NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS - Civil Air Patrol's rich history of protecting America comes full circle Saturday when the U.S. Air Force auxiliary officially celebrates its 71st anniversary.
The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization of more than 61,000 members was founded Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America's involvement in World War II. Its members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols on their own, heroism that discouraged and eventually stopped deadly German U-boat attacks in American waterways.
In all, 59 members died, 26 were lost at sea and seven others were seriously injured while carrying out CAP missions during the war.
Much as they did in CAP's early days, today's members are becoming more and more involved in homeland security, regularly acting as targets in various air defense exercises that support training for both U.S. air defense forces and the nation's ground forces. Over the past two years, CAP has used its planes to help train the nation's military ground forces in remotely piloted aircraft operations before they deploy to Afghanistan and Iraq.
"Each day, our members provide a valuable service to their communities," said Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr, CAP national commander. "They help mentor America's youth through our outstanding aerospace education and cadet programs and save lives and preserve liberty for all through search and rescue missions and emergency service, disaster relief and homeland security missions nationwide.
"As this anniversary approaches, be sure to say ‘thanks' to these unsung heroes in your communities who provide such selfless service, often without fanfare."
In his anniversary message, Carr told fellow members that "at this time of the year, we are always reminded of the sacrifices of these early CAP pioneers, whose extraordinary contributions to America represent CAP's proud legacy of selfless sacrifice and service to country and community."
"That legacy still thrives today through each of you, the more than 61,000 citizen volunteers of Civil Air Patrol."
In addition, CAP's cadets are involved in a wide variety of activities, including CyberPatriot, the national cyber defense competition won by cadet teams in 2011 and 2012.
The organization is also a major partner of Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. This year, CAP is teaming up with the Maine-based nonprofit organization to raise funds to place Christmas wreaths Dec. 15 on veterans' graves at nearly 700 locations throughout the nation as well as in several countries overseas. FMI: CAP