Commander's Welcome
Welcome to the official webpage of the Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Composite Squadron of the United States Civil Air patrol. Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and a member of Total Force. As an organization we regularly participate in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) missions to assess damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other natural or man-made disasters.
The Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Composite Squadron has both Cadets (12-21) and Senior Members (18+). Both parts of the squadron work together to fulfill the 3 missions of CAP. Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency services. While many senior members work with cadets, there are positions for both that do work only with one side. We can offer some assignments that are generally work from home, virtual, or a combination. Our senior members come from many different backgrounds. These include, lawyers, former and current military, law enforcement, teachers, EMS, electricians, and of course pilots. While many of our seniors are pilots, it is not at all a requirement, and there are still so many options for those who aren’t.
The Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and successful leaders. As our cadets participate, they focus on a curriculum of leadership, aerospace, fitness** and character development. They advance through a series of achievement which mirror the ranks of the US Air Force and thus earn more leadership and responsibility along the way. Continuing and advancing in the program offers opportunities for cadets to experience orientation flights in CAP aircraft, earn their pilots license, and attend summer academies like the National Cyber Academy, Search and Rescue School, Engineering Academy, and Medical Orientation Training.
Civil Air Patrol also focuses on Emergency Services and our squadron is proud to have aided in various ways throughout the COVID-19. Our members are offered courses that are beneficial to them in CAP, but in almost every other aspect of their lives. From First Aid, FEMA Certifications, to SAR training recognized around the world, CAP is constantly saving over 100 lives per year.
We welcome anyone interested to come and visit our squadron to learn more about the Senior and Cadet Program, the community service opportunities, aviation, emergency services and all CAP has to offer. We meet every Monday evening at 7 PM at the Whitehall VFW, 4100 East Main St., Whitehall, OH. Please not that we will be moving August 7th to the Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. If you would like information or wish to attend, please contact our Squadron Recruitment Officer, Elizabeth Saunders at elizabeth.saunders@ohwg.cap.gov
Sincerely,
Jason Burks
Squadron Commander
Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker Comp. Sq. (OH-115)