financial assistance for cadets to attend encampments, National Cadet Special Activities, and flight programs.
Capt Michael Probus, Director of Cadet Programs stated, “We are looking forward to a full year of fun and exciting activities for our cadets. Three military airshows and a trip to Silver Dollar City to learn about the effects of G-Forces on the body by riding roller coasters are on the list. But the top of the list is Operation Diamond Forge, Arkansas Wing’s summer encampment. Last year, Arkansas made a name for itself within the CAP community by getting their cadets both a Blackhawk Helicopter and a C-130 rides.” When asked about cadet membership requirements, Capt Probus replied. “Cadets have to be 12 years old and not older than 18 to join the cadet program. There is not any other requirement to join, although some activities may have some physical limitations, which we try hard to make as accommodating as possible.”
Lt Col Charles Rine, Arkansas Wing Operations Officer who manages a fleet of Cessna 172s and 182s explained. “We have nine aircraft throughout the state that we use for a variety of missions. From Cadet and AFJROTC Orientation flights to Air Force assigned missions for Search and Rescue or Disaster Relief like aerial photography of the Arkansas River when it floods.” Lt Col Rine went on to add, “There is typically funding to assist new pilots with becoming qualified Civil Air Patrol pilots, You don’t have to be a pilot to be a part of CAP aircrew; anyone having an interest in flying should reach out to their local squadron this Saturday.”
Col Allison closed by saying, “We are looking to add 100 new members before August 31st. Unlike the military, we do not have a cap on the number of slots we’ve got. Everyone interested in leadership, volunteer service, aerospace, or the military should visit with us this coming weekend.”
Information regarding Civil Air Patrol’s Arkansas Wing can be found at ARWG.CAP.GOV. Questions can be sent by email to gpodgurski@cap.gov or call 479.285.1482.
Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with 60,000 members nationwide. CAP performs 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and was credited by the AFRCC with saving 108 lives in fiscal year 2021. Its volunteers also perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of federal, state, and local agencies. The members play a leading role in Aerospace Education and serve as mentors to more than 25,500 young people currently participating in CAP Cadet Programs. CAP has been performing missions for America for over 80 years.