Ky. Wing Squadrons Introduce CAP at Open Houses

Photos by Capt. Anibal Pacheco, Public Affairs Officer, Fort Campbell Composite Squadron, Kentucky Wing

Fourteen squadrons in the Kentucky Wing conducted open houses over 11 days, introducing more than 270 visitors to Civil Air Patrol’s opportunities, programs and special activities.

“I enjoyed working at the membership booth and telling prospective cadets why they should join the Civil Air Patrol, what it is like being a member of a team, and all the exciting activities they can participate in as a CAP member,” said Cadet Staff Sgt. Tyler Mathews of the Fort Campbell Composite Squadron, one of the participating units.

The Fort Campbell squadron’s deputy commander for seniors, Lt. Col. Joel Evans, demonstrated a G1000 flight simulator at the open house. “I enjoy sharing my knowledge of CAP programs and activities with visitors, prospective cadets and pilots,” Evans said. “It is always a treat to share my love of aviation with the public and to encourage our youth to pursue careers in the aviation field.”

In addition, Capt. Anibal Pacheco, the unit’s aerospace education officer, met with local educators to discuss the benefits of being a CAP aerospace education member and the organization’s emphasis on building interest in STEM education – science, technology, engineering and math – among students.

Pacheco shared that message with Karen Harper, STEM coordinator for the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System; Col. Michael Taliento, Junior ROTC director of Army instruction; and Charles Weigandt, director of aviation science at Austin Peay State University.

The event also featured a CAP Cessna 182 on display.