Calhoun County never ceases to amaze me at unrecognized opportunities. One such opportunity was brought to my attention recently when I was invited to attend a meeting of Calhoun’s Civil Air Patrol (CAP) program located in Grantsville. I loaded up a few Grandchildren and began attending their meetings on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at their headquarters beside the First Baptist Church. Commander Major Donna Umstead along with Lt. Col. Lew Craddock have dedicated years of service in training young cadets to be productive leaders in their community, State and Nation.
Like many of the programs across America, COVID issues did its share of damage to attendance and participation. But with the freedom to meet, travel and participate without constraints the Calhoun CAP unit is hoping to building back in members and become an award winning squadron once again.
For any parent with a child 12 to 18 years of age who desires to set them on a pathway for success in life, this program is for you!
West Virginia Wing is the United States Air Force Auxiliary which provides opportunities beyond belief for cadets and senior members. From search and rescue, to orientation flights, to model rocketry, Civil Air Patrol provides the opportunity to grow and become the person you want to be!
CAP’s cadet program trains young men and women in teamwork, moral leadership, aerospace education, technical skills to support emergency services, and military history and customs. Through national encampments, a college and flight training scholarship program, and the International Air Cadet Exchange, CAP cadets broaden their horizons, learn to assume responsibility, feel self-confidence, and set goals for their lives.
Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way which can include a their own pilots license. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, and scientists first explored their careers through CAP.
This program proves that there is not a shortage of opportunity in Calhoun, but rather a shortage of awareness to what’s available.
For more information about this program contact Commander Donna J. Umstead.
SQUADRON
Unit Contact: Donna J Umstead
Contact Phone: 5204658657
Contact e-mail: DJ52346@msn.com
Meeting Address: 413 High St,
Grantsville, WV 26147
Meeting Time: 1900-2100 TUESDAY
Charter Number: MAR WV016
