Civil Air Patrol celebrates 70th birthday with banquet Published Nov. 29, 2011 By Wendy Clouse Edwards AFB Composite Squadron 84 EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Dec. 1, 2011 will mark the 70th birthday of the Civil Air Patrol, which will be celebrated at Edwards by Squadron 84 hosting a CAP 70th Anniversary Awards Banquet on Dec. 3. In the late 1930's Gill Robb Wilson, legendary New Jersey aviation advocate, visualized general aviation as a potential supplement for United States military operations. With the help of New York mayor Fiorello La Guardia, on Dec. 1, 1941, the Civil Air Patrol was formed just six days before the United States entered Wold War II. Today CAP is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, and is currently known for its three main missions: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. Presently Edwards AFB Composite Squadron 84 of California Wing, Civil Air Patrol, serves at Edwards. During World War II the Civil Air Patrol flew 24 million miles, found 172 submarines, attacked 57, hit 10, and sank two. By the end of the war, sixty-four CAP members were killed in the line of duty. After the war, the nation thanked and recognized CAP's value to its local and national agencies. President Harry Truman signed Public Law 476 on July 1, 1946 enabling the Civil Air Patrol inclusion as a charitable, nonprofit organization. On May 26, 1948 Congress passed Law 557 permanently establishing Civil Air Patrol as an auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Today Civil Air Patrol has a national count of 34,972 volunteer senior members -- adults -- engaged in emergency services, aerospace education, and mentoring 26,977 CAP cadet members -- young people between ages12 and 20. Those numbers are current as of Oct. 31. The organization has broadened the horizons of many young students and adults yearly through its cadet programs, CAP leaders say, which include aerospace education, leadership, character development, and physical fitness. The organization provides unlimited opportunities and experience for interested new members and its legacy paves the way for successful years in the future, leaders say. The Civili Air Patrol is open for young people ages 12-18 to join. Cadets are eligible to continue to participate until their 21st birthday. Those Interested in joining can get involved with Squadron 84 by attending weekly meetings on Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. at Bldg. 1850, 315 E. Forbes Avenue, at Edwards. For more information contact, Lt. Col. Gary S. Martin, commander, Squadron 84 at 661-277-6543 or visit the web page at http://sq84.cawg.cap.gov.