Warsaw Civil Air Patrol Keeps Local Chapter Active
Posted
Erin Windle-
Rockets were fired by local cadets at the Warsaw Airport May 7, with senior members of the Warsaw Civil Air Patrol and Squadron Commander Captain David W. Poage supervising.Senior members and Poage made certain that extensive safety procedures were observed and everything went smoothly.
Poage was promoted to captain for his leadership assignment for CAP, and recently achieved a technician rating in emergency services from the national headquarters.
"It's the same pay and the same level of responsibility, but from a personal pride standpoint, I like it," Poage said.
No rockets were fired when planes were taking off or landing. Several different size rockets were fired, and as they ran out of fuel, a parachute opened and the rocket descended to earth and was made ready for another flight.
The rockets were built under the supervision of Warsaw Civil Air Patrol senior members, led by Aerospace Education/Science Officer Lt. Mark McCollum. McCollum is also a science teacher at Warsaw Community High School.
The rocket building program is part of CAP Aerospace Training.
Civil Air Patrol offers many opportunities, including professional development and growth for young people. Members can receive scholarships, learn how to fly, and learn military protocol, Poage said.
"The benefits are just great," he said.
An aerospace education prepares young people for the business world and the military, not to mention it is fun community service, he said.
The Cadet Program is a big focus, but emergency services is the "bread and butter" of CAP, he said.
The program is growing, especially after Poage brought in high-quality adult personnel to help the squadron and make it "mission capable" for emergency situations like a plane going down or missing persons.
Also, with adults to help, the staff is growing and taking care of finance and supply, among other tasks.
"The program is still new and growing," Poage said. "But it's a lot of fun and we are having a blast."
To find out more information about CAP, visit www.cap.gov
The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The Warsaw Squadron meets the first and third Monday at 7 p.m. at the Warsaw Airport. Positions are open in the Cadet Program for people ages 12-21. Senior membership is open to adults 18 years and older.
