CAP Rushmore Composite Squadron relocates to Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anania Tekurio
  • 28 Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D., --  The Civil Air Patrol's Rushmore Composite Squadron has a new home at Ellsworth, operating out of Bldg. 609 just off of the flightline.

CAP is an Air Force auxiliary and a national community service organization made up of trained civilian volunteers whose missions range from providing airborne border reconnaissance to assisting with disaster recovery and damage assessment with trained ground teams able to augment civil and military authorities.

In CAP's Cadet Program, youth 12 to 21 years of age can join and participate in search and rescue and humanitarian missions as qualified radio operators, ground team members and mission staff assistants.

"I joined the Civil Air Patrol because of my brother," said Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Silas Busch. "He is a big influence on me and my life. I saw how much he was learning and I wanted to be a part of it."

Consisting of 12 cadets and 26 seniors, the CAP Rushmore Composite Squadron meets monthly to train on topics ranging from emergency services and aerospace education to physical training and leadership responsibilities. With the squadron now being located at Ellsworth, the CAP is able to utilize base facilities for free, cadets are exposed to daily military life which can influence their future career decisions.

In addition to its programs directed toward developing leadership and technical skills, CAP also offers educational opportunities where more than $250,000 in academic and flight scholarships are available to cadets each year.

To find out more about the Rushmore Composite Squadron call (605) 939-0318 or visit www.rushmorecap.webs.com