Letter from East Iowa Cadet Squadron Commander

Dear Perspective Member

Thank for considering joining our squadron. The Civil Air Patrol has been a part of our nation’s history since 1941. While we no longer perform combat missions, such as those performed by the CAP subchasers during WWII, Civil Air Patrol continues to focus on its three primary missions, established into law in 1946 by the US Congress. These missions are Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education, and Emergency Services.

The Eastern Iowa Cadet Squadron currently consists of more than 40 members, of which more than half are cadets. Our cadets are comprised of both home and public school students, with ages ranging from 12 to 18. The cadets study leadership, aerospace, and participate in physical training and community service. The squadron is also comprised of senior members, which support the cadet program and participate in Emergency Services and a professional development program.

The squadron meets weekly for the cadets to receive both lecture and hands on learning. In addition, we have Emergency Services overnighters that we affectionately call “Camp Rocky”. During Camp Rocky, cadets and seniors receive classroom and hands on Emergency Services training. We also participate in CAP statewide activities, called SAREX (Search and Rescue Exercise). During a SAREX, we may travel to an airport a couple of hours away and be tasked to perform a practice mission. Both Camp Rocky and the SAREXs take place on a weekend. They help prepare us for when we are called to a real ES mission…and we have been called upon.

In June of 2008, the strength of our squadron and its members were tested as the Cedar River flooded and devastated the area. Several members experienced flooding of their homes. The squadron’s headquarters and meeting location were lost due to the flooding. Despite the losses, the squadron worked with the Red Cross to hand out water at disaster relief centers, assisted in staffing the Emergency Operations Center at Kirkwood College, and participated on Air Force Missions. Several of our members had the privilege of meeting President Bush at the EOC when he visited Cedar Rapids after the flooding. As he was exiting the EOC, he noticed the cadet standing behind the security desk in her BDU’s. He stopped, turned around, walked over to where she was standing, shook her hand and said,” Civil Air Patrol? Outstanding!”

If you are not sure, or don’t think CAP is right for you, I invite you to come to several meetings before making a decision. You may miss out on opportunity that will change your life, or the life of a person that you might save.

Should you decide to join us, let me be the first to welcome you to our squadron.

Arue !

Capt Brian Mishmash

Squadron Commander