85th Anniversary Series

Highlighting key operations and developments in CAP’s storied history leading up to our milestone 85th anniversary on December 1st, 2026.

After Katrina: How One Storm Reshaped Civil Air Patrol’s Disaster Response

Nov 6, 2026

•

8 min read

After Katrina: How One Storm Reshaped Civil Air Patrol’s Disaster Response

Hurricane Katrina put a forward spin on how CAP and others in emergency services handle disaster response.

85th Anniversary Series

Eyes of the Home Skies, Part 2: Civil Air Patrol’s Historic 9/11 Response

Oct 30, 2026

•

11 min read

Eyes of the Home Skies, Part 2: Civil Air Patrol’s Historic 9/11 Response

A flight over Ground Zero the day after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks ushered in a new era of homeland security for CAP.

85th Anniversary Series

Oct 23, 2026

•

9 min read

How Civil Air Patrol Became a National Disaster Response Force

Regardless of the emergency — a hurricane, wildfires, or even an oil spill — CAP volunteers are ready to answer the call.

85th Anniversary Series

Helping America’s Youth Soar, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Oct 15, 2026

•

12 min read

Helping America’s Youth Soar, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Civil Air Patrol’s cadet programs have shaped the lives of more than 1 million youth over the past 85 years.

85th Anniversary Series

Wearing the Civil Air Patrol Uniform a Story of Service Before Self

Oct 8, 2026

•

8 min read

Wearing the Civil Air Patrol Uniform a Story of Service Before Self

For decades now, CAP volunteers have proudly put on the Air Force uniform, showing their love of country and commitment to the communities they serve.

85th Anniversary Series

Becoming Civil Air Patrol: Air Force and its Auxiliary Tied Together from the Beginning

Oct 1, 2026

•

7 min read

Becoming Civil Air Patrol: Air Force and its Auxiliary Tied Together from the Beginning

CAP’s storied history, now nearly 85 years old, is indelibly intertwined with the proud heritage of the Air Force.

85th Anniversary Series

Eyes of the Home Skies, Part 1: The Origin of Civil Air Patrol

Sep 24, 2026

•

10 min read

Eyes of the Home Skies, Part 1: The Origin of Civil Air Patrol

In the earliest days of World War II, America’s volunteer aviators forged a story of unique service and selfless sacrifice.

85th Anniversary Series

85th Anniversary Series

After Katrina: How One Storm Reshaped Civil Air Patrol’s Disaster Response

Eyes of the Home Skies, Part 2: Civil Air Patrol’s Historic 9/11 Response

How Civil Air Patrol Became a National Disaster Response Force

Helping America’s Youth Soar, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Wearing the Civil Air Patrol Uniform a Story of Service Before Self

Becoming Civil Air Patrol: Air Force and its Auxiliary Tied Together from the Beginning

Eyes of the Home Skies, Part 1: The Origin of Civil Air Patrol

Find your place in Civil Air Patrol