Dear Parents/Guardians,

I wanted to make you aware of a great opportunity for your student that is right in our own “back yard.” Students age 12-18 may become a member of Civil Air Patrol, which in turn can serve to prepare them for future college and career opportunities. Please read the information below and on the attached sheet to determine if this is something you want to learn more about or to visit to find out if your student would like to join.

Civil Air Patrol

CAP is the volunteer, non-profit auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Its three missions are to develop its cadets, educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and perform life-saving humanitarian rescue missions.

Through their experiences as CAP cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens and become tomorrow’s aerospace leaders. The leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline cadets gain through CAP prepares them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life.

To fulfill its goal of developing young people into responsible citizens and aerospace leaders, the Cadet Program is developed around five program elements: Leadership, Character Development, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness, and Activities. As cadets participate in these five elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.

The local squadron meets on Peterson Air Force Base on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:00 p.m. each week. About once per month there is also a Saturday meeting for squadron activities. Cost is minimal with a one- time $15 registration fee and a yearly membership renewal of $37 (Just $52 to get started which includes a free dress blues uniform). Students will also wear BDUs to meetings twice a month and have Physical Training one time per month.

We will be having a CAP assembly at school during the upcoming months and will inform you of the date/time via the school website and upcoming newsletters. In the meantime, I encourage you to call or email Rex Jakeman (719-332-6197 or rexjakeman@mac.com) , the CAP recruiter for the Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron, who will be more than willing to answer any additional questions you may have. Also, please visit the website at www.coloradowingcap.org .  Click on “Find a Colorado Squadron” in the box on the left side of the web page. Next, click on “Group 3” in the Site Navigation Box, and “Colorado Springs Cadet” in the Site Navigation Box in the new window.

If your student has goals of attending a military service academy, majoring in science, aerospace technology, computer science, or just desires to become more disciplined and better prepared for adult life, CAP should be something you consider seriously.